Read more
News today: JHB CBD fire, ‘Cheers Derek’, Ace’s ACT, Mkhwebane out & Gcaleka in?
Here’s your morning news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Photo: iStock elements, editing by Cheryl Kahla.
News today includes updates about a devastating fire in Johannesburg CBD which rocked South Africa, claiming the lives of more than 70 people, including seven children.
Meanwhile, Busisiwe Mkhwebane and her potential successor, Kholeka Gcaleka, will learn their fate on the same day, and South Africa bid farewell to Derek Watts.
News today: 1 September
The weather service warns of high fire danger conditions across the North West and Free State, while the sunburn index for Gauteng is said to be ‘very high’.
Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Here’s your easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
JHB CBD fire: Top stories
South Africa was left stunned by one of its biggest tragedies in recent years when a fire at a building in the Johannesburg CBD left more than 73 people dead and over 50 injured.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said seven children died in the fire that started in the early hours of Thursday morning at a five-storey structure in the city.
Several local and national government officials have spoken in the aftermath of the tragedy, while eye-witnesses and emergency services detailed the devastation they saw in the moments after the fire broke out.
CONTINUE: Six stories you need to read about the JHB CBD fire
Mkhwebane out, Gcaleka in?
Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and her potential successor, Kholeka Gcaleka, will learn their fate on the same day in September.
Parliament’s third quarter commenced this week following an extended constituency period and will now seek to finalise the future of the Office of the Public Protector.
Gcaleka, who has been Acting Public Protector since Mkhwebane’s suspension in June last year, was identified as the suitable candidate to lead the Chapter 9 institution by Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Tuesday.
CONTINUE: Mkhwebane out, Gcaleka in? – Parliament to decide future of Public Protector’s office on same day
EFF disrupts council meeting
Chaos erupted in the City of Tshwane on Thursday after members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) disrupted a council meeting.
In a series of videos shared on social media, EFF members in red overalls were seen clashing with other councillors at the Tshwane House.
The Red Berets stormed the session demanding that the metropolitan municipality reinstate the 122 municipal workers who were dismissed following what the city has labelled an “illegal strike” which crippled service delivery.
CONTINUE: WATCH: ‘It’s a criminal offence’ – Tshwane mayor after EFF disrupts council meeting
‘Cheers for now, Derek’
It is not strange for people to say nice things about the deceased at their memorial service, but it’s not often that you find what’s said is being universally agreed upon by all.
This was the sense one got at the memorial service of seasoned broadcaster Derek Watts.
The 74-year-old renowned Carte Blanche presenter, who succumbed to cancer last week, was fittingly celebrated at an emotional memorial service on Thursday morning.
CONTINUE: ‘Cheers for now, Derek,’ – Tribute to Derek Watts at memorial service
Mbalula on Magashule’s party
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has shared his thoughts on his predecessor starting his own political party, saying Ace Magashule now has “his own charade”.
Magashule was expelled from the ANC in June after being charged with misconduct by the party for illegally suspending President Cyril Ramaphosa. On Wednesday, he unveiled a new far-left party called the African Congress for Transformation (ACT).
The formation of the ACT sparked mixed reactions, with Mbalula saying: “It’s good Ace Magashule will have his own charade. What a man.”
CONTINUE: ‘Ace will have his own charade’ – Fikile Mbalula weighs in on Magashule’s new party
In other news today:
- – Zuma should lead KZN violence cleansing ceremony, says ANC
- – A student owes UCT half a million rand in fees, MPs told
