For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Tasneem Bulbulia
Making headlines: South Africa retains dubious corruption rating, DA lays complaint against Malusi Gigaba with Public Protector And, Ramaphosa tees up for Presidential Golf Challenge

South Africa retains dubious corruption rating

Corruption Watch has expressed concern over South Africa dropping down the rankings of the latest Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International.

Corruption Watch's Phemelo Khaas said South Africa's score dropped from 45 in 2017 to 43 this year, and although it seemed "a marginal shift" it should be of concern.

She said this was of particular concern given that the CPI reflected the outcome of surveys conducted in 2016, prior to the dismissal of former finance minister Pravin Gordhan, action relating to the Public Protector's October 2016 State of Capture report, and the daily scandals and revelations of grand corruption that characterised 2017.

DA lays complaint against Malusi Gigaba with Public Protector

The DA yesterday laid a formal complaint with Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, requesting that she probe Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba for allegedly lying under oath during court proceedings and violating the Constitution during his tenure as minister of home affairs.

This comes after a court battle launched by Fireblade Aviation in November 2016 against the Department of Home Affairs and others.

The application sought to have the court declare that approval for a terminal – allegedly granted by Gigaba in early 2016 while he was still minister of home affairs – could not be renounced.

The DA said that at the time it was alleged that Gigaba revoked the approval he initially granted following pressure from the controversial Gupta family.
However, in October 2017 – the North Gauteng High Court granted permission to the aviation company, owned by the Oppenheimer family, to run a private customs and immigration service at OR Tambo International Airport for business people.

Ramaphosa tees up for Presidential Golf Challenge

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today tee up alongside business leadership and other stakeholders in support of charities at the annual Presidential Golf Challenge at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand, Western Cape.

This annual challenge is hosted by the Ministry for the Public Service and Administration in partnership with the private sector as part of a programme of activities concentrated around the State of the Nation Address.

It raises funds for charities designated by the sitting president and provides an opportunity for networking between government and partners in other sectors of society.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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