Transcript

Hello, this is Erika from ‘Just a Moment News,’ and today’s date is September 1st, 2024. Let’s dive into today’s news stories.

Starting off, we have Lloyd Leoko, a municipal manager in North West, who has become the center of controversy. Appointed despite having failed matric with four Fs and possessing questionable post-matric qualifications, Lloyd’s leadership at Ratlou Municipality has seen a decline in both financial stability and operational efficiency. The municipality, under his tenure, has made headlines for its expenditure of nearly one million Rand on twenty-two laptops and for paying salaries to non-existent employees. The Auditor-General has given the municipality a disclaimer audit opinion for the sixth consecutive year, and service delivery is reportedly at an all-time low. Lloyd’s educational credentials, including his degrees from Regent Business School and Mancosa, are under scrutiny, and his appointment has been defended by ANC officials despite numerous concerns.

In sports, Rassie Erasmus, coach of the Springboks, has shared his thoughts on the recent Rugby Championship match against New Zealand, held at Ellis Park. Despite New Zealand leading for the majority of the game, the Springboks staged a remarkable comeback in the last twelve minutes to win 31-27. Erasmus praised the resilience and adaptability of his team, particularly noting the contributions of veteran players in mentoring the younger team members.

The South African creative industry is mourning the loss of two female icons, Thabiso Sikwane and Jessica Mbangeni. Sikwane, a renowned radio and TV personality, passed away at the age of fifty, with her cause of death suspected to be a cardiac event. Mbangeni, a celebrated praise singer and cultural ambassador, passed away at forty-seven. Both women were influential in their respective fields, and their families have expressed immense grief over their losses.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recently visited Cape Town as part of a campaign to promote healthy eating. Partnering with Checkers and Discovery Vitality, Jamie emphasized the importance of accessible and affordable nutritious food. His visit also highlighted Cape Town’s vibrant culinary scene, reinforcing his commitment to improving public health through better eating habits.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, has spoken about the integration of artificial intelligence in music creation. The Grammy Awards will now accept music created with AI assistance, though only human artists can submit entries. This decision has sparked a debate about the impact of AI on copyright, royalties, and the integrity of artistic work, with opinions divided between concern and optimism.

Netflix’s new series “Kaos,” starring Jeff Goldblum as a neurotic Zeus, has received mixed reviews. The show, which attempts to blend Greek mythology with modern satire, has been criticized for its lack of narrative depth and coherence, despite a promising start and a talented cast.

Lastly, a mysterious letter from 1990 written by Lord John Sainsbury was discovered during renovations at London’s National Gallery. The letter, which expressed dissatisfaction with certain architectural elements of the Sainsbury Wing, has been preserved in the gallery’s archives, providing insight into the historical tensions between donors and architects.

That wraps up today’s news stories. Thank you for tuning in to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m Erika, and I hope you have a great day!

Keywords - moment, daily, news