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

Making headlines: DA ‘disappointed’ with Dion George’s resignation ahead of inquiry; SA urges ‘restraint’ in Iran amid violent crackdown; And, new IMF mission chief to visit to Senegal next week

DA ‘disappointed’ with Dion George’s resignation ahead of inquiry

The Democratic Alliance today expressed disappointments with Dr Dion George’s resignation ahead of its Federal Legal Commission process that seeks to probe alleged violations of the party’s constitution.

The party’s Federal Executive will on Monday begin with the FLC processes.

Last year, the party’s Federal Executive referred the internal dispute between party leader John Steenhuisen and George to the Federal Legal Commission to institute a full investigation, with particular focus on alleged violations of the DA’s constitution.

The internal dispute was primarily centred around Steenhuisen and the removal of George as Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, which has exposed deeper fractures ahead of the party's 2026 leadership contest.

DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille said it would have been preferable for George to go through the FLC process to test the veracity of these allegations.

SA urges ‘restraint’ in Iran amid violent crackdown

The South African government expressed concern at developments in Iran, urging maximum restraint from all parties.

Tensions are running high as anti-government protests over rising living costs across Iran intensify and turn violent.

The death toll from the violent crackdown by the Iranian government, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly nearing 3 000.

South Africa said peaceful protests, freedom of expression, and freedom of association were universal human rights that must be upheld “without exception”.

Government calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace.

And, new IMF mission chief to visit to Senegal next week

The International Monetary Fund's new mission chief for Senegal will make a short trip to the West African nation early next week, an IMF spokesperson said, but no substantive negotiations are expected.

Senegal is grappling with a debt burden that the Fund said hit 132% of gross domestic product at the end of 2024 after the country's current leadership uncovered billions of dollars in borrowing not reported by the previous administration.

The IMF froze a $1.8-billion lending programme over the controversy, forcing Senegal to rely heavily on regional debt auctions to meet its financing needs. The government has for months been in talks with the Fund to establish a new programme.

Mission Chief Mercedes Vera Martin will visit Senegal with her predecessor, Edward Gemayel, for a "primary introductory visit" early next week, the spokesperson said.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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