EWNTV NEWS BULLETINS | Batohi walks out, Ntuli survives vote and Starlink BEE row escalates

Headlines

Presidency keeps the Madlanga Commission interim report under wraps.

Chaos erupts in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature as Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli survives a removal vote.

Death toll rises and motives remain unclear after the Sydney beach attack.

Batohi walks out of fitness inquiry

National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi walked out of the inquiry into the fitness of Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke after being reprimanded by the panel.

Batohi is the main witness accusing Chauke of making politically motivated decisions. The reprimand followed her admission that she had spoken to KwaZulu-Natal DPP Elaine Harrison about the withdrawn Cato Manor case.

The panel, chaired by retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, questioned her conduct. After the lunch break, Batohi left the chamber without permission. She later said she would not continue testifying until she had obtained legal advice.

ALSO READ: Batohi struggles to back allegations made against Chauke at his inquiry

Cross-examination of NDPP Shamila Batohi has raised questions over her evidence at Nkabinde Inquiry

Starlink and BEE policy row escalates

Claims of preferential treatment continue to surface as Communications Minister Solly Malatsi refuses to withdraw his directive easing BEE requirements for companies such as Starlink.

Malatsi has dismissed the backlash as political expediency. Parliament’s Communications Committee chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, wants the directive scrapped, arguing that it undermines the spirit of transformation laws.

Malatsi insists the policy allows companies to invest through equity-equivalent programmes instead of selling stakes to local black investors. He says support for the directive was overwhelming and that it is fully consistent with the law.

ALSO READ: Presidency stresses ICASA's independence on Starlink policy directive

EFF accuses minister of undermining law to allow Starlink bypass BEE requirements

Ntuli survives KZN legislature vote

The motion to remove KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has failed.

Ntuli survived the vote despite chaotic scenes in the provincial legislature, with the IFP-led coalition retaining control of the government.

The MK Party accused the coalition of failing residents. Ntuli, however, criticised the opposition for causing unnecessary disruption.

He said it was a shame that leaders were expected to address people’s challenges, yet opposition parties were creating chaos with unfounded accusations.

ALSO READ: Premier Ntuli insists he was never worried about ouster attempt

Madlanga Commission interim report withheld

The Presidency has drawn a firm line on the Madlanga Commission, confirming that only the final report will be made public.

The commission is probing corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. An interim report will be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa this week, containing detailed testimony and evidence.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says releasing the interim report would be reckless, as some witnesses are expected to return to continue their evidence.

ALSO READ: Presidency dismisses transparency concerns as Madlanga interim report deadline nears

South Africa excluded from US-hosted G20 meetings

South Africa has been excluded from the first G20 Sherpa meeting under the US presidency in Washington.

Pretoria says it was formally informed earlier this month that it is barred from all US-hosted G20 events next year, including ministerial meetings and the 2026 Leaders’ Summit in Miami.

South Africa has asked G20 member states to place the matter on the agenda, warning that the exclusion sets a dangerous precedent. Despite the snub, the Presidency says it will not call for a boycott.

ALSO READ: EFF calls on global community to boycott upcoming G20 Summit in US

Durban temple collapse: Search nears end

The active phase of the search-and-rescue operation at the collapsed temple in Verulam, north of Durban, will end once police confirm the site has been fully cleared.

Five bodies have been recovered after teams worked through layers of debris over two days. Once cleared, the site will be handed over to the Department of Labour for a full investigation.

ALSO READ: Temple collapse tragedy: Fifth body recovered in Verulam

Western Cape water restrictions

The Western Cape has imposed water restrictions to prevent summer shortages.

Several towns are at high risk, including Knysna, Caledon, Van Wyksdorp, Ladismith, Zoar and Witsand. Level 6 restrictions apply in some towns, while Level 4 restrictions are in place for Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas.

Cape Town remains unaffected for now.

Drunk driving crackdown in Johannesburg

Johannesburg Metro Police are raising alarm over a surge in drunk driving.

Nearly 200 motorists were arrested in the past week as festive season travel increases. Authorities say those arrested will face the full force of the law, with penalties including heavy fines, possible imprisonment and licence suspension.

Hong Kong media tycoon convicted

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of foreign collusion and sedition.

Jailed since 2020, his case is widely seen as symbolic of shrinking political freedoms in Hong Kong. Prosecutors say he encouraged foreign sanctions and stirred hostility towards the government. He faces a possible life sentence.

Sydney Hanukkah festival mass shooting

Twenty-seven patients remain in hospital following a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

New South Wales Health says six are in critical condition. Fifteen people were killed, including a child.

Police say a father and son opened fire during the celebrations. The father was shot dead by police, while his son remains under guard in hospital. The motive is still under investigation.

ALSO READ: Gunmen kill 11 during Jewish event at Sydney's Bondi Beach

Durban amusement park development

The eThekwini Metro Municipality has announced plans to build a new amusement park on the beachfront promenade.

The R1 billion project will replace the 75-year-old park that closed in May 2023. Attractions will include a lightning roller coaster, Disco 24, a vertical swing, and a 1,500-square-metre virtual reality theme park.

The project is expected to create 500 construction jobs and 900 permanent positions in hospitality and technical services. It is due for completion by the end of 2027.