Joburg mayor back in the firing line, and inquiry into SANDF disobedience launched

Today, 29 January, the Rand is trading at R15.65 to the Dollar, continuing to strengthen from R15.90 at the close of business on Wednesday. 

In the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating allegations of corruption in the police and criminal justice system, KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Lesetja Senona will continue his testimony today. 

Senona has been testifying on his close relationship to criminally accused tender tycoon Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, whom he said he has known since 2019. 

Matlala himself and his co-accused will return to court this morning for a pre-trial hearing. The controversial businessman is facing several counts of attempted murder, including ordering a hit on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is preparing to announce the first repo rate decision of 2026 today. 

A majority of economists believe the central bank will be cautious in its approach, but factors such as the Rand strengthening against the dollar may work in consumers’ favour. 

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

Johannesburg Mayor faces a third motion of no confidence – eNCA

Mayor Dada Morero is facing a third motion of no confidence, after coalition partners, led by Al Jama-ah, resolved to remove the mayor. The parties say pressure is growing within the ANC itself for Morero to step down. 

Board of inquiry into SANDF disobedience established – Daily Maverick

Three retired judges and a retired rear admiral have been appointed by defence minister Angie Motshekga to investigate why President Cyril Ramaphosa’s orders for Iranian warships not to participate in a joint naval exercise earlier this month were ignored. 

Crime intelligence cut crimefighting budget for pricey property purchases – News24

Now-suspended Inspector General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, has exposed that Crime Intelligence officials slashed the budgets of the division’s nine provincial outposts to fund five property purchases worth over R120 million.

Bela Act causes uproar at top Afrikaans school – Newsday

The BELA Act has been used to justify placing an additional 80 learners at an Afrikaans School in the North-West province, over and above its capacity, and requiring the school to change its language of instruction.

South Africa’s biggest water treatment plant explodes – BusinessTech

An explosion at South Africa’s biggest water-treatment plant, about 70 km south of Johannesburg, has disrupted bulk supply to parts of Gauteng, already struggling under a constrained system.