It seems the tobacco ban that was instituted during the first days of lockdown in 2020 was unlawful after all after a ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal, Dudu Myeni is ready to plead guilty after she revealed the name of a protected witness at the Zondo Commission, and the public protector will remain suspended with Ramaphosa sticking to his guns.
SCA dismisses minister’s appeal on tobacco products ban during lockdown – TimesLIVE
Back in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown, when much was still unknown, the government instituted a tobacco ban to try and curb the spread of the virus. Cigarettes were pulled from the shelves after the policy was announced by co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
It became one of the most controversial decisions the government made during the lockdown period. But nearly two years after the ban was first instituted, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has ruled against the decision. The SCA said the ban was ineffective, infringed on fundamental rights, and was based on faulty science. Read more here.
Dudu Myeni plans to plead guilty to obstructing justice after naming State Capture witness Mr X – Daily Maverick
Former SAA chairperson, Dudu Myeni, will plead guilty to revealing the identity of a protected witness during her testimony at the State Capture Commission in 2020. Myeni had been charged with obstructing the administration of justice after she revealed the identity of the witness known as ‘Mr X’. She failed to appear in court last month and a warrant of arrest was issued.
In a dramatic turn of events, Myeni showed up in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a brief appearance. The national prosecuting authority then confirmed that Myeni would be entering a guilty plea. Read more here.
Ramaphosa sticks to his guns on Mkhwebane’s suspension – News24
President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided not to lift the suspension of public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. The public protector had threatened the president with legal action if he did not overturn the suspension by close of business on Tuesday after first suspending her last week Thursday.
On Monday, Mkhwebane released a letter she wrote to Ramaphosa, calling the suspension “decidedly unlawful and invalid”. She further stated that Ramaphosa’s motives were “calculated”, and that the suspension would impede her preparation ahead of her impeachment hearing in parliament.
Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa stood by his decision, which had been communicated to Mkhwebane. Read more here.
Here’s a round-up of what else we’re reading:
Instead of a ‘perverse’ ban, govt could have treated cigarettes like funeral spoons, SCA says – Business Insider
Nedbank has biggest exposure to Comair turbulence at R1.7bn – Business Day (for subscribers)
The sky’s falling in, say investors… and signs are that things could get wilder – Daily Maverick
PICS | Flooding havoc in Cape Town leaves residents stranded – News24
Cape Town is increasingly going it alone – BusinessTech
KZN’s former Treasury head Sipho Shabalala found guilty of corruption, money laundering and fraud – TimesLIVE
Dollar index jumps to two-decade high as traders await Fed rate move – SABC
Image Credit: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, GCIS
