What’s in City Press, September 4, 2022
Makaziwe Mandela flogs family heritage
“Madiba’s stuff is mine and I have every right to sell it to whoever.” This is what Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, says in an affidavit defending her right to sell precious items that belonged to democratic South Africa’s founding president to the highest bidder.
Popular Uzalo actor Simphiwe Majozi was dumped like a hot potato for allegedly cheating on his girlfriend, DA councillor Kekeletso Mahlelebe. Five months ago, Mahlelebe packed her bags and left the home they shared for six years in Newlands, Durban, and allegedly moved in with her new beau, businessperson Jabu Monaheng.
Queer pupils bullied and harassed at school
In recent months, three pupils committed suicide following alleged homophobic bullying at school. Two of the teenagers, Lukhanyo Jongqo and Mpho Falinthejwa, died in June, while Tiro Moalusi died last month.
State employees who resigned are slowing progress
Accounting officers who vacated their essential government positions amid investigations by the Auditor-General into material irregularities are slowing down progress meant to discipline those implicated in wrongdoing.
Free State premier accused of intimidation
A case of intimidation has been opened against Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela following a fallout relating to an event that is estimated to have cost R1.3 million.
Chauke haunted by tribalism in North West
Former ANC North West interim provincial committee coordinator Hlomani Chauke’s attempt to become a provincial chairperson failed dismally at the recent provincial elective conference, but the bitter taste of tribalism rankles as campaigns for him to “go back to Giyani” continue to haunt him.
Sound engineer who ditched radio for charcoal
These days, Given Gimba (37) spends his time covered in soot and wearing grubby overalls in his makeshift charcoal factory in a bushy area on the outskirts of Ngwenyeni village near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga.
Sustained political pressure has finally brought Jurie Roux to the end of the road. The SA Rugby Union (Saru) and its CEO are completing the final paperwork of a separation agreement. It is now no longer a question of whether Roux will vacate his post, but rather of when.
Women and girls burdened by lack of contraceptives
Contraceptives have been the most common medicines that are out of stock at public facilities this year. This is according to a report by the Stop Stockouts Project, an organisation that assesses the extent and impact of stock shortages at public sector clinics nationwide.
Inside the new corruption council
National Treasury’s acting director-general Ismail Momoniat this week said that government had had a knee-jerk response to corruption, one that was devoid of proper planning.
He was concerned about what he called “mistakes” government was making in dealing with corruption, which he said would paralyse the state’s capability to deliver.
Dire state of metros’ finances spells trouble ahead
All of South Africa’s metros – with the exception of the DA-run Cape Town – are in financial trouble, with three metros already unable to pay their electricity bills.
Metro council claims ANC is meddling to stay in power
Twelve of the 13 political parties represented in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro council are accusing the ANC of changing local government legislation to suit its situation so that it remains in power in the troubled municipality.
The cost of living crisis could fuel a spike in women’s donation of their eggs, experts predict. Women in the UK who are younger than 35 can sign up to offer eggs to give to infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Gender equality CEO departs while Parly hunts for new commissioners
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has parted ways with CEO Jamela Robertson hardly a year into her tenure. City Press has learnt that Robertson entered into a mutual separation agreement with the CGE last week, following her suspension in July.
TNS wants to spread his wings, but it seems Sony has clipped them
Musician Nkazimulo Ngema of My Dali fame, who is popularly known as TNS, has begged his record label, Sony Music Entertainment Africa, to release him from the stable so that he can support his young child.
Gauteng’s poisoned health chalice
The recent suspension of the chief financial officer in the Gauteng department of health has cast light on one of the biggest budgets in the province and how senior positions in the department have consequently become a poisoned chalice.
Mathews Phosa: The ANC must act on state capture
The ANC, Phosa says, must be seen to be acting against corruption and taking action against its members who are implicated in the reports that came out of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, and the party must also send its own members to jail.
The construction mafia is here
Helicopters and heavily armed guards who clear a shopping centre in an almost military fashion; an AK-47 bullet “with a name on it” placed in front of you; and a loss of R60 million per month on a single building project – these are just some of the consequences of the mafia activities that have a stranglehold on the South African construction industry.
Former commission evidence leaders fight for payment
An advocate and two other evidence leaders who took part in the 2019 Commission of Inquiry Into the Minibus Taxi-type Service Violence, Fatalities and Instability in Gauteng might have to turn to the courts in their battle to be paid following a two-year impasse with the provincial government.
The fate of Gauteng Premier David Makhura is as good as sealed as the ANC moves to replace him with newly elected provincial chairperson and current Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
Iconic music studio plunged into dark after failing to pay R3 million power bill
Artists were allegedly told to bring their own generators if they wanted to record at the iconic Downtown Music Hub studios in Johannesburg after the electricity was cut off for a month due to the nonpayment of bills.