South African men return home from Russia war, and ANC leaders investigated for apartheid-era crimes

Today, 26 February, the rand is trading at R15.85 to the dollar, down from R15.88 at the close of business on Wednesday. 

The Johannesburg city council will meet today to elect the city’s first deputy mayor. This is after the council passed a motion to create the new office earlier this month.

In the same council sitting, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero will face another vote of no confidence today. 

A pre-trial hearing will begin today at the Johannesburg High Court in the case against alleged crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. 

Matlala, his wife Tsakane, and three others are facing 25 charges of attempted murder. Matlala’s lawyers say he is eager for the trial to begin so he can prove his innocence. 

Forensic Investigator Paul O’Sullivan will return to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of corruption in the police and criminal justice system today to continue his testimony. 

His appearance will then be followed by that of former acting Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. 

The City of Cape Town is clamping down on water wastage, announcing major investments in repairing and replacing ageing infrastructure to stop leaks. This is as municipal officials report that dam storage is sitting at just 57%, dropping by 2% week on week. 

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

South African men conned into fighting for Russia return home – News24

11 of the South African men who were conned into fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine arrived at King Shaka International Airport on Wednesday. The men were told they were training as bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe party. One of the men returned severely injured and in a wheelchair. 

Some of Ramaphosa’s plans not funded in 2026 Budget – Daily Maverick

Some of the plans announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address, including a redesign of social grants, funding for small businesses, and specialised courts for commercial matters, did not get the budget allocation required for implementation. 

ANC leaders to be investigated in TRC commission – eNCA

Afriforum CEO Kallie Kriel will appear before the Khampepe Commission investigating allegations of political interference in the prosecution of TRC cases. Kriel made a formal application asking for ANC leaders to be probed about their crimes during the apartheid era.

Billions allocated to South Africa’s army to fight crime – BusinessTech

The government has allocated R848.2 billion over the medium term to combating crime and ensuring territorial integrity. This is in line with Ramaphosa’s announcement that he has deployed the South African Defence Force to fight illegal mining and gangsterism.

Two ANC leaders cost South Africa 550,000 jobs – Newsday

Mining analyst Peter Major says Cyril Ramaphosa and Gwede Mantashe have overseen the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in South Africa’s mining sector by killing the industry slowly.