Daily news update: Covid-19 stats, Mokonyane in state capture spotlight and dodgy Lottery grants uncovered

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Covid-19: Recovery rate reaches 88% as Western Cape pushes for further opening of economy

Source: Health department

The country has recorded 174 more Covid-19 related deaths: 39 from KwaZulu-Natal, 50 from Gauteng, 24 from Eastern Cape, 8 from Free State, 17 from Western Cape, 9 from North West and 27 from Mpumalanga. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 14,563.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers that treated the deceased patients. Our recoveries now stand at 554,887 which translates to a recovery rate of 88%,” said Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

Moodey resigned after failing to frame senior politician in sex scandal – Steenhuisen

DA’s John Steenhuisen. Picture: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Veli Nhlapo

During the media briefing on Thursday, Steenhuisen argued that Moodey’s resignation was an attempt to deflect attention from the “real reasons for his resignation”.

The interim leader accused Moodey to have used the “race card and played dirty politics” during his time at the DA. “As a party of due process, the same rules apply to everyone,” said Steenhuisen.

Mokonyane and her lawyers seek to cross-examine Agrizzi

The former house chairperson who oversaw the an advisory board, Cedric Frolick, was expected to be replaced by Nomvula Mokonyane. Picture: Refilwe Modise

Appearing before the Zondo commission on Thursday, 2 September, former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane and her lawyers revealed that they request to cross-question former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi, who made multiple accusations of corrupt activities against Mokonyane.

On Monday, Mokonyane’s personal assistant, Sandy Thomas, took the stand to defend her boss on some allegations levelled up against her.

These scams are waiting to swallow your retrenchment package

Picture: iStock

Scams designed to lure consumers with promises of high returns and low risk did not take a break during lockdown. Now these scammers are waiting for the next opportunity to defraud unwary consumers of their retrenchment packages.

Thousands of people are being retrenched in the aftermath of the lockdown. Many of them will (thankfully) be paid retrenchment packages and that is what the scammers are waiting for: to rob you of your hard-earned money. These scams are most often circulated on social media.

Patel hands evidence in lottery probe over to police

National Lottery. Picture: GroundUp

A dossier of evidence gathered by forensic investigators appointed by Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Ebrahim Patel involving a dodgy R27.5 million rand Lottery grant has been handed to the police.

This was revealed by DTIC director-general Lionel October during a meeting of parliament’s Trade, Industry and Competition Portfolio Committee on Wednesday.

Akon’s $6bn futuristic city reveal met with mixed reactions

Akon unveils plans for futuristic city in Senegal

R&B singer Akon, who hails from Senegal but resides in New Jersey USA, visited his home country this week to unveil his plans and blueprint for a multibillion-dollar futuristic city he wants to build in the West African country.

The singer tweeted in at the beginning of 2020 that he had finalised an agreement to build the 2,000-acre (809-hectare) “Akon City” in Senegal, which he has said would be like a “real-life Wakanda”, a reference to the futuristic African country in the 2018 film Black Panther.

Canada’s top doctor urges mask wearing during sex, no kissing

Those having sex with a partner who is at risk or from outside their household should be “skipping kissing and avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness (and) consider using a mask that covers the nose and mouth,” according to Canada’s top doctor. Picture: iStock

Canada’s chief public health officer on Wednesday urged couples to wear masks during sex.

Tam said people should also limit their consumption of alcohol or “other substances so you and your partner(s) are able to make safe decision.”

Billiat’s mother blasts Chiefs striker’s critics

Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs reacts during the Absa Premiership match between Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs on the 30 August 2020 at FNB Stadium, Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

The mother of Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Khama Billiat has come to her son’s defence following criticism aimed at the Warriors international about his contribution to Amakhosi’s run since the resumption of the league.

Billiat struggled for form this season with some questioning his relationship with coach Ernst Middendorp, however Rosa believes the Chiefs forward will shake of the poor form and help Chiefs win the league.

Cheetahs coach: Beware SA’s summer heat!

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie. Picture: Gallo Images

Hawies Fourie says conditions will have to be well monitored, with the seven-team local competition expected to be played through the summer months.

A near tragic incident involving former Springbok flank Juan Smith underlines how dangerous it could be to play the upcoming domestic competition in extreme conditions, Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has warned.

Fourie recalled the Super Rugby incident 10 years ago when the Cheetahs faced the Reds in Brisbane in sweltering 35-degree conditions.

Hyundai previews radical new Tucson in fresh teaser ahead of 14 September reveal

Teaser of new Hyundai Tucson

Having been seen in a number of pre-production spy shots undergoing testing and more recently, in countless render depictions, Hyundai has officially released first images of the all-new Tucson ahead of the now confirmed 14 September world debut.

In one of the most dramatic overhauls since the moniker’s founding in 2004, the Tucson builds on Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, but with a slightly different take on not only the jewelled grille, but also the LED headlights which form an upside down L and are referred to as Parametric Hidden Lights.

Technology overload: All-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class premiers

All-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

After the spying of test mules nearly two years ago, spotting of heavily camouflaged prototypes, leaks detailing the interior and exterior in full and official teasers, Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new W223 generation S-Class billed as the smartest and most technologically advanced three-pointed star ever made.

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