Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
On the headlines this week, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing backlash after revealing his travel expenses for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which amounted to over R800,000. This revelation has angered many, as McKenzie had previously criticized and halted overseas trips for South African super fans, sparking accusations of hypocrisy.
In response to the Lusikisiki massacre, where 18 people were killed in Ngobozana village, four more suspects have been arrested. General Fannie Masemola confirmed that community tip-offs led to their swift apprehension in an intelligence-driven operation.
Former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has resigned from both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Parliament. In her resignation letter to EFF leader Julius Malema, she expressed dissatisfaction with how she was treated during her time as Public Protector.
SA Rugby has postponed its Special General Meeting, originally scheduled for October 17, to vote on a $75 million private equity deal with Seattle’s Ackerley Sports Group LLC. The delay followed a request from Sports Minister McKenzie, who sought further details on the proposal.
Lastly, former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe has stepped down from the National Executive Committee after facing fraud and money laundering charges. Mabe, his wife, and five others are accused of involvement in a R27 million tender irregularity related to his company, Enviromobi.
Here are the top stories of the week:
GAYTON MCKENZIE FACES BACKLASH OVER R800K OLYMPIC TRAVEL EXPENSES
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing criticism after he revealed that his travel expenses to the 2024 Paris Olympics totaled over R800,000.
This has sparked outrage, particularly after McKenzie had previously put an end to overseas trips for South African super fans, leading many to accuse him of hypocrisy. The Minister posted the cost breakdown on his X account.
In response to a Parliamentary question, the Department provided a breakdown of the trip’s costs, which included R215,976.36 for flights, R113,271.00 for accommodation, R454,005.00 for ground transport, and other expenses, amounting to a grand total of R804,590.77.
This revelation has triggered a wave of criticism, with many questioning the necessity of such extravagant spending on a single trip.
FOUR MORE SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH LUSIKISIKI MASSACRE
In a swift response to the Lusikisiki massacre, where 18 individuals were tragically shot and killed in Ngobozana village, four additional suspects have been apprehended.
Following the release of the suspects’ pictures and names on Tuesday night, an intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of three suspects in Port Shepstone in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The fourth suspect was captured shortly after, and all four are now in police custody.
TWO-POT SYSTEM WITHDRAWALS HIT R21 BILLION, SARS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed that it has paid out a total gross lump sum of R21.4 billion to taxpayers who applied for withdrawals through the Savings Withdrawals Benefit of the two-pot retirement system.
Out of 1.2 million applications, 1.14 million were successfully approved, while the rest were declined due to issues like incorrect identity or tax numbers.
MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING SPREE THAT KILLED FIVE FAMILY MEMBERS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
A 33-year-old man has been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal after allegedly stabbing and killing five of his family members in a shocking attack at his home in the Bethany area, Bergville, on Saturday evening.
The suspect also left two others, including his mother, with severe injuries.
Police reports indicate that the suspect returned home after visiting neighbors with his uncle. Upon arrival, he began a violent attack, stabbing his mother, who managed to escape. He then fatally stabbed his uncle, two young girls aged two and six, a woman living with a disability, and an elderly woman visiting the home. A four-year-old girl and the suspect’s mother survived with multiple stab wounds.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect had a history of domestic violence cases, which were later withdrawn by the victims.
BUSISIWE MKHWEBANE RESIGNS FROM EFF AND PARLIAMENT
Former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has officially resigned from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Parliament.
In a letter addressed to EFF leader Julius Malema, Mkhwebane detailed her reasons for stepping down, citing how she felt her rights were violated during her tenure as Public Protector.
Mkhwebane expressed her frustration over her removal from the position, which she attributes to the high-profile cases she investigated, such as the CR17 campaign donations and the Phala Phala report. Her resignation marks the end of her brief stint in the EFF and Parliament.
SA RUGBY POSTPONES VOTE ON $75 MILLION EQUITY DEAL AT MINISTER’S REQUEST
SA Rugby has postponed its Special General Meeting, initially set for 17 October, to vote on a $75 million private equity deal with Seattle’s Ackerley Sports Group LLC.
The meeting was delayed following a request from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who seeks more information on the proposal.
The deal involves selling a 20% stake in a new commercial-rights company, but SA Rugby President Mark Alexander said they will work closely with the Minister to address his concerns. A new date for the meeting will be scheduled later this year.
