Brian Molefe quits parliament, and Eskom backtracks on fines for solar users

Today, 5 February, the Rand is trading at R16.16 to the dollar, weakening from R15.99 at the close of business on Wednesday. 

A new witness is set to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating corruption in the police and criminal justice system today. 

For safety reasons, the commission will not share the witness’s identity until the eleventh hour. This is after the commission concluded with the testimony of an anonymous witness on Wednesday, a member of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit. 

While Johannesburg Water insists that water supply across the Midrand area is showing improvement after over a week of dry taps, residents are still reporting that water has not returned, marking day 8 of the outage for many. 

Officials said that the system would reach at least 40% by Wednesday afternoon, but insist the system is continuing to recover and that the water supply should improve.

Alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe is expected to make his first court appearance today at the Johannesburg High Court. 

Molefe and three co-accused are facing charges in connection with the 2022 murders of popular musicians DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos. He has also been implicated in the Madlanga Commission, accused of dodgy dealings with the Gauteng police. 

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

Brian Molefe quits parliament and will focus on MK Party – EWN

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party said that Brian Molefe’s resignation from parliament on Wednesday will allow him to focus full-time on building the stability of the MK Party. He is currently the party’s treasurer general and is out on bail for a corruption charge.

Municipal officials blow millions on food and travel – Newsday

Between October and December 2025 alone, the Mogale City Local Municipality spent R1.86 million on travel, conferences, and catering while residents grapple with deteriorating basic service delivery. Officials describe the spending as a “drop in the ocean”.

Millions looted from a KZN old age facility – TimesLive

The Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal conducted an investigation that found that R4.6 million was looted from the  KwaMashu Christian Care Society’s old age home, forcing it to decide to move 70 frail and sick residents out of the facility.

Big VAT changes on the cards for South Africa – BusinessTech

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is planning to roll out a full VAT e-invoicing framework, which is expected to be published in 2026. This is part of a broader plan to change how businesses report and manage VAT. 

Eskom backtracks on fines for solar panel users – News24

Eskom has backtracked on its earlier claim that it would fine customers who failed to register their solar installations once the fee exemption period ends in March. The utility has been pushing all solar users to register their systems, arguing that this is a necessary legal requirement.