Ramaphosa feels the heat, and South African city in waste

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

• Ramaphosa feels the heat: President Cyril Ramaphosa will face tough questions from MPs in the National Assembly today. These include reforms to the UN Security Council, the future of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, and the Phala Phala farm theft. [eNCA]

• JSC makes their recommendation: The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) completed its October interviews for superior court vacancies. On Monday, two candidates were considered for the Limpopo High Court and two for Deputy Judge President in Mpumalanga. After two weeks of interviews, Regional Magistrate J.T. Ngobeni secured the position in Limpopo following a positive assessment. [SABC]

• R300 million down the drain: Twelve of Mogale City’s 22 sewage pump stations are either broken or only partially working, while two of the three wastewater treatment plants have failed. As a result, millions of litres of untreated sewage are being released into rivers daily. [News 24]

• ANC accepts Mabe’s resignation: The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed support for former spokesperson Pule Mabe’s decision to step down from the party’s national executive committee (NEC). Mabe voluntarily stepped aside on Wednesday after facing charges of fraud and money laundering. [EWN]

• Markets: South Africa’s rand held onto its gains on Wednesday, as domestic retail sales rose in August, indicating an improvement in consumer sentiment. On Thursday (17 October), the rand was trading at R17.65 to the dollar, R22.92 to the pound, and R19.16 to the euro. Oil is trading at $74.49 a barrel. [Reuters]