For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Nathi Mthethwa to receive State funeral; Condemnation of Fort Hare University vandalism; And, Israel, Hamas reach deal to free hostages in Gaza breakthrough

Nathi Mthethwa to receive State funeral

Late Ambassador to France Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be given a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.

The Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

Lat week, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed Mthethwa’s passing, highlighting that the circumstances of Mthethwa’s death were under investigation by the French authorities.

Ramaphosa has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from this morning until the evening of the funeral on Sunday.

Condemnation of Fort Hare University vandalism

ActionSA has denounced vandalism at the University of Fort Hare, with the African National Congress Youth League calling for an urgent independent investigation into the extension of the term of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu and the composition of the university council.

The university suspended its activities after violent student unrest, which saw several buildings set on fire.

Students are calling for Buhlungu’s removal.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba said while he sympathised with the frustrations of students – who are protesting exclusion, delayed funding, poor accommodation, and administrative neglect – he condemned violence and destruction.

The Youth League said while it also condemned the acts of violence, intimidation and destruction, it acknowledged the “legitimate grievances” raised by students, workers and other stakeholders regarding governance and accountability at the university.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has written to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to ensure that the matter receives urgent parliamentary attention, with a clear recovery plan and accountability framework presented by both the Higher Education Department and university management to restore safety on campuses.

And, Israel, Hamas reach deal to free hostages in Gaza breakthrough

Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for the release of all hostages held by the militant group in Gaza, a major step toward ending a two-year war that’s devastated the Palestinian territory and triggered multiple conflicts in the Middle East as well as protests across the world.

The agreement was reached early today after several days of indirect negotiations between the warring sides in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. The ongoing talks were brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey and based on a plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump last week.

Trump said on social media that all 48 hostages held in Gaza — 20 of which Israel believes are alive — will be freed “very soon” and that Israeli forces will “withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line.

He later told Fox