Get ready for the latest scoop from Skeem Saam! Explore today’s episode teasers, catch up on the latest episodes, and stay ahead with what’s coming next. Skeem Saam teasers for today’s episode Skeem Saam episode 244 season 13 airs today, Thursday, 5 June 2025. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store: Mapitsi is willing […]
The post Skeem Saam: 5 June 2025 appeared first on Political Analysis South Africa.
MARKS and Spencer has issued an update for customers with gift vouchers after its cyber attack.
Customers have taken to social media to share their dissatisfaction with the retailer’s latest update.
It comes as the ongoing chaos has left scores of M&S shoppers unable to use their gift vouchers.
Yet the retail giant initially told customers they won’t get extensions of the expiry dates on vouchers due to expire.
One customer took to X, pleading: “My vouchers expire at the end of this month but I can’t use them. Can I have them extended?”
But M&S responded: “Unfortunately we’re unable to extend vouchers.”
They later appeared to soften, agreeing to “double check” on the customers behalf.
Last month, shoppers also said they’d hit a brick wall.
One couple revealed on the MoneySavingExpert forum that they’ve been saving up vouchers from their M&S credit card for months, only to be told they’d have to use them now or lose them entirely.
The customer posted: “We contacted M&S Customer Support which bluntly said that if we didn’t use the vouchers by their expiry date then that was tough.
“The only option we have is to spend them on something we don’t really need.”
They added that M&S stores aren’t even able to place orders, meaning customers can’t just pop in and buy bigger items either.
Even staff are reportedly unable to order stock, with fears some branches could start running out of essentials altogether.
Some stores have even been stripped of staples like bananas and Colin the Caterpillar cakes, and popular meal deals were pulled in smaller branches
An MSE forum ambassador said: “Given the number of people this may affect, perhaps thousands as you suggest, I would expect M&S to extend the end date for these.”
While another shopper fumed: “The least they could do is extend the date.”
M&S credit card reward vouchers are valid for 17 months, while shoppers with gift cards have 24 months from the last transaction to spend them.
When The Sun contacted M&S, it advised affected customers to get in touch – but didn’t confirm whether it would offer extensions on a case-by-case basis after all.
A M&S spokesperson said: “The majority of M&S credit card customers redeem their reward vouchers in stores, and they can continue to do so.
“If for any reason customers aren’t able to redeem in store, and their vouchers are due to expire soon, we would ask them to get in touch with us so we can support them.”
Meanwhile, the attack is still causing carnage across the business.
M&S was forced to pull online orders, birthday perks were suspended, and Sparks offers were frozen.
The store has now confirmed that some freebies, like birthday cookies, will still be honoured eventually.
But when it comes to Rewards Vouchers — a perk many customers save up to use for larger purchases — the answer so far is a hard no.
The cyber attack, which kicked off over Easter weekend, has been one of the worst to hit the high street in years.
It has forced M&S to halt online orders and triggered widespread disruption, including a £300million blow to profits.
Customer info was also nicked during the breach, with security experts now blaming “Scattered Spider”— a notorious cyber gang thought to be behind the chaos.
Online shopping is still out of action and is expected to remain patchy until at least July, with fashion, home and beauty sales taking a battering.
Meanwhile, M&S isn’t the only store facing cyber trouble.
Co-op was forced to shut down part of its IT system after facing a hacking attempt last month.
It confirmed that it had “taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe”.
It was later revealed that the personal data of a “significant number” of its 6.2million customers and former members had been stolen.
The details included names, contact information, and dates of birth.
However, the retailer assured customers that passwords, credit card details, and transaction information were not compromised.
Full services resumed on May 14, following the reactivation of its online ordering system.
DONALD Trump has signed a sweeping new travel ban blocking people from a dozen countries from entering the US — with restrictions set to kick in within days.
The bombshell move, announced late Wednesday, resurrects the explosive “Muslim ban” policy from his first term and will take effect at 12.01am Monday.
