Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week in South Africa, the Pretoria High Court ruled that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former Mental Health Director Dr. Makgabo Manamela can be held accountable for the deaths of Life Esidimeni patients, marking a significant development in the ongoing inquest.
Severe weather conditions have battered the Western Cape, leading to widespread flooding, school closures, and displacement.
In a separate case, former VBS Mutual Bank chairman Tshifiwa Matodzi was sentenced to 15 years in prison for corruption and money laundering related to the bank’s collapse.
Additionally, a cyber-crime scandal involving the theft of R300 million over a decade has sparked a comprehensive investigation. Tragically, a fatal accident near the N12 highway claimed the lives of 13 people, including 12 learners, highlighting road safety concerns in the Wedela area.
Here are the top stories of the week:
FORMER GAUTENG HEALTH OFFICIALS HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR LIFE ESIDIMENI DEATHS
Pretoria High Court Judge Mmonoa Teffo ruled that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former Mental Health Director Dr. Makgabo Manamela can be held accountable for the deaths of some Life Esidimeni patients.
This verdict was delivered during the Life Esidimeni inquest on Wednesday.
The inquest seeks to determine criminal liability for the deaths of 141 mental healthcare patients transferred from Life Esidimeni facilities to unlicensed NGOs. Judge Teffo concluded that these deaths were negligently caused by Mahlangu and Manamela, who terminated the Life Esidimeni contract despite expert warnings.
In 2016, the Gauteng Department of Health moved patients from Life Esidimeni to NGOs, which were deemed “ill-equipped” and “inexperienced.” Judge Teffo noted that Manamela’s hasty contract termination ignored expert advice, leading to preventable deaths.
The Life Esidimeni tragedy inquiry followed Health Ombudsman Professor Malegapuru Makgoba’s 2017 report, which uncovered 94 unlawful deaths and revealed that all 27 NGOs were operating with invalid licenses.
WESTERN CAPE BATTERED BY SEVERE WEATHER, THOUSANDS DISPLACED
The Western Cape has faced severe weather conditions since the weekend, including heavy rain, flooding, and gale-force winds, which are expected to continue into the coming week.
These conditions have displaced thousands of people and damaged structures.
In response to a Level 8 weather warning for disruptive rain, the Western Cape Education Department has decided to close some schools on Thursday.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and several MECs, along with other key stakeholders, have convened to discuss and implement measures to mitigate the impact of the cold fronts hitting the province. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and National Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi have visited Khayelitsha to assess the progress of interventions for families affected by the adverse weather.
FORMER VBS BANK CHAIRPERSON SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FRAUD
Former VBS Mutual Bank chairman, Tshifiwa Matodzi, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Pretoria High Court.
Matodzi pleaded guilty to 33 counts of corruption, racketeering, theft, fraud, and money laundering, as part of a plea and sentencing agreement. This follows his involvement in a nearly R2-billion bank heist that led to VBS’s collapse.
Despite initially receiving a 495-year sentence, it will run concurrently, ensuring Matodzi serves 15 years effectively. His cooperation with authorities was pivotal in this case.
CYBER-CRIME THEFT HIT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: R300 MILLION STOLEN
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has revealed a shocking cyber-crime that saw R300 million stolen over the past decade, with the latest incident in May 2024 resulting in a further R24 million loss.
A full forensic investigation by the Hawks, SAPS, State Security Agency, and ICT experts is underway.
Macpherson suspects collusion between officials and criminals and stresses the urgent need for better financial controls. Four officials have been suspended, and 30 laptops seized. The department’s payment systems were shut down, causing delays. Macpherson vows to crack down on the syndicates and recover the stolen funds.
TRAGIC ACCIDENT KILLS 12 LEARNERS AND DRIVER IN GAUTENG
An accident occurred on Wednesday morning around 07:00 at Blyvoor Road, near the N12 highway in the Wedela area.
A collision between a Ford Ranger bakkie and a minibus carrying schoolchildren resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including the minibus driver and 12 learners. Seven learners and the bakkie driver are currently in hospital.
The learners were being transported to Rocklands and Blyvooruitzich Primary Schools in Blyvooruitzicht. The Police have launched an investigation into a case of culpable homicide.
DEPT OF SPORTS PAID OUT OVER R72 MILLION TO COMPANIES & ARTISTS IN 2020/2021
The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture distributed over R72 million to 3,962 artists during the 2020-2021 Covid-19 period.
On Wednesday, 10 July 2024, the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture released the 2020/2021 list of COVID-19 beneficiaries, which included 3,962 names and a total payout of over R72 million.
The list includes several well-known public figures in the creative and music industries.
This comes after the newly appointed Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie instructed that a list be published of all artists, creatives, and sports people who have been receiving money from the Department, including the amounts and reasons.
See the published list below:
View the Covid-19 Relief Beneficiaries 2020-2021 list here: https://t.co/TUPATNP7mJ https://t.co/59P1ykex54
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) July 10, 2024
TOURIST KILLED BY ELEPHANT IN PILANESBERG NATURE RESERVE AFTER STEPPING OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO TAKE PHOTOS
The North West Parks and Tourism Board has confirmed the tragic death of a Spanish tourist at Pilanesberg Nature Reserve.
