Sune Payne
As seen in:
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and
Covers:
Western Cape governance and politics, transportation [ especially rail issues], housing. Social justice
Parliamentary Journalist based in Cape Town.
Eye-roller. Pisces.
Parliamentary reporter with @News24. Prev: Daily Maverick
Articles by Sune Payne
Fake news debunked: Only 21 000 refugees receive social grants in SA, not 3 million
5h ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Sassa has provided information to dispute unverified claims that three million asylum seekers and refugees receive social grants. Deaan Vivier/Netwerk24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Fake news debunked: Only 21 000 refugees receive social grants in SA, not 3 million
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New defence committee co-chair elected after Malusi Gigaba’s controversial exit
The new co-chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mzimasi Hala, was elected on 16 October. Supplied/ Parliament of South Africa Mzimasi Hala was elected co-chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Friday. He replaced Malusi Gigaba, whom the ANC removed from the committee. The election followed an earlier attempt in September, which descended into chaos after questions were raised about Gigaba’s status in the committee. For more political news, visit News24 Politics.
New defence committee co-chair elected after Malusi Gigaba’s controversial exit
Mzimasi Hala was elected co-chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Friday. He replaced Malusi Gigaba, whom the ANC removed from the committee. The election followed an earlier attempt in September, which descended into chaos after questions were raised about Gigaba’s status in the committee. For more political news, visit News24 Politics.
PSC finds state-funded aide had to pay R37 000 of her salary to Sisisi Tolashe’s daughter
2h ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The Public Service Commission has released the results of its investigation into the “food aide” who gave most of her salary to former social development minister Sisisi Tolashe’s daughter.
PSC finds state-funded aide had to pay R37 000 of her salary to Sisisi Tolashe’s daughter
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EFF kicks off court bid to reverse impeachment committee decision on evidence leader
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The Western Cape High Court is hearing an urgent interdict to set aside the impeachment committee’s decision to rescind the recommendation of advocate Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela as evidence leader. Graphic - Sharlene Rood. Images: Storm Simpson/News24; South African Police Service Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
EFF kicks off court bid to reverse impeachment committee decision on evidence leader
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DA puts the squeeze on small parties in last election push
DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers gave party members the line of march at the DA’s final rally on Saturday at Erica Park Sports Complex in Belhar, Cape Town. Supplied/DA Western Cape DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers gave party members the line of march at the party’s final rally on Saturday. In the last four weeks, the DA has four objectives: retain, regain, grow and breakthrough. The party’s big objective is to squeeze small parties out of the race.
MPs left fuming as nearly R5 billion meant for social grants goes unspent
1h ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The Department of Social Development has come under fire from MPs after it emerged that nearly R5 billion in social assistance went underspent. Deaan Vivier/Netwerk24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Cilliers Brink’s ‘raid’ not sanctioned by Tshwane’s metro police
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The DA’s mayoral candidate in Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, during the “raid”. Video screengrab/Cilliers Brink TikTok Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Lawyers question Brink’s defence of Tshwane raid as ‘clickbait’ stunt rattles DA
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‘I make no apology’: Brink defends presence at Tshwane hijacked-house ‘raid’
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article DA’s Cilliers Brink says he won’t apologise for being at the scene of a raid in Tshwane, where armed security guards questioned people about their nationalities. Video screengrab/Cilliers Brink TikTok Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
ANC condemns ‘vile’ death, rape threat against Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma
23m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The ANC has condemned threats against March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. Gallo Images/Darren Stewart Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Get out of the kitchen, Lamola tells Bozell as SA-US relations hit new low
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola (right) and US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III (left). Bozell has accused Lamola of personally insulting him, as diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington deteriorate. X/@DIRCO_ZA Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
Ambassador Bozell says he is ‘personally insulted’ as US-SA diplomatic ties hit new low
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Subscribers can listen to this article International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola (right) and US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III (left). Bozell has accused Lamola of personally insulting him, as diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington deteriorate. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
DA hails ‘real political shift’ as News24/SABI poll puts it ahead in 3 metros
10m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Political parties such as the DA and ActionSA have welcomed aspects of the latest News24 polling released on Sunday. Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
DA hails ‘real political shift’ as News24/SABI poll puts it ahead in 3 metros
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Subscribers can listen to this article Political parties such as the DA and ActionSA have welcomed aspects of the latest News24 polling released on Sunday. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment.
