Trump, Ramaphosa talk trade; SAHRC probes podcasters: Today&#x2019s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

Aug 17, 2025 North America views: 99

News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.

Graphic: Sharlene Rood

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.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump.

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Ramaphosa speaks to Trump on the phone amid global tariff imposition

- President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump discussed bilateral trade matters in a telephone conversation.

- Both leaders acknowledged the complexity of ongoing trade negotiations and expressed readiness for further collaboration.

- The US has imposed 30% tariffs on all exports from South Africa.

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The podcast,hosted by Mthokozisi,Sonwabile,Lefa Hlalele,and Busisiwe Radebe,sparked outrage earlier this week when the controversial clip began circulating online.

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SAHRC probes podcast for calling coloured people ‘incestuous’ and ‘crazy’

- The South Africa Human Rights Commission is investigating complaints about derogatory remarks made about coloured people on the Open Chats Podcast.

- The podcast hosts issued an apology after facing public outrage and condemnation from political parties.

- MultiChoice stated that the episode in question was not aired on its platform,and the show’s contract ended in July 2023.

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Moroadi Cholota during a previous appearance in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein.

Mlungisi Louw/Gallo Images/Volksblad

ConCourt agrees to hear NPA’s Cholota challenge – and its crucial extradition appeal

- The Constitutional Court will hear the NPA’s urgent application to limit the retrospective effect of the judgment in favour of US-based Johnathan Schultz,which states only the justice minister can request an extradition.

- This comes after Ace Magashule’s former PA,Moroadi Cholota,successfully challenged her extradition from the US using the Schultz ruling,leading to her freedom.

- The NPA argues that without intervention,thousands of past convictions of extradited criminals could be overturned,causing a “catastrophic” impact on the criminal justice system.

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Alleged Ponzi scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg has been referred for psychiatric observation.

Gallo Images/Beeld/Deaan Vivier

Alleged Ponzi scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg sent to psychiatric hospital for 30 days

- Louis Liebenberg,accused of running a Ponzi scheme,has been referred for psychiatric observation.

- The referral was ordered by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court despite a district surgeon not recommending it.

- Liebenberg will be admitted to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital for 30 days,and a Legal Aid lawyer will be assigned to him.

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Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal reported severe disruptions to planting and harvesting cycles due to unpredictable rainfall,droughts,and floods.

Rosetta Msimango/News24

‘It is a monster we cannot escape’: KZN farmers sound alarm on climate change impacts

- Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal are experiencing severe disruptions to planting and harvesting due to unpredictable weather patterns like droughts,floods,and veld fires.

- These climate shocks are causing devastating losses in cotton,cannabis,and dairy farming,with small-scale farmers being the most affected due to lack of resources.

- Farmers and industry leaders are urging the government to invest in climate adaptation measures,improve infrastructure,and support research to help farmers adjust their practices and ensure food security.

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Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium normally hosts soccer matches.

Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

Sharks rugby coming to a stadium near you: Sugar Ray Xulu,Maritzburg... even New York?

-The Sharks are moving their Currie Cup game against the Cheetahs to Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont to engage with grassroots fans and develop younger players.

- Interim CEO Shaun Bryans highlighted the importance of community outreach and connecting with the next generation of fans through this initiative.

- The Sharks are also considering hosting a URC game in London or New York to grow their brand in new markets but are committed to Kings Park for most games.

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Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham have renewed their wedding vows without his famous family present.

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Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s vow renewal sparks more family drama

- Brooklyn and Nicola renewed their vows in NYC,but the absence of the Beckham family suggests their feud is ongoing.

- The rift reportedly began at their wedding in 2022 and has spread to Brooklyn’s brothers,including social media unfollowing and cryptic posts.

- Harper,the youngest Beckham,remains close to both Brooklyn and Nicola,but the rest of the family has not publicly addressed the feud.

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

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