For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: State capture inquiry resumes tomorrow, Home Affairs Committee proposes cell phone ban for DoH staff And, Regional body SADC calls for DR Congo election vote recount

State capture inquiry resumes tomorrow

The hearings of the judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of State capture headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will resume on Tuesday after a month-long break, but will not hear any oral evidence. 

The inquiry, which is investigating allegations of corruption and fraud in the public sector, including organs of state, will deal with a procedural application on some of the upcoming evidence.

The so-called Zondo Commission has heard explosive testimonies from various witnesses, including former mineral resources minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi, head of government communications Phumla Williams and government spin-doctor-turned-politician Mzwanele Manyi.

Home Affairs Committee proposes cell phone ban for DoH staff

Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs chairperson Hlomani Chauke today called on the Department of Home Affairs to consider an outright ban on cell phone usage by front line staff at all branches, during working hours.

This follows numerous complaints made to the committee from members of the public about delays at Home Affairs offices, which Chauke says will be addressed at the first meeting of the year with the department’s acting director-general. 

Chauke said it was unacceptable that the public spend excessive amounts of time at Home Affairs offices, while officials spend a disproportionate amount of time busy with their cell phones.

Regional body SADC calls for DR Congo election vote recount

The Southern African Development Community has said that the Democratic Republic of Congo should recount the votes of its contested presidential election, which the runner-up says was rigged.

In a statement the SADC said a recount would provide the necessary reassurance to both winners and losers.

The 16-member bloc recommended a government of national unity including parties representing Joseph Kabila, Martin Fayulu and Felix Tshisekedi.

Members of the regional body includes Angola and South Africa, old allies of President Kabila, who has ruled the central African country for the last 17 years.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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