July 2024 News Highlights from South Africa Buzz News
Welcome to your July 2024 roundup with South Africa Buzz News. This past month has been packed with gripping stories—everything from sizzling sports showdowns to major political changes and urgent safety alerts. We gathered the top headlines and insights you won’t want to miss.
Sports Battles That Got Everyone Talking
July kicked off with a Premier League preview that had fans buzzing: Liverpool vs Arsenal. The clash scheduled for August was analyzed deeply, highlighting Liverpool’s experience against Arsenal’s youthful energy—a recipe for an exciting fight on the pitch. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s pre-season started with a nail-biting penalty shootout win against Bournemouth, stirring up hopes for the team’s upcoming season under coach Mikel Arteta.
Over in international tournaments, the Euro 2024 semifinal featuring Spain vs France drew lots of attention. Predictions favored France’s defense and star power like Kylian Mbappe, making the match a prime betting pick. On the American side, the Copa América final in Miami brought Argentina and Colombia fans together, turning the game into a vibrant home-away-from-home celebration. Plus, in a spicy moment, Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez found himself in a heated clash with Colombian fans post-match, reminding us sports can evoke powerful emotions beyond the field.
Politics and Urgent Alerts Making Headlines
July wasn’t all about sports. Politically, one of the biggest shocks was South Africa’s ANC expelling former President Jacob Zuma. His involvement with a rival party marked a huge shift, reflecting ongoing tensions within the ANC. Across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu shook up leadership by appointing Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority. In more somber news, the country battled its fourth nationwide blackout, again challenging electricity reliability and daily life.
Emergency alerts popped up too. A toxic sodium cyanide spill in Kenya’s Kiambu County raised health concerns, with authorities quickly moving to contain the threat. And on a tragic note, Ethiopia’s Oromia region faced devastating mudslides, causing heavy loss of life and prompting intensified rescue efforts.
On the international stage, Israel’s strategic airstrike in Yemen aimed at cutting Iranian-backed arms routes highlighted ongoing regional tensions, while Nigeria dealt with investigations into alleged crypto fraud and terrorism financing, showcasing the complex security challenges modern nations face.
July 2024 brought a mix of electrifying sports moments, power shifts in politics, and serious alerts that kept everyone on their toes. Stay connected with South Africa Buzz News for your next dose of the stories shaping our world.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Match Preview: Lineups, Predictions, and Analysis for August 2024 Showdown
A detailed preview of the Liverpool vs Arsenal clash on August 1, 2024. This early-season Premier League match carries significant importance. The article examines recent performances, key injuries, and predicted lineups while projecting a competitive game. Although Liverpool is favored for its experience, Arsenal's youthful dynamism could create a thrilling contest.

South Africa's ANC Expels Ex-President Zuma Over Rival Political Party, Marking Major Political Shift
Jacob Zuma, former President of South Africa, has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) due to his involvement in the creation of a rival political party, uMonto weizwe (MK). This decision comes amidst allegations of corruption and internal tensions within the ANC, especially as MK secured a significant portion of votes in the recent elections.

Erik ten Hag Targeting Mazraoui and Zubimendi in Manchester United's Transfer Plans
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is focusing on critical signings to enhance his squad's defense and midfield. The club is actively pursuing Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. These transfers aim to solidify United's chances of a top-four Premier League finish amidst homegrown speculation.

Belal Muhammad Makes History as First Palestinian UFC Champion
Belal Muhammad, a Chicago-born fighter of Palestinian origin, has become the first to win a UFC title. Defeating Brazil's Gilbert Burns in UFC 291, Muhammad's unanimous victory has ignited celebrations among Palestinians worldwide, marking a milestone in mixed martial arts history. Muhammad's triumph resonates profoundly within the Palestinian community, inspiring future fighters.

Prominent Nigerian Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Passes Away at 52 in London Hotel
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra South Senatorial District has died at the age of 52. He was a notable businessman, founder of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, and a philanthropist. The Senate has confirmed his death and praised his contributions to the nation.

Ethiopia Mudslides Devastate Oromia: 257 Dead and Counting, Rescue Efforts Intensify
Tragic mudslides in Ethiopia’s Oromia region have claimed 257 lives with many still missing. Triggered by severe rainfall, the disaster has led the government and volunteers to conduct intensive rescue efforts. With substantial infrastructure damage and displacement, the crisis has drawn national and international support.

Arsenal's Pre-Season Clash with Bournemouth Ends in Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory
Arsenal's pre-season US Tour began with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, followed by a thrilling penalty shootout win. Fabio Vieira scored for Arsenal, while Antoine Semenyo equalized for Bournemouth. Karl Hein's two saves secured the 5-4 shootout victory. A blend of youth and experience featured under Mikel Arteta's management.

Erling Haaland Named Captain for Manchester City's Pre-Season Opener Against Celtic on USA Tour
Manchester City's pre-season match against Celtic in the USA will see Erling Haaland as captain. This game also marks the senior debuts of young talents Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Nico O'Reilly, offering a glimpse of the club's future potential.

Elon Musk's Crusade Against 'Woke Mind Virus' Following His Child's Transition
Elon Musk has declared his intent to 'destroy the woke mind virus' after a heartfelt interview where he recounted being misled into approving gender-affirming care for his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk expressed deep sorrow over the transition and described how it affected their relationship. Social media reactions have been sharply divided, reflecting the controversy surrounding this complex issue.

Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial: Defence Claims State Is Withholding Key Evidence
In the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, the defence has accused the state of deliberately omitting essential evidence. The controversy arose as Pinky Vythilingam, Vodacom’s forensic liaison supervisor, provided testimonies about cellphone data. Defence lawyer Thulani Mngomezulu has highlighted significant gaps, asserting that the missing evidence can impact the case's outcome.

Israel's Strategic Airstrike in Yemen: Disrupting Arms Supply to Houthi Militia
Israel launched a significant airstrike on the Hodeidah port in Yemen to disrupt arms supply to Houthi militia by Iran. The attack targeted crucial infrastructure and resulted in casualties, marking one of Israel's longest air missions. This comes amid escalating tensions with the Houthis, who have been persistently targeting Israel and commercial vessels in the region.

Health Ministry Issues Urgent Alert Following Sodium Cyanide Spill in Kiambu County
A truck carrying sodium cyanide overturned in Kiambu County, raising serious health concerns due to the toxic spill. The Ministry of Health has issued an alert, urging the public to stay away from the area. Authorities are investigating the cause, and experts are handling the clean-up process to prevent harmful exposure.