In today’s edition we look at why things just may be OK despite SA’s paused vaccine rollout; examine the DA’s plans for a new CT mayor and offer a special tribute to those we lost in the past week. So, let’s dive into your weekly simple news update, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team 😄.

15 April, '21: The DA’s pale male problem

Hi there 🙋🏽‍♀️ in this week's edition of The Wrap, we're looking at wins for GBV in our court system, and how things could ideally work for other survivors. We unpack the motion of no confidence in Cyril Ramaphosa, plus give you the latest on Russia, THAT Will Smith slap, and celebrate Miriam Makeba. 

So, let’s dive into your weekly update of empowering and easy-to-understand news, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

31 March '22: The ANC’s era of decline

Brrr! The cold front has arrived just in time for our Youth Day public holiday. 😭 Damn you, Winter! The Western Cape was hit first and Gauteng is now experiencing the chill – just as Eskom aka the princes of darkness warns us the grid is under strain. 🙄 Make sure your gas heater is filled.

Still, we’re determined to enjoy tomorrow, hence sending this newsletter a day early. We hope you are too: take time off and find a way to commemorate or celebrate our youth as we remember the events of the Soweto riots that tomorrow commemorates.

This week we had a bit of fun discussing Comair’s grounding, even if it does mean we’re effectively grounded too with the prices of air travel soaring. We tell you why it’s a good thing a white man has been appointed to the ConCourt, and a bad thing that black women were excluded from breast cancer research! We also give you the latest on Farmgate, our Public Protector, and the Gupta arrests. Read on – and stay warm! 🙋🏽‍♀️

15 June '22: A white man has been appointed to the ConCourt. Here’s why that’s a good thing.

Have you missed us? We’ve sure missed you. But fret not, we’re back, and we’re better than ever. 

We’re spicing things up! We’ve changed our format to bring you the news that matters to you in more bite-sized packaging, with shorter briefs up front and then a dive into meatier stories. So, tell your friends to check us out and who knows? We might get them wrapped around our fingers pretty soon. 😉

This week, we chat to you about white ‘refugees’, private jets and a touching farewell at one of Mzansi’s biggest soccer clubs. We also unpack what to expect as our finance minister takes a gander at the budget for the third time, and why some court cases like Joshlin Smith concluded quickly while others drag on for years. 

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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The Great Tsek: Cyril is beefing with ‘cowardly’ white refugees - 15 May ‘25

We’re back with this week’s edition of The Wrap, and what a week it’s been.

First up: the US says it’ll attend the upcoming G20 Summit. Wonder if they’ll still feel welcome after a former president defended that song Trump was fuming about last week.

The latest stats say crime is down, but the brutal killing of Olorato Mongale has us asking: really? 
A new service provider is running the lottery, and we’re giving them the side-eye. We’re also raising eyebrows at Brigitte Macron’s “playful moment” with the French president in Vietnam.

And finally, South Africa mourns the loss of two cultural figures who passed on Tuesday.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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Has Ramaphosa won Trump over? We’re watching. - 29 May ‘25

The MK Party’s back in the headlines and, shocker, it’s not for winning any awards in good governance. This week, we also unpack Ukraine’s bold attack on Russia, how scientists are using AI to decode animal chit-chat, and the latest quiet exit of Afrikaners (no drama this time, just vibes). 

Oh, and a South African took on a UK right-wing panel and cooked.
In our deeper dives, we look at political assassinations (yup, still a thing), the sneaky fuel levy hike, why Floyd Shivambu was always skating on thin ice with the MK Party, and how a controversial aide got fired on his actual birthday. Karma really said: “Surprise!” 🎁👋

Also, a HUGE thank you to everyone who filled in our survey last week! We love the direction and inspiration your input has provided. It seems the new format has won out over the previous format, but please keep the feedback coming. Mail info@explain.co.za with your thoughts. 

Now, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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Jacob Zuma’s MK party is kinda falling apart - 5 June 25

Hope you’re keeping warm after this week’s icy cold snap. Here’s what we’ve got for you.

The president wants the country to start talking – literally – with plans for a national dialogue. Will our collective yapping bring us together? Meanwhile, backing Helen Zille for Joburg mayor might not be as wild as it sounds.

