Catch up on the stories shaping South Africa and the world with News Bite, eNCA's daily news podcast.
Water shortages and a failing water infrastructure may just be the thing that haunts Johannesburg city leaders after the local government elections. With just one week to go till residents head to the polls, frustrated Joburgers took to the streets banging plastic water bottles to protest the municipality's inability to keep water in their taps. Demonstrations hit Melville on Wednesday, with plans for similar action in Kensington, Observatory, Bezuidenhout Valley and surrounding areas. Ferrial Adam from WaterCan warns that communities hit by continuous cuts are guaranteed no water and will not accept excuses.
Down in Cape Town, the proposed construction of a wall on sections of the N2 highway has become a lightning rod issue ahead of the elections. The City argues the wall is needed as a crime deterrent on the major thoroughfare, but critics claim it entrenches apartheid spatial planning by cutting off townships. The issue ignited a fierce clash during eNCA's big metro face-off between the ANC's mayoral candidate Jeremia Thuynsma and DA incumbent Geordin Hill-Lewis. Meanwhile, election analyst Wayne Sussman breaks down voting mechanics, pointing out that voters outside the eight metropolitan areas will receive a third ballot at the district level.
Parliament's Police Portfolio Committee is demanding the dismissal of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, citing millions spent on legal fees and remuneration while he remains on special leave pending an inquiry. Committee chair Ian Cameron urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action.
In high-profile crime news, politically connected North West businessman Suliman Carrim has been granted R100,000 bail with strict conditions following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport after failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission.
In international news, Flavio Bolsonaro has arrived in the United States following his election run-off loss in Brazil to Lula da Silva. Facing investigations for alleged corruption and money laundering, and losing his parliamentary immunity, Bolsonaro's Brazilian passports were cancelled, though he reportedly holds Italian citizenship. US State Department approval follows close ties with President Donald Trump, who criticized the election outcome. Elsewhere, at least 31 people have died in a high-speed train collision south of Madrid, marking Spain's second major rail disaster this year.
Ahead of the Soweto Derby, Orlando Pirates cruised into the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals with a 3-0 win over Milford, while a Wandile Duba hat-trick powered Kaizer Chiefs past TS Galaxy. Former player Bernard Parker weighs in on the historic rivalry. In England's League Cup, fourth-tier Fleetwood Town stunned Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. In rugby, the Sharks confirmed the immediate departure of Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who is set to join the Stormers. Stay informed with News Bite.
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