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

Making headlines: EFF MP joins ActionSA; Dirco says comprehensive resolution needed in Israel, Palestine conflict; And, Court sets rules for hybrid hearings

EFF MP joins ActionSA

Former Economic Freedom Fighters MP Thembinkosi Rawula has urged citizens to demand leadership that is accountable and that will be able to economically sustain the country.

Rawula was speaking during the announcement of his membership to ActionSA, where he said that the EFF leaders’ involvement in the VBS Bank scandal is an indication that there are thieves wearing red overalls in parliament.

ActionSA Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip on Monday welcomed Rawula to the party and described him as one of the few people in South Africa that has had the courage of his convictions to take on his former leader Julius Malema.

In 2019, Rawula posted on his Facebook profile about alleged corrupt dealings of Malema and his deputy Floyd Shivambu.

Rawul explained that even though he is not happy with the measures parliament has taken against Shivambu, there is evidence of slush accounts to ensure that money is solicited from VBS – money for the most vulnerable people.

Dirco says comprehensive resolution needed in Israel

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has said that no real and lasting peace in Israel, Palestine and the region is possible in the absence of a “just and comprehensive resolution” of the conflict.

This follows what the department calls a devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Continuing the decades-long conflict, Israel declared war on Hamas, on Saturday, following an attack from Gaza that killed hundreds of Israelis and which has since seen hundreds more of Palestinian deaths in response.

Dirco has reported that South Africa and the international community seek to ensure a “lasting and durable peace that produces a viable, contiguous Palestinian State.

Dirco also stressed that urgent attention must be given to resolving the final status issues such as borders, the status of Jerusalem, the release of political prisoners, and the right of return.

And, Court sets rules for hybrid hearings

The Western Cape High Court issued has embraced virtual sittings as a possible permanent fixture, but only in certain justified situations.

This follows the hasty pandemic pivot to messy Zoom and Teams meetings, which eventually became a viable alternative to in-person meetings, court cases and Parliament.

Acting Judge President Patricia Goliath, in her directives of 2 October, stated the default rule is that all hearings should revert to open court.

That is in line with South Africa's policy of transparency of justice and access to courts.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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