R255 million corruption trial delayed again, and name change for major South African province debated

Today, 27 January, the Rand is trading at R16.03 to the Dollar, after reaching a historic strength of R115.94 at the close of business on Monday, breaking below the R16 threshold for the first time since 2022. 

In the Madlanga Commission of inquiry today, KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona is expected to testify, giving insight into his relationship with controversial tender tycoon Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. 

He is expected to respond to allegations that he and his son had business interests with Matlala and that they had a potential property deal in place. 

In Limpopo, the death toll from recent floods has risen to 25. Limpopo’s Cooperative Governance Department confirmed the deaths and said that three people remain missing. 

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, as more rain is forecast in the province this week. 

In the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo today, the trial of a Limpopo farmer accused of killing two women and throwing their bodies in a pigsty is expected to continue. 

Zacharia Olivier is facing two counts of murder for shooting and killing Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu in 2024.

Here are five other big things happening in South Africa today:

R255 million asbestos corruption trial delayed again – eNCA

The asbestos corruption trial of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule and 16 co-accused has been postponed again, as Magashule’s personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, continues to challenge the unlawfulness of her extradition from the United States.

Black farmers struggling to build successful farms – Newsday

According to Dr Theo de Jager, a farmer and Executive Director of the Southern African Agri Initiative, skilled black farmers in South Africa are struggling to build succesful businesses because they don’t own the land they farm, limiting their access to capital.

New ANC Johannesburg leadership says election was not rigged – EWN

Newly elected regional leadership for the African National Congress (ANC) in the greater Johannesburg region has dismissed claims that the conference was rigged after ballot papers were discovered in a house in Pretoria over the weekend. 

Interpol-wanted drug trafficker found working at Constantia Virgin Active – Daily Maverick

A man, originally from Bulgaria, and wanted for drug trafficking by the international police organisation Interpol, has been found working as a personal trainer in the upmarket suburb of Cape Town.

Name change on the cards for major South African province – BusinessTech

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has called for the “Natal” to be removed from the name “KwaZulu-Natal,” arguing that the area was known as KwaZulu before colonisation.