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

Making headlines: Ramaphosa honours SA’s first democratic Education Minister with Special Official Funeral; NUM urges members to take part in 30th anniversary of Joe Slovo’s passing; And, Ramaphosa proclaims Companies Amendment Acts

Ramaphosa honours SA’s first democratic Education Minister with Special Official Funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Category 2 Funeral for democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education Professor Sibusiso Bengu, to be held on Friday, at the University of Zululand, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Bengu passed away last week at the age of 90.

Proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service and Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday morning until the evening of the funeral.

The President described Bengu as a pioneering leader of the country’s democratic dispensation and administration.

Bengu also served as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.

NUM urges members to take part in 30th anniversary of Joe Slovo’s passing

The South African Communist Party today commemorates the 30th anniversary of the passing of struggle stalwart comrade Joe Slovo at Avalon Cemetery in Soweto and the National Union of Mineworkers is urging its members to take part in the remembrance event.

Slovo, a prominent anti-apartheid leader and the first General Secretary of the SACP after its unbanning in 1990, is celebrated for his contributions to the liberation struggle against apartheid.

The NUM urged its members to attend and participate in the SACP 30th annual remembrance of Slovo, saying it is continuing to recognise and honour the “unparalleled contributions” he made to the liberation of South Africa.

It noted that Slovo was instrumental and a central figure in dismantling the oppressive apartheid system and said its members should attend the event to respect the fallen hero.

And, Ramaphosa proclaims Companies Amendment Acts

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has welcomed the proclamation of two Companies Amendment Acts of 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing it as a “significant milestone” in South Africa’s corporate law.

The Acts, which were published in the Government Gazette on December 27, have now become operational.

Some sections of the Companies Amendment Act 16 of 2024 and the entire Companies Second Amendment Act 17 of 2024 came into effect on the date of publication.

The dtic points out that the Companies Amendment Act focuses on the ease of doing business by clarifying, simplifying and strengthening certain sections of the law. Operational provisions include sections 16, 25, 40, 48, 61, 90, 95, 135 and 204, among others, which companies can now implement.

However, not all sections of the Amendment Act are operational. Sections requiring the development of supporting regulations, such as those mandating remuneration disclosures and pay gap reporting to address income inequality, will only become operational once the regulations have been finalised.

The two Acts were assented into law by Ramaphosa on July 26, 2024.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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