News

Top 10 stories of the day: 49 Afrikaners not ‘refugees’ | Woman admits burning Smith’s shack | Maile: R1.8bn not lost

Here’s your daily news update for Monday, 12 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.

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By Chulumanco Mahamba

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.

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Lamola briefed the media on Monday about preparations for the G20 summit and other related matters.

President Cyril Ramaphosa during an official visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to South Africa at the Union Buildings on 24 April 2025 in Pretoria. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu

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’

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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.

Picture: Supplied

Maotwe asked Godongwana, in a parliamentary question, if National Treasury is investigating exorbitant bank charges.

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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.

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Joshlin Smith’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, at White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay on 2 May 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach

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.

All lanes have been closed after two trucks collided on the N1 South. Picture: Shaun Holland

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”.

Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile provided a broad overview of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s state of finances and expenditure. Picture: Facebook/Lebogang Maile

“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



Yesterday’s News recap

READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Hospitals at risk | ID changes | Soweto Derby arrests

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Published by
By Chulumanco Mahamba
Read more on these topics: Top 10 stories of the day