South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 1 May

We’ve got the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa on Wednesday, 1 May.

The Presidency responds to claims of a hostile business environment in South Africa amidst mining sector concerns.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that former president Jacob Zuma’s face will appear on the national election ballot instead of Jabulani Khumalo’s.

Meanwhile, eThekwini residents in some areas are notified of upcoming water restrictions due to a planned 800mm trunk main shutdown.

In other news, the Free State High Court has again postponed proceedings in the asbestos corruption case, frustrating businessman Edwin Sodi.

Lastly, on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, South Africans will vote for a government of their choice for the next five years. Do you know the three ballot papers?

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Wednesday, 1 May

Ramaphosa rejects notion of hostile business environment in South Africa

The Presidency is countering speculation that BHP Billiton’s bid to acquire Anglo-American assets outside South Africa reflects hesitancy to invest in the country because of the ANC government’s economic policies.

Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the Presidency, certain analysts and media outlets have characterised recent market activity as a lack of confidence in South Africa,” stated Magwenya during a media briefing on 29 April.

Elections 2024: Know your THREE ballot papers

On Wednesday, 29 May 2024, South Africans will vote for a government of their choice for the next five years.

This year’s elections will be the seventh in South Africa’s history since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

The day has also been declared a public holiday in the country.

BREAKING: Zuma is new MK Party leader, will appear on election ballot

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that former president Jacob Zuma’s face will appear on the national election ballot, instead of Jabulani Khumalo’s.

IEC deputy chief electoral officer (CEO), Masego Sheburi told journalists on Tuesday, 16 April, that uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party had given them formal notice that Zuma was now the leader of the party, and not Khumalo.

eThekwini implements water supply restrictions for maintenance work

Residents in certain areas supplied by the Wiggins Pumping System in eThekwini have been notified of water supply restrictions. This announcement comes as a result of a planned shutdown of the 800mm diameter trunk main pipeline from the Wiggins System.

The purpose of this shutdown is to facilitate the removal and installation of a new air valve. The new air valve will be relocated away from the road alignment of the new Vusi Mzimela Road adjacent to the Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital.

‘It’s frustrating’: Edwin Sodi reacts to another asbestos case postponement

The Free State High Court once again postponed proceedings in the asbestos corruption case, much to the frustration of businessman Edwin Sodi.

According to ENCA, businessman Edwin Sodi expressed frustration as the Free State High Court once again postponed proceedings.

“It has been 4 years now, we are still waiting. There is further postponement. We’ll see what happens, but it’s frustrating,” Sodi told the ENCA.

LATEST NEWS: WEATHER FORECAST, Wednesday, 1 May

Take a look at weather forecasts for all nine provinces here.