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Johannesburg Property Company CEO Helen Botes appointed as acting COO by Mayor Dada Morero, sparking controversy. Allegations of overstepping authority and lack of council ratification. DA caucus leader questions legality of appointment, citing violation of Municipal Systems Act. Council to address issue in upcoming session.
UK’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, visited Chad’s Adré border post to witness the impact of Sudan’s civil war. Families flee war and famine in Sudan, with women and children sharing stories of violence and hunger. Lammy expressed shock at the horrific scenes and pledged support for those seeking safety.
Political parties demand suspension of Cape Town councillors JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg (DA) after police raid on their offices. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis seeks briefing from SAPS to understand allegations. Smith is safety and security committee member, Limberg is energy committee member. ANC calls for suspension pending investigation, similar to past case.
The Expropriation Bill in South Africa, in the works for years, was passed by Parliament on 27 March 2024. The bill, addressing land restitution, had faced debates over the Constitution’s Clause 25. President Ramaphosa recently signed it, potentially sparking tensions within the Government of National Unity.
Johannesburg Water schedules 72-hour water outage from Jan 31 to Feb 3 for valve installation at pump station. Affected areas include City Centre, Southern, Eastern, Northern suburbs, and industrial zones. Residents advised to store water. Rand Water also conducting maintenance. Residents urged to adapt to ongoing water challenges.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, admitted to killing two girls and stabbing 10 others in Southport, England, sparking nationwide rioting. The court heard he was obsessed with violence and genocide, inflicting sadistic injuries. He was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years but could not receive a full life sentence due to his age at the time of the attack. Rudakubana was removed from court twice for shouting he was unwell and refused to hear his sentence.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signs law allowing land seizures without compensation, sparking controversy within his government. Black ownership of farmland remains low post-apartheid, leading to frustration. While ANC praises the law as a milestone, some coalition members may challenge it in court. The law permits expropriation without compensation in specific cases deemed just and in the public interest.
The South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority fined Standard Bank South Africa R13 million for FIC Act non-compliance. The PA’s inspection revealed lapses in anti-money laundering measures. SBSA failed to conduct due diligence for two clients in 2018 and 2019, violating FIC Act obligations. The PA imposed administrative sanctions and warned against future breaches.
M23 rebels kill North Kivu Governor in eastern DR Congo, intensifying conflict with army. Over 400,000 displaced as rebels advance towards Goma, capturing towns and causing civilian casualties. Governor airlifted for treatment but dies from injuries.
A 25-year-old woman, believed to be linked to a man arrested for possessing child pornography, was herself arrested in Houghton. Police found an estimated 10 million child sexual abuse images and videos on electronic devices. The woman, a web designer, faces charges of possession of child pornography and money laundering. Further investigations are ongoing.
