Top 10 stories of the day: Second group of SANDF troops return home
Here's your daily news update for Sunday, 15 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
News today includes 257 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members have arrived in South Africa on Sunday, with another group expected on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, as the death toll in the Eastern Cape rises to at least 88 people, officials have reportedly confirmed that some of the areas hardest hit by flooding this week were occupied illegally.
Furthermore, despite being on the other side of the world, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could soon see you paying more at the petrol pumps in South Africa.
WATCH: Second group of SANDF troops return to SA, more to arrive on Monday
Picture for illustration: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach
257 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members have arrived in South Africa on Sunday, with another group expected on Monday afternoon.
The troops were returning from a Southern African Development Community (Sadc) mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They were on the frontline of a conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebel fighters, which raged for three years in the East of that country until a ceasefire was called in April.
CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Second group of SANDF troops return to SA, more to arrive on Monday
Eastern Cape flood victims reportedly occupied land illegally
A shack surrounded by water after heavy rains fell in Motherwell on 10 June 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile
As the death toll in the Eastern Cape rises to at least 88 people, officials have reportedly confirmed that some of the areas hardest hit by flooding this week were occupied illegally.
Rescuers claim that around 10 000 people have been displaced, and 3 000 homes damaged or destroyed. At least 1 500 have been relocated to temporary shelters in community halls and other structures. Thursday has been declared an official day of mourning.
CONTINUE READING: Eastern Cape flood victims reportedly occupied land illegally
Israel vs Iran: Why you may soon have to pay more for petrol in South Africa
Petrol pumps are pictured at a filling station in Melville on 20 January 2021. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
Despite being on the other side of the world, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could soon see you paying more at the petrol pumps in South Africa.
Israel unleashed a barrage of missiles in a 'preemptive strike' on Iran on Friday amid concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme.
CONTINUE READING: Israel vs Iran: Why you may soon have to pay more for petrol in South Africa
Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu call it quits after six years of marriage
Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu. Picture: iStock
Tough times in the marriage of two television personalities, Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu, seem to be lasting, as rumours say the two are heading for a divorce.
The two tied the knot in 2019 and welcomed their first child in 2022. However, the ship has been sinking since October last year, when Hungani reportedly decided to move out of their matrimonial household.
CONTINUE READING: Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu call it quits after six years of marriage
Did you win R2.2m? Here's where the winning PowerBall ticket was bought
Image for illustration purposes: iStock
A Lotto PowerBall millionaire is on the loose, and it could be you!
Lottery operator Ithuba Holdings on Sunday confirmed that the winner of the R2.2-million PowerBall jackpot on 12 November 2024 has still not come forward to collect their money.
The winning player bought their ticket seven months ago in Mayfair, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
They have less than five months to come forward, or they risk losing their fortune.
CONTINUE READING: Did you win R2.2m? Here's where the winning PowerBall ticket was bought
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday's News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Eastern Cape floods death toll rises | How much Proteas will bank | Minister on unemployment statistics
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IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
SANDF HAD NO RESOURCES FOR EC FLOODS
The number of people who have died due to flooding in the Eastern Cape has risen to over a hundred. Image: Supplied NO SOUTH African Air Force helicopters were available to assist with emergency operations in the Eastern Cape when the flooding occurred on June 10. It only became available seven days after tragedy struck as the death toll continued to climb, and this week surpassed 100, with a 5-year-old child being among the latest to be retrieved. Until Wednesday, the SANDF had remained tight-lipped about failure to deploy resources to affected regions in need of support. In response to the Cape Times' question, the SANDF said they were only alerted by the provincial authorities on the day of the incident on June 10. 'The South African Air Force Command Post (AFCP) received the first request for assistance with helicopter capabilities in the Eastern Cape (due to flooding) on 10 June 2025. At the time, there were no SAAF helicopter capabilities available. Upon receiving the second request for assistance on 16 June 2025, one (1) Oryx helicopter capability became available and was tasked to deploy on 17 June 2025,' the SANDF said. It remains unclear why the Oryx was only available seven days after the tragedy struck. IOL previously reported that the medium utility aircraft essential for rescue missions - was not deployed during the flooding, primarily due to a shortage of Flight Engineers. The flooding in the Amathole and OR Tambo districts between June 9 and 10 affected over 6 800 households, with more than 4 700 of them now homeless. There was also significant damage to road infrastructure, leaving 51 roads impassable. The Eastern Cape government says completed infrastructure damage assessments peg the costs for repairing damaged infrastructure at an estimated R5.1 billion. 