Daily news update: Mapisa-Nqakula deployment, Joburg’s new mayor and Zuma case postponed

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Mapisa-Nqakula looking at a salary bump despite Cabinet removal

It looks like former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is getting a “promotion” salary-wise, despite being removed as a member of Cabinet.

Last Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle.

The changes to Cabinet saw National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise being appointed as the new Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, with Ramaphosa indicating that Mapisa-Nqakula would be deployed to a new position.

Joburg’s new mayor Jolidee Matongo ready to hit the ground running

Newly elected Joburg executive mayor Jolidee Matongo on Tuesday said he was ready to hit the ground running following his election during a special council meeting.

Matongo, 46, was elected unopposed as the metro’s new mayor and will replace former mayor Geoff Makhubo, who succumbed to Covid-related complications in July.

ALSO READ: ANC’s Jolidee Matongo elected Joburg’s new mayor

Speaking at a media briefing after his election, Matongo said there would be no major changes coming with his administration as he would continue with the plans of Makhubo’s executive team, which he served as the city’s member of the mayoral committee for finance.

Pietermaritzburg High Court postpones Zuma, Thales corruption trial

The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday granted former president Jacob Zuma a postponement in his arms deal corruption trial.

The corruption trial, which involves Zuma and French arms company, Thales, is set to resume on 9 and 10 September.

The high court was expected to hear Zuma’s special plea for the recusal of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor, Billy Downer.

Deadly Marburg virus detected in West Africa

Guinea confirmed a case of Marburg disease, the World Health Organization said on Monday, the first recorded in West Africa of the lethal virus that’s related to Ebola and, like Covid-19, passed from animal hosts to humans.

The virus, which is carried by bats and has a fatality rate of up to 88%, was found in samples taken from a patient who died on 2 August in southern Gueckedou prefecture, the WHO said.

Another suspect nabbed for VBS-related corruption

The Hawks on Tuesday announced another breakthrough arrest of a 59-year-old suspect in Klerksdorp in connection with the looting and ultimate collapse of VBS Mutual Bank.

The directorate said that the suspect is reported to have taken part in the looting of VBS Mutual Bank through investing of the Mahikeng Local Municipality funds.

A statememnt from the Hawks said their investigation revealed that R92 million worth of taxpayer money was invested into VBS in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.

Shock revival: Lamborghini Countach returning after 31 years

In one of the biggest and most unexpected developments of the year, Lamborghini has announced that the legendary Countach will be returning this month after being replaced by the Diablo in 1990.

Making the announcement in a 20 second video on its Facebook last night, the Raging Bull, in a subsequent teaser image on its website, also showcased the wedge-like production model hidden underneath a tarpaulin without disclosing any further details.