Twatterbaas source of Trump video; Jenna Clifford remembered: Today&#x2019s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

May 25, 2025 North America views: 116

Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes.

Graphic by Sharlene Rood/News24

News24 brings you the top stories of the day,summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.

President Cyril Ramaphosa looks on as a video is played in the Oval Office during a meeting on 21 May 2025,while US president Donald Trump narrates,making false claims,that the images of white crosses by a roadside - part of a protest in Normandien on 5 September 2020 - are burial sites for white farmers.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump’s Oval Office video of white farmer ‘burial sites’ was posted by Twatterbaas account

A video of a 2020 anti-farm murder protest,posted by Sebastiaan Jooste (@twatterbaas),was used by Donald Trump as "proof of persecution" against white South African farmers.Elon Musk amplified the video to his millions of followers on X,and Trump later shared it on Truth Social,making false claims about the footage depicting burial sites of white farmers.The video actually showed a protest against farm murders,including victims of all races,and the South African government faces criticism for its lack of action on rural safety despite acknowledging farm murders.READ MORE

A 28-year-old man,accused of raping several female pupils at a high-achieving school in KwaZulu-Natal,has been rearrested after fleeing police custody earlier this week.

Supplied/SAPS

Suspect in KZN school rapes rearrested after fleeing from police custody

A 28-year-old man accused of raping pupils at Bizimali Secondary School in Nkandla was re-arrested after escaping police custody by faking a medical emergency.KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli will visit the Mariannhill police station to address the escape and ensure accountability,including opening a case against the suspect's brother for witness intimidation.The suspect's re-arrest was aided by a traditional healer who alerted police after the suspect sought intervention,and the KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC will visit the affected school.READ MORE

Amber Lee Hughes has been charged with the rape and murder of her ex-boyfriend's four-year-old daughter,Nada-Jane Challita.

Bernadette Wicks/News24

Gardener’s location debated as Amber Hughes denies assaulting and killing child

Amber Hughes,accused of raping and murdering four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita,was cross-examined,with the State focusing on her access to the child during the critical timeframe.Hughes claimed gardener Lloyd Dzapasi was present,contradicting previous testimonies,and denied raping or killing Nada-Jane,asserting she did not know when the alleged rape could have occurred.Hughes and Elie Challita had a heated dispute regarding infidelity,and Hughes claimed she found Nada-Jane drowned in the bath,failing to notice any signs of sexual assault,despite her experience working with children.READ MORE

President Donald Trump engaging with President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office.

Helena Wasserman/News24

Ramaphosa fends off Trump’s claims,secures path for future US-SA trade - analysts

Analysts say President Cyril Ramaphosa successfully diffused tension and preserved South Africa's dignity during his meeting with US President Cyril Trump by focusing on investment potential.Ramaphosa's strategy of including white South African figures like Ernie Els and Johann Rupert helped debunk Trump's misinformation about white farmer killings.Despite Trump's confrontational approach,analysts believe the meeting opened doors for strengthened trade relations and conveyed the message that there is no white genocide in South Africa.READ MORE

Minister of Trade,Industry and Competition Parks Tau.

Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images

SA forced to revise trade offer as US demands lower tariffs

South Africa submitted a new trade proposal to the US,including investment incentives,to avoid a potential 31% import tariff on SA goods.The US rejected the initial proposal,demanding lower tariffs on its goods,leading SA to submit a revised proposal with new tariff adjustments.The SA framework also included incentives for US gas supplies and mineral exploration in SA,discussions on AGOA renewal,and potential review of black ownership regulations.READ MORE

Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane will be eager to get one over the Springboks.

Timothy Rogers/Getty Images

Barbarians call on ex-All Blacks skipper,Irish legends for clash against Springboks

The Barbarians have announced Sam Cane,Peter O'Mahony,and Conor Murray as their first players for the match against the Springboks on 28 June.These three rugby legends have a combined total of 352 Test caps and will be playing for the Barbarians for the first time.Barbarians coach Robbie Deans and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus both expressed excitement for the upcoming match and the quality of players involved.READ MORE

South African celebrities remember Jenna Clifford.

Jenna Clifford/Instagram

‘We have lost an icon and a legend’: South Africa mourns Jenna Clifford

South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford died on 20 May 2025,after battling advanced-stage cancer.Celebrities and fans,including Zozibini Tunzi and Minnie Dlamini,have shared tributes,highlighting her craftsmanship and compassion.Industry leaders like Gert-Johan Coetzee and Basetsana Kumalo also expressed their condolences,acknowledging her significant impact.READ MORE

*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.

Login

Register

Contribute

United News delivers authoritative global news with African and global insights. Breaking coverage on politics, human rights, environmental crises and social justice. Trusted journalism from Johannesburg to the world.

Politics & Conflicts

Business

Environment

Rights & Justice

United News - unews.co.za