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

Making headlines: Gauteng government welcomes Sanral's suspension of e-toll debt collection, workers go on strike at Sars and, NDPP Batohi concerned about withdrawal of charges against ANC mayor

 

Gauteng government welcomes Sanral's suspension of e-toll debt collection

The Gauteng provincial government on Thursday welcomed a decision taken by the South African National Roads Agency to suspend the pursuit of e-toll debt. 

Sanral said it would stop pursuing historic debt and summonses applied for since 2015, after a request from President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the e-tolls payment impasse.

The decision was celebrated by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, which said it a strong signal that the end was near for the controversial e-tolls.

Gauteng premier David Makhura said the decision represented a decisive shift and opened the door for an amicable and lasting solution regarding the e-tolls debacle.

 

Workers go on strike at Sars 

The National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union said today its members had gone on strike at the South African Revenue Service to press for higher wages.

Thousands of workers affiliated to Nehawu and the Public Servants Association are demanding an 11.5% increase, while Sars is offering 7%.

The strike could disrupt customs operations at national ports of entry and enable the flow of drugs and illicit goods.

Nehawu spokesperson Khaya Xaba said workers would not back down on their demands. 

 

NDPP Batohi concerned about withdrawal of charges against ANC mayor

Newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Shamila Batohi, expressed concern about the developments involving ANC mayor Mluleki Ndobe and municipal manager Zweliphansi Skhosana for the murder of former ANC Youth League secretary general, Sindiso Magaqa.

The charges were provisionally withdrawn on Monday in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court, due to a lack of evidence leaving Magaqa's family and friends in shock.

NPA spokesperson Bulelwa Makeke said the latest developments were of concern.

She said the matter was receiving urgent attention and the NDPP has asked for reports from the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, to understand what led to the enrolment under such circumstances.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

To keep in touch with the news while you are on the move, visit m.polity.org.za