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

Making headlines: Ramaphosa says transformation is a necessity, not a favour; DA accuses Motshekga of sabotaging defence sector oversight; And, Russia says plan to boost role in Africa includes 'sensitive' security ties

Ramaphosa says transformation is a necessity, not a favour

President Cyril Ramaphosa said that economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion, and that transformation without growth is unsustainable, calling for levers of funding for black-owned businesses to be pulled. 

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that transformation is not a favour, but a necessity, noting the establishment of the Transformation Fund, was created to support emerging, innovative businesses to in turn create job opportunities.

Ramaphosa said that there was a critical need for black-owned businesses to access funding on affordable terms.

He explained that while much of this funding should come from the development finance institutions, it is the private banks that have the resources to make the greatest impact.

He added that they need to review their lending practices to unleash the potential of black business.

DA accuses Motshekga of sabotaging defence sector oversight

The Democratic Alliance has said it will pursue all available parliamentary channels to hold Defence Minister Angie Motshekga accountable as it accused her of an “act of sabotage”, by failing to attend a parliamentary oversight session at the Simon’s Town Dockyard last week for a Border Management Authority meeting.

The DA wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently review Motshekga’s presence in the portfolio, claiming that she undermines her own armed forces, and abdicates responsibility during national and regional uncertainty.

Last week’s meeting, convened by the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, was intended to address the long-standing conflict between the South African Navy and Armscor over stalled naval contracts, poor dockyard performance, and a deepening maintenance backlog.

Both institutions were scheduled to brief the committee.

DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans Chris Hattingh said instead, in what he decribes as a brazen act of executive interference, the Navy’s presentation was abruptly withdrawn the night before, reportedly on the direct instruction of Minister Motshekga.  

And, Russia says plan to boost role in Africa includes 'sensitive' security ties

Russia plans to step up cooperation with African countries, including in "sensitive areas" such as defence and security, the Kremlin said today.

Russian mercenary group Wagner said last week it was leaving Mali after helping the military junta there in its fight with Islamist militants. But the Africa Corps, a Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force, said it would remain in the west African country.

Asked what this meant for Russia's role in Africa, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The Russian presence in Africa is growing.

He explained that Russia really intend to comprehensively develop its interaction with African countries, focusing primarily on economic and investment interaction.

Russia's growing security role in parts of the continent, including in countries such as Mali, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea, is viewed with concern by the West, and has come at the expense of France and the United States.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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