South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 9 October

If you’re looking for all the latest news in South Africa, you’ve come to the right place. See what’s making headlines on Friday 9 October.

While supporters of embattled African National Congress (ANC) General Secretary Ace Magashule vow to fight back amid rumours of an ‘imminent arrest’, senior figures of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) find themselves in Parliament’s crosshairs over social media statements which may have ‘incited violence’. In sports news, the Springboks are expected to confirm their participation in this year’s Rugby Championship following the final approval of fixtures and venues.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER

EFF’s Malema and Paulsen in hot water for ‘inciting violence’

EFF leader Julius Malema and Member of Parliament, Nazier Paulsen, have been reported to Parliament for allegedly inciting violence related to the chaos which erupted in Senekal earlier this week. Malema and Paulsen’s social media rants followed fierce clashes between police officers and Free State farmers. The latter had gathered to protest the brutal killing of 21-year-old farm manager, Brendin Horner, and ultimately demanded that two suspects held within the courthouse be released into the hands of the community.

Once the dust had settled, with court property damaged and a police vehicle torched, Malema condemned the farmers’ outburst and vowed to retaliate “in defence of democracy”. The EFF leader added:

“Magwala a chechele morago [Cowards move to the back]! Fighters attack!”

Paulsen entered the fray by posting an image of video footage of an automatic rifle being fired into the air, with the caption:

“Ek kan nie wag nie [I can’t wait].”

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Natasha Mazzone, Chief Whip of the Official Opposition in Parliament, confirmed that the party had reported both Malema and Paulsen to the Ethics Committee. Mazzone added:

“The DA condemns these tweets for what they are – a blatant attempt by the EFF leadership to recklessly incite even further violence at this time. This type of behaviour is deplorable, especially coming from Members of Parliament who have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the principles which underpin our Constitution.

The DA urges the Ethics Committee to investigate both Malema and Paulsen’s tweets and conduct.”

This isn’t the first time in the past month that the EFF has been reported to Parliament’s Ethics Committee. In September, the DA tabled a motion to have the Red Berets brought to book for the nationwide protest aimed at disrupting health and beauty retailers, Clicks, following the publishing of a racially insensitive hair campaign.

Parliament is yet to respond to either report.

 ‘Hands off Magashule’: Supporters fight back, target Zondo  

Following reports of Magashule’s imminent arrest — which were later rubbished by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks — supporters of the ruling party’s embattled Secretary General have vowed fight back.

On Thursday afternoon, Magashule’s supporters descended on the ANC’s headquarters at Luthuli House, demanding that the Secretary General be ‘treated fairly’. ANC MP Thabo Mmutle said that Magashule was being singled out as part of a subversive political plot, similar to the situation faced by former President Jacob Zuma towards the end of his scandal-ridden tenure.

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe has urged dissatisfied members to use party structures to address grievances, saying that the ANC supported Magashule in dismissing rumours of the Secretary General’s arrest but felt that publically addressing internal issues was unwarranted.

With the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remaining mum on the prospects of Magashule’s arrest and refusing to comment on the status of investigations into the plagued Vrede Dairy project, the ANC Secretary General’s loyal supporters have vowed to deliver a memorandum to Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture today.

SASSA extends ‘temporary grants’ but no still clarity on R350 relief

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has extended the payment of temporary grants. Both temporary disability grants and care dependency grants have been stretched to 31 December 2020 but the biggest question hanging over SASSA and the Department of Social Development concerns the beleaguered Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

The R350 SRD grant, which has been plagued by delays, technical glitches and ineffective appeal processes, is due to expire at the end of October. While Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has confirmed that beneficiaries still owed money will be paid beyond October, further alluding to an extension of the SRD grant, no official word from government has been delivered.

While millions of South Africans, who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, now rely on the SRD grant as their only source of income, the sheer cost of the R350 economic relief programme has brought its sustainability into question. Although Zulu and other government officials have thrown their weight behind the SRD’s continuation, it’s estimated that the grant could cost government between R30 billion and R50 billion at a time when the country’s economic prospects seem seriously dire.

