Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-25 i Daily News

Duduzile Sambudla-Zuma, the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has denied all suggestions that she recruited 22 South Africans, including her own family members, as mercenaries for the Russia-Ukraine war. Sambudla-Zuma asserted that she had no intention of facilitating, recruiting, or encouraging participation in combat or unlawful activities in a statement submitted to police, which the Daily News has seen. Her clarification regarding the Russia-Ukraine issue came after her eldest sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, opened a criminal case against her over the weekend at the Sandton police station. Zuma-Mncube also pressed charges against Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, whom she claimed worked in cahoots with Sambudla-Zuma. She alleged that the three played key roles in luring South African men to Russia under false pretences, where they were then handed over to…

Not only do KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng combinedaccount for more than 60% of all child murders in South Africa, but more than two-thirds of child murder victims are killed by someone they know, such as a parent, relative, or neighbour. This is according to the new report released by the non-profit organisation Action Society, which revealed that children remained under siege with protective systems that are meant to safeguard them, simply not functioning. Ahead of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which began today, Action Society has published its new research report, The Crisis Of Crime Against Children In South Africa: A Call For Accountability And Urgent Reform, which presents overwhelming evidence that the country is failing to protect its youngest…

Amazulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has elevated inkosi Malusi Zondi from being ‘his eye’ to the position of Royal Chancellor. Zondi, a well known businessman in Durban and president of the Black Business Forum, was recently appointed as the king’s representative in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. He was tasked with looking after the interests of the king’s subjects in these two major cities in KwaZulu-Natal. The king announced Zondi’s new position during the official installation of inkosi Praisegod Ngcobo on Saturday. The king said that Zondi has a new role in the Zulu kingdom and will strive to create good relations with other kingdoms. “I wish to inform amakhosi ( traditional leaders) about Zondi’s new role. Initially, I had appointed him as my ‘eye’, however, now I have decided to remove him…

THE recent court ruling against the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) marks a significant turning point in determining electricity tariffs in the country. Beyond the legal jargon and regulatory frameworks, this decision represents a substantial victory for citizens who deserve fairness, accountability, and transparency in the principles used to calculate electricity costs – elements that have long been lacking in how energy prices are set for millions of South Africans. This ruling is Nersa's third court defeat since 2022. While these court rulings do not alter the current tariffs, they do necessitate a more transparent and accountable process for future rate increases. For too many years, ordinary citizens and businesses have endured a system that often appeared arbitrary and detached from reality. Consumers have faced double-digit price increases…

The Sharks will look to back up their first victory of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season when they face Connacht in Galway this weekend, knowing the Irish side has had the upper hand in recent encounters. John Plumtree’s team finally broke their winless start to the campaign with a composed 29-19 triumph over the Scarlets before the November break, a performance marked by improved defensive organisation, sharper breakdown work and far greater control with ball in hand. It was a much-needed result after three defeats and a draw to open the season, raising hopes that the Durban side may be turning a corner. However, Connacht present a far sterner test. The Irish province has won three of their last five clashes with the Sharks, including their most recent meeting…

Police have launched a manhunt for a 29-year-old man who allegedly stabbed and strangled his nephew, and left him for dead in the Chesterville area. According to the police, Sduduzo Mavundla lured his nine-year-old nephew to a bushy area when the boy had come to visit his grandfather in January this year. “While in the bushes, Mavundla allegedly shouted at the boy for having not respecting his grandfather. He then allegedly started strangling and stabbing the boy until he passed out,” said provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda. When the child regained consciousness, he was able to crawl to the side of the roadway where he was helped. By that time, police said Mavundla had already convinced the family to report the youngster missing. “Mavundla was arrested and released…

The South African Department of Basic Education has initiated a significant overhaul of the existing school calendar system, aiming to introduce a clear and modernised national framework applicable to all nine provinces. One of the most noteworthy changes was the introduction of a singular national school calendar. This move marks the end of the previous staggered system where inland and coastal provinces operated on different academic schedules. By harmonising the school start dates, the department envisions a streamlined educational experience for South African learners, regardless of where in SA they reside. In a bid to enhance operational efficiency, the department has also decided to eliminate consideration of holiday traffic when planning school holidays. Historically, the timing of school breaks were influenced by traffic patterns to ease congestion on major routes.…

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli revealed statistics indicating a surge in rape cases, particularly affecting children under the age of 12, which was troubling during a press briefing session on Monday. The jump in numbers, which were particularly high in seven districts across the province, highlighted the alarming state of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in KZN, as per SAPS statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 term. The districts of eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, and King Cetshwayo were rated as the province's hotspots for GBV according to the statistics report. “Between July and September, 2,013 survivors sought assistance at our Thuthuzela Care Centres, and in the preceding quarter, an alarming 65% of all GBV survivors were children,” said Ntuli, referencing the steep need for survivor support services. The premier called for…

