news and current affairs.
Zanu-PF implodes over central committee seat, again
Zanu PF is tripping over its own rules again, this time over a committee seat in Manicaland. Party bigwig Munyaradzi Machacha shot down an attempt to install Paul Tungwarara, who advises President Mnangagwa, into a vacant central committee spot. The position belonged to Chipinge district after Dorothy Mabika left it, meaning the replacement had to be a Women's League member from that area. Machacha, the party's political commissar, called the whole move invalid for breaking procedure. He cited a party circular demanding replacements come from the same district, and he warned against any candidate handing out money or goods, calling that vote buying. Senior figures like Treasurer Patrick Chinamasa backed him up. Then the party's...
Eric Wong gets global A&R keys, keeps East West humming
Warner Music Group just bumped Eric Wong up to a big new job. He is now the Executive Vice President for their whole recorded music division, while still running East West Records in the US and managing Warner Music Canada. He reports directly to the CEO, Robert Kyncl, and works from New York. His new gig has him steering worldwide marketing pushes and A&R, trying to link up all the company's different labels and markets. The idea is to make local artists blow up internationally. They pointed to Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, who recently charted in Canada, as an example of this strategy working. Wong has been with Warner for about five years, previously as their global Chief Marketing Officer. In that role, he worked on campaigns for...
Three murder suspects killed in KZN shootout, three others arrested
Three men linked to multiple murders and robberies were killed in a shootout with police in Phelandaba, Emanguzi, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Three additional suspects were wounded and arrested following the gun battle, which occurred after authorities acted on intelligence regarding the group's location. No officers were injured. The suspects had been wanted since 2023 for violent crimes across several local towns, including Mtubatuba and Mbazwana. Police recovered firearms and ammunition at the scene. The surviving suspects are under guard in the hospital and will face formal charges. Police praised the operation's outcome, citing self-defense after the suspects initiated fire. The incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat...
ActionSA slams Cape Town for dumping sewage into ocean via outfalls
ActionSA has accused the Cape Town municipality of discharging screened but untreated sewage into the ocean via marine outfall pipes, claiming significant public health and environmental risks. The party alleges billions of liters have been released in recent years, contravening environmental laws, and has filed criminal charges. They argue the century-old system threatens marine ecosystems and tourism. The City of Cape Town disputes these claims, stating that ninety-five percent of wastewater receives land-based treatment, with only a small fraction released as screened effluent. Officials cite ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including a substantial budget allocation for outfall improvements and wastewater plant expansions. A recent...
SANParks sends chopper to Table Mountain for festive safety boost
SANParks has deployed a helicopter to Table Mountain National Park for enhanced festive season security and emergency response. The aircraft will conduct aerial patrols to monitor visitor activity, deter crime, and spot potential wildfires across the vast park area. This initiative supplements ground units, including specialized rescue teams, forming a coordinated safety network. The park experiences a significant visitor surge during the holidays, increasing risks like muggings, injuries, and fires. The helicopter aims to reduce emergency response times and assist in rapid interventions, building on successful deployments during previous peak periods. SANParks emphasizes that this measure is part of a broader strategy involving...
Ramaphosa calls for unity at Reconciliation Day event in KZN
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the national Reconciliation Day commemoration at the Ncome Museum in KwaZulu-Natal. The event, organized by national and provincial departments, centers on the theme of reaffirming reconciliation for future generations. The site's historical significance, linked to the 1838 Battle of Blood River, underscores the day's focus on transforming narratives of division into platforms for unity. Ramaphosa's message is anticipated to emphasize continuous national healing and the active role of youth in fostering social cohesion. The program includes cultural performances and exhibitions, reflecting on South Africa's journey since the formal establishment of Reconciliation Day in...
Constitution Hill opens free on Reconciliation Day for unity tours
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg will offer free admission and guided tours on Reconciliation Day. This historic site, encompassing the Constitutional Court and former prison complexes, opens its doors at no cost to encourage public reflection on South Africa's journey toward unity and democracy. The venue holds deep significance, having imprisoned key figures like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi under apartheid. Guided tours will lead visitors through areas such as the Old Fort, the Women's Jail, and the preserved Mandela cell. The initiative, supported by Gauteng tourism partners, aims to foster social cohesion and make national heritage accessible. Free tours run throughout the day, with advance online booking recommended to...
Musk rockets past $600B, eyes trillion-dollar crown
Elon Musk's net worth has surpassed six hundred billion dollars, a first for any individual. This surge is primarily fueled by a private share sale valuing SpaceX at eight hundred billion dollars, which doubled its valuation from earlier in the year. Musk's forty-two percent stake in the aerospace company now constitutes the largest portion of his estimated six hundred seventy-seven billion dollar fortune. SpaceX's growth, driven by successful government contracts and its Starlink satellite network, positions it for a potential public offering next year. Musk's wealth also includes significant holdings in Tesla and his artificial intelligence venture, xAI. His financial trajectory has accelerated rapidly since first joining the global...
Eskom taps Enerweb to power up virtual wheeling for small biz
Eskom has contracted Johannesburg firm Enerweb to develop a digital platform for virtual wheeling, aiming to streamline renewable energy trading for smaller commercial users. This system will facilitate short-term agreements, allowing businesses to buy clean power from independent producers without direct grid connections, using automated billing credits instead. The initiative follows a successful pilot program. Enerweb brings experience from similar projects in regional power pools. Their platform will feature user portals and integrate detailed meter data to match generation with consumption. The move aligns with broader energy reforms and anticipated regulatory updates from Nersa, expected next year. Legal challenges persist...
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