Hi there 🙋🏾♀️
This week, the world’s in full drama mode, and not just because of the Oscar nominations. 🎭 Donald Trump is cutting aid left and right, leaving international chaos in his wake. Meanwhile, South African troops in the DRC are in a tough spot as tensions there escalate. And in tech, China’s DeepSeek AI has Silicon Valley sweating.
Back home, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is following in her father’s well-trodden footsteps—straight to the courthouse 🏛️ She’s facing legal action over the 2021 July riots, proving the Zumas love for wooden benches runs deep.
On a lighter note, Beyoncé stans are once again asking: Will Queen Bey finally get her flowers at the Grammys? 🎤👑 And Hollywood’s got its eyes on an Oscar-worthy musical that, unlike Cats, is actually good.
Plus, we’ve got all the political drama, sports highlights, and need-to-know updates. 🚀
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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Format:
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▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 1. OUR TAKE: Trump’s aid freeze: A sudden cut that’s costing lives
If you’re battling to keep up with US President Donald Trump’s blitz of controversial decisions since taking office, same. Ten days into his second term, he’s withdrawn from the WHO, reinstated a transgender military ban, and, crucially, slapped a 90-day freeze on all US foreign aid. His reasoning? “We get tired of giving massive amounts of money to countries that hate us, don’t we?” he declared. But this knee-jerk policy is slamming into life-saving health programmes worldwide, particularly those fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa.
One of the biggest casualties? The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US programme that has been a lifeline for millions since 2003. PEPFAR funds clinics, health workers, and medication, ensuring that over 20 million people worldwide stay on HIV treatment.
Clinics funded by PEPFAR, like Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, have already been forced to shut their doors or drastically cut services. Health workers are being told not to come to work, leaving state-employed staff overwhelmed. Patients are arriving for appointments only to be turned away.
Some critics argue that African nations should fund their own health programmes. And sure, in an ideal world, that’s the goal. But, as clinical infectious diseases epidemiologist Dr. Salim Abdool Karim points out, that shift should happen gradually, over years during which PEPFAR would train local health workers and prepare them for the transition. Instead, Trump’s sudden decision is leaving countries with no time to adapt, endangering millions.
There is some hope. Under pressure, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a partial waiver, allowing some “life-saving humanitarian assistance” to continue – but the details are unclear, and for now, the stop orders remain in place. The South African government is scrambling to find funds to fill the gap, but even Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi admits they don’t yet have a full picture of the fallout.
This is more than just politics – it’s a matter of life and death. If PEPFAR funding isn’t restored soon, we could see a devastating backslide in the fight against HIV.
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 2. BIG STORY: SA troops in DRC: Outgunned, outmanned, and out of time
Diplomatic relationships between Rwanda and South Africa are taking strain, after SA President Cyril Ramaphosa called out Rwanda’s backing of M23 rebels, in a conflict that has its roots in the Rwandan genocide.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame responded angrily on X to a post by Ramaphosa, noting the Rwanda Defence Force militia and M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were responsible for an escalation in fighting. This led to at least 13 of our soldiers dead, without the supplies and weapons they needed.
Kagame responded via Twitter on Thursday, effectively challenging South Africa. “If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.”
Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebels in the DRC—an accusation long made by the UN.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has had an active presence in the DRC since December 2023, as part of a regional peacekeeping force. This was deployed to stabilise the conflict-ridden eastern DRC, where armed groups, including M23 rebels reportedly backed by Rwanda, have been fighting for control of territory rich in minerals.
A City Press report on Sunday revealed that the SANDF is outgunned, facing an enemy equipped with drones, missiles, and jamming equipment. Meanwhile, attempts to send reinforcements and supplies have been blocked by M23’s rapid advance, leaving troops cut off. To make matters worse, many more are wounded and unable to get medical attention. 😢 Many South Africans are rightfully upset about the situation.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has been criticised for her handling of the crisis by opposition parties and others. She has pushed back against claims that SANDF troops are out of ammunition, insisting that during her visit, troops told her they had sufficient supplies. However, this contradicts reports from the ground, raising concerns about transparency.
