South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 22 November

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa; review all major headlines on Friday 22 November.

It’s another big day in Pietermaritzburg. Jacob Zuma is filing for a leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal in his corruption case. Meanwhile, the Alexandra Renewal Project will be pulled into sharp focus at the SA Human Rights Commission

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Friday 22 November

Jacob Zuma returns to court

Only Jacob Zuma and his legal team know what legal trickery lies in wait for us on Friday. He’s going to launch an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal, in order to avoid his corruption trial. You can get the lowdown on his date with destiny here.

Alex Renewal Project

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) and Office of the Public Protector will receive oral statements from individuals who previously held positions of oversight in relation to the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP). Mr Parks Tau, Mr Amos Masondo and Mr Trevor Fowler will be in attendance

Julius Malema briefs the media

The leader of the EFF addressed the press on Thursday, and he was good value for money. He revealed that the Red Berets are planning to challenge the DA for the vacant mayoral role in Johannesburg, and vowed to back either the DA or ANC in Tshwane if they helped elect an EFF mayor in Jozi.

Malema also looked ahead to the party’s second Elective Conference next month – where he could face a challenge for his own position. He confirmed he wasn’t scared of some competition, but vowed to stay in politics “until he dies” should the worst happen in December.

Limpopo foot and mouth cases

Cabinet has called on all affected communities in Limpopo, to adhere to the safety protocols, as a measure to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth disease, in some parts of the country. Farmers are requested to avoid gathering livestock together for auctions, shows or other activities. They are also urged to be on the lookout for clinical signs of the disease and contact a veterinarian or animal health professionals, if necessary.

Bongani Bongo faces the music

The ANC MP was arrested and processed in court on Thursday, facing charges of corruption, Bongo will now make his representations to the NPA after posting the R5 000 bail price. Natasha Mazzone is the DA’s Chief Whip, and she has welcomed the decision to prosecute the former cabinet member with open arms.

“It is no secret that Bongo was a critical acolyte in the Guptas’ and Jacob Zuma’s State Capture mafia. And yet, despite this, the ANC outrageously awarded him, and the likes of Faith Muthambi, Mosebenzi Zwane, and Supra Mahumapelo, with Parliamentary Chairpersonships.”

“Bongo is but one of many State Capture foot soldiers who actively participated in the selling off of our country and we can only hope that his arrest will be the first of many.”

Natasha Mazzone

Soccer fixtures this weekend

Kaizer Chiefs topped the PSL table heading into the international break and have been the form-team in domestic competitions so far this term. They host Maritzburg United in this weekend’s Telkom Knockout Cup semifinal. Golden Arrows play Mamelodi Sundowns in the other tie.

Amakhosi came out on top in two Soweto derby encounters in a week before the international break. First they knocked Orlando Pirates out of the TKO on penalties before extending their PSL lead with wins over Chippa United and Rhulani Mokwena’s Pirates again in a fixture that had its fair share of controversy.

• Golden Arrows v Mamelodi Sundowns, Clermont, 15:00 on Saturday 23 November
• Kaizer Chiefs v Maritzburg United, Nelspruit, 15:00 on Sunday 24 November

Mzansi Super League (MSL) fixtures for the weekend:

• Friday: Paarl Rocks v Jozi Stars, Paarl, 17:30
• Saturday: Nelson Mandela Bay Giants v Durban Heat, Port Elizabeth, 12:30
• Sunday: Cape Town Blitz v Paarl Rocks, Cape Town, 10:00