South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 4 August

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa; be sure to check out the day’s major headlines on Tuesday 4 August.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa vows to strengthen the attack against corruption, arguments against the costly alcohol and tobacco ban — which have siphoned billions of rands from the state’s coffers – reach a fever pitch.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Tuesday 4 August

Government ‘digs its own grave’ ahead of cigarette ban hearing

As government prepares to launch yet another legal defence in aid of its controversial tobacco ban — which has been in place for more than four months at a cost of R35 million a day in lost excise duties — leaked court documents have revealed some damning admissions.

In a rebuttal aimed at undermining the argument put forward by British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA), which is expected to do battle against President Ramaphosa and Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in the Western Cape High Court this week, government was forced to admit that there was no evidence pointing to smokers being more vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus.

In previous defences, Dlamini-Zuma argued that the ban on cigarettes was to ease the pressure on the healthcare system, claiming that smokers were more likely to contract COVID-19 and suffer harsher symptoms.

Additionally, unnecessary movement associated with smokers’ search for illicit cigarettes have also, admittedly, resulted in a higher degree of contact-associated risks.

Still, despite contradictory arguments, government, in its court papers, notes that the smoking ban was ‘necessary’.

Eskom hunts down Guptas, former executives in bid to recoup stolen funds

South Africa’s embattled power utility, Eskom, is desperately seeking to recoup funds stolen or ‘misappropriated’ by former executives who served during Jacob Zuma’s tenure as president. On Monday afternoon, Eskom confirmed that the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) had closed in on a number of former stakeholders and associates who aided corruption within the tormented state owned enterprise.

Eskom added that summons’ had been delivered to Brian Molefe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Anoj Singh, the former Chief Financial Officer, Matshela Moses Koko, the former Group Executive of Generation and Suzanne Margaret Daniels, the former Company Secretary and Group Legal Head.

Additionally, Eskom is seeking damages from the Gupta brothers — Rajesh, Atul and Ajay — who are desperate to avoid extradition to South Africa, pending a host of legal troubles relating to the infamous ‘State Capture’ project.

David Mabuza alive… but not so well

After snubbing a highly-anticipated question and answer session before the National Assembly and subsequently forced to dispel rumours of his sudden death, Deputy President David Mabuza’s wellbeing has come under the spotlight. While government confirmed that Mabuza was ‘alive and well’, the Deputy President’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat, noted that Mabuza was under permanent medical supervision at his home.

Seedat added although Mabuza has been tight-lipped about his medical issues — citing the need for privacy — the deputy president had recently undertaken an official oversight inspection in the Free State where the province’s readiness amid the coronavirus pandemic was gauged.

Corruption: Mboweni ordered to tighten checks and balances

Amid a vicious swell of corruption relating to government’s coronavirus relief funds, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has been ordered to define a tighter framework, within the National Treasury, which would protect the integrity of procurement processes.

The latest call comes from DA MP Geordin Hill-Lewis, who said that Mboweni should draft stringent National Treasury instructions within the Public Finance Management Act. Mboweni recently called for transparency regarding government’s tender processes, requesting that a list of all companies associated with relief funds be published.

This comes amid a fierce scandal in Gauteng, whereby the presidential spokesperson’s husband was awarded a R125 million contract to supply the province with personal protective equipment. It’s alleged that the cost of the equipment was grossly overinflated and that, in addition to the exorbitant costs, standard procurement processes were undermined due to the political affiliations.

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HOROSCOPE TODAY

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