media industry Archives - MDNtv

SARS Threatens Asset Seizure as Bonang Matheba Allegedly Owes Millions in Tax

Sam Thangwane — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:10:44 +0000

Media personality and businesswoman Bonang Matheba is reportedly facing the possibility of asset seizure after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued a final notice over an alleged unpaid income tax debt of more than R7 million.

According to Sunday Times, SARS issued the notice of debt collection on 17 February, giving Matheba 10 business days to either settle the outstanding amount or make arrangements for payment.

If the matter is not resolved, the tax authority could pursue a civil judgment and obtain a writ allowing the sheriff of the court to attach and sell her assets.

The dispute is believed to relate to the alleged failure to submit personal income tax returns for the 2025 financial year. Matheba’s publicist has said that any tax-related matters remain confidential between the star and SARS.

SARS has also declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing taxpayer confidentiality laws. However, the move is seen as part of the revenue service’s broader compliance drive targeting influencers and media personalities who earn income from endorsements, sponsorships and other digital revenue streams.

Matheba, one of South Africa’s most recognisable media personalities with millions of social media followers, has yet to publicly comment on the alleged tax dispute.

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Standing ground, serving communities: Boikanyo Malepe reflects on journalism in 2025

Hlakaniphile Magadlela — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:30:46 +0000

As 2025 comes to a close, Boikanyo Malepe, assistant editor at MDNtv, reflects on a year that shaped her into a more conscious, courageous, and community-centred journalist.

Standing ground, serving communities: Boikanyo Malepe reflects on journalism in 2025

Telling stories in multiple languages allowed her to connect more deeply with communities and produce reporting that felt authentic and grounded. Navigating sensitive issues and a competitive media environment strengthened her resilience, editorial discipline, and commitment to ethical, people-driven journalism.

Defending digital journalism

A defining challenge of 2025 was the constant need to defend MDNtv’s space as an online media platform. There were moments where other media platforms attempted to undermine or marginalise our work, often behaving as though digital journalism was secondary or less legitimate.

Standing firm required confidence, resilience, and a strong belief in the relevance of digital media. These experiences reinforced the importance of innovation, credibility, and consistency in proving that online journalism is not an alternative, but an essential pillar of modern media.

The most impactful story of 2025

The most impactful story covered in 2025 was that of Lebogang Machaba from Bogom, Limpopo, who started a hair products business using money from a Sassa child support grant.

Her journey from unemployment to becoming a self-employed entrepreneur, later receiving government funding and creating jobs for other young people, inspired many in a community facing high unemployment. The story resonated because it highlighted resilience, innovation, and the power of turning limited resources into opportunity.

News Maker of the Year

Nhlanhla Mkwanazi was identified as the most influential news maker of 2025.

His media briefing had a profound national impact, directly leading to the establishment of a commission of inquiry and an ad hoc committee to investigate the country’s security affairs.

The consequences of this moment extended beyond headlines, triggering formal oversight processes and reshaping the national conversation on governance and security.

South African of the Year

MDNtv was nominated as South African of the Year for its consistent visibility, credibility, and public impact.

The platform played a critical role in ensuring communities received accurate and timely information, particularly on issues that directly affect people’s daily lives. Winning Online Media House of the Year at the North West Media Awards affirmed MDNtv’s growing influence and commitment to ethical journalism.

Ethics and responsibility

Throughout 2025, integrity remained non-negotiable.

Refusing to report unverified information and rejecting opportunities that could compromise credibility protected both MDNtv’s reputation and the trust of the communities it serves.

Looking ahead to 2026

In 2026, the goal is to be a fearless, community-centred journalist and activist.

Strengthening investigative skills, digital storytelling, and continued mentorship will support reporting that brings positive change and upholds ethical journalism.

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BBC journalist ‘beaten and kicked by the police’ as protests spread across China

MDNtv — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:22:41 +0000

CNN Business
—

Edward Lawrence, a journalist at the BBC, was arrested by police in Shanghai at the scene of protests on Sunday evening, in keeping with the BBC and as captured on what seems to be cell phone footage of the arrest.

