Daily news update: Still no Joburg mayor, Life Esidimeni saga and asbestos case

Here’s your morning news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.

Daily news update: 4 May

City of Joburg fails to elect new mayor after several delays

The City of Johannesburg is set to elect a new executive mayor later this week after failing to do so on Tuesday.

The process of electing a new mayor was delayed despite the city’s special council meeting starting at 10am on Tuesday.

READ MORE: City of Joburg fails to elect new mayor after several delays

‘I knew I was going into a lion’s den,’ says Qedani Mahlangu on Gauteng health deployment

Former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu says she knew she was being thrown into “a lion’s den” when she was redeployed back to the Health Department in 2014.

Mahlangu appeared before the Life Esidimeni inquest in the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday.

READ MORE: ‘I knew I was going into a lion’s den,’ says Qedani Mahlangu on Gauteng health deployment

Asbestos case: Attempt by Magashule and Sodi to quash prosecution dismissed

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Tuesday dismissed, with costs, the attempts by former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule and businessperson Edwin Sodi to question the validity of their prosecution in the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption case.

According to News24, the court ruled that the appeal had “no reasonable prospects of success… and there is no compelling reason why an appeal should be heard”.

READ MORE: Asbestos case: Attempt by Magashule and Sodi to quash prosecution dismissed

PA leader Gayton McKenzie resigns as Central Karoo mayor

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has resigned as mayor of Central Karoo District municipality in the Western Cape.

McKenzie decided to vacate the mayoral position after promising that he would only serve for a year in office.

READ MORE: PA leader Gayton McKenzie resigns as Central Karoo mayor

WATCH: Disbarred advocate Teffo’s request to meet with judge causes delay in Meyiwa murder trial

The first day of the trial against the five men charged with the murder of former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa, resumed with high drama in court.

Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo, who used to represent four of the five accused standing trial, caused a stir in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday morning, when he demanded to meet with presiding Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela in chambers.

READ MORE: WATCH: Disbarred advocate Teffo’s request to meet with judge causes delay in Meyiwa murder trial

Tennis star Serena Williams announces second pregnancy

Congratulations are in order for the retired legendary tennis player Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian. Serena revealed in a recent Instagram post and at the Met Gala that they are expecting their second bundle of joy.

“Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala,” she wrote, announcing the exciting news.

READ MORE: Tennis star Serena Williams announces second pregnancy

Loftus chosen as venue for Nedbank Cup final

Loftus Stadium in Pretoria will host the 2023 Nedbank Cup final, the Premier Soccer League announced on Tuesday.

The final will be played on Saturday May 27, and will feature either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates, who meet in the semifinal at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

READ MORE: Loftus chosen as venue for Nedbank Cup final