Former South African Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is facing a corruption trial in the Pretoria High Court after being accused of accepting R4.5 million in bribes from a defense contractor during her tenure.
The case, which resumed following a three-month break, will move forward after the state disclosed key documents requested by the defense, including correspondence between investigators and prosecutors. The trial is now set to proceed with the aim of bringing the matter to a swift resolution.
The Gauteng High Court ruled that delays in providing timely radiation oncology treatment by the provincial health department were unconstitutional and unlawful. A backlog of over 2,400 cancer patients, some waiting for treatment for more than three years, led to the legal challenge. Despite receiving R784 million in funding to address the issue, the department delayed appointing a service provider and has been ordered to update the backlog list and provide progress reports on treatment services within 45 days.
The South African Weather Service has forecast a drier and warmer winter for the Western Cape, with below-average rainfall and higher-than-usual temperatures. Lead scientist Christien Engelbrecht cautioned that the reduced precipitation would likely result in smaller snow coverage, disappointing snow enthusiasts as cloud cover diminishes. The forecast indicates significant changes in the region’s winter weather, with less chance of snowfall and higher temperatures across the province.