insert_link South Africa The Democratic Alliance in South Africa Vows to Enhance Functionality and Public Trust in South Africa’s Courts The Democratic Alliance in South Africa reaffirms its dedication to ensuring the optimal functioning of every court in the country and restoring public confidence in the justice system. This pledge follows an oversight visit to magistrates’ and high courts in Pretoria, revealing concerning inadequacies such as empty courtrooms, staff shortages, and operational irregularities exacerbating case delays. Glynnis Breytenbach of the DA emphasizes the need for improvements, including budgetary autonomy and […] todayApril 9, 2024 40
insert_link South Africa SA High Court to Deliver Electronic Ruling on Jacob Zuma’s Election Eligibility Today, the High Court in Johannesburg will electronically issue a ruling regarding former president Jacob Zuma's eligibility to run in the elections as the uMkhonto we Sizwe party candidate. The party is contesting the Electoral Commission's decision disqualifying Zuma based on his criminal record. Zuma contends that his presidency termination was premature and asserts having unfinished matters. Judge Lebogang Modiba indicates that the court might delay providing reasons to adhere […] todayApril 9, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa Western Cape Education MEC Announces Closure of Schools in Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts David Maynier, the Western Cape Education MEC in South Africa, declares the continued closure of schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg education districts. This decision comes in response to the impact of severe weather conditions and anticipated risks. Maynier reveals that approximately 365 schools have been affected, affecting around 240,000 learners. todayApril 9, 2024 25
insert_link Business / Economics Canal+ offers $2.9 billion for MultiChoice acquisition French media company Canal+ has made an offer of $2.9 billion to fully acquire South African broadcasting company MultiChoice. According to the BBC, it is a more attractive price compared to the $1.7bn bid that it presented to MultiChoice in February. MultiChoice is Africa's largest provider of subscription TV services, which include DSTv and streaming service Showmax. todayApril 8, 2024 24
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa is to shut down captive lion farms. Experts warn the plan needs a deadline By Neil D’Cruze, University of Oxford; Angie Elwin, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Jennah Green, Manchester Metropolitan University The South African government has officially confirmed that captive lion farms will be shut down. A new ministerial task team report just released has cemented the government’s intention, first made public in 2021, to put an end to African lions being legally sold and traded live, both internationally and domestically. […] todayApril 8, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa Heavy Rainfall Aids in Containment of Fires Across South Africa’s Cape Winelands District The Cape Winelands District Municipality in South Africa reports that the substantial overnight rainfall has played a crucial role in controlling numerous fires throughout the district. Fires at the Drakenstein Correctional Services and Paarl Mountain have been brought under control. According to the municipality's spokesperson, Anesca Roodt, the Blauwklippen fire remains contained, with ongoing monitoring by the Stellenbosch Municipality to ensure the area's safety. todayApril 8, 2024 32
insert_link South Africa Severe Weather Prompts South Africa’s Drakenstein Municipality’s Disaster Management Response The Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa has activated a comprehensive disaster management action plan in response to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind, affecting the municipal area since yesterday. Over 30 houses have lost their roofs, with some experiencing structural damage. Electricity outages are widespread due to strong winds damaging infrastructure. Mayor Stephen Korabie underscores the priority of ensuring the safety of residents and infrastructure. todayApril 8, 2024 21
insert_link South Africa Western Cape Government Orders Closure of Public Schools in Affected Areas Due to Severe Weather Damage In response to reports of damage caused by high winds over the weekend, the Western Cape government has announced the closure of all public schools in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Helderberg areas today. Education MEC David Maynier stated that the decision was made following reports of school damage and that the department's infrastructure team is currently assessing the extent of the damage. todayApril 8, 2024 20
insert_link South Africa Western Cape Premier Alerts Emergency Services Amid Severe Weather Warning Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has announced that all disaster management and emergency services are on high alert following a level nine warning issued by the South African Weather Service for damaging winds and rain across the province. Strong winds have already caused damage and exacerbated fires, particularly in the Cape Winelands, although most have been contained. Winde emphasized that protecting lives is the top priority, followed by safeguarding critical […] todayApril 8, 2024 12