Follow live news updates on important events and breaking stories taking place in South Africa on Wednesday, 17 July 2024.
South Africa live news updates on Wednesday, 17 July 2024
Updating…
14:48 – Four hitmen killed in shootout with KZN police
Four suspected hitmen have just been shot dead by KZN police in the
Overport area. A fifth is shot and wounded.
Four guns have been recovered.
This is a developing story.
11:54 – Jewellery store robbery at Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, JHB
Reports have surfaced about an alleged jewellery store robbery inside the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, JHB.
Information reaching us indicates several shots were fired inside the mall and the suspects involved escaped in three vehicles.
11:51 – Parliament opening: Cape Town road closures to avoid on Thursday, 18 July 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the Opening of Parliament on Thursday, 18 July 2024, resulting in significant road closures in Cape Town.
This address will be attended by members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, marking the start of the new five-year parliamentary cycle.
The event is scheduled to begin at 19:00 and proceedings will be streamed live on news channels.
To accommodate the Opening of Parliament Address at City Hall, there will be several road closures in Cape Town on Thursday, 18 July 2024.
11:14 – ANC disciplinary hearing against Jacob Zuma kicks off
09:00 – Gayton McKenzie gets backlash for defending ‘Die Stem’ anthem
Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie faced backlash after defending the inclusion of ‘Die Stem’ in the national anthem during a recent debate.
The sports minister suggested that those who disrespect the anthem should face similar consequences as those who desecrate the national flag.
He criticised the EFF for refusing to stand when ‘Die Stem’ is sung, urging them to accept that white people are part of South Africa.
Five things happening today you must know about
Here are five important things happening today:
- Water outages set to affect several parts of Cape Town: The City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation department has sounded the call for residents in several parts of the metro to prepare for planned maintenance set to take place on Thursday morning from 09:00. Read more for details about the affected areas.
- Ekurhuleni water maintenance resumes on Wednesday: The City of Ekurhuleni has resumed water maintenance operations, which started on Monday, 15 July 2024. Residents in Thembisa, Kempton Park, Germiston, Alberton, Katlehong, Bedfordview, Edenvale and Boksburg may experience water supply interruption. The City of Ekurhuleni will continue providing water tankers at strategic points to ensure residents have water for domestic purposes. Read more for details about the affected areas.
- By-elections taking place in these wards: By-elections will take place in the following municipal wards:
- EC124 – Amathlathi
- KZN252 – Newcastle
- NW403 – Matlosana
- World Emoji Day: World Emoji Day is an annual unofficial holiday occurring on 17 July each year, intended to celebrate emoji; in the years since the earliest observance, it has become a popular date to make product or other announcements and releases relating to emoji.
- ‘EA Sports FC 25’ gameplay trailer reveal: eFootball fans will be able to get a first glimpse of the next-level gameplay expected on EA Sports FC 25. Tune into the live watchalong right here.