For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Ramaphosa called Putin to discuss food security in Africa, Nxesi says N3 blockade is 'sabotage and a staged crime' and, Monkeypox cases confirmed in 8 African countries

Ramaphosa called Putin to discuss food security in Africa

The Presidency has confirmed reports by the Kremlin press service that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Cyril Ramaphosa had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday to discuss food security.

Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said that the two leaders held a discussion on issues of trade and investment ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit.

According to a Kremlin press release, the telephonic conversation between the two leaders centred around supplies of agricultural products and fertilisers to Africa after Russia's invasion of Ukraine scrambled global markets.

Nxesi says N3 blockade is 'sabotage and a staged crime'

Labour minister Thulas Nxesi says the recent blockade of the N3 by striking truck drivers must be treated as sabotage, as an inter-ministerial committee has been appointed to engage all stakeholders on the issues raised by the latest action.

Truck drivers had blockaded the busy N3 linking the inland provinces with the country's key trade ports of Durban and Richards Bay, obstructing the flow of traffic for over 24 hours. 

Police managed to end the blockade on both sides of the N3 between Van Reenen's Pass and at the Tugela Plaza yesterday evening and traffic movement has been restored.

Nxesi further stated that this ongoing trend is intended to "cause disorder that the country does not require".

Monkeypox cases confirmed in 8 African countries

The World Health Organisation will convene an emergency committee meeting next week to determine whether monkeypox has become a global crisis.

The meeting will be held at a time when eight African countries, two of which had no history of monkeypox, have recorded cases - adding to 1 900 cases recorded worldwide so far.

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti  said there are now a total of 1 900 confirmed cases in 39 countries across the globe, including eight African countries.

Nigeria has the highest number of cases, while Morocco has only one case confirmed.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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