Ramaphosa hoping to finalise a trade deal with the US, and SANDF delays probe into death of 14 soldiers

Today, 6 February, the Rand is trading at R16.25 to the Dollar, from R16.14 at the close of business on Thursday. 

The Madlanga Commission investigating corruption in the police and criminal justice system will hear from Businessman Suleiman Carrim today, after his attempt to block his subpoena in the High Court was unsuccessful. 

This follows yesterday’s testimony from the South African Police Service Head of Quality Management, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng.

She alleged that she is in a romantic relationship with alleged cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, attributing gifts and money received from the alleged crime kingpin to this, and not to bribery.

Matlala himself will return to the Johannesburg High Court today, after challenging the order to have him moved to eBongweni Super Maximum Prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The alleged crime boss’s lawyers have pleaded with the court to halt the move, arguing that it would be impossible to consult the accused and prepare for his trial. The court will receive an update from the state on what prompted the transfer. 

Three suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrates Court today in connection with a mass shooting that took place on the R59 in Meyerton on Tuesday, in which six people were killed. 

Former President and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party will hold a press briefing today to share updates about the party.

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

SANDF accused of delaying probe into death of 14 soldiers in DRC – DailyMaverick

Over a year after 14 South African soldiers were killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), analysts suspect that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is delaying a probe into the deaths because the mission was so poorly conceived by military leadership. 

Ramaphosa hoping to finalise a trade deal with the US – SABC

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the news of the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), saying that the government is in discussions with the US Trade Department and hopes to finalise a trade deal with the US soon. 

Corruption-accused municipal CFO reinstated – Newsday

A fierce legal battle is erupting in the City of Matlosana, after the council decided to reinstate former Chief Financial Officer, Mercy Phetla, who was dismissed in January 2026 following a disciplinary inquiry into allegations of fraud and corruption.

Mismanagement, not funding, to blame for poor municipal performance – Citizen

Civil rights group, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), commenting on the Polokwane Municipality’s poor financial management records, said that municipalities have enough money, but mismanagement and the employment of incompetent cadres prevent entities from performing well.

DSTV won’t have any coverage of the Winter Olympics – MyBroadband

This year, SuperSport will not have any coverage of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, including no live coverage or highlights on Catch Up, despite South Africa sending its largest-ever winter sports delegation to the games this year.