For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Khutso Maphatsoe.

Making headlines: Presidency says G7 Summit will allow SA to push for swift international response to Covid-19; Empowered consortium Takatso to own 51% of SAA; And, S Africa, UAE ratify extradition treaty

Presidency says G7 Summit will allow SA to push for swift international response to Covid-19

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit today, at the invitation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

South Africa is invited as a guest country alongside South Korea, Australia and India.

The Summit will see discussions on the Covid-19 pandemic and South Africa was invited owing to its continental and global role in fighting for vaccine equity, which Ramaphosa will pursue at the G7.

Ramaphosa’s working visit to the UK will also be an opportunity for both countries to deepen the ties that characterise bilateral relations.

Empowered consortium Takatso to own 51% of SAA

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has revealed the new strategic equity partner of State-owned airline South African Airways – black-owned consortium Takatso.

Takatso, which is Sotho for aspire, comprises pan African infrastructure development fund manager Harith General Partners and Global Airways and will own 51% of the airline.

The equity partner is expected to help with SAA’s finances to the tune of R3-billion, while the airline will continue to be headquartered in South Africa and be managed by South African expertise as far as possible.

Government will retain a 49% interest in SAA.

And, S Africa, UAE ratify extradition treaty

South Africa and the United Arab Emirates have ratified treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance, which have been in negotiation since 2010.

The announcement comes as South Africa looks to extradite the controversial Gupta family to stand trial.

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services affirmed that the treaties will enhance cooperation between the two States on legal matters and assist in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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