Stories from Johannesburg · South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC) has removed its provincial convener and replaced them with Mike Mabuyakulu. The party's National Executive Committee, led by Secretary-General Fiki Lembalula, is engaging with the new provincial leadership to stabilize structures.

The new Grand Reservoir and Water Tower in Brixton, Johannesburg, has been officially opened. Residents have experienced prolonged water shortages in the area. The project is intended to improve water supply stability for thousands of residents and address persistent infrastructure disruptions. Facilities including Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital and Helen Joseph Hospital are expected to benefit from the improved water security. The minister stated the project's importance will be felt widely. The opening follows protests earlier this year by residents of Westbury and surrounding areas regarding persistent water disruptions. The project aims to ensure healthcare services are delivered without water security disruptions. Executive Mayor Dada Moreiro discussed the project as a development for the city. The project is intended to change water availability considerably in the region.

The CVC organization is scheduled to march in the Johannesburg Central Business District this morning. Traffic authorities and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are on standby for potential disruptions.

A teacher reportedly beat a child with a rod so severely that the child required surgery. The teacher allegedly threatened the child at the hospital, according to a report from Johannesburg. The source noted the incident is distinct from discussions regarding corporal punishment.

South Africa has deployed Deputy President Dr. Tizaka to assist teachers facing high stress levels due to mistreatment by students. The move follows escalating reports of unsafe conditions in schools.

The independent South African national civic organization, Sanco, is calling for the government to reinstate corporal punishment. The organization stated that the measure is needed. The topic is described as a frequent subject of debate within the country.

Authorities recovered a car from a river after finding it empty upon arrival. A preliminary investigation identified the vehicle owner as a 59-year-old man residing in Vanderbilt Park, Gauteng.

Canal Plus, the owner of MultiChoice, is scheduled to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on June 3. This move makes it the first French company to join the exchange.

Bellamyne Mugabe and co-accused Tobias Matonose are expected to be sentenced today in the Alexandra Criminal Court north of Johannesburg. Mugabe, the son of late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, pleaded guilty earlier this month to being in South Africa illegally and pointing a firearm. The firearm charge relates to an incident occurring two weeks prior to a shooting at his Hyde Park residence. A court heard that Sipa Maslangu, a security guard injured during a shooting at the Mugabe residence in Hyde Park, is to be paid 400,000 rand. The incident occurred in February and involved charges including attempted murder, contravening the immigration act, and possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentencing follows his guilty plea regarding his involvement in a specific case.

Jamila Batoy has withdrawn from the Inca Binde inquiry, which is investigating former director of public prosecutions and housing advocate Andrew Chauke. Batoy stated that the proceedings were hostile, accusatory, and discouraging.