Daily news update: Makro protests, EFF councillor killed, Ramaphosa denies clipping Mantashe’s wings

Here’s your morning news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.

Daily news update: Sunday, 28 May 2023

‘Down with Walmart, down!’

On Friday, approximately 2 000 employees and union members marched towards the US embassy on Sandton Drive to protest against Walmart and its South African subsidiary, Makro.

Their mission?

To hand over a memorandum demanding justice and fair treatment.

The fervour didn’t stop on Friday and protesters’ resolve strengthened on Saturday, supported by the SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) and the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu).

They sought the immediate reinstatement of over 400 Saccawu members who were wrongfully dismissed for participating in a lawful strike.

READ MORE HERE.

ALSO READ: Saccawu members protest outside the US embassy over 600 Makro retrenchments

Limpopo EFF councillor killed

A prominent Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor in Limpopo was shot multiple times and killed by unknown gunmen at his residence in Ga-Botha village.

According to reports,  the incident occurred on Thursday evening.

Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the lifeless body of 46-year-old Jonas Mpye, bearing multiple bullet wounds, was discovered at the scene.

He said this grim revelation points to a deliberate and targeted attack, leaving the community shocked and devastated by the loss of a respected figure.

READ MORE HERE.

Energy minister to ‘end load shedding’

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on Saturday said the new powers given to him by President Cyril Ramaphosa will give him more authority to bring about an end to load shedding.

On Friday, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had transferred electricity generation powers from Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe to Ramokgopa.

“It does make a big difference, because now [I am] able to execute my mandate with some degree of authority that derives from a piece of legislation. It also helps to ensure that there are clear lines of accountability.”

READ MORE HERE.

WATCH: Man tries to storm Ramaphosa

Chaos erupted when an unidentified man ran into the auditorium and tried to storm the stage where President Cyril Ramaphosa was sitting in the Mmabatho Convention Centre, in the North West, on Saturday.

The man was quickly manhandled by the presidential protection unit and removed from the venue.

Screams of “tshwara motho o” (grab that person) could be heard in the auditorium.

North West provincial chairperson Nono Maloyi claimed the man was mentally challenged.

READ MORE HERE.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa in North West to try resolve ANC factional issues

WATCH: Ramaphosa denies clipping Mantashe’s wings

President Cyril Ramaphosa has poured cold water over suggestions that his decision to allocate some of Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe’s powers to  Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is an attempt to clip his wings.

Ramaphosa was speaking to The Citizen on the sidelines of the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) visit to Mahikeng on Saturday.

Ramokgopa can now determine the types of energy sources from which electricity must be generated according to a proclamation signed by Ramaphosa on Friday. This was previously Mantashe’s responsibility.

READ MORE HERE.

Nedbank Cup title for Pirates

Terrence Dzuvukamanja delivered Orlando Pirates’ second trophy of the season after scoring a late goal to win the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. 

Winning the Nedbank Cup meant the Buccaneers sealed their second domestic cup this season under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro, having won the the MTN8 earlier this season. 

READ MORE HERE.