For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Mkhwebane considers appealing ruling that set aside Estina report, Free State government distances itself from Estina dairy court case and, Nomvula Mokonyane will still be close to the action as chair of chairs

Mkhwebane considers appealing ruling that set aside Estina report

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is considering appealing the Gauteng High Court’s decision to set aside her report on the Estina Dairy Farm Project, her office has said.

The Court ruled that Mkhwebane had failed in her duties to investigate and report on the controversial project.

Last year, the DA and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, applied to have Mkhwebane's report on the project declared unconstitutional, reviewed and set aside.

Free State government distances itself from Estina dairy court case

The Free State provincial government says although it was not cited in the Estina dairy high court case, it will study the judgment and respond if compelled to do so.

At least R200-million in public funds meant for Vrede black farmers allegedly flowed to Estina, a company linked to the controversial Gupta family. Some of the money was allegedly used to pay for the Guptas' lavish family wedding at the Sun City resort in 2013.

The Free State government's director-general Kopung Ralikontsane said his province would respond "if necessary."

Nomvula Mokonyane will still be close to the action as chair of chairs

The ANC's announcement of Nomvula Mokonyane being appointed chair of chairs in Parliament is a clear-cut indication that she will not make it into President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet, however, it does not mean she will be out of the sphere of influence. 

The chair of chairs is also known as the house chairperson for committees, and is a mostly behind the scenes, but highly influential position.

Mokonyane – popularly known as "Mama Action" – previously served as minister of water and sanitation. Last year, Parliament's public finance watchdog committee instituted an investigation into the department's affairs during Mokonyane's tenure as its political head.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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