Here’s your daily news update for Thursday, 7 August 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged with his United States counterpart, Donald Trump, on the sweeping tariffs via phone call.
Meanwhile, alleged Ponzi scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg has been sent to a psychiatric hospital for 30 days.
Furthermore, minister of public works and infrastructure Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against Independent Development Trust CE, Tebogo Malaka and her spokesperson Phasha Makgolane.
Weather tomorrow: 8 August 2025
The South African Weather Service (Saws) hasn’t issued any severe weather warnings for Friday but expect foggy mornings and cool conditions for most provinces. Full weather forecast here.
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Inside Ramaphosa’s call with Trump over devastating tariffs
As South Africa’s 30% duty takes effect on Thursday, 7 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged with his United States (US) counterpart, Donald Trump, on the sweeping tariffs.
As an executive order signed last week by Trump took effect, US duties rose from 10% to levels between 15% and 41% for a list of trading partners.
Ramaphosa spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya confirmed the president and Trump discussed the issue in a phone call on Wednesday.
“The two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements, recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in. Respective trade negotiating teams will take forward more detailed discussions,” Magwenya said.
CONTINUE READING: Inside Ramaphosa’s call with Trump over devastating tariffs
‘Rats as big as cats’: Louis Liebenberg sent to psychiatric hospital [VIDEO]
Alleged Ponzi scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg has been sent to a psychiatric hospital for 30 days.
This comes after the Bronkhorspruit Magistrate’s Court referred the notorious diamond dealer for evaluation during his bail application after a heated debate with the magistrate and various accusations.
His rant included comments on bullying, prison abuse, white bread for his gout, the Bible and making various accusations against the magistrate, the court and even the minister of correctional services.
“You know Groenewald talks a bit retarded, you can hear it’s him, you can clearly hear it’s him. He said, ‘Give that man a hard time in prison’,” he said.
CONTINUE READING: ‘Rats as big as cats’: Louis Liebenberg sent to psychiatric hospital [VIDEO]
IDT CEO attempted bribery: Minister Macpherson takes action
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against Independent Development Trust (IDT) chief executive officer, Tebogo Malaka, and her spokesperson at the organisation, Phasha Makgolane.
He is accusing them of corruption, bribery, collusion, breaches of fiduciary duties in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and charges relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
“Last night, I met with the board to discuss the events that unfolded in the media that morning. Watching the video of Malaka allegedly offering a bribe of R60 000 made me sick to my stomach and left me in disbelief,” said Macpherson in a media briefing on Thursday.
CONTINUE READING: IDT CEO attempted bribery: Minister Macpherson takes action
WATCH: ‘You guys are too sensitive,’ says Open Chats Podcast as Gayton McKenzie’s PA opens case
The Open Chats Podcast team is under fire for controversial remarks about coloured people.
This has prompted a legal case from the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and a national conversation about race, humour and accountability.
In response to the backlash, the Open Podcast team posted a video to Threads. They defended the comments and claimed that the entire discussion was meant as a joke.
Their attempt to brush off the comments as satire failed to land with many online. Especially as they doubled down by accusing the public of being “too sensitive”.
CONTINUE READING: WATCH: ‘You guys are too sensitive,’ says Open Chats Podcast as Gayton McKenzie’s PA opens case
Disabled pupils suffer as wheelchair, walker and staff shortages cripple Katlehong school
Children with physical disabilities at Ezibeleni School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, are allegedly being forced to endure dangerous infrastructure and a critical lack of assistive devices.
The DA in Gauteng has raised alarm over what it calls “inhumane” conditions at the special needs school, where more than 250 physically disabled pupils reportedly have no access to essential equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.
“Students at Ezibeleni School for Physically Disabled Children… are being severely compromised due to a severe shortage of assistive devices,” said DA MPL and Education Committee member Bronwynn Engelbrecht.
Ezibeleni has been operating for 13 years on what Engelbrecht describes as a “dangerously unstable dolomitic site.”
CONTINUE READING: Disabled pupils suffer as wheelchair, walker and staff shortages cripple Katlehong school
Here are five more stories of the day:
- UCT racialised marking claims ‘deeply shocking’ – Parliament demands urgent probe
- 10-hour outages coming to these Joburg areas next week
- Tyla earns double nod at 2025 MTV VMAs
- Google donates $1 million to the University of Pretoria to help AI research
- MTN8 semi-finals venues and dates confirmed
