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

Making headlines: UIF invested R1.7-biliion in Vans, Diesel distributor; South Africa records 1 094 new infections; And, Ethiopia's parliament lifts state of emergency early

UIF invested R1.7-biliion in Vans, Diesel distributor

The Unemployment Insurance Fund is currently checking whether anything is left of the R1.7-billion it invested in Bounty Brands, a group that distributes global apparel brands Vans and Diesel in South Africa. 

A new report has also linked former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to the embattled company, alleging that he received millions from a suspect transaction via a trust. 

The UIF, which provides short-term financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs, bought significant stakes in two companies that invested almost exclusively in Bounty Brands in 2016 and 2018.   

Two years ago, the fund's R1.7-billion investment was almost fully impaired after the consumer group's auditors were unable to say whether it was a going concern. 

South Africa records 1 094 new infections

South Africa recorded 1 094 new Covid-19 infections on Monday, which represented a 6.9% positivity rate.

Three new Covid-19-related deaths have been recorded, bringing the confirmed death toll to 97 250.

There were 47 new hospital admissions in the last 24-hour reporting cycle. As of Monday, 3 967 people were in public and private hospitals for Covid-19.

And, Ethiopia's parliament lifts state of emergency early

Ethiopia's parliament has voted for an early end to a six-month state of emergency, effective immediately, adding to signs that a bloody conflict between the government and rebellious Tigrayan forces could be easing.

The war in Africa's second-largest nation has largely ground to a stalemate, and diplomats helping to mediate between the two sides are cautiously optimistic that progress towards peace is being made.

The state of emergency gave the government power to detain citizens without charge and search homes without a warrant. Thousands of Tigrayan civilians were rounded up and held in prisons and warehouses.

Parliament's decision to lift the state of emergency came three weeks after cabinet approval.

The vote was not a rubber stamp, underscoring political divisions that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed must manage. Of 312 lawmakers voting, 63 opposed the motion, while 21 abstained.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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