“Toyota Land Cruiser 78 receives WHO’s approval to transport vaccines”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/world-news/toyota-land-cruiser-78-refrigerated-vehicle-transport-vaccines-who-1-april-2021/

The manufacturer hopes to help developing countries overcome the pandemic with its refrigerated vehicle that can transport vaccines.

A novel development by the Toyota Motor Corporation and its partner companies could make a significant impact in the global fight against the coronavirus and beyond. The Japanese vehicle manufacturer created a customised Land Cruiser 78 vehicle that has refrigeration capabilities for transporting vaccines.

On Wednesday 31 March, Toyota announced that the vehicle, which is the first of its kind, obtained a Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) prequalification for quality of medical devices and equipment from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The PQS system makes it easier for developing countries without their own qualification system to easily identify high-quality medical products.

“This initiative contributes to the use of vaccines, addressing a social issue in developing countries,” said Toyota in a statement.

“In addition, this refrigerated vehicle for the vaccine can now be used under the international framework COVAX, which seeks to distribute vaccines for COVID-19 fairly to developing countries, and its use as a means of transportation of COVID-19 vaccines can also be expected.”

Toyota collaborated with one of its subsidiaries, Toyota Tsusho and B Medical Systems, a medical equipment manufacturer based in Luxembourg, to create the customised refrigerated vehicle.

B Medical Systems’ CF850 vaccine refrigerator, which has a storage capacity of 396 litres — or 400 vaccine packages — was attached to the base vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser 78.

The refrigerator has an independent battery and can operate for approximately 16 hours without a power supply. However, the cold storage unit can be charged by the vehicle while driving and can also be replenished with an external power source when parked.

“For this project, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota, and B-Medical Systems, have joined forces with the same goal in mind. We will continue to make efforts so that the obtainment of PQS for the refrigerated vehicle for vaccines will contribute to the Safety and Security of the region,” said the companies.

Toyota noted that approximately 20% of the volume of vaccines supplied to developing countries are disposed of annually because they become unusable because of temperature changes during transportation and inadequate infrastructure.

“General mandatory vaccines for infants usually require storage at 2 to 8°C, and cannot be used if not stored under proper temperature management,” said the vehicle manufacturer.

>>13352054

Keep in mind.

“ISIS jihadists love driving Toyotas, US wonders why”posted Oct 13, 2015, https://youtu.be/LXzvSZCx_K0. Noteworthy statement;

0:50 – “Well, last year the US was reported to have sent a fleet of Toyota trucks to militants from the Free Syrian Army. The vehicles were part of a large aid delivery to the so-called moderate Syrian opposition and on Monday, a US military cargo plane air dropped more than 50 tons of ammunition to rebel groups throughout the conflict. Washington also supplied them with anti-tank missiles and grenades. And it’s not the only nation to provide the rebel groups with the support, the UK supplying body armor and SUVs worth millions that’s despite the Free Syrian Army commander’s previously admitting to collaborating with the Islamic State in attacking government positions in Syria.”

“Why Do Extremists Drive Toyotas?, Asks US” dated October 7, 2015, https://www.theepochtimes.com/why-do-extremists-drive-toyotas-asks-us_1873800.html

Toyota has spoken with U.S. officials about the prominent use of its vehicles by extremists in Syria, Iraq, and Libya.

Toyota trucks are conspicuous in extremist propaganda and are often what carry ISIS fighters into war with large-caliber weapons affixed to truck beds.

The company says it maintains “a strict policy to not sell vehicles to potential purchasers who may use or modify them for paramilitary or terrorist activities.”

The Treasury Department’s Terrorism and Financial Intelligence wing monitors monetary transfers and the flow of goods that could aid terrorists, and an abundance of any company’s product being used by extremists would draw attention. Yet such inquiries are often part of a more comprehensive look into how money and material flows in areas of strife where extremists operate.

Toyota released a statement that suggested just such an inquiry.

“We are committed to complying fully with the laws and regulations of each country or region where we operate, and require our dealers and distributors to do the same,” the company said. “We are supporting the U.S. Treasury Department’s broader inquiry into international supply chains and the flow of capital and goods in the Middle East.”

The Treasury declined to comment Wednesday on any specific inquiry.

“In line with our usual approach to understanding ISIL’s financial and economic activities, we are working closely with foreign counterparts and stakeholders worldwide,” the Treasury Department said in a printed statement, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, another name for ISIS.

While there are procedures in place to help prevent its products from being diverted for unauthorized military use, according to Toyota, the company says that it’s impossible for it or any automaker to control the channels through which its vehicles can be misappropriated, stolen or resold by third parties.

“G7 countries call for an investigation into alleged human rights abuses in the Tigray region”- https://youtu.be/l-OpcWe3S7o

“The United States, Germany, France and other G7 countries are calling for an independent and transparent investigation into alleged human rights abuses during the conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. Thousands of people died and hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes. Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United Nations says his country has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual crimes. He says anyone found responsible for such despicable acts will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. He was speaking to the Reuters news agency after a detailed humanitarian briefing at the UN revealed mass rapes had occurred. He says more than 500 rape cases had been reported to five clinics in the country's Tigray region warning that the actual numbers are likely much higher. Meanwhile, Staff from Médecins Sans Frontières last week reported seeing Ethiopian soldiers shoot dead four male civilians after ordering them off a bus near the regional capital Mekelle. To discuss the latest on the situation in the Tigray region we're joined now by Abdullahi Boru Halakhe - Horn of Africa Policy and Security Analyst.”

“Norma Mngoma tells all | Part 1”dated Dec 17, 2020, at https://youtu.be/SAf2R7qFRRs

“In an eNCA exclusive, Norma Mngoma is spilling the beans on her marriage to former minister Malusi Gigaba. She of course is in a legal battle with her estranged husband. Our reporter, Slindelo Masikane spoke to her about his alleged ties with the Guptas and bags of cash.”

“Norma Mngoma tells all | Part 2”dated Dec 17, 2020, at https://youtu.be/YWNAlI8Tz1E

Interesting statement.

4:43 – “There were a lot of meetings happening underground because we’re staying at the state house during the time and the state house has a house underground. So a lot of things happen there so which I have never been underground. It’s only the helper used to go there.”

“Norma Mngoma tells all | Part 3”dated Dec 17, 2020, https://youtu.be/0HVUKgIvKK0

“Malusi Gigaba wants Norma testimony kept private” | State Capturedated Apr 8, 2021, at https://youtu.be/HY2URtGWVWI

“Word is that Malusi Gigaba’s lawyers are seeking to keep Norma Mngoma's testimony under wraps at the State Capture Commission. Melusi Xulu, attorney with Donda attorneys,discusses this.”

“Karyn Maughan weighs in on Nomachule Gigaba's withdrawal from state capture inquiry” - https://youtu.be/YGNjatdXIYM

“JUST IN: Norma Mngoma withdraws from Zondo Commission”dated Apr 13, 2021, at https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/just-in-norma-mngoma-withdraws-from-zondo-commission-a5c61f83-63a0-45e3-8981-5f65c52163aa

Norma Mngoma, the estranged wife of former finance minister Malusi Gigaba, who was meant to spill the beans on her husband’s alleged relations with the Guptas has now withdrawn from testifying at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Mngoma was meant to begin her testimony at 4pm on Tuesday after it was initially rescheduled from Friday.

However, the commission heard from Mngoma’s legal representative, who said she wished to withdraw from her participation in the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture.

Mngoma’s legal representative from RNT attorneys read out a letter to Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo saying that they received instructions on Monday night informing them of Mngoma’s decision.

The attorneys addressed a letter to the commission on Tuesday morning informing them of her decision.

Mngoma cited her “personal concerns with how various aspects regarding her proposed appearance at the commission is being handled or allegedly mishandled by the commission”.

Justice Zondo said it was surprising Mngoma made such a decision as she was ready to testify on Friday.

Evidence leader Anton Myburgh said they were also surprised at Mngoma’s letter saying they were prepared for her to give evidence virtually from Cape Town.

Myburgh has proposed issuing a summons to compel Mngoma to give evidence.

Gigaba’s application to have Mngoma’s testimony held in-camera has been set aside until Mngoma has been summoned to give evidence.

“Santaco slams political messaging on taxis”- https://youtu.be/RXlOQ6YfaLc

“Santaco President Phillip Taaibosch spoke with eNCA's Jane Dutton.”

Messages on taxis state; “HANDS OFF ACE MAGASHULE”, “WE ARE ACE, ACE IS US”, “HANDS OFF ANC PROVINCIAL TREASURER”,

“Watch: Outrage as ‘Magashule-branded taxis’ appear in Limpopo” dated 7 April 2021 at https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/watch-ace-magashule-taxis-limpopo-branding-why-video/

Erm, what? The appearance of these propaganda-branded taxis - featuring messages of support for Ace Magashule - has left Limpopo locals SHOOK.

We know that the ANC may have taken us for a ride here and there, but it this week, it seems to be happening in more than just a figurative sense: A fleet of taxis in the Mopani region of Limpopo were given a new paint job – and they now carry a very partisan and political message: “Hands off Ace Magashule“.

IT’S ALL GONE A BIT ‘NORTH KOREA’ IN LIMPOPO

The branded taxis surfaced at the start of the month, and Magashule has some company: Danny Msiza has also been plastered on the side of one of these vehicles – the ANC Limpopo Treasurer has been heavily implicated in the VBS saga.

The taxis have been spotted doing the rounds across the region, and already, they have drawn a lot of attention on social media. Indeed, Former Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom couldn’t help but pass comment when he was alerted to the controversial branding, and raised questions about who exactly is funding these advertisements…

“We are Ace, Ace is us” also appears on the driver’s side door. A 24-hour helpline is also advertised beneath the stern warnings – directing people to the government’s emergency COVID-19 responders. An interesting choice, and it’s made all the more incredible by the fact the ‘C’ is missing from the word ‘Corona’.

You stay (c)lassy, Mr Magashule…

ACE MAGASHULE FIGHTING FOR POLITICAL FUTURE

The taxis appear to form part of a fightback campaign from factions within the ANC, which are still loyal to Ace Magashule and Jacob Zuma. The so-called ‘Radical Economic Transformation forces’ had previously vowed to disrupt entire cities and shutdown the country this week – but nothing came from these empty threats.

Magashule has been given a 30-day ultimatum to step aside from his duties as the party’s Secretary-General, or be forcibly suspended. Ace has not yet made a decision on what course of action he’ll take, but it seems that the strategy to source support from the streets is already well underway.

“Ongoing taxi wars – another industry member shot and killed”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/mpumalanga/ongoing-taxi-wars-another-industry-member-shot-and-killed/

Police in Mpumalanga have launched a vigorous manhunt for ruthless suspects following a despicable incident in which a 42-year-old man who was working at the taxi industry, as a taxi owner and who also held an executive position within the leadership structure, was shot execution style on Friday 23 April 2021, at Miliva traffic circle few meters away from the Miliva taxi rank in Tweefontein.

