Making headlines: Parliament files affidavit regarding public protector’s ‘CIEX report’; DA says defence minister must brief parliament on Gupta access to classified military information; And, Zuma says focus on Africa taken forward at Hamburg G20 summit

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

Parliament files affidavit regarding public protector’s ‘CIEX report

National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete has filed an affidavit supporting the South African Reserve Bank’s court application on Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s so-called “CIEX Report” and findings, parliament said yesterday.

In her affidavit filed on Friday, Mbete also asked the Gauteng High Court to allow her and justice and correctional services portfolio committee chairperson Mathole Motshekga to act as applicants in the case, parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.

In her report released on June 19, Mkhwebane found that ABSA Bank should pay R1.15-billion to the fiscus. Oddly, she also recommended that the mandate of the Sarb be changed from targeting inflation to promoting economic growth.

Accountability Now head Paul Hoffman, who lodged the original complaint, did not ask for such a finding at all and has himself stated he does not believe this finding to be correct.

DA says defence minister must brief parliament on Gupta access to classified military information

The extent of the wealthy, politically connected Gupta family’s “web of corruption” is becoming increasingly evident and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula needs to explain to parliament the “outrageous access” the Guptas had to classified military information, the DA said yesterday.

The DA would write to the chair of parliament’s defence committee to request that Mapisa-Nqakula urgently brief the committee on how the Gupta family gained access to classified military information for their much reported Sun City family wedding in 2013, DA spokesperson Kobus Marais said.

According to media reports yesterday, classified information such as dissemination maps and aviation charts of the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria were sent to the Gupta family over insecure email systems ahead of the Sun City wedding.

And, Zuma says focus on Africa taken forward at Hamburg G20 summit

The German presidency of the G20 this week managed to build on the achievements of the last summit in China which had emphasised sustainable development in Africa, President Jacob Zuma said yesterday.

In a statement issued by the presidency after his return from the summit in Hamburg, Zuma said the meeting had resulted in positive outcomes to a large degree as G20 leaders discussed and agreed on various developmental issues that would benefit the African continent.  

It was agreed that the initiative would be based on equal partnerships and will be in line with the African Union Agenda 2063.

The partnership would further serve South Africa’s national interest as it would generate a sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development, contribute to creating decent employment and economic advancement for women and youth as well as alleviate poverty and inequality.”

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That’s a roundup of news making headlines today