May 2024 was full of news that kept readers across South Africa and the world talking. From political twists and legal battles to major sports updates and cultural moments, Cape Sun News brought you the latest straight from the action.
One of the most talked-about stories was the guilty verdict in the Donald Trump hush-money scandal. Trump was convicted on 34 counts related to falsifying records tied to a payment aimed at influencing the 2016 US election. This historic judgement marks the first time a former US president has been found guilty of crimes, creating a huge ripple in his 2024 presidential run.
Closer to home, Nigeria made headlines with the reinstatement of its original national anthem after 46 years, thanks to President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the National Anthem Bill. This move sparked a wave of nostalgia and national pride, inviting citizens and lawmakers to reclaim a piece of their heritage.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, concerns arose ahead of the 2024 elections as disruptions in the ID system led to allegations of sabotage. Political leaders like Bantu Holomisa highlighted how these interruptions could suppress voter turnout, stirring debate about the election's integrity and the government’s role.
Sports fans had a lot to cheer about and talk over. MLS kicked off voting for the All-Star Game where fans get to pick top players for July's big match between MLS and Mexico's Liga MX stars. Soccer fans in Vancouver, however, were left disappointed as Inter Miami’s players, including Lionel Messi, pulled out of their Whitecaps game, stirring frustration over scheduling and fan expectations.
The world of football also saw dramatic shifts with Erik ten Hag reportedly leaving Manchester United after a challenging season, and the historic FA Cup final setting up a fierce Manchester derby between United and City at Wembley.
On the global stage, China’s military drills around Taiwan responded sharply to Taiwan’s new president's inauguration, signaling rising tensions in the region. In the Middle East, an Israeli airstrike in Rafah refugee camp resulted in significant casualties, drawing international condemnation and adding complexity to ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
This snapshot of May 2024 highlights how local, national, and international events are interconnected, with political decisions, sports, and social issues shaping the conversation. Stay tuned with Cape Sun News for detailed updates and reliable reporting to keep you informed every day.
31 May
A New York jury convicted Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels. This historic verdict marks Trump as the first former US president convicted of crimes. The trial showcased a broader scheme aiming to influence the 2016 election, creating significant legal and political hurdles for Trump's 2024 presidential bid.
30 May
Major League Soccer (MLS) opens voting for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on July 24 at Lower.com Field. Fans, players, and media are invited to vote to select 12 of the 26 players. The game, featuring MLS All-Stars and the best of LIGA MX, will be broadcast in over 100 countries. Fan voting ends on June 10, with the rest of the players picked by head coach Wilfried Nancy and Commissioner Don Garber.
30 May
President Bola Tinubu has reintroduced Nigeria's original national anthem, 'Nigeria We Hail Thee,' after signing the National Anthem Bill into law. This historic move marks a significant moment as the country returns to its roots 46 years after the anthem was changed by the military in 1978. Lawmakers and citizens are now encouraged to adopt the original anthem in national events.
28 May
An Israeli airstrike on Rafah refugee camp killed at least 45 people, sparking global outcry. Medical staff called the aftermath catastrophic. The incident comes just after the ICJ ordered Israel to halt operations in Rafah. Various nations have urged Israel to comply with the ICJ ruling, complicating ceasefire talks.
27 May
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa accuses the government of sabotaging the home affairs system, which has been down in some areas, potentially hindering voter participation in the 2024 elections. He suggests this may be an attempt by certain parties to reduce voter turnout. President Ramaphosa's spokesperson acknowledged the issue and confirmed the restoration of services.
26 May
Vancouver soccer fans are disappointed as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets from Inter Miami CF miss the upcoming match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Coach Gerardo Martino cited a heavy schedule with three games in a week as the reason. Despite reassurances and some compensations, fans feel misled by the event's advertising.
25 May
In an eagerly awaited match, Manchester United and Manchester City are gearing up for the 2024 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. This face-off marks the second consecutive year the two football giants have clashed in the cup's final. Manchester City holds the upper hand, having won last year's final, while Manchester United aims to break new records in their 22nd FA Cup final appearance.
24 May
In a reactive move, China has commenced military drills around Taiwan in response to Lai Ching-te's inauguration as Taiwan's new president. The exercises, which featured dozens of jets with live missiles, underscore China's strong disapproval of Taiwan's leadership and their push for independence. Internal political dynamics within Taiwan further complicate the situation.
23 May
In a historic move, the Kano State House of Assembly has reinstated Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, following the removal of Emir Bayero and the abolition of four newly established emirates. This decision underscores significant political shifts and aims to centralize power within the traditional Kano Emirate Council once again.
23 May
Erik ten Hag is reportedly on his way out of Manchester United following an unsatisfactory season. The club, which ended eighth in the Premier League and exited the Champions League early, has identified Kieran McKenna as the primary replacement. This transition comes despite Ten Hag leading the team to three cup finals in two seasons, including a Carabao Cup victory.
23 May
A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore faced severe turbulence, leading to one passenger’s death and several injuries. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, made an emergency landing in Bangkok, where emergency crews attended to the injured. The airline has expressed its condolences to the victim's family and is still investigating the incident.
21 May
Max Verstappen triumphed in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, maintaining his lead despite Lando Norris's late surge. Charles Leclerc secured third place at Ferrari’s home circuit, while Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top five. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell earned points for Mercedes, and Sergio Perez salvaged a tough race for Red Bull with an eighth-place finish.