The man was shot by a group of heavily armed men who were driving in a white Ford Fiesta who fired several shots at him while he was sitting in his car, a silver grey Toyota Yaris. The assailants thereafter fled the scene, leaving him bleeding profusely. The victim was then taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Recently, 39-year-old France Oupa Manamela who was a Taxi Marshall, was gunned down execution style at Miliva taxi rank. The incident occurred on 1 March 2021.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was shot by four suspects driving in a silver VW Polo. They fled the scene immediately after committing this heinous act and are still at large.

Meanwhile, 31-year-old Kenny Sipho Mahlangu who was a taxi driver, was shot and killed at Tweefontein on 7 March 2021. Details around this incident reveal that Mahlangu was driving in a white Isuzu bakkie when he was attacked. On the said day, it is alleged that he was followed by a certain Toyota Run-X and shots were fired from the said vehicle which resulted in him being fatally wounded.

Two other victims were both gunned down on 15 March 2021. It is said that at about 17:30, Jeremia Nkosinathi Chabangu, aged 44 was shot and killed by a group of suspects whilst sitting inside a Mercedes Benz Minibus at Kwamhlanga Crossroad. The suspects then fled the scene in a white VW Golf 7.

Whilst 65 year Piet Mahlangu was shot and killed around 20:40 during the time when he was with his family at home. The incident occurred at Boekenhouthoek near Kwaggafontein and two suspects are said to have been seen wearing balaclavas earlier. They then fled the scene in a white Toyota Quantum after the incident. His wife also sustained some injuries on her leg.

“The South African Police Service has released a statement about White Spiritual Boy and the theft of gold”- https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=32237

Media Statement

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS)

GAUTENG - The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) confirms that it is investigating two cases that reported at Sandton Police Station.

The cases was reported on 13 March 2021 while the second case was reported on 13 April 2021 which was preceded by media statement and photos of the complainant carrying the copies of the files.

In the first case, the complainant stated that he was appointed as a Forensic investigator on 6 May 2013 by the Presidency. In support of his appointment, a two-page document signed by the erstwhile employee of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) was attached as part of the 101-page document. The purported authority include documents titled Power of Attorney signed by numerous representatives of tribal authorities. In this case, the complainant reports theft of gold worth one hundred and sixty three trillion rands only (R163 000 000 000 000-00) which was recorded between 1966 and 2021. The DPSA indicated that its former employee did not have authority to sign the letter, which is now used by the complainant.

In the second case, the same complainant states that he was appointed by the Presidency through the DPSA on 6 May 2013. In this case, he reports, in his 213-page document, the allegations of money laundering, fraud, theft under false pretences, high treason and racketeering. The amount lost is recorded as forty one quadrillion three hundred and thirteen billion one hundred and four million rand only (R41 380 513 104 000 000-00). The theft include the alleged monies stolen from former leader Gadaffi which was investigated and found to be untrue.

The DPCI is systematically searching for the truth. Other allegations are reported to be the withholding of White Spiritual Boy and Spiritual Wonder Boy Accounts. Concerns include loaning money from International Monetary Fund (IMF) at high interest rate when countries have enormous reserves in terms of White Spiritual Boy and Spiritual Wonder Boy Accounts. The DPCI has taken note of internet reports relating to “White Spiritual Boy and Spiritual Wonder Boy Accounts” across the globe. Note has also been taken of the court judgement relating to Rosary Trust.

The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Lebeya has personally perused the files and directed closer collaborations on the investigators of four matters that requires similar attention. They shall be working closely with the prosecutors that handled these allegations in the past. The Hawks shall leave no stone unturned before reaching any conclusion on these matters.

Ends

Enquiries:

Col Katlego Mogale

082 455 5782

“Officer Tatum GOES OFF on the BBC Network - America isn't a Racist Nation” – Chauvin Trial- https://youtu.be/tN6wNpsPEso

Well said.

“AfriForum and Solidarity stop racial ‘Tourism Fund’ in court”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/afriforum-and-solidarity-stop-racial-tourism-fund-in-court/

The North Gauteng High Court on Monday 26 April 2021, granted an interdict to AfriForum and Solidarity that prevents the payment of any fees from the Department of Tourism’s equity fund.

The two organisations launched an urgent application to the court after the Minister of Tourism announced that the department’s fund for the recovery of the tourism sector is only accessible to people who qualify for black economic empowerment (BEE).

The equity fund is part of President Ramaphosa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) announced in October 2020.

“Solidarity welcomes the fact that the Department of Tourism’s racial fund has been stopped. The government is under the false impression that race trumps everything and is above the law. Using race as a criterion to reform a sector that has been forced to its knees as a result of a pandemic is morally unjustifiable. The pandemic does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, yet this disaster is being exploited by the government and only BEE businesses are provided with funds at the expense of established businesses of white owners who are forced to close their doors,” says Solidarity Chief Executive Dr Dirk Hermann.

“This ruling is a major victory against the ANC government institutional racism against minorities. The racist Tourism Fund proves the seriousness of the government’s racial ideology infection, and the only immune system capable of fighting the government’s immoral racial discrimination is fearless civil rights watchdogs such as AfriForum and Solidarity,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Manager of Campaigns.

“FF Plus condemns vicious cruel farm murder of mother and her son with disabilities”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/mpumalanga/ff-plus-condemns-vicious-cruel-farm-murder-of-mother-and-her-son-with-disabilities/

he FF Plus in Mpumalanga strongly condemns the murder of Mrs Anne-Marie Botha and her son Ruan on a farm near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga at the weekend.

Mrs Botha’s husband, Fanie, was busy patrolling the border fence of the farm where he works as manager when the perpetrators overpowered and murdered the victims. The cruelty of the attack heavily upset those who witnessed the scene of the crime.

Mr Botha found the bodies of his wife and disabled son late Saturday afternoon, 24 April 2021, when he arrived home after work. According to the police, items were stolen from the Botha home.

The FF Plus too is shocked by the cruelty of the attack on these two vulnerable individuals – a cruelty that has become synonymous with farm attacks. It is indicative of a desensitised society.

The police’s apparent inability to implement the ANC government’s rural safety plan must also be condemned. Action must be taken to protect the rural community and yet the government is dragging its feet in this regard. It is absolutely unacceptable.

The FF Plus expresses its deepest sympathy towards Mr Fanie Botha and the victims’ next of kin for their loss.

“Farm attack: Attacker opens fire with automatic rifle on farmer and son, Tzaneen”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/limpopo/farm-attack-attacker-opens-fire-with-automatic-rifle-on-farmer-and-son-tzaneen/

A farm attack took place on 3 May 2021, at 17:30, in Deerpark, Tzaneen in the Limpopo province of South Africa. A well known farmer and his son were attacked on the road to their farm by a black male with an automatic rifle.

The farmer and his son were working on their farm when his son injured himself with an electric grinder. The pair rushed to their vehicle to head to the hospital in Tzaneen.

While driving down the road from their farm to the main road when they noticed a man crossing the dirt road. When he saw the vehicle approaching he ran into the bushes.

When they stopped to see what was going on shots rang out. The farmers son was hit in the hand and the farmer himself sustained injuries from shrapnel when one of the shots narrowly missed his head.

The farmers vehicle was riddled with bullet holes.

The attacker then fled deeper into the bushes. The police and local security and farm watch groups immediately activated and a manhunt ensued but there were no arrests.

The police are investigating the attack.

There is no other information available at this stage.

“Officials in Niger are investigating 2 fatal incidents”- https://youtu.be/JpesMvKBr4E

“Officials in Niger are investigating 2 fatal incidents. An ambush on a military patrol near Niger’s border with Mali, resulted in soldiers losing their lives. Niger's military later intercepted a group of suspected extremists, killing at least 24 who are said to have been preparing an attack on a village. Both incidents are being officially investigated.”

“Mafube municipality: Free State government gives up”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/free-state/mafube-municipality-free-state-government-gives-up/

The Free State executive authority’s decision to terminate the Section 139 intervention at the Mafube Local Municipality (Frankfort, Tweeling, Villiers and Cornelia) serves as further proof that the ANC government is utterly unable to provide proper leadership on provincial level and to prevent the decline of municipalities.

Since the provincial government intervened in 2017, the Mafube administration did not succeed in improving the Municipality’s performance. On the contrary, its financial situation deteriorated and service delivery has ground to a standstill.

At present, Mafube is still affected by frequent water shortages, there are no garbage disposal services and residents do not receive their monthly utility statements.

Even though the administration was aware of the fact that 94,5% of its residents’ outstanding debt was older than 90 days, it made no attempt whatsoever to improve its dismal collection rate of 14%.

The Municipality’s debtor account stands at more than R630 million while it owes its creditors approximately R600 million.

It is unacceptable that the Free State government’s Section 139 interventions come to nothing and that these interventions are often terminated, like the case in point, for no apparent reason. The FF Plus has already submitted an official question about the matter in the Free State Legislature.

“A complex History of Executive Outcomes a South African mercenary organisation.” – It is now Revived- https://youtu.be/w34L4Qu2Deg

Executive Outcomes, a South Africa mercenary company, changed the entire field in the business of mercenaries and how they operate

Creating a business model that is still emulated by modern mercenary groups today.

Their sophistication and ability to diversify the business are some of the reasons they succeeded where others failed.

Their military expertise and success was unquestioned. It was the only private company that fielded an integrated, battalion-size force ending conflicts where UN peacekeepers failed.

Noteworthy statement;

19:09 – “On the 7th of December 2020, [Eeben] Barlow announced the rebuff of Executive Outcomes saying as previously mentioned and on request of several African governments, Executive Outcomes has been reactivated.”

“Private Military Contractor Executive Outcomes Revived After 22 Years” - https://www.overtdefense.com/2020/11/27/private-military-contractor-executive-outcomes-revived-after-22-years/. Below are excerpts.

Barlow elaborated in a longer post on his Facebook page, saying that after he resigned from the chairmanship of a “previous company” (Specialised Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection International or STTEP), “it didn’t take long” before he was requested by some African governments to reactivate the contractor, claiming that the governments had discovered that they had been “purposefully misled” about Executive Outcomes and learned the truth about why its original incarnation was driven out of business.

Barlow claimed that “it took some consideration” to revive the Executive Outcomes name, given the political pushback that the original Executive Outcomes faced for its activities in Africa, notably its fighting in Angola on behalf of the government against UNITA and in Sierra Leone against the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). In both cases, Executive Outcomes forces were able to militarily defeat their opponents only to be replaced by UN peacekeepers following international pressure, resulting in a return to fighting. Infamously, the RUF’s Operation No Living Thing saw the RUF murdering, looting and raping its way back to recapturing the Sierra Leonean capital of Freetown.

Unusually, the post continues by saying that:

“The company will now make it part of its mission to expose those media and intelligence whores that thrive on lying for secret payments. Likewise, we will investigate—and expose—those so-called academics and scholars that create fiction and publish deception to establish their position in academia.”

Barlow says that “Executive Outcomes will, once again, assist African and other governments with the development of strategies (including campaign strategies), and provide advice, training and mentoring to those governments that request it.” However, the company will not operate in South Africa, with Barlow blaming “intelligence, law enforcement and media hypocrisy” regarding the original Executive Outcomes’ operations in South Africa.