Voting for MKP for a better future is like voting for your grandparents, says Julius Malema
7m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article EFF leader Julius Malema addresses supporters gathered at the Riverview Sports Field in Kokstad for the party’s provincial manifesto launch on Saturday. @EFFSouthAfrica/X Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Voting for MKP for a better future is like voting for your grandparents, says Julius Malema
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SA’s security cluster confident of ‘safe and secure’ local govt elections
6m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Local Government Elections says considerable progress has been made ahead of the November local government elections. Tebogo Letsie/City Press Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
SA’s security cluster confident of ‘safe and secure’ local govt elections
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Tshwane electricity crisis: Which mayoral candidate has the best fix?
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article An explosion set the Waltloo substation on fire on Tuesday, triggering an outage of almost a quarter of the city. Screengrab via City of Tshwane/X Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Gigaba quietly removed from parliamentary committee after ANC fracas Original
Malusi Gigaba has been removed from Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence weeks after Speaker Thoko Didiza reinstated him as the chairperson. Jeffrey Abrahams/Gallo Images via Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Significant, but delayed: 5 years later, Malema finally apologises to Judge Elias Matojane
31m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article EFF leader Julius Malema has apologised for questioning a judge’s ruling against his party. Zwelethemba Kostile/RSA Parliament Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Significant, but delayed: 5 years later, Malema finally apologises to Judge Elias Matojane
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‘Why don’t they leave?’ asks Ntshavheni of citizens complaining of persecution in SA
23m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has questioned why those who claim South Africa is not good for them have remained in the country. Gallo Images/Brenton Geach Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Ramaphosa to address the nation on gender-based violence tonight
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article President Cyril Ramaphosa. Yolanda Mdzeke/News24 President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the country on Tuesday evening at 19:00 on the government’s plans to tackle gender-based violence. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made the announcement on Tuesday during the post-Cabinet briefing. This comes after the bodies of 11 women were found on the East Rand in recent weeks.
EFF’s court bid on Phala Phala evidence leader is ‘premature’: Impeachment committee
47m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Parliament’s impeachment committee has to defend its decision to rescind the nomination of Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela as evidence leader. Graphic - Sharlene Rood.
EFF’s court bid on Phala Phala evidence leader is ‘premature’: Impeachment committee
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Subscribers can listen to this article Parliament’s impeachment committee has to defend its decision to rescind the nomination of Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela as evidence leader. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
Social development dept worried by threat of hit on Sassa’s EC regional boss
39m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Minister Dina Pule has been asked to address MPs on safety measures to protect Sassa staff in the Eastern Cape. Supplied/GCIS Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
More than 50 000 social grants suspended as Treasury tightens Sassa screws
31m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article A parliamentary reply indicated that 100 000 grant recipients underwent a grant review process during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
Knysna’s mayoral chain is the latest victim in the SACP-ANC saga
45m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Knysna is without a mayor after Thando Matika was removed from the ANC for being on the SACP’s list for the upcoming polls. Chelsea Ogilvie/News24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Tension flares in the DA as Gauteng leaders meet March and March on the quiet
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article DA Gauteng leaders held a second meeting with March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma (pictured), with a photo of her and DA Gauteng North chairperson Crezane Bosch later deleted from social media. Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
Hill-Lewis promises more affordable housing if he is re-elected
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Hill-Lewis promises more affordable housing if he is re-elected
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has promised that if he is re-elected, his government will accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. Rosetta Msimango/News24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
FF Plus enters race for Bitou, Garden Route, contests all wards in Western Cape
22m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article FF Plus leader Corné Mulder says the party will contest every ward in the Western Cape in the 2026 local government elections. Phando Jikela/RSA Parliament Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
I look forward to returning to my duties, says Paul Mashatile in first appearance since surgery
39m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Deputy President Paul Mashatile is seen in public for the first time since his surgery. He is pictured with former president Thabo Mbeki during a visit. Paul Mashatile/X Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Fact-finding mission to SA over alleged targeting of Nigerian nationals delayed
Eswatini MP Marwick Khumalo during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town this week. Phando Jikelo/Parliament of RSA South Africa will host a parliamentary delegation in January to discuss acts of violence targeting foreign nationals. A regional task team was established after a meeting in August saw verbal clashes between SA and Nigeria over the word “xenophobia”.
