It’s Wednesday, 19 August and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.Fadiel Adams is back in the Madlanga Commission hotseat after saying “emails are not my strong point”. The National Coloured Congress leader said a faulty parliamentary laptop meant he missed the Commission’s Rule 3 notice, but Parliament disputed that claim and Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged Adams over how he handled the communication.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has objected to Advocate Thandazani Madonsela becoming evidence leader for Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee, citing a potential conflict because Madonsela recently advised the ANC on impeachment matters. Committee chair Makashule Gana says the objection is being studied.
In Verulam, Durban, residents living near a cemetery say the site has become a hotspot for public sexual acts. Security patrols have been increased, but guards say some of the men continue even when confronted.City Power is warning Johannesburg residents about criminals posing as technicians to gain access to homes and rob occupants. The alert comes as the utility prepares for planned maintenance outages, with acting CEO Charles Tlouane urging customers to verify anyone arriving at their door.The International Criminal Court says it remains undeterred after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. Washington again accused the court of acting beyond its authority, while the ICC defended its staff and its work for victims.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, the Lake Kariba ferry disaster death toll has risen to 93. The vessel was built for 90 passengers, but local media estimates at least 168 people were aboard when it overturned. Iran has also warned Gulf states against assisting US military operations, while Donald Trump says there are no talks with Tehran and insists the Strait of Hormuz is open.
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The Comrades Marathon Association says the 2027 centenary race will go ahead despite KwaZulu-Natal Athletics removing it from its calendar. CMA chair Mark Leathers says the dispute is about the relevance of KZNA and Athletics South Africa.
And finally, Angelique Kidjo has become the first Black African honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time Grammy winner’s career spans more than 40 years and 18 albums, with Willem Dafoe among those celebrating her.That’s your News Bite for 19 August. For more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv 403.Chapter List(00:00) Opening Headlines
(00:35) Fadiel Adams Gets A Madlanga Commission Dressing Down
(02:30) Ramaphosa Objects To Madonsela Impeachment Appointment
(04:00) Verulam Cemetery Public Indecency Complaints
(05:50) City Power Warns Of Fake Technicians
(06:50) US Sanctions ICC President And Senior Lawyer
(08:45) Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster And Iran-US Tensions
(09:45) Comrades Centenary Race Standoff Deepens
(11:25) Angelique Kidjo Gets Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star
(12:50) News Bite Wrap