South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 19 November

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa – check in with our daily overview of headlines on Tuesday 19 November.

While the embattled South African Airways (SAA) attempts to restart operations amid severely disruptive strike action, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, dodges a judicial bullet fired by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). In sports news, South Africa’s Under-23 soccer squad has eyes set on next year’s Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Tuesday 19 November

SAA to brief media on troubles

The national carrier is expected to brief the media on its dire operational and financial predicament in the wake of fierce strike action which saw most of its flights grounded throughout the weekend. Acting SAA Chief Executive Officer, Zuks Ramasia, will be joined by other senior board members.

Last week, unions vowed to fight SAA’s restructuring strategy, which is estimated to cost almost 1000 employees their jobs, by way of strike action. This move came at the worst possible time for the already-beleaguered airline, which has pleaded with government for financial assistance after consecutive net losses. The restructuring process itself is intended to trim SAA’s bloated salary bill in an attempt to save the airline from complete collapse.

Unions argue that SAA is on the path to privatisation – a move which stands in direct opposition to the African National Congress’ (ANC) assurances.

Ramasia is expected to shed light on SAA’s financial position, its restructuring procedure and the ongoing strike action during today’s briefing.

Malema off the Ratanang Family Trust hook

EFF leader, Julius Malema, will not be the subject of investigation relating to the controversial Ratanang Family Trust. Instead, the NPA has confirmed that it will prosecute three directors of the company, Cuthbert Lesiba Gwangwa, Kagisho Dichaba and Thomas Rasethaba, with money laundering and fraud.

Malema has been at the centre of controversy, after allegedly benefiting from and On Point Engineering tender granted by Ratanang Family Trust. According to the State’s previous case, which was struck off the roll in 2015, Malema was indirect shareholder in On Point.

Damning evidence, uncovered by former Public Protector, Thuli Mandonsela, revealed that On Point paid over R2 million into the Ratanang Family Trust.

John Steenhuisen stamps his authority on the DA

Newly-elected Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, has made it abundantly clear that he will not bow to the will of Helen Zille. This comes in the wake of fierce turbulence for the official opposition party, typified by poor polling the May elections, the resignation of Mmusi Maimane and factional infighting.

Steenhuisen, who has ascended rapidly through the ranks, on Monday said that he would not be ‘handbag carrier for Helen Zille’, after speculation that the federal council chairperson may, in fact, be calling the shots from behind the scenes. Zille was elected chair of the federal council in a controversial return to the DA’s leadership structure after being shunned from the spotlight months earlier.

Steenhuisen, who won the election for interim leader on Sunday, has vowed to run the party’s operations in an ‘honest and straightforward’ manner. The DA is expected to hold its annual elective conference in May 2020.

Hawks commissioner appears before Zondo

Yolisa Matakata, Head Lieutenant of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, will today appear before the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Matakata will be joined by civil servant, writer and cleric, Frank Chikane, the ANC stalwart who is an outspoken critic of former president Jacob Zuma.

SA Under-23’s braced for Egypt in bid to qualify for Tokyo

South Africa will not hold back any punches when they face Egypt in their CAF Under-23 Afcon semifinal tie when they meet on Tuesday at Cairo Stadium.

South Africa’s Under-23 goalkeeper, Darren Johnson, explained that this is mainly because a win will guarantee them a place into next year’s Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, with a game still to be played before this tournament comes to an end.

Only top three national teams competing in this year’s quadrennial continental showpiece; will get to represent Africa in next year’s Summer Olympics.

Kaizer Chiefs defence depleted ahead of TKO semi

Kaizer Chiefs are missing a few options at the back ahead of their crucial cup tie in the coming weekend.

The Glamour Boys face Maritzburg United in the second Telkom Knockout semi-final on Sunday.

They will have to do so without two players who have been integral in their recent resurgence.

Defender Erick Mathoho was given his marching orders in Chiefs’ last outing after lashing out against Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.

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