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

Making headlines: Zizi Kodwa resigns as ANC MP; DA challenges Ramaphosa’s May speech in Electoral Court; And, UN says death toll from Ethiopia landslides could rise to 500

Zizi Kodwa resigns as ANC MP

Former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has resigned as an African National Congress Member of Parliament with immediate effect.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said he received a letter from Kodwa formally communicating his resignation.

He noted that the party accepted the letter and wished Kodwa well.

Kodwa, a former deputy minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, was implicated in the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, for allegedly receiving a R1.7-million bribe from an executive of a local technology company, which received government tenders.

On Tuesday, Kodwa and his co-accused, businessman Jehan Mackay, briefly appeared court. Their case was postponed to August 21.

DA challenges Ramaphosa’s May speech in Electoral Court

The Democratic Alliance appeared before the Electoral Court today in a case against President Cyril Ramaphosa, following his speech to the nation shortly before the May elections.

In May, Ramaphosa made a presidential address in which he highlighted his government’s successes, as the sixth administration came to a close.

DA noted that under the guise of delivering an address to the nation, Ramaphosa violated the Electoral Code of Conduct when he “abused” the highest office in the land for “flagrant electioneering”.

The DA contends that the President's speech contained content to advance the African National Congress's prospects in the election.

This, the DA argued, was an “abuse” of a State institution for party political purposes.

And, UN says death toll from Ethiopia landslides could rise to 500

The death toll from landslides in Ethiopia earlier this week has risen to 257, and is expected to rise to 500, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said today.

On Tuesday, Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission had put the death toll at 229.

Following heavy rain, a landslide buried people in Gofa zone in Southern Ethiopia regional state on Sunday night, then a second one engulfed others who had gathered to help on Monday morning.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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