June 13, 2012

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Nomvelo Buthelezi

Making headlines:

General Bheki Cele has been dismissed as national police chief, President Jacob Zuma announced on Tuesday.

Zuma said that having thoroughly considered the report of the board of inquiry, he decided to release General Cele from his duties, although he added that General Cele still had a lot to contribute to the country given his experience and commitment to making South Africa a better place for all.

Former Absa executive, Transnet board member and current chair of the presidential State-owned enterprises review committee Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega was announced as the new Police Commissioner.

Authorities in Ivory Coast have discovered and prevented a plot to overthrow the government organised by exiled military officers and a close advisor to former President Laurent Gbagbo, says the country’s interior minister Hamed Bakayoko.

He says the security services arrested several participants in the alleged plot and seized documents outlining a plan to topple new President Alassane Ouattara and create a transitional military authority.

During an hour-long interview on national television, Bakayoko played a video recording, which he said the plotters had intended to transmit after seizing the headquarters of the broadcaster. Bakayoko identified the leader and spokesperson of the group as Colonel Kate Gnotua, a former senior officer in Gbagbo's presidential guard.

Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu says the African National Congress’ policy conference, starting on June 26, will lay the debate on mine nationalisation to rest.

The ANC study released in February revealed that nationalisation would be an "unmitigated disaster" and urged higher taxes and royalties, which the sector could find hard to absorb as it struggled with soaring labour and power costs.

Also making headlines:

The department of state security shot down ANC proposals to amend the Protection of State Information Bill, making further delays in finalising the bill certain.

President Jacob Zuma announces a Cabinet reshuffle affecting four departments.

And, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan warns of tougher times ahead for the South African economy, particularly in view of the European crisis.

That’s a round up of news making headlines today.