“Bird Flu: Poultry industry on high alert as SA records fifth outbreak”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/bird-flu-fifth-outbreak-in-south-africa/

On Thursday, 6 May, another outbreak of bird flu was reported at a commercial chicken farm in Randfontein, Gauteng. The farm is in quarantine.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development on Thursday, 6 May, announced another outbreak of Avian Influenza – also known as bird flu- in a commercial chicken farm in Randfontein in Gauteng.

Preceding this outbreak, four outbreaks were detected on other commercial chicken properties.

ALL FIVE FARMS HAVE BEEN QUARANTINED

A total of five HPAI H5N1 outbreaks – four in Gauteng and one outbreak in North West has been reported. All affected farms have been quarantined, with control measures being implemented,” the department said.

“Genetic evaluation has confirmed that the outbreak reported in commercial layers on 13 of April in Gauteng and the one on commercial broiler-breeders in the North West seem to have been caused by non-identical AI strains,” the department said.

The Department added that these two outbreaks were more likely to have been caused by separate introductions.

“It is essential for everyone across the country to remain on high alert.”

EVERY POULTRY DEATH TO BE TREATED AS BIRD FLU

The department said that all increases in mortality rates (deaths) must be reported to the state veterinarian immediately.

“Everyone across the country is once again urged to treat any increase in mortalities (deaths) of poultry and other bird species as potential avian influenza, until proven otherwise.”

“It must be mentioned that no human infection, due to these circulating strains, had been reported in Europe and thus the zoonotic risk to people is very low, the consumer has no reason to be concerned.”

SOME COUNTRIES LIFTED BAN ON EXPORTS

Following the outbreak of bird flu on 13 April 2021, all neighbouring countries have lifted the ban on exports of live chicken and unprocessed products, except Lesotho, which has banned exports from Gauteng.

However, Hong Kong has notified the department of a temporary suspension of the importation of all poultry (carcass, parts and offal) products (including eggs) from the affected municipalities within the Gauteng and North West.

“Truck, car hijackings continue to plague SA”- https://citizen.co.za/news/2491545/truck-car-hijackings-continue-to-plague-sa/

Most trucks and courier vans are targeted for their cargo, notably food, appliances and 'other priced goods'.

Cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies decreased by 10.6% in the first three months of this year.

CIT robberies have become a serious crime trend over the past few years, with 50 incidents occurring from January to March 2018.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said 42 CIT incidents took place from January to March this year.

“While police officers still have their hands full when it comes to preventing this crime, they certainly have started to change their responses against these thugs who risk the lives of community members for their selfish gains,” Cele said during the quarterly crime statistics briefing on Friday.

Truck hijackings on the rise

Despite making strides to quell CIT heists, truck hijackings continue to plague the freight industry with 354 incidents recorded in just three months.

This is 70 more than the first three months of 2020, an increase of 24.6%.

Cele said most trucks and courier vans were targeted for their cargo, notably food, appliances and “other priced goods”.

“Police must step up their efforts in clamping down on truck hijackings which recorded a double-digit percentage increase,” Cele said.

Carjackings increase

A total of 4,513 cars were stolen during the months of January, February and March of this year.

This is an increase of 4.9% compared to the same time period last year, which translates to 210 more incidents.

The trend of carjackings continues to increase steadily, with no sign of slowing down.

“Carjacking took place mostly in formal and non-formal residence in the country’s townships, followed by suburbs in urban areas.”

Cele said the “cars of choice” for criminals are sedans and hatchbacks, as well as panel vans and bakkies.

“Rhodes Must Fall: Now Oxford University called to remove statue”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/rhodes-must-fall-now-oxford-university-called-to-remove-statue/

Oxford University’s Oriel College had earlier voted that the statue of Cecil John Rhodes should be removed from its campus.

South Africa’s “Rhodes must Fall” campaign has reverberated across the globe leading an independent commission to call for the removal of a controversial statue of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes.

An exclusive report in the Guardian in the United Kingdom has indicated that the independent commission, which was established to investigate the future of a controversial statue of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University, has now recommended that it be pulled down.

Oxford University’s Oriel College had earlier voted that the statue should be removed from its campus, and the commission to examine the decision, was then set up in June 2020.

“The commission was asked to look into the issue after a statue of the slave trader Edward Colston was torn down in Bristol at the height of last summer’s Black Lives Matter protest. The decision had been delayed owing to a “considerable volume of submissions” that the commission received and the coronavirus pandemic,” The Guardian reported.

“In the report, seen by the Guardian, the commission recommended that the statue be taken down and that the King Edward Street plaque be removed. A majority of commission members supported the expressed wish of the governing body to remove the statue,” the Guardian reported.

According to the Guardian the commission had also “urged Oriel College’s governing body to publish a definitive statement of its view concerning its association with Rhodes and that the college revise materials to ensure they are consistent with the statement.”

The Guardian quoted Rhodes Must Fall Oxford, a student group that has been campaigning for the statue’s removal as welcoming the commission’s recommendation.

“We’re pleased that the commission came to a decision that recognises the brutality of Cecil Rhodes, and that of the colonial systems of extraction and oppression with which Oxford University’s legacy is tied,” the group told the publication.

The Guardian said the it has contacted Oriel College and Oxford University for comment.

“By-elections: DA lose two major wards to ‘minnow’ political party”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/who-are-patriotic-alliance-kenny-kunene-gayton-mckenzie-da-by-election-results/

The Patriotic Alliance, led by reformed bank robber Gayton McKenzie, have sentenced the DA to two significant ward losses in this week's by-elections.

Another set of by-elections are sending a clear warning to the Democratic Alliance (DA) ahead of the Local Municipal Elections of 2021. They lost another four wards across the country – with half of them being claimed by the Patriotic Alliance (PA) – a party lead by a reformed bank robber-turned-businessman, Gayton McKenzie.

DA STUNNED BY PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE IN ELDORADO PARK

These two results from Eldorado Park in Johannesburg have sounded the alarm for SA’s biggest opposition party. The PA saw their support skyrocket in wards 17 and 18, surging to twin victories in the neighbouring suburbs – and usurping the blues in the process. The DA appears to have shed around 10 000 votes in the region.

BY-ELECTIONS LATEST: WHO ARE THE PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE?

Could this be a genuine threat to the DA? Well, the Patriotic Alliance has already made some major inroads in the DA-controlled Western Cape. When they contested Beaufort West Ward 4 in April, the PA claimed 24% of the vote to slash the previous duopoly of the major parties. Here’s what you need to know about the eight-year-old organisation.

– They are an economically centrist party. They oppose ‘rampant capitalism’, and seek ‘economic emancipation’.

– The PA want to promote state welfare opportunities to tackle hunger and poverty.

– Their focus on ’empowerment policies’ is broad – and it aims to support and uplift the poor.

– Patriotic Alliance was founded by businessman Gayton McKenzie and socialite Kenny Kunene.

– McKenzie, once a convicted bank robber, has become a political force to be reckoned with – the party now holds council seats in the metros of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

DA SEE THE POSITIVES FROM ANOTHER SET OF MIXED BY-ELECTIONS

The Blues have stayed optimistic in their summary of the by-elections, despite losing several wards. They have taken pride in their retentions across Tshwane, and take heart from the dwindling ANC vote in Gauteng’s metro regions.

“The DA continues to show that it’s stabilising and moving towards a trajectory of growth. We have retained all three wards that we contested in Tshwane, with voters rejecting the chaos and corruption of the ANC and instead endorsing the DA-led government. It is notable that the ANC continues to lose ground in Gauteng metros.”

“The ANC dropped back from 22% in 2016 to 16% of the vote in this round of wards which they contested against the DA. This is a clear indication that South Africans are tired of ANC corruption and poor governance and are ready for real change that will bring about good governance, basic service delivery and an enabling environment for jobs.”

“Richards Bay Minerals Murder: GM killed in hail of bullets”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/richards-bay-minerals-murder-gm-killed-in-hail-of-bullets-assassinated-murder/

The Richards Bay Minerals manager was shot and killed when gunmen fired more than 20 bullets into his vehicle during rush hour traffic.

Richards Bay Minerals general manager Nico Swart was shot and killed in a drive by shooting early on Monday Morning.

SAPS regional spokesperson, Thembeka Mbele said Swart was shot while on his way to work in Meerensee in Richards Bay.

“It is alleged that at about 6:45 this morning, the deceased was shot while driving in his car on his way to work at the corner of Dune and Kolstert Road by three unknown men who were on foot,” Mbele said.

“He died at the scene. The motive is unknown and the matter is still under investigation,” she said.

Richards Bay Minerals said in a statement on Monday morning: “Colleagues, it is with great sadness that we learnt this morning of the tragic death of Nico Swart, GM Operational Services, who was shot and killed on his way to work.”

“At this stage the circumstances around the shooting are unknown and the incident is being investigated by the SAPS. Our deepest condolences go to Nico’s family and his colleagues during this sad time. We call for calm and respect as the incident is investigated. As further details come to light, we will keep you informed,” RBM said in the statement.

The Zululand Observer reported on Monday that shooting was an assassination. “Swart was shot and killed on his way to work when more than 20 high-caliber bullets were sprayed into his vehicle on the corner of Dune Road and Kolstertkring in Meerensee shortly before 7am.”

According to the Zululand Observer the incident took place on a very busy road “presumably in the presence of many vehicles and pedestrians and resulted in a significant peak hour traffic jam”.

“Zweli Mkhize: Dodgy Digital Vibes contracts land Minister in hot water”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/zweli-mkhize-corruption-digital-vibes-corruption-covid-19-latest-department-of-health/

The Daily Maverick reported on Sunday that Digital Vibes scored contracts worth some R150 million to 'coordinate Mkhize's COVID-19 briefings'

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has found himself at the centre of controversy after reports emerged that he is implicated in a R150 million COVID-19 corruption scandal involving Digital Vibes – a company awarded the communication services tender during the pandemic by the Department of Health.

The Daily Maverick suggested in a report exposing the dodgy dealings on Monday 24 May that Tahera Mather – Mkhize’s personal spokesperson – and his former personal assistant Naadhira Mitha , benefited from Digital Vibes’ DoH contract by working for the company as paid consultants.

They allege that the company wildly inflated he costs of setting up Mkhize’s briefings during the COVID-19 pandemic, with funds from the DoH funnelled into a host of obscure third party bank accounts.

MKHIZE ASSOCIATES IMPLICATED IN CORRUPTION SCANDAL

The Daily Maverick reported that of the R150 million Digital Vibes received from the DoH for their supposed communications services to the Department, around R90 million was channelled to entities set up by Mather and Mitha, and that only about R40 million went towards legitimate service providers related to the contract. They said that roughly R20 million remains unaccounted for.

They said that payments channeled into Mather and Mitha controlled entities, included some to businesses and personal accounts of Mather’s immediate family and to “other suspicious third parties, including the late AmaBhaca King Madzikane II Diko’s Royal Bhaca Projects”.