Despite its cost, both SASSA and Zulu have been actively engaged in discussions around a ‘Basic Income Grant’ which could likely be the SRD’s next natural progression.

Jacob Zuma lashes out ahead of State Capture subpoena

Former President Zuma has continued his attack on Deputy Chief Justice Zondo and the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. The former head of state, whose previous appearance before the commission was short-lived and controversial, is battling a host of serious legal issues, with a subpoena, authorised by Zondo, due to be delivered today.

Through the Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Mhlanganyelwa Zuma Foundation, the former president issued a scathing statement on Thursday, labelling the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture as “a political process parading as a legal process”. Zuma added that the Commission — which was, ironically, certified by the former president shortly before his exit from office — had become nothing more than a subversive tool to settle political scores.

The latest move by the Commission, to subpoena Zuma to appear from 16 to 20 November 2020, has undoubtedly ratcheted up the pressure on the former president. Zuma’s foundation argued that the latest move by Zondo and the Commission’s legal team sought to undermine agreements already undertaken by all parties and further displayed an element of ‘prejudice’.

If Zuma, who has called for Zondo to recuse himself, is subpoenaed and fails to appear before the Commission on 16 November, a warrant of arrest may be issued.

Student Financial Aid Scheme: Corruption allegations raised in Parliament

Today in Parliament, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will attempt to defend itself against numerous allegations of corruption and maladministration. The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology is expected to grill NSFAS, particularly with regards to a dodgy laptop tender deal which left thousands of students in the lurch during lockdown.

The parliamentary meeting will also receive a submission from the National Education and Health Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), which allegedly details a host of irregularities related to procurement processes and managerial appointments.

Nehawu’s back-and-forth battle with NSFAS reached a climax in August with the union threatening nationwide strike action. Nehawu demanded an 8% salary increase, while NSFAS wasn’t willing to budge from 0%.

PSL: Opening DStv Premiership fixtures revealed

The opening round of fixtures in the 2020/21 DStv Premiership have been revealed with last season’s champions and runners-up in the form of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs squaring up in the first match of the season.

The South African top flight gets underway on 24 and 25 October 2020 with all sixteen teams taking to the field. As things stand, spectators will not be allowed to attend DStv Premiership matches due to the coronavirus pandemic however seven of the eight matches from match week one are set to be televised.

The 2020/2021 DStv Premiership campaign will see three new faces in the league in the form of Swallows FC who gained direct promotion from the GladAfrica Championship at the expense of Polokwane City who were directly relegated from the top flight.

Springboks to confirm Rugby Championship participation

The Springboks will, today, need to officially confirm participation in the Rugby Championship following an announcement by southern hemisphere governing body, Sanzaar, which detailed all fixtures and venues for the delayed 2020 tournament.

The tournament will kick-off on Saturday 31 October in Sydney, where Australia will clash with New Zealand. South Africa is scheduled to battle Argentina in Brisbane.

While international eyes are firmly fixed on the upcoming Rugby Championship, a host of local clashes, as part of the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament, will kick-off this weekend. The action begins today, when the Sharks face the Lions.

Bafana Bafana 1-1 Namibia: Highlights from Rustenburg

Bafana Bafana returned to action against Namibia in an international friendly match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Thursday evening after an eleven month break from football.

Bafana Bafana played out to a disappointing draw against fellow COSAFA side Namibia in their eagerly anticipated return.

Ntseki named three debutants in his team for the friendly match in the form of Portugal-based Thibang Phete, Thabo Nodada and Mnguni Sithebe. Ntseki’s gamble ultimately failed to pay off with the side dropping points against Namibia for the first time since 2010.

Luther Singh got South Africa to a promising start after giving Bafana Bafana the lead 19th minute with a neat bottom corner finish. Molefi Ntseki would have expected his side to build on their lead going forward however his team surprisingly stopped playing.

The Brave Warriors fought back and drew level through Absalom Iimbondi’s wonderful volley. Both teams pushed for a late winner however it wasn’t to be for either side. A share of the spoils in the friendly clash.

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