Read more
Top 10 stories of the day: Motshekga denies SANDF supply issues | Putco arsonists arrested | RIP Thabang Tabane
Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Photo: iStock/The Citizen/Cheryl Kahla
News today includes defence minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed allegations that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are running out of supplies amid ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga government has described the torching of 51 Putco buses in the province as an act of sabotage and vowed that those responsible will face consequences.
Furthermore, percussionist and singer Thabang Tabane passed away on Wednesday morning after a short illness.
Weather tomorrow: 30 January 2025
The weather service warns of thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga on Thursday, with scattered rain expected across several provinces. – full weather forecast here.
Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.
Motshekga insist troops still have supplies and no attacks on SANDF’s DRC bases in 48 hours
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed allegations that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are running out of supplies amid ongoing conflict.
Motshekga, accompanied by her deputy Bantu Holomisa and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, addressed the media on Wednesday, providing updates on developments in east DRC.
This followed the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers due to escalated clashes involving M23 rebels and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia against the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).
CONTINUE READING: Motshekga insist troops still have supplies and no attacks on SANDF’s DRC bases in 48 hours
R33.4m wasted on unapproved Cuban medicine for SANDF soldiers, SIU reveals
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered serious alleged procurement irregularities in the South African Department of Defence’s R33.4 million Cuban medicine deal.
This was revealed as part of a broader investigation revealing widespread corruption and irregular contracts across the defence sector.
The findings were presented during a briefing to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on Tuesday.
CONTINUE READING: R33.4m wasted on unapproved Cuban medicine for SANDF soldiers, SIU reveals
Mpumalanga official says suspects arrested for torching Putco buses will receive ‘prayer and salavation’
The Mpumalanga government has described the torching of 51 Putco buses in the province as an act of sabotage and vowed that those responsible will face consequences.
Provincial officials addressed the media on Wednesday following the arson attacks at various Putco depots in the Nkangala district.
Several employees were injured during the attacks, where the buses were set alight by a group of armed individuals on Monday.
CONTINUE READING: Mpumalanga official says suspects arrested for torching Putco buses will receive ‘prayer and salavation’
No water for three days: There will be a water shutdown in these areas this weekend
Thousands of households will be without water this weekend as taps run dry for three days because of maintenance.
Last week, Johannesburg Water performed crucial maintenance on the Palmiet System, which left several areas, including Sandton, Midrand, and the central regions of Johannesburg, without water for 24 hours.
The water supplier warned that some systems may take three to five days to recover fully after the maintenance was completed on 26 January.
CONTINUE READING: No water for three days: There will be a water shutdown in these areas this weekend
Percussionist and singer Thabang Tabane dies after a short illness [VIDEO]
Percussionist and singer Thabang Tabane passed away on Wednesday morning after a short illness.
Long-time collaborators and friends confirmed his passing to The Citizen. They didn’t want to speak on the record with the media out of respect for his family, who hadn’t given consent.
Tributes have been pouring in on Facebook from fans, friends and those who knew him.
CONTINUE READING: Percussionist and singer Thabang Tabane dies after a short illness [VIDEO]
Here are five more stories of the day:
- Outrage as SANDF generals play golf amid deadly DRC conflict
- Portfolio committee meeting on DRC cancelled: Parliamentarians demand explanation
- Sassa and FNB step in to assist social grant recipients with Ithala accounts, but there may be SRD delays
- Vaal Dam reaches 61.58% capacity: Water system stability key
- ‘Our soldiers did not die protecting anyone’s business interests in DRC,’ says Mbalula
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Four SANDF soldiers killed | Zuma-Sambudla to appear | AKA’s 37th ‘heavenly’ birthday
For more news your way
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
