Batohi Walks Out, Ntuli Survives: SA News Roundup

Key Takeaways

• The Presidency has decided to keep the Madlanga Commission interim report under wraps, citing concerns that releasing it would be reckless and compromise the investigation.
• KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has survived a removal vote, despite chaotic scenes in the provincial legislature.
• National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi walked out of the inquiry into the fitness of Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke after being reprimanded by the panel.
• The death toll has risen to 15 in the Sydney beach attack, with 27 patients still in hospital, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
• The Western Cape has imposed water restrictions to prevent summer shortages, with several towns at high risk.

Introduction to Current Events
The past week has been marked by a series of significant events in South Africa and around the world. The Presidency has been at the center of attention, with the Madlanga Commission interim report being kept under wraps and the exclusion of South Africa from US-hosted G20 meetings. In addition, there have been developments in the inquiry into the fitness of Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke, as well as a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

The Madlanga Commission Interim Report
The Presidency has confirmed that only the final report of the Madlanga Commission will be made public, citing concerns that releasing the interim report would be reckless and compromise the investigation. The commission is probing corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, and an interim report will be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa this week. The report contains detailed testimony and evidence, and the Presidency has stated that releasing it would be premature and potentially damaging to the investigation. This decision has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, with some critics arguing that the public has a right to know the contents of the report.

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Vote
In a dramatic turn of events, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has survived a removal vote, despite chaotic scenes in the provincial legislature. The motion to remove Ntuli was put forward by the opposition, but it failed to garner enough support. The IFP-led coalition retained control of the government, and Ntuli criticized the opposition for causing unnecessary disruption. The MK Party accused the coalition of failing residents, highlighting the need for more effective governance and accountability in the province.

Inquiry into Andrew Chauke’s Fitness
National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi walked out of the inquiry into the fitness of Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke after being reprimanded by the panel. Batohi is the main witness accusing Chauke of making politically motivated decisions, but her testimony has been called into question. The panel, chaired by retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, questioned her conduct and raised concerns about her credibility. Batohi’s decision to leave the chamber without permission has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that she is trying to avoid accountability.

Sydney Beach Attack
The death toll has risen to 15 in the Sydney beach attack, with 27 patients still in hospital. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but police say a father and son opened fire during the celebrations. The father was shot dead by police, while his son remains under guard in hospital. The attack has sent shockwaves around the world, with many expressing outrage and condemnation. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motivations behind the attack.

Water Restrictions in the Western Cape
The Western Cape has imposed water restrictions to prevent summer shortages, with several towns at high risk. Level 6 restrictions apply in some towns, while Level 4 restrictions are in place for Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and surrounding areas. Cape Town remains unaffected for now, but authorities are warning that the restrictions may need to be extended if the drought continues. The water crisis in the Western Cape is a pressing concern, and the government is working to implement measures to mitigate its impact.

Other Developments
In other news, the eThekwini Metro Municipality has announced plans to build a new amusement park on the beachfront promenade, replacing the 75-year-old park that closed in May 2023. The R1 billion project will create 500 construction jobs and 900 permanent positions in hospitality and technical services. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Additionally, Johannesburg Metro Police are cracking down on drunk driving, with nearly 200 motorists arrested in the past week. Authorities are warning that those arrested will face the full force of the law, with penalties including heavy fines, possible imprisonment, and license suspension. Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of foreign collusion and sedition, and faces a possible life sentence. The case is widely seen as symbolic of shrinking political freedoms in Hong Kong.