5 important things happening in South Africa today

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• Record-breaking number of expats vote: As we await the confirmation of the exact figures, it is estimated that around 70,000 South African voters cast their votes abroad over the weekend – substantially higher than the 20,000 in 2019. Electoral Commission South Africa (IEC) official Shiburi Mashego said the exact figure of the turn-out would remain “unknown until the votes cast overseas are counted in the country, following the close of voting stations on 29 May.” [The Citizen]

• Crucial judicial interviews: The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will hold crucial marathon interviews on May 20 and 21 for the next Chief Justice and Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) positions, which may well decide the next decade for South Africa’s judiciary. Ten candidates are vying for three vacancies on the SCA Bench, while the JSC will interview the sole candidate for Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya. [Daily Maverick]

• ConCourt to rule on Zuma’s ballot eligibility: The Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether Jacob Zuma, running under the MK Party, is eligible for Parliament despite a 15-month prison sentence. This follows the IEC’s request for clarity after the Electoral Court allowed his candidacy, challenging the IEC’s disqualification based on a constitutional restriction against those with prison sentences over 12 months holding parliamentary seats. [eNCA]

• Trucker associations temporarily suspend national shutdown: The All Truck Drivers Forum, along with Allied South Africa, have announced a temporary suspension of the planned national shutdown. There were expectations of significant traffic disruptions on Monday morning due to the forum’s threats to block major routes. The group has criticized the Department of Labour for allegedly overlooking unfair labour practices within the freight sector, specifically the employment of foreign nationals. [EWN]

• Markets: The rand was little changed on Friday, hovering around a five-month high. On Monday (20 May), the rand was trading at R18.16 to the dollar, R23.04 to the pound, and R19.76 to the euro. Oil is trading at $84.10 a barrel. [Reuters]