Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill into law, empowering the government to acquire land for public purposes or in the public interest. This new legislation replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act and aims to foster inclusivity and equitable resource access.
Consumer inflation rose slightly to 3.0% in December, up from 2.9% in November. While food and beverage prices climbed, particularly for instant coffee and black tea, meat prices saw a notable decline. The annual inflation rate for 2024 averaged 4.4%, the lowest since 2020.
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal continues its investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Complainant Andiswa Mengo has accused Mbenenge of requesting sexual favors, with text messages submitted as evidence.
In sports, SA Rugby and Coca-Cola announced a renewed four-year partnership. The Coca-Cola logo will feature on the playing shorts of all national teams, including the Springboks and Blitzboks, continuing a relationship that spans over three decades.
Here are the top stories of the week:
RAMAPHOSA SIGNS EXPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Expropriation Bill into law, allowing the government to acquire land for public purposes or in the public interest. This legislation replaces the outdated 1975 Expropriation Act and seeks to promote inclusivity and equitable access to resources.
The Bill, which underwent five years of public consultation and parliamentary deliberation, aligns with Section 25 of the Constitution. It enables the state to expropriate property while ensuring just and equitable compensation for affected property owners. Disputes will be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or court intervention.
While proponents argue that the Bill advances social justice and redresses historical inequalities, critics warn it may threaten property rights, harm food security, and negatively impact the economy.
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION RISES TO 3.0% IN DECEMBER
Consumer inflation rose to 3.0% in December, marking a slight increase from 2.9% in November and 2.8% in October, according to Statistics South Africa. The average inflation rate for 2024 was 4.4%, the lowest since 2020, when it stood at 3.3%.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation climbed to 2.5%, driven by price hikes in hot beverages, with instant coffee up 16.1% and black tea up 14.2% year-on-year. Conversely, meat prices softened, with notable declines in sausages (-3.3%) and pork (-2.2%).
Fuel prices increased by 1.1% month-on-month but remained 10.2% lower than in December 2023. Meanwhile, used vehicle prices dropped by 0.6%, reflecting improved affordability.
The report also highlighted easing inflation in housing rents, domestic worker wages, and restaurants, which contributed to an overall slowdown in inflationary pressures throughout the year.
JUDICIAL CONDUCT TRIBUNAL HEARS SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS AGAINST JUDGE PRESIDENT MBENENGE
*This story contains testimony of a sexually explicit natures.
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is continuing its investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Judges’ Secretary Andiswa Mengo, who filed the complaint, is undergoing cross-examination by Mbenenge’s counsel, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, who has focused on perceived “omissions” in her complaint.
Mengo has accused Mbenenge of inappropriate behavior between June 2021 and November 2022, alleging that he requested sexual favors, including oral sex. The Tribunal has reviewed text messages purportedly supporting these claims.
During cross-examination, Sikhakhane highlighted discrepancies between Mengo’s formal statement and her oral testimony. The Tribunal’s proceedings remain ongoing as the case continues to unfold.
JUDGEMENT IN TIMOTHY OMOTOSO CASE SET FOR APRIL 2025
The long-running case against televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, has been adjourned to April 2025 for judgement, nearly eight years after their initial arrest.
The trio faces at least 32 charges, including racketeering, human trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, allegedly lured victims—many of whom were congregants or employees—under the guise of spiritual or personal growth. Once at destinations such as Durban, Israel, or Nigeria, complainants were reportedly subjected to strict control, isolation, and abuse.
Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, highlighted that Omotoso made repeated attempts to have the case dismissed, further delaying proceedings. These delays caused frustration for some victims, leading to a reduction in charges from 63 to 32 as several complainants withdrew from the case.
Despite setbacks, the prosecution remains resolute, asserting that sufficient evidence has been presented for a guilty verdict.
GOGO MAWENI FACES ASSAULT CHARGES, REMAINS IN CUSTODY

Traditional healer and reality TV star Makgotso “Gogo Maweni” Mofokeng (38) appeared in the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Mofokeng was arrested on Sunday, 19 January 2025, in connection with an incident that occurred on 17 December 2019 in Dlamini, Soweto. She is accused of assaulting the complainant by striking her in the mouth with a bottle.
The case was initially provisionally closed due to challenges in locating the complainant. However, renewed investigations led to Mofokeng’s arrest and subsequent court appearance.
The matter has been postponed to 27 January 2025 for a formal bail application and profiling of the accused. Gogo Maweni will remain in custody until then.
RANDURG COURT POSTPONES CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE AGAINST DARREN WILKEN

