New Israeli representative rejects ICJ case, says embassy here to stay
Hen Feder, Israel’s new deputy head of mission in Pretoria and the country’s most senior diplomat in South Africa, says the allegation that Isreal is committing genocide is “completely atrocious”, and that he is confident the International Court of Justice will find in Israel’s favour. In an interview, Feder said he was aware of the hostility of South Africa’s government towards Israel, and would focus on people-to-people relations. He said that while he knew Parliament voted to close the Israeli embassy, he did not believe this would happen, adding that “the embassy is here to stay”.
Ramaphosa orders probe into Buffalo City, Gauteng Housing
President Cyril Ramaphosa has instructed the Special Investigating Unit to probe corruption allegations in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. Suspect projects include a large swimming pool in Mdantsane, with initial spending of R22.4 million escalating to some R30 million, despite construction stalling for years. In Gauteng, two tenders concerning ablution facilities are to be investigated.
Sibiya in court on grooming and rape charges
Suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of sexually grooming a minor and rape. He allegedly groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. The state opposed bail, citing concerns over witness intimidation and possible flight. Sibiya will remain in custody until his bail hearing on 29 September. He has also faced allegations of links to criminal figures and interference in political killings investigations, which he denies.
Russian election returns handsome majority for Putin
Russia’s ruling United Russia party will strengthen its control of the country’s legislature after winning 355 of the 450 State Duma seats in the country’s first parliamentary election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The election, held between 18 and 20 September, recorded turnout of around 59%, but was criticised for excluding genuine opposition and limiting independent monitoring. Most of the seats not won by United Russia went to smaller parties that are nominally in opposition but invariably support the government line on important issues. The liberal anti-war Yabloko party was removed from the ballot (aside from in some regional and local polls), while several anti-war politicians were jailed or forced into exile. Voting was also conducted in Ukrainian territories occupied and annexed by Russia. Critics accused authorities of using state media and electronic voting to influence the outcome.
Private manufacturers invited to produce FMD vaccines
South Africa is turning to private vaccine manufacturers to help combat a worsening foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak after the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has struggled to meet demand. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said private local and international manufacturers would be allowed to produce the ARC’s FMD vaccine under conditional licences. The ARC produced its first locally manufactured vaccine in more than two decades in February, but lacks sufficient production capacity. Licensing private manufacturers is intended to increase supply while the ARC rebuilds capacity.
Cat Matlala’s wife arrested for fraud
Tsakane Matlala, wife of businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, was arrested with three others in Gauteng yesterday on allegations of acquiring properties using fraudulent documents. They were expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.
Sources: Business Day, Mail and Guardian, AFP, News24, IOL