Latest news with #Bluesky
The South African
28 minutes ago
- Sport
- The South African
Spotted: New player with Kaizer Chiefs senior team
Paseka Mako won't be the only new left-back at Kaizer Chiefs. The Betway Premiership side will introduce Kabelo Nkgwesa from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team. The 19-year-old star was named the reserve team's Most Improved Player and Player of the Season for the 2024 DDC championship. The senior team reported for medical tests before the preseason training camp in the Netherlands, which will include a friendly match against Eredivisie club Utrecht FC. Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs players return for tests Kaizer Chiefs' Kabelo Nkgwesa playing in the 2024 DStv Diski Challenge. Image: Soccer Laduma The club's Instagram page posted the players making arriving at the club's base this morning for medical and fitness tests. One of the unfamiliar faces was the DDC superstar Nkgwesa. All the names: PSL player signings linked with Kaizer Chiefs All eyes have been on Amakhosi's transfer activities. Can they move closer to Betway Premiership rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates next season? Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng's father and new coach update With ambitions to revamp midfield and attack, Kaizer Chiefs are linked with several talents from the Tanzania Premier League, the Egypt Premier League and a striker from the top division in Hungary. With the Premier League's foreign players quota set at five per club, Amakhosi are expected to free up three spots… Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Newsweek
41 minutes ago
- Business
- Newsweek
JD Vance Becomes Most Blocked Person on BlueSky Days After Joining App
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Vice President JD Vance became the most blocked user on Bluesky days after joining the social media platform. According to ClearSky, a data tracker that monitors user activity, Vance has been blocked by over 111,000 users—the highest total since the app launched last February. Vance's rapid block tally eclipsed the previous record held by journalist Jesse Singal, who had 81,270 blocks as of Friday. Newsweek contacted representatives for Vance to comment on this story. Why It Matters Bluesky, launched by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2021 and made public in 2024, has become a popular alternative to Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter, which reflects deepening divides in American online communities. Once X adopted less stringent content moderation after Musk acquired the platform, many left-leaning and LGBTQ+ users joined Bluesky, believing it to be more inclusive environment and progressive moderation policies. Vice President JD Vance speaks at the American Compass's The New World Gala in Washington, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Vice President JD Vance speaks at the American Compass's The New World Gala in Washington, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein Following Donald Trump's 2024 electoral victory and additional shifts on X, Bluesky's user base climbed from 10 million to 30 million between November 2024 and May 2025, the New York Post reported. What To Know JD Vance joined Bluesky on June 18, 2025. In his first post, he wrote: "I've been told this app has become the place to go for common sense political discussion and analysis. So I'm thrilled to be here to engage with all of you," He then referenced the recent Supreme Court decision upholding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, writing: "I found Justice Clarence Thomas's concurrence on medical care for transgender youth quite illuminating," and suggesting that " are receiving substantial resources from big pharma to push these medicines on kids." Vance's account was suspended within 12 minutes due to Bluesky's automated impersonation-detection system, but it was reinstated and verified soon after. What People Are Saying Jennifer Stromer-Galley, professor in the school of information studies at Syracuse University told Newsweek: Vance "could improve his standing on social media by stopping his trolling of science, expertise, and transgender youth. BlueSky is the social media platform where left-leaning people have congregated as they fled X. Vance created his account and in his first post attacks science and support for gender-affirming care. So, no surprise he was blocked widely on BlueSky." Scott Talan, senior professorial lecturer public communication at American University in Washington D.C told Newsweek: "It is not surprising at all as Bluesky is predominantly populated by left leaning users and the Vice President has made numerous comments that many on the Left would find to be oppositional at the minimum. "Social media in its earlier life was promised to be a place for 'conversation' and connection. Today's politics is more polarized and hyper partisan. So, on social media political points are made versus any sort of substantive discussion. Blocking JD Vance fits this perfectly. This said, some may argue he went on Bluesky to troll users there. He's joining the party on that site rather late in the game and he couldn't expect to warmly welcomed there." George Takei, actor and activist, posted to his 1.2 million followers: "Treat JD Vance on Bluesky like we did Donald's birthday parade. Ignore it, don't show up to watch it, and he will soon become sad and dejected" (The Daily Beast, June 19, 2025). Jesse Singal, journalist, joked about losing his status as most-blocked user: "This isn't happening. You work hard your whole life to achieve something great and then some idiot can just come along and snatch it." What Happens Next With Vance's account now the most blocked in Bluesky's history, he will struggle to reach a wide userbase Whether Vance will continue using Bluesky—or shift his focus back to X or other social media platforms.
