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

Making headlines: MKP commends EFF’s ‘staying power’ as red berets kick off elective conference; Ramaphosa calls for silencing of guns across Africa; And, Sports department gives Safa R5-million advance to cover player salaries

MKP commends EFF’s ‘staying power’ as red berets kick off elective conference

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has extended well wishes to the Economic Freedom Fighters, as the red party holds its third National People’s Assembly between December 12 and 15, at the Nasrec Expo Centre.

The EFF’s elective conference kicks off amid resignations from prominent members who have since joined former President Jacob Zuma’s MKP.

This includes resignations from former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu as well as Mzwanele Manyi, Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Dali Mpofu.

EFF leader Julius Malema recently lashed out at detractors, and also denied any relationship between the EFF and MKP, stating that any relationship was “even worse now when MKP has made it its programme to recruit leaders of the EFF”.

However, Malema denied any animosity with Zuma, claiming a friendly relationship with the former President.

Meanwhile, Zuma’s MKP today described the EFF as a “partner in the progressive agenda of the total emancipation of our people”.

Ramaphosa calls for silencing of guns across Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa today reiterated South Africa’s call for the silencing of guns across Africa, which he described as a necessary precondition for stability, economic growth and development.

Ramaphosa is hosting Angolan President João Lourenço at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he thanked his counterpart for Angolan efforts towards peacebuilding in the Southern African Development Community and the rest of the continent.

Both countries must continue to deepen collaboration towards resolving the conflict in the Eastern DRC, the civil war in Sudan and the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique, he added.

Further, he reiterated South Africa’s call for the reform of global governance institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and pointed out that the Global South must have permanent representation and a voice on the UNSC, so that it reflects global demographics and realities.

He stressed that South Africa was firm in its call for multilateralism to remain at the centre of global affairs, in dealing with conflict and in responding to climate change.

And, Sports department gives Safa R5-million advance to cover player salaries

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has decided to advance the South African Football Association R5-million, following reports that the federation is battling to pay player's salaries ahead of the festive season.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie wrote to the organisation to offer the advance, with the understanding that it will be subtracted from the grant paid in the 2025 financial year.

McKenzie said the department cannot allow players to go into the festive season without payment, particularly following recent sporting successes.

In its correspondence with the Minister, Safa explained that sponsorship revenues had been insufficient, while the association also dealt with delayed payments from various partners.

Safa has been working on a financial turnaround strategy to increase revenues and cut costs, which will be presented to the Minister following the federation's upcoming national executive committee meeting, the department highlighted.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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