For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Maropene Ramokgopa takes over as acting Minister after Kodwa’s resignation; MK Party confirms coalition engagements with ANC; And, IFP not averse to government of national unity

Maropene Ramokgopa takes over as acting Minister after Kodwa’s resignation

Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa will act as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture following Zizi Kodwa’s resignation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Ramokgopa’s appointment today noting that she will stay on until a permanent appointment is made in the seventh administration.

Kodwa appeared in court, this week, over corruption charges, following evidence from the Zondo commission of enquiry, which pointed to him receiving a R1.7-million bribe from an executive of a local technology company, which received government tenders.

Kodwa has “strongly” denied the allegations and has been granted bail.

MK Party confirms coalition engagements with ANC

The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party has confirmed that it has had engagements with the African National Congress regarding coalition discussions.

After losing its outright majority following the May 29 national and provincial elections, the ANC has spoken with the Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, National Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance.

The MK Party announced that a meeting with the ANC was expected to take place soon, where it said it would hear the views presented with an “open mind”, while firmly prioritising the inspiration and aspiration of the South African majority and black people in particular.

MK Party highlighted that any coalition had to focus on eradicating the systems that preserve and support the prolonged political subjugation and economic enslavement of the country’s people.

And, IFP not averse to government of national unity

The Inkatha Freedom Party stated today that it is not against a government of national unity, saying it remains committed to giving the matter priority attention.

African National Congress President Cyril Ramaphosa announced yesterday that the party will invite other political parties to form a government of national unity.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said that over the past few days the party has engaged with the ANC, Democratic Alliance, and National Freedom Party on a way forward for the country.

The ANC has also since highlighted that its discussions with the IFP, DA, NFP and the Patriotic Alliance were constructive.

Following the ANC’s announcement of its intention to from a government of national unity, the IFP said its Coalitions Task Team would engage the ANC and other parties further and report back to the IFP National Executive Committee on Monday.

He noted that the IFP would broaden the scope of its engagement with other parties, particularly as parties grappled with the possibility, viability and dynamics of a government of national unity.

Hlengwa said the party’s coalition discussions continue to be guided by its policies and 13-point manifesto plan, the Constitution, and the rule of law.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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