Daily news update: Cause of Joburg explosion, EFF scuffle, Zille versus Van Damme

In today’s daily news update: Investigations into the Joburg explosion have wrapped up and the cause identified as methane gas.

Meanwhile, EFF members scuffled with a group of white men and Phumzile van Damme slammed DA chair Helen Zille for tweeting “falsehoods”.

Daily news update: 3 Aug 2023

Weather-wise, South Africans are in for a challenging round today with conditions ranging from fire dangers to fog-induced visibility problems… Find your regional weather forecast here.

Oh and hey, Jacob Zuma is back in SA after his trip to Russia.

Here’s your daily news recap, an easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.

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Joburg explosion: Methane gas

On Wednesday, City Manager Floyd Brink said the investigation in the inner-city Joburg explosion had been completed, with methane gas identified as the cause.

The investigation into the Lilian Ngoyi Streets explosion was conducted by a specialised team consisting of fire specialists, international engineers, structural experts, and professionals in occupational health and safety.

Brink addressed concerns over the City’s internal capacity to handle such disasters, saying the level of expertise required to deal with the aftermath cannot be maintained in-house.

READ: Joburg CBD explosion explained: Methane gas identified as cause

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EFF members scuffle with white men

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has justified why EFF members had an altercation with a group of white men outside the party’s headquarters in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

A video shared by The Citizen’s journalist Lunga Mzangwe showed EFF members tussling with the white men, pushing them away from the building. One of the men was even struck a few times.

The individuals apparently wanted to be part of a red berets media briefing. During the briefing, Malema addressed the altercation.

READ: WATCH: EFF members scuffle with group of white men outside party headquarters in Joburg

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Van Damme versus Zille

In an unexpected turn of events, award-winning counter disinformation strategist Phumzile van Damme has slammed Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chair Helen Zille for tweeting ‘falsehoods’ about her exit from the party.

This after Zille took to social media on Wednesday evening, slamming Van Damme for calling out party leader John Steenhuisen for his comment on EFF leader Julius Malema’s “Kill the Boer” chant.

“The DA condemns Malema’s calls to ‘Shoot to kill’ and ‘Kill the Boer’. I declared the EFF political enemy number one of the DA at our Congress precisely because this demagogue will plunge SA into anarchy if he ever gets power. Help us stop Malema by registering to

READ: ‘Don’t force me to pull up screenshots,’ Van Damme warns Zille

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The Kiffness ultimatum

Musician David “The Kiffness” Scott has asked popular radio station 947 to pull his music from their playlists if they do not address a picture posted by breakfast show host Anele Mdoda of EFF president Julius Malema.

Anele drew debate online when she praised a picture of Malema standing on a platform, arm raised, at his party’s 10th-anniversary rally over the weekend.

The event was marred in controversy after Malema sang “kill the boer, kill the farmer”.

READ: The Kiffness gives radio station ultimatum amid Malema ‘Kill the Boer’ outrage

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‘Investigate EFF gala dinner’

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has accused the African National Congress (ANC) of using state resources for political purposes.

The EFF held its gala dinner at Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni on Thursday evening ahead of the party’s 10th-anniversary celebration rally over the weekend.

The fundraising event, which was attended by United Democratic Movement (UDM) president Bantu Holomisa and controversial businessman Adriano Mazzotti among others, saw Malema boasting about how his table, priced at R1.2 million, was fully booked.

READ: Malema accuses Ramaphosa, Lesufi of trying to get Sars to investigate EFF gala dinner

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In other news today:

• Joburg explosion: Tunnel, inner city upgrade estimated at R178 million
• R2.2 billion Kusile corruption case takes new turn with latest arrest
• Malema hits back at outrage ‘sponsored by Helen Zille’ over ‘Kill the Boer’
• Undertakers enjoying post-mortem backlog in Gauteng health facilities
• ‘No evidence’: NPA will not prosecute Fikile Mbalula for Dubai holiday

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Yesterday’s Daily News recap

READ: Buthelezi in ICU, ‘killing machine’ in Senzo case, Riverlea still the same