Parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) was briefed on the latest audit outcomes for the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Denel, Prasa, Eskom, Transnet and the SABC during a marathon session on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, former ANC MP Zukiswa Rantho told how she and her family were intimidated and threatened when the probe went ahead in the teeth of opposition from ANC MPs who feared party members would be implicated.
He’s told the state capture inquiry the African National Congress showed little appetite for investigating the allegations, even after a preliminary special investigating report led to the suspension of an implicated official.
The former African National Congress (ANC) MP, who chaired Parliament’s 2017 inquiry into allegations of wrongdoing at Eskom, Zukiswa Rantho is currently in the witness stand.
National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise said that no MP was compelled to attend, and that all safety precautions would be in place.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will spell out the government’s plan of action for the year during a joint sitting of both houses on 11 February.
While the event will be broadcast live, it will feature none of the pomp and ceremony traditionally rolled out and there will be no red carpet parade by MPs and dignitaries.
The Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa briefed Parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture, land reform and rural development on Tuesday.
Jackson Mthembu was a man with the courage of his convictions, and was not afraid to speak out against wrongdoing, even within his own party. For this he earned respect - not only among ANC members, but also opposition parties.
Political parties have paid tribute to the late Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.
Jackson Mthembu’s passing will be mourned across the political spectrum. Eloquent, personable and affable, he will be remembered for his passion, his commitment and his sense of humour.
Sassa officials told Parliament they expect all the medical assessments to be completed by the end of March, after bringing more doctors on board to conduct them.
Lindiwe Zulu and Sassa officials briefed the committee after being called to account for the lengthy queues and violent incidents that unfolded at the agency’s offices this past week.
Police used water cannon to enforce social distancing by elderly and disabled grant recipients outside Sassa’s Bellville offices in the Western Cape on Friday while one person died while queueing in Durban.
Government has already come under fire for not engaging early enough with vaccine suppliers or planning the roll-out of its vaccination campaign properly.
National Treasury has suggested that higher taxes could be one way of financing the vaccines, which are critical for saving lives.
KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial head of health, Dr Sandile Tshabalala, spelled out some of the challenges the province is facing, including a shortage of specialist nurses and doctors to allow for more beds for patients needing critical or high care.
The video shows patients in chairs or lying on the floor, with no healthcare workers in sight despite patients calling urgently for help.
