Making headlines: Council says Abrahams' conduct 'deeply regrettable'; DA says 'Ramaphoria is fast evaporating'; And, Selfe says voters are fair and know who to blame

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

Council says Abrahams' conduct 'deeply regrettable

National Prosecuting Authority boss Shaun Abrahams' refusal to await the outcome of a Constitutional Court case – that could impact his job – before announcing a decision on the prosecution of former president Jacob Zuma has been described as "deeply regrettable".

This was the view of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution in its heads of arguments before the Constitutional Court.

The council said despite its repeated requests for Abrahams to await the completion of this court's processes, he has refused.

The council filed an urgent application last week to interdict Abrahams from announcing whether Zuma will be prosecuted, pending a Constitutional Court ruling on an appeal in the case.

The possible charges Zuma could face for the 2009 'Spy Tapes' saga include fraud, corruption and racketeering.

DA says 'Ramaphoria is fast evaporating'

Democratic Alliance federal council chairperson James Selfe says his party can take on an African National Congress-led Cyril Ramaphosa in the coming months, as the euphoria surrounding his election is "fast evaporating".

Selfe said that in his view Ramaphosa was not as comfortable in his position as many South Africans thought, and that DA leaders would have strengths with which to challenge the ANC in the next elections.

Selfe explained that he thinks the so-called 'Ramaphoria' is fast evaporating

The DA was particularly worried about the appointment of Deputy President David Mabuza, who the party said was "one heart attack away from becoming the president of South Africa".

And, Selfe says voters are fair and know who to blame

DA federal council chairperson James Selfe believes the party's recent challenges in the Western Cape won't necessarily sway citizens in the 2019 elections, as voters are fair and know where to lay blame.

The DA will host its federal congress next month. Selfe is running again for federal council chairperson - a post he has held for 18 years.

He said that the party's recent challenges in the City of Cape Town, such as the water crisis and the impasse with Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille, were not insurmountable.

The water crisis, for instance, could have been avoided if the national government carried out its responsibility to provide adequate bulk water supply in the Western Cape.

Despite this, residents and local officials worked together and pushed back Day Zero - the day when taps will be switched off in the city.

Also making headlines:
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s upbeat view of Zimbabwe in the New York Times has received mixed reaction at home, with calls for him to repeal harsh laws and give freedom of expression and association to all, including his predecessor Robert Mugabe.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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