South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Monday 31 August

Get all the latest news in South Africa right here, where we bring you a wrap of all the major stories that are set to dominate headlines on Monday 31 August.

After a busy weekend, we’re set for an even busier week. The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are likely to brief the nation on the outcomes of its three day summit to discuss corruption within the party, and the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) will probe Khusela Diko on her role in the alleged corrupt procurement of PPE in Gauteng. Following that, investigations into alleged state capture continue, as well as probes into to the conduct of SAPS officers accused of murdering a 16-year-old disabled child, Nathanial Julius, in Eldorado Park.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Monday 31 August 

Magashule to stand before ANC integrity committee

After receiving a summons from the ANC’s integrity committee, Secretary-General Ace Magashule will appear before the party council and state his case regarding comments he made over proposed action to suspend ANC members facing charges of corruption. These suggestions were made during the ruling party’s meeting of its National Executive Committee over the weekend, and we have yet to learn what outcomes were reached during this time of introspective deliberation.

When the proposed measures surfaced, Magashule – who is facing allegations of corruption relating to his tenure as Free State Premier, among others – reportedly said in an interview that he would not step down should such measures be introduced. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in the interest of transparency, has also voluntarily submitted himself to the integrity committee over allegations that he engaged in corruption during his CR17 campaign. Jesse Duarte – Magashule’s deputy – said that these interviews will take place “this week”.

Nathaniel Julius: Officers to appear in court

Two Gauteng SAPS officers accused of the murder of 16-year old disabled child Nathaniel Julius are set to appear at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday 31 August on charges of murder, possession of prohibited ammunition, and possibly defeating the ends of justice. The murder of Julius sparked chaos in Eldorado Park, where community members clashed violently with police over the heinous killing.

The upheaval in Eldorado Park spurred plenty of frustration over the local SAPS’ ability to administer themselves correctly, and following an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), two police officers will face the might of the law when they appear – as Police Minister Cele put it – “not as enforcers of the law, but as criminals”.

Gauteng PPE Scandal: SIU to question Diko 

The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) will this week grill former presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko on her role in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Gauteng, with SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago saying on Sunday that the watchdog has already spoken with her husband – Thandisizwe Diko – and suspended Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku over their roles in the scandal.

Diko stepped down from her position as Ramaphosa’s spokesperson when the allegations of COVID-19 corruption first surfaced, and has maintained her innocence throughout the sordid saga. With the SIU saying that they have already been able to make certain recommendations to Gauteng Premier David Makhura about how he should best go about disciplining members of his legislature that break rank and engage in corruption, her testimony could prove crucial to their final report on the ongoings in Gauteng.

State Capture inquiry continues

The State Capture inquiry continues on Monday 31 August after the previous week saw three separate people drop former Minister of Environmental Affairs, Nomvula Mokonyane, in tremendously hot water. Bongiwe Dube, Frederick Hendrick Coetzee and Sandy Thomas all provided fuel to fire Commissioner Raymond Zondo’s suspicion that Mokonyane had plenty more knowledge about Bosasa’s role in the looting of state funds than she is letting on.

With Thomas, her former PA, having failed to turn up to the commission – leaving Zondo seething – her appearance this week will certainly be something to keep an eye on. Thomas was ordered to appear or face criminal charges, having arrived up at the 11th hour on Tuesday 25 August and requested the hearing be postponed until Monday.

Bheki Cele to host GBV dialogue

As Women’s Month draws to a close, South Africa can hang it’s head in shame having offered little in the way of any form of celeratory cause. Instances of gender based violence (GBV) have continues to plague the nation, and the offering by President Cyril Ramaphosa of a National Council dedicated to the cause of rooting out the scourge did little to alleviate concerns surrounding the persistent sexual abuse and murder of South African women.

But all is not lost, it would seem. Police Minister Bheki Cele – who has been a notoriously poor proponent for the cries of women to be better protected from heinous crimes committed against them – will on Monday lead a virtual dialogue on gender based violence and femicide alongside Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi.

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