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

Making headlines: Ramaphosa agrees to establish commission into Apartheid crimes; Mashatile warns of rising costs of living owing to trade tensions, encourages multilateralism; And, DA to challenge Employment Equity Amendment Act in court

Ramaphosa agrees to establish commission into Apartheid crimes

President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to establish a commission of inquiry into alleged political interference in the prosecution of crimes committed during the apartheid era by security forces.

Ramaphosa made the concession after he and several government agencies were sued by 20 victims or representatives of families impacted by the murder, torture and abductions meted out by apartheid security forces, the Foundation for Human Rights said in a statement. The Foundation is backing the case.

Still, the foundation said, the plaintiffs have rejected the suggestion by the president’s team that the commission deal with a claim for R167-million in damages as it “has no power to determine rights and remedies” and can only offer advice.

Mashatile warns of rising costs of living owing to trade tensions, encourages multilateralism

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that a “fair, transparent, equitable, and inclusive” international order is essential for economic stability and sustained growth, noting that current global economic growth is subdued, with many economies, particularly in Africa, burdened by unsustainable debt levels, while billions are affected by underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, and unemployment.

Mashatile was speaking today, during the Think 20 Africa High-Level Dialogue, in Pretoria, where he explained that in pursuit of strengthening African agency within the G20 framework, African countries must re-emphasise the importance of collaboration, open dialogue, and collective action.

He said he believes that a fair, inclusive global order is possible, but that it requires leadership grounded in equity, responsibility, and cooperation.

He said the G20 should form part of this as countries seek to unite and develop policies that are progressive for the interest of all.

He added that this would not only empower African States but also increase the credibility and efficacy of global governance.

Mashatile highlighted South Africa’s intention to work with “like-minded countries” and progressive institutions for a more equitable, representative, and just international order.

And, DA to challenge Employment Equity Amendment Act in court

The Democratic Alliance’s case challenging Section 15A of the Employment Equity Amendment Act will be heard in the North Gauteng High Court on May 6.

The party has launched a constitutional challenge to what it argues is the introduction rigid national race quotas in the workplace.

The DA said it will be taking Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth to court, over Section 15A's alleged violation of Section 9 of the Constitution, representing a “radical and harmful” departure from previous employment equity law.

The party said these quotas will “destroy jobs, undermine the economy, and violate the constitutional rights of all South Africans”.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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