Also in this week’s wrap: a shocking school shooting in Austria, Elon Musk’s apology tour, and, a major vaccination drive to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Looks like John is hard at work.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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Zille for Jhb mayor? It’s not the WORST idea. - 12 June ‘25

You know what South Africa definitely doesn’t need? ANOTHER political party. Yet that’s exactly what Floyd Shivambu is offering South Africans after a dramatic press conference today. Meanwhile, his former chomi, Julius Malema, has been denied a visa to the UK. Yikes.

In international news, you’ve heard Israel is locked in another bloody war, this time with Iran, but why now? We break down how Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival is linked to creating ongoing conflict.

In our global briefs: Movie mogul Tyler Perry faces serious accusations, we take a look at the deadly Air India crash, why Will Smith’s new album doesn’t slap, and a promising HIV prevention shot that could change lives.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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Someone tell Floyd Shivambu we don't need another political party 😆 - 19 June ‘25

Another week, another episode of Mzansi: The Political Soapie. A surprise deputy minister firing today has shaken up the GNU. Also in this Wrap: President Cyril Ramaphosa aims to make the judiciary more independent (finally, some adulting in government), Home Affairs is taking on banks, and Malusi Gigaba is attempting to block his ex from airing their dirty laundry on a TV show. Meanwhile, the deputy president is… well, being the deputy president. 
Globally, Israel and Iran are still at it, scientists are cooking up ways to create synthetic human DNA (yes, really), and New York might soon have a mayor with Cape Town links. Plus, a new study says ChatGPT could be making your brain a bit mushy…. 
So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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A GNU crisis? Ramaphosa just fired a DA deputy minister 👀 - 26 June ‘25

Brace yourselves, Mzansi, another cold front is on the way. But you know what’s warming us up? The Springboks by winning on the field, and investigative journalists by exposing corruption. 

Meanwhile, the MK Party is descending even further into factional battles, the GNU is looking a little shaky as usual, plus we explain Donald Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” and why it’s a bit of a big mess. 😆

We also unpack how AI landed a team of lawyers in trouble, reminding us that ChatGPT is many things, but it’s not particularly accurate. Internationally, Beyoncé had a mid-concert scare, but much to her hive’s relief, Queen B is safe. Over the pond, a punk-rap duo proved their anti-establishment chops with their comments on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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The MK Party drama continues with John Hlophe taking on Duduzile - 03 July ‘25

Hi there 🙋🏾‍♀️

What a week. There’s a seeming civil war in the police service, Caster Semenya has triumphed in her latest court battle, and US President Donald Trump has slapped, well, everyone, with tariffs. Again. We’re also looking at why activists are worried the upcoming National Dialogue won’t amount to much more than talk. 

On the global front, Elon Musk wants to start his own political party, but it may remain just a trending X  post. We also check in on the devastation in Gaza, where there’s cautious hope for a ceasefire. And in Texas, deadly floods have some saying Trump’s government cuts may have made things much worse.

Also, a correction: Last week, we said the British Barbarians rugby team was French. Apologies!

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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General Mkhwanazi and the explosive claims rocking the SAPS: 10 July '25

Hi there 🙋🏾‍♀️

Welcome to this week’s edition of the wrap, unpacking the week that was. 

We explain why the president’s decision to call a commission of inquiry into the police saga is necessary — and why we’re hoping it leads to real action. Also on the agenda: alarming coup claims from Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. Should we be worried, or is she just being extra?

On the sports side, there have been wins and losses! The Proteas slipped a little while the Fifa Club Cup and Wimbledon wrapped up.

Internationally, the Epstein Files are back in the spotlight, Beyoncé is the victim of a crime, and Superman is apparently more antisemitic than Elon Musk’s Grok 🤯

Heads up: Tomorrow, 18 July, is Nelson Mandela Day. How will you be spending your 67 minutes? Let us know!

