Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: Today&#x2019s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.

Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24

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.

Hawks seized laptops,mobile phones,and documents belonging to Prasa’s top executives,including acting chief executive officer Hishaam Emeran.

Gallo Images/OJ Kolot

Hawks raid Prasa HQ,seize executives’ laptops,phones in R18bn tender probe

- The Hawks seized laptops and mobile phones from Prasa’s top executives as part of an ongoing investigation.

- The investigation is related to allegations of corruption in connection with two R18 billion train signalling equipment tenders.

- The operation follows reports that Prasa awarded contracts to companies that allegedly did not meet mandatory requirements.

READ MORE 

Amber Lee Hughes,accused of the 2023 rape and murder of 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita,sits in the dock in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Yolanda Mdzeke/News24

Shock twist in Nada-Jane murder,accused now admits to crime

- Amber Lee Hughes admitted to murdering 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita,who was found raped and drowned in January 2023.

- Hughes initially pleaded not guilty but changed her legal team and made the admission in court on Thursday.

- She maintains that she did not rape the child.

READ MORE

ANC MP Nobuhle Nkabane greets Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana ahead of the votes on the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday.

Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament

Crisis averted: National Assembly passes Appropriation Bill

- The National Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill,averting a potential fiscal crisis where government funds would have run out by October 2025.

- The DA initially threatened to block the bill but changed course after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the minister of higher education,securing the bill's passage.

- Despite objections from some parties,the bill is expected to be approved by the National Council of Provinces,allowing the government to fund critical priorities.

READ MORE

US Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

Jacoline Schoonees/DIRCO

US lawmaker slams SA sanctions bill as threat to decades of diplomacy

- US congressman Jonathan Jackson criticised the "MAGA-driven" US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025,which proposes sanctions on South African government officials and ANC members.

- The bill,authored by Ronny Jackson,aims to punish South Africa for its foreign policies,including its stance on Israel and ties with countries like Russia and China.

- Tensions between the US and South Africa are high due to tariffs,refugee status granted to Afrikaners and differing views on international conflicts.

READ MORE

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana arrives for the reading of the Appropriation Bill.

Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament

Godongwana announces big reforms after budget nightmare

- The National Treasury is implementing reforms to the budget process due to fiscal and political challenges,including wider consultation and a focus on spending efficiencies.

- A new mechanism called Targeted and Responsible Savings will rank programmes by importance to identify potential savings through spending reviews and phased "de-implementation."

- Departments must utilise previous spending reviews to find savings and efficiency gains,with departmental savings being used to reduce debt or fund temporary expenditures.

READ MORE

MultiChoice plans to overhaul subscription offerings and prioritise customer needs.

Supplied/MultiChoice

DStv shake-up: New MultiChoice CEO promises major changes to win back subscribers

- MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis plans to overhaul DStv packages to better meet customer needs and win back subscribers lost to streaming services and piracy.

- Key strategies include focusing on local content,sports offerings,making kids' content more accessible and simplifying subscription structures by potentially removing reconnection and access fees.

- The company acknowledges past missteps and aims to reinvent itself by addressing the disconnect with younger audiences and combating piracy,while also exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport.

READ MORE

Makazole Mapimpi - one of the great Springbok wings.

Anton Geyser/Gallo Images

Lloyd Burnard | First signs of Rassie drawing a line on ‘golden’ Boks?

- This generation of Springboks,considered the greatest in South African rugby history,is aiming for an unprecedented "three-peat" at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

- Despite their dominance,the recent squad selection for the Rugby Championship indicates a shift,with some older stars like Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am facing increased competition and the potential passing of the baton to younger players.

- While the transition may be bittersweet,it's a natural part of the sport,creating opportunities for new legends to emerge and continue the Springboks' legacy.

READ MORE

*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.