Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories for 20 April 2025.
News today includes Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy coming under gunfire three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (Sars) are reportedly working behind the scenes to potentially reverse the VAT hike.
Then, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the fire that broke out at Tembisa Hospital on Saturday evening.
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Top 10 stories
Mashatile insists he’s well protected after vehicle shooting incident
Three weeks after the alarming incident was quietly buried, it has come to light that a vehicle in Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy came under gunfire.
Reports indicate that one of Mashatile’s official vehicles was struck by bullets three times while he was travelling home from an ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng.
The shooting occurred on the N12 highway while the deputy president was inside the vehicle.
CONTINUE READING: Mashatile insists he’s well protected after vehicle shooting incident
‘Serious option’ on the table as Treasury, Sars seek ways to reverse VAT hike amid legal battle
While Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana continues to oppose a legal challenge against the impending 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) increase, the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (Sars) are reportedly working behind the scenes to potentially reverse the hike.
The VAT rate is scheduled to rise to 15.5% on 1 May, but growing political and public pressure has placed Godongwana under strain to abandon the proposed increase.
Should the VAT hike be scrapped, Treasury would need to source R13.5 billion elsewhere to address the budget shortfall.
CONTINUE READING: Treasury and Sars seek ways to reverse VAT hike
Health MEC says Tembisa Hospital still operational after fire, confirms no injuries
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported in the fire that broke out at Tembisa Hospital’s accident and emergency unit on Saturday evening.
Speaking during a media briefing at the hospital on Sunday, Nkomo-Ralehoko said 81 patients were in the unit when the fire started.
The MEC also dismissed claims that Tembisa Hospital has been closed.
CONTINUE READING: Health MEC says Tembisa Hospital still operational after fire, confirms no injuries
Motshekga gives update on return of SA troops as DRC ceasefire negotiations progress
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga on Saturday gave an update on when South Africa’s soldiers will return home from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Motshekga was speaking at the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) exhibition at the Rand Show in Johannesburg.
She said bringing South Africa’s troops back depends on the progress of ceasefire negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebels.
CONTINUE READING: Motshekga gives update on return of SA troops
Mashatile praises controversial KwaSizabantu Mission, says government seeking partnership
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has seemingly defended his visit to the KwaSizabantu Mission, a church that has previously garnered negative attention.
Speaking to the media following the Easter service on Sunday, Mashatile praised the mission’s community development efforts across the province.
He revealed that government was looking to partner with KwaSizabantu.
CONTINUE READING: Mashatile praises controversial KwaSizabantu Mission
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday’s news recap:
READ HERE: Fire at Tembisa Hospital | Man awarded R850k after horrific wrongful arrest | Walter Sisulu University evictions blocked
