Ramaphosa accused of recycling promises, and key South African industry on the brink

Today, 13 February, the Rand is trading at R15.97 to the dollar, up from R15.84 at the close of business on Thursday. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry is set to continue today with the testimony of its second witness, Lukhanyo Calata, the son of one of the Cradock Four. 

Anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli were allegedly abducted, tortured, and murdered by South African security police in 1985.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption in the police and criminal justice system will hear from Independent Police Investigative Director (IPID) assistant director for investigations, Thulani Magagula. 

This is after he began his testimony on Thursday, arguing that the IPID did not intentionally undermine or delay investigations. 

A memorial drive service for the late South African Police Service (SAPS) reservist Wiandre Pretorious is set to take place today; however, Gauteng police have been barred from attending the event. 

Pretorious took his own life on Friday, 6 February, just days after an alleged attempted assassination. He was a person of interest in the Madlanga Commission of inquiry.

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

Ramaphosa accused of recycling promises – eNCA

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, says that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) was a repetition of old promises and amounted to an election campaign launch. 

Steenhuisen says FMD outbreak is not his make-or-break moment – News24

Minister of Agriculture and outgoing leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, has denied that the foot and mouth disease outbreak is a critical moment for him as a politician. He says he is trying to undo 25 to 30 years of neglect of the country’s biosecurity system. 

New state-owned entity to tackle the water crisis – BusinessTech

President Ramaphosa announced during his SONA speech that a new state-owned entity will be established to tackle South Africa’s water crisis. The government is in the final stages of establishing the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency to monitor water infrastructure.

COSATU says China trade agreement will kill South Africa’s car industry – EWN

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has warned that South Africa’s new trade agreement with China could destroy South Africa’s car manufacturing industry. The organisation says the government should be focusing on local manufacturing automotive plants. 

Roedean School apologises for hurting the Jewish community – Newsday

Roedean School has issued an apology after cancelling a tennis match against the Jewish day school King David Linksfield. The school’s principal has also resigned from her position with immediate effect.