This week’s roundup features key updates and breaking news, from the death of Pravin Gordhan to the controversial BELA Bill. Here are our picks for the top stories this week.

Renaldo Gouws has been expelled from the Democratic Alliance. Picture: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers

DA fires Renaldo Gouws for racism following IOL exposé

– Renaldo Gouws has been expelled from the Democratic Alliance (DA) after the party's Federal Executive unanimously resolved to terminate his membership.

– The DA’s Federal Legal Commission (FLC) found Gouws guilty of breaching multiple sections of the DA’s constitution, particularly regarding the party’s values of accountability, non-racialism, and respect.

– Gouws was previously suspended following the release of a video where he made racist and derogatory remarks. Despite the suspension, he continued to serve as an MP.

– Gouws took legal action against IOL, the publication that exposed the video. IOL disputes the Press Council's ruling and is appealing.

– The DA remains committed to its core values and has acted decisively to remove Gouws from the party, forfeiting his parliamentary seat.

Read the full story here.

President Cyril Ramaphosa with Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Makgabo Mhaule after signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law at the Union Buildings. Picture: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers

BELA Bill may be signed, but it won’t be implemented just yet, President gives time for discussion around clauses

– President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law but delayed implementation for three months to allow further discussions on certain clauses.

– The Bill aims to address challenges in South Africa’s education system and aligns with global treaties promoting universal access to education, regardless of race, gender, or disability.

– The three-month delay is specifically for clauses 4 and 5, which have caused controversy and need further deliberation among stakeholders.

– Ramaphosa emphasised that education should be free and compulsory, serving as a tool to uplift the nation.

– If no consensus is reached within the three months, the BELA Bill will proceed as initially drafted.

Read the full story here.

Part of a rat found in a Durban woman’s loaf of bread. Picture: Screenshot

PepsiCo South Africa says rat found in Durban woman’s bread was an ‘isolated incident’

– Durban woman Nombulelo Mkumla discovered part of a rodent in her loaf of Sasko bread after using slices of it over several days.

– After reporting the issue to the store, Mkumla was contacted by a Sasko representative, who apologised and explained that such incidents could happen due to high heat in the bakery.

– PepsiCo South Africa acknowledged the incident, calling it an isolated case, and confirmed that the contaminated loaf did not meet their quality standards.

– PepsiCo launched an investigation, but no discrepancies were found in the records or samples from the batch of bread in question.

– The company remains in contact with Mkumla, reassuring her that measures are being implemented to prevent future incidents.

Read the full story here.

Pravin Gordhan died this week. Picture Jeffrey Abrahams

BREAKING NEWS: ANC stalwart and former Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan dies

– Pravin Gordhan passed away at the age of 75, surrounded by family, friends, and comrades. He expressed that he had "no regrets" about his contributions.

– Gordhan had been hospitalised prior to his death, and his family confirmed his peaceful passing in the hospital.

– Gordhan's educational background includes a DTech degree in Business Administration from the Free State Central University of Technology, along with honorary doctorates from UNISA and UCT.

– His political career included roles as South Africa's Minister of Public Enterprises (2018-2023), Finance Minister (2009-2014), and Minister of Cooperative Governance (2014-2015).

– Gordhan was deeply involved in the struggle against apartheid, with connections to the Natal Indian Congress and the African National Congress's underground activities. He also chaired key transitional bodies leading to South Africa's first democratic elections.

Read the full story here.

Thoshan Panday after their court hearing Picture: Doctor Ngcobo

Here’s why Durban businessman Thoshan Panday was denied bail

– Thoshan Panday, a Durban businessman, was denied bail on September 9, 2024, following his arrest for 27 counts of fraud, relating to false tax returns and defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of R7.3 million.

– Panday is considered a flight risk, having previously misled the court about his travel plans. Despite a High Court order allowing travel to Europe, he instead travelled to the United States using a passport he had reported as lost.

