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Here’s your daily news update for Sunday, 13 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Picture: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
In news today, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night announced that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on leave of absence.
Also, Eskom has spent over R5.2 billion on diesel between April 2023 and March 2024 to operate its open-cycle gas turbines.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has rejected the Islamic State of Africa’s (ISA) application for registration due to its stated intent to introduce Sharia law.
Weather tomorrow: 13 July 2025
Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the eastern and southern parts of the country, with isolated showers along the south coast and the eastern half of the Eastern Cape tomorrow. Full weather forecast here.
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Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on leave of absence
Following a public speech by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against senior political and South African Police Service leadership, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence.
The president said Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting minister of police. He will beign this role on 1 August.
“These allegations call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation. To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I’m establishing a judicial commission of inquiry that will be chaired by acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga,” said Ramaphosa.
CONTINUE READING: JUST IN: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on leave of absence
Eskom spends over R5bn on diesel to keep the lights on
Eskom has spent over R5.2 billion on diesel between April 2023 and March 2024 to operate its open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) in an effort to mitigate load shedding.
This is despite previous claims that the utility would reduce its diesel usage due to financial constraints.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the year-to-date load factor for OGCT has marginally increased to 10.78%, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to the previous week.
CONTINUE READING: Eskom spends over R5bn on diesel to keep the lights on
IEC rejects application of Islamic party that wants to bring Sharia law to SA
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has rejected the Islamic State of Africa’s (ISA) application for registration due to its stated intent to introduce Sharia law.
The IEC rejected ISA’s application on three grounds.
One of the reasons is that ISA published the notice of its application in a newspaper that is only circulated in small parts of the eThekwini municipality.
CONTINUE READING: IEC rejects application of Islamic party that wants to bring Sharia law to SA
‘A scammer trying to scam me as me’ – Fake Connie Ferguson calls the real one
Actress and producer Connie Ferguson exposed a scammer who attempted to impersonate her in a video call to defraud unsuspecting people.
Ferguson posted a screen recording of the interaction, showing the fake caller trying to convince her to invest in a bogus deal.
She warned her followers to stay vigilant, noting that scammers are using AI-generated or deepfake content to impersonate celebrities.
“Thieves are using AI to convince you that they are whoever they say they are. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t be manipulated into losing your common sense because times are hard.”
CONTINUE READING: WATCH: ‘A scammer trying to scam me as me’ – Fake Connie Ferguson calls the real one
Boks to fully support Wiese following red card, says coach Rassie
The Springboks confirmed that the team will support Jasper Wiese following his red card during Saturday’s Test in Gqeberha.
While Wiese will miss upcoming matches, he is expected to be punished by World Rugby for the incident, which will possibly rule him out of action for a few matches.
“He is just so committed and passionate about the team, and it would have been wonderful for him to play in this game with his brother,” said Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus.
CONTINUE READING: Boks to fully support Wiese following red card, says coach Rassie
Here are five more stories of the day:
- Ramaphosa ‘satisfied’ with Mcebisi Jonas’s work despite being snubbed by Trump
- Ex-mine workers urged to claim long-due compensation in Ekurhuleni
- Is Police Minister Senzo Mchunu about to be booted out?
- Five money mistakes that seem smart, but could cost you a lot later
- Rassie reveals origin of midfield maul as Boks’ full bag of tricks on show against Italy
