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Here’s your daily news update for Thursday, 3 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Picture: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
In the news today, former South African Deputy President David Mabuza has died.
Meanwhile, a bus driver has been arrested for transporting 80 undocumented foreign nationals.
Furthermore, the much-anticipated Hey Neighbour Festival has been postponed.
Former SA deputy president David Mabuza has died
Former South African Deputy President David Mabuza has died.
Mabuza, also known as the Cat, passed away in a Sandton hospital on Thursday after a prolonged battle with ill health. He was 64 years old.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed Mabuza’s passing.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former deputy president of the republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza.”
CONTINUE READING: Former SA deputy president David Mabuza has died
Bus driver arrested after transporting nearly 80 undocumented Zimbabweans
A bus driver has been arrested and his human cargo escorted back to the border after failing to escape authorities.
The police’s border unit was aided by South African National Parks Rangers in tracking a bus loaded with undocumented foreign nationals on Monday.
The driver of the bus was charged with the Conveyance of Illegal Immigrants and given a fine of at least R100 000.
CONTINUE READING: Bus driver arrested after transporting nearly 80 undocumented Zimbabweans
Hey Neighbour Festival postponed as organisers negotiate new dates with artists
The much-anticipated Hey Neighbour Festival has been postponed.
Originally scheduled for August, the festival will now take place in December 2025.
In a statement on Thursday, the organisers said the decision was a strategic one, aimed at ensuring the festival’s long-term success and sustainability.
“While the festival was set to feature world-class performances, including the highly anticipated appearances by Doja Cat, Central Cee, Black Coffee, and Leon Thomas, to name a few, the organisers have made the strategic decision to reschedule the festival in order to ensure its continued success and sustainability,” the statement read.
CONTINUE READING: Hey Neighbour Festival postponed as organisers negotiate new dates with artists
Malema’s revenge politics puts ANC on notice
EFF leader Julius Malema has vowed the EFF will vote with the DA to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa in the mooted motion of no confidence.
If this move is successful, it could see DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen becoming the first white president since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
“I want to warn you that this country will have a white president. Steenhuisen will be president if the ANC is behaving the way it is doing,” said Malema yesterday.
“The motion of no confidence will come, we will vote with the DA. Then, when it is time elect a president, we will abstain and the ANC will lose.”
CONTINUE READING: Malema’s revenge politics puts ANC on notice
Woman awarded R2.2m after losing eye when hit by police’s rubber bullet
A woman from the North West has been awarded R2.2 million in damages after being struck in the eye by a rubber bullet fired by police during a protest.
The North West High Court in Mahikeng ruled in favour of Elizabeth Matshidiso Jack, who suffered a major eye injury six years ago.
She subsequently launched a civil claim against the minister of police.
CONTINUE READING: Woman awarded R2.2m after losing eye when hit by police’s rubber bullet
Here are five more stories of the day:
- WATCH: Kenny Kunene closes crèche, says homeless foreigners destroying bridge in Joburg CBD
- JSC to recommend Judge President Mlambo as next deputy chief justice
- Story of 1990s serial killer Moses Sithole set to make its debut on Showmax
- WATCH: ‘She was such a dynamite’ – Inside the memorial service of legendary actress Meme Ditshego
- No bail for man accused of stealing identity of SA police minister’s wife
