It’s Thursday, 25 June, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
Bafana Bafana have made history, beating South Korea 1-0 to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal and a disciplined defensive performance sent South Africa through from Group A alongside Mexico, with President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulating the team for inspiring hope across the country.
The Auditor-General says South Africa’s major cities are regressing. Tsakani Maluleke told Parliament that only 15% of municipalities achieved clean audits, while 38 municipalities, representing 24% of local government expenditure, have regressed since 2020/21. She singled out the City of Joburg for urgent intervention, saying its financial statements cannot be relied upon.
In Johannesburg, OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage wants answers over alleged R500-million City Power fraud linked to Zimbabwean pastor Witness Mazanaga. The allegations point to possible corruption and serious supply-chain failures at the utility.
The leader of March and March, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has pushed back on questions about how the group is funded. Her organisation has amplified anti-illegal immigration sentiment and set a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
Peet and Mel Viljoen will be arrested if they try to re-enter the United States. US authorities have issued bench warrants after the couple failed to appear in court following their Florida shoplifting arrests and deportation.
Alleged underworld boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has entered into a plea deal in the R228-million SAPS tender corruption case linked to Medicare24. His case has now been separated from the main proceedings.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, the Madlanga Commission wants North West businessman Suliman Carrim to undergo an independent medical assessment after another no-show. Three suspects have been arrested after the Jumpers Informal Settlement mass shooting, and Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee is seeking nominations for an evidence leader.
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Bafana Bafana now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday night at 9pm South African time, while the International Olympic Committee has announced a new $10,000 Fit for the Future Olympian Grant for every athlete who takes part in the Games.
And finally, between Bafana making history, Joburg’s books needing rescue and Peet and Mel’s American dream hitting a legal wall, today’s News Bite is giving glory, governance and “do not pass border control.”
That’s your News Bite for 25 June.
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