The Randburg Regional Court has postponed the case of 35-year-old Darren Wilken to 28 January 2025 to allow for further state investigations. Wilken faces multiple charges, including possession, creation, and distribution of child pornography, contravening the Drug Trafficking Act, money laundering, possession of stolen property, and fraud.
Wilken was arrested on 17 January 2025 following a police raid at his Midrand home. The operation, based on intelligence shared by international law enforcement, uncovered an estimated 10 million images and videos of child pornography, along with electronic devices allegedly used for the illicit activities.
The state revealed that a significant amount of cash, believed to be proceeds from the accused’s operations, was seized during the raid. Investigations by the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team suggest Wilken was allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography globally for financial gain.
The court granted a seven-day postponement to allow the investigating officer to finalize the inquiry into money laundering allegations and prepare for the formal bail application.
SA RUGBY SIGNS FOUR-YEAR DEAL WITH COCA-COLA

SA Rugby and Coca-Cola have announced a major four-year partnership, renewing a relationship that spans over 30 years. The iconic red-and-white Coca-Cola logo will now feature prominently on the playing shorts of all national teams, including the Springboks, Springbok Women, Blitzboks, and Junior Springboks.
The partnership kicks off on Friday, with the Blitzboks debuting the new look at the HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth. This collaboration aligns Coca-Cola with the reigning world champion Springboks, reaffirming its commitment to South African rugby on a global stage.
SONIA MBELE’S SON, DONELL, GRANTED R1,000 BAIL IN RAPE CASE

Donell Mbele, the 23-year-old son of former actress Sonia Mbele, has been granted bail of R1,000 following his appearance at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. Donell faces two charges of rape, stemming from allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, who claims the incidents occurred on 14 and 15 December 2024 at his Morningside residence.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the case was opened at Sandton Police Station. This is not the first time Donell has faced accusations of gender-based violence.
The case has been postponed to 10 February 2025 to allow for further investigations.
GAUTENG PARENTS URGED TO MEET 30 JANUARY DEADLINE FOR SCHOOL PLACEMENTS
Parents in Gauteng have until 30 January 2025 to submit late online applications for Grade 1 and 8 placements for the 2025 academic year. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announced that late applications opened on 11 December 2024, with only schools that still have available space listed on the system.
The GDE advises parents to apply to one school only, as placement at the selected school will be automatic and final. Parents who did not provide valid proof of their home address during initial applications must log in and select an available school for placement.
For parents who have not yet submitted any applications, the system is still open for late registration.
HUNT UNDERWAY FOR ESCAPED STILFONTEIN MINING KINGPIN
North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has called for maximum resources to locate James Neo Tshoaeli, alias “Tiger,” who allegedly escaped police custody after emerging from Stilfontein’s mine shaft 11 last week.
Extensive investigations are underway to trace officials suspected of aiding Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells. Records reveal that Tiger was neither booked into other holding stations nor admitted to a local hospital for medical care.
The Lesotho national is believed to be a key figure in underground mining operations and is implicated in multiple allegations, including controlling illegal mining activities, assault, torture, and hoarding supplies from miners underground. Police also possess video evidence reportedly linking him to criminal acts, including alleged deaths.
Asaneng criticized the incident as an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation, launched in December 2023 to combat illegal mining, warning that decisive action will be taken against any officials found complicit in the escape.
ESKOM SETS MARCH 2025 GOAL FOR A YEAR WITHOUT LOAD SHEDDING
Eskom has hit a major milestone with 300 consecutive days free of load shedding, setting its sights on achieving a full year without rolling blackouts by 26 March 2025. Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, attributed this success to the dedication of the utility’s 40,000 employees and strategic initiatives to improve operations.
Key achievements include a 7% improvement in the energy availability factor, a significant reduction in unplanned outages, and R16.42 billion saved on diesel costs. Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane highlighted the steady recovery under the Energy Action Plan and Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, noting that the utility is on a “path to profitability.”
Eskom’s progress has shifted public perception, with businesses reconsidering reliance on the power utility after investing in self-generation. The utility also extended gratitude to stakeholders, including the government and the National Energy Crisis Committee, for their collaborative efforts in addressing the energy crisis.
MUSA KHAWULA SET TO RETURN TO COURT FOR BAIL APPLICATION IN DEFAMATION CASE

Social media personality Musa Khawula is scheduled to return to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court next Wednesday for a bail application. Khawula faces charges of defamation, hate speech, and contravention of the Cyber Crimes Act related to derogatory statements he allegedly posted about businessman Zesimdumise Nxumalo in October 2024.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that Khawula remains in custody. He also has two pending cases: one in the Western Cape for murder and another in Fochville for reckless and negligent driving. A warrant of arrest was issued in Fochville in connection with the driving case.
The defence reportedly requested a postponement of the bail application to next week, with the case continuing on 28 January 2025.
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