With fighting still ongoing and SANDF troops effectively trapped, South Africa now faces serious questions about how—and whether—it can safely extract its soldiers from one of its most dangerous military entanglements in years.
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ BRIEFS
3. DeepSeek AI: China’s disruptive challenger shakes Silicon Valley
China’s DeepSeek AI has sent shockwaves through the global tech industry, wiping billions off Silicon Valley’s biggest names and forcing the US to rethink its dominance in artificial intelligence. Claiming it trained its model for just $5.6 million, compared to OpenAI’s approximate $640 million spend, DeepSeek has challenged long-held assumptions about what it takes to build a world-class AI system.
Over the weekend, DeepSeek shot to the top of Apple’s US App Store, becoming the most downloaded free app. By Monday, the fallout was evident: tech stocks tumbled, with AI chip giant Nvidia losing 17% of its market value – nearly $600 billion, the biggest drop in U.S. stock market history, according to Bloomberg.
DeepSeek’s sudden success is being seen as a strategic flex by China, especially given its reliance on open-source technology and its claim of lower costs. Analyst Gene Munster expressed scepticism, calling the chatbot “surprisingly good, which just makes it hard to believe”. He speculated whether DeepSeek was being subsidised or if its numbers were simply too good to be true.
Adding to the drama, DeepSeek’s rise comes just days after Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Larry Ellison (Oracle) announced Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure plan with U.S. President Donald Trump. The initiative was meant to reinforce America’s AI dominance, but DeepSeek’s breakthrough has raised fresh doubts.
OpenAI has hinted that its proprietary model, ChatGPT, may have been used without permission, a process known as knowledge distillation.
Regardless, DeepSeek may be fast, free, and effective – but is it safe? Users have already noticed Chinese government censorship embedded in its responses. Questions about Tiananmen Square, Hong Kong protests, or Taiwan either get ignored or redirected.
Additionally, DeepSeek stores user data on servers in China, raising security concerns. We all remember Tiktok’s brief ban in the US over similar issues.
For now, the AI race is no longer a one-horse American show. DeepSeek has proven that China is a real competitor – and that’s forcing a global rethink on how AI is built, funded, and controlled.
4. Politics wrap: GNU Drama and City of CT offices raided
Ah, South African politics – never a dull moment! From courtroom exits to coalition clashes, here’s what you need to know.
Cape Town raid fallout: What’s going on?
Are police targeting DA-aligned officials in Cape Town, or is there really potential corruption being sniffed out? You may have heard of a bit of a kerfuffle with police raiding DA-aligned officials in the City of Cape Town. Cops descended on mayoral committee members JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg’s offices on Friday. Why? Police are playing their cards close to their chest, saying the investigation relates to tender fraud in the construction sector. Both Smith and Limberg have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, with Smith suggesting that political adversaries are orchestrating a smear campaign against him. The only arrest made by police was Louis Cason, an executive support staffer in Smith’s office, who allegedly refused to hand over electronic devices to police. But plot twist! His case has been dropped, with no reason given.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says he’ll only act if there’s solid evidence against Smith and Limberg. He noted that the execution of a search warrant doesn’t necessarily indicate criminal activity and assured full cooperation with SAPS. The case has set the cats among the political pigeons with plenty of conspiracy theories and everyone watching to see what happens next.
GNU tensions: DA’s red lines
Shifting to national politics, the DA’s love-hate relationship with the Government of National Unity (GNU) hit a rough patch. The party is fuming over President Cyril Ramaphosa signing the Expropriation Bill into law without consulting coalition partners. The bill allows for land expropriation without compensation in certain cases – something the DA has fought against for years.
John Steenhuisen initially threatened to withhold support for the national budget next month but walked it back after Tuesday’s emergency meeting with Ramaphosa. He insists the DA won’t be “spectators” in the GNU and has a big problem with the National Health Insurance bill, which he says will “destroy private healthcare.”
