South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 17 December

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing all major headlines on Tuesday 17 December.

As South Africans lament the passing of Reconciliation Day, attention turns to the festive season and protocols in place to mitigate the carnage on the country’s roads. Meanwhile, supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) digest the outcomes of the party’s second National People’s Assembly and the road forward for the Red Beret’s. In sports news, the Blitzboks lick their wounds after a final-round defeat to the All Blacks at the Cape Town Sevens Rugby tournament.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Tuesday 17 December

Ramaphosa hopes the spirit of reconciliation lingers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to embrace one another in empathy, understanding and unity, following the commemoration of Reconciliation Day on Monday 16 December. Prior to his address in KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa noted that, while the fight for democracy continues in South Africa, giant strides had been made towards a progressive, non-racial society.

Ramaphosa noted that the wounds left by an oppressive apartheid regime, coupled with the current government’s corruption, continued to embattle the South African majority, embedding inequality and prohibiting the ultimate goal of social cohesion. The president said:

“We must address the unfinished business of our democratic transition. We must close the festering wound of inequality that exists between our people. We must forge ahead with land reform and social development. We must continue to transform our workplaces and restructure our economy so it benefits all.

In this sense, reconciliation is a very practical undertaking.”

EFF National People’s Assembly: The road forward

The second EFF National People’s Assembly – the most important conference event on the party’s calendar – wrapped-up on Monday afternoon, with party leader, Julius Malema, who managed to retain his position, unopposed, announced, during his closing address, the road ahead of the Red Berets.

At the closing of the conference, which had earlier been marred by violence and a surprise shake-up in the party’s Top Six, Malema provided his hordes of supporters with marching hoarders, telling them to:

• Protect state owned enterprises, which Malema says are under threat of privatisation
• Continue the fight against white monopoly capital, pointing to Johann Rupert in particular
• Oppose gender-based violence
• Move forward with the seven non-negotiable cardinal pillars of economic freedom

Report back from Cabinet

Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu will brief media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Friday, 13 December 2019.

It’s understood that primary concerns discussed during the Cabinet meeting, which was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, include the dire condition of South Africa’s state owned enterprises, the country’s rising unemployment rate and the fight to uproot corruption.

Proteas name Test squad to face England including six uncapped players

The Proteas have named their Test squad to face England with six uncapped players among the 16-strong group.

Faf du Plessis will lead the squad that will assemble for a training camp later this week.

Aiden Markram has been named in the squad despite still nursing a self-inflicted wrist injury that ruled him out of the Mzansi Super League.

If Markram is not fit to start the first Test against England at Supersport Park on Boxing Day, Cape Cobras batsman Pieter Malan is likely to debut as opening partner to Dean Elgar.

Latest weather forecast, Tuesday 17 December

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Horoscope today

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