South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 27 November

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing all major headlines on Wednesday 27 November.

The City of Johannesburg bids Mayor Herman Mashaba farewell, will further north, in Tshwane, a fierce political battle threatens to disrupt the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) provincial inroads. In sports news, Proteas legend Gary Kirsten has denied reports that he will fill the role of Director of Cricket.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Wednesday 27 November

Mashaba’s last day as Mayor of Joburg

After announcing his resignation in October, Herman Mashaba’s tenure as Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg will come to an end today. Mashaba, who stood as a pillion of the Democratic Alliance’s popularity in Joburg following the municipal election of 2016, leaves the powerful position amid political turbulence, amplified by Helen Zille’s return to the DA.

Mashaba confirmed his resignation mere days after Zille re-entered the party’s power structure. The two political heavy-weights went on to throw jabs at one another via social media, revealing the pervasive sense of discontentment amongst DA members.

Mashaba, who managed to forge a powerful, yet controversial, alliance with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in order to retain control of the City, said of his resignation:

“Running a multi-party government was just brutal, but rewarding at the end.”

Along with Mashaba’s exit comes the contest to fill the mayoral void, one which will feature competition between the DA, EFF and African National Congress (ANC). Find out more about the candidates, here.

Stevens Mokgalapa placed on special leave following numerous controversies

The DA’s problems in Gauteng are set to worsen, following the scandal and criticism which has beset Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa. John Moodey, DA Gauteng Provincial Leader, announced that Mokgalapa would be placed on special leave while an internal investigation, centred on allegations of sexual misconduct involving Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Sheila Senkubuge.

Leaked audio, purporting to reveal a sordid affair between the two DA members, made waves across the country over the weekend. Moodey explained:

“The DA has instituted a Federal Legal Commission investigation where Mayor Mokgalapa and MMC Sheila Senkubuge will be given the opportunity to present their version of events.

Mayor Mokgapala will be placed on Special leave while these investigations are underway.”

In addition to the ‘sex scandal’, Mokgapala is likely to face a motion of no confidence, after the EFF noted:

“The administration he leads has proven incapable of resolving the problems faced by the citizens of Tshwane.”

Public Protector Mkhwebane faces an uncertain future

The future of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane hangs in the balance, following a National Assembly sitting tasked with drafting rules for the removal of a Chapter 9 institution head finalised its preliminary report on Tuesday.

This comes in the wake of calls to have Mkhwebane removed from office, following several courtroom defeats and allegations of political bias. Both the DA, and some members of the ruling ANC, have supported the motion to have Mkhwebane replaced.

The draft rules will be heard before the National Assembly before being officially implemented, meaning that Mkhwebane will only find out her fate in early 2020.

Ramaphosa rubbishes talks of Eskom privatisation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that government’s attempts to reconfigure and split Eskom into three divisions is not aimed at privatising the embattled power utility.

These measures, he said, are rather aimed at stabilising the utility and getting it back on its feet.

“We are not going to privatise Eskom,” he said, comparing the move to auctioning one’s family for silver.

“Eskom is going to continue being owned by our government.”

To reverse the entity’s current predicament, government has announced drastic interventions, ranging from addressing debt to operational matters.

The President made the remarks while addressing Eskom workers and contractors at the Medupi Power Plant in Lephalale in Limpopo today. He is in the area for the launch of the third leg of the District Development Model.

In his State of the Nation Address early this year, President Ramaphosa announced that Eskom would in the near future be split into three entities focusing operations, distribution and transmission.

On Tuesday, he reiterated that there were no sinister motives behind the move. (Source: SAnews)

Kolbe wants to win Olympic gold with Blitzboks in 2020

Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has declared his desire to be part of the Blitzboks bid to win Olympic gold in Tokyo next year.

Kolbe enjoyed a phenomenal 2019 with Toulouse before linking up with the Springboks, and was rewarded with the Top 14’s player of the year gong.

The winger has enjoyed a stellar season achieving a string of career goals but his short term future is in France as he seeks to have a hand in European Cup success for Toulouse.

Gary Kirsten not interested in Director of Cricket role

Former Proteas opener and World Cup-winning coach of India Gary Kirsten says he has not been approached to fill the vacant Director of Cricket role for the Proteas.

Kirsten has rejected high-profile coaching jobs recently citing his desire to spend more time with his young family. A Director role also represents a move away from Kirsten’s passion, which is coaching.

The former India and Proteas coach is currently employed in the Mzansi Super League as coach of the Durban Heat and also runs a High Performance cricket academy in Cape Town that carries his name.

Kirsten has the most impressive credentials for any coach currently active in South African cricket but it is clear that he does not have the desire to take up a demanding position like that of DOC.

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