Johannesburg water shortage: No set deadline for full restoration

Johannesburg Water reported that although its systems were gradually recovering from widespread shortages earlier in the week, it would still take a few days for supplies to be fully restored in certain areas.

Issues at one of City Power’s substations during the weekend and early part of the week caused Rand Water's Eikenhof pump station to go offline, resulting in disruptions to water supply throughout the city.

Providing an update on Friday, Johannesburg Water's Logan Munsamy expressed optimism about the situation but noted that Linden 1 and Blairgowrie reservoirs remained areas of concern.

No specific deadlines have been given yet.

IEC deadline: Parties submit nominations smoothly

With the upcoming election inching closer, the IEC gears up for the final push as today signals the deadline for parties to submit their nominations and related documents.

James Aphane, the Commission's Manager for Electoral Operations, reports a smooth submission process, with parties utilising the online system effectively.

While specific figures are undisclosed at this juncture, Aphane assures a significant level of activity, expressing contentment with the adherence to timelines and deadlines.

Skip to 12:08 for more.

DA files urgent contempt proceedings against ANC over missing records

The DA has initiated urgent contempt of court proceedings against the ANC, alleging a failure to produce records of the governing party’s deployment committee. 

This action follows the DA's formal filing of urgent contempt proceedings against ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula for not adhering to a Constitutional Court order to provide complete records related to the ANC’s national cadre deployment committee dating back to January 1, 2013, when Ramaphosa assumed chairmanship.

Dr. Leon Schreiber, DA Shadow Minister of Public Service and Administration, criticises the ruling party's submitted records, citing missing information and non-compliance with the court order, deeming much of it "useless."

In response, Lesego Makhubela, ANC Gauteng Spokesperson, contends that the accusations mirror the DA's own actions and highlights their successful appeal of the judgment in the High Court.

For more, skip to 16:27.

"It's quite a damning picture of the ANC not complying with this court order."

- Dr Leon Schreiber, DA Shadow Minister of Public Service and Administration

"They are actually accusing the ANC of everything that they are...We have nothing to hide."

- Lesego Makhubela, ANC Gauteng Spokesperson

Auditor-General highlights public resource misuse in Parliament

During Friday's parliamentary session, the Auditor-General emphasised the detrimental effects of incomplete public facilities and the misuse of public resources on South Africans. 

Tsakani Maluleke stated that her office is utilising its new authority to address material irregularities within national and provincial departments, noting that these irregularities are causing "significant harm" to the public.

Maluleke provided a report to the Standing Committee on the Auditor General detailing the implementation of these new powers.

One example highlighted was the delayed utilisation of the Jouberton Community Health Centre in Klerksdorp, completed in July 2019 but not operational until May 2021.

She emphasised that any action resulting in financial loss, including instances of fraud, constitutes a material irregularity.

EWNS's Babalo Ndenze has more (skip to 24:02).

Community expresses disappointment in Police's efforts to find Joshlin

Kelly Smith, mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, faces human trafficking and kidnapping charges in Vredenburg Magistrates Court.

Joshlin vanished 18 days ago from her Middelpos home in Saldanha Bay, under her mother's boyfriend's care, Jacquen Appollis.

Smith, Appollis, Steveno Van Rhyn, and Phumza Sigaqa appeared in court accused of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection to Joshlin's disappearance.

EWN's Carlo Petersen reports palpable tension in Middelpos, with community members vowing to continue the search until Joshlin is found, expressing disappointment in the police's efforts.

Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile confirms intensifying search efforts across the Western Cape, adds Petersen.

Skip to 28:29 for more.