Current international and local weekly news summary, with facts and information in a succinct and visual format…
LOCAL
New date for Day Zero
In a small twist of fate for the Mother City, Day Zero has been extended by four days. The original date was April 12 when dam levels are expected to be at 13.5%. Dam levels currently stand at 26.3%.
DA Leader Mmusi Maimane announced on Tuesday that Day Zero has been pushed back by four days. Despite the harsh weather conditions, residents of the Western Cape are actually joining in on the fight to defeat day zero. Piling up on water is not a good idea, Cape Town MMC JP Smith warned over the weekend that residents stockpiling water meant Day Zero would occur sooner.
There is still a fight to lower the daily water production of all water sources, which stands at 580 million litres a day, with the intended target being 450 million litres a day.
ANC saves Patricia De Lille’s job
Cape Town Mayor, Patricia De Lille’s job was on the line after two separate investigations were under way until the ANC stepped in.
Source: IOL
In a turn of events, it seems the ANC of all parties have swooped in and saved De Lille’s job after they withdrew its planned motion of no confidence, which would have seen her removed from office.
The DA’s Federal executive authorised proceedings by some of the party’s disgruntled councillors to remove De Lille, but councillors are divided on the issue and would have required the votes of the ANC to have her removed from the office. She will remain in office.
Capitec accused of being a ‘loan-shark bank’
Viceroy Research has accused Capitec of underhanded business practices and called on Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba and the SA Reserve Bank to immediately place it into curatorship, saying it’s a matter of time before the JSE-listed bank goes bust.
The research group said reconciliation of loan book values, maturity profiles and cash outflows implied Capitec was either “fabricating” new loans and collections, or re-financing R2.5 billion – R3bn in principal per year by issuing new loans to defaulting clients.
It said legal documents it had obtained showed Capitec advising and approving loans to “delinquent customers in order to repay existing loans”. The documents also showed Capitec engaging in “reckless lending practices as defined by South Africa’s National Credit Act”.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Suspected terrorist shot after plotting ‘bomb outrage’ in a Russian city
A suspected terrorist has been shot dead after allegedly plotting a ‘bomb outrage’ in the same city where England is set to play a key World Cup game this summer.
Russia’s FSB security service says it has “liquidated” the alleged jihadist, who had planned an attack in Nizhny Novgorod, where England will play Panama in the group stages of the competition.
Video footage released, shows the counter-intelligence agency’s Alpha Group troops moving in to shoot dead the suspect who had refused to surrender.
The body of the alleged terrorist, who has not been named, is shown along with weapons and equipment for making explosives which he allegedly planned to use to disrupt Russia’s presidential election next month.
Lorry ploughs through Peru’s ancient Nazca Lines
Peru’s ancient Nazca Lines have been damaged after a lorry driver allegedly ignored warning signs and ploughed through part of the 2,000-year-old archaeological site.
The Unesco World Heritage Site was left with irreparable scars from the lorry’s tyres.
Peruvian officials said there were deep marks across three parallel lines, or geoglyphs, in an area measuring 104ft by 328ft. The lorry driver, Jainer Jesus Flores Vigo, 40, claims his truck suffered a mechanical problem and he pulled over to change a tyre.
The driver was detained by security guards after he allegedly ignored warning signs and drove onto the protected site on Saturday, Peru’s Ministry of Culture said.
But he was released on Monday after a magistrate said there wasn’t enough evidence to prove that he had deliberately driven over the site.
Party animal Arizona lawmaker expelled after #MeToo movement
Known for booze-fueled partying and good-ol’ boy, clownish behaviour, Rep. Don Shooter spent the past seven years as a hard-to-miss fixture who wielded considerable power at the Arizona state Capitol.
But on Thursday, he was kicked out of the Arizona Legislature for a lengthy pattern of sexual misconduct.
The whispered rumours about the retired and married Yuma farmer were brushed off as the actions of a country bumpkin jokester until October when the #MeToo movement prompted millions of women to share their experiences with sexual harassment or assault on social media.
Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita then publicly accused Shooter, fellow Republican, of propositioning her for sex years ago and repeatedly commenting on her breasts.
Spurred by the movement that erupted after a New York Times expose about movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, other women came forward against Shooter at a dizzying pace — lobbyists, a newspaper publisher and other female lawmakers.
“This all began years ago when Mr Shooter began making inappropriate comments and gestures to people and culminated today,” Republican House Speaker J.D. Mesnard said after Shooter was booted out of office on a 56-3 vote. “Certainly the #MeToo movement and the greater awareness not only here but nationally over issues of sexual harassment and other similar offences brought this to the forefront.”
Other lawmakers facing similar allegations across the nation were stripped of leadership posts, resigned or announced they would not seek re-election.
As the House began a historic vote to expel a sitting lawmaker — the first in Arizona’s Legislature in nearly three decades — Ugenti-Rita and women from both parties gathered in a circle, holding hands and hugging.
Shooter spoke first, voting against the measure and saying that while he had said and done stupid things, “I stood on the carpet, I took it like a man, I apologized.”
“I have faithfully executed my duties,” he said. “I’ve never taken bribes, I’ve never considered one way or another except on the merits of a bill.”
He then dropped his microphone, leaving the chamber. Within about an hour, his expulsion was final. Another Republican will be appointed to fill out the remaining 11 months of his term.
CELEBRITY – INTERNATIONAL
John Cena and Nikki Bella’s relationship on the rocks?
They are the most loved couple in all of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), but it seems as though Cena and Bella’s relationship may have hit a curb.
They got engaged in 2017, in front of 75, 245 wrestling fans, but after a teaser for the series, Total Bellas showed the couple taking a break from their engagement.
The lives of the Bella twins are followed on the E! Network and while Brie Bella is happily married to retired WWE superstar Daniel Bryan, she is always helping out Nikki with the ups and downs of her relationship with Cena.
There is also the issue of no kids after Cena went on record saying he does not want kids and Nikki, wants to have that in her life when she said: “if he said to me one day, ‘let’s have a kid.’ I would do it in a heartbeat.”
Kim Kardashian West sends her perfume to all her haters and frenemies
The ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ star has decided to give “everyone she can think of” one of her new KIMOJI Heart scents for Valentine’s Day.
The 37-year-old beauty proved she wasn’t afraid to name her enemies as she uploaded a video of those who had made the cut – including Taylor Swift, Piers Morgan, Pink, Blac Chyna, Chloe Grace Moretz and Sharon Osbourne.
Amber Heard and Elon Musk break up…again.
The couple decided to reconcile recently but have already gone their separate ways, despite “caring deeply” for each other.
(Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
A source told People magazine: “Elon decided it was time to end it and Amber agreed. They both still care deeply for each other but the timing wasn’t right.” Meanwhile, Elon previously admitted his first split from Amber “hurt bad”.
He said: “I just broke up with my girlfriend. It hurt bad. Well, she broke up with me more than I broke up with her, I think …
CELEBRITY – LOCAL
Reason confirms that Khanya and Yanga are a couple.
For months, rumours have been circulating that TV presenter Khanya Mkangisa is dating rapper, Yanga Ntshakaza and now, thanks to fellow rapper, Reason, we have reason to believe that the rumours are true.
They were first suspected of being an item after they were spotted looking cosy at the launch of Mkangisa’s bestie’s pharmaceutical company, and then again at a recent trip to Sun City to get a sneak peek of the upcoming season of Tropika Island of Treasure, which Khanya Mkangisa will feature on.
Reason popped up in the back of one of Mkangisa’s stories singing the hook to one of Yanga’s songs before ending off with the phrase, “It’s Khanya Chief!” an adaptation of how Yanga signs off on the songs he’s featured on. Thus confirming Khanya and Yanga are dating.
The two are keeping things under wraps.
Film opens old wound of prejudice #Inxeba
Dubbed the most-awarded South African film made, Inxeba (The Wound), is set to open in cinemas nationwide today.
