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Here’s your daily news update for Thursday, 15 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Picture: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
In the news today, the Bulls and Roses United Rugby Club have paid tribute to former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks, who tragically passed away at the age of 37 on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says more than 8 000 healthcare workers in South Africa lost their jobs following the withdrawal of United States (US) funding for HIV/Aids programmes.
Furthermore, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has denied suggestions US President Donald Trump may attempt to make a fool of South Africa when he meets a delegation from our country next week.
Weather tomorrow: 16 May 2025
Fire warnings are in place for Beaufort West and Laingsburg, with heat wave conditions expected in Richtersveld, Northern Cape. Full weather forecast here.
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‘An infectious smile that brightened our world’: Tributes pour in for Cornal Hendricks
The Bulls and Roses United Rugby Club have paid tribute to former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks, who tragically passed away at the age of 37 on Wednesday, in his home town of Wellington, reportedly due to a heart attack.
Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said Hendricks was a special player who will be dearly missed.
“He knew how to deliver just about the right dose of energy to help lift a room. He was an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room,” Rathbone said.
CONTINUE READING: ‘An infectious smile that brightened our world’: Tributes pour in for Cornal Hendricks
Over 8 000 SA healthcare jobs lost – and more could follow – after US Pepfar aid cuts
More than 8 000 healthcare workers in South Africa lost their jobs following the withdrawal of United States (US) funding for HIV/Aids programmes, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed on Thursday.
During a media update, Motsoaledi addressed the impact of the funding cuts while countering claims that the country’s HIV response has collapsed.
Despite the significant job losses, the health minister emphasised that the vast majority of the HIV/Aids workforce remains intact and operational across affected districts.
“In these 27 districts, there were 271 606 people who are working on the HIV/Aids programmes every day. 15 539 of these were funded by Pepfar , of which, yes, we can confirm today, unfortunately, 8 061 are out of their jobs,” Motsoaledi stated.
CONTINUE READING: Over 8 000 SA healthcare jobs lost – and more could follow – after US Pepfar aid cuts
Will Trump embarrass SA at White House meeting?
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has denied suggestions US President Donald Trump may attempt to make a fool of South Africa when he meets a delegation from our country next week.
On Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa would embark on a working visit to the USA from 19 to 22 May 2025.
Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, 21 May, to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest.
Despite tensions between the two countries, Ntshavheni said the government expects the “highest level of decorum” when they meet US President Donald Trump.
CONTINUE READING: Will Trump embarrass SA at White House meeting?
Here’s what some of South Africa’s SOE bosses earn
The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has disclosed detailed information about the remuneration packages of chief executives across state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that fall under his department.
The disclosure came in response to a parliamentary question from DA MP Mergan Chetty, who requested comprehensive details about executive compensation at these entities.
According to Mantashe’s response, the Central Energy Fund SOE (CEF) Chief Executive Officer, Ishmael Poolo, receives the highest remuneration package among the SOEs, totaling R6 147 526.77 annually.
The CEO also received a performance bonus of R2 839 005.15 for the 2023-24 financial year.
CONTINUE READING: Here’s what some of South Africa’s SOE bosses earn
‘I’m viewing my options,’ says Lesufi on availability for ANC’s top positions
ANC Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi said on Thursday that he may not run for election to the party’s top seven in 2027.
Lesufi would not limit his options to just the party’s top seven positions.
“I’m viewing my options. I’ve been in politics since I was 13 years old. If you speak about 2027, it might be far-fetched. Let’s wait. It’s not about contestation, there might be other opportunities that might be opened,” said Lesufi.
CONTINUE READING: ‘I’m viewing my options,’ says Lesufi on availability for ANC’s top positions
Here are five more stories of the day:
- Petrol price relief still on the cards for June: Here’s what you could be paying
- Billions’ worth of weight loss and diabetes medications reached SA shelves and patients in 2024
- Can you get fired for being racist? Here is what employers and employees need to know
- Free State asbestos trial: State accused of ruining life of Magashule’s ex-PA Moroadi Cholota
- Rihanna drops new music for ‘The Smurfs’
Yesterday’s News recap
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