For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: Ndlozi resigns as EFF MP; PSA urges ‘balanced approach’ to ensure sustainability of NHI; And, Mozambique opposition leader returns after fleeing on post-election safety fears

Ndlozi resigns as EFF MP

The Economic Freedom Fighters today announced the resignation of its MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, from Parliament.

The party also received the voluntary resignation of Yazini Tetyana as MP.

The party said the resignations were voluntary. As it stands, Ndlozi and Tetyana remain members of the EFF.

Ndlozi has served in the National Assembly since 2014, while Tetyana served in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and in Parliament.

In recent months, high-profile members, including Floyd Shivambu, Dali Mpofu, Mzwanele Manyi and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, have left the party.

PSA urges ‘balanced approach’ to ensure sustainability of NHI

The Public Servants Association wants government to explore alternative solutions to fund the National Health Insurance scheme, without placing the burden on struggling employees following concerns that employees would face an additional R37 000 tax burden to fund the scheme.

The organisation said the move will place undue financial burden on employees, many of whom are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

The PSA is adamant that “universal, affordable and quality” health care is essential for all citizens of the country, however this must not place an additional financial burden on taxpayers, it stressed.

The PSA pointed out that it has on several occasions warned government to delay the implementation of the NHI Act until critical issues such as funding, staffing and infrastructure are addressed.

The organisation said government needs to find a balanced approach that ensures the sustainability of the NHI while protecting the financial well-being of South African employees.

And, Mozambique opposition leader returns after fleeing on post-election safety fears

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned home today, after fleeing in the days following a hotly contested October election that sparked demonstrations in which scores of protesters have been killed.

Mondlane said the October 9 poll was rigged and has called on his supporters to take to the streets across the southern African nation of 35-million.

A heavy riot police presence was felt in the areas surrounding capital Maputo's international airport where thousands gathered to welcome Mondlane.

Protests have continued, sporadically, for more than two months, and Mondlane's return could add fuel to the fire.

Civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide said at least 278 people had died in the protests since mid-October, when the electoral commission announced the results extending the ruling Frelimo party's half-century in power.

Mozambique's top court in December confirmed the ruling party Frelimo's election victory - despite multiple reports from observers that it was not free and fair - triggering a fresh round of protests.

Newly-elected President Daniel Chapo is to be sworn in next week, another potential flashpoint in Mozambique's political crisis.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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