But is the GNU falling apart? Not yet. Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen agree that policy fights in a coalition government are normal. Investors are also (cautiously) optimistic – SA’s rand is holding up, and the bond market is outperforming global peers.
So, no collapse just yet – but with expropriation, NHI, and the budget battle looming, the GNU will need all its nine lives to survive 2025.
5. Will the Grammys finally crown Queen Bey?
The Grammys are back, and while we love the glitz, the drama is chef’s kiss this year. Why? Because Beyoncé—aka the most decorated artist in Grammy history—has yet to win Album of the Year. Yep, despite winning 32 golden gramophones, she’s been repeatedly snubbed for the biggest prize. Now, with Cowboy Carter up for Album of the Year, fans are asking: will the Recording Academy finally do right by her?
Let’s talk history. Beyoncé has been nominated for Album of the Year five times. She lost to Taylor Swift (Fearless), Beck (Morning Phase), Adele (25), and most recently, Harry Styles (Harry’s House). The pattern? Nearly all her losses have been to white pop and rock artists, raising questions about how the Academy values Black artistry, especially in genre-bending music.
So, will she win? Probably. Should she win? Definitely. The Academy knows it needs Beyoncé more than she needs them. If they want to stay relevant, they’ll finally give her the top prize. If not? Well, we’re ready to riot in formation. 🫡
While Cowboy Carter is a frontrunner for Album of the Year, competition is fierce. Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department is in the mix, and given her Grammy darling status, she could walk away with her fifth AOTY win—breaking records yet again. Other nominees include Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, Charli XCX’s Brat, and André 3000’s New Blue Sun, a surprise jazz entry.
Song of the Year looks equally unpredictable, with Sabrina Carpenter’s viral Please Please Please, Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe!, and Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga’s Die With a Smile all in contention.
Also, South Africa’s own Trevor Noah is back as host, proving yet again that no one does awards night banter better. The night will also feature performances from Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, and Teddy Swims, promising a mix of pop perfection and powerhouse vocals.
The 2025 Grammy Awards take place on Sunday, 2 February in Los Angeles.
6. July riots reckoning: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla faces terrorism charges
Three and a half years after South Africa’s worst unrest since democracy, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is finally facing the music. The daughter of former president Jacob Zuma is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today, charged with inciting terrorism during the July 2021 riots.
You’ll recall the scenes of looted malls, burning trucks, and clashes that left more than 350 people dead and cost the economy an eye-watering R50 billion. Now, authorities say Zuma-Sambudla played a role in fanning the flames—literally.
So… what’s the case against Zuma-Sambudla?
A forensic report compiled shortly after the riots highlights 65 tweets Zuma-Sambudla allegedly posted between 1 and 13 July 2021. The posts, shared with her more than 100,000 followers, appeared to encourage and celebrate the unrest following her father’s imprisonment for contempt of court.
The report, submitted by forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), argues that these tweets were intended to incite violence. O’Sullivan claims Zuma-Sambudla’s words were “likely to persuade, provoke, or urge people/s to violence or produce imminent criminal offences and likely to incite or produce such action.”
Zuma-Sambudla is facing charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act. If convicted, she could be looking at serious jail time. But here’s the catch: only two terrorism cases have ever been successfully prosecuted in South Africa.
Those cases? The Thulsie twins, who tried to join ISIS, and The Crusaders, a white supremacist group that plotted attacks on Black South Africans. Clearly, the bar for conviction is high.
Legal experts say the State wouldn’t bring these charges unless they were confident, but Zuma-Sambudla’s defence will likely argue that she was simply expressing political views—not inciting violence.
Zuma-Sambudla is now a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, founded by her father after he broke from the ANC. MK says the charges are nothing but a political hit job designed to weaken the party, which made a stunning debut in the 2024 elections, securing close to 15% of the vote.
The party has called on supporters to flood the Durban court in a show of strength. And, true to form, Zuma-Sambudla hasn’t backed down—she responded to news of her court appearance with a cryptic post on X: “We see you.”
Police are bracing for potential unrest, with extra officers stationed around Durban and high-risk areas. Could this case bring justice for the 2021 riots, or will it just stir up old tensions?