Directed by John Trengove, co-produced between South Africa, Germany, The Netherlands and France and starring Nakhane and Bongile Mantsai, the movie made its debut at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
It explores sexuality and more specifically, same-sex desire, within the context of initiation schools.
Intended to open up necessary conversations about toxic masculinity, forbidden love and queerness, Inxeba instead caused controversy and received backlash from the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and others who found it offensive.
Jay joins Jacaranda FM, Laurie serves up Breakfast Xtra
Legendary radio and television presenter, Alex Jay, will be joining Jacaranda FM, the home of more music you love, from February 3.
Jay will be stepping in to present Weekend Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to 10 am and he’ll also be joining Sacha Van Gelder on Jacaranda FM Regional, broadcasting to Mpumalanga and Limpopo – Mondays to Fridays from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Jacaranda FM’s GM, Kevin Fine, says: “Welcoming a presenter of Alex’ calibre is a great privilege for us. He has a strong rapport with audiences and really appeals to all South Africans. His love for radio and music echoes the station’s brand sentiment, and he will be a huge asset to our weekend and regional product.”
SPORT – LOCAL
India and the Proteas cross swords once again, as the ODI series commences
The Proteas are still basking in the glory of claiming a 2-1 series win over old foe India, but it is time to gear up again for first of six flaming hot one-day internationals between the two nations.
And once again it will be a battle between first and second. From the test series, the bowlers were the pick of the bunch, on both sides. They showed their class and in the process, we welcomed Lungani Ngidi to the international field and Kagiso Rabada claimed the number one test bowlers position.
The Indians are hurt after that series lost and no doubt, Virat Kohli and his men will come out guns blazing as they seek vengeance. There is no questioning the quality these two nations will bring, fielding, batting and bowling they have it all covered.
It will be fast-paced and definitely, action-packed, even without game changer AB de Villiers not in the fray for the first three ODI’s for South Africa.
Cobras crumble under pressure in Momentum One Cup semi
The Cobras had a chance of booking themselves a home final but failed to go over the final hurdle in front of their Newlands faithful.
Even with home ground advantage in the semi, Rory Kleinveldt and his men showed very little spirit as they struggled to mount a fight, going down by 49 runs after trying to chase down 231, set by Dolphins.
After winning the toss and inviting the Dolphins to bat first, big names like Vernon Philander did very little to dampen the Dolphins batting order, who weren’t at the brilliant best themselves.
After that, the host had a target of 231, but their batting just didn’t have the firepower to power them all the way. They crumbled and found them limping to 97/6 and it was clear the Dolphins were well on their way to the grand finale.
They eventually were bowled out for 181, after some fight was shown with the bat by Philander and Dane Piedt, who both went on to reach half centuries.
The Dolphins will now host the Warriors in Friday’s final.
Victorious India captain Kohli: ‘Chasing suits me’
Virat Kohli said he is ideally suited to the thrill of the chase after his 33rd ODI century plotted a path to victory against South Africa in Durban on Thursday night to put India 1-0 up in the six-match series.
South Africa – currently ranked No.1 in the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Rankings, one place ahead of India – posted 269/8, with their captain Faf du Plessis (120) leading the way. But his opposite number made short work of the target, Kohli scoring 112 in a six-wicket victory.
India’s captain has now scored 20 ODI centuries at an average of 65.84 when batting second, with 18 of those hundreds coming in wins, at an average of 94.04.
“It’s easier [to chase],” said Kohli said at the post-match presser. “You can break down a total when you have a number on the board, you know exactly what you want to do against which bowler, and it sort of suits my game-plan. I have a lot of energy and I would rather use it there, using my head as to where the game is going and planning it. It’s a lot of fun. Watching from the outside I get very nervous. It suits me well.”
SPORT – INTERNATIONAL
Mata: Sanchez signing will help Manchester United level up
Alexis Sanchez is poised to make his home debut as Manchester United aim to bounce back from a damaging defeat at Tottenham Hotspur when struggling Huddersfield Town visit Old Trafford on Saturday.
