Amber Lee Hughes guilty; 8.8% power price hike shock: Today&#x2019s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

Aug 29, 2025 Business views: 243

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.

Amber Lee Hughes has been convicted of raping and murdering four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita.

Yolanda Mdzeke/News24

Amber Lee Hughes guilty of 4-year-old Nada-Jane’s rape and murder

- Amber Lee Hughes was convicted of raping and murdering four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita.

- The victim was found drowned in a bathtub and had been sexually assaulted.

- Hughes was in a relationship with the victim’s father and had been arguing with him.

READ MORE

A group of taxi operators allegedly confronted e-hailing drivers in KwaDabeka,Durban,demanding they leave the area.

KZN department of transport/supplied

15 taxi operators taken for questioning as tensions rise between taxi and e-hailing drivers

- Taxi operators in KwaDabeka,allegedly confronted e-hailing drivers,resulting in one driver being assaulted and another narrowly escaping a shooting; 15 individuals have been taken in for questioning.

- Police seized firearms and are investigating the incident,with heightened visibility to stabilise the area and efforts under way to facilitate a meeting between taxi and e-hailing representatives.

- The incident highlights ongoing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing services,with reports of similar incidents and intimidation tactics in other areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

READ MORE

While ordinary Zimbabweans struggle to make ends meet,President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law,Pokello Nare,spent her 40th birthday living “la dolce vita” in Italy’s Lake Como.

@queenofswaggerofficial/IG

Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law living ‘la dolce vita’ as Zimbabweans fight for survival

- Pokello Nare,Zimbabwean President’s daughter-in-law,celebrated her 40th birthday with a lavish trip to Italy’s Lake Como,showcasing luxury expenses on social media.

- While Nare enjoyed first-class flights,designer shopping,and exclusive dining,Zimbabwe’s economy struggles with high unemployment and corruption,leaving ordinary citizens in poverty.

- Critics,including former finance minister and civic organisations,blame corruption and the Mnangagwa regime for the country’s economic downfall and the bleak future faced by Zimbabwean graduates.

READ MORE

The SA Human Rights Commission says it will continue to ensure that EFF leader Julius Malema,who was found guilty of hate speech,is punished for his transgression.

Storm Simpson/News24

SA Human Rights Commission to pursue sanctions against Malema after hate speech ruling

- The SAHRC will pursue sanctions against EFF leader Julius Malema after the Equality Court found him guilty of hate speech for comments made at a 2022 rally.

- The court found Malema’s call for the killing of racist white men had the potential to foment racial violence on a large scale.

- The SAHRC seeks to ensure Malema is punished,guided by justice,accountability,and upholding constitutional values.

READ MORE

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Eskom and Nersa reached an out-of-court settlement,increasing electricity tariffs by 8.8% for 2026/27 and 2027/28,significantly higher than the initially planned 5.4% and 6.2%.

hxdyl/Getty Images

Electricity shock: Steeper price hikes announced after regulator’s errors

- Eskom and Nersa reached an out-of-court settlement,significantly higher than the initially planned 5.4% and 6.2%.

- Nersa identified errors in its original price determination,underestimating Eskom’s recoverable costs by R54 billion over three years,particularly in depreciation and asset transfer calculations.

- Due to the legal process and settlement,Nersa was unable to conduct public consultations,but claims the agreement balances consumer interests with Eskom’s operational needs and avoids prolonged litigation.

READ MORE 

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has shown his hand and made bold squad changes for their looming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Philip Maeta/Gallo Images

Broos’ bold hand: Major Bafana squad changes for FIFA World Cup qualifiers

- Hugo Broos announced a 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

- The squad includes debutants Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Kamogelo Sebelebele,while Khuliso Mudau is a notable omission.

- Bafana Bafana currently leads Group C and aims to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

READ MORE

Mahindra XUV 3XO by Thula Sindi.

Quickpic

More than 20 automakers set to show off their latest cars at the 2025 Festival of Motoring

- The annual Festival of Motoring,held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from August 29-31,will feature over 20 manufacturers showcasing their latest models with self-drive and hot lap experiences.

- Attendees can expect displays and experiences from brands like Volkswagen,Tata,Toyota Gazoo Racing,Suzuki,GWM,iCAUR,Isuzu,BAIC,Mahindra,LDV,Omoda,and Jaecoo,including new model reveals and off-road demonstrations.

- Beyond the vehicles,the festival offers retail stands,kids’ zones,gaming areas,a karting arena,and a mini carnival,with tickets available online starting at R82 for children and R295 for adults.

READ MORE

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

Login

Register

Contribute

United News delivers authoritative global news with African and global insights. Breaking coverage on politics, human rights, environmental crises and social justice. Trusted journalism from Johannesburg to the world.

Politics & Conflicts

Business

Environment

Rights & Justice

United News - unews.co.za