MORE INCIDENTS REPORTED AS LEARNERS FALL ILL FROM SUSPECTED FOOD POISONING
A food safety crisis has emerged in Gauteng, as 25 learners from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School fell ill after eating snacks bought from street vendors.
This follows the tragic death of a Grade 1 learner from Karabo Primary School, who passed away on October 13 after being in ICU due to food poisoning. The incident claimed the lives of five other learners across three schools.
In Bronkhorstspruit, three were rushed to hospital after allegedly eating snacks bought from street vendors.
Meanwhile, all 47 pupils from Rapelego Primary in Hammanskraal have been discharged after treatment for suspected food poisoning. Authorities are urging the public to prioritize food safety.
MAPISA-NQAKULA’S CORRUPTION TRIAL FACES DELAY AS SHE SEEKS FURTHER DISCLOSURES
The corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has encountered its first delay.
Mapisa-Nqakula appeared briefly at the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday, facing 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The charges relate to allegations that, as defence minister between 2016 and 2019, she solicited kickbacks totaling R4.5 million from Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a service provider for the defence department.
Her legal team is seeking further disclosure of sections B and C of the police docket, which include key investigation details. The case will return to court on December 5 for arguments on these disclosures.
PULE MABE STEPS ASIDE FROM ANC NEC AMID FRAUD AND CORRUPTION CHARGES, GRANTED BAIL OF R30,000
Former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Pule Mabe has stepped down from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) following serious fraud and money laundering charges.
Mabe, along with his wife Mmatlhekelo and five other co-accused, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The charges relate to an alleged irregular award of a R27 million tender to his company, Enviromobi, by the Gauteng Agriculture Department in 2017. The State claims that Mabe’s company failed to disclose its connections to him when submitting the bid for the contract.
PETROL PRICE EXPECTED TO GO UP IN NOVEMBER
The five-month trend of declining fuel prices is projected to come to an end in November, according to the Automobile Association (AA).
The AA’s statement indicates that 95 Octane petrol is expected to rise by approximately 14 cents per litre, while 93 Octane petrol will see a smaller increase of about three cents. Diesel prices are predicted to increase by around 14 cents, and illuminating paraffin will go up by approximately seven cents per litre.
This shift is attributed to rising international product prices and a consistent weakening of the Rand against the US dollar.
MORE HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED IN COMING MONTHS
After recent heatwave conditions, South Africa is bracing for its first significant thunderstorms of the season.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy downpours and potential localised flooding across parts of the country.
SAWS advises residents to stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing swollen streams, and be cautious of fast-flowing water.
The severe weather could result in blocked roads, fallen trees, and hazardous conditions in both formal and informal settlements. SAWS emphasized the need for public vigilance in the coming months, as October and November may bring more heatwaves, storms, and strong winds.
2024 MATRIC FINAL EXAMS BEGIN NEXT WEEK
The 2024 Matric final exams are set to begin on Monday, 21 October, running until 28 November.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the province’s readiness during a media briefing at Edenvale Secondary School in Ekurhuleni. A total of 189,693 candidates are registered for the exams, including 136,051 full-time and 53,642 part-time students.
This represents a slight 0.78% decrease from the previous year. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has prepared 1,035 examination centres, with 669 public and 237 independent centres across the province.
PROTEAS WOMEN CRUSH AUSTRALIA BY 8 WICKETS TO REACH T20 WORLD CUP FINAL
South Africa’s Proteas Women secured a dominant victory over Australia, winning by 8 wickets in a thrilling semi-final of the T20 Women’s World Cup.
With a strong all-around performance, the Proteas Women have now booked their place in the final match, set for Sunday, 20 October.
They’ll face either the West Indies or New Zealand, depending on the outcome of their upcoming clash.
SPRINGBOKS TO FACE SCOTLAND, ENGLAND, AND WALES IN NOVEMBER TOUR
The Springboks are set for a tough November tour of the United Kingdom, clashing with Scotland on 10 November, England on 16 November, and Wales on 23 November. Christophe Ridley will officiate the match against Scotland, followed by Andrew Brace taking charge when the Boks meet England. Karl Dickson will oversee the final showdown with Wales.
These exciting matchups are highly anticipated as the Springboks gear up to take on some of the northern hemisphere’s best teams.
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The post Top Stories in South Africa this week: Gayton McKenzie, Lusikisiki, Mkhwebane, Mabe, SA Rugby deal & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
