Talks begin for loosening BEE rules, and SIU exposes Home Affairs visa syndicate

Today, 24 February, the rand is trading at R16.04 to the dollar, up from R15.97 at the close of business on Monday. 

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of corruption in the police and criminal justice system will hear from North West businessman Brown Mogotsi today. 

Mogotsi has been a central figure in the previous testimonies heard by the commission. He had initially wanted to appear virtually, citing safety concerns, but ultimately agreed to appear in person for one day. 

Residents in Thembisa, Johannesburg, have vowed to continue with a shutdown of the area today. Yesterday, thousands of community members gathered in protest over electricity complaints. 

The protest was initiated after termination letters were issued to those with outstanding electricity debt with the municipality, and some households were disconnected for non-payment. 

In Cape Town today, various civil society organisations are set to protest outside the Good Hope Centre to oppose the city’s auction of more than 50 parcels of public land. Protestors argue that the city should use this land for affordable housing or service delivery. 

The City of Cape Town is auctioning off municipal properties it has deemed “surplus”, comprising residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use land. The GOOD party will join the protestors. 

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

Talks begin for loosening BEE rules – EWN

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau is set to meet with Sector Charter Councils today to discuss possible changes to BEE laws. This comes amid calls to loosen the legislation and acknowledge that BEE is not achieving sufficient transformation.

Home affairs employees got rich selling fake visas – News24 

The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered a syndicate within Home Affairs that has earned more than R16.3 million selling fake residence permits and visas to foreigners. The implicated officials, who each earn about R25,000 per month, own multiple high-value properties inconsistent with their income.

Former Minister accused of blocking TRC investigations – Daily Maverick

Former National Prosecuting Authority official Dr Silas Ramaite testified on Monday before the Khampepe inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) prosecution delays that former Justice Minister Brigette Mabandla told him to halt all investigations for TRC cases. 

Ramaphosa defends military deployment – BusinessTech

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hit back at critics of his plan to deploy the military to fight gangsterism and violent crime. While critics say this move will not bring long-term stability and ignore the deep-rooted issues, Ramaphosa says exceptional solutions are required in exceptional circumstances.

South Africa’s electricity crisis is far from over – Newsday

While South Africa is nearing 300 days since its last bout of loadshedding, many still go hours without electricity due to load reduction. Ramaphosa has promised to eradicate load reduction in the next year, but the plan is already behind schedule.