The man, along with three friends, encountered a herd of elephants and stepped out of his vehicle to take photos, despite warnings from his companions and others nearby. An adult elephant charged at him, and he was trampled to death by the herd.
Park officials and SAPS were alerted and secured the scene. The Board emphasizes the importance of adhering to park safety rules and extends condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.
SAPS INITIATES INQUEST INTO DEATHS OF FOUR SANDF MEMBERS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an inquest into the deaths of four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members, who are suspected to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The soldiers were stationed on a 24-hour shift at Shaft 3, a dormant mining site in Orkney, North West, near the abandoned Harry Oppenheimer stadium, an area known for illegal mining activity.
The bodies were discovered inside a container structure, used as a guard house, on the morning of 6 July 2024. When the next shift arrived, they found the soldiers deceased, with their rifles and personal items intact. The district surgeon confirmed no visible injuries on the bodies, and a team from the Pretoria FSL Chemistry Unit suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning, potentially from a fire lit for warmth, was the cause of death.
The bodies have been transported to the Klerksdorp State Mortuary for further investigation and post-mortem examinations. The identities of the deceased will be disclosed after their families have been notified. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa have expressed their condolences to the families and the defence community.
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG RECONSIDERS R200 PREPAID ELECTRICITY SURCHARGE
The City of Johannesburg has decided to revisit its decision to implement a new R200 fixed service charge (R230 including VAT) on the prepaid high-usage electricity tariff.
This move comes after significant backlash from residents and advocacy groups. Finance MMC Dada Morero announced in a special council meeting that the municipality will review the controversial fee following numerous complaints.
GAUTENG MEC WELCOMES RETURN TO NEGOTIATIONS IN GAUTRAIN WAGE DISPUTE
Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng’s MEC for Transport and Logistics, has expressed satisfaction with the decision by the Bombela Operating Company and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) to resume negotiations following a deadlock over wage issues.
Diale-Tlabela emphasized the importance of finding a balanced approach that considers both workers’ interests and the long-term stability of the Gautrain system.
The strike, initiated by Numsa-affiliated workers at Bombela Operating Company on Monday, prompted contingency measures to maintain Gautrain services. As the government oversees the Gautrain system, Diale-Tlabela urged swift resolution to avoid disruptions and acknowledged commuter concerns amid the industrial action.
She stressed the necessity of negotiation in resolving such disputes, noting the adverse impact that prolonged strikes can have on all parties involved. Diale-Tlabela assured commuters of ongoing efforts to facilitate a speedy resolution to the wage dispute, reinforcing the commitment to reliable service delivery.
NEW COMMITTEES OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECT CHAIRPERSONS
The National Assembly’s newly established committees elected chairpersons on Tuesday, who will lead and manage committee meetings and administrative affairs.
These committees scrutinize the executive and ensure public involvement in law-making. Key elected chairpersons include Dr.
Sibongiseni Dlhomo for Health, Dr. Mkhacani Joseph Maswanganyi for Finance, and Mr. Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo for International Relations. These committees play a crucial role in legislative oversight and decision-making in Parliament.
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR 2025 GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 ADMISSIONS
The Gauteng Department of Education has announced that online registration for the 2025 academic year for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions will open on Thursday, 11 July 2024, at 8am and close on Monday, 12 August 2024, at midnight.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona urges parents to apply promptly to ensure placement for their children. Parents can choose up to five schools. Placement notifications will start on 16 September.
For those without internet access, 80 centres across the province will provide free assistance. The system has been improved to prevent past issues. Required documents include parent and child IDs, proof of address, and a Grade 7 school report for Grade 8 applicants.
RUGBY UNION BACKS SABC’S DECISION TO SUSPEND SPRINGBOKS BROADCAST
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has voiced support for the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) suspension of the Springboks’ Castle Lager Incoming Series matches against Ireland. SARU President Mark Alexander highlighted the necessity of this short-term action for the sport’s long-term sustainability.
The controversy stems from a six-month Competition Tribunal order allowing eMedia to broadcast SABC’s Springbok coverage on Openview without compensating SABC, despite the latter paying SuperSport for rights. Alexander emphasized that eMedia’s move threatens the financial structure underpinning South African rugby’s success. SARU is seeking legal advice on the Tribunal’s order.
STEVE KOMPHELA RETURNS TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AS SENIOR COACH
Following the mutual agreement to part ways with Rhulani Mokwena as Head Coach, Mamelodi Sundowns has appointed Steve Komphela as Senior Coach. Komphela, expressing his excitement, stated, “I am very excited to be back at Mamelodi Sundowns where I was always inspired and treated with respect and love. I am committed to contributing to the Club achieving its goals in South Africa and on the African Continent.”
Currently training in South Africa for the upcoming season, Mamelodi Sundowns will soon depart for Austria as part of their preseason preparations.
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