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

Making headlines: Mchunu hands over electronic devices to Saps; Ramokgopa chides coal industry for silence in energy debate; And, Tanzania charges 98 people with treason over election protests

Mchunu hands over electronic devices to Saps

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he remains confident that due process will confirm that his actions have been “ethical, lawful, and consistent” with his duties as a member of the Executive.

Yesterday, Mchunu voluntarily handed over his electronic devices to South African Police Service investigators as part of an ongoing investigation.

In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect, after he was implicated in KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegation of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance.

Mchunu reiterated his full cooperation with all processes and reaffirmed his commitment to “transparency, accountability, and respect” for the rule of law.

He maintained that he had “nothing to hide” and that he welcomed any lawful investigation.

Ramokgopa chides coal industry for silence in energy debate

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has scolded South Africa’s coal industry for remaining largely silent during national debates over the country’s energy future, saying its absence has allowed anti-coal sentiment to dominate public discourse.

Speaking at a coal industry colloquium hosted by coal advocacy organisation FFF Carbon, in Johannesburg, he said the sector had failed to advocate for its continued role in South Africa’s energy mix.

Ramokgopa said discussions around energy policy had become heavily skewed toward renewables, often without a balanced understanding of the science behind different energy sources.

According to Ramokgopa, the absence of coal advocates in the national conversation has created a public perception that the industry has no future.

And, Tanzania charges 98 people with treason over election protests

Prosecutors in Tanzania charged 98 people with treason today for alleged involvement in violent protests that broke out during last week's general election, according to court filings.

The main opposition party, CHADEMA, and some human rights activists say that security forces killed more than 1 000 people. The government has called those numbers exaggerated without offering its own death toll.

The charges are the first against people accused of having participated in the protests. A church leader said the move would only deepen the acrimony sparked by the election. Religious leaders and others have urged the government to try to reconcile with political opponents and protesters.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on the X platform, at the handle @PolityZA