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Top 10 stories of the day: ANC to drop VAT hike? | Fortuner saves driver from 40 bullets | Kunene’s message to Trump

Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.

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By Kyle Adam Zeeman

2 days ago

In the news today, the ANC and DA held a ‘constructive’ meeting on Saturday as the two biggest parties in the government of national unity (GNU) clash over the country’s budget.

Meanwhile, violence in Gauteng’s taxi industry continues to escalate as the death toll rises to around 60 since the turn of the year.

One Toyota Fortuner owner survived an apparent assassination attempt when more than 40 high-calibre rifle shots hit their vehicle without a single bullet penetrating the car.

And with the rise in medical aid costs, we look at the possible alternatives.

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ANC to drop VAT hike? DA says meeting was ‘constructive’

Chairperson of the federal council of the DA, Helen Zille, says her party’s meeting with the ANC was “constructive”.

The two biggest parties in the ruling government of national unity (GNU) met on Saturday to iron out their differences over the national budget. At the heart of their disagreement is a value-added tax (VAT) increase that takes effect on 1 May.

*DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille. Picture: Nigel Sibanda*

Earlier this month, the National Assembly approved a report adopting the national budget.

On 2 April, 194 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the Standing Committee on Finance’s report on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals, while 182 MPs opposed it.

CONTINUE READING: ANC to drop VAT hike? DA says meeting was ‘constructive’

Gauteng taxi violence: 59 people killed since January

At least 59 people have been killed since the beginning of this year in Gauteng as the province battles the scourge of taxi violence.

In the latest incident, three men were shot dead at Zulu Drive and Nape at Mofolo, Soweto, on Monday, 7 April 2025.

*Picture for illustration. Picture: Nigel Sibanda*

It is alleged that shots were fired from a grey silver vehicle at the other vehicle, a Toyota corolla, killing three men. The victims all belong to a taxi association.

CONTINUE READING: Gauteng taxi violence: 59 people killed since January

Increasing medical aid scheme costs: What are the alternatives?

Each year, medical aid scheme memberships become more expensive, moving further out of the reach of South Africans with annual premium increases far outpacing inflation.

Staying covered is an uphill battle as many consumers find themselves questioning whether their medical aid is worth the cost, while others are forced to downgrade or abandon it entirely.

“Medical aid scheme premiums are increasing exponentially, leaving many members struggling to keep up. With some opting to drop medical aid altogether, it is essential to understand what is driving these costs and explore possible alternatives,” Dr Jessica Hamuy Blanco, head of product and clinical risk at Dis-Chem, says.

CONTINUE READING: Increasing medical aid scheme costs: What are the alternatives?

Armoured Toyota Fortuner saves occupants from over 40 bullets

South Africa can be a dangerous place at the best of times and this is our third story on armoured vehicles in recent weeks.

It speaks volumes about what high net worth individuals are going through in trying to stay safe, or maybe what bad people are having to do to stay alive. We are in no way saying the person involved in this shooting is in anyway doing anything they shouldn’t, but this is a real-world demonstration of the life-saving power of vehicle armouring

*This armoured Toyota Fortuner survived a hail of bullets. Picture: Supplied*

One of Armoured Mobility’s clients survived an apparent assassination attempt after their Toyota Fortuner sustained more than 40 high-calibre rifle shots without a single bullet penetrating the vehicle. The incident is a chilling reminder of the country’s growing security threats. Yet at the same time a powerful testament to the build quality of Armoured Mobility’s premium discreet bulletproof vehicles.

CONTINUE READING: Armoured Toyota Fortuner saves occupants from over 40 bullets

Kenny Kunene sends Trump a message over SA meeting ‘snub’

Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene has responded to Donald Trump’s possible boycott of a G20 meeting in SA, saying the US president will “be fine”.

Trump is expected in the country later this year at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. However, he launched a fresh verbal assault on South Africa over the weekend, claiming again on social media that SA was confiscating land and committing genocide.