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Here’s your daily news update for Monday, 12 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Photo: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
News today includes preparations for President Cyril Ramaphosa to travel to the United States (US) on a working visit are at an advanced stage, said Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.
Meanwhile, the woman accused of setting fire to the shack belonging to Racquel “Kelly” Smith, the mother of missing child Joshlin Smith, has been released on bail.
Furthermore, the Gauteng Provincial Treasury has confirmed that about R1.8 billion was returned to the National Treasury due to underspending in its annual budget, mainly from the health and education departments.
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Ramaphosa to meet Trump, says 49 Afrikaners headed to US are not ‘refugees’
Preparations for President Cyril Ramaphosa to travel to the United States (US) on a working visit are at an advanced stage, said Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.
Lamola briefed the media on Monday about preparations for the G20 summit and other related matters.
Ramaphosa’s meeting with US President Donald Trump will take place amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and South Africa over alleged human rights violations against Afrikaner farmers.
CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa to meet Trump, says 49 Afrikaners headed to US are not ‘refugees’
FSCA to investigate banks charging different amounts for the same product
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is investigating bank charges after observing several variations in the pricing approaches and structures of different banks. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana also expressed concern about disclosure and how consumers understand these fees.
Godongwana says in a written answer to Omphile Maotwe, an EFF MP, that in some cases there are significant disparities in fees between banks for the same or relatively similar products or services.
Maotwe asked Godongwana, in a parliamentary question, if National Treasury is investigating exorbitant bank charges.
CONTINUE READING: FSCA to investigate banks charging different amounts for the same product
‘I did it for Joshlin’: Woman admits to burning down Kelly Smith’s shack
The woman accused of setting fire to the shack belonging to Racquel “Kelly” Smith, the mother of missing child Joshlin Smith, has been released on bail.
Monique Kekana appeared for the second time in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
She faces an arson charge relating to the 2 May incident in Middelpos, Saldanha, where Smith’s home was reduced to ashes.
CONTINUE READING: ‘I did it for Joshlin’: Woman admits to burning down Kelly Smith’s shack
N1 South in Roodepoort closed after fuel tanker crash
All lanes of the N1 South highway before the Maraisburg off-ramp have been closed after a diesel tanker collided with another truck and overturned, spilling fuel.
Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the closure was a necessary measure to allow emergency responders space to safely manage the scene and clear the diesel spillage from an overturned tanker.
Vehicles are currently being diverted at the Gordon Road exit as traffic volumes continue to increase on the N1 South and surrounding roads.
CONTINUE READING: N1 South in Roodepoort closed after fuel tanker crash
Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost
The Gauteng Provincial Treasury has confirmed that about R1.8 billion was returned to the National Treasury due to underspending in its annual budget, mainly from the health and education departments.
Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile confirmed on Monday that the total underspending amounted to R1.799 billion; however, he said the notion that this money is lost is a “misunderstanding”.
“The concern that the underspent resources will no longer be available or that they are lost by the Gauteng Provincial Government is a misunderstanding that necessitates clarification,” he said.
CONTINUE READING: Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost
Here are five more stories of the day:
- OPINION: Big stadium, more people, cheaper tickets — bring UFC to SA
- ‘I’ll keep on fighting through this pain’ – Nomcebo Zikode after losing case against Open Mic
- Mbenenge tribunal: Judge viewed footage ‘without following proper procedure’
- ‘Madiba never hid money under his mattress,’ Malema tells elderly in Soweto
- PSA bays for Pityana’s blood
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Hospitals at risk | ID changes | Soweto Derby arrests
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