South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 10 January

We’ve got another busy day coming up, as a hectic week in South Africa draws to a close. Already, 2020 has teetered on the brink of oblivion, but tensions between Iran and the US seem to have cooled. The same can’t be said for the Royal Family, though.

We’re looking at all the major stories making the headlines on Friday morning.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Friday 10 January

ANC turns 108

The celebrations are gearing up in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The ANC are throwing another lavish bash for the 108th birthday, thought to cost roughly R50 million. There is a fair amount of controversy surrounding this event, as it has been claimed that the organisation don’t have enough cash to pay worker salaries.

The ANC have dismissed these claims however, and the three-day event gets underway on Friday. Already, the top brass have been mingling around the Sol Plaatjie Municipality, visiting locals and residents before the big bash. Last year, we compiled a list of one achievement for each year of the ANC’s existence. You’ll have to forgive us, though – we’re still thinking what we can add on for 2019.

SAAF plane crash in DR Congo

A South African Air Force (SAAF) plane crash-landed at Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday afternoon, The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed.

SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the plane had been deployed in the DRC as part of a United Nations’ peacekeeping mission. No-one was injured during the incident and circumstances surrounding the crash were being investigated, said Dlamini. Videos of the aftermath have since been shared online.  

Robben Island arson case suspected

As a measure of maintaining continuous operations, the museum has relied on the use of outsourced vessels to transport tourists to and from Robben Island after a suspected arson attack on one of its ferries.

However, the incident involving their own ferry, that took place at the V&A Waterfront’s embarking point, “prevented outsourced vessels from docking to board the 8am and 9am tours,” Spokesperson Morongoa Ramaboa revealed.

David Mabuza vs Pravin Gordhan

DD Mabuza, speaking during an ANC event in Kimberley, was asked by reporters if Jabu Mabuza and Pravin Gordhan – and other members of the Eskom board – misled President Ramaphosa over the extent of load shedding.

Cyril claimed there’d be no load shedding until mid-January, but the lights went out right at the start of the month. Ramaphosa’s right-hand man didn’t hesitate, and agreed with the reporter before repeating his claim. Gordhan is yet to respond to accusations that he lied to Cyril during the briefing.

ICC Test Rankings updated

Proteas seamer Kagiso Rabada has slipped to fourth on the ICC Test rankings for bowlers but remains South Africa’s number one ranked bowler. Vernon Philander is eight on the list, and remains the fourth-best all-rounder in the five-day format following his last-ever Test in Cape Town.

Rabada is now behind Pat Cummins (Australia), Neil Wagner (New Zealand) and Jason Holder (West Indies). SA-born Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne has grabbed a career-best third place in the ICC Test rankings after a match-winning double-century against the Black Caps in Sydney.

Kaizer Chiefs ready to add to their squad

Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu was in attendance as Kaizer Chiefs beat Highlands Park 3-0 in midweek to move six points clear at the top of the PSL. The free agent is looking to secure a move to the Soweto giants this month.

Latest weather forecast, Friday 10 January

Take a look at weather forecasts for all nine provinces here.

Live traffic updates for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban

Stay one step ahead of the traffic by viewing our live traffic updates here.

Horoscope today

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip and lucky numbers for Friday 10 January.