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

Making headlines: South Africa's top court says Zuma not eligible to run for parliament; DA wants Public Service Commission to urgently investigate NHI scheme; And, Ramaphosa conveys condolences on Iranian President Raisi’s passing

South Africa's top court says Zuma not eligible to run for parliament

South Africa's constitutional court ruled this morning that former president Jacob Zuma was not eligible to run for parliament in this month's election, a decision that was closely watched as it has the potential to affect the outcome of the election.

The case stems from a decision in March by South Africa's electoral commission to disqualify Zuma on the basis that the constitution prohibits anyone given a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat.

In 2021, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail for failing to appear at a corruption inquiry.

In April, a court overturned the disqualification, saying the relevant section of the constitution applied only to people who had a chance to appeal against their sentences, which had not been Zuma's case.

The electoral commission challenged that decision in the constitutional court.

DA wants Public Service Commission to urgently investigate NHI scheme

The Democratic Alliance has lodged a complaint against the National Health Insurance scheme with the Public Service Commission for urgent investigation.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the NHI into law last week in what the DA calla a “desperate election stunt”, ahead of the May 29 elections.

DA Shadow Minister for Public Service and Administration Dr Leon Schreiber called on the Commission to investigate and propose measures to the government, including the possible repeal or revision of the NHI Act.

Schreiber said that the complaint also followed after the party was contacted by “panicked” public servants who are members of the Government Employees Medical Scheme – the largest medical aid scheme in South Africa, with over 2.8-million principal members and beneficiaries.

Schreiber noted that the NHI scheme violates the constitutional principles governing public administration.

And, Ramaphosa conveys condolences on Iranian President Raisi’s passing

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed sadness at the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, his Foreign Minister and personnel, who all died when their helicopter crashed in East Azerbaijan.

The leaders were travelling back to Iran on Sunday.

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic, said spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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