While he has since been launched, a BBC spokesperson has expressed excessive concern about his therapy, saying he was “beaten and kicked by the police.”

Protests have erupted across China in a uncommon present of dissent in opposition to the ruling Communist Party, sparked by anger over the nation’s more and more expensive zero-Covid coverage.

Among the 1000’s of protesters, a whole lot have even known as for the removing of Chinese chief Xi Jinping, who for practically three years has overseen a technique of mass-testing, brute-force lockdowns, enforced quarantine and digital monitoring that has come at a devastating human and financial price.

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Hear protesters in China name for Xi Jinping’s resignation

The BBC assertion reads in full: “The BBC is extremely concerned about the treatment of our journalist Ed Lawrence, who was arrested and handcuffed while covering the protests in Shanghai. He was held for several hours before being released. During his arrest, he was beaten and kicked by the police. This happened while he was working as an accredited journalist.”

The assertion continues, “It is very worrying that one of our journalists was attacked in this way whilst carrying out his duties. We have had no official explanation or apology from the Chinese authorities, beyond a claim by the officials who later released him that they had arrested him for his own good in case he caught Covid from the crowd. We do not consider this a credible explanation.”

At an everyday press briefing Monday, China’s overseas ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian acknowledged the detention of Lawrence, however claimed that he didn’t establish himself as a journalist earlier than he was led away by police.

“China always welcomes foreign journalists to report in the country in accordance with the law and has provided lots of assistance,” Zhao stated. “At the same time, foreign journalists should comply with Chinese regulations when they are reporting in China.”

Public protest is exceedingly uncommon in China, the place the Communist Party has tightened its grip on all elements of life, launched a sweeping crackdown on dissent, worn out a lot of civil society and constructed a high-tech surveillance state.

At least two clips of the arrest have been posted on-line by a Twitter consumer who says they witnessed the scene. One clip, filmed from above, reveals at the least 4 law enforcement officials standing over a handcuffed man whose face is obscured.

In a second clip of a person carrying the identical clothes, Lawrence’s face is clearly identifiable, as police shortly led him away, and then shouts, “Call the consulate now.”

The witness who shared the movies stated they noticed the journalist get “sieged and dragged to the ground by several cops.”

It is unclear what occurred in the lead-up to Lawrence’s arrest. The video obtainable on-line begins together with his arrest and doesn’t present what occurred prior.

In an interview with Sky News on Monday, the UK authorities known as Lawrence’s arrest a “considerable concern.”

“There can be absolutely no excuse whatsoever for a journalist that was simply covering the process going on for being beaten by police,” stated UK Business Secretary Grant Shapps.

Lawrence wasn’t the solely overseas journalist detained by Chinese police on Sunday. Michael Peuker, China correspondent for Swiss broadcaster RTS, was additionally briefly detained whereas reporting reside from a protest in Shanghai, RTS stated.

“The tension is at its peak here. As a proof, I am now surrounded by three police officers, I will be taken to the police station after this live hit,” Peuker stated on air. “I will leave you now and go to the police station,” he added.

Peuker stated on Twitter that he was launched moments later.

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Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assassinated in Nara shooting

MDNtv — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 00:07:26 +0000

Tokyo
CNN
—

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died on Friday after being shot whereas giving a marketing campaign speech on a avenue in central Japan.

The assassination of the former world leader in broad daylight has shocked a nation not used to gun violence and prompted an outpouring of help and condolences from the worldwide group.

Abe died from extreme bleeding and was pronounced lifeless at 5:03 p.m. native time, medical doctors on the Nara Medical University hospital stated throughout a information convention on Friday. The medical doctors stated the bullet that killed the previous Japanese chief was “deep enough to reach his heart” and a staff of 20 medical professionals had been unable to cease the bleeding.

Abe went into cardiopulmonary arrest on the web site of the shooting and was rushed to hospital in a state of cardiac arrest at 12:20 p.m. native time, medical doctors stated. During surgical procedure, medical doctors found a gunshot wound to his neck and a big wound on his coronary heart.

