South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 14 January

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing our morning overview of all major headlines on Tuesday 14 January.

As the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture readies itself for a riveting 2020, former President Jacob Zuma hits back at efforts to force him into the hot seat. Meanwhile, Eskom’s ailing infrastructure continues to plunge suburbs and cities into darkness, with Port Elizabeth and the southern Free State falling victim to substation catastrophes. In sports news, South Africa’s Matt Proudfoot becomes England’s assistant coach.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Tuesday 14 January

Zuma to challenge State Capture Inquiry summons

The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, led by deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, has gotten off to a sluggish start in 2020. While the official work in preparation for testimony began on Monday, a legal summons intended to haul Jacob Zuma back into the spotlight faces a fierce challenge.

Zuma, who, citing ‘mistreatment’, infamously abandoned his first appearance before Zondo, has tasked his hefty legal team with opposing the Commission’s bid. The official challenge will be lodged later today.

If Zuma’s latest legal bid proves unsuccessful, he will be forced to endure cross-examination before the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture between 27 and 31 January.

Eskom’s ailing infrastructure leaves citizens powerless

Whether it’s load shedding or debilitating substation failures, the one common denominator remains Eskom’s poor maintenance strategy which has led to the collapse of electrical infrastructure.

While the embattled utility has managed to mitigate load shedding, following a particularly daunting start to the new year, vast infrastructure failures continue to keep thousands of South Africans in the dark.

On Sunday, a substation in Kempton Park suffered a catastrophic failure, bursting into flames and plunging the surrounding suburbs – including OR International Airport – into darkness. Later that day, a substation in the Free State town of Rouxville, suffered a similar fate, cutting power to Zastron and Smithfield.

On Monday morning, a substation in the Newton Park area of Port Elizabeth also broke down, resulting in major electrical disruptions in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Mystery surrounds Cape Town ‘poisoning’

Five people were rushed to hospital after collapsing in Wetton, Cape Town. While investigations are already underway, initial indications point to a mysterious case of poisoning. Emergency responders confirmed that six people were initially transported to hospital after collapsing on the sidewalk.

ER24 spokesperson Russell Meiring said:

“It is believed to have been some sort of poisoning incident. All those affected had ingested some sort of substance which is not yet known.”

Cape Town law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed that one of the incapacitated patients experienced violent convulsions before being stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital.

Parliament cautions Malema on ‘irresponsible’ threat to disrupt parliament

Parliament’s presiding officers on Monday cautioned against public threats made by members to disrupt the house.

The caution was issued via a statement by National Assembly speaker Thandi Modise and the National Council of Provinces chairperson, Amos Masondo, who were responding to threats made by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.

Malema said on Wednesday that his MPs would disrupt president Cyril Ramaphosa’s February 13 State of the Nation Address (Sona) if he did not fire public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan.

The party has twice before threatened to disrupt Ramaphosa’s speeches, but has not followed through. However, during former president Jacob Zuma’s tenure, disruptions were commonplace. Some of the verbal altercations have led to punch-ups. (Source: ANA)

Middendorp hails Chiefs mental strength in march towards title

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has hailed his side’s mental strength as they completed their 50th anniversary week with another victory.

Having seen off Highlands Park in midweek, beating them 3-0 at FNB Stadium, the Soweto Giants were back at the famous venue on Sunday, where they were again on the right side of an identical scoreline against Cape Town City.

Matt Proudfoot appointed England assistant coach

Former Springbok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot has officially signed on as Eddie Jones’ right-hand man in England. Proudfoot, who served the Springboks’ coaching outfit since 2016 and was hailed as being a driving force behind the Rugby World Cup win, will take over as England’s new forwards coach.

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