It’s been another eventful weekend around Cape Town and the country. Here’s a look at some of the headlines that made news this weekend.
Zuma must fall – NEC
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has taken the wheel at Luthuli House, and cracked the whip. The ANC NEC decided that President Jacob Zuma must leave office before the state of the nation address on February 8. Zuma must step down or be pushed out. The NEC was supposed to pronounce publicly about Zuma’s fate, but respected Ramaphosa’s undertaking that the recall should not embarrass or humiliate the president. An ANC source said the NEC agreed that Zuma must go as soon as possible.
Eskom’s new board
The new Eskom board, appointed by government on Saturday, is to be chaired by businessman Jabu Mabuza. He is also the chair of Telkom and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) and the president of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). Former Land Bank CEO and Absa Capital executive Phakamani Hadebe has been appointed as Eskom’s acting group CEO. A permanent CEO and CFO will be appointed within the next three months. Other members of the board include the BBC’s secretary general George Sebulela. BBC chairman Sello Rasethaba commended the inclusion of black professionals and business people on the board.
SAHRC to probe businesses after H&M debacle
The South African Human Rights Commission says it will be increasing its focus on the role of business and human rights. The commission says its deeply disappointed about the recent advertising campaign by retail giant H&M featuring a black boy in a hoodie with the words “coolest monkey in the jungle”. It says as a global company, H&M should have been aware of the messages it sends. The commission says it met with representatives from the retailer on Friday and reached an agreement in which the company assured it would come up with a plan of action.
Metrorail’s woes continue
Metrorail’s Cape Town central line remains closed, heaping frustration on commuters. Metrorail said its technicians are still carrying out repairs to infrastructure damaged by cable thieves. They are working with police to clamp down on small-scale illegal scrap metal dealers springing up in poor communities along the notorious central line. The line has been closed since a security guard was killed two weeks ago.
De Lille consults legal team
Embattled Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille is consulting with the City’s legal team to seek clarity on whether stripping her powers was permissible and followed proper processes. On Friday the city council voted to strip her from her powers and allowed deputy mayor Ian Neilson to take charge of the drought crisis. De Lille has been formally charged by the Democratic Alliance, she faces a number of charges among them bringing the party into disrepute.