Mkhize’s role in all of this? It would appear that the Health Minister was essentially “monetised” by Digital Vibes, with the company receiving millions for “coordinating” the minister’s media appearances and interviews relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Daily Maverick said that one such instance of this grossly inflated “coordination” contract included Mkhize’s appearance on a SABC news bulletin in December 2020 to announce South Africa’s second wave of COVID-19 infections, for which they charged a whopping R3.65 million. Previously, details surrounding the dodgy contracts suggesting that the damage was closer to the tune of R82 million, and at the Mkhize said that he welcomed any investigation into the contracts and his role in the procurement.

DA CALL FOR RAMAPHOSA TO INVESTIGATE MKHIZE

On the back of these allegations, the Democratic Alliance (DA) have called for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to expand their ongoing probe into the contracts.

“More information came to light detailing how the friends of Mkhize; Tahera Mather and Naadhira Mitha, and their friends and families benefitted from millions of rands in COVID-19 contracts and NHI related work,’ said the party’s Shadow Minister of Health, Siviwe Gwarube.

“It further seems that Digital Vibes was contracted in part to do work that should have been done by the Department of Health communications department, or at the very least submitted invoices for such work.”

The DA said in a statement on Monday that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “silence on the matter is deafening”.

“How can the person entrusted with leading the health response to this pandemic be implicated in the looting of millions of rands meant for the people of South Africa and yet the President is silent?”

“Unless the President takes immediate, decisive action to fully investigate Mkhize, the message to South Africans will be loud and clear: the politically powerful will be allowed to commit as many acts of corruption as they wish for as long as they want, because the ANC government does not care about accountability when it comes to the theft of public money.”

MAIMANE: ‘THIS IS CAPTURE’

One SA Movement leader Mmusi Maimane weighed in on the bombshell allegations on Twitter, saying that what is being suggested to have taken place is as scandalous as the corruption allegations levelled against other State Owned Enterprises implicated in the State Capture Commission’s investigation.

“This is capture. There is no sugar coating. Digital Vibes is no different to Bosasa or Trillian,” he said.

“A private company was being paid millions for public health announcements. This could all have been done in-house. Since when does it cost R3.5 million to log onto Zoom.”

>>13734454 - also Gauteng

“Gauteng Traffic Police warn motorists against criminals placing spikes on public roads”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/gauteng/gauteng-traffic-police-warn-motorists-against-criminals-placing-spikes-on-public-roads/

The Gauteng Traffic Police would like to warn motorists against criminals placing spikes or objects on public roads with the intention of robbing them. The Gauteng Traffic Police have in recent times noted a rise in incidents of spikes placed strategically on the freeways by criminals.

Meanwhile, hard objects were in recent times thrown from overhead bridges resulting in motorists losing control of their vehicles, involved in unnecessary accidents and robbed off their belongings in the process.

The following routes have been identified as hotspots for such inhumane acts:

• The N4 Mpumalanga to Pretoria between Solomon Mahlangu and Watermeyer Offramp.

• The N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga between Bronkhorstspruit and Balmoral offramp.

• The N1 Polokwane N4 Mpumalanga interchange in Pretoria.

• The N4 to Rustenburg between R80 Mabopane Freeway and Brits plaza tollgate.

• Golden Highway.

• R21 Freeway from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria.

The modus operandi is that these criminals move from one area to the other where the roads are quiet to rob motorists of their hard-earned cash and other belongings.

These incidents happen especially on Friday evening and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00 in the morning.

The following safety tips are to be followed as a precaution when a vehicle has been spiked.

• Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting Gauteng Traffic Police.

• If you are stopped by a Traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant Traffic authority.

•In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them to immediately the nearest police station.

• If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your car locked while seeking assistance.

• Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission.

• Should you realise that another motorist has been spiked in your presence kindly stop and give the necessary assistance.

“The placing of spikes has resulted in many road users involved in unwarranted accidents and some even losing their lives through these ruthless acts. The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to conduct law enforcement operations on Gauteng major routes and freeways to ensure that anyone found placing an object is apprehended to face the full might of law,” said Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson.

Motorists are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements on our freeways to our Radio control room at 011 689 3712 or 011 689 3999 or alternatively they can contact the police at 08600 10111.

“Audio tape: The UIM’s Neil de Beer on the phone to Dave G” – Part 1- https://lovinglifetv.com/audio-tape-the-uims-neil-de-beer-on-the-phone-to-dave-g/. It is worth listening to however the conversation is in English and Afrikaans.

Key notes;

2:01 – Neil de Beer [NDB} used to be with Umkhonto weSizwe, one of the “Mandela” spies and now joined Mmusi Maimane to form a political party. He is currently the president of the World Bank of Africa and sits on the World Economic Forum. His home is in Spain and his head office of the World Bank is in Barcelona. He is also runs de Beers as he is the grandson.

7:40 – NDB is Russian/KGB trained operative.

10:13 – “That was that the National Party [NP] government in the time of 1989 was surrendering already… Because few of the people that were moving the prisoners, that were classed as terrorists at that stage, around. So that the NP, Pik Botha, Hernis Kriel, FW de Klerk actually negotiate a peace settlement… but they were not negotiating in 89 for peace, David. They were negotiating indemnity for themselves first in a small little house in Simonstown.” He also mentions Neil Barnard and Roelf Meyer.

11:57 - “You will remember Article 45 of the UN then pulled us out of Angola and Namibia… So we were being pulled into a corner where the fight now for the so called liberation was not now going to happen in Cuito Cuanavale but it was going to happen in Johannesburg… [All the weapons came in. On the contrary, the weapons are still here today. So when we talk about the so called uprising and war] (English translation)… I wouldn’t advise that. I would categorically advise against people talking war.”

20:32 – “Like Chris Hani’s role and who took Chris Hani out. That was not our people that took him out.” “There is only 18 people alive that know who did that.” NDB further states that Zuma knows who was behind it as he was the head of intelligence/MK and that 7 of the 18 are dead. He later admitted that he is one of the 18 who knows.

33:10 – “Then we started compiling a document and I am very proud of the document called NEPAD… NEPAD was adopted in the last term of Mbeki before he got fired. It was adopted as the official economic plan for the African Union. I did such a ‘kak’ job Dave, I became the head of NEPAD.”

34:03 – NDB; “I was the one spearheading the negotiations” for the integration of Morocco and South Sudan into the African Union… “There is something called the OABD, the organisation African Business Development, and I became the first secretary general of that African Union association… I had to go establish OABD sectoral investment program and out of that we wrote 2 documents. One is called the AMF, African Monetary Fund, and the other was called the African Central Bank, the ACB. I was the person that was driving that.”

36:03 – “When Madiba was the president, his major influences that he wanted to bring in… was not the West. It was Cuba, it was Palestine… those were his friends… Muhammad Gaddafi… Mbeki who studied in the UK, he was more principled to the West… Now follows Jacob Zuma. Jacob Zuma again is a militarist. He is back at Umkhonto weSizwe. So his influence that he brought in was Russia, China and India… the largest contributors to the Zuma era. That is why the BRICS system was brought in. Now you got Cyril Ramaphosa that has taken over who is totally, totally aligned to the West again and has no interest in running BRICS.”

43:52 – “[I looked at this thing and I said to these people, “You who sit in parliament, you are busy ‘om kak aan te jaag’ (messing up). Hear me, a second revolution will come.” But I did not sit on my backside. When I saw that this will not change, there came 9 businessmen under the man named Michael Louis (ML).] (English translation) ML was the founder of the ACDP, the African Christian Democratic Party. He was a cabinet minister of the Western Cape legislature for 10 years.” He further state that ML’s family are billionaires (Louis Group) - bank in Europe, farms and a “fundamental christian”.

>>13776600

“Audio tape: The UIM’s Neil de Beer on the phone to Dave G” – Part 2- https://lovinglifetv.com/audio-tape-the-uims-neil-de-beer-on-the-phone-to-dave-g/ and attached. It is worth listening to however the conversation is in English and Afrikaans.

Continuation of Key notes;

44:50 – “[Here is the thing I am now busy with and I have not rolled it out yet. It is still coming. We decided to take the state to court 5 years ago and what we will do… It was not a cheap process – 19 advocates, 36 attorneys and team of 119 researchers who brought a document which was submitted in the South African supreme court last year 21 July] (English translation)… We find it unconstitutional that an individual adult South African cannot run for the national assembly of this country if he is not part of the political party… It is in conflict with section 19 of our constitution, freedom of association. In the constitution we guarantee that we have freedom of speech and we have freedom of association. [On that principle, we went to court… And 6 weeks ago after one year, we won.] (English translation)… We got judgement in our favour.”… All 9 judges said, “yes”… “[Now someone needs to take up the candidacy and lead it through the country because we wrote the law. The man who setup and led the independent law, is Michael Louis. And the man who is his candidate in parliament is Neil de Beer. This is what’s happening now.] (English translation)”

47:38 – “Mmusi Maimane is in charge of a group which is funded by a German business confederation called OSA, One South Africa. It is not a political party… OSA is going around this country, funded by a German conglomerate - foundation, to go and teach in rural areas the principle of the new act of independent. That is why Mmusi sat with me at the press conference.”

48:43 – “[The following will happen next; the United Independent Movement… we stand by 16 principles but we have chosen 3 principles out of 16 which will use for our campaign for the next 4 years. We can only choose 3 because our international group which will help with our campaign for 2024 are the same people who made Barrack Obama president. That guy is with me. In 6 weeks, he will be coming here.] (English translation) He is coming to drive our campaign as the United Independent Movement. [We are going to win.] (English translation)”

53:30 – “The new political system in the world is an independent candidate or a coalition government.”

55:12 – “I am a social economic constitutional candidate.”

56:44 – NDB mentions that Judge Moegoeng Moegoeng supports him

58:01 – “[Julius [Malema] got so angry with the farmers] (English translation)… He made some critical mistakes… and he does not know the mistakes he made… [My legal team said to me, let us do 4 things and these are the 4 things we are busy with; #1 – we challenge the president with an open letter which will be reported in this week’s newspapers that a rights commission will be appointed for agri-violence] (English translation)… because violence in agricultural industry has changed from just killing the farmer to setting the farm alight… [We challenge the president to establish a rights commission under a senior judge which will be appointed by Moegoeng Moegoeng to investigate agri-violence and here is the trick; the members of police, the members of intelligence, the members of defense and the members of agriculture must appear in front of the commission under oath and they cannot say no… #2 – [What have you done?] (English translation)… And are you denying that agri-violence exist in this country? [Now here is the trick. The president said in Davos that there is no such thing as farm murders. That is why he cannot say it. But at the rights commission, we will hit with a docket and then he has to admit it. When he admits to it] (English translation)… we will take him for dereliction of duty.”

1:07:54 – “[16 meetings in 6 weeks, we have turned more than 6 000 people… and we then decided 2 days ago that our fight will not need to occur in 2024 but next year. We will take back the cities, we will take the wards, we must get people who are independent and business people who have the same ideology. We must appoint them as candidates. UIM will fund them… and we will treat them as an independent… If we do not take back the country next year, what will be left of our towns?… Nothing.] (English translation)”

>>13776600

>>13776632

“Audio tape: The UIM’s Neil de Beer on the phone to Dave G” – Part 3- https://lovinglifetv.com/audio-tape-the-uims-neil-de-beer-on-the-phone-to-dave-g/. It is worth listening to however the conversation is in English and Afrikaans.

