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

Making headlines: Phaahla cautions political parties in final push before elections, Mkhwebane withdraws from running for Chief Justice and, Human Rights Commission to probe July unrest

Phaahla cautions political parties in final push before elections

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla warned that although the country has not yet experienced any spike in Covid-19 infections linked to election campaigns, he stressed that this is not yet a point of comfort.    

In the lead-up to local government elections on November 1, Phaahla urged all political parties to approach their final campaign events with caution, saying they should limit the number of people attending their gatherings to 2 000 or less.

Phaahla said it is too early to determine any risk posed by the election campaign, adding that it will likely only be known after November 15 whether the country came through the elections unscathed.   

He said even when there has been a super spreader event the effects will be felt 7 to 15 days later.

He said notwithstanding the fact that most gatherings are held outdoors, the risk is still high when large crowds gather with no social distancing, no masks and go on to sing and shout.   

Mkhwebane withdraws from running for Chief Justice

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has withdrawn herself from the running for Chief Justice.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is giving consideration to recommendations, made by the panel for the evaluation of public nominations, for the next Chief Justice.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng's term came to an end on October 11.

On September 16, Ramaphosa initiated the unprecedented process of choosing the country’s next Chief Justice through public nominations.

Human Rights Commission to probe July unrest

Next month, the South African Human Rights Commission will begin its investigation into the civil unrest that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July to uncover what caused the riots and determine the socio-economic and spatial factors that may have played role.

For eight days in July, South Africa witnessed looting, damage to property and violence that claimed the lives of more than 300 people in both provinces.

Around 180 malls, shopping centres, warehouses and factories were damaged, along with 161 liquor outlets and distributors.

It was estimated that the destruction cost the country billions, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The government, including Ramaphosa, said the unrest was a planned attack on the country. 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter [@Polity ZA]