Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s business partner, Mike van Wyk, has cited severe anxiety as the reason for his absence from the Madlanga Commission. The Medicare24 chief executive was expected to answer questions about how the company, which he co-owned with co-accused Matlala, secured a multimillion-rand medical tender with the police. However, he informed the inquiry through his lawyer, Sandy De Plessis, that he has been experiencing persistent panic attacks which have resulted in hospitalisation. “The panic attacks have been ongoing, and…
Controversial media personality Ngizwe Mchunu has rejected a 24-hour ultimatum from Julius Malema to issue an apology and pay R1 million in damages over alleged defamatory remarks. The demand follows claims made by Mchunu alleging that Malema received millions of rand from individuals linked to drug-related activities and used his political influence to shield foreign nationals allegedly involved in crime. Mchunu has dismissed the demand, indicating he will not retract his statements, raising the prospect of a legal battle between…
SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has criticised both the South African Communist Party and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party ahead of the planned “conference of the left”. Vavi argued that the SACP has supported poor policy decisions by government over more than three decades of democratic rule, while also claiming the MK Party is not a genuine left-wing organisation despite its positioning. He was speaking to Newsnote in Pretoria while participating in a march to the Department of Communications and Digital…
Anger boiled over in central Johannesburg as anti-immigration group March and March took to the streets, with its leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma unleashing a scathing attack on police, local communities and foreign nationals. The protest began at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, where hundreds gathered before splitting into groups. One faction, known as Amabotho, moved through Braamfontein and parts of Hillbrow, before converging at Library Gardens Square. By the time the crowds reached the Gauteng Legislature, the mood had hardened, with…