The National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn all charges against Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, Major-General Nozipho Madondo and their co-accused. The decision follows a directive from National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi, who says the case cannot proceed without a complete evidentiary record and that any future prosecution will require his written approval. 

Guest: Kaizer Kganyago - NPA spokesperson  

 

 

Reality Check with Dr. Stavros Nicoleau COVID-19 left SA & Africa at the back end of the queue now. How do we deal with future & unexpected outbreaks? How do we ensure security of supply and drive our Indigenous Pharmaceutical Industrialisation agenda?

Guest: Dr. Stavros Nicoleau - Group Senior Executive, Aspen Pharma Group

• Apple overtakes Nvidia as world’s most valuable company
• 2. Shein faces valuation test ahead of Hong Kong IPO
• 3. Market update

 

From 1 August, thousands more South Africans will be able to take civil disputes to the Small Claims Court after government increased the monetary jurisdiction from R20 000 to R30 000. The move is aimed at expanding access to justice by allowing more people to resolve disputes quickly, affordably and without the need for legal representation.

Guest: Lucky Mohalaba, Deputy Director-General for Court Administration at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

 

The Judicial Service Commission has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge from his duties, pending a decision by the National Assembly. The recommendation follows a complaint lodged by High Court secretary Andiswa Mengo, who accused Mbenenge of sexual harassment.

Guest: Alison Tilley - Coordinator at Judges Matter  

Last week the Minerals Council South Africa held a Modernisation Day which focused on advancing technology, safety, and artificial intelligence in the mining sector. They released three reports which explored the role of research, development and innovation (RDI), artificial intelligence (AI), and global best practice in shaping a safer, more productive and globally competitive mining sector.

Guest: Sietse van Der Woude - Senior Executive: Modernisation and Safety at the Minerals Council South Africa 

 

 

The resignation of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson has reignited debate about leadership, accountability and public confidence in South Africa's anti-corruption institutions. The ANC says the decision will help protect the credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority and allow IDAC to continue its work without distraction, while reaffirming its commitment to clean governance and the rule of law.

Guest: Oscar Mathafa, Whip of the ANC Study Group on Justice and Correctional Development 

 

Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa

1. Sudan – El-Obeid

Sudanese Army regains control of crucial highway (military sources)

Yesterday, two military sources reported that the Sudanese army regained control of a crucial highway linking the country’s capital to the city of El-Obeid. It comes after the army’s rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces had been amassing troops around El Obeid for months.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF broke out in April 2023; aid workers estimate it has since claimed more than 200,000 lives. It has also triggered the world’s largest hunger crisis.

2.    Israel- DR Kongo

Israel and DR Congo pledge stronger ties during foreign minister's Jerusalem visit

Israel and the Democratic Republic of Congo have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations following talks between their foreign ministers in Jerusalem.

During the visit, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Congolese counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, signed two memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries.

3.    South Afrika – Ghana

Ghana says it has begun repatriating another 1,000 nationals from South Africa due to ongoing anti-migrant sentiment in the country.

Accra said that special flights bringing the migrant workers back will arrive on Sunday and Monday as the "final phase" of its evacuation of nationals.

Ghana has already returned more than 900 nationals and says it will demand compensation from the South African government for their lost property and assets.

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day 28 July 2004 when the Library and clinic names were changed in Pretoria

The name of the Mid-City Library (Sammy Marks), city library of Pretoria, was changed to Es'kia Mphahlele Community Library and the Sammy Marks Clinic to the FF Ribeiro Clinic in ceremonies at the Sammy Marks Square.

 

 

The Global Briefing: Iran says it will not return to negotiations with the United States following recent American airstrikes

A fresh diplomatic dispute between South America's two largest economies is threatening relations between Argentina and Brazil.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has made his first visit to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, calling on the international community to support the country's reconstruction while condemning Israel's military actions in southern Syria.

Guest: Prof. Andre Duvenhage - Professor of Research at the North West University

 

Guest: Xolelwa Kashe-Katiya - Project Lead: Indlulamithi SA Scenarios 

Guest: Prof William Gumede - Associate Professor, Wits School of Governance and founder of Democracy Works Foundation