ANC and MK Party head for court battle over logo and emblem

The Durban High Court will hear a legal dispute, initiated by the African National Congress (ANC) against the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), for using the former military wing's symbols.

Led by previous president Jacob Zuma, the new party comprises former MK soldiers, as well as members of the MK Veterans Association.

The ANC contends it's inappropriate for the MK Party to use the MK logo and emblem, because it's associated with the ANC's armed wing during apartheid.

The case follows the Electoral Court's rejection of the ANC's attempt to deregister the MK Party.

Attorney Ulrich Roux, from Ulrich Roux and Associates is, however, skeptical about the ANC's prospects, since the outcome hinges on the party's ability to demonstrate trademark registration for the logo. 

"I think the ANC is going to struggle."

- Ulrich Roux, Ulrich Roux and Associates

State opposing bail for five accused in AKA case

The Durban Magistrates' Court today heard arguments from prosecutors against the bail application of the men accused of murdering rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. 

EWN's Orrin Singh says it's believed at least two of the suspects are already out on bail for separate cases.

While defense lawyers assert there's no valid reason to deny bail, prosecutors are adamantly opposing it for all five.

Cell phone records have also emerged, linking them to various locations on the day of the murders.

Investigating Officer Kumaran Pillay provided evidence that four of the five procured the firearms and getaway vehicle used in the crime.

Skip to 16:00 for more.

Eskom challenges ruling on loadshedding exemptions

Eskom is contesting a 2023 judgment mandating the government to exempt schools, hospitals, clinics, police stations, and other vital public facilities from loadshedding. 

The power utility consistently maintains that neither it, nor government, possess the necessary technology and funds to execute such measures.

According to EWN's Thabiso Goba, Eskom's legal team highlighted the ambiguity of the 2023 ruling, while also emphasising in court that implementing this scheme would interfere with the Energy Action Plan.

For more, skip to 21:57.

Marshalltown building fire case postponed to 2 April

Sthembiso Mdlalose, who confessed to igniting the fatal Marshalltown fire in August last year, faces 76 charges of premeditated murder, 86 counts of attempted murder, and one of arson. 

Johannesburg's Central Magistrates' Court today adjourned Mdlalose's case until 2 April. 

EWN's Alpha Ramushwana reports that the accused's legal team will challenge his confession, citing lack of legal counsel and advice during the confession process.

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Public Enterprises Committee finalises report on SAA/Takatso deal

Parliament has suggested assigning the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe alleged irregularities in the collapsed deal between South African Airways (SAA) and Takatso. 

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan last week announced the cancellation of the agreement to sell 51% of SAA shares to the Takatso consortium.

Former Public Enterprises Director-General, Kgathatso Tlhakudi, lodged a complaint against Gordhan in Parliament, alleging that the sale of SAA was orchestrated in an irregular manner.

EWN's Babalo Ndenze said the Public Enterprises Committe proposed in its report that the SIU or similar body should further investigate the case.

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Experts predict the Monetary Policy Committee will hold interest rate

The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee convened today for a second time this year.

During their initial meeting in late January, the central bank opted to maintain the 8.25% repo rate, as well as  the current prime lending rate of 11.75%.

Economist Miyelani Mkhabela asserts there are compelling justifications for the committee to retain interest rates at their current levels.

Skip to 37:02 for more.