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

Making headlines: SA records zero Covid-19 deaths in 24 hour cycle for the first time since 2020; Axed SABC news head maintains executive interfered in editorial matters; And, Winde fires Albert Fritz as MEC after report confirms sexual misconduct

SA records zero Covid-19 deaths in 24 hour cycle for the first time since 2020

For the first time since May last year, South Africa has recorded zero Covid-19-related deaths in a 24-hour cycle.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said it was still conducting an audit into the total number of deaths and recorded 183 deaths in the last 48 hours. This brings the number of confirmed deaths to 99 412.

In the 24 hours, the country recorded 785 new Covid-19 cases. This represents a 5.7% positivity rate.

The NICD said 29 new Covid-19 hospitalisations were reported on Monday. This brings the number of people in hospital for Covid-19 to 2 892.

Axed SABC news head maintains executive interfered in editorial matters

Axed South African Broadcasting Corporation news head Phathiswa Magopeni claimed that SABC group chief executive Madoda Mxakwe and board chair Bongumusa Makhathini had knowingly interfered in editorial matters when they had allegedly pressured and bullied her into approving an unplanned interview with African National Congress President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the local elections.

Magopeni was fired in January ahead of a board inquiry into her complaint, which disclosed serious editorial interference by Mxakwe and Makhathini. 

She was responding to affidavits produced by Mxakwe and Makhathini saying they were trying to “discredit her as untrustworthy”.

She maintained that she had never asked Mxakwe, formally or informally, to assist with an interview with Ramaphosa as either State President or ANC President.

She claimed Mxakwe knew the irregular interview he voluntarily coordinated had nothing to do with the State President or anything related to SABC News’ difficulty in securing it.

Magopeni also claimed SABC board member told her to interview the first lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe as an attempt to influence coverage of the President.

And, Winde fires Albert Fritz as MEC after report confirms sexual misconduct

Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz has been removed from his position, following the conclusion of an independent report into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the investigation report was submitted to him on Sunday evening.

He said after reading the report it became clear to him that Fritz is not a fit and proper person to hold any position in his executive council.

Winde said the independent probe found "sufficient credibility"" in the allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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