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

Making headlines: No Coronavirus cases in South Africa so far, Ramaphosa appoints Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka as new Deputy Public Protector and, ANC politicians support Bongani Bongo in corruption case

No Coronavirus cases in South Africa so far

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize welcomed the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Coronavirus as a global public health emergency and assured South Africans that, to date, there are no confirmed cases of the virus detected in the country.

He added that there were no immediate plans to evacuate South Africans from China, as his department was confident in China’s ability to effectively manage the public health emergency.

The Coronavirus is believed to have originated from animals and was first detected in Wuhan City, in China on December 31 last year.

Ramaphosa appoints Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka as new Deputy Public Protector

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday expressed confidence in the newly appointed Deputy Public Protector Advocate Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka, saying she would execute her responsibilities with diligence and commitment.

Gcaleka was a special adviser in the National Treasury and Home Affairs Ministry and will now serve seven years as DPP effective February 1.

She replaces Kevin Malunga, whose term of office came to an end in December.

ANC politicians support Bongani Bongo in corruption case

ANC MP Bongani Bongo received support from high-profile ANC politicians on Friday when the Cape Town Magistrate's Court heard that the corruption case against him would be transferred to the Western Cape High Court.

The matter was postponed to February 21 for it to be officially transferred and Bongo's bail was extended.

Among his supporters were ANC politicians and parliamentary portfolio committee chairpersons Mosebenzi Zwane and Supra Mahumapelo.

Bongo is accused of trying to disrupt the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises' inquiry into the governance, procurement and financial sustainability of Eskom.

He allegedly offered the evidence leader advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara a bribe in return for taking sick leave on the day the inquiry commenced back in 2017.

Also making headlines:

Eskom says stage 2 load-shedding will resume at 9am and continue over the weekend until 6am on Monday. 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

To keep in touch with the news while you are on the move, visit m.polity.org.za