President Cyril Ramaphosa booked off sick
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been booked off sick from public engagements. The Presidency has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa has been booked off from public engagements due to ill health. In a short statement on Wednesday afternoon, it said after his return from the BRICS Summit in India, the president “has been advised by his medical team to rest and recover”. Ramaphosa asked respective ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements. More to follow.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina apologises for swearing
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised for swearing at a Kouga resident last week. She says she reacted in the heat of the moment after she was subjected to “profane language”. The DA has lodged a complaint against her in Parliament. For more political news, visit News24 Politics. Almost one week after she was filmed swearing at a Kouga resident, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised.
It's about transparency, not suspicion, says Gwarube about lifestyle audits in her department
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It's about transparency, not suspicion, says Gwarube about lifestyle audits in her department
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Subscribers can listen to this article Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says she undertook a lifestyle audit this year. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Frank Chikane, ANC dismiss claims that he is taking the party to court
Reverend Frank Chikane has dismissed claims that he is taking the ANC to court. Lubabalo Lesolle/Gallo Images ANC veteran Frank Chikane has dismissed claims that he is taking the party to court over its bungled ANC candidate list. Chikane is one of the ANC’s contenders for Johannesburg's mayoral candidate, alongside incumbent mayor Dada Morero and deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku. The ANC says attempts to “manufacture a conflict” between Chikane and his party are “reckless and misleading”.
Minister Pemmy Majodina silent after swearing at resident
Comments Gift article Bookmark 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Minister Pemmy Majodina at a community meeting in Loerie, before the drama broke out. Sarah Baartman District Municipality/Facebook Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
ANC to oppose DA’s bid to intervene in candidate lists case
ANC and DA campaining before the 2024 general elections. The ANC said it would oppose the DA’s bid to intervene in its Electoral Court case against the Electoral Commission of SA. Darren Stewart/Gallo Images via Getty Images The ANC said it would oppose the DA’s bid to intervene in its Electoral Court case against the Electoral Commission of SA. The DA says the ANC is the author of its own misfortune for trying to submit its candidate lists at the last minute.
ANC is author of its own misfortune, DA says as it counters party’s legal action against IEC
9m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The DA has filed papers to intervene in the ANC’s case against the IEC. Laird Forbes/Gallo Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
MPs go to war over evidence leader as Ramaphosa impeachment inquiry stalls
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The parliamentary impeachment committee has voted 19-9 to oppose an EFF court application challenging its decision to rescind Advocate Thandazani Madonsela’s nomination as evidence leader. Graphic: Sharlene Rood. Images: Storm Simpson/News24; South African Police Service. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
Bad faith and abuse of process: Inside latest legal action in Phala Phala saga
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The EFF has challenged the decision to rescind the nomination of advocate Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela, SC, as evidence leader in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment proceedings. Graphic: Sharlene Rood. Images: Storm Simpson/News24; South African Police Service Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
Elections 2026: ActionSA aims for 15 seats in debut Cape Town elections
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Dereleen James, ActionSA Cape Town mayoral candidate, has announced some of the party’s campaign promises for the 4 November polls. Supplied/ActionSA Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
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