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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Ramaphosa’s SAPS inquiry is necessary: 17 July '25

Hi there 🙋🏾‍♀️
So today’s big question: Was a minister’s recent sacking a DA win or not?
Here’s what else we’ve got for you: heartbreak for Banyana Banyana after a dramatic match this week (and an injury to boot). We’re also raising an eyebrow at a certain ex-‘sushi king’ who claims he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Sure, Jan.
Meanwhile, pilots at one of SA’s most reliable airlines have gone on strike – bad news if you’re planning a winter escape. Coldplay went viral for a reason even they didn’t expect. Some countries are finally standing up for the people of Gaza. Japan's gone right-wing. And in our longer reads, we ask: where on earth is Mcebisi Jonas? 
So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄


Did DA pressure force Ramaphosa to fire Nkabane? 24 July '25

Hi there 🙋🏾‍♀️

A quick heads-up: From next week, The Wrap is taking a well-earned three-week break so our team can recharge and return with even sharper reporting.  💪🏾



This week, we look at how the world is finally recognising the reality in Gaza. Closer to home, there’s a revealing exposé on the deputy president, and Sushi King is officially off the menu – for now. One of South Africa’s top hitmakers is also facing a lawsuit.

Internationally, a strong earthquake rattled the Pacific, Ciara danced her way into Benin, and a pop star is dating a former prime minister. We’ll let you guess who.

Plus: MKP and Cyril go head-to-head at the ConCourt.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄
----------------------
That’s it from us at The Wrap, an award-winning product of explain.co.za - simple news summaries for busy people. 💁🏾‍♀ 
The Wrap is sponsored by explain’s agency division. We specialise in content marketing for purpose-driven organisations, often with a pan-African reach. Mail info@explain.co.za for a quote. 

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Gaza is starving. The world is finally reacting: 31 July '25

We’re back – hope you missed us as much as we missed you!

Our latest Wrap updates you on Julius Malema – he’s just been hit with a major hate speech ruling. Two senior justice officials are in hot water over the bungled Madlanga Commission, and two of SA’s youngest parties are flirting with a coalition ahead of next year’s local elections. 

Cyril’s much-hyped national dialogue? Fast becoming a one-man show. Meanwhile, a billionaire is eyeing Curro, and the Springboks made a strong comeback after their recent stumble.🥳

In Celebville, we unpack Taylor Swift’s recent engagement and why it matters to Swifties everywhere.

Our global lows of the week include Washington and Moscow’s meeting, which was so uneventful it could’ve been an email, one of our neighbours facing a worsening health crisis, and Gaza’s suffering continues.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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The tide is turning against Malema: 28 August '25

Our lead story this week is straight out of a cop soapie. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola were at each other’s throats over those 121 dockets linked to political killings in KZN… then they suddenly made up. 🙃 Their truce calms things at the top, but the real drama is still circling dodgy tender tycoon Cat Matlala, caught making secret prison phone calls like he’s auditioning for Prison Break: SA Edition.

Meanwhile, Aunty Pat (Patricia de Lille) is on the ropes in Parliament, Joburg finally reopened Lillian Ngoyi Street (kinda), and the Bok Women smashed their way into history. Abroad, Google’s been told to share the internet, US President Donald Trump is cosplaying an authoritarian strongman, and Cardi B turned a trial into comedy hour.

So, let’s dive into these stories and more in this week’s wrap, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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SA’s police drama keeps getting spicier: 4 September '25

Hi there and welcome to The Wrap: simple news updates for busy people, brought to you by explain.co.za 💁🏽‍♀

In just a few days you get to taste a little freedom, as full lockdown lifts. At the same time, we rather poetically celebrate Freedom Day in South Africa tomorrow. We bring you news on that and more in this edition. Also: Ramadaan Mubarak to our Muslim community! 

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EMOJI NEWS INDICATOR

1. Covid-19 update: A new chapter 🌘

2. South Africa’s economic stimulus missile 📝

3. How we respond to bad news ☠️

4. News from around the world 🌏

And your weekly dose of inspiration. 

Hit play, and let’s dive in.

26  April '20: Waiting on freedom...

Who runs the world? GIRLS! From Kamala Harris to Amanda Gorman, Shamila Batohi and Jill Biden (that’s DR Jill Biden to you), it’s been an amazing week for women. Meanwhile, the latest Covid figures give us cautious optimism, but the disease has also taken the life of one of the country’s most admired politicians. This week, we think it’s long past time to take racism out of medicine - and we tell you why Bitcoin may glitter, but it isn’t always gold. Enjoy this week’s edition, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team

21 Jan '20: Girls run the world! Could this be the new normal?

explain.co.za, founded by Verashni Pillay, provides simple summaries for people too busy to keep up with the news. 

Our weekly podcast, The Wrap, is a weekly summary of South African news, brought to you by award-winning journalist Nickolaus Bauer, with the rest of the team. 
 
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