United fell 15 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City with a 2-0 defeat at Spurs on Wednesday that also saw the gap between United in second and Tottenham in fifth cut to just five points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Sanchez has yet to score in two appearances since joining from Arsenal in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan head to the Emirates.
However, midfielder Juan Mata believes Sanchez’s mere presence has helped raise the bar of what can be expected of United for the rest of the season.
Chelsea boss Conte ‘eager’ to return to Italy
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is eager to return to Italy and could fill the vacant position as a national coach according to newly-appointed Italian FA commissioner Roberto Fabbricini.
Conte left the job for Chelsea after Euro 2016, but replacement Gian Piero Ventura was sacked after Italy lost to Sweden in the World Cup play-off last November.
And speculation over 48-year-old Conte’s future has grown after Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Fabbricini said former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, currently in charge of Zenit St Petersburg, Carlo Ancelotti, who is available after being sacked by Bayern Munich, and Nantes coach Claudio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016, were also candidates.
France coach Brunel hoping to unearth new Michalak in Jalibert
France will host the World Cup in five years time and coach Jacques Brunel appeared to have one eye on that objective with his opening Six Nations team selection for Saturday’s match against Ireland.
The veteran handler plumped for teenage fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, a player to whom he handed a senior debut at Bordeaux-Begles less than five months ago before he was hired as France coach following the hurried sacking of Guy Noves in December.
While the French selectors will hope Brunel’s appointment brings about a change in playing fortunes, the 64-year-old seems to have maintained a search begun by Noves during his ill-fated two-year spell in charge: the quest to find a French equivalent of Jonny Wilkinson or Dan Carter.
At just 19 and with only 15 senior appearances under his belt, Jalibert appears to be a choice for the future despite Brunel’s insistence he wants to try and win the 2018 Six Nations title.
EVENTS
CAPE TOWN
South African National Beer Day
On the third of February, we celebrate the second South African National Beer Day.
It is all about getting people to drink our beautifully crafted local beer.
The day will be celebrated with 50% off the #DrinkLocal tasting tray and a free Beer Tasting with our local brewers at scheduled time slots, with times still having to be confirmed.
The #DrinkLocal tasting tray is made up of (6 x 120ml) beers from breweries that are within 20km of Beerhouse.
It’s all about supporting our local breweries and giving them a podium on which to shine.
The location for this event will be at the Stellenbosch Brewing Co., Stickman Brewery and the Beerhouse will play host to this day.
Date: Saturday, 4 February 2017
Time: Will commence at 10:00 am and end at 15:00 pm.
Venue: Beerhouse, 223 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre
Cost: Free
JOHANNESBURG
Black Cat Bones
The Black Cat Bones are back to perform at their ‘Joburg home’…The Radium. They have released four albums to date, namely ‘Silver Swamp Songs‘, ‘The Long Drive’, ‘Beatipiller’ and ‘06/06/07′.
They are brilliant live performers, truly professional musicians and really great guys to get to know. They write all their own songs and as live performers, there’s no band to touch them. Book early to see one of the best South African live bands perform at Radium. The Bones, who play blues and rock music, always sell out this venue.
Date: Saturday, 03 February 2018
Time: From 21:00
Venue: The Radium Beer Hall, 282 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove, Johannesburg
Cost: Entrance costs R120 per person
DURBAN
Bob Marley Earth Day Festival
Home to the coolest of vibes and those iconic off-beats that made this Jamaican musical genre popular from the sixties to today, Wahooz will treat you to popular Bob Marley covers such as “I Shot the Sherriff”, “Is This Love”, “Jammin'”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “No Woman, No Cry” and “One Love”, as well as sounds inspired by this musical icon through the decades.
Now in its tenth year, the Bob Marley Festival has become something of a Durban event. This year’s performers include The Meditators, Luwe Da Lion, Rastas at Work, Holy Fire, Undivided Roots, Sizwe Zakwe and the Rasta Project and Rasta Riddims.
Date: 3rd February 2018
Time: 10am – 8pm
Venue: uShaka Marine World’s Wahooz on the Promenade
Cost: R50pp (Adult & Children)
– African News Agency (ANA)/ IOL