Continuation of Key notes;

1:10:00 – “I have been the presidential advisor for 8 presidents so I have been president 8 times. You tell the president what to do… I ran 53 countries’ economies for 2 years. #2, I understand the enemy. There is no one more understanding of the African National Congress and the EFF as enemy as me.”

1:18:19 – “[People ask me why I have bodyguards because the ANC wants to kill me… because I know too much.] (English translation)”

1:18:45 – “Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, not because he was the best Prime Minister. He was the right guy for the right moment. I am not the best candidate for president of this country… [I have the struggle connection, I am an economist and I am with my people. My people is every person who decided they are a South African. What counts for me, is that there are 19 foreign countries who said that if I become president and then we will at least have an economist… I write cheques of $2.5 billion every quarterly in Africa for infrastructure. If you look at my organisation, IFA, we build airports, ports, railways and power plants.] (English translation)… We are an infrastructure fund in Africa. [I know how to handle 1 billion] (English translation)”

>>13776600

>When I saw that this will not change, there came 9 businessmen under the man named Michael Louis

The attached bio of Michael Louis was retrieved from https://hsvhospitality.com/wp-content/themes/hsv/download.php?file=pdf/hsvcorporateprofile.pdf

“Future candidates equipped for righteous leadership — Afrika Mhlophe”dated April 9, 2021, https://gatewaynews.co.za/future-candidates-equipped-for-righteous-leadership-afrika-mhlophe/

Many Christians freely discuss the need for righteous leaders to be raised for every sphere of influence. And I am happy to announce that this is an issue that the School of Governance is seized with.

The school last week completed a “Future Candidates” training time at Every Nation in Cape Town for people who aspire for political office. This was hosted from March 29 to 31 in partnership with the Leadership Institute in Washington DC.

We followed a hybrid model for the training whereby some candidates attended in-person and others online via Zoom. We also had speakers in the host venue and others joining virtually. Among those who appeared in person were:

 Cheryllyn Dudley (former ACDP MP),

 Michael Louis (co-founder of the School of Governance and pioneer of electoral reform in SA),

 Graham Charters (political communications strategist),

 Jonathan Moakes (vice president GQR and political strategist),

 Mmusi Maimane (founder and chief activist for One South Africa Movement),

 Masizole Mnqasela (DA member and Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament) and

 Neil de Beer (president and founder of United Independent Movement).

Zooming in was Ron Nehring, the director of international training at the Leadership Institute and a Republican strategist and communications expert. He served as a national spokesman in the 2006 Presidential Campaign of Senator Ted Cruz. He was followed online by Bill Faulk, government affairs professional, political strategist, and communications consultant from Long Island, New York. Next was Steven Sutton who serves the Leadership Institute as vice president of programs. Lastly, we had Dave Brat, PhD, dean of the School of Business at Liberty University, and a former congressman.

Our American guests’ input dealt mainly with the nuts and bolts of running a successful election campaign. They unpacked issues like candidate development, campaign management, funding and sustaining a campaign. Of course, some of them could not avoid touching on former president Donald Trump’s failed re-election campaign. In other words, even this setback for the Republicans presented us with an opportunity to extract some important lessons.

So, where to next? Borrowing from the topic I was asked to speak on, I believe we are in desperate need of “Courageous Leadership”. We need to recognise that what sets apart those who lead in government and other sectors isn’t always the fact that they are the best and brightest among us. Many of them are simply courageous — something that is sadly in short supply among Christians today.

My challenge to you is that you consider putting your hand up and be the answer to the cry for “competent leaders who respect God and are trustworthy and honest” (Exodus 18:21). As Dr H Dale Burke says: “great organisations are built on great leadership. Great leadership requires great leaders. And great leaders are gleaned from the fields of good people — men and women of moral character, strength, and conviction” (2004, p. 47).

Let me end with a statement from Honourable Masizole Mnqasela. He quoted from Winston Churchill who said: “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” As the Church we are a field of good people and as such we could rewrite the history of our nation.

Oh, the joys of Pan Africanism!

“Pan African Parliament collapses into chaos in South Africa”- https://youtu.be/rCzVFlWVtXs

“Fighting over who should get elected as President of the Pan African Parliament breaks out - and Julius Malema is right in the middle of it, once again.”

“Pan-African Parliament: Majodina to take action over alleged assault” - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/pan-african-parliament-pemmy-majodina-assault-1-june/

Pemmy Majodina was kicked by a male MP from Senegal during yet another chaotic sitting of the Pan-African Parliament and had vowed to take action

Things didn’t end so well for the African National Congress (ANC)’s Pemmy Majodina during a session of the Pan-African Parliament on Monday, 31 May 2021, as she wound up being physically kicked, amid a chaotic sitting. Now Majodina intends filing assault charges against the alleged culprit Djibril War, a male MP from Senegal.

Chaos had erupted with some members even getting physical, over the rotational leadership system. Majodina told EWN that she noticed War attacking Zimbabwe’s Pupurai Togarepi, and had approached them to calm the situation.

“I could see there was a scuffle down there, people were fighting and I saw honourable Djibril War from Senegal running and attacking honourable Pupurai Togarepi from Zimbabwe. I went in there to make peace; I was trying to separate them. It is at that stage that I was attacked by honourable Djibril who is the chairperson of the rules,” she said.

“And he kicked me. It is against that background that I’m going to open a case but now that the fight must be directed to me… I’m not going to take this lying down.”

The ANC’s Pemmy Majodina

SENEGALESE MP APOLOGISED TO MAJODINA OVER ASSAULT

Pemmy Majodina has told the SABC that Djibril War has apologised to her for the incident and told her that he had actually been trying to kick a cellphone which was held by the Zimbabwean MP who was filming him.

“He was really apologetic and very sorry, and I told him this [would be] a serious case of gender-based violence in SA. You don’t beat up a woman. He has apologised and I have no qualms in accepting an apology, because this was a hot fight and it might happen that I was caught up in that crossfire,” said Majodina.

The sessions in the Pan-African Parliament, held in Midrand, have descended into chaos in recent days, with leaders failing to reach consensus on certain issues. The sittings last for three weeks, twice a year.

“SA Commission BLOCKS Burger King sale – over ‘transformation’ concerns”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/finance/competition-commission-burger-king-sale-transformation-why/

The Competition Commission said the sale of Burger King SA 'WILL NOT negatively influence markets'. But they've stepped in for an entirely different reason.

The knives have been drawn for the Competition Commission of South Africa on Wednesday, after the organisation decided to block the acquisition of Burger King SA by a private firm. Their reasoning? Well, that’s the issue here – as ‘transformation’ appears to have been prioritised above all else.

BURGER KING SALE STOPPED DEAD BY COMPETITION COMMISSION

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission admitted that the sale ‘would not prevent competition in the market’. In fact, their ‘beef’ with this Burger King transaction rests with transformation. Concerned that ‘historically disadvantaged individuals’ would not be part of the new ownership, the powers that be decided to pull the plug on the deal.

“The Commission has prohibited a proposed transaction whereby ECP Africa, a private equity fund intending to buy Burger King South Africa from Grand Parade Investment. The merger would lead to a significant reduction in the shareholdings of ‘historically disadvantaged individuals’ (HDIs), taking this number down from 68% to 0%.”

“The proposed transaction is unlikely to result in a substantial prevention or lessening of competition in the markets. But as the acquiring firm has no HDI ownership, the merger will have a substantial negative effect on [transformation]”.

BIG BUSINESS DEAL BLOCKED ‘ON GROUNDS OF TRANSFORMATION’

The decision has raised major concerns amongst business and political figures. The Competition Commission is seeking to protect buyers of a certain background, but inadvertently, they are now severely hindering the same sellers. There are fears that the share prices for all affected parties could crash later today – and the DA is enraged by the decision:

“So a ‘Competition Commission’ finds that this transaction will in no way negatively influence competition in the market – but then still goes ahead and blocks a private transaction based on the skin colour of the buyer? This racist garbage helps cause a 43% expanded unemployment rate.” | Leon Schreiber, Shadow Minister of Public Service

BURGER KING TRANSFORMATION CONCERNS DIVIDE THE PUBLIC

The Competition Commission has come out fighting this morning, however. Hardin Ratshisusu is the group’s deputy commissioner, and he has defended the conclusions that were published earlier this week.

“HDI shareholders can sell their assets as they always do. Merger evaluation since 2019 requires an assessment of the impact on HDI and worker ownership. See recent decisions on both Pepsi and Pioneer in South Africa. In this case, the impact was substantial and negative, and not adequately mitigated.” | Hardin Ratshisusu

 You can read the full statement from the Competition Commission on the sale of Burger King SA here: https://twitter.com/CompComSA/status/1399736816073326599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1399736816073326599%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesouthafrican.com%2Fnews%2Ffinance%2Fcompetition-commission-burger-king-sale-transformation-why%2F

“French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South Africa a troubled roadshow” – Part 1dated 5 June 2021 at https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/french-president-emmanuel-macrons-visit-to-south-africa-a-troubled-roadshow-c19aa740-8167-4374-b2d7-bee2350e7b00

President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South Africa last week, while symbolically and diplomatically flattering, was a troubled roadshow. Officially greeted by state fanfare, the state visit was hiding an unofficial double meaning – that France was again in trouble in the rest of Africa and had no great story to tell.

But first, let us give due to the visit. Besides the traditional bilateral niceties between France and South Africa, it was a great opportunity for the French President to follow up with his counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa on the recent Paris summit on financing African economies where African leaders were invited to find solutions to address the legacy of the post Covid-19 pandemic crisis in Africa.

“The goal of the Paris summit was to find an agreement on four goals: universal access to Covid-19 vaccines, including via production in Africa; strengthening pan-African institutions’ positions and roles within a new international financial architecture; relaunching public and private investment; and supporting large-scale financing of the African private sector.”

Such a post-summit agreement requires money. “The International Monetary Fund estimates that African countries will need $285 billion (R3.9 trillion) in additional financing by 2025, and there is no recovery plan or mechanism in place to secure these resources,” says the summit communique. That is a large sum of money to find and distribute carefully to address an economic recovery for Africa. Where Africa will get this money is still a question mark.

Africa’s broader inability to combat the pandemic remains the issue beyond the Paris meeting. And that’s where Maron’s convening power, as France leads the upcoming six-month term presidency of the Council of the European Union, becomes capital leverage to his visit to South Africa to firm up the call for the concerted action for a New Deal for Africa by European and African leaders.

However, Macron’s whistle-stop visit to South Africa last week was deceptive and rang hollow to anyone familiar with troubling events at home in France and Africa. A frank and honest audit of France’s colonial relationship with Africa is dire. The evidence is screaming out loudly across her former colonies. All of them are politically, economically and socially in crisis since their so-called independence in the 1960s. And since context matters and governs meaning, let us look at France’s context at home and abroad.

These are difficult times for France. At home, Macron faces a great economic downturn with the Covid-19 crisis, and a two-year ongoing protest by the gillet jaunes, a civic society movement that is opposing his deep cuts across the board in social security spending. More recently, the broad swipe letter of unhappy retired French Army officers about his government’s inability to deal with deep crises in France added to his troubles.

