Song Athletics has released a new virtual instrument library called Inside-Out Piano, created by the pianist and composer Sarah Nicolls. The product features samples from a physically modified Erard grand piano with an upright soundboard and exposed strings, which Nicolls performed by hand using various implements. These included glass balls, magnets, and straws to produce a wide array of atmospheric and percussive sounds.
The library, recorded in Nicolls's countryside studio, offers users five distinct keyboards for blending the string samples with other sound sources. It includes five microphone positions and built-in effects like delay and reverb. A randomization function for effects and microphone levels is also provided...
The South African government has congratulated Iraq on the successful completion of its recent parliamentary elections. Officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation commended the Iraqi people for their commitment to the democratic process and national stability. The South African statement expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iraq across political and economic spheres.
The election results positioned Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's coalition to lead negotiations for forming a new government. South Africa affirmed its intent to collaborate with Iraq on shared international objectives, including global peace and development. This diplomatic gesture reinforces the existing...
The former head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has publicly called for self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri to return to South Africa and face fraud and money laundering charges in court. Lebeya firmly denied any involvement in alleged extortion attempts, stating he lacks the authority to make criminal cases disappear. Bushiri, who fled to Malawi in 2020 with his wife after being released on bail, has claimed that senior police officials demanded bribes to drop the investigation.
Lebeya refuted these allegations, suggesting Bushiri may have been deceived by intermediaries. A Malawian court previously blocked his extradition, but South African authorities continue to seek his appearance in court. The case has drawn...
The South African Reserve Bank has reduced its repo rate by 25 basis points to 8.00 percent, a decision unanimously supported by its Monetary Policy Committee. Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced the cut, which lowers the commercial prime lending rate to 10.25 percent. He stated that the move was justified by a more favorable inflation outlook, with consumer prices rising at a slower pace than previously projected.
This adjustment is expected to provide financial relief to households and businesses by decreasing the cost of servicing debt on products like home loans and vehicle finance. The central bank's decision reflects its ongoing effort to balance support for economic growth with its mandate to maintain price stability. Governor...
A coordinated law enforcement operation in South Africa's North West province led to the arrest of 994 suspects. The week-long initiative, Operation Shanela II, involved various police units targeting all five districts. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo commended the inter-agency cooperation, stating it enhances provincial safety and establishes a foundation for upcoming festive season security plans.
The arrests included 366 individuals located by detectives following up on wanted lists and 15 people for immigration violations. Officers also conducted inspections at 151 liquor outlets, resulting in 56 arrests and the confiscation of drugs, firearms, and other illicit goods. Specific incidents highlighted the...
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has emphasized that collaborative action is essential for developing Africa's capacity to produce its own vaccines and medicines. He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of regional self-sufficiency for health security. The Minister made these remarks at a strategic dialogue on local vaccine production in South Africa, which convened leaders from government, global health organizations, and industry.
Professor Nzimande highlighted key partnerships with entities such as Gavi and the World Health Organisation, alongside milestones like the establishment of the Biovac Institute and the mRNA Vaccine Technology Transfer Hub. He...
The Chief Executive Officer of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, M.H. Vilakazi, has resigned amid a disciplinary process concerning allegations of corruption. His departure followed a precautionary suspension related to a forensic investigation into financial irregularities at the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain World Heritage Site. The agency's interim board accepted his immediate resignation.
Acting CEO Lemmy Mduli has now assumed leadership responsibilities to ensure operational continuity. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to its core mandate of promoting tourism and conserving natural parks. The Democratic Alliance welcomed the resignation, having previously called for greater accountability regarding the agency's...
The African National Congress has confirmed Mahlengi Bhengu’s reinstatement as its National Spokesperson after a leave of absence for personal reasons. The party expressed its gratitude to Nonceba Mhlauli for her service as the acting spokesperson during that period. Bhengu, who also serves on the party's National Executive Committee, resumes her communication duties with what the ANC described as renewed focus and energy. Her return is seen as restoring a key voice to the organization's public engagement efforts.
The Democratic Alliance is increasing pressure on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to blacklist all service providers implicated in the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal. The party plans to picket outside the Premier’s office, where it will submit a memorandum demanding accountability and the recovery of over R2 billion in misappropriated public funds. Dr. Jack Bloom, the party’s provincial health official, emphasized the urgency, stating that some companies connected to the fraud continue to receive government contracts.
This action follows a major looting scandal involving hundreds of service providers and the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran. The party is demanding the immediate blacklisting of these firms by the National...