The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, was detained on the scene and admitted to shooting Abe, in keeping with Nara Nishi police.

Abe, 67, was the previous Liberal Democratic Party chief and Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, holding workplace from 2006 to 2007 and once more from 2012 to 2020, earlier than resigning as a consequence of well being causes. Since stepping down, he remained in the general public eye and recurrently appeared in the media to debate present affairs.

At the time of the shooting, Abe was delivering a speech in help of LDP candidates in Nara metropolis forward of the upcoming Upper House elections scheduled for Sunday.

Video aired by public broadcaster NHK captured the moments earlier than the shooting, displaying Abe chatting with a small crowd in entrance of Yamatosaidaiji railway station. In subsequent movies, two photographs may be heard and smoke may be seen in the air.

Photos present folks gathered across the former chief as he lay in the road, with what gave the impression to be blood stains on his white shirt.

An official from the Nara City Fire Department informed CNN earlier Friday Abe was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest, a time period used to explain the sudden lack of coronary heart perform and respiration.

The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks moments earlier than being shot in entrance of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara, Japan, on July 8.

Kyodo News/AP

Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, heart, lies on the bottom having been shot in Nara, Japan, on July 8.

to a helicopter after being shot in entrance of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara, Japan, on July 8. ” class=”gallery-image__dam-img”/>

The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is taken on a stretcher to a helicopter after being shot in entrance of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara, Japan, on July 8.

Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

Akie Abe, heart, spouse of former Japanese prime minster Shinzo Abe, arrives by practice in Nara earlier than heading to the Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, the place her husband was transferred after being shot throughout an election marketing campaign in Nara on July 8.

Masanori Genko/AP

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to the media concerning the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his workplace in Tokyo, Japan, on July 8.

Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty Images

Pedestrians are silhouetted towards a big public video display screen displaying a picture of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in the Akihabara district of Tokyo on July 8, after he was shot and killed in town of Nara

Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

Head of University Hospital Kimihiko Kichikawa, heart left, and professor of emergency medication, Hidetada Fukushima, heart proper, maintain a press convention in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, the place former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was confirmed lifeless after he was shot at a marketing campaign occasion in town of Nara on July 8.

Christopher Jue/Getty Images

Extra version newspapers about Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe being shot whereas campaigning in Nara, Japan, are being distributed to folks on a avenue on July 8, in Tokyo.

Osamu Kanazawa/The Yomiuri Shimbun/Reuters

A person lays flowers on the web site the place Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot in Nara City, Japan, on July 8.

Kyodo News/Getty Images

Media crews collect in an space close to Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara, Japan, on July 8, after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot.

Shohei Izumi/The Yomiuri Shimbun/AP

An aerial picture exhibits a person believed to be former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on a stretcher at Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, Japan, on July 8.

Kazuhiko Hirano/AP

An ambulance carrying Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leaves for an emergency hospital close to Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara Prefecture on July 8.

The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images

Security police sort out a suspect who’s believed to be concerned in the shooting in entrance of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara, Japan, on July 8. What seems to be a hand-crafted gun lies on the bottom close to as a safety officer seizes the suspect.

Kyodo News/Getty Images

A tv display screen in Tokyo’s Yurakucho space on July 8 exhibits the information that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been shot

Kyodo/Reuters

The scene on the bottom in Nara, Japan, close to the situation the place former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot on July 8.

Kyodo News/Getty Images

A photograph taken from a Kyodo News helicopter in Nara, Japan, on July 8, exhibits an space close to the situation the place former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot from behind earlier in the day.

He was rushed to hospital by way of helicopter, the place medics started frantic efforts to maintain him alive.

But Abe’s coronary heart had stopped beating by the point he reached the hospital, medical doctors stated.

The former chief had two gunshot wounds however medical doctors couldn’t decide the trajectory of the bullets.

