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

Making headlines: RTMC to investigate cause of Limpopo crash; MVC gives Ramaphosa deadline to give reasons for increased PFA limits; And, Madagascar's president has left the country on French military plane

RTMC to investigate cause of Limpopo crash

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the Road Traffic Management Corporation and local law enforcement authorities are conducting a full scene reconstruction and mechanical investigation of the vehicle that was involved in a fatal road crash in Limpopo.

Yesterday seven children,17 adult males and 18 adult females lost their lives, while six passengers are critically injured, 31 seriously injured and 12 slightly injured occupants, in a devastating road accident that occurred on the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge, in Limpopo.

The crash involved a bus that was travelling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe, which overturned and went down on an embankment.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this stage, said national spokesperson Collen Msibi.

Both the Minister and her deputy announced the imminent completion of a preliminary report, emphasising that the current review of the National Road Safety Strategy will strengthen efforts in promoting road safety in the scholar transport and public transport system.

The injured persons were transported to Louis Trichardt, Siloam and Elim hospitals. One critically injured child was air lifted to Tshilidzini Hospital.

MVC gives Ramaphosa deadline to give reasons for increased PFA limits

Civil society organisation My Vote Counts has given President Cyril Ramaphosa until October 20, to provide his reasoning for the determination of the new thresholds in the Political Funding Act.

The MVC also made a formal Promotion of Access to Information Act request for the information.

In August, the organisation wrote to Ramaphosa requesting that he explain why he chose to sign the proclamation to double the disclosure threshold and annual donation limit in the PFA.

The new annual donation limit will be R30-million, up from R15-million, and the new disclosure threshold will be R200 000, up from R100 000.

MVC argued that the immediate impact of a higher disclosure threshold and donation limit is more secrecy in political funding.

MVC explained that the PAIA request calls for all documents that informed Ramaphosa’s Proclamation, including briefing notes, memoranda, analyses or impact assessments, correspondence or consultations with the Independent Electoral Commission or other State bodies, public or stakeholder submissions, draft versions of Ramaphosa’s Proclamation, and any legal opinions or approvals relied upon.

And, Madagascar's president has left the country on French military plane

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina is no longer believed to be in the country after being flown out of the African nation on a French military aircraft, following a deal with President Emmanuel Macron, French radio RFI reported today.

Rajoelina was increasingly isolated after losing the support of a key army unit that joined thousands of youths protesting against corruption and poverty and demanding his resignation.

A Madagascar presidency spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the RFI report.

Demonstrations in the former French colony erupted on September 25 over water and power shortages but have quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including bad governance and lack of basic services.

In a further challenge to Rajoelina, opposition members of Madagascar's National Assembly will begin impeachment proceedings against him.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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