Top 10 stories of the day: RIP Presley Chweneyagae
Here's your daily news update for Tuesday, 27 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, the late actor,Presley Chweneyagae, has been remembered by industry colleagues and fans of his work following the announcement of his death.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police are searching for a man who uses the name John (pseudonym), believed to be linked to the murder a 30-year-old Olorato Mongale.
Furthermore, President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly, including criticism of his United States (US) trip.
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High winds and fire danger warnings in Western and Eastern Cape. Fine and cool weather with morning fog expected in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Free State; windy in North West and Northern Cape. Full weather forecast here.
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'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae
In an interview four years ago, renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae said he would retire at 40.
'I'll quit acting when I turn 40, and I won't be involved in the entertainment industry as I'll focus on different work and environment,' Chweneyagae told Daily Sun in 2021.
Presley Chweneyagae, who was loved by many fans, died at the age of 40. Picture: @BafanaSurprise/X
However, those words took on new meaning on Tuesday morning as South Africa woke up to the news of the actor's demise at 40.
His management team, MLA, confirmed his passing. 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae,' the statement read.
CONTINUE READING: 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae
Police hunt alleged woman killer who uses the name of John
Gauteng police are searching for a man who uses the name John (pseudonym), believed to be linked to the murder of a 30-year-old Johannesburg woman.
According to police, Olorato Mongale was last seen on Monday went she went on a date with her 'alleged killer' who picked her up from her residential complex driving a white VW polo with cloned number plate that belong to a Toyota Hilux.
The woman's body was found in less than two hours. Picture: Michel Bega
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said during investigations it emerged that the vehicle is fitted with fake registration number plates. The fake registration number plate is: LT 57 JG GP.
'The man fetched Olorato at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, at around 3 pm on Sunday, 25 May 2025. He drove with the victim in the township of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew and between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg, this man allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body.'
CONTINUE READING: Police hunt alleged woman killer who uses the name of John
Ramaphosa defends US trip amid economic criticism during Q&A
President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly, including criticism of his United States (US) trip, his government's failure to curb the rising cost of living, slow economic growth and the high unemployment rate in South Africa.
Ramaphosa responded to questions from members of the National Assembly on Tuesday, with economic growth and the cost of living among the issues for deliberation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Nieuwmeester Dome in Cape Town on 13 February 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams
EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe criticised the government for not achieving the projected economic growth. 'We saw you taking a trip to the US last week, and we are asking ourselves what economic strategy and economic interventions you are trying to lock in,' she asked.
Ramaphosa said that the primary aim of his trip was to restore the deteriorating relationship between South Africa and the US.He emphasised the significance of both countries in each other's economies and their political relations.
CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa defends US trip amid economic criticism during Q&A
Remembering Darren Scott: A radio man's radio man
There are thousands of kind words that can be said about Darren Scott. He was a friend to many, a smoke break partner of note, and a broadcaster like few others.
He was also a doting dad and, with his charity One Wingz of Change, impacted lives well beyond his immediate and extended circle.
Late radio veteran Darren Scott . Picture: OFM
Darren Scott, who passed away at 61 after battling stage 4 melanoma cancer for decades, will be sorely missed on the airwaves by friends and colleagues.
Sometimes, just knowing that he's on the other end of a WhatsApp message meant a lot to many.
CONTINUE READING: Remembering Darren Scott: A radio man's radio man
Bus driver monitored by police after fatal bridge plunge in KZN
The driver of a bus that plunged more than 50 metres from a bridge near Tongaat, killing three people and injuring twelve others, is alive and being monitored by police in hospital as authorities investigate potential criminal charges including murder.
Speaking to the media at the scene, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma revealed that the driver survived Tuesday morning's devastating crash on the R102 near Maidstone Sugar Mill and is receiving medical treatment while under police supervision.
The wrangled remains of the bus. Picture: IPSS Medical Rescue.
The bus was fully loaded with passengers when it careened off the Maidstone Road bridge in what preliminary investigations suggest may have been caused by brake failure.
Duma indicated that authorities are exploring serious criminal charges against the driver, moving beyond typical culpable homicide charges to potentially more severe penalties.