The countries hit with a full ban include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
In addition to the outright ban, heightened restrictions will be slapped on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
“I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump said in a proclamation.
The sweeping list stems from a January 20 executive order, in which Trump tasked the State Department, Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence with flagging “hostile attitudes” and countries that pose a national security risk.
The crackdown mirrors Trump’s highly controversial 2017 executive order, which initially barred citizens from seven majority-Muslim nations — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen — triggering chaos at airports and global backlash.
Dubbed the “Muslim ban”, it sparked scenes of confusion as travellers, including students and tourists, were blocked from boarding planes or detained after landing in the US.
After legal challenges, the policy was retooled and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, with a version targeting Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, alongside North Korea and Venezuelan officials.
Trump has consistently defended the bans as vital to national security, despite critics accusing him of religious discrimination.
The latest move ramps up his hardline immigration stance as the Republican firebrand gears up for a second term — once again placing border control and national safety at the heart of his presidency.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump held an hour-long call with Vladimir Putin, revealing the Kremlin tyrant “will have to respond” to Ukraine’s devastating drone blitz on Russian airfields.
“It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.”
The warning came after Operation Spiderweb — a daring Ukrainian drone assault that wiped out 41 Russian warplanes across four strategic air bases, including nuclear-capable bombers.
The pair also discussed Iran’s nuclear programme, with Trump writing: “I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement.”
He added: “President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
CHINA has given rare insight into its souped-up DF-5B nuclear missile – a 7,500-mile-range weapon with staggering explosive power.
The missile is said to pack hundreds of times the destructive force of the bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing tens of thousands in World War II.
Although China has long kept its nuke programme secret, state broadcaster CCTV revealed details about the upgraded DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Monday.
This missile boasts a maximum range of 7,500 miles and an accuracy of 0.3 miles, as per reports by journalist Li Zexin on X.
This range is enough to reach most of Europe and nearly all of the US from launch sites inside China.
For example, the distance from Beijing to London is around 5,000 miles and from China to New York is roughly 7,000 miles.
The DF-5B is said to deliver a yield of three to four megatonnes.
This is about 200 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, which had an estimated explosive yield of about 15 kilotonnes of TNT.
It also far surpasses the destructive power of the bomb unleashed on Nagasaki, which had a yield of around 21 kilotonnes of TNT.
The hi-tech missile has integrated Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle technology – allowing it to carry and release multiple nuclear warheads at once.
A single DF-5B missile can release up to 10 warheads, striking different targets across wide areas.
Since each warhead is independent, missile defence systems find it much harder to intercept, making this weapon far more lethal than other known weapons.
CCTV described the missile as China’s “first-generation strategic ICBM”.
The DF-5B, first created in 2015, is an upgraded variant of China’s original DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which entered service in 1981.
It’s unclear why this information was released, but it is believed that Beijing wants to showcase its military modernisation and deter potential threats.
It comes just days after China deployed its most dangerous nuclear bombers to a tiny island, as revealed by satellite pictures.
Aerial photos show two hulking H-6 bombers on an airfield on Woody Island in the South China Sea, taken on May 19.
The long-range aircraft date back to the 1950s, and were modelled on Soviet-era warplanes.
But they have been upgraded to carry modern weapons, including hypersonic and nuclear missiles.
They are considered China’s most advanced bombers, and this is the first time they have been spotted on the outpost in five years.
US intelligence previously warned that China could seize Taiwan’s smaller islands as the first step of a full-scale invasion.
In September 2024, China launched a nuclear-capable missile into the Pacific Ocean, marking the first test in 40 years.
The ICBM, launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, carried a dummy warhead.
The Chinese defence ministry said in a statement the rocket “fell into expected sea areas”, and that it was a “routine arrangement in our annual training plan”.
China said the test was not directed at any country or target, and that it “informed the countries concerned in advance”, reports claimed.
A COUNCIL has threatened to take ‘direct action’ to clear up a rat-infested front garden piled high with junk.
