Here’s your daily news update for Sunday, 17 August 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, is expected to meet Zulu monarch King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini on Monday to consult him about the idea of starting a new political party.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has restored funding for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) projects in the troubled Matjhabeng local municipality in the Free State.
Furthermore, ministers for the two largest parties, ANC and DA, in the government of national unity (GNU) are said to be growing increasingly frustrated as the US continues to make more demands during ongoing tariff negotiations.
Weather tomorrow: 18 August 2025
The South African Weather Service says the country can expect a mix of fog, partly cloudy skies, and variable temperatures as winter weather patterns continue to influence regional conditions. Full weather forecast here.
Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.
Shivambu to consult King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini about the formation of his new political party
Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, is expected to meet Zulu monarch King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini on Monday to consult him about the idea of starting a new political party.
Shivambu and other leaders of the Mayibuye Afrika movement are in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend as part of consultations for the formation of a new party that Shivambu will lead.
Continue reading here.
Macpherson restores EPWP funding to Matjhabeng municipality after questions about salaries
The Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has restored funding for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) projects in the troubled Matjhabeng local municipality in the Free State.
Macpherson had frozen funding for EPWP projects after it was alleged that funds were being abused and that some officials in the municipality were being paid enormous salaries through these funds.
However, in a media statement on Sunday, Macpherson said he will now release the funds after investigations revealed that EPWP funds had not been misappropriated.
Continue reading here.
US demands spark growing discontent amid tariff negotiations – report
Ministers for the two largest parties, ANC and DA, in the government of national unity (GNU) are said to be growing increasingly frustrated as the US continues to make more demands during ongoing tariff negotiations.
South Africa is in talks with Washington in the hope of securing a deal that would see the steep tariffs imposed by the US reduced.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump’s administration introduced a 30% tariff on all South African exports to the US.
Continue reading here.
Ramaphosa not likely to act as Motshekga defends SANDF chief’s Iran trip – report
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has come to the defence of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief Rudzani Maphwanya following backlash over his recent remarks during a visit to Iran.
This week, Maphwanya sparked a diplomatic stir after claiming South Africa and Iran had “common goals.”
His comments drew criticism from International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and the Presidency, as they felt the SANDF chief had stepped into foreign policy matters.
Continue reading here.
Grade R learner dies in tragic scholar bus accident
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed the death of a 6-year-old Grade R learner from Letsatsing Primary Mine School in Carletonville following a scholar transport bus accident on Friday.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the girl sustained serious injuries while boarding the bus on Friday morning, 15 August 2025
Continue reading here.
Here are five more stories of the day:
- Sassa defends pension grant suspensions as legal tender obligation
- 77 motorists arrested for drunk driving in KZN over payday weekend
- Under fire Pirates coach Ouaddou defends goalless Radiopane
- Someone offered to reduce your debt instalments? This is what to beware of
- Inside SA’s multimillion-rand plan to fill US funding void
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Marikana massacre anniversary | KZN N2 crash | Springboks lose
