For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India; Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC CEO’s suspension invalid; And, Kenya private sector activity rises in July, PMI shows

High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, has been “recalled to headquarters for consultations”.

This after Sooklal was photographed alongside former President and MKP leader Jacob Zuma, and notorious State Capture fugitive Ajay Gupta.

The trio was spotted together in June at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali temple in Haridwar, India, during a religious ceremony.

In response to the diplomatic headache, the government is moving to tightly regulate the international travel privileges of former leaders.

Lamola announced that a recommendation has been submitted to Parliament and the Presidency to implement a rigid new framework for protocol and diplomatic support.

Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC CEO’s suspension invalid

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has noted the High Court judgment declaring the suspension of Public Investment Corporation CEO Patrick Dlamini invalid and unlawful.

In a media statement, the Minister says this judgment vindicates the actions taken by the National Treasury and Cabinet to restore governance at South African’s largest asset management institution.

Godongwana said these actions were both good and necessary, triggered in part by the hasty removal of Dlamini without due consultation and process.

The Minister underscores that the PIC occupies a critical position within South Africa’s financial system.

And, Kenya private sector activity rises in July, PMI shows

Kenya's private sector activity expanded in July, though inflation pressures and logistics bottlenecks limited the pace of growth, a survey showed today.

The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.3 from 50.0 in June, suggesting demand is beginning to recover, the bank's economist said.

Readings above 50.0 indicate growth in business activity; those below signal contraction.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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