Sharon Cochrane’s property in Hunstanton, Norfolk, is nearly buried with broken furniture, bags of rubbish, and household appliances.
Now, West Norfolk councillors have agreed “direct action” can be taken if necessary over Ms Cochrane’s untidy plot at her £250,000 property.
However, the authority has said no deadline has been set and it is trying instead to work with her because she has begun to clear the rubbish.
A spokesman for the council said: “The council is working with the owner to manage her property.
“Officers recognise that she has made an effort to clear the exterior and they will continue to support her to do this.
“However, they also have the council’s authority to take direct action, which means that if it becomes necessary a clear-up can be undertaken, for which she will be liable.”
Ms Cochrane, 66, enraged neighbours on the resort’s Chatsworth Road after junk piled high in her front garden.
A supermarket trolley full of groceries had also been left, while a car with a damaged wing and flat front tyre is parked on the street outside with a sideboard next to it.
But Ms Cochrane previously insisted it was no-one else’s business.
She said: “The world is going to hell in a handbasket and people care so much about my furniture on my own drive.
“I don’t understand why people are so concerned.”
Locals said the pile was attracting vermin and was lowering the tone of the whole street.
One neighbour said: “I’d like to throw a molotov cocktail on it.
“People have tried to get lots of different agencies involved but nothing seems to happen.
“We only occasionally see her walk past to Tesco with a shopping trolley.
“This is a quiet, peaceful road and it’s a shame.”
Tammy Edmunds, spokesperson of Chatsworth Road, said: “How can the law of the land let someone live in such squalor and filth?
“I appreciate there are laws and regulations but some people seem to live above them.
“The street has been suffering with this on and off for ten years and in the last five weeks its gotten worse.
“It’s a fire hazard and risk of health and safety.
“We’ve heard of rats from there spreading across to other properties which has meant pest control have had to come out.”
West Norfolk Council served an enforcement notice under the Town and Country Planning Act ordering Ms Cochrane to clear up the mess.
If it takes “direct action”, she would be liable for the cost of removing it and could have a charge put on her property to recover the money if she is unable to pay.
The Sun has contacted West Norfolk council for additional comment and updates.
HOLIDAY season is nearly upon us, with millions of Brits planning sun-soaked trips abroad.
But if you’re looking to save cash on luggage allowance and planning on travelling light this year, we’ve found the perfect deal.
Morrisons is flogging Lugg Venus Cabin Bags for just £8 – and they meet the size requirements on Ryanair flights.
One savvy shopper snapped up the deal and shared their find on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK.
The suitcase comes with detachable wheels to help squeeze into Ryanair’s 40cm x 20cm x25cm limit.
“Look at these!” one wrote, tagging a friend.
“Wait, what? The wheels come off? I bought this last week and didn’t realise,” a second joked.
“Wow that’s a great price. I might nip there later,” a third added.
Although not everyone is sold, one person wrote: “Was going to get one the other day but they are absolutely tiny. You’d fit more in a holdall.”
They added that they struggled to remove the wheels, too.
Another added: “Best off for children, rather than carry on. I bought one last week, I’m 5’3 and the handle isn’t long enough to pull along.”
All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you.
All over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available put in the hold for a fee.
Anyone wanting to bring another bag, you’ll need to upgrade and pay extra for priority and two cabin bags or checked baggage.
Amazon is also selling a Ryanair-approved holdall for just £13.29.
The Narwey carry on comes in a range of colours, including black, grey, purple, black and pink and comes with a padded shoulder strap for comfort.
For those after check in luggage, Dunelm is selling a tough shell, metallic large suitcase for £45.
And for short breaks or business trips, Sports Direct is selling a Slazenger lightweight cabin case for £14.99.
The case has extendable sizing, plenty of pockets and even comes with a padlock.
It’s one of the cheapest branded cabin bags we’ve seen, down by a whopping £30.
However it will have to be checked in as hold luggage for RyanAir, Jet2 and EasyJet.
Here’s the key information you need to know about regarding some of the key airlines operating in the UK.
