Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories for 18 April 2025.
News today includes Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber suggesting that no Afrikaners’ citizenship will be revoked if they choose to take up the US offer to resettle them.
Meanwhile, Newzroom Afrika anchor Aldrin Sampear responded to questions around an alleged road rage incident on Thursday.
Then, the Easter weekend got off to a bad start with major accidents taking place in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mpumalanga, Free State and Gauteng.
Weather tomorrow: 19 April 2025
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted thunderstorms for several parts of South Africa on Saturday, while cold weather is expected in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Get the full weather forecast here.
Top 10 stories
Schreiber on Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship as Ramaphosa downplays refugee offer
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has suggested that no Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship will be revoked, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has seemingly dismissed the idea of offering refuge to African Americans in South Africa.
This comes amid growing tensions between South Africa and the United States.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that cuts financial aid to South Africa earlier this year. He also extended an offer to Afrikaner farmers to relocate to the US as refugees.
CONTINUE READING: Schreiber on Afrikaner farmers’ citizenship
TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear claims road rage video was edited, denies assault
Newzroom Afrika anchor and former Power 98.7 FM broadcaster Aldrin Sampear finally responded late Thursday night following an alleged road rage incident earlier in the day.
The purported victim, a 20-year-old woman, laid charges of assault against the presenter.
However, Sampear alleged that the video she made of the incident was edited.
CONTINUE READING: Aldrin Sampear claims road rage video was edited
Easter weekend turns tragic as multiple accidents claim lives across SA roads
The Easter weekend had a deadly start across South Africa’s roads, with a string of accidents leaving multiple people dead and scores injured.
Emergency services have been working around the clock, responding to major accidents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mpumalanga, Free State, and Gauteng.
In one incident, a multi-vehicle pile-up in Town Hill involved at least 15 vehicles, including a bus, two trucks, two taxis, and 10 passenger cars. It left 65 people injured.
CONTINUE READING: Easter weekend turns tragic as accidents claim lives across SA roads
Mashatile ‘positive’ that solution will be found over VAT hike
Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Friday said he is “positive” that political parties will find a solution to avoid the value-added tax (VAT) increase proposed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Mashatile was speaking during the Good Friday service at the Assemblies of God church in Thaba Nchu, Free State.
Mashatile asked the church to pray for South Africa’s leaders. He did this as political parties are discussing alternatives to the 0.5% increase in VAT that is set to come into effect on 1 May.
CONTINUE READING: Mashatile ‘positive’ that solution will be found over VAT hike
City of Ekurhuleni suspends CIO over financial misconduct allegations
The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its chief information officer (CIO) Moloko Monyepao after allegations of mismanagement that led to significant financial losses.
In a statement on Thursday, the City said it decided to suspend Monyepao at an Ekurhuleni council meeting on 27 March 2025.
“This decision arises from serious allegations of mismanagement related to financial losses incurred by the City, primarily due to issues around inaccurate billing systems, interim meter readings, account manipulations, insufficient administrative oversight and poor management of business systems,” the statement read.
CONTINUE READING: City of Ekurhuleni suspends CIO over financial misconduct allegations
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday’s news recap
READ HERE: Joshlin accused confession admissible | Omotoso victims speak | Aldrin Sampear road rage saga
