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

Making headlines: Suspended Mkhwebane wants to return to work, but Ramaphosa says no; Former ConCourt Judge Sisi Khampepe to lead inquiry into deadly Marshalltown blaze; And, Nigerian workers strike to demand reversal of Tinubu's reforms

Suspended Mkhwebane wants to return to work, but Ramaphosa says no

Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane wants to return to office, believing that she is no longer suspended.

Mkhwebane announced yesterday that she intended to return to work today based on her interpretation of President Cyril Ramaphosa's suspension letter dated 9 June 2022.

She claimed that the president suspended her pending the finalisation of a parliamentary enquiry into her fitness to hold office.

In a letter to Mkhwebane, dated 4 September, Ramaphosa said she had no right or entitlement in law to return to office.

Ramaphosa explained that Mkhwebane’s intention to return to office is misconceived.

He pointed out that while the Section 194 Committee, which held the enquiry into Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office, had adopted its report, the proceedings that were initiated by the committee would be finalised either when the National Assembly does not adopt a resolution calling for her removal from office, or if the National Assembly does adopt such a resolution and the President acts in terms of Section 194(3)(b) of the Constitution.

Former ConCourt Judge Sisi Khampepe to lead inquiry into deadly Marshalltown blaze

Retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe will chair a commission of inquiry into the Johannesburg blaze that killed more than 70 people.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced yesterday that Khampepe, Advocate Thulani Makhubela, and former Ekurhuleni councillor Vuyelwa Mathilda Mabena would work with Khampepe in the probe into the circumstances that led to the deadly fire.

Makhubela is a legal expert with more than 26 years of experience, including in the Labour Court and CCMA matters, while Mabena is an experienced community activist and former councillor.

The premier said the city was plagued by a "crisis" of stolen buildings and required thorough interventions to prevent similar tragedies.

Lesufi said the commission's investigation would not interfere with the police probe into the causes of the fire.

He called on affected parties to make submissions to the commission.

And, Nigerian workers strike to demand reversal of Tinubu's reforms

Nigerian workers went on strike on Tuesday to demand a reversal of President Bola Tinubu's reforms aimed at reviving growth in Africa's largest economy which has compounded a cost of living crisis.

The Nigerian Labour Congress, which represents millions of workers across most sectors in the West African nation, called on Friday for a two-day strike in preparation for an indefinite strike on September 21.

Tinubu, who inherited a struggling economy with record debt and high inflation, scrapped a popular but costly petrol subsidy which caused pump prices to more than triple. He also lifted currency restrictions, causing the naira to weaken sharply.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on the X platform using the handle @PolityZA