Stories from Johannesburg · South Africa

Advocate Chaskolson reported that Karim Suleiman submitted a medical certificate indicating he is confined to bed and will not appear in court tomorrow. Suleiman was reportedly in the ICU two weeks ago. Additionally, Brahma Khortzi is seeking the recusal of Advocate Chaskolson as the lead evidence leader for his testimony. Lawyers for Karim Suleiman expect to file a substantive application regarding his inability to appear in court by the end of the day tomorrow. The report follows the Madlanger Commission proceedings.

New members of the MKP took their seats today to begin discussions regarding the election of the Bureau. The process was conducted behind closed doors. Regional caucuses have already started lobbying for their respective candidates.

The Minister of Basic Education has written to the Finance Minister requesting a probe into alleged irregularities in the textbook procurement process for Foundation phase. Lighthouse Publishers was awarded a tender to provide textbooks for grades 1 to 3.

The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the extension of a temporary fuel levy reduction. Diesel will attract no fuel levy during this period, according to the announcement. The government estimates the fiscal loss will be approximately $17 billion in revenue. Governments have officially extended a temporary reduction of the fuel levy to protect African citizens from a price increase expected next month. The announcement was reported by SAfm News. The extension follows previous temporary reductions to mitigate rising costs. The announcement was made by presenter Greg Chas. Petrol is expected to continue receiving a relief of three rand per liter. Analysts suggest an anticipated fuel price hike in May may still negatively impact the economy despite these relief measures.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Shriver announced a 12.5 billion Rand investment to upgrade border management at six key ports. The upgrades will target Alebombo, Pied Bridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Masiri Bridge, and Vixberg. Shriver stated the project marks the beginning of a new era for South African borders. These six ports are described as being at the center of regional trade and movement. SASCO first vice president Luan Lilius Melania welcomed a new 50 million rand sustainability fund for South African rowing. The initiative aims to support athletes competing in international competitions. The fund was unveiled earlier this month as part of a strategic pillar focused on governance and sustainability. Melania stated that government support alone will not be sufficient for the program.

The African Christian Democratic Party has called on the city of Johannesburg to stop taking new loans. The organization suggests that the city is taking on debt to keep the municipality afloat. A representative stated during a council meeting that the proposal to address these debts has been ignored. The party expressed opposition to loans used for electricity projects, citing concerns over exorbitant interest rates. The ACDP stated that these debt obligations will cause future generations to suffer due to the required paybacks. The ACDP argued that these debt loans create a negative knock-on effect for the city's future. A party representative stated that a concerted effort must be made to retrieve funds owed to the city, which currently exceed 71 billion rand. The representative noted that the city cannot place undue pressure on indigent citizens to resolve the debt.

Groups are demanding the deportation of all illegal immigrants to their home countries. The group is expected to move to Johannesburg tomorrow. The Simbini Classic is currently underway at Pildage Stadium. Athlete Akane Simbini is expected to compete in the meet. Athletes including Akane Simbini are expected to participate in the event, according to the report. The South African government has allocated 12.5 billion to a project aimed at strengthening border security. The project is part of a broader government plan to enhance national border defenses. The Border Management Authority announced the appointment of five construction consortiums to redevelop six strategic ports of entry across South Africa. The project is estimated to cost 12.5 billion. The move aims to transform the local cryptocurrency payment landscape through this new integration.

Lawyers for witness Mokhotzi sent a letter to the SABC complaining about the conduct of evidence leader Matthew Chaskalsen. The lawyers claim Chaskalsen approached the client in a manner intended to portray him as dishonest. Mokhotzi reported being subjected to aggressive and humiliating questioning during his appearance before the commission in November last year. He is expected to return to the commission at a later stage. Mokhotzi's lawyers stated in a letter to the SABC that the questioning was skewed and intended to portray the witness as dishonest. A witness named Mohodsi has alleged that the commission subjected him to skewed and biased questioning. Mohodsi claimed that leads he provided were not pursued and that evidence was selectively framed and presented. He also disputed being referred to as a state agent, stating there is no evidence to support that claim.

Suspended Suwan E Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Omashe Lameeni continued his testimony at the Malanga Commission on Tuesday. The testimony concerns allegations of tender interference. The commission is currently on its 98th day of proceedings. The testimony included questioning regarding his role in communications between suspended City of Johannesburg Chief Financial Officer Gareth Nisi and suspended organized crime unit member Sergeant Funding Coursey. The inquiry specifically addressed issues involving the payment of invoices. The testimony focused on the deputy chief's communications with suspended CFO Gareth Nisi and suspended sergeant Funding Coursey regarding invoice payment issues.

Education MEC Le Buang Maile stated that at least 48% of schools in Gauteng are overcrowded. The announcement was made during a news segment on SAfm. The figure represents a portion of the province's educational infrastructure. Building the required 200 new schools would cost 35 billion rand. Of the current 70 billion rand budget, 52 billion rand is allocated to educator salaries and only 8 billion rand goes directly to schools. Officials stated the province must think outside the box to address the crisis. The situation was described as chaotic during audits. Johannesburg officials announced that prefabricated classrooms will be brought to Brewer Primary School by next week to address severe overcrowding. The school currently holds approximately 2,000 students, which is more than double its intended capacity.