CONTINUE READING: Bus driver monitored by police after fatal bridge plunge in KZN
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday's News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: MK party threatens Starlink gazette | Six die in shack fire | Fuel levy pain
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Trombonist Siyasanga ‘Siya' Charles excited to come back home for the National Arts Festival
Trombonist, composer and arranger Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles is the Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz. On a Thursday evening in April, some of the country's foremost artists gathered in Bryanston, Johannesburg, as this year's Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA) winners were announced. Trombonist, composer and arranger Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles was named the SBYA for Jazz. A prestigious award, considering that all six recipients from different disciplines — dance, jazz, theatre, visual art, poetry and music — receive national exposure, financial support for their work, and a cash prize. However, there was some uncertainty when Charles' name was announced as the recipient for jazz, because some in the room weren't aware of her and her work. However, those who know, knew who Charles is. 'There were some fellow members of the South African Jazz community who were also Standard Bank Artist alums, such as Sisonke Xonti, Thandi Ntuli and Dr Nduduzo Makhathini, who presented the award to me and who I've had the honour and pleasure of working with in the past,' Charles says to The Citizen. 'He [Makhatini] also produced my debut single, so there were a couple of people in the South African jazz fraternity who knew of me.' ALSO READ: Nduduzo Makhathini on spiritual understandings anchoring his music and remaining modest Siya Charles' homecoming With most of her career spent outside of South Africa, this is likely the reason why she is not widely known and celebrated in Mzansi. She has been a professional musician for over a decade. Currently based in New York City, Charles enrolled for a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Trombone Performance at the University of Cape Town (UCT) which she finished in 2012 and then completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree in Jazz Trombone Performance cum laude also at UCT the following year. In 2022, she received the opportunity to study for her jazz master's in music at The Juilliard School and graduated magna Cum Laude last year. Charles has worked with many greats, including the late Hugh Masekela and Grammy Award-winning musicians Ulysses Owens Jr and Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers alum Geoffrey Keezer. She spent a significant portion of her 20s travelling and forming connections worldwide, working with musicians in Europe and the US. 'I did receive a lot of welcoming [aboard]. I do believe in going where you are appreciated. I think that's very important as an artist to be surrounded by a supportive community. As much as I have experienced that in parts of Europe and New York, I am also excited to come back home and plant my roots in the South African jazz scene because it's been a while since I've been away,' she shared. Charles started attending the National Arts Festival in her teens. 'This year will be the 20-year mark of my time at the National Arts Festival and Youth Festival,' she said. She has performed at the National Youth Jazz Festival, played in the Standard Bank Schools Big Band in 2006 and 2007, and has also been part of the national youth jazz band in 2010 and 2012. This year's National Arts Festival will be held from 26 June to 6 July in Makhanda. Charles says it has sunk in that she's a recipient of the award, describing the win as a 'huge honour', and says she didn't expect the award since she's a person who is comfortable being in the background. 'I didn't think I'd be acknowledged in this manner, but I have to give a big thank you to Alan Webster who is the director of the national youth jazz festival, he has witnessed my growth over the last 20 years as a trombonist-he really advocated for me to win the award,' said the musician. She wants to use the award to champion other musicians who are women. ALSO READ: Lamiez Holworthy cancels work commitments due to illness Missing home She has performed on various stages, including the Arcevia Jazz Feast in Italy and Sweden's Stockholm Jazz Festival. Like most South African expats, Charles says she misses food from home the most. 'Nothing like South African home-cooked food, I definitely miss the food. I do miss Ubuntu, one thing that South Africans have is: we are so kind,' said Charles, speaking from the US. She says in New York, everyone is focused on what they want to do. Her goal is to be bi-continental, where she can work and collaborate with musicians from various parts of the world, while also giving back. 'My goal is to establish jazz education programs, which can also combine as feeding programs where kids can go to a couple of workshops, receive a warm cooked meal and learn some music.' ALSO READ: SA Gen Z's love for new-age Maskandi and Americans' craze over Amazayoni music Importance of education Formal education is usually frowned upon in the creative space, with artists preferring to lean on the flow of their creative juices. Charles, who admits to being a bit of a nerd, says she sees the value of formal education despite having interacted with legends who received no formal education. 'For me, I just wanted to develop certain skills that I may not have been able to have, had I not gone for formal training,' said the artist. She began attending the National Youth Jazz Festival at the age of 15, where she participated in workshops that explored the intricacies of jazz. 'I learnt a lot of skills going to school, firstly at the University of Cape Town. I was able to learn composition and arranging skills, something that I enjoy doing very much,' the composer shares. Through formal training, she has acquired skills in writing charts properly, being a band leader, and other elements that make up the ecosystem of music. All these teachings, she says, help one with longevity in the industry. ALSO READ: Simthande Myeza 'abducted and robbed' during e-hailing trip: TikToker's family speaks Still very much an artist She is both talented and has acquired formal training, a skill not many musicians possess. 'It is a skill to balance the creative with the cerebral. I am quite a cerebral person,' says Charles. In her performance at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival, just before performing one of her songs, Ascension, she mentioned that the song had come to her in a dream. Formal education has not stifled her creativity. 'I enjoy the technicalities of it [music] but I think it's amazing that I have this source that is outside of myself where I'm able to hear these melodies in my sleep,' shares Charles. She says her musicianship is linked to her faith, especially her compositions. 'A lot of the songs I hear them while I'm asleep, I see them as like musical downloads from the hereafter.' The beauty of the balance she strikes between the creative and the intellectual allows her to create musical notations after 'downloading' them in her dreams. '…cause sometimes you'll hear a song, and you don't write it down, it just disappears into the ether where it came from, so I've learnt how to balance the creative with the cerebral.' 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