For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Anna Moross.

Making headlines: Zulu regent Queen Dlamini Zulu dies at 65; Cyril Ramaphosa tells Zondo Commission his CR17 campaign did not cost a billion rand; And, Wits announces death of Professor Bob Scholes

 

Zulu regent Queen Dlamini Zulu dies at 65

South Africa's Zulu regent Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu has died at 65, officials said, just over a month after she took the role following the death of her husband, King Goodwill Zwelithini.

Founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party and traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch, Prince Mangosutho Buthelezi the Royal family was shocked and distressed at the Queen’s unexpected passing.

He did not refer to a cause of death. Some South African media have reported that she had been ill but have not released details of her medical condition.

Buthelezi said her death has taken the royal family by surprise but added that there will be no leadership vacuum in the Zulu nation.

 

Cyril Ramaphosa tells Zondo Commission his CR17 campaign did not cost a billion rand

President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied claims that his presidential campaign in 2017 cost R1-billion rand and said it was closer to R300-million, although he didn't know the exact amount.

He was giving testimony at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, as President of the ANC.

He also said he would rather have withdrawn from the race than allowed his team to "buy" African National Congress votes – a reference to allegations that candidates would give money, take-away food and plush hotel rooms to delegates who promised them their votes at conferences.

He will testify again in May as the president of the country.

 

And, Wits announces death of Professor Bob Scholes

The University of the Witwatersrand on Friday announced the passing of Professor Bob Scholes, one of the world’s leading scientists on Climate Change.

Scholes passed away on Wednesday evening, following a hike.

The university has described Scholes as a giant in the field of climate science.

He led several high-profile global studies in the fields of climate change and environmental studies.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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