Top 10 stories of the day: Schreiber on revoking Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship | News anchor claims road rage video was edited | Tragic start to Easter weekend

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Compiled by Gareth Cotterell

Digital Editor


Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories for 18 April 2025.


News today includes Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber suggesting that no Afrikaners’ citizenship will be revoked if they choose to take up the US offer to resettle them.

Meanwhile, Newzroom Afrika anchor Aldrin Sampear responded to questions around an alleged road rage incident on Thursday.

Then, the Easter weekend got off to a bad start with major accidents taking place in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mpumalanga, Free State and Gauteng.

Weather tomorrow: 19 April 2025

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted thunderstorms for several parts of South Africa on Saturday, while cold weather is expected in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Get the full weather forecast here.

Top 10 stories

Schreiber on Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship as Ramaphosa downplays refugee offer

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has suggested that no Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship will be revoked, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has seemingly dismissed the idea of offering refuge to African Americans in South Africa.

Trump US Afrikaners citizenship Home Affairs
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Picture: Gallo Images

This comes amid growing tensions between South Africa and the United States.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that cuts financial aid to South Africa earlier this year. He also extended an offer to Afrikaner farmers to relocate to the US as refugees.

CONTINUE READING: Schreiber on Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship


TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear claims road rage video was edited, denies assault

Newzroom Afrika anchor and former Power 98.7 FM broadcaster Aldrin Sampear finally responded late Thursday night following an alleged road rage incident earlier in the day.

Aldrin Sampear assault Jan Smuts
Aldrin Sampear during the premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King at Ster-Kinekor Eastgate in Johannesburg on 12 December 2024. Picture: Gallo Images / Oupa Bopape

The purported victim, a 20-year-old woman, laid charges of assault against the presenter.

However, Sampear alleged that the video she made of the incident was edited.

CONTINUE READING: Aldrin Sampear claims road rage video was edited


Easter weekend turns tragic as multiple accidents claim lives across SA roads

The Easter weekend had a deadly start across South Africa’s roads, with a string of accidents leaving multiple people dead and scores injured.

Easter road crashes fatalities
Picture: iStock

Emergency services have been working around the clock, responding to major accidents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mpumalanga, Free State, and Gauteng.

In one incident, a multi-vehicle pile-up in Town Hill involved at least 15 vehicles, including a bus, two trucks, two taxis, and 10 passenger cars. It left 65 people injured.

CONTINUE READING: Easter weekend turns tragic as accidents claim lives across SA roads


Mashatile ‘positive’ that solution will be found over VAT hike

Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Friday said he is “positive” that political parties will find a solution to avoid the value-added tax (VAT) increase proposed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

Paul Mashatile ANC VAT
Deputy President Paul Mashatile spoke during the Good Friday service at the Assemblies of God church in Thaba Nchu, Free State, on 18 April 2025. Picture: X/@PMashatile

Mashatile was speaking during the Good Friday service at the Assemblies of God church in Thaba Nchu, Free State.

Mashatile asked the church to pray for South Africa’s leaders. He did this as political parties are discussing alternatives to the 0.5% increase in VAT that is set to come into effect on 1 May.

CONTINUE READING: Mashatile ‘positive’ that solution will be found over VAT hike


City of Ekurhuleni suspends CIO over financial misconduct allegations

The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its chief information officer (CIO) Moloko Monyepao after allegations of mismanagement that led to significant financial losses.

City of Ekurhuleni suspends CIO over financial misconduct
City of Ekurhuleni council. Picture: Neil McCartney

In a statement on Thursday, the City said it decided to suspend Monyepao at an Ekurhuleni council meeting on 27 March 2025.

“This decision arises from serious allegations of mismanagement related to financial losses incurred by the City, primarily due to issues around inaccurate billing systems, interim meter readings, account manipulations, insufficient administrative oversight and poor management of business systems,” the statement read.

CONTINUE READING: City of Ekurhuleni suspends CIO over financial misconduct allegations



Yesterday’s news recap

READ HERE: Joshlin accused confession admissible | Omotoso victims speak | Aldrin Sampear road rage saga

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