Latest news with #BrettClay
News24
09-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
‘Cat' caught with cell in jail; Coach in child sex crime: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Vusi 'Cat' Matlala caught with cellphone in cell – prison authorities - Vusi 'Cat' Matlala, an awaiting trialist, was found with a cellphone in his prison cell during a raid. - He has been transferred to the C-Max section of Kgosi Mampuru prison as a result. - Matlala is also linked to bribery allegations involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and former police minister Bheki Cele, raising national security concerns. Supplied/Somerset County Prosecutor's Office SA hockey coach booted from US for child sex crime back on home turf - Former hockey coach Brett Clay, convicted of a sex crime against a minor in the US, is back in South Africa, prompting the SA Hockey Association to warn members about the risk associated with him. - Women he coached in KwaZulu-Natal are now accusing him of similar grooming and inappropriate behaviour dating back over a decade, including soliciting explicit images. - One woman alleges Clay threatened to disseminate explicit photos she sent him, and she is now considering legal options. Khaya Ngwenya/City Press/Gallo Images Gigaba's bid to block ex-wife's tell-all Showmax interview thrown out - Malusi Gigaba sought an urgent interdict to stop Showmax from airing an interview with his ex-wife, Nomachule Mngoma. - Gigaba claimed the interview contained damaging allegations about infidelity, pornography addiction and misuse of taxpayer funds. - The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissed the application, deeming it not urgent and questioning the timing of Gigaba's action. Criminal charges imminent over George building collapse - Criminal charges are expected for those responsible for the George building collapse. - Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson received a damning report from ECSA outlining preventable errors and negligence. - The report highlights regulatory failures and professional negligence in the incident. Godongwana to review state bosses' pay - The Treasury will review the pay of CEOs and board members in state agencies as part of a drive to rationalise government spending. - Two other spending reviews are planned: an audit of ghost workers and a review of infrastructure conditional grants. - Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana clarified that he, in consultation with the South African Reserve Bank, is responsible for setting the inflation target. Christian Horner to leave Red Bull with immediate effect - Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull's Formula 1 team principal after 20 years. - Laurent Mekies will take over CEO duties at Red Bull Racing immediately. - The announcement follows the British Grand Prix, where Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished fifth. ARTUR WIDAK / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP How much is that in rands? A South African guide to currency, card fees and cash abroad - South African banks charge foreign transaction fees (2-3%) on international purchases, plus potential currency conversion markups and ATM withdrawal fees, so research your card's specific fee structure. - Always choose to pay in the local currency at foreign ATMs or card machines to avoid inflated exchange rates set by the merchant or ATM operator. - Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce flat ATM fees and be aware of daily/monthly withdrawal limits set by your bank, potentially increasing them before departure.
The South African
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Disgraced SA hockey coach deported from US after sex crime conviction
A disgraced former South African hockey coach, Brett Clay, who was deported from the United States earlier this year following a sex crime conviction, is now facing explosive new allegations from women who say he groomed and abused them during their teenage years in KwaZulu-Natal. Clay, 40, who had been living in Flemington, New Jersey, was convicted in the US for engaging in sexually explicit communication with a 17-year-old girl while working as a field hockey coach at Mount Olive High School. According to widespread media reports, Clay sent the minor inappropriate messages and allegedly offered her money in exchange for explicit photos. In February 2025, a US judge ruled that Clay posed 'an endangerment to children', permanently barred him from working with minors, and ordered him to leave the country once his visa expired. But Clay's return to South Africa has reopened old wounds for some of his former players. One woman, who has since contacted the South African Hockey Association (SAHA), alleges that Clay began grooming her when she was just 13 years old. 'He should not be allowed to coach here,' she wrote in a message to SAHA. 'I don't want anyone else to go through what he did to me.' The woman further claimed that Clay exploited 'many adolescent girls' during his coaching career in KwaZulu-Natal before relocating to the US. Several former players, now adults, have begun to come forward with similar accounts. In response, SAHA has issued a nationwide alert to clubs, schools, and sports organisations, warning them not to engage Clay in any coaching or mentoring capacity. 'All our affiliates have been informed about the potential risk. We strongly advise that no organisation engages his services,' said Gary Dolley, SAHA's senior safeguarding officer. 'SAHA remains committed to ensuring a safe space for all players and that includes taking decisive action against individuals who pose a threat.' SAHA has also urged anyone with further information or concerns to come forward, as part of their ongoing effort to maintain the integrity and safety of the sport. Once viewed as a respected coach with international experience, Clay's reputation has now been severely damaged, both locally and abroad. It remains unclear whether he will attempt to return to the sport in South Africa, but victims and player welfare advocates are calling for a complete and permanent ban on his involvement in any youth or professional hockey structures. 'We cannot allow predators to quietly re-enter the system,' one former player said. 'There must be accountability and protection for young athletes.' The situation has also prompted calls for stricter vetting and safeguarding policies across all South African sporting codes, particularly in youth development environments. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
