Bad news for schools, and DA demands MMC dismissal

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

• Bad news for schools: The Eastern Cape Education Department has issued a warning that the severe weather forecast for the province could disrupt schooling. According to the South African Weather Service, the adverse conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. This warning comes just after matriculants started their final exams yesterday. Learners, teachers, and parents are urged to remain cautious and stay alert during this period. [SABC]

• Eva Tembo reunited with parents: After three emotional months, 6-year-old Eva Tembo has finally reunited with her parents. Eva was allegedly abducted by her mother’s employer, Carlos Rebelo, who was ordered by the court to return her to her family. [News24]

• DA demands MMC dismissal: The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sent a letter to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, demanding the immediate dismissal of Community Development MMC Kabelo Gwamanda. This request comes after Gwamanda’s recent arrest for allegedly being involved in a fraudulent funeral insurance scheme from 2012. Gwamanda’s company, Ithuba Lama Afrika, offered funeral plans to residents of Soweto, even though it was not registered. [EWN]

• Suspect turns state witness in Joshlin Smith case: In a case involving the disappearance of seven-year-old Joshlin Smith, the State alleges that her mother, Kelly Smith, orchestrated a plan to sell her into human trafficking. The indictment, presented just before the deadline, details how Kelly, along with her boyfriend and another friend, were involved in the sale of the child, with new evidence surfacing from a fourth suspect turned State witness. The case has been transferred to the Western Cape High Court, and the community of Saldanha Bay is relieved that justice for Joshlin is still being pursued. [Daily Maverick]

• Markets: On Monday, South Africa’s rand weakened against a stronger dollar as investor attention turned to local inflation data set to be released later this week. On Tuesday (22 October), the rand was trading at R17.59 to the dollar, R22.87 to the pound, and R19.03 to the euro. Oil is trading at $73.95 a barrel. [Reuters]