South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday 19 December

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing all major headlines on Thursday 19 December.

As the Democratic Alliance (DA) fights to regain control of Tshwane, following a mayoral sex scandal and motion of no confidence, bad weather in the central, northern and eastern parts of the country threatens to dampen the Christmas spirit and endanger even more lives on the already-treacherous roads. In sports news, Cricket South Africa (CSA) begins to get its house in order following a spate of managerial disasters.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Thursday 19 December

DA in last-ditch court effort to claw back Tshwane

The High Court in Pretoria will today determine if the removal of Tshwane Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa and council Speaker Katlego Mathebe has a right to stand. The DA’s deployees were removed from power by a coalition between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and African National Congress (ANC) earlier in December, following a particularly damaging ‘sex scandal’ involving Mokgalapa and another public official, who has since resigned.

Judge Neil Tuchten is expected to deliver his verdict on the application brought forward by Mathebe, Mokgalapa, deputy speaker Zwelibanzi Khumalo and acting mayor Abel Tau. The applicants are hoping to have the council decision, which saw Mathebe and Mokgalapa ejected, nullified and overturned.

This follows a delay in proceedings which allowed for the ANC’s legal representatives to file replying affidavits.

Both the EFF and ANC have resolved to reinstitute removal proceedings in the New Year, should Tuchten decide in the DA’s favour.

Bad weather forecast adds to festive season road safety concerns

Severe thunderstorms forecast for the Free State, Mpumalanga and parts of the Eastern Cape threaten to rain on the festive season parade. The South African Weather Service (SAWS), on Wednesday, noted that adverse weather conditions in the south-western parts of the Lekwa and Dipaleseng local municipalities in Mpumalanga could bring with it “hail and downpours”.

In the north-eastern parts of the Free State, residents have been warned of severe thunderstorms, complete with hail, heavy downpours and strong winds.

Worryingly for motorists and government agencies intent on curbing carnage on South Africa’s roads during this notoriously deadly period, the bad weather is expected to impact key routes used by festive season travellers, particularly the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban.

Motorists have been advised to be extra cautious when travelling in areas embattled by downpours.

District Six redevelopment to be completed in 2020

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has submitted a detailed plan on the redevelopment of District Six to the Land Claims Court.

The submission of the detailed plan comes after the litigation brought by the District Six Working Committee against the 5th administration of government.

The department said that construction is to be done in phases, with phase 3, which is currently underway, planned to be completed in 2020.

“Furthermore, the 954 claimants (noting that some claimants may still opt for financial compensation), are still awaiting dwellings as part of the re-development process and this matter is being currently addressed through a court process,” the department said.

The history of the dispossession and forced removal of the residents of District Six by South Africa’s apartheid regime is well documented and public knowledge. (Source: SAnews)

Road safety efforts lauded

With the festive season in full swing, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has commended law enforcement officials for their road safety efforts thus far.

“We are seeing signs of progress. We are not where we would like to be just yet but by the looks of things, we are certainly on the right track,” Mbalula said.

The Minister on Tuesday inspected the National Traffic Control Centre as well as the Gauteng Central Operations Centre.

He assessed progress made since the launch of the department’s Festive Season #LiveBeyondDezemba #ArriveAlive campaign.

The Minister witnessed the collection and collation of national statistics pertaining to South Africa’s road network, at the National Traffic Control Centre. (Source: SAnews)

Jacques Kallis appointed as batting consultant to the Proteas

Cricket South Africa confirmed the appointment of Jacques Kallis as batting consultant to the Proteas on Wednesday 18 December.

Kallis was part of the technical team that began directing the Proteas training camp in Pretoria today (18 December) and has committed to his role for the duration of the 2019/20 summer season.

Kallis has signed on for a summer as the Proteas batting consultant supporting Team Director Mark Boucher.

Charl Langeveldt has left his position as Bangladesh bowling coach with the BCB revealing that he has been approached to fill the bowling coach role. Langeveldt previously filled the same role between 2015 and 2017 before the appointment of Ottis Gibson as head coach.

Latest weather forecast, Thursday 19 December

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