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

Making headlines: Emma Powell resigns as DA's International Relations spokesperson; Govt recovers nearly R11bn as Ramaphosa reports on State Capture progress; And, Ghana deploys soldiers to quell northern chieftancy dispute

Emma Powell resigns as DA's International Relations spokesperson

Emma Powell today announced her resignation as the Democratic Alliance’s International Relations spokesperson in Parliament, amid claims of threats, intimidation, harassment, and illegal surveillance.

Powell made headlines earlier this month, when she came under fire for allegedly spreading disinformation about South Africa during a trip to the US, and for allegedly undermining the South African government’s response that seeks to roll back the US’s new tariff regime, amid the already strained relationship between both countries.

On X, Powell wrote that after “careful reflection”, she has taken the decision to step down as spokesperson.

Ryan Smith will replace Powell as the party’s spokesperson on the International Relations portfolio in Parliament, said DA Chief Whip George Michalakis.

He said Powell remains a "valued member" of the DA caucus in Parliament, and the party will soon announce her new Portfolio allocation.

Govt recovers nearly R11bn as Ramaphosa reports on State Capture progress

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that while substantial progress has been made on the State Capture Commission's recommendations, work is ongoing — with high-profile prosecutions accelerating, new cases reaching the courts, and the finalisation of the Whistleblower Protection Bill and the National State Enterprises Bill.

Today the Presidency released an updated progress report on the implementation of actions from recommendations of the State Capture Commission, which has also been sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and the chairperson of the National Council of Province Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane.

Further, Ramaphosa wants to prioritise the amendments of the South African Revenue Service Act based on the Nugent Commission recommendations and the finalisation of the anti-corruption architecture proposals that are currently under consideration.

The State capture progress report for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 period, reveals that of the 60 actions identified in the President's October 2022 Response Plan, 48% are complete or substantially complete, 23% are on track and 29% are delayed but receiving attention.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya pointed out that four State capture-related cases had already concluded with guilty verdicts.

He said government had achieved “remarkable success” in recovering stolen public funds, with total recoveries now reaching nearly R11-billion.

And, Ghana deploys soldiers to quell northern chieftancy dispute

Ghana has deployed more soldiers to a northeastern region where a long-running conflict over chieftancy has fuelled recent violence, including attacks on schools, a spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama said.

The Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which goes back decades, has remained one of Ghana's most protracted ethnic flash points, often resulting in violent clashes and loss of lives. It is rooted in a dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusaasi ethnic groups over who can appoint a chief for the area.

Mediation efforts by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, known as the Asantehene, Ghana's most revered traditional ruler, had "almost brought finality to the conflict" but recent killings have "necessitated drastic actions" to control it, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said in his statement yesterday.

Violence in the area last week included the killing of a Kusaasi chief as well as three high school students by gunmen who stormed their campuses, according to local media reports.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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