Sunday round-up: Zulu withdraws green paper on social reform proposal, and citizens respond to ANC crowdfunding campaign

Zulu withdraws green paper on social security and retirement reform

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has withdrawn the controversial Green Paper on Social Security and Retirement Reform which was gazetted recently. The green paper proposed a national social security fund that would have made it mandatory for all employers and employees to contribute up to 12% of their earnings, depending on how much they earn. Read the original story on The Citizen.

South Africans respond to ANC’s crowdfunding campaign

As the ruling party launched an appeal for public crowdfunding following its inability to pay staff salaries, some citizens took to social media to express their thoughts on the matter.

Why we should donate to the ANC that rule with the army
Why should we donate to the ANC that oppress us
Why should we donate fo the ANC that suppress out right of speech
Why should we vote for the ANC that makes us tweet in fear
Why should we donate to our oppresser to oppress us

— 📀Mafulela Chris📀📀 (@RumoChris) August 30, 2021

You talking of declaring donations while some donations are still sealed there by the courts. How about you first tell that Billionaire to unseal the ThumaYena bank statements first?

— Duke Ncube🐺 (@Duke18n) August 29, 2021

I am happy to have donated to the fund. Workers must be protected at all costs. It is not cool not to be paid for services rendered. I will even donate in the future in support of the workers. #ANC

— Tusero (@tuse11) September 1, 2021

Read the original story on The Citizen.

Babita Deokaran murder: Two more suspects nabbed, Cele reveals

[WATCH] Police Minister Gen Bheki Cele gives an update on the progress of other murder cases including the arrest of more suspects in #Phoenix and #babitadeokaran cases. pic.twitter.com/kncqaTPRyT

— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) September 2, 2021

Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed that two more arrests have been made in connection with the killing of Babita Deokaran. Deokaran was a key witness in the Special Investigating Unit’s probe into irregular personal protective equipment tenders in Gauteng. The whistleblower was gunned down outside her home in Johannesburg South on August 23. Read the original story on The Citizen.

Petrol price increases

On Wednesday (September 1), both grades of petrol increased by four cents while diesel went down by 15.22 cents per litre – this was despite the AA’s prediction of a fuel price decrease. Read more here.

WHO hub will strengthen global data access

The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched its global Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin this week. Dr Angela Merkel, chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, was also honoured for her role in establishing the hub and received the WHO Leadership Award to loud applause. Read more on Highway Mail.

Criminal charges laid against Cornubia chemical plant owners

Criminal charges have been laid against agrochemical company UPL, following the arson attack on its Cornubia factory and subsequent environmental disaster during the unrest in July. The Northglen News has published several stories on the spill and the impact it has had on both people and the environment. Beaches in the eMdloti and Umhlanga areas have been closed since the spillage into the ocean and rivers.

Department of Forestry announces plan to plant 10 million trees

Through its Greening Programme, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment aims to fast-track the planting of 10 million trees over the next five years. Read more here.