Abroad, and especially in Africa, since he became president of France, Macron must juggle the troubled colonial and post-colonial legacy of France in Africa.

In the Central Africa Republic, Mali, Chad, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal among many other countries in Africa where the cruelty and burden of France’s colonial past still burden the present, France is still supporting illegitimate governments and dictatorships. There is a growing so called anti-French sentiment sweeping the continent, that is forcing France to relook at her relationship with Africa.

Geopolitically and economically, France is faced with international pressure from Russia, China, Turkey, Iran and the Arab States, gradually encroaching on its old colonial space – in particular in West and Central Africa, and broadly across the continent.

Russia and Turkey have been more aggressive to challenge France in Africa. While Russia and Turkey project a hard power approach to entering Africa, China presents a soft power approach through large and successful economic and financial investments in Africa.

>>13851051 - I was somehow unable to submit Part 2 for a while but the last sentence should answer your question.

“French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South Africa a troubled roadshow” – Part 2dated 5 June 2021 at https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/french-president-emmanuel-macrons-visit-to-south-africa-a-troubled-roadshow-c19aa740-8167-4374-b2d7-bee2350e7b00

France has also been struggling to deal with escalating terrorism in the Sahel for the past decade without any great success.

Finally, France’s stubborn role to maintain her unhinged economic power over the colonial monetary system of the CFA system in West and Central Africa has generated anti-French sentiments in Africa. Despite all the trouble at home and abroad, France defends and maintains her indefensible African post-colonial foreign policy.

Macron is the symbol of a new generation of French leaders trying to navigate between a troubled colonial legacy and the new realities of a modern world where Africa has become the last geopolitical and economic frontier for world powers.

So given this background, Macron’s whistle-stop tour in South Africa looks to find new partners for France, and South Africa is among the old-new friends. Macron has been reaching out, successfully so, beyond her former colonial French-speaking sphere.

Yet, last week’s snap visit to South Africa still rings hollow to anyone familiar with France’s colonial past in the world, and particularly, in Africa. The dominant narrative that governed the recent visit of President Macron to Rwanda and South Africa lacks realism. A young French president whose youth and inexperience betray his knowledge of the legacy responsibility, and the burden of French colonial past in Africa.

France continues to have blood on her hands across Africa and she must own up to it, publicly. The quick acknowledgement to considering France’s role in the genocide in Rwanda is not enough. While it is an emotionally apt act to admit by president Macron, France must continue the course of a genuine apology to Africa via a frank and open relationship reset.

No isolated and friendly visit to South Africa will shore up the feeling and colonial legacy trauma that Africans feel about France.

*Koffi M. Kouakou, Africa Analyst and Senior Research Fellow at The Centre of Africa China.

“Policeman killed at construction site, allegedly stealing bricks, Khayelitsha”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/western-cape/policeman-killed-at-construction-site-allegedly-stealing-bricks-khayelitsha/

Harare police on patrol in the area in the early hours of Monday morning, 14 June 2021, came across a light delivery vehicle loading bricks at a construction site. As they approached the vehicle, four suspects fled. Police managed to arrest two suspects assisted by security guards who were on site.

As they were busy loading the arrested suspects into the police van, police came under fire. They returned fire.

The gunman was hit. He was taken to hospital where he died. It later transpired he was an off-duty police official attached to the Khayelitsha Tactical Response Team.

The Independent Police Investigation Directorate was informed.

Further investigations led the police to the home of the deceased where a generator stolen in a business robbery in the area was found. It was also discovered that the firearm used by the deceased to fire shots at the police was a service pistol registered in his name.

The vehicle that was loading bricks at the construction site belonged to the deceased.

Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thembisile Patekile has decried the involvement of police officials in crime. “Not only do they tarnish the name of the SAPS but their actions strain relations between police and communities”, says Major General Patekile. He vowed to root out bad apples within Western Cape SAPS.

“AfriForum requests explanation from Google for discrepancies in anti-minority discrimination in SA search results”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/afriforum-requests-explanation-from-google-for-discrepancies-in-anti-minority-discrimination-in-sa-search-results/

The South African civil rights organisation AfriForum directed a letter to Dr Alistair Mokoena, Country Director of Google South Africa. AfriForum requests an explanation for what appears to be Google suppressing relevant articles on its search engine that deal with anti-minority racism and/or racial discrimination in South Africa.

This discrepancy came to AfriForum’s attention via an investigative article by PoliticsWeb on the comparison of results between Google search engines versus other search engines for search strings such as anti-white racism in South Africa, anti-white racial discrimination in South Africa or discrimination against whites in South Africa.

Further investigation into this matter will be conducted with the help of specialists.

“Discrimination against and racism towards white South Africans and other minority groups are undeniable facts. It is worrisome that relevant and well-researched sources and articles on the issue do not appear in Google search results. This has real-world effects regarding the fostering of misconceptions and promoting misinformation,” says Ernst van Zyl, Campaign Officer for strategy and content at AfriForum.

The original Politicsweb article, “How Google is disappearing anti-white racism in SA” dated 23 June 2021 can be found at this link, https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/how-google-sends-antiwhite-racism-down-the-memory-. Below is an excerpt.

“This was a factual document, presented by a leader of one of the most representative civil society organisations of the Afrikaner community, to a Chapter Nine institution. For some reason Google decided that this presentation constituted “dangerous and derogatory” content and seems to have chosen to suppress it, and similar articles, when users around the world conduct search on this or related topics.”

“Amnesty International urges Eswatini authorities to respects human rights” – Violence is worsening- https://youtu.be/xd-IgHIg7w8

“WATCH: Eswatini military now shoots and beats citizens” - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/watch-eswatini-military-now-shoots-and-beats-citizens-sphofaneni-mbabane-swaziland-latest-news-king-mswati/

King Mswati III has allegedly unleashed the military unit to terrorise citizens in Eswatini because of the pro-democracy protests.

Eswatini continues to be rocked by gunfire and violence as pro-democracy protests intensify. Many parts of the country, especially Sphofaneni and Mbabane are up in flames as citizens have burnt down businesses and government infrastructure.

Despite an internet shutdown, Swazis have taken to social media alleging that King Mswati III has unleashed soldiers to terrorise citizens in their own homes and to shoot them in public for partaking in the ongoing protests.

WATCH: SOLDIERS NOW TERRORISE ESWATINI CITIZENS

Swaziland News has reported that King Mswati has unleashed soldiers on citizens. Members of the military are allegedly beating and killing citizens in the urban and rural parts of the kingdom.

ESWATINI UNREST: King Mswati has unleashed soldiers on armed citizens. Members of the military are beating and killing citizens in the urban and rural areas.

The SABC reported that hundreds of trucks have been parked stranded at the Oshoek Border Post waiting to cross into Eswatini. The border post is the biggest economic hub for Eswatini.

There are reports that pro-democracy protesters are targeting trucks transporting goods into Eswatini. On Tuesday night, Swazis continued with their protests despite a strict COVID-19 curfew imposed by the government. They burnt down Swaziland Breweries, trucks and other properties.

Swaziland Solidarity Network spokesperson Lucky Lukhele said the brewery is one of many businesses linked to King Mswati that have been attacked by protesters.

“Any major business, be it mining or car dealerships, the King demands a share from them of between 49% and 51%.

“The sugar belt and the forestry industry, in which the king has shares, are also being targeted so it is clear who the target is. There are SA businesses that became victims of the anger of the masses but the biggest attack is directed at businesses linked to the royal family.”

SWAZIS WANT KING MSWATI TO SURRENDER POWER

According to Swaziland News, Eswatini is facing growing calls for democratic reforms, citizens in the rural areas petitioned the King’s Government through their MPs, demanding democratic reforms.

The publication also reported that King Mswati issued a decree stopping the delivery of petitions across the the country as pro-democracy protests intensify spreading rapidly to the rural areas.

The decree was announced on Thursday (24 June) by Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku who currently holds Executive powers on behalf of the King. Masuku then said citizens can submit their petitions via email and imposed a strict COVID-19 curfew from 18:00 to 05:00 which also coincides with the protests.

“JUST IN: Zondo Commission granted extension, Ramaphosa set to appear” – Jacob Zuma gets a 15 month prison sentence- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/zondo-commission-granted-three-months-extension-cyril-ramaphosa-and-others-to-appear-state-capture-latest-news/

The State Capture Commission has been granted another three months extension to wrap up, its Chairperson DCJ Zondo confirmed.

The State Capture Commission (aka Zondo Commission) has been granted yet another three months extension to complete its work.

The Commission’s Chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Zondo confirmed on Wednesday during a briefing on the Commission’s work so far.

ZONDO COMMISSION GIVEN UNTIL END OF SEPTEMBER TO WRAP UP

During the briefing, the Deputy Chief Justice said they planned to finish oral evidence by the end of March but there was evidence that they could not ignore. He added that the High Court has granted the commission an extension until September 2021.

Zondo also said that the commission will soon be resuming to prepare its report, and said that he has been informed that the transcript of the evidence is already over 71 000 pages.

DCJ Zondo explained that ‘five or six more witnesses’ were still due to give crucial evidence – and there’s the small matter of President Ramaphosa’s outstanding testimony to resolve.

“During the period where the Commission was not sitting at the beginning of June, they had time to carefully look at some matters relating to certain evidence and resolved that it’s important to continue with certain evidence.”

“The Commission must still continue to hear the evidence of other five or six implicated witnesses – including the evidence of Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity and the leader of the ANC and the President of South Africa.”

The Commission welcomed the he Constitutional Court’s decision to impose a 15-month prison sentence on former president Jacob Zuma that was handed down on Tuesday, 29 June by Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe.

“The commission views the judgment as one of great importance for the rule of law, the principle of equality before the law, the primacy of our Constitution and the protection of our constitutional democracy,” said commission secretary Itumeleng Mosala

“ANC controlled eThekwini punishes consumers of renewable energy”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/kwazulu-natal/anc-controlled-ethekwini-punishes-consumers-of-renewable-energy/

The FF Plus finds it unacceptable that the households in the eThekwini Metro Council (Durban and surrounding areas) that opt to use renewable energy, but are still connected to the Metro’s backup power system, have to pay more for electricity.

On 1 July 2021, electricity tariffs in the eThekwini Metro will increase with 14,56%, but consumers of renewable energy who make use of, among other things, solar panels will have to pay even more for electricity.

According to the Metro Council, it will lose R1 billion in revenue if people turn to renewable energy sources.

The Metro Council is making a mockery of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to increasingly make use of environmentally friendly renewable energy and is letting the opportunity to become independent of Eskom and be free of load shedding slip through its fingers.

“Don't celebrate just yet.. (Zuma’s sentence)”- https://youtu.be/jaLEdEAJzMY

“Zuma is going to jail but he did not have a defence at the trial, his sentence is very lenient and the whole thing is very convenient for the ANC. I have my doubts about the whole thing..”

