Former VBS chair pleads guilty and Life Esidimeni inquest finds top officials guilty for deaths

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

• Former VBS chair pleads guilty: Tshifiwa Matodzi, the former VBS Mutual Bank chairman, as part of a plea and sentencing agreement for a nearly R2-billion bank heist, pleaded guilty to 33 counts of corruption and related crimes in the Gauteng High Court. He received a 495-year sentence set to run concurrently, effectively serving 15 years. “My desperation to be counted among the so-called big dogs is exactly what has ultimately led to my downfall,” he said. [Daily Maverick]

• Life Esidimeni inquest finds top officials responsible for deaths: The Life Esidimeni inquest found former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the head of Gauteng’s mental health services, Makgabo Manamela, responsible for patient deaths after moving them to inadequate NGOs eight years ago. Judge Mmonoa Teffo stated their actions made the deaths inevitable. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will consider prosecution after reviewing the judgment, yet to be fully released. [Business Day]

• Level 8 weather warning in place for Western Cape: A Level 8 weather warning remains in effect in the Western Cape with predictions of further adverse weather conditions in the province. The authorities remain vigilant, anticipating additional flooding that could further aggravate the current critical situation. Thousands have been displaced, and schooling has been suspended in several districts. [eNCA]

• Underperforming MMCs to face the chopping block in Ekurhuleni: Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has warned executive mayoral council members (MMCs) of removal if they fail to meet performance standards. Performance scorecards to ensure MMC accountability will be introduced next week. Xhakaza also highlighted efforts to stabilize the city’s finances following a challenging audit report during the term of EFF financial MMC Nkululeko Dunga under the ANC-led coalition government. [Mail & Guardian]

• Markets: The rand gained on Wednesday against a weaker dollar as focus remains on the future interest rate path of the world’s biggest economy. On Thursday (11 July), the rand was trading at R18.13 to the dollar, R23.15 to the pound, and R19.65 to the euro. Oil is trading at $85.77 a barrel. [Reuters]