Gayton McKenzie taken to court, and FlySafair cabin crew allegedly ignored during airline sale

Today, 12 February, the Rand is trading at R15.88 to the Dollar, from R15.91 at the close of business on Wednesday. 

Parliament and the Presidency are gearing up to host the State of the Nation Address (SONA) today at 7 pm this evening. 

This year’s SONA coincides with the 30th anniversary of the South African constitution, adopted in 1996. 

The president is expected to reflect not only on the past year but on the past 30 years of democracy before outlining the priorities for the year ahead. 

The long-delayed Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) cases Inquiry is set to call its first witness today, after the committee kicked off its work on Wednesday with opening addresses. 

The Inquiry was established by President Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of political interference and deliberate attempts to impede the prosecution of apartheid era crimes. 

The first witness to take the stand is Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, whose sister disappeared in 1983 while on a mission for the African National Congress (ANC) in Eswatini. Two security branch police stand accused of her murder. 

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

FlySafair cabin allegedly crew ignored during airline sale – News24

The South African Cabin Crew Association says it plans to approach the Competition Commission, after workers were excluded from negotiations about the sale of the airline to Harith, and only found out through media reports. They are asking for reassurance that their jobs are safe. 

Gayton McKenzie taken to court – Daily Maverick

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, was taken to Court on Wednesday after he cancelled South Africa’s participation at the 2026 Venice Biennale, disapproving of the artwork the country was set to display. He was accused of violating freedom of expression.

R646 million irregular water contract uncovered – Newsday

The Special Tribunal has declared a R646 million water contract constitutionally invalid and set it aside. The dodgy contract was uncovered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) after the budget ballooned from R407 million to R646.5 million.

Panyaza Lesufi forced to book a hotel to bathe – Newsday

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi assured residents across the country’s richest province that he too feels their plight of prolonged dry taps, noting that he sometimes has to bathe in a hotel.

Almost half of South Africans living abroad are never coming back – BusinessTech

A new report shows that more than 1 million rich and well-educated South Africans made the decision to emigrate, and a poll of those living in 73 different countries shows that nearly half will not come home, citing fears about insecurity and safety.