Daily news update: KZN National State of Disaster, Ronaldo loses a son, Dudula march turns deadly

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Cabinet declares National State of Disaster for KZN floods

Following a request from the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in the wake of devastating floods in the province to have a national state of disaster declared, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that cabinet has decided to grant this request. 

Speaking during his first national address related to the KZN floods, the president said the  national state of disaster for the KZN floods would be gazetted shortly to ensure an “effective response across all spheres of government.”

Cristiano Ronaldo announces the passing of his newborn son

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are in mourning after losing one of the twins they were expecting. The couple made the announcement in a statement posted on the footballer’s Instagram account on Monday.

“It is with our deepest sadness that we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel,” read part of the statement.

Officials record fewer accidents over Easter weekend

Although road deaths were predicted to be on an upward trajectory this year, authorities say they were surprised to see lower traffic volumes, crashes and fatalities nationwide, specifically over the Easter long weekend, compared to previous years.

According to N3 Toll Concessions operations manager Thania Dhoogra, there was one fatal accident reported and at least four crash incidents in total were reported over the weekend so far.

Operation Dudula march turns deadly – 1 killed, 1 injured in shootout

An altercation between members of the Operation Dudula group and residents of Chicken Farm, Soweto, has claimed the life of one man, while a woman was injured by what is believed to be gunfire from foreign nationals fighting back against the group.

Police also say there may have been four more people injured in the incident.

Top 5 all-time: Gerda Steyn joins SA’s ultra-distance greats

With the Two Oceans ultra-marathon making a return at the weekend, after being cancelled for the last two years due to Covid, Gerda Steyn ensured it was an explosive comeback for the event by producing a spectacular record-breaking victory.

Holding off a strong challenge from Irvette van Zyl, she finished the race in 3:29:42, establishing her place among South Africa’s all-time best ultra-distance runners.