Transcript

Hello and welcome to “Just a Moment News” with your host, Erika. Today is September 5th, 2024, and we have some intriguing stories to share with you.

First up, a significant financial breach occurred at Postbank, where a criminal syndicate stole over one hundred million Rand by exploiting hacked and cloned Sassa accounts. This operation involved Postbank insiders who loaded funds onto compromised cards, reset PINs, and facilitated cash withdrawals across thousands of ATMs in South Africa. This series of incidents spanned from October 2021 to October 2022. The bank’s CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, who took over after these events, has reported that improved security measures have been implemented. A KPMG forensic report highlighted the critical internal control failures that allowed such a breach, leading to the resignation of the board amid severe criticism and the initiation of six police reports.

Moving on to a courtroom drama, Sello Chicco Twala defended his son, Longwe, in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court against allegations linking him to the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Twala admitted his son’s struggles with drug addiction and theft but firmly denied any involvement in Meyiwa’s death. He emphasized that his son had never owned a gun and had been unfairly targeted in the investigation. Twala also mentioned maintaining a positive relationship with Meyiwa’s mother, reinforcing his stance that his son was not involved in the murder.

In sports news, Ronwen Williams, the captain of Bafana Bafana and goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, has been nominated for the prestigious Yashin Award at the 2024 Ballon d’Or. This nomination marks him as the first South African to be recognized at this level, following his remarkable performances, especially noted during the Africa Cup of Nations where he saved four penalties in a crucial quarter-final match.

Next, we have an update from the entertainment and media sector. MultiChoice has announced a significant price cut for its premium DStv subscription, reducing it by one hundred Rand to six hundred and ninety-nine Rand per month, applicable only with a twelve-month contract. This strategic move aims to retain existing customers and attract new ones amid a sharp decline in their premium subscriber base and increasing competition from global streaming services.

On a lighter note, Cape Town has been ranked as one of the top ten most affordable global holiday destinations by Bounce, a travel agency. This ranking was based on an analysis of costs like accommodation, meals, and transportation among seventy-five popular global destinations. Cape Town’s affordability, especially in dining and transportation, was highlighted, although accommodation costs remain high.

Lastly, a heartwarming update from the animal world: Charlie, once known as the “saddest elephant in the world,” is now thriving at the Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo. After decades of captivity, Charlie is adapting well to his new environment, displaying natural behaviors and regaining his health under expert care. His story has turned from one of sorrow to one of hope and freedom.

And finally, a peek into the past with a scientific twist: researchers have sequenced DNA from a medieval Christian community in Spain, revealing insights into their ancestry, health, and lifestyle. The community, which lived in cave dwellings from the sixth to the 11th century, showed signs of inbreeding and diseases but maintained a closely-knit society with strong religious devotion.

That’s all for today’s episode of “Just a Moment News.” I’m Erika, and I hope you found these stories enlightening. Join us next time for more updates and insights from around the world. Thank you for tuning in!

Keywords - moment, daily, news