During surgical procedure, medical doctors struggled to stem the bleeding. “We took resuscitative measures, but (Abe) unfortunately died,” Hidenori Fukushima, a professor at Nara Medical University, informed reporters.

Shortly earlier than 6 a.m. native time on Saturday, a automobile believed to be carrying his physique left the hospital, NHK reported.

Yamagami, who appeared to have used a selfmade weapon in the assault, was arrested and charged with tried homicide, in keeping with NHK.

He was held for questioning at Nara Nishi police station.

During a information convention Friday, Nara Nishi police stated the 41-year-old suspect, who’s unemployed, holds hatred towards a sure group to which he thought Abe was associated.

Police raided the suspect’s condominium at 5:17 p.m. native time, the place they confiscated a number of handmade pistol-like gadgets, police stated.

Yamagami is being investigated as a suspect in a homicide case, to which 90 investigators have been assigned, the police added.

Japan’s National Police Agency will overview safety preparations for Abe, NHK reported Saturday.

NHK reported the police company stated the Nara prefectural police drew up a safety plan for the previous prime minister whereas in town. The prefecture’s cops and safety personnel from the Tokyo Metropolitan police had remained looking out and had reportedly watched Abe from all sides throughout his speech, NHK reported.

Several dozen officers, together with the Nara prefecture’s plain-clothed cops and one specifically assigned personnel from the Tokyo police drive, had been on obligation, NHK reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid his “deepest condolences” to former chief Abe, saying he “was a personal friend, with whom (he) spent a lot of time.”

Kishida stated he had a “great respect for the legacy (Abe) left behind” and would proceed election campaigning on Saturday, including a free and truthful election should be defended in any respect prices.

News of the shooting and Abe’s subsequent dying horrified leaders all over the world, many of whom had worked with Abe throughout his lengthy tenure.

US President Joe Biden stated he was “stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened,” including he had labored intently with Abe and his killing was “a tragedy for Japan and all who knew him.”

“While there are many details that we do not yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief,” the US president stated in an announcement.

Later on Friday, Biden ordered American flags on the White House and on different federal grounds be flown at half-staff till Sunday in recognition of Abe’s dying.

“Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends on the world stage,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on Twitter, including Abe was “a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region.”

Abe’s legacy features a main Asia-Pacific commerce partnership, often known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Quad, Albanese added, saying each had been formed by his diplomatic management.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would maintain a day of nationwide mourning on Saturday. Abe was “a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator,” stated Modi, including his relationship with Abe “goes back many years.”

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen known as Abe “a wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order” in a tweet on Friday.

“I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan. This brutal and cowardly murder of Shinzo Abe shocks the whole world,” she stated.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement she had “fond memories of meeting Mr. Abe and his wife” throughout their 2016 go to to the UK. “His love for Japan, and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom, were clear. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time,” the Queen stated.

After Abe was shot however earlier than his dying was confirmed, China’s Foreign Ministry despatched its condolences to Abe’s household. “We are following the developments, and we hope former Prime Minister Abe will be out of danger and recover soon. We certainly would like to send our regards to his family,” ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian informed a information convention on Friday afternoon.

Abe’s assassination has shocked Japan, which has one of many lowest charges of gun crime in the world as a consequence of its extraordinarily strict gun management legal guidelines.

Last 12 months, Japan reported just one dying from firearms, and a complete of 10 firearm-related incidents, in keeping with the National Police Agency.

Eight of the ten reported had been gang associated, the company added.

In 2018, Japan reported 9 deaths from firearms, in contrast with 39,740 that 12 months in the United States.

Under Japan’s firearms legal guidelines, the one weapons permitted on the market are shotguns and air rifles – handguns are outlawed. But getting a gun is a protracted and sophisticated course of.

Nancy Snow, Japan director of the International Security Industrial Council, informed CNN Friday’s shooting will change the nation “forever.”

“It’s not only rare, but it’s really culturally unfathomable,” Snow stated. “The Japanese people can’t imagine having a gun culture like we have in the United States. This is a speechless moment. I really feel at a loss for words. I pray for the best for the former prime minister.”

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