For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: IEC welcomes fourth consecutive clean audit; AfriForum’s NSFAS corruption complaint handed over to SIU for investigation; And, Chief Justice’s office rubbishes claims of tension between Zondo, Madlanga

IEC welcomes fourth consecutive clean audit

Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa CEO Sy Mamabolo welcomed the commission's and Political Party Funding system’s fourth consecutive clean audit reports.

The Auditor-General has concluded the external audit procedures on the 2023/24 financial statements of the Commission as well as Party Funding.

Mamabolo commended IEC staff for working tirelessly to ensure that accountability, proficiency and transparency are always at the centre of the organisation’s business practices.

He highlighted that the commission is not only committed to delivering reputable elections but also to ensuring that business practices are of the highest standard through the consistent implementation of internal controls.

The audit report together with the annual report will be presented to the seventh iteration of the National Assembly in line with the provisions of the Electoral Commission Act and the PFMA.

AfriForum’s NSFAS corruption complaint handed over to SIU for investigation

Civil rights organisation AfriForum said the referral of its Public Protector’s complaint on National Student Financial Aid Scheme corruption to the Special Investigations Unit is a positive development and a step closer to justice.

The organisation noted that to avoid multiple investigations and conflicting results, the Public Protector had now referred its complaint to the SIU under Proclamation R88.

AfriForum lodged a formal complaint with the PP regarding allegations of corruption involving former Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande, and former NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa.

In its complaint to the PP, AfriForum asked that the allegations of corruption, which were revealed in a report by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, be investigated.

AfriForum Campaign Officer on Corruption Charné Mostert said yesterday the organisation received a letter from the PP, confirming the transfer of the civil rights organisation’s complaint to the SIU.

And, Chief Justice’s office rubbishes claims of tension between Zondo, Madlanga

The Office of the Chief Justice has dismissed reports of friction between Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, saying there has never been any tension between them.

The office noted media reports which indicated that ahead of the February 2022 Judicial Service Commission interview for the position of Chief Justice, there was tension between them.

Both of them were candidates nominated for the position.

The Chief Justice’s office said that like all other Justices of the Constitutional Court, Madlanga had given Zondo his “absolute support and cooperation” when he was acting Chief Justice and after he had been appointed as Chief Justice.

Zondo, who deputised for former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, took over the reins and acted in the role before he was officially appointed to the position of Chief Justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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