Daily news update: Covid-19 stats, SA mourns Makwetu and Bobani, alcohol sales back and Magashule expected in court today

Click on the links below for the full story or visit our home page for the latest news:

Covid-19 update: SA breaches the 20,000 death mark, cases at 742,394

Source: Health department

As of Wednesday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa is 742,394, with 2,140 new cases identified since the last report, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced.

The country has also breached the 20,000 case mark, with 60 new deaths reported today: 24 from Eastern Cape, 19 from Free State, 2 from Gauteng, 1 from KwaZulu-Natal, 2 from Mpumalanga, 2 from North West, 6 from Northern Cape and 4 from Western Cape.

The total number of deaths is 20,011.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients,” said Mkhize.

Ramaphosa: State of disaster extended, alcohol sales back to normal

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the national state of disaster will be extended by another month to 15 December.

In his address on Wednesday evening, Ramaphosa criticised the behaviour of many South Africans since the beginning of Lockdown Level 1, as the country has recorded a total of 20,011 deaths since the pandemic hit local shores.

The national state of disaster was due to lapse on Sunday following a one month extension in October by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Outgoing Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu passes on

Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu. Picture: Gallo Images

Outgoing Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu has died.

Makwetu passed on this afternoon in hospital. According to a statement from his office, Makwetu was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in June 2018.

“It is with great sadness and shock that we announce the passing of Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu.

“As the national audit office, we join the Makwetu family in mourning his death. We ask the public to keep the family in their thoughts as they come to terms with his passing, and to give them the privacy and space to deal with his passing,” said his office.

Former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Mongameli Bobani dies

Axed Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Mongameli Bobani. Picture: Screenshot.

Former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Mongameli Bobani has died, United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa has announced.

Holomisa said Bobani died this evening just before 6pm.

“It is sad to announce the passing of Councillor Bobani this evening. Our condolences to the family and friends. The UDM thanks his family for allowing him to contribute and build it. A hard working cadre who was always available to help communities. May his soul Rest In Peace,” said Holomisa. 

Ace going nowhere (for now), as ANC is ‘seized with the matter’ of his arrest

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 11: African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule during a media briefing about his meeting with former president Jacob Zuma on September 11, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Responding to allegations that he met Zuma to discuss a plot to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa, Magashule said he met the former president over organisational issues. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Alon Skuy)

The ANC’s backtracking came as Magashule’s followers threatened violence in support of their hero, who is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He faces charges of corruption emanating from the R250 million asbestos audit corruption in the Free State.

Calm returns to Brackenfell as gun-wielding man appears in court

SJC security had stationed outside Brackenfell High School following violence between EFF members and residents. PICTURE: Supplied

The man accused of discharging a firearm during a scuffle between EFF members and residents outside Brackenfell High School on Monday was released on a warning, while his court case was postponed to January next year.

Jaco Pretorius (39) was arrested on Monday after violence erupted outside the Cape Town school when residents confronted EFF members who were protesting against alleged racism.

We wanted Donald Trump to win, says AfriForum

Ernst Roets, deputy CEO of AfriForum during a press brefing at the Afriforum offices, 29 January 2019, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles

Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum says it would have preferred a Republican candidate to become president of the United States, because Republican principles resonate more with their members who are “classical conservatives”.

Twitter let down again by Mr South Africa 2020 gents

Mr South Africa 2020 top 10 finalists. Picture: Instagram: @RK_Mayekisa

Twitter is not having it with the top 10 finalists of the Mr South Africa (SA) pageant 2020. Just under month after the beautiful and glitzy finale of Miss SA – which crowned Limpopo native Shudufhadzo Musida – tweeps are not happy with the “standard” of their male counterparts.

If you recall in 2019, there was a similar uproar, with pageant organisers defending their top 20 finalists after some called the list “tragic”.

Shona and Connie Ferguson’s Kings of Joburg launches in December

Image: Instagram

The suspense is over, the much talked about ‘Kings of Joburg’ series will premiere on Netflix on the 4 December 2020. This series has the Fergusons partner  alongside Samad Davis of U.S based Visionary Media Inc.

Shona Ferguson stars as Simon “Vader” Masire, a member of the KOJ brotherhood and the eldest of the Masire siblings. As the smoother and charming brother, prolific businessman Simon leads the family business.

Khoza retains PSL chairmanship and promises to groom the next batch of young leaders

PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza during the 2020 NSL Quadrennial General Meeting on the 11 November 2020 at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Khoza was elected unopposed with all member clubs showing their confidence in his leadership. Only Khumbulani Konco of Bloemfontein Celtic and Jose Ferreira of the now defunct Bidvest Wits didn’t retain their positions on the Exco.

Khoza thanked the duo, saying he hopes they will always be available to help whenever they are needed because their experience is invaluable.

Kaizer Chiefs pay tribute to youngster killed in ‘horror’ car crash

James McFarlene, pictured here playing for South Africa during the 2017 Cosafa Under 17 Youth Championship match between Madagascar and South Africa at Francois Xavier Stadium in Port Louis, Mauritius on 25 July 2017. MrFarlene was tragically killed in a horrific car crash on Friday. ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs mourned the loss of a ‘fine prospect and a talented young lad’ after their Under-19 attacking midfielder James McFarlene, who was set to play in their reserve team this season, was killed in a car accident on Friday.

“We have lost a fine prospect and a talented young lad,” said Chiefs assistant coach Arthur Zwane on the Kaizer Chiefs website. 

Surprise! Latest teaser confirms Toyota Ayga/Wigo for South Africa

Standing 1 510 mm tall and measuring 3 580 mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 455 mm and width of 1 600 mm, the Agya, and the Wigo for that matter, is powered by either a 48 kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 87 Nm of torque or, since the latter update, a bigger 1.2-litre four-cylinder delivering 65kW/108N. A 50 kW version of the 1.0-litre triple is offered in some markets with a choice of two transmissions being provided; a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.