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

Making headlines: Mabuza to be sworn in as MP; BLSA says Mkhwebane not fit for office; And, a news report says stolen VBS money paid for EFF birthday bash

Mabuza to be sworn in as MP

African National Congress deputy president David Mabuza is set to be sworn in as a member of Parliament in Pretoria on Tuesday, paving the way for a possible appointment as President Cyril Ramaphosa's state deputy.

Last Wednesday, just hours before MPs were due to be sworn in, the presidency in the governing party sent out a statement announcing that Mabuza had requested that his swearing-in be postponed.

Mabuza wanted to clear his name with the party's integrity commission after he had been red-flagged ahead of the May 8 elections.

BLSA says Mkhwebane not fit for office

Business Leadership South Africa has lost trust in Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and called for her removal, citing her continued lack of objectivity as a problem.

BLSA further accused Mkhwebane of politicking and said her “political shenanigans” were on display.

BLSA lends its support of Mkhwebane’s removal to an upsurge of dissatisfaction this past week from the DA, Outa, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, all of whom are calling for her to step down as Public Protector.

BLSA also called for Parliament to begin the process of removing Mkhwebane from office and warned that the country could move further into “institutional failure and chaos” her as Public Protector.

And, a news report says stolen VBS money paid for EFF birthday bash

An investigation by Scorpio has revealed that money stolen from VBS Mutual Bank funded the Economic Freedom Fighter's fourth birthday bash at a popular party venue in Umlazi, in Durban, in 2017.

According to Daily Maverick, this forms part of a chunk of the illegal R16.1-million received by Sgameka Projects – a company owned by Brian Shivambu, the brother of EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu – from VBS, that was ultimately channelled to the EFF.

Scorpio has reportedly isolated about R4.13-million in VBS loot paid toward the EFF.

EFF leader Julius Malema has denied that his party ever benefited from VBS funds.

 

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