Daily news update: EFF defends Mpofu, Tau strikes again, SA’s richest celeb in the US

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Moyane had brief to restructure Sars, dismantle its units, Zondo hears

Former Sars executive Johan van Loggerenberg. Picture: Gallo Images/Netwerk24/Deaan Vivier

Former South African Revenue Services (Sars) executive Johann van Loggerenberg took the witness stand at the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture on Thursday afternoon, where he revealed that former commissioner Tom Moyane sought to dismantle units within the revenue service.

In his affidavit, Van Loggerenberg – who worked at Sars from November 1998 until his resignation in February 2015 – explained that there was no doubt that Moyane had “a clear brief to restructure Sars and dismantle its enforcement capabilities”.

EFF defends Mpofu, lashes Zondo for being ‘scared of white people’

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Picture: Neil McCartney

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have come out in defence of advocate Dali Mpofu – following his censure by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo over his conduct at the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture – calling his actions a “perfect instance of legitimate black rage and defence”.

On Tuesday, proceedings became heated when Mpofu, who cross-examined Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan on behalf of former Sars commissioner Tom Moyane, told advocate Michelle le Roux, acting on behalf of the minister, to “shut up”.

Repo rate stays unchanged at 3.5%

Picture: iStock

The monetary policy committee of the South African Reserve Bank has again decided to keep rates unchanged at 3.5%.

The last time it changed was in July last year when it was cut by 25 basis points to ease financial hardship and improve the resilience of households and companies to the economic implications of Covid-19.

Should Zuma go to prison or get another chance to face Zondo?

Former president Jacob Zuma is defiant of a court order. Picture: Flickr / GovernmentZA

Former president Jacob Zuma’s fate now rests with the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) justices, after judgment in his contempt case – for refusing to appear before the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture – was reserved on Thursday.

And while what they’ll do with it remains anyone’s guess at this point, experts and analysts agree he should be looking at jail time – or at least the threat thereof.

Tau strikes again as Bafana draw with Ghana

Percy Tau (right) celebrates his goal with Themba Zwane. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.

Bafana Bafana will need to avoid defeat in Sudan on Sunday to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, after a 1-1 Group C draw with Ghana at an empty FNB Stadium on Thursday.

South Africa were always going to make the finals with a draw in Sudan, regardless of the result of Thursday’s match, but this behind-closed-doors point against the Black Stars means that if Molefi Ntseki’s men lose in Omdurman, they are definitely out of next year’s finals in Cameroon.

Who’s South Africa’s richest celeb in the US?

Charlize Theron attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/AFP

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