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

Making headlines: Ramaphosa to host French President Emmanuel Macron; Mantashe says SIU probe into allegations around Mkhize must be completed before any action can be taken; And, Ramaphosa says Magashule's suspension letter 'an ill-informed distortion of the truth'

Ramaphosa to host French President Emmanuel Macron

President Cyril Ramaphosa is host President Emmanuel Macron of France today, his first visit as the head of state of the European country.

The Presidency said the visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation within the strategic partnership framework between South Africa and France.

The two heads of state will pay a visit to the Vaccine Production Support Initiative for Africa at the University of Pretoria.

Mantashe says SIU probe into allegations around Mkhize must be completed before any action can be taken

African National Congress national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has defended Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, calling for the Special Investigations Unit probe to be completed first before any action can be taken against him.

Mantashe’s comments come in the wake of growing concerns after the health minister's close associates were accused of scoring a R150-million state contract.

Mantashe defended Mkhize and said they couldn't listen to opposition parties and lobby groups which were trying to dictate who should be suspended or not.

And, Ramaphosa says Magashule's suspension letter 'an ill-informed distortion of the truth'

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused suspended African National Congress secretary-general Ace Magashule of not giving clear reasons for his "unlawful" and "purported suspension" and for basing it on an "ill-informed distortion of the truth".

Ramaphosa also repeated that no structure of the ANC has suggested any criminal conduct related to his campaign to be elected ANC president in 2017.

In his answering affidavit to Magashule's court application to have his own suspension overturned and Ramaphosa's "suspension" confirmed, Ramaphosa said the secretary-general could only suspend a member if satisfied that his or her temporary suspension would be in the best interest of the ANC.

Ramaphosa said Magashule "cannot conceivably contend that he was so satisfied in this case".

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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