Sources;

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-29-concourt-finds-jacob-zuma-guilty-of-unprecedented-contempt-seals-sanction-with-15-month-jail-sentence/

https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/adriaanbasson/first-take-jacob-zuma-the-guillotine-finally-falls-on-a-serial-constitutional-delinquent-20210629

Which makes it more interesting; “‘Arrest de Klerk first’: Zuma family now rejecting jail sentence” at https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/jacob-zuma-family-how-many-brothers-who-are-they/ states;

“With both brothers ripping into the judiciary and law enforcement officials, Khanya took things one step further earlier this morning. He hinted that the Zuma family would not cooperate with police – unless they go out and arrest FW de Klerk.”

“Edward Zuma briefs the media following Constitutional Court ruling” - https://youtu.be/EzF4ryl8y4Y

“‘I will die before my father goes to jail’, says Edward Zuma”- https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-06-30-i-will-die-before-my-father-goes-to-jail-says-edward-zuma/

One of the sons of former president Jacob Zuma remains defiant that he will die before he witnesses his father walking through prison gates.

Speaking to the media outside Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, Edward Zuma maintained law enforcement agencies would have to go through him before getting hold of his father.

“My position has been known and I still maintain it. Whatever decisions are taken by law enforcement, they will have to kill me before such a decision is implemented,” he said.

“If that drastic decision happens to be taken, it means they have to pass through me, meaning I will lay down my life for [former] president Zuma. They will not take him to prison while I am still alive.”

Edward insisted he was not reckless in making those comments.

On Tuesday the Constitutional Court sentenced the former president to 15 months behind bars after he was found guilty of contempt of court for failure to comply with an order issued by it to honour a summons to appear before the state capture inquiry.

“The only appropriate sanction is a direct unsuspended order of imprisonment,” said acting deputy chief justice Sisi Khampepe.

“If with impunity litigants are allowed to decide which orders they may wish to obey and which they wish to ignore, then our constitution is not worth the paper on which it is written.”

Zuma snubbed the inquiry and attacked the integrity of some of its officials, including inquiry chair deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo.

He has five days to hand himself over to authorities to start serving his sentence.

Before then, Edward welcomed supporters of the former president to the family’s home.

“We encourage people to come in their numbers to support [former] president Zuma,” Edward said.

Asked whether Covid-19 regulations, which prohibit gatherings, were considered, Edward said they were irrelevant.

“We are in a situation of war here. We cannot be considering Covid-19 restrictions. If it means we die, we die.”

“‘Over 100 Zuma supporters were armed’ – Cele defends Nkandla police”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/nkandla-police-latest-updates-jacob-zuma-jail-bheki-cele-supporters-armed/

According to Minister Cele, police had no choice but 'to take a step back' while monitoring the tense situation in Nkandla over the weekend.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has leapt to the defence of police officers who patrolled Nkandla over the weekend after scores of protesters lined up to defend Jacob Zuma at his sprawling homestead. The 79-year-old is facing a 15-month jail sentence, and could be forcibly arrested by Wednesday. However, SAPS stands accused of ‘being too lenient’.

BHEKI CELE INSISTS ‘ARRESTS WILL BE MADE’ AMONGST ZUMA SUPPORTERS

The mass gatherings, which have been ongoing since the first day of the month, are in direct disregard of the Level 4 lockdown restrictions. No crowds are allowed to congregate while the Delta variant surges through the country, and these particular events could soon be labelled as ‘super-spreaders’. But policing the demonstrators is no easy task.

Cele rallied behind the officers, and praised them for ‘avoiding another Marikana’ incident. He also insisted that justice will be delivered on those who broke the law, as SAPS are now studying TV footage and security cameras to identify the main culprits. Some protesters have scuffled with journalists, and others have discharged their firearms illegally.

‘HUNDREDS ARMED’ AT NKANDLA PROTESTS

Indeed, the issue with the guns seems to be the biggest bone of contention. Cele wasn’t best pleased to learn that more than 100 Zuma supporters at Nkandla were armed. Although they were outnumbered by firearm-equipped officers, the hatted minister believes that the cops did the right thing by ‘avoiding the outcome of chaos’.

“The job of the police is to enforce the law. But in the same sentence, it is to protect the inhabitants of the country. bullets have no eyes to say this is a child, this is a woman… over 100 people were armed. To say the police did nothing is wrong. We had a big contingent of officers around Nkandla, there were about 200 police, including special forces.”

“Special forces when they get there and somebody who is reckless, who has no responsibility whatsoever who wants to cause chaos… we are not going to be sucked in the chaos the people that, when lives are lost, they have no responsibility to explain. We have a reference point in SA. We have Marikana and we don’t want to go back there.”

“Red alert! Interpol issue ‘most wanted’ warning for two Gupta brothers”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-what-gupta-brothers-interpol-red-list-when-will-be-arrested/

Interpol has stepped up its pursuit of the Gupta brothers, by placing them on the 'Red Notice list' - here's what that means for the billionaires.

Two of the infamous Gupta brothers have been placed on Interpol’s ‘Red Notice list’ – a move that now compels other international police agencies to be on ‘high alert’ for the wanted fugitives.

WHICH GUPTA BROTHERS ARE ON THE INTERPOL RED LIST?

Both Atul and Rajesh ‘Tony’ Gupta were named by Interpol on Monday morning. Hermione Cronje, of the NPA’s Investigative Directorate, confirmed the news via a statement. As well as the well-known state captors, both of their spouses and four other figures also find themselves on Interpol’s ‘most wanted’ database.

RED ALERT! WHAT NEXT FOR THE GUPTAS?

The Gupta brothers fled South Africa in 2018, and are believed to be residing in Dubai. An extradition treaty between Mzansi and the UAE was signed back in June, putting the Indian billionaires on shaky legal ground. However, those foundations have been thoroughly rattled once more, following Interpol’s intervention.

It’s worth noting that a Red Notice doesn’t actually constitute an international arrest warrant. What it does do, however, is ensure that law enforcement agencies across the world can now locate the Guptas and report them for extradition.

“A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. Red Notices are published by INTERPOL at the request of a member country, and must comply with INTERPOL’s Constitution and Rules – they are not, however, an international arrest warrant.”

“They are used to simultaneously alert police in all our member countries about internationally wanted fugitives. Police in other countries can then be on the watch for them and use the Red Notice to support extradition proceedings. Red Notices help bring fugitives to justice, sometimes many years after the original crime was committed.”

>>14072384

“Lockdown latest: Nearly 300 NW arrests as Cele praises Nkandla SAPS”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/lockdown-latest-arrests-north-west-bheki-cele-praises-nkandla-saps-zuma-level-4-how-many-monday-5-july/

All are not equal under the law of the land, it seems. Nearly 300 people were arrested for lockdown offences in the North West last week.

Many people across South Africa watched on in shock as thousands of people flocked to former President Jacob Zuma’s home in Nkandla on Monday with little to no consideration of lockdown regulations. More shocking was the apparent lack of action or concern by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for this blatant flouting of restrictions pertaining to gatherings and social distancing.

In direct contrast to the stunning scene that unfolded on Sunday, police in the North West province reported on Monday that they have arrested 282 people for apparent lockdown violations, raising questions over whether the all are equal under the law of the land.

NORTH-WEST POLICE MAKE 283 ARRESTS

SAPS spokesperson in the North West province,Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, said in a statement that between Monday 28 June and yesterday afternoon, nearly 300 suspects had been taken into custody for a variety of offences related to Level 4 lockdown laws.

“Police in the province working together with other law enforcement agencies arrested 282 suspects between Monday, 28 June and Sunday, 04 July 2021 for various Disaster Management Act Regulations related offences,” he said.

Sabata said that the police arrested 72 people for failure to confine to their residences, 137 for being in public/open space without wearing a mask, and hundreds more forr contraventions such as sale and dispensing of liquor, failure to close places permitted to remain open by 20:00 and gather for reason other than a funeral.

>>14072384

“KZN man arrested for helping mugging victim – because it was ‘after curfew’”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-man-arrested-helping-mugging-victims-after-curfew-durban/

A 25-year-old male from Durban, who rushed to help his friends following a mugging, was in court on Monday - accused of breaking SA's curfew laws.

A graduate employee from Durban, KZN was arrested over the weekend for breaking curfew – after he allegedly went to assist a friend who had been targeted by a mugger. According to his own testimony and the account of his boss, the youngster sprang into action to help those stranded, before he was confronted by some overzealous police officers.

‘CRAZY’ CURFEW COPS CUFF COMPASSIONATE COMPANION

The friend’s car broke down in the middle of Durban on Saturday evening. At that point, the couple in the vehicle were robbed of their valuables. In a state following their ordeal, they gave the financial services worker (who has chosen to remain anonymous) a call – and he immediately darted into action, collecting the petrified pair from the roadside.

After the female victim was returned home, the other pair were collared by the police just after the curfew kicked in. Given that they were both outside of their homes during the nine-hour shutdown, officers decided to make an arrest.

KZN MAN ARRESTED FOR ‘BREAKING CURFEW’

The ridiculous altercation further compounded the stress and terror of this evening from hell. The 25-year-old made a call to his workplace, explaining the utterly bizarre set of events. Stuart Johnson was all too happy to vouch for his employee, and fronted the cash to get him a lawyer. Johnson’s account of the situations sums it up perfectly:

“Tomorrow an employee appears in the Magistrate’s Court for breaching curfew. He went to help a friend whose car broke down in Central Durban at 19:30. The friend and girlfriend were mugged. She got a lift, arrived home frantic after midnight. They went to help, but were arrested and charged – with no lee-way. Police had zero sympathy.”

“They would not go to the broken-down car two minutes away. He’s in our Graduate program. We’re in financial services. A conviction sees him debarred. We’ve paid for an attorney, to make sure he has a chance. A 25-year-old is about to have his future kicked for something relatively small – yet some people are treasonous and remain free.”

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL…

Thankfully, common sense prevailed in the courtroom on Monday morning. Johnson Tweeted an update, saying that the case was processed ‘within five minutes’. The annoyance of all involved, however, remains apparent.

“Gunmen kidnap 140 school students in northwest Nigeria”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/gunmen-kidnap-140-school-students-in-northwest-nigeria/

"The kidnappers took away 140 students, only 25 students escaped. We still have no idea where the students were taken," said Emmanuel Paul, a teacher at the school.

Gunmen kidnapped 140 students from a boarding school in northwestern Nigeria on Monday, a school official said, the latest in a wave of mass abductions targetting schoolchildren and students.

Heavily-armed criminal gangs often attack villages to loot, steal cattle and abduct for ransom in northwest and central Nigeria, but since the start of the year they have increasingly targeted schools and colleges.

The attackers opened fire and overpowered security guards after storming the Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna state in the early hours of Monday, abducting most of the 165 pupils boarding there overnight.

“The kidnappers took away 140 students, only 25 students escaped. We still have no idea where the students were taken,” Emmanuel Paul, a teacher at the school told AFP.

Kaduna state police spokesman Muhammed Jalige confirmed the early Monday morning attack, but could not give details on the number of pupils taken.

“Tactical police teams went after the kidnappers,” he said. “We are still on the rescue mission.”

Police said they had safely rescued 26 people, including a female teacher.

Around 1,000 students and pupils have been abducted in Nigeria since December. Most have been released after negotiations with local officials, although some are still being held.

