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

Making headlines: EFF to appeal Trevor Manuel defamation ruling, Makhura tells new Gauteng MECs to hit the ground running and, Hospersa gives new Health Minister Mkhize vote of confidence

EFF to appeal Trevor Manuel defamation ruling

The Economic Freedom Fighters says it intends to appeal a defamation ruling against it, after the South Gauteng High Court found the party had made defamatory and unlawful comments against former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel.

Manuel had approached the court after the party refused to apologise for accusing him of nepotism in the process that led to the appointment of Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter.

The court ordered the EFF to remove the statements from all their media platforms and apologise to Manuel, saying that he was "injured in his dignity" by the EFF claims and was entitled to R500 000 in punitive costs. 

Makhura tells new Gauteng MECs to hit the ground running

Gauteng Premier David Makhura reminded newly appointed Members of the Executive Council that public office was about working hard and smart to meet the needs and expectations of the residents of the province.

About 10 MECs were on Thursday sworn-in by Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo.

Makhura congratulated all the new MECs and told them their jobs would not be easy. He warned them there would be temptations and urged them to put Gauteng residents first.

Makhura said the newly-appointed MECs will put the interest of the people first and meet the highest ethical and service delivery standards.

Hospersa gives new Health Minister Mkhize vote of confidence

The Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa has welcomed Dr Zweli Mkhize as Health Minister, following the highly anticipated Cabinet announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night.

Mkhize takes over from Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who has now been appointed Minister of Home Affairs.

Hospersa gave Mkhize its vote of confidence, saying he was the right person to turn around the ailing Department of Health and called on him to deal with the staff shortages, poor infrastructure and corruption.

The union said Mkhize previously did a good job as KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC between 1994 and 2004.

Hospersa also applauded Ramaphosa for gender balancing the Cabinet with 50% women, and said the country was moving in the right direction in addressing gender parity in senior government positions.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to download the Polity apps for Iphone and android devices