Here’s your daily news update for Sunday, 24 August 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In news today, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said late struggle veteran Gertrude “Ma” Shope knew corruption was dragging down ANC leaders’ morality and weakening the party’s bond with the people
Also, Eskom has reached a major milestone of 100 consecutive days without load shedding, following a strong performance in 2024.
Meanwhile, South Africans are mourning the death of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, described as “the very soul of storytelling”.
Weather tomorrow: 24 August 2025
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has forecasted calm and hot weather in most parts of the country. However, the weather forecaster did issue a warning of fire conditions in various parts of the country. Full weather forecast here.
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ANC morality questioned at Gertrude Shope lecture
Dr Naledi Pandor, speaking at the Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture in Pretoria North, highlighted that the late ANC stalwart Gertrude “Ma Shope” was keenly aware of the corruption undermining the party’s moral foundation.
Shope, a veteran who served as the first president of the ANC Women’s League after its 1991 relaunch and a prominent MK member, observed early signs of decay in leadership integrity and the ANC’s capacity to serve the public effectively.
Pandor said Shope would have been dismayed by corruption and declining ANC values at home.
CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Gertrude Shope knew of corruption that dragged down ANC leaders ‘morality’ – Pandor
Eskom celebrates 100 days without load shedding
Eskom has celebrated a significant victory: 100 straight days without load shedding, a dramatic improvement signalling better grid stability and performance
This achievement builds on a strong 2024 performance that saw 352 days without power cuts, a stark contrast to just 36 days in the 2023–24 financial year.
According to spokesperson Daphne Mokwena, these gains stem from the Generation Recovery Plan launched in March 2023 and ongoing efforts by technical teams to fortify the power system.
CONTINUE READING: Eskom marks 100 days of no load shedding, but long will it last?
Tributes pour in for Mam’ Nandi Nyembe
South Africa mourns the passing of beloved veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, affectionately known as “Mam’ Nandi,” who has been celebrated as “the very soul of South African storytelling”.
The news was jointly announced by her family and the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, prompting a wave of heartfelt tributes.
Nyembe’s impact extended beyond her many iconic roles in shows like iSibaya, Soul City, Zone 14, Yizo Yizo, Jacob’s Cross and the Oscar-nominated film.
CONTINUE READING: ‘The very soul of storytelling’: Tributes pour in for Mam’ Nandi Nyembe
Divorce law overhaul aims for fairer property outcomes
South Africa’s family law is set to change significantly, with proposed changes that could affect how your property and other assets.
Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty Property Group, says this is one of the most substantial adjustments in matrimonial property law in some time.
“The goal is to promote fairer outcomes, particularly for spouses who made meaningful non-financial contributions to the marriage.”
CONTINUE READING: Getting divorced? This is how changes in law will affect property ownership
Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye tests positive for banned substance
Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will miss upcoming Tests against the All Blacks after a positive doping test, despite disputing the result
SA Rugby confirmed that the substance detected was non-performance enhancing and had been prescribed by a specialist early in 2025.
“Ntlabakanye was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry,” it said.
CONTINUE READING: Springbok prop Ntlabakanye out of All Black Tests after testing positive for banned substance
Here are five more stories of the day:
- Police hunting suspects linked to triple murder in Western Cape
- Over 250 000 bank customers unable to access funds for eight months — report
- Mcebisi Jonas warns of ‘information war’ emanating from the shadows — report
- Lights, camera, kykNET! And the winners of the Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV are…
- SA women of all income levels forced to make difficult financial choices
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Deokaran family pleads for justice | Cape Town baby gunned down | steel workers left unpaid