News you should know tonight: Top 5 stories you may have missed on June 2, 2025
Good evening, IOL News family!
It's Monday, June 2, 2025, and it's time for a wrap of the biggest headlines making waves in South Africa and beyond. Don't forget to join the IOL WhatsApp Channel to stay in tune, informed, and in the know
SA weather forecast: Expect cooler temperatures and isolated showers this week
South Africa will start the week with calm and stable weather, but the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that isolated showers and cooler temperatures are expected to arrive by midweek. To read on, click here.
Zuma blasts Ramaphosa's US mission: 'South Africa's problems can't be fixed by outsiders'
Former President Jacob Zuma has issued a stinging rebuke of President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent diplomatic visit to Washington, asserting that South Africa should not rely on foreign powers to resolve its domestic challenges. To read on, click here.
Here's what you're likely to pay for petrol and diesel from Wednesday, June 04
Fuel taxes are set to increase for the first time in three years, but thankfully a stronger rand will shield South African motorists from fuel price hikes in June. To read on, click here.
Public safety alert: Gauteng officials warn of rising dangers in online meet-ups
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has issued a serious warning to the public amid a surge in violent crimes linked to online dating and social media mee-tups, particularly in the Maboneng precinct of Johannesburg. To read on, click here.
KZN councillor and wife implicated in alleged corruption on R29bn N3 highway upgrade
An exclusive investigation by IOL has uncovered disturbing allegations of corruption and financial misconduct involving a local politician and his wife, linked to the multi-billion rand N3 highway upgrade - a critical infrastructure project connecting Durban and Pietermaritzburg. To read on, click here.
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IOL News
26 minutes ago
- IOL News
The implications of Trump's absence at the G20 Summit for US-South Africa ties
US president Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that he did not plan to attend the G20 Summit and that he would send someone else to represent the US. Image: Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP Although US President Donald Trump said he did not plan to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa, analysts believe that his presence would likely become a focal point for media coverage and overshadow other important discussions. The analysts added that Trump's announcement regarding his potential absence from the summit raises several important considerations. Trump on Tuesday announced that he did not plan to attend the G20 Summit and that he would send someone else to represent the US. This is despite President Cyril Ramaphosa's request for Trump to attend the summit expected to take place in November. 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 ✕ Ad Loading Trump has claimed that the South African government is adopting discriminatory policies against white residents. He took aim at South Africa earlier this year after his election for the second term, promoting claims that white farmers were targeted, which Ramaphosa denied during an Oval office meeting in May. Analysts believe that Donald Trump's potential absence from the G20 Summit demonstrates his continued hatred for the country. Image: AFP The US has also been critical of SA's BEE legislation and the land expropriation law signed in January. South Africa has insisted the latter law will not be used to arbitrarily confiscate white-owned land. Political analyst Sethulego Matebesi said Trump is widely known for his radical views on other nations, and he would likely become a focal point for media coverage, potentially overshadowing other important discussions and initiatives at the summit. However, Matebesi said Trump's absence will demonstrate his continued hatred for South Africa. 'His presence is crucial for representing American interests and engaging with other world leaders on pressing global issues such as climate change, trade, and security. A leader's absence can signal a lack of commitment to international cooperation. "Conversely, his absence could be interpreted as a lack of interest in African issues or a disregard for the role of South Africa as a host nation. This might affect US-Africa relations and diminish South Africa's standing in the international arena," Matebesi said. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said it would be a lost opportunity for Trump not to visit South Africa, "when he has been told so much about our country and to a great degree, has also pronounced on South Africa." Magwenya added that all that is left now is for Trump to see for himself this great country of Nelson Mandela, of amazing and resilient people who, notwithstanding both historical and present challenges, strive to build a nation that works for all and leaves no one behind. "The G20 Summit of heads of state and government will proceed nonetheless and successfully so. We are working hard to have a unanimously agreed-upon summit declaration. We have accepted that the declaration will very likely exclude the US because they've stated upfront their objections to some of the key thematic issues of South Africa's G20 Presidency. We expect the majority of heads of state and government to certainly attend the summit. Therefore, it will be a successful summit," he said. Another political analyst, Ntsikelelo Breakfast, said: "I was of the view that (Trump's) posture towards us was influenced by his proximity to Musk. When we had a delegation to the US, to negotiate with him and restart bilateral relations, I thought we had managed this conflict, but now I see he is forging ahead in terms of applying 30% tariffs." Breakfast added that it was disrespectful of Trump to send a junior to the summit. "And what was the point of the meeting with Ramaphosa if he did not come? It seems as if he is prepared to deal with (South Africa) throughout his term. This means we are in trouble," he said. Breakfast added that although Trump might become the centre of attraction, it is crucial for him to come and represent the US. International relations expert, Dr Noluthando Phungula, said Trump's threats to skip the G20 Summit were expected as the bilateral relations between South Africa and the US have, over the past few months, been marred with political drama. Phungula added that Trump's latest announcement speaks to a continuation of the strained bilateral relationship between Pretoria and Washington. Professor Siphamandla Zondi, another international relations expert, said Trump's intimidation that he might not attend the summit shows that he is not interested in global co-operation. Zondi said this also shows that Trump's agenda is to make the US great, adding that his interest is the nation, not the globe. Cape Times
