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

Making headlines: DA suspends MP Renaldo Gouws over inflammatory videos; ANC Youth League says its commitment to progressive policies remains unwavering; And, Transnet appoints new group COO

DA suspends MP Renaldo Gouws over inflammatory videos

Democratic Alliance MP Renaldo Gouws has been immediately suspended from all party activities and will face disciplinary charges for an inflammatory video which shows him using racist and violent language.

Gouws is shown as using the “K” and “N” words and used violent language such as “kill”.

Yesterday, the DA said it would authenticate the video, which was deleted and archived in 2012. Gouws denied making the remarks on the video and said it was fake.

His case has been referred to the party's Federal Legal Commission, where he will be able to state his defence, according to DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille.

Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission will institute proceedings at the Equality Court, against Gouws.

ANC Youth League says its commitment to progressive policies remains unwavering

The African National Congress Youth League applauded the ANC for what it calls its “strategic and inclusive” approach in forming a Government of National Unity, highlighting that it will not compromise on policies that are critical to advancing the National Democratic Revolution.

After losing it outright majority in the 2024 national and provincial elections, the ANC was forced to approach political parties to form a government.

The ANC Youth League said it was against policies that contradict the principles of the NDR, such as the proposal to reform National Student Financial Aid Scheme into a tiered bursary and loan system.

This follows news reports suggesting that the Democratic Alliance proposes turning Nsfas into a bank-like institution that issues traditional loans to students.

The Youth League explained that while it is prepared to work with all parties, including the DA, its commitment to progressive policies remains unwavering.

It stressed that it will not allow any regression or the implementation of policies that undermine the hard-won gains of the country’s democracy.

And, Transnet appoints new group COO

State-owned freight logistics group Transnet has announced the appointment of Lekau ‘Solly’ Letsoalo as group COO, with effect from July 1.

Letsoalo returns to the group where he worked previously as COO of Transnet Port Terminals.

In that role, he was involved in expanding Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, constructing the DCT Pier 1 terminal, building the Ngqura Container Terminal and modernising the Cape Town Container Terminal.

Letsoalo will report to CEO Michelle Phillips, but will work with the chief executives of all Transnet’s operating divisions, as well as those responsive for group safety, security and digital transformation.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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