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

Making headlines: Firoz Cachalia officially sworn in as Police Minister; DA blames Tau, Lamola for failure to secure US trade deal, as negotiations continue; And, Ramaphosa appoints Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice

Firoz Cachalia officially sworn in as Police Minister

Professor Firoz Cachalia was today officially sworn in as Minister-Designate of Police, following his appointment earlier this month.

Cachalia replaces Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on an immediate leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance, specifically accusing Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, where they have allegedly been neutralised.

Opposition parties have been vocal about Cachalia’s acting appointment, arguing that there is no constitutional basis for appointing an acting Minister from outside Cabinet.

DA blames Tau, Lamola for failure to secure US trade deal, as negotiations continue

The Democratic Alliance said today it is disappointed with Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola for failing to secure a trade deal with the US, as an executive order from the White House yesterday made clear that US-imposed tariffs are now a certainty, to be levied on South African goods and produce from August 7.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump informed South Africa of his intention to impose a 30% tariff on South African products exported to the US, separate from sectoral tariffs, from today.

Trump initially announced a tariff on South African exports to the US in April but then agreed to a three-month delay to discuss trade relations with its trading partners.

South Africa has since been scrambling to secure a trade deal with Trump, with the most recent reports that Lamola was in Washington to ensure this.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa would continue negotiating with the US, stating that South Africa’s negotiators were “ready” pending invitation from the US.

And, Ramaphosa appoints Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice, with effect from today.

Mlambo has, since November 2012, served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa.

The position became vacant following acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s retirement after 12 years of service in court.

Ramaphosa has written to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya informing her of his decision and of his consideration of the views of the Judicial Service Commission and political parties represented in the National Assembly.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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