For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Prof William Gumede to chair Multi-Party National Convention; Former Western Cape DA leader Bonginkosi Madikizela wants his post back; And, Sars denies meeting between Ramaphosa, Kieswetter to investigate attendees, sponsors of EFF gala dinner

Prof William Gumede to chair Multi-Party National Convention

Political parties exploring a multi-party agreement have announced that Professor William Gumede will be the Independent Chairperson of the Multi-Party National Convention.

The parties involved are the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, the United Independent Movement and Spectrum National Party.

Opposition party leaders will hold a National Convention on August 16 and 17 in Johannesburg to discuss a possible pact in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

As an independent chairperson of the process, Gumede is not affiliated to any of the participating parties.

The parties noted in a joint statement that there was a need for the talks to benefit from the wisdom and experience that was available in South Africa and, which they said, was too often ignored by political leaders.

Former Western Cape DA leader Bonginkosi Madikizela wants his post back

After stepping out of the political scene amid a qualifications controversy about two years ago, former Democratic Alliance leader and Western Cape MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela is throwing his name in the hat for the party's provincial leader post.

Madikizela said he was making a political comeback.

He said he was responding to the call from many DA members to avail himself to lead the province again.

Madikizela said he was excited about the work they would do toward the 2024 general elections, and that the DA would make history by becoming part of a new government.

He said he wanted to add value to SA politics, not only because of his experience but because of his understanding of the political environment the country has found itself in.

Madikizela resigned in April 2021 after he was suspended for lying about his qualifications.

He admitted that he did not finish his BCom degree but added that it was not a requirement for political office.

He resigned from as the Transport MEC and as Western Cape DA leader but remained a member of the party.

And, Sars denies meeting between Ramaphosa, Kieswetter to investigate attendees, sponsors of EFF gala dinner

The South African Revenue Service has denied claims that a secret meeting took place between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Commissioner Edward Kieswetter to investigate the attendees and sponsors of the Economic Freedom Fighters gala dinner last week.

Sars was responding to accusations made against it by EFF leader Julius Malema.

Malema claimed "reliable" sources informed him that Ramaphosa and Kieswetter met on Monday to discuss investigating the attendees "due to extravagance and flamboyance displayed" during the gala dinner. The party held its event on Sunday.

According to Malema, his source said Ramaphosa wanted Sars to probe whether their tax affairs were up to date and if any of them conducted business with the state.

Malema claimed, without providing evidence, that Kieswetter had already appointed an investigator and scheduled the probe for completion before December.

Malema said this alleged behaviour amounted to the politicians using the state to settle political scores, and accused Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi of being among those politicians.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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