A quick look into top topics as we start a new week.
The Economic Freedom Fighters launched their manifesto at the Giant Stadium in Soshanguve over the weekend. The theme of the campaign was “our land and jobs now”. They said the reason for this theme was that even after 25 years of democracy, only a small fraction of South Africans own land and many others remain unemployed. As part of the party’s list of promises they vowed to ensure low-skilled workers receive a higher pay, and that parliamentarians caught in corruption would not be spared.
Malema had warned that the EFF would turn the upcoming State of the Nation Address on Thursday into a Q&A session for President Cyril Ramaphosa. They want the president to explain his and his son’s involvement in the Bosasa drama, or Malema would do to President Ramaphosa what he did to Former President Jacob Zuma.
Madam Speaker, Baleka Mbete, said preparations for the SONA are on track and that some budget cuts had been made. This year 2.5 million rand was set aside for the event – that is almost 50% less than 2018’s. Another SONA can be expected to take place after the national elections in May when a new administration is in place.
Shepherd Bushiri’s church, the Enlightened Christian Gathering, was reopened yesterday after sermons had been suspended for a month following the stampede in December.
Bushiri and his wife, however, were detained on charges of fraud, money laundering, and contravening the prevention of organised crimes act. They appeared in court today, but their case was postponed to Wednesday pending further investigation. Many of Bushiri’s supporters stood outside the court, crying, chanting and calling for his and his wife’s release.
Meanwhile, televangelist Tim Omotoso’s trial resumed today in Port Elizabeth. Omotoso charges include rape and human trafficking. His lawyer filed an appeal with the Constitutional Court to have the presiding judge replaced after they accused the judge of being biased towards state witness, Chery Zondi.
Sports highlights:
The Proteas beat Pakistan by 7 runs yesterday in Johannesburg in a nail-biting finish. The score is now 2-0 to the Proteas with the Proteas having won two out of the three matches of the series.
Protea Women won their three-match series against Sri Lanka by 2 wickets yesterday.
The Varsity Cup begins today, starting with the University of Johannesburg facing North-West University at 16:45 at the UJ Stadium.