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Constitution does not permit Ramaphosa to be undecided in Mchunu case, say MKP lawyers
The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in the case brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his alleged protection of under fire police minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers THE Constitution does not grant President Cyril Ramaphosa the power to suspend. He can only appoint or dismiss and there is nothing in between. That was the argument advanced by lawyers representing Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe before the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. The party is challenging Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence and the appointment of Firoz Cachalia in an acting position. Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave after serious allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that he colluded with a criminal syndicate, accepted illicit payments, interfered in investigations and disbanded a specialised task force into political killings. The MKP wants Mchunu fired, while also contesting Cachalia's appointment as acting police minister. Central to the case are questions about the limits of presidential power, the legality of acting appointments and whether Ramaphosa acted rationally when he established a judicial commission of inquiry into serious allegations of criminal infiltration of law enforcement agencies. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in the case brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his alleged protection of under fire police minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: GCIS Lawyers representing the MKP argued that Ramaphosa has no right to appoint more than one minister of police at the same time. MKP legal counsel, Mpati Qofa-Lebakeng, argued that the country's ailing economy cannot afford to have more than one minister and two acting ministers at the same time. 'We have dealt with cost implications related to three ministers of police and two deputy ministers. We are saying in the context of an economy like ours, there is no rational decision that would warrant the President having three Ministers of Police in his Cabinet. The cost implication does not limit itself only to the Minister of police's portfolio. It also goes to the second leg of costs that are occasioned by the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry. We are saying, just on that point alone, there is no way that the cost would be justifiable when the President has taken the decision which has already been alluded to," she argued. Also, arguing on behalf of the MK Party, Dali Mpofu stated that no President could appoint a minister from outside those who are already in Cabinet. "We can agree that it is wrong," Mpofu said. Anton Katz, also on behalf of the MKP argued that Chapter 5 of the Constitution grants no power to suspend, only to appoint or dismiss, saying there was nothing in between. "There is no vacancy when it comes to ministers, and for this purpose, I want to refer you to Chapter 5 of the Constitution. This part of the Constitution, its wording, content, and purpose, tells us one thing and one thing only: that there is no power to suspend. It is to appoint, dismiss, and nothing in between," he stated. Arguing for Ramaphosa, Kate Hofmeyr said that the Constitutional Court was the last court of resort, arguing that the MKP had abused the process when it approached the apex court to challenge this matter on an urgent basis. The powers to assign and appoint ministers also lie with the President, who has done right by the Constitution in this regard, she maintained. "Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke out about the monopoly of this court. This court must be concerned about taking this matter. The President has both the powers and an obligation, and he has the right to exercise these powers subject to the strictures of the law," she argued. Advocate Griffiths Madonsela, arguing for Mchunu, said his client was 'ambushed' by Mkhwanazi's accusations. He said the MKP's response to these allegations was to 'draw their spears' and to 'crucify him'. Judgment was reserved. Cape Times
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Newspaper headlines from around the world - Thursday, 31 July 2025
A bundle of newspapers on the table. Image: The South African/CANVA Here are the stories that made headlines on the front pages of newspapers worldwide on Thursday, 31 July 2025. The New York Times front page reported that, with tariffs, Trump tests the global economy. The Washington Post reported that a host of failures were outlined in the crash. The Jerusalem Post's front page reported that Israel rejected Hamas's demand to exchange terrorists for bodies. China Daily's front page reported that the CPC plenum will focus on the next five-year plan. The Daily Mail's front page reported that victims of the October 7 atrocities told Keir Starmer there should be no recognition of a Palestinian state until every hostage is freed. The Guardian's front page reported that Palestine Action wins the right to challenge a ban in court. If you wish to stay up-to-date – for FREE – on the latest international and South African news, then bookmark The South African website for all that plus the latest in the world of finance, sport, lifestyle – and more. Did we mention it was 100% free to read …?