'Efforts by search and recovery teams are ongoing as the province continues to respond to the disaster and assist affected communities. The confirmed recoveries have been recorded across several districts, with OR Tambo reporting the highest number at 77, followed by Amathole with 10 recoveries, Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani each with 5, while Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman districts reported 2 recoveries each. The gender breakdown shows that 49 are men and 52 are women. In terms of age, 63 of the recovered individuals are adults, while 38 children. 'The process of identification is now complex, with some bodies in a state of decomposition and as such DNA testing may be required in certain cases, which could lengthen the identification process,' said the Eastern Cape government. The Eastern Cape government and its national counterpart have come under sharp criticism for how they responded to the disaster, in particular for failure to prepare despite early warning. Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning spokesperson, Wouter Kriel said the province offered support through the intergovernmental disaster coordination mechanisms facilitated by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). 'We offered the deployment of a specialist rescue team from the Western Cape's emergency services and partners. This team is highly trained in swift water rescue and has experience in operating in complex disaster environments. While the Eastern Cape appreciated the offer of assistance, they did not request the physical deployment of Western Cape resources. As such, no teams or equipment were mobilised, although we remained on standby should the situation escalate or their needs change,' Kriel said
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape floods: Here's how much victims will be given to rebuild their homes
In addition to homes, the flood also damaged schools and other public infrastructure. Flooded roads after heavy rains fell in Gqeberha on 10 June 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Lulama Zenzile The national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says funds for building materials will be provided to residents whose homes were damaged during the recent devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. The floods, which struck various areas in the province earlier this month, claimed the lives of at least 100 people and displaced many families. A national state of disaster was declared in response to the widespread destruction. Cogta on Eastern Cape floods Briefing parliament's portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on Tuesday, Cogta Director-General Mbulelo Tshangana outlined the impact of the disaster. The damage, he said, extended beyond homes to include schools, infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and livestock. Many pupils missed exams, and access to medical care was disrupted. According to Tshangana, the total cost of repairing infrastructure damage in the province is estimated at nearly R5.2 billion (R5 184 065,438). ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods will not be used as a get-rich-quick scheme, says acting premier This includes R3.2 billion (R3 267 288 077) in damage across several departments and R1.8 billion (R1 895 798 411) in municipal infrastructure losses. He stated that 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 rendered homeless. A further 2 145 homes suffered partial damage. 'A lot of people were displaced as a result of the floods, and we need to house them in community halls and other structures,' Tshangana said. Watch the meeting below: Housing units Tshangana revealed that R461 million (R461 459 216) is required for temporary residential units, though the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements currently only has R120 million available. The affected families will receive no more than R12 000 each in building materials once damage assessments are completed by the end of the month. A total of R25.7 million has been allocated for this intervention 'Permanent solution will be provided on availability of funding and serviced land, based on qualifying beneficiaries,' the director-general told the committee on Tuesday. The long-term housing budget stands at R1.28 billion. READ MORE: Police deployed to protect Gift of the Givers workers from water mafia in Eastern Cape Temporary housing land has been identified in the Mnquma Local Municipality, where 1 100 units can be accommodated. The King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality is also seeking additional land beyond the 100 parcels already found. 