DA guns for Motshekga; Mbalula says SA won't bow to foreign pressure: Today's top 7 stories
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
Phill Magakoe / AFP
'Blatant lack of oversight': DA goes after Motshekga for failing to account to Parliament
- The DA is demanding accountability from Defence Minister Angie Motshekga regarding R813 million in unaccounted deployment allowances meant for SANDF troops.
- DA MP Nicholas Gotsell has accused Joint Standing Committee on Defence chairperson Malusi Gigaba of shielding Motshekga from scrutiny, which Gigaba denies.
- ANC MP Thokozile Sokanyile defends the committee's scheduling decisions, citing the national budget process and logistical challenges.
Elizabeth Sejake/Rapport
'Kill the Boer' ruling could come back to haunt Malema in 'cockroach' hate speech appeal - experts
- The Gauteng High Court upheld a ruling that Kenny Kunene's description of Julius Malema as a 'cockroach' constituted hate speech, interdicting Kunene from using the term and ordering him to apologise.
- Experts suggest the Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling that 'Kill the Boer' was not hate speech could be used to challenge the Kunene ruling, arguing that Kunene's comments were a personal attack rather than an incitement to harm Malema's political group.
- The court found Kunene's use of 'cockroach' was internationally recognised as hateful and indicative of an attempt to place Malema beyond ordinary human decency, referencing the Rwandan genocide where the term was used to dehumanise victims.
ANC/X
South Africa won't bow to foreign trade pressures, vows ANC's Mbalula
- ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula criticised the DA for its 'neo-imperialist mindset' regarding South Africa's economic sovereignty.
- Mbalula defended South Africa's economic transformation agenda against US tariffs, asserting the country will not be coerced into reversing it for foreign trade.
- He reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to resisting foreign influence and strengthening trade with new markets, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Rassie responds to regular Bok critic's comments on Lions tour 'abomination' in SA
- Matt Williams criticised the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour in South Africa, calling it an 'abomination' compared to the recent tour in Australia.
- Rassie Erasmus responded to Williams' criticism on social media with a post saying 'Heal Sir Matt' and a screenshot of Williams' coaching record.
- Williams praised the recent Lions tour in Australia for its entertaining and engaging style of play, contrasting it with the perceived negative tactics of the Springboks in 2021.
Cape Town port.
Transnet head of ports authority strikes deal to walk away
- Pepi Silinga, the suspended head of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has left the company by mutual agreement.
- Silinga's departure follows an inquiry into a fencing contract tender and a subsequent arbitration process addressing disciplinary charges and a protected disclosure claim.
- Transnet will begin searching for a new TNPA head amid ongoing efforts to improve port efficiencies, which have been a challenge in recent years.
Lamola discusses issues of 'mutual interest' with US senior advisor Boulos
- International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and US President's senior advisor, Massad Boulos, discussed mutual interests amid growing tensions.
- The US recently imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports, effective on 8 August, which South Africa strongly opposes.
- The relationship between South Africa and the US is strained due to various factors, including funding cuts and differing stances on international conflicts.
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Police arrest demonstrators supporting the Palestine Action group in central London
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