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Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Photo: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
News today includes the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will begin withdrawing its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) has been terminated.
Meanwhile, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana having delivered this year’s budget speech, uncertainty looms over whether Parliament will approve the spending plan.
Furthermore, while Springbok legend Schalk Burger wondered if Felix Jones could take over from Rassie Erasmus as head of the South African side should the latter choose to move on, another Springbok legend, Jean de Villiers, said he believes the country is not yet ready for a foreign coach.
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Saws warns of disruptive rain and flooding in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, with mudslides expected. Severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours are also expected in parts of the Northern Cape and Limpopo. Full weather forecast here.
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SADC to withdraw troops from the DRC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will begin withdrawing its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) has been terminated.
“Summit terminated the mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops in the DRC,” said SADC leaders following the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the SADC.
“Summit emphasises its dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and reaffirming its commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the eastern DRC.”
CONTINUE READING: SADC to withdraw troops from the DRC
Joshlin Smith case: TikTokker challenged in court – ‘It was never for the likes’
State witness Shakiera Ganief, known on TikTok as Shakes Warrior, took the stand on Wednesday to share details about Raquel “Kelly” Smith’s reaction to her daughter Joshlin’s disappearance.
Joshlin was six years old when she disappeared from her Middelpos home on 19 February 2024.
Testifying in the Western Cape Circuit High Court in Saldanha, Ganief stated she first heard about Joshlin’s case from another influencer and contacted Smith on a video call the day after her disappearance. However, Ganief said Smith’s demeanor didn’t match that of a distraught mother.
CONTINUE READING: Joshlin Smith case: TikTokker challenged in court – ‘It was never for the likes’
EXPLAINER: Budget speech tabled, but will it be approved without DA’s backing?
With Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana having delivered this year’s budget speech, uncertainty looms over whether Parliament will approve the spending plan.
On Wednesday, Godongwana tabled the 2025/2026 national budget in Cape Town.
However, the proposed budget has already faced opposition from certain political parties, including the DA, primarily due to the 0.5% increase in value-added tax (VAT).
CONTINUE READING: EXPLAINER: Budget speech tabled, but will it be approved without DA’s backing?
Will Shepherd Bushiri escape again? Here’s what the justice minister says
South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has on Thursday tried to allay fears that fugitive Shepherd Bushiri and his wife could once again escape justice.
The ministry of justice in Malawi said this week that the couple had a case to answer and could be extradited to South Africa.
Bushiri and his wife fled the country to Malawi in November 2020 after they were granted R200 000 bail.
CONTINUE READING: Will Shepherd Bushiri escape again? Here’s what the justice minister says
Jones to take over from Rassie? No way, says former Bok captain
While Springbok legend Schalk Burger wondered if Felix Jones could take over from Rassie Erasmus as head of the South African side should the latter choose to move on, another Springbok legend, Jean de Villiers, said he believes the country is not yet ready for a foreign coach.
The former captain made the comments while the pair discussed Erasmus’ future on the Boks Office podcast as they heard news of the former Irish international relocating his family to South Africa.
Erasmus, who was the maestro behind South Africa’s 2019 World Cup title, stepped back into the director of rugby role for Jacques Nienaber to carry the side into the 2023 showcase, which the Boks also won.
CONTINUE READING: Jones to take over from Rassie? No way, says former Bok captain
Here are five more stories of the day:
- DStv makes big change on stream limit
- ‘DA’s true intentions exposed’: Mbalula fires shots at GNU partner over budget
- These are the new food items added to the VAT-free list … and why not everyone’s impressed
- 8 hour power outages coming to these Joburg areas next week
- Full Vaal Dam to the rescue as Lesotho Highlands Water Project takes bad turn
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Alcohol and cigarettes tax increase | Joshlin’s teacher’s shocking testimony | SRD grant extended
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