Making headlines: Mkhwebane to release report on Mandela funeral 'spending irregularities'; SACP plays hard ball with ANC on Metsimaholo; And, Sassa dismisses false information scam

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Mkhwebane to release report on Mandela funeral 'spending irregularities

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is today expected to release a report on expenditure incurred in the preparation for the funeral of later former president Nelson Mandela.

Mkhwebane's spokesperson Cleopatra Mosana said the Public Protector investigated allegations of misappropriation of public funds, improper conduct and maladministration by the Eastern Cape Provincial government and other organs of state in connection with Mandela's funeral.

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela announced in 2016 that her office was investigating allegations of maladministration, corruption and misuse of public funds relating to the procurement of service providers for the former statesman's memorial services and funeral.

Various Eastern Cape municipalities allegedly spent nearly R65-million without following proper procurement procedures. A report in May 2016 revealed that R22-million was used for T-shirts, food and transport.

However, the African National Congress denied that government funds were misused.

SACP plays hard ball with ANC on Metsimaholo

The South African Communist Party says it cannot guarantee support for its long standing alliance partner, the ANC, to form a coalition government in the sought after Metsimaholo Municipality in the Free State.

The SACP leadership was speaking to the media following its annual augmented central committee meeting that also discussed the hung Metsimaholo Municipality.

The SACP independently contested elections for the first time in the municipality that includes the town of Sasolburg and Zamdela township.

It emerged as a kingmaker after winning three seats, giving it bargaining power over the ANC that it has accused of undermining the now fractured alliance.

The party says it will leave the decision on forming a coalition to those who voted for it and other organisations that partnered with them.

And, Sassa dismisses false information scam

The South African Social Security Agency has dismissed false information doing the rounds targeting social grant recipients.

Sassa said in a statement today that it was not true that its offices will be closed during the month of December and that beneficiaries will not receive their January payments.

The agency said it would only be closed on public holidays.

Social grant payments for December were currently being made and the process will continue until December 15 at pay points.

The agency said beneficiaries who receive their grants at ATMs and shops can do so until December 22.

It said from January 2018, grant payments will be paid as usual from the first day of every month.

Also making headlines:
Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has slammed an article about a "major change of policy" by South Africa towards Morocco and the Western Sahara issue.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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