'We want to make sure that we conclude this process as a matter of urgency so we can allocate those TRUs [Temporary Relocation Units] to those affected communities because it's really not nice if it is cold and they are still in community halls,' Tshangana said. Eskom and local municipalities will provide electricity and water to these temporary residential units. Road infrastructure Tshangana further informed MPs that road infrastructure, including bridges, was severely damaged in several districts, including Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani and O.R. Tambo. The Eastern Cape Department of Transport is currently working on debris removal, repairing landslides, and restoring bridges. The cost of road infrastructure damage is estimated at R935 million, with R832 million needed to cover a R102 million shortfall. READ MORE: Eastern Cape residents say they've been ignored by government after floods The department reprioritised R47.1 million and will activate R55 million in disaster recovery funds for outsourced repairs. Despite some progress, at least 51 roads remain inaccessible due to washed-away bridges, collapsed stormwater pipes, gravel erosion, fallen trees, and debris. Tshangana said repairs are ongoing and that alternative routes are being used where possible. 'Road closures are being implemented… while in-house teams implement repairs.' He also mentioned that in Sakhisizwe, a team working on road repairs was violently attacked, and a tipper truck was vandalised. Eastern Cape floods impact on schools and health facilities The floods affected 431 schools and 69 health facilities. Tshangana said an order for R9 million has been issued for emergency health facility repairs, with R600 000 worth of work already completed. The Eastern Cape Department of Health has spent R87.1 million from its 2% disaster allocation and health facility revitalisation grant. 'R610 210 worth of damages from broken windows, flooding inside the building and R89 million worth of orders issued to contractors,' the director-general said. Medical equipment damage, including an MRI machine at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, amounted to R8.2 million, reprioritised from the National Treasury's services grant. READ MORE: Another tragic twist in Eastern Cape flood tragedy New generators are also required. Personnel-related costs included R300 000 for overtime and R150 000 for travel and logistics. In total, R95.7 million has been budgeted to address healthcare-related disaster needs. In the education sector, 1 471 classrooms were damaged, affecting 48 341 pupils. 'In the OR Tambo district, 492 learners lost their uniform and stationery,' Tshangana said, adding that the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development is assisting the affected pupils. Repairs to damaged schools are expected to cost R404 million. 'This is more or less the estimate. There might be changes in terms of the figures as we move forward,' Tshangana said.
IOL News
22-06-2025
- IOL News
SA Navy concludes World Hydrography Day with a commitment to maritime cooperation
Navy chiefs unite for maritime security at World Hydrography Day celebrations Image: SANDF/South African Navy The South African Navy has wrapped up its celebrations for World Hydrography Day in East London, marking a week of public engagements, ship tours, panel discussions, and ceremonial events. Central to these festivities was showcasing hydrography's vital role in maritime safety, environmental protection, and sustainable economic growth, all under the theme 'Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action.' A key highlight was the Declaration of Intent, signed by 15 naval chiefs across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa, outlining 11 shared maritime priorities to bolster security and cooperation. Throughout the week, naval vessels docked at the Port of East London, allowing residents to explore the Navy's technical capabilities firsthand. The programme also included a panel discussion and hydrography lecture at the Premier Hotel ICC, followed by a cocktail event and book launch aboard the SAS Amatola. During the cocktail reception, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, emphasised hydrography's critical importance across various sectors. 'Hydrography plays a foundational role in our maritime security and economic activities. As a nation bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa depends heavily on its Navy to facilitate trade, defend our sovereignty, monitor maritime borders, and manage ocean resources. 'Hydrography enables safe navigation, supports search and rescue operations, and helps us better understand our vast oceanic territories.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He further explained that accurate hydrographic data is essential for determining secure shipping routes and combating maritime threats such as piracy and illicit fishing, especially as global sea traffic has increased by 74% year-on-year due to instability in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Highlighting the broader strategic context, Vice Admiral Lobese noted that hydrography is an international obligation and a key driver of the blue economy, Africa's ocean-based economic development. The Navy also used the occasion to share outcomes from the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium, a high-level gathering of naval chiefs, academics, and maritime security experts from over 30 countries. As the continent's only Pan-African maritime forum, the symposium addressed pressing issues such as resilience in security strategies and responses to hotspots, including the Red Sea. A significant outcome of the symposium was the signing of the Declaration of Intent, a commitment by 15 African naval chiefs to prioritise 11 shared maritime objectives, fostering greater security and cooperation across the continent. Vice Admiral Lobese described this as a renewed commitment to collaborative progress, with plans to review developments at the next Sea Power symposium. The event also featured the launch of a new publication, which compiles 15 papers from the symposium. 'The publication was inspired by Nelson Mandela's words describing the sea as 'a vital national interest,' said Vice Admiral Lobese.
