Good morning. While ordinary South Africans struggle to maintain their lifestyles amid a cost-of-living crisis, stagnant wages and ever-increasing fuel, electricity, and food prices – the elite are paying over R1 million to attend a gala dinner where they can sit at the same table as President Cyril Ramaphosa.
To rub shoulders with Ramaphosa costs R1.2 million
Ahead of the ANC’s 111th-anniversary celebrations, the party is planning to host a Presidential Gala Dinner next month, which the party sees as a crucial fundraising operation. If you’re able to fork out R1.2 million you can sit next to President Ramaphosa at his table known as the ‘Titanium package’. It’ll cost you just R1 million to sit at the deputy president’s table while cabinet ministers and other top-ranking officials go for between R30,000 and R760,000. Read more here. (The Citizen)
Boksburg explosion death toll rises to 18 people
The Gauteng department of health said a total of 37 people, 24 patients and 13 staff, members who were outside the OR Tambo Hospital when the blast occurred sustained serious burns and was diverted to neighbouring hospitals. By Monday evening, 18 people had died, nine of whom were nurses at the hospital. The explosion was caused by a truck carrying liquid petroleum that became wedged underneath a bridge that was too low on Saturday. After an initial small fire broke out, the tanker exploded, which caused the bridge and road to collapse as well as damage to the nearby hospital and surrounding area. Read more here. (Daily Maverick)
SA Tourism denounces racist Christmas Day incident at Free State resort
South African Tourism issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the recent racist incident at the Maselspoort Resort & Conference Centre outside Bloemfontein in the Free State that took place on Christmas Day. In a viral video circulating on social media, adult white men are seen fighting with and manhandling younger black boys at a pool, which they contend is only for use by guests of the resort. The national tourism agency said that racism and racial profiling, whether by a patron or an establishment, is unacceptable. Read more here. (EWN)
Here’s what else you need to know:
Ramaphosa pushes to interdict Zuma to counter brazen private prosecution ‘legal’ bid – Daily Maverick
More military forces deployed to guard Eskom power stations as ‘danger looms’ – The Citizen
South Africa passes 200 days of power cuts as 2022 draws to a close – News24
Attempted murder charges brought against men who allegedly attacked teens at Free State resort – News24
South Africa to get two ‘extra’ public holidays in 2023 – Business Tech
Alameda Lent Sam Bankman-Fried $546 Million for Robinhood Stake – Bloomberg