The South African
44 minutes ago
- Sport
- The South African
Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs players return for tests
Kaizer Chiefs have become the first Betway Premiership club to return from the end-of-season break for preseason training. The Glamour Boys finished in a disappointing ninth place last term but ended on a high. It was a 2-1 victory over fierce nemesis Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup to end a 10-year trophy drought. Amakhosi will leave South Africa to hold a preseason camp in the Netherlands between 3 and 19 July, including a friendly against Eredivisie side Utrecht FC. All the names: PSL player signings linked with Kaizer Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Manqoba Ozoemena and the Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. Image: kcofficial/Instagram Kaizer Chiefs players Wandile Duba and Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Image: kcofficial/Instagram Meanwhile, reports have stated that Amakhosi have signed two new left-backs: Paseka Mako, 31, and Thabiso Monyane, 25. The duo will join the Glamours after their contracts with Orlando Pirates end on 30 June. Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng's father and new coach update Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- General
- The South African
Boksburg sinkhole 'honoured' on 3-year anniversary of causing traffic mayhem
In a bizarre yet pointed protest, a 20-metre-deep sinkhole on Rondebult Road in Boksburg was 'honoured' with a birthday celebration to mark three years of causing traffic mayhem. The event, hosted by Ekurhuleni councillor Simon Lapping and ward councillor Marius de Vos, featured a custom-made chocolate cake delivered by a singing 'fairy' to symbolise the public's growing frustration over the lack of repairs. The sinkhole, which formed in 2022, has severely impacted local traffic, disrupting over 40 000 vehicles daily and costing commuters and businesses an estimated R1 billion annually in detours and delays. 'It's ridiculous that we're standing here three years later with no solution,' said Councillor Lapping. 'If this were a suburb in a different area, it would've been fixed a long time ago.' Alti Fouche, owner of Silla Specialty Cakes, delivered the unusual order, complete with a giant gouge on top to resemble the crater. 'We usually send singing fairies to parties and celebrations,' she joked. 'This is the first time we've delivered a cake to a sinkhole. It's very exciting – happy birthday, sinkhole!' Both councillors blamed budget constraints within the City of Ekurhuleni for the prolonged delay. Despite multiple complaints and the immense economic toll, no firm timeline has been given for when repairs might begin. The event, though lighthearted on the surface, underscored growing community anger over basic service delivery failures. 'We're tired of excuses,' said De Vos. 'This cake is funny, yes – but the situation is not.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Mrs South Africa inspires Dalpark learners with powerful message
The reigning Mrs South Africa, Erin-Jane Miller, brought hope and inspiration to Dalpark Independent School in Benoni this week. Her visit, just after Youth Day, generated excitement among learners and teachers alike. Miller's heartfelt message struck a chord: 'You never know what battles others are fighting.' The event, organised by the 4Change Foundation, was more than just a school visit. It was an experience. Learners participated in interactive activities, lively skits, and candid conversations. The focus? The real challenges facing South African youth today. Bullying, gender-based violence, and the struggle to find one's identity were all on the agenda, according to her Instagram post. 'If there's one thing I hope the youth take away from this month, it's the importance of self-discovery,' Miller told the learners. 'You're still figuring out who you are. It's tough. But remember, when someone acts out, it's often a cry for help. Be gracious. Everyone is facing their struggles.' Miller's words resonated deeply. Many students nodded in agreement, with some even sharing their own stories. The atmosphere was open and supportive. 'We need to address the root causes, not just put a plaster on the wound,' Miller said. 'It starts at home, with the values we teach. We must empower young girls and encourage men to step up as positive role models.' The 4Change Foundation, which Miller has supported for over 16 years, uses arts, mentorship, and leadership training to uplift communities. Their work has changed thousands of lives across South Africa. During the visit, Miller shared a moving story about twin brothers who went from being the school's troublemakers to becoming a teacher and a navy serviceman. 'You cannot deny the power of a changed life,' she said. 'All it takes is someone believing in you.' Miller's background gives her words weight. Growing up, she saw firsthand the dangers of gangsterism, drug abuse, and limited opportunities. 'I want to create different options for our youth,' she said. 'Too many young people fall into crime because they feel forgotten.' Her role as Mrs South Africa has opened new doors for the 4Change Foundation. 'The platform has given us access to key stakeholders and resources,' Miller explained. 'It's about reaching more people with a meaningful message. It's far more than a pageant.' Looking ahead, Miller is helping to launch 'Elevate', a new support programme for university students. The initiative, in partnership with a major tertiary institution, will offer an app for vulnerable students to access essentials like meals and resources. 'My goal is to use every resource I have to share these stories,' Miller said. 'Empowering young people changes communities. I encourage everyone to support youth programmes in any way they can.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