Ryanair
All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you.
It must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.
All over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available put in the hold for a fee.
Anyone wanting to bring another bag, you’ll need to upgrade and pay extra for priority and two cabin bags or checked baggage.
EasyJet
The budget airline allows each person to bring a small cabin bag on board.
It can be no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, this includes any handles or wheels, and it needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
The bag can weigh up to 15kg but easyJet says you must be able to lift and carry it yourself.
Any bag larger than the limit, or any additional bags will be put in the hold and you’ll have to pay an airport bag fee.
Jet2
Passengers can also bring on board one piece of hand luggage when flying with Jet2, free of charge.
It must not weigh more than 10kg and can’t be any bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any wheels and handles.
If your hand luggage is larger or weighs more, it will have to be put into the aircraft’s hold, which might incur an additional charge.
Travellers can also bring a small, personal item on board with them, such as a handbag, laptop case or a purchase made at the airport, but this has to be placed underneath the seat in front of you.
British Airways
All British Airways passengers can carry one piece of hand luggage and one small item on board.
The hand luggage must not be bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm while the small item cannot exceed 40cm x 30cm x15cm.
TUI
People flying with TUI can bring on board one piece of hand luggage, weighing no more than 10kg for free.
It must be no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and you must be able to lift your hand luggage into an overhead storage compartment by yourself.
Items such as laptops, handbags and any item bought at the airport must be small enough to be stored under your seat.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air passengers can only take a small cabin bag for free onto the plane.
Bags must be no more than 10kg, and measure no more than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
LIDL’S highly-anticipated Dubai Style spread has finally hit the shelves – and it’s sending customers into a spin.
So much so, the bargain retailer has been forced to place a shopping limit on the exotic treat.
The Della Sante Dubai Style Chocolate Cream spread combines the flavours of the insanely popular chocolate but in spreadable form.
That means you can slather it on toast, pile it onto pancakes, dip fruit in it or even spoon it from the jar.
The sweet and salty pots cost £4.99 or £3.99 for Lidl Plus members, which is far more expensive than the store’s other chocolate spreads.
However, the price tag is not deterring customers, and the shop has implemented a strict three-jar-only policy.
One shared a snap of the toast topping on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group.
Followers flocked to the comment section to tag friends and family in the post.
Lidl has said it will be available “while stocks last” – so you may want to get in quick.
When Lidl launched its Dubai-style chocolate bar back in March, shoppers were queuing outside shops to get a taste.
The Sun spotted a queue outside the Gosport, Hampshire, store at 8am with shoppers eagerly waiting for the doors to open.
Chocolate fans have been going crazy for supermarket dupes of the expensive Dubai chocolate bars and they’ve been going viral on social media.
Lidl’s version was the cheapest when it was brought out at £3.99.
Before it arrived in stores, the chocolate bar had been available on Lidl’s TikTok Shop.
It wasn’t around for long though as it sold out in a mere 84 minutes.
Numerous supermarkets and bargain stores have been jumping on the Dubai-style chocolate trend.
One of the most-anticipated was the M&S version, which it turned out was a new take on the viral Big Daddy chocolate bar.
The Big Daddy Pistachio is on the pricier end, costing £8.50 for a big 280g bar.
Similarly posh supermarket Waitrose also released a version for £10.
Despite the price, it was so popular the retailer had to impose a two-bar limit on shoppers.
Sainsbury’s started selling a Lindt version of the Dubai-style chocolate for £10.
Iceland is selling two different bars: the Nelino Dubai-Style Chocolate (£2 for 62g) and Bolci Dubai Chocolate (£5 for 100g).
Bolci’s Turkish-made treat is also available at Morrisons.
Meanwhile Home Bargains is selling Dubai Chocolate Cookies for the bargain price of £1.25.
IF you’ve ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you’ll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff.
Aldi’s speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals.
It’s all part of Aldi’s plan to be as efficient as possible – and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers.
Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process.
It also uses “shelf-ready” packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock.