‘Tainted’ SAA executive problem and R255 million corruption saga continues

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

• ‘Tainted’ SAA executive still on the job: SAA board chair refuted claims that an executive was asked to resign amid allegations of misappropriating confidential data from Airlink. Despite being informed of the breach several months ago, SAA has yet to take definitive action. Legal proceedings have commenced against the executive and her team for distributing Airlink’s sensitive data, and the case is also being investigated by law enforcement. SAA’s response to the situation remains pending. [The Citizen]

• Magashule’s former PA will appear in court: Ex-Free State-premier Ace Magashule’s former personal secretary is due in court on Monday after being extradited from the United States. She’s facing charges over the alleged irregular awarding of a R255 million contract in October 2014 to remove asbestos roofs in the province. Magashule and others are implicated, with some already released on bail. [SABC]

• Sewage pollution of Butterworth River continues: For the last eight years, broken pump stations in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, have been leaking raw sewage into the Gcuwa River, impacting downstream areas, including the Great Kei River. Located near the Sikiti and Eugene informal settlements, these malfunctioning stations have not been fixed despite complaints since March 2017 about foul odours and concerns over livestock health affecting milk quality. Initially confirmed by the Amathole District Municipality, the ongoing issue remains unaddressed. [GroundUp]

• ANC to move on (some) State Capture implicated: The African National Congress (ANC) said that it is moving forward with its renewal initiative by subjecting three of its Members of Parliament, previously implicated in State Capture, to overdue disciplinary hearings. The party said that this move aims to underline its renewed focus on accountability and rebuilding public trust. The disciplinary actions against former ministers Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, and Cedric Frolick, all linked to corruption allegations, are crucial for reinforcing the ANC’s integrity. [Daily Maverick]

• Markets: South Africa’s rand firmed slightly against the dollar in early Monday trade, supported by sentiment-boosting news by HSBC. On Monday (12 August), the rand was trading at R18.33 to the dollar, R23.42 to the pound, and R20 to the euro. Oil is trading at $79.88 a barrel. [Reuters]