It’s undoubtedly a blow to be without several frontline stars for this weekend’s final Test of the 2025 season, but the Springboks have grown used to constant team changes over the past year – and they should still approach Saturday’s clash against Wales with minimal disruption. The match in Cardiff falls outside World Rugby’s international window, leaving both sides without key players. Even so, the world champions are expected to have too much depth and quality for their hosts at the Principality Stadium. South Africa will be missing World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Boan Venter, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager (suspended), RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe, all of whom…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef admitted that his side’s lack of experience played a key role in their 2-1 CAF Confederations Cup group stage defeat to Egyptian side Al Masry at the Suez Stadium on Sunday. Despite the early setback, Ben Youssef remains hopeful that his team can regroup quickly as they prepare to host Zamalek in a crucial group-stage fixture this weekend at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. In what was Amakhosi’s first appearance in the tournament’s group stages, Bonheur Mugisha opened the scoring for the Green Eagles before Dillan Solomons equalised for the Glamour Boys. Mohamed Hashem’s late strike ultimately handed Al Masry a hard-fought victory, leaving Chiefs with the challenging task of bouncing back against Zamalek, a side renowned for its continental pedigree. The Soweto giants…

The community of Shiyabazali in New Hanover is coming to terms with the loss and devastation that Sunday's heavy rainfall and the subsequent flooding inflicted upon them. The disaster has left many families destitute and homeless. This situation has prompted an urgent reaction from both local leaders and the provincial government, under the guidance of MEC of Transport and Human Settlement, Siboniso Duma. Among those affected in the community was Siyanda Zakwe. She spoke to the Daily News about her extreme weather experience and how she narrowly escaped when rising water from the Injasotho River surged towards her home. “When I realised the pace at which the water flowed in the direction of my home, I immediately escaped through a window,” she said. Zakwe suffered minor injuries to her lower…

South Africa is seeking insights into the use of digital platforms for improving access to justice. This exploration is taking place at the Second International Conference on Justice, held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi is leading a South African delegation for the conference, which is scheduled for November 23 to 24. The conference has brought together judicial experts, specialists, and researchers from around the world to deliberate on the theme “Judicial Quality”. The conference is designed to achieve several key objectives: promoting global collaboration and knowledge sharing in judicial quality, improving human resource efficiency and capacity within the justice sector, and confronting systemic challenges by identifying effective, sustainable solutions. “One of the most significant parts of participating here is learning and sharing…

National Prosecuting Head Advocate Shamila Batohi was on Monday confronted with the question of whether the terms of reference in the Nkabinde Inquiry did not read more like an indictment in a criminal prosecution. This question was posed by retired Constitutional Court Judge Bess Nkabinde, who is heading the inquiry into the fitness of suspended Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke. Judge Nkabinde said it seems to her that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s terms of reference to the Inquiry are “akin to an indictment in a criminal prosecution.” Batohi responded, “broadly, but not limited to.” Monday was the fourth day of Batohi giving evidence in the Inquiry, which she was instrumental in orchestrating. Chauke is facing allegations that he protected politically connected people and mishandled high-profile cases. His alleged actions,…

As South Africa played host to the first G20 Summit on African soil in Johannesburg last week, the inclusion of the African Union (AU) among the 42 nations and organisations that confirmed attendance was thanks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and lobbying back in 2023, positing that there is no global growth without Africa. The bold and laudable initiative by Modi to have the AU included in the G20 as a full member confirms India’s standing as a trusted friend and supporter of Africa. Modi’s efforts to deepen relations between his country and our continent must be welcomed, and they also highlight the importance of forming ties with stronger nations to chart Africa’s growth. The inclusion of South Africa as the only country from the African continent in…

Barcelona’s financial struggles are no secret and the Catalans have had to lean heavily on their youth academy to provide first-team calibre players over the past few years. While superstar winger Lamine Yamal, in the mould of all-time Barça great Lionel Messi, draws most of the limelight, another La Masia graduate is proving increasingly vital in Fermín López. The 22-year-old midfielder is establishing himself as a regular starter for Hansi Flick, even though outside Spain he is not yet a household name. Chelsea know plenty about López, though, having had a €40-million (about R800m) bid rebuffed in the summer. Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge today in the Champions League with the midfielder as one of their main goal threats. Flick was keen to keep López, while Barça were open to selling…

There’s a particular moment when a football team stops being exciting and starts being inevitable – and Arsenal may be approaching that moment. This is not the free-flowing, wide-eyed Gunners of yesteryear, the ones that played beautiful triangles before abruptly remembering that they also needed to defend. Nor is it the tender, fragile Arsenal of Mikel Arteta’s early rebuild. This is something else entirely: a team that is winning games without ever seeming to hit top gear – the universal warning sign that a dynasty might be germinating. Manchester City fans know the feeling. Before they were the trophy-hoarding juggernaut we now accept as a natural force, they were something much duller: relentlessly efficient. They won matches they shouldn’t have, survived moments they had no right to survive, and played…