7. And the Oscar nomination goes to… a musical!
After being delayed twice due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the 2025 Oscar nominations have finally been unveiled – and it’s a big year for musicals. 💃
Leading the pack is the genre-bending, Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, with a whopping 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón – the first openly transgender woman ever nominated in the category. The film tells the story of a cartel boss who secretly undergoes gender-affirming surgery and reinvents herself as a humanitarian.
Another major player is Wicked, the long-awaited Broadway adaptation, which scored 10 nods, including acting nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Period drama The Brutalist, about a Holocaust survivor turned architect in America, also racked up 10 nominations, solidifying its spot as an awards season heavyweight.
The Best Actress race is one of the most intense we’ve seen in years, with Emilia Pérez’s Gascón up against The Substance’s Demi Moore and Brazil’s Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here). Meanwhile, the Best Actor category sees Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) battling it out – with Daniel Craig (Queer) shockingly left off the list.
Other surprises? The Apprentice, the controversial Donald Trump biopic, clawed its way to two major acting nominations for Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. And Brazil’s I’m Still Here unexpectedly made it into the Best Picture category.
Amidst all the Hollywood heavyweights, South Africa is also making waves at the Oscars! Local short film The Last Ranger has earned a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film – the first SA film to be recognised by the Academy in 20 years.
Directed by Cindy Lee and starring Avumile Qongqo, the film shines a light on rhino poaching and the bravery of female rangers fighting to protect SA’s wildlife. If The Last Ranger wins, it would be South Africa’s first Oscar since Tsotsi in 2005.
It’s an open race this year, with no Oppenheimer-like frontrunner. Will a musical win Best Picture? Will Netflix, after its countless failed previous attempts, finally claim Oscar gold with Emilia Pérez? We’ll find out on 2 March – if Hollywood isn’t still on fire. 😬
8. Sports Wrap:
The biggest sports story this week? South Africa’s U19 women’s cricket team is on the brink of history, heading into a massive World Cup semi-final against Australia tomorrow! 🏏🔥 Meanwhile, the Bulls are counting their injuries after a bruising URC battle, and MI Cape Town cruised into the SA20 playoffs with a dominant win. Let’s dive in! ⬇️
🏏SA’s U19 women set for World Cup semi
South Africa’s unbeaten run at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia continues, and next up is a blockbuster semi-final against Australia tomorrow. Proteas legend Trisha Chetty, now the SA U19 fielding coach, believes this squad is the real deal: “The team is determined and a united front… and they’re working towards the same goal – to make South Africa proud.” Keep an eye on Kayla Reyneke, who has taken nine wickets so far, and Nthabiseng Nini, whose economy rate of 2.71 is the best in the tournament.
🏉Bok blow for Bulls
It was a brutal weekend for the Bulls in their 35-22 URC win over the Lions at Ellis Park. First, captain Ruan Nortje limped off after just five minutes with a knee injury. Then, his stand-in skipper, Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw, suffered a nasty knee injury of his own and had to be stretchered off with his leg in a splint. Louw has already undergone surgery and faces a “long and uncertain road” to recovery, but he’s staying positive. “I WILL be back,” the 25-year-old vowed on Instagram. The Bulls are yet to confirm the extent of either player’s injuries, but things aren’t looking great for the Pretoria side.
🏆MI Cape Town steamroll Sunrisers to reach SA20 playoffs
MI Cape Town are through to the SA20 playoffs after dismantling defending champs Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 10 wickets at Newlands yesterday. Corbin Bosch was the hero with the ball, taking 4/19, while Kagiso Rabada chipped in with 2/14. Chasing just 108 runs, Rassie van der Dussen (48*) and Ryan Rickelton (59*) made it look easy, reaching the target in just 11 overs. Next up, MI Cape Town head to Centurion to face the Pretoria Capitals tomorrow afternoon, while the Sunrisers must beat log-leaders Paarl Royals on Saturday to stay in the race.
That’s your sports fix for the week – catch you on the next play! 🔥
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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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