latest news in South Africa

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 16: Mayor Cllr Zandile Gumede during day 3 of the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on February 16, 2019 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 25 August

The ANC’s National Working Committee is expected to report back on the controversial redeployment of corruption-accused Gumede.

latest news in South Africa

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 16: Mayor Cllr Zandile Gumede during day 3 of the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on February 16, 2019 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing the day’s major headlines on Tuesday 25 August.

While Cyril Ramaphosa vows to root out corruption within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s unquiet diplomacy puts the president in an uncomfortable predicament. Meanwhile, a bloody weekend on South African roads puts to recent decision to unban alcohol sales back under the microscope.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Tuesday 25 AUGUST

President talks tough on corruption, ANC ‘updated’ on Gumede’s redeployment

Following the president’s scathing letter, penned to all members of the ANC, concerning widespread corruption and the looting of coronavirus relief funds, South Africans are calling for actions to speak louder than words. While Ramaphosa noted that ANC members implicated in corruptive dealings would be suspended pending outcomes of investigations by both the party’s Integrity Commission and law enforcement agencies, the recent redeployment of former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, to the KwaZulu-Natal legislature has proven to be an uncomfortable and undeniable contradiction.

On Monday, ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe faced a barrage of questions relating to Gumede’s highly controversial appointment. Gumede, who was arrested in 2019 and charged with fraud and corruption relating to a R430m Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender, recently told reporters that the ANC had ‘wiped away her tears’ by supporting her appointment to the provincial legislature. Gumede still has to answer to the Specialised Crime Court.

Mabe, who admitted that Gumede’s appointment had caused a rift, confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee had met with ANC structures in KwaZulu-Natal. The party’s provincial structures were tasked with ‘updating’ the Committee with details of Gumede’s appointment. The ruling party is expected to provide feedback on the outcomes of the meeting later this week.

Additionally, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which has been tasked with uncovering the depth of corruption committed during the pandemic, is due to deliver a report to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) concerning the controversial Beitbridge border fence. Preliminary investigations have already uncovered serious irregularities and exorbitant cost inflation which have placed Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Patricia de Lille in hot water.

Minister Mboweni forced to retract statements on Zambia

Finance Minister Mboweni, well-known for his social media presence, has found himself in hot water after lambasting the Zambian government following the axing of the country’s Central Bank Governor. Over the weekend, Mboweni took to Twitter, saying:

“That Governor was a good fella. Why do we do these things as Africans. The President of Zambia must give us the reasons why he dismissed The Governor – or else hell is on its way. I will mobilize!”

The outburst, was, however, short-lived. President Ramaphosa condemned Mboweni’s statements and reprimanded the finance minister on Monday. Mboweni subsequently deleted the Tweets, including one which argued:

“Never allow anybody to bully you. Whoever. Prime Minister, President… stand your ground.”

Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President, confirmed that Ramaphosa had taken Mboweni to task over the outburst, noting:

“President Ramaphosa wishes to assure the government and people of the Republic of Zambia that the unfortunate remarks do not reflect the views of the South African Government and its people.  

The issue is being addressed to ensure that such an incident does not occur again.   “

Calls for tighter alcohol regulations

It’s been a bloody week on South Africa’s roads following the reintroduction of alcohol sales under Level 2 lockdown. Heightened carnage, and increased strain on medical resources, formed the foundation of government’s controversial u-turn on alcohol sales under Level 3 lockdown and the recent bloodbath has reignited calls for stringent regulations.

On Monday afternoon, following the horrific deaths of three Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) who were allegedly killed during a high-speed chase with a drunk driver over the weekend, government reported that 740 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence. In the statement, government added:

“The President, rightly so, reminded us to continue to exercise the greatest caution and care, during alert level 2 and remain ever-vigilant.

Tragically, the positive progress that the country has been making towards containing the spread of COVID19 is being dampened by report of alcohol abuse, recklessness and terrible vehicle crashes and fatalities on our roads. 

While many South Africans are responsible in their use of alcohol, government and society cannot sit idle while lives are being destroyed as a result of alcohol abuse and binge drinking.”

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula urged government to enforce tighter restrictions which would limit the availability of alcohol.

Assessing the fire damage of historic Grey Street Mosque

The damage caused by a blaze which broke out adjacent to the historic Grey Street Mosque in Durban on Monday afternoon is being investigated. According to the place of worship’s representatives, the mosque suffered cosmetic damage and, thankfully, no deaths or serious injuries were reported.

The official cause of the blaze has not yet been revealed by eyewitnesses believe that a gas explosion in an apartment adjacent to the mosque caused the blaze. Advocate AB Mohamed, chairman of the Grey Street Mosque, which is more than 100 years old, confirmed that damage to the building would likely exceed R10 million.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesman Robert McKenzie confirmed that the adjacent buildings had suffered structural damages.

Government assesses interests in SAA

The South African government has received more unsolicited interests from private sector funders, private equity investors and partners for a future restructured South African Airways (SAA) and its subsidiaries.

As at the beginning of August, government – through the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) – had received more than 10 unsolicited interests for SAA and its subsidiaries Air Chefs, South African Airways Technical and Mango Airlines.

“As the sole shareholder on behalf of government, the DPE had been busy assessing the interests from the several unsolicited local and international Strategic Equity Partners (SEPs), as part of the implementation of the Business Rescue Plan, which was published at the end of June 2020.

“The DPE believes that such investments in the airline and its subsidiaries will help support key economic sectors, including tourism and solidify South Africa as an African gateway to international markets,” the department said on Monday. (Source: SAnews)

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