Lifestyle audits for police, and COSATU marches ahead of budget speech

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

• SAPS clamps down on corruption: The Portfolio Committee on Police has requested lifestyle and skills audits for senior management within the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the service meets current and future needs. They also emphasise the need to review the discipline management system, as Chairperson Ian Cameron pointed out that unqualified individuals have been appointed to specialised positions due to political connections, with some linked to confirmed or alleged corruption. [SABC]

• COSATU marches ahead of budget speech: COSATU will lead a march to Parliament on Wednesday morning before the medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS). Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana is set to present the budget at 2 PM. COSATU and civil society organizations are calling for action on high unemployment and the implementation of a basic income grant. They also urge the government to reject harsh economic policies that hinder growth and job creation. [EWN]

• The fight to keep harmful chemicals in South Africa: The pesticide industry is opposing the government’s ban on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxins, trying to keep 115 harmful products available. The South African government plans to remove 346 pesticides by June 2025 due to health risks like cancer and birth defects. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRLD) is phasing out these chemicals as part of a global initiative. However, manufacturers are seeking to retain some of these pesticides by taking advantage of regulatory loopholes. [Daily Maverick]

• Over 35 arrested in Durban: Authorities are carrying out operations to clean up the Durban Central Business District (CBD). During a raid on Tuesday, at least 36 foreign nationals were arrested, some of whom had fake documentation. Law enforcement agencies, along with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, are focused on eliminating illegal immigrants and counterfeit food items from the area. [eNCA]

• Markets: South Africa’s rand remained stable on Tuesday as investors refrained from making significant moves ahead of the mid-term budget announcement this week. On Wednesday (30 October), the rand was trading at R17.70 to the dollar, R23.00 to the pound, and R19.15 to the euro. Oil is trading at $71.51 a barrel. [Reuters]