Top 10 stories of the day: Mayfair fire kills 4 children | Ramaphosa-Trump showdown delegation | Another Post Office cash injection
Here’s your daily news update for Monday, 19 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, the Mayfair community in Johannesburg is in mourning after four children, under the age of two years old, tragically died in a house fire on Monday morning.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s delegation to the United States is en route to its most high-profile diplomatic engagement in recent memory, and the members have had things to say about SA–USA relations in 2025.
Furthermore, almost 6 000 South African Post Office (Sapo) jobs will be saved via another funding injection.
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House fire claims lives of four young children in Mayfair
The Mayfair community in Johannesburg is in mourning after four children, under the age of two years old, tragically died in a house fire on Monday morning.
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) responded to a house on fire near 8th Avenue and West Street at around 11am.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said that upon arrival, the firefighters found the house on fire, and they started firefighting operations.
“While conducting a search and rescue operation, four bodies of young kids ranging from two years and below were recovered. Unfortunately, they were confirmed dead on the scene by Gauteng EMS paramedics,” Mulaudzi said.
CONTINUE READING: House fire claims lives of four young children in Mayfair
What those on the plane to Washington said prior to Trump-Ramaphosa showdown
South Africa’s delegation to the United States is in transit en route to its most high-profile diplomatic engagement in recent memory.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading a team of four ministers this week for bilateral discussions with the Trump administration.
The president is set to meet his US counterpart on Wednesday in Washington, and the nation is eager to see how the heads of state’s contrasting personalities mesh.
The delegation consists of Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
CONTINUE READING: What those on the plane to Washington said prior to Trump-Ramaphosa showdown
More millions to save jobs at SA Post Office
Almost 6 000 South African Post Office (Sapo) jobs will be saved via another funding injection.
Sapo and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) agreed on a deal to fund employee salaries while the government works to restore the postal service’s fortunes.
The agreement between the two government entities will see the return of the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (Ters) used during the 2020 global health pandemic.
The Ters scheme will inject R381 million into the post office over the next six months to assist 5 956 employees.
CONTINUE READING: More millions to save jobs at SA Post Office
Chiefs coach Nabi – ‘This news is bad for me’
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has denied that he is set to be sacked at the end of this season.
A report in the Sunday Times on May 11 claimed Nabi was going to be dismissed, even after winning the Nedbank Cup.
“This news came from journalists, not from the club. Why all the time is it ‘Nabi, Nabi, Nabi,’ for what? All of Africa has been calling me to come coach them, thinking I’m a free agent,” Nabi told journalists on Saturday, after Amakhosi’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
CONTINUE READING: Chiefs coach Nabi – ‘This news is bad for me’
Will Ramaphosa testify in Phala Phala trial? NPA clears the air
At least 22 witnesses are lined up to testify in the Phala Phala trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says.
Imanuwela David, Ndilinasho Joseph and Froliana Joseph appeared in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with the theft $580 000 (about R10.4 million) at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in February 2020.
NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the 22 witnesses lined up for the trial showed that the state had a strong case against the three. However, the president will not be among the witnesses.
“We can get someone from the farm. It could be a manager or administrator to be part of the trial, not the president,” Malabi-Dzhangi told the SABC.
CONTINUE READING: Will Ramaphosa testify in Phala Phala trial? NPA clears the air
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Omotoso deported | ANCWL deputy president dies | SANDF troops in DRC
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