Top 10 stories of the day: Ramaphosa declares ANC still in charge | 8 die in tavern shooting | Nxesi defends SACP’s decision

News today includes President Cyril Ramaphosa saying the ANC is still in charge of the country, despite losing its majority in parliament.

Meanwhile, a mass shooting at a tavern in Mpumalanga left eight people dead.

Then, deputy national chairperson of the SACP, Thulas Nxesi, said the party’s decision to contest the local government elections in 2026 is not a “Mapaila decision”.

Weather tomorrow: 12 January 2025

The South African Weather Service has warned of heavy rain in the eastern parts of the country. – Get the full weather forecast here.

---

ANC’s grip loosens, but Ramaphosa declares: ‘We’re still in charge’

Despite the ANC losing its majority in parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the party still leads and is still in charge of the country.

Ramaphosa spoke at the Mandela Park stadium in Khayelitsha on Saturday, where the ANC celebrated its 113th birthday.

This was the first time the ANC celebrated its birthday in a power-sharing arrangement with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other government of national unity (GNU) partners.

CONTINUE READING: ANC’s grip loosens, but Ramaphosa declares: ‘We’re still in charge’

---

8 people killed in Mpumalanga tavern shooting

A mass shooting at a tavern in Pienaar, Mpumalanga, early on Saturday morning has left eight people dead and others injured.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said six people died at the scene, while two other victims passed away after being taken to hospital.

Mdhluli said the motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage.

CONTINUE READING: 8 people killed in Mpumalanga tavern shooting

---

Nxesi denies SACP’s 2026 election bid is a ‘Mapaila move’

Deputy national chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Thulas Nxesi, said the party’s decision to contest the local government elections in 2026 is not a “Mapaila decision”.

Nxesi expressed his support for the ANC at Saturday’s 113th birthday celebrations in Cape Town.

This despite Solly Mapaila, the SACP’s general secretary, being critical of the ANC since the formation of the government of national unity (GNU).

CONTINUE READING: Nxesi denies SACP’s 2026 election bid is a ‘Mapaila move’

---

Khoisan SA Queen Cynthia Triegardt dies in an accident

The Khoisan have been plunged into mourning by the news that Queen Cynthia Triegardt, 54, died in an accident between Noupoort and Colesberg on Friday.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, preliminary investigations indicate that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which allegedly overturned due to a burst tyre.

Five occupants aged between 18 and 57 years were transported to the Colesberg Mannie Dipico Hospital with slight to serious injuries for medical attention. Khoi-san Driegaat, also known as King Khoisan SA, was among the passengers.

CONTINUE READING: Khoisan SA Queen Cynthia Triegardt dies, Khoisan and supporters in mourning

---

High court orders government to urgently rescue trapped Stilfontein miners

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday ruled that government must use Mining Rescue Services (MRS) to help rescue miners that are still trapped in Stilfontein.

The court made the ruling after an urgent application brought by Zinzi Tom, whose brother, Ayanda Toot, is among the hundreds of miners still trapped in the mine.

Human rights organisation Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) said rescue operations should begin as soon as possible.

CONTINUE READING: High court orders government to urgently rescue trapped Stilfontein miners

---

Here are five more stories of the day:

• Identity theft skyrockets by 400% in South Africa
• In pipeline: R100bn is what fixing supply will cost you
• Stormers backline give them thumping win over Sale
• Shalulile the hero as Sundowns secure victory in DR Congo
• Rising star Pretorius carries Royals to victory over Sunrisers in SA20 clash

---

Yesterday’s News recap:

READ HERE: Limpopo nurses attacked, raped | Doctors ‘are not special’ | Hawks bust trafficking ring