Often, gangs target rural schools and colleges where students stay in dormitories and security is light, allowing them to easily transport large numbers of victims to forest hideouts to negotiate ransoms.

FOREST HIDEOUTS

The kidnapping of Nigeria schoolchildren first made international headlines in 2014 when jihadist group Boko Haram snatched nearly 300 schoolgirls from a rural school in Chibok in northeast Borno state.

Recent abductions by gunmen have prompted six northern states to shut public schools to prevent such attacks.

Bethel Baptist High School is a co-education college established by the Baptist church in 1991 at Maramara village in Chikun district outside the state capital Kaduna.

Monday’s attack was the fourth mass school kidnapping in Kaduna state since December.

Kaduna state governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been one of the most vocal local leaders insisting he will refuse to pay ransom money.

Monday’s school abduction came just hours after gunmen snatched eight medical employees from a Kaduna health centre, according to police.

President Muhammadu Buhari, a former general first elected in 2015, has promised to end the scourge of kidnapping and criminal gangs, but the mass abductions are only one challenge facing his government.

Nigeria’s security forces have been battling a jihadist insurgency the northeast since 2009, a conflict that has killed around 40,000 people and displaced more than two million more.

The criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, operate from camps in the vast Rugu forest, which cuts across Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states in Nigeria, as well as neighbouring Niger.

Nigeria’s air force has in the past attacked bandit camps while some northern states have sought to negotiate with the gangs by offering amnesties in return for disarmament.

But attempted ceasefires have failed and local negotiations have been mostly opposed by Buhari’s government which has warned that rewarding bandits would backfire.

>>14072384

>>14072397

“‘Nkandla protests organised by ANC officials’ – Duarte drops a bombshell”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/jessie-duarte-nec-briefing-nkandla-organised-who-anc-members/

The plot is thickening this week: Jessie Duarte suspects her own ANC comrades are responsible for organising the mass gatherings at Nkandla.

ANC Acting Secretary-General Jessie Duarte has revealed that the NEC are now convinced that the mass gatherings at Nkandla were not organised by citizens supportive of Jacob Zuma – instead suspecting that the illegal protests were actually ‘engineered from within the ranks of the party’.

ANC NEC SHARE WEEKEND RESOLUTIONS

After a tumultuous week for the ANC, the NEC had a lot to discuss. On the agenda was the troublesome behaviour of the MKMVA members of the party – Duarte, seemingly in the mood to drop a few bombshells today, announced that the wing has been ‘permanently disbanded’. And she wasn’t finished there.

Duarte also wants suspended Scretary-General Ace Magashule to ‘explain himself’ for telling disciplined members to ‘defy rulings made against them’. Several high-profile ANC members have been stung by the Integrity Commission, which requires representatives to ‘step aside from their positions’ if they are accused of unbecoming conduct.

WHO ORGANISED THE NKANDLA PROTESTS?

However, it was the ASG’s Nkandla-related admission that raised eyebrows first. Duarte started the meeting by explaining that the thousands who arrived at the former president’s homestead to ‘protect him from arrest’ didn’t emerge at the venue spontaneously, but were instead instructed to occupy the venue by as-yet-unnamed political leaders.

“The NEC believes the situation in KwaZulu Natal does not represent a popular uprising, but has been engineered from within the ranks of the ANC. The police deployed in Nkandla managed the situation as best as they could, avoiding a situation in which deliberate acts of provocation may have resulted in bloodshed.”

“We have ratified the immediate disband the MKMVA and MK Veterans Council. The threat of undermining democracy and its core principles is counter-revolutionary… we have also noted the failed attempts at national mobilisation – organising shutdowns, lawlessness, and mass protests against the ConCourt ruling.”

More on Jessie Duarte;

“Duarte says MKMVA, Carl Niehaus ‘behaved like terrorists’ at Nkandla” - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/who-is-carl-niehaus-terrorist-comparison-mkmva-nkandla-anc-nec-duarte/

““The actions [of the MKMVA] were akin to similar displays and acts by extreme right-wing elements. Words such as ‘human shields’ were used, we sat up and took notes. Those are words that are used by terrorists. Human shields… it’s a worrisome thing when words like that are used – we wanted to make sure that there was no bloodshed.””

“‘We love Zuma, and hope he wins his court appeal’ – Jessie Duarte” - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/jessie-duarte-anc-nec-briefing-love-jacob-zuma/

““We would hope that comrade Zuma’s legal application to the Constitutional Court will be successful. He is an elder and we love him and respect him. He is still a member of ANC, and he will not be asked to step aside.””

“Cele in major ‘u-turn’: Minister now says police WILL arrest Zuma”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/bheki-cele-changes-mind-jacob-zuma-arrest-court-case/

Bheki Cele has a great hat collection, but it seems he's also partial to 'flip-flops': The minister has now changed course with his treatment of Jacob Zuma.

In the last seven days, things have moved at a frenetic pace for Jacob Zuma – and those trying to make him face the music. Since he was sentenced to a 15-month stretch in prison, Msholozi has fought tooth and nail to avoid the slammer. Overnight, it looked as if Bheki Cele would help him with that, but the police minister has now changed his tone.

A U-TURN TO NKANDLA? BHEKI CELE SIGNALS CHANGE IN TONE

In a letter addressed to the Constitutional Court, Mr. Cele explained that he would not give the order to arrest Jacob Zuma ‘until his court challenges are finalised’. That, however, would be in direct violation of the guidance given by ConCourt – to the point where the top cop himself could be found guilty of contempt.

This legal shock to the system has seemingly changed Cele’s outlook. He appeared on Newzroom Afrika this morning to clarify his stance on the Zuma saga. The minister is now arguing that his initial hesitancy was to allow ‘space’ for legal proceedings to develop naturally – but ultimately, SAPS will be guided by ConCourt’s directive.

“Who am I to tell the court [anything]? There were no ifs and buts, it was a straight issue, until these twists and turns came up. All we are doing is seeking clarification, and we are not opposing. Whatever the court tells us to do, we’ll do it.”

“We are not lawyers, we are at the end tail where we take instructions… We are still bound by any direction that the office of the DCJ gives to us. We are not saying we’ll sit there and wait, what we are doing, is creating space for things to be finalised. Whatever direction is given to us, we will take it.” | Bheki Cele

POLICE MINISTER SAYS JACOB ZUMA ‘CAN BE ARRESTED THIS WEEK’

Cele was also pushed to explain if his new stance meant that we could expect to see the arrest of Jacob Zuma this week – and the hatted minister believes that this should happen by Thursday. He explains that he is giving uBaba until the last possible minute to hand himself over – otherwise, once the clock strikes midnight tomorrow, Zuma WILL be detained.

“We have written the letter and the onus is on the ConCourt to direct us. If we DO NOT receive that, we have a direction that ends at midnight on Wednesday. If we then receive no NEW direction, before that time… the South African Police WILL have to arrest Jacob Zuma, if he doesn’t hand himself in. We only have two days to go with this.”

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“‘Is he hiding in a bunker?’ Ramaphosa taunted for silence on Zuma issue”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-latest-where-is-cyril-ramaphosa-reaction-said-about-jacob-zuma/

It has been a full week since Jacob Zuma was sentenced to jail. A LOT has gone off in the past seven days, and just about everyone in South Africa has had something to say about the former president’s defiance of ConCourt’s ruling. Everyone, that is, except for Cyril Ramaphosa – and our current head of state still remains silent on the matter.

WHERE IS CYRIL RAMAPHOSA?

DA leader John Steenhuisen has challenged Cyril Ramaphosa to say something – anything, even – in the face of a possible Constitutional crisis. The ANC is fighting a bitter factional war as it stands, and although the 68-year-old may not want to kick a hornet’s nest right now, ignoring the issue won’t make it go away either.

“It’s essential that Ramaphosa speaks up about the events happening in SA, in both the Constitutional Court and Nkandla. If he fails to break his silence, it will create a two-tier system where laws only apply to some people. Many South Africans make sacrifices during lockdown, but what’s happening in Nkandla is a slap in the face for us all.”

“It’s not fair to inflict lockdown laws on businesses when there are these scenes of impunity. A failure to intervene will see Ramaphosa remembered as the president who happily jailed joggers, cyclists, and beachgoers, but did nothing to discipline his own associates in the ANC.” | John Steenhuisen

DA TAUNT PRESIDENT, ACCUSE HIM OF ‘HIDING OUT’

Steenhuisen has been flanked by shadow trade minister, Dean Macpherson. He’s also poked fun at the passive president, suggesting – with a tongue planted firmly in cheek – that Ramaphosa is currently hiding in a bunker somewhere.

“Cyril Ramaphosa, the so called great negotiator, strategist and constitutional architect is nothing other than a spectator to Zuma letting off nuclear bombs in the ANC and South Africa. He is enabling Zuma’s behaviour by hiding in a bunker. We must demand he speaks up!”

RAMAPHOSA REMAINS ABSENT IN FACE OF ZUMA DRAMA

Since 30 June, Cyril Ramaphosa has been part of several engagements: He made an appearance at the Generation Equality forum, and also flew to Zambia for the funeral of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. On Monday, the head of state issued his weekly newsletter to the nation – but opted to speak about mining, rather than events at Nkandla.

His diary doesn’t really give away much, either. There’s nothing officially scheduled for the remainder of July at this point for Mr. Ramaphosa. Perhaps he’s struggling to get WiFi down in that bunker, who knows…

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“Mahikeng total shutdown: North West SAPS condemn calls for violence”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/mahikeng-total-shutdown-north-west-saps-condemn-calls-for-violence-whatsapp-messages-lockdown-level-4-latest/

SAPS in the North West said that messages doing the rounds on social media calling for a 'total shutdown' of Mahikeng should be dismissed.

Police in the North West province have warned that messages doing the rounds on social media trying to mobilise support for a “total shutdown” of Mahikeng on Wednesday 7 July are malicious and will not be tolerated.

Police have ramped up visibility in the province, and announced that 283 people were arrested last week in relation to lockdown contraventions. On Saturday, law enforcement officials took to the streets to check compliance, with residents ordered to wear masks and abide by social distancing protocols.

SAPS CALL FOR CALM IN MAHIKENG

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in a statement on Tuesday that any attempts to incite criminality will be swiftly eradicated.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province noted with concern message doing the rounds on various social media platforms notifying Mahikeng community about the so called “Mahikeng Total Shutdown” on Wednesday, 7 July 2021,” she said.

“Members of the community are urged to ignore this message, which is meant to mobilise them to take part in an illegal activity. Law abiding citizens are advised to respect the rule of law and not to participate in actions that are destined to undermine and challenge the authority of the State.”

LOCKDOWN LAWS ‘CANNOT BE UNDERMINED’

Mokgwabone said that the spreading of false information or use of social media for nefarious means cannot be tolerated.

“The use of social media platforms to encourage, incite and mobilise others to commit crime is therefore discouraged. Furthermore, the police will not tolerate any criminality or action that is intended to cause destruction of properties including Essential Infrastructure and disruption of basic services.”

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena called for calm among members of the public.

“We are therefore calling upon all members of the community to not only avoid being part of any action that is intended to undermine or challenge the authority of the State, but to report all criminal acts to the police”, he said