Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
PUBLIC SERVANTS TO RECEIVE A 4.7% SALARY HIKE

Effective April 1, 2024, public servants will see a 4.7% rise in their salaries, as confirmed by the Department of Public Services and Administration. This increase aligns with a two-year agreement signed by the majority of public sector unions. Under the agreement, a 7.5% wage hike was guaranteed for the 2023/24 financial year, with an inflation-linked increase slated for 2024/25.
Minister for Public Service and Administration, Noxolo Kiviet, emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of public servants with the imperative of delivering efficient services.
FORMER STEINHOFF CEO MARKUS JOOSTE DEAD AFTER REPORTEDLY SHOOTING HIMSELF

Former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste died on Thursday afternoon, News24 confirmed the news.
The news comes after the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) levied a hefty R475 million penalty against the former Steinhoff CEO. This decision stems from findings that Jooste played a role in the dissemination of inaccurate financial statements by Steinhoff.
According to a number of media reports, Jooste shot himself on Thursday before getting arrested.
The company was embroiled in a major accounting scandal in 2017, leading to its collapse. Previously, in September 2019, Steinhoff itself faced a R1.5 billion penalty, later reduced to R53 million, for similar infractions. The FSCA’s investigation found Jooste and Steinhoff’s Dirk Schreiber culpable for knowingly or negligently publishing false information about the company.
SPEAKER MAPISA-NQAKULA TAKES “SPECIAL LEAVE” AMID CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has announced her decision to take “special leave” from her position amidst allegations of corruption and media speculation suggesting her imminent arrest. She expressed her willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies if required. Reports from the Mail & Guardian indicate that her arrest was expected on Friday.
COURT REJECTS ZUMA’S BID TO REMOVE PROSECUTOR FROM ARMS DEAL CASE

The High Court in Pietermaritzburg has rejected former President Jacob Zuma’s attempt to have lead prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer removed from Zuma’s arms deal corruption case.
Judge Nkosinathi Chili announced that he would provide the reasons for his ruling at the conclusion of the trial.
Zuma faced previous setbacks in both the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court in his efforts to pursue private prosecution against Downer. The dispute revolves around Zuma’s request for Downer’s recusal in the arms deal case, where Zuma is among the accused.
SUPREME COURT APPROVES MANGO AIRLINES SALE

Soon, Mango Airlines could be back to operating. This comes after the Supreme Court of Appeal rejected Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s attempt to halt the sale of Mango Airlines, ending a seven-month legal battle.
Business rescue practitioner Sipho Sono and potential buyers of Mango emerged victorious. The sale to the Ubuntu Aviation Consortium will proceed, despite the airline’s grounding since entering business rescue in July 2021 due to pandemic-related challenges.
80 VODACOM EMPLOYEES ACROSS SA SET TO LOSE THEIR JOBS
Vodacom is set to reduce its workforce in South Africa by about 80 jobs to streamline operations and reduce costs, MoneyWeb reveals. Around 80 jobs are expected to be cut across all levels of the company, which currently employs approximately 5,400 people.
The move is part of Vodacom’s efforts to evolve from a telecommunications provider to a leading technology company and ensure sustainable operations amid changing market dynamics.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA: LIFESTYLE AUDITS UNDERWAY FOR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that lifestyle audits for the President, Deputy President, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers are finally in progress, despite previous delays.
Addressing the National Assembly, President Ramaphosa stated that the audits, aimed at identifying discrepancies between income and expenditure, are led by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet. Additional information is being gathered from the relevant officials to facilitate the process.
While acknowledging the delays and the transfer of audit responsibilities to the Director-General’s office for cost-effectiveness, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of these audits in identifying potential financial irregularities.
EXTRADITION REQUEST SENT TO ESWATINI FOR AKA MURDER SUSPECTS

Minister Ronald Lamola has forwarded South Africa’s extradition request for brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande from Eswatini. They are wanted for their alleged involvement in the murder of musician Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes. The request is made under the Extradition Treaty and SADC Protocol, with Lamola affirming cooperation with Eswatini. The case will be back in the Manzini magistrate’s court in eSwatini on 9 April.
In another development, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is investigating an assault claim by Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, held in connection with an escape case. Allegedly assaulted during a prayer meeting, Magudumana declined to file a criminal case immediately. DCS found no visible injuries after an examination.
235 POST OFFICES TO CLOSE WITH JOB CUTS EXPECTED
The South African Post Office (SAPO) plans to close 235 more post offices in 2024, with job cuts expected, BusinessTech reports. According to the report, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, confirmed the closures in a recent parliamentary session.
Most affected post offices are in the Free State and North West, followed by North Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
ESKOM RESUMES STAGE 3 LOAD-SHEDDING
Eskom announces the resumption of Stage 3 loadshedding from 20:00 tonight until 05:00 on Friday. Afterward, loadshedding will be suspended until 16:00 on Friday. Eskom will provide updates on Friday afternoon or in case of significant changes. Unplanned outages remain at 14,366MW, while planned maintenance slightly increased to 6,307MW. The anticipated electricity demand for this evening peak is 25,672MW.
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