For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Paige Muller.

Making headlines: Bathabile Dlamini and Sassa CEO face deadline to explain why they shouldn't be held liable for grants extension; Nathi Mthethwa withdraws 'fake news' response to British land claims; And, DA clarifies appointment of Natasha Mazzone as second deputy chairperson

Bathabile Dlamini and Sassa CEO face deadline to explain why they shouldn't be held liable for grants extension

Embattled Minister in the Presidency for women Bathabile Dlamini and South Africa Social Security Agency acting CEO Pearl Bhengu have to explain today why they should not foot the bill for the CPS contract extension.

The Constitutional Court granted Sassa an application to allow CPS to continue distributing the grants by another six months.

Despite granting the extension, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng wanted to know why Sassa only approached the court in February and not in December 2017, when they were aware that an extension would be necessary.

Around 2.8 million beneficiaries - roughly 26% of the scheme, receive their grants in cash.

Nathi Mthethwa withdraws 'fake news' response to British land claims

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa yesterday withdrew his response to comments over land expropriation allegedly made by the British government, after discovering it was "fake news".

Mthethwa said in a statement that it had been officially communicated to him that the British government had not expressed any misgivings in respect of South Africa's stance on the expropriation of land without compensation.

Mthethwa said he revoked and recanted the assertions made in this regard "in full recognition and appreciation of the excellent relations and deep bonds of friendship that exist between Britain and our republic".

And, DA clarifies appointment of Natasha Mazzone as second deputy chairperson

The Democratic Alliance dismissed a report that Natasha Mazzone assumed the role as the second deputy chairperson of the party's federal council without an election.

It was reported yesterday that Mazzone was allegedly appointed to the position without an election, and that Gauteng MPL Khume Ramulifho had written about it to the party’s federal council chairperson James Selfe.

A Sunday newspaper reported that Ramulifho’s letter to Selfe indicated he would seek legal advice on the appointment from his lawyer.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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