– The court cited his history of contravening bail conditions and interference with state witnesses, including an attempt to bribe an investigating officer, as reasons for denying bail.

– Panday is also facing a separate corruption case linked to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, involving R47 million in payments from the South African Police Services (SAPS) through corrupt dealings with the SAPS Supply Chain Management Division.

– His family members, including his wife and mother, along with former provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonye Ngobeni, are co-accused in the 2010 Soccer World Cup corruption case.

Read the full story here.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has issued a strong directive to SAFA. Picture: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie warned that Safa interference could lead to a FIFA ban for Bafana Bafana

– Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has issued a strong directive to SAFA, demanding that Bafana Bafana qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the World Cup, warning that failure will lead to changes in leadership.

– McKenzie stated he will no longer support underperforming leadership, and if Bafana fails to qualify, he will ensure new people are brought in who can secure the necessary qualifications.

– McKenzie’s comments were directed at SAFA president Dr. Danny Jordaan, but they raise concerns as FIFA rules explicitly prohibit government interference in football matters.

– Articles 13 and 17 of FIFA’s regulations state that member associations must run their affairs independently without third-party influence, and violating these rules could lead to sanctions.

– Similar situations have resulted in FIFA banning countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, and others for government interference, with Zimbabwe recently missing the 2023 Afcon due to such a ban.

Read the full story here.

South African singer-songwriter Tyla poses in the pressroom with the Best Afrobeats award for "Water,". Picture: Angela Weiss/ AFP

Tyla wins at the MTV VMAs as Taylor Swift again urges US fans to vote

– Taylor Swift encouraged fans to register to vote as she accepted the Video of the Year award for her song "Fortnight," directing them to participate in the US presidential election. This followed her endorsement of Kamala Harris.

– Chappell Roan won Best New Artist and dedicated her award to queer and trans communities, giving a passionate speech about representation and acceptance for LGBTQ+ youth.

– Tyla won Best Afrobeats for "Water," celebrating the global impact of African music but also pointing out that African music is more diverse than just Afrobeats.

– Megan Thee Stallion recreated Britney Spears’ iconic 2001 snake performance, but humorously cut it short, saying she wasn’t comfortable with the snake.

– Katy Perry was honoured with the Video Vanguard Award, and performed her greatest hits in a video-game-inspired, aerial dance performance.

Read the full story here.

Our newly crowned Miss SA 2024, Mia Le Roux who broke barriers by being the first deaf person to enter and win MIss SA. Picture: Supplied

Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux visits Pretoria deaf school to highlight and promote inclusivity

– Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux advocates for inclusivity and diversity, emphasising the importance of creating a sense of belonging for everyone. She promotes education and empowerment, especially for women, as key to achieving this.

– Le Roux attended a Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival at the Transoranje School for the Deaf, showcasing her support for inclusivity and the importance of education in diverse communities.

– The Gauteng Department of Education aims to introduce South African Sign Language (SASL) to Grade 5 learners, emphasising the importance of communication and inclusivity in the education system.

– Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, highlighted the long-term commitment to teaching SASL to Grade 5 learners since 2015, fostering relationships between the deaf and hearing communities.

– Efforts to standardize SASL vocabulary are under way, with the Pan South African Language Board working to formalise sign language for interpreters and the education sector.

Read the full story here.

Sars issues warning to public about tax refund payment scam

– Fraudsters are targeting taxpayers with a scam involving fake emails about tax refunds. These emails claim that a tax refund is delayed due to a need for FICA documents.

– Scam emails have subject lines like "delayed payment due to Sars FICA documents" and urge recipients to update their Sars profile by clicking on a link to a fraudulent website.

– The scam email threatens an administrative penalty if the requested documents are not submitted within 21 days.

– SARS advises taxpayers to verify the authenticity of any email or SMS before clicking on links, especially those requesting personal or financial information.

– Protect yourself by ignoring emails from unknown sources, avoiding communications that request sensitive information, and noting that SARS will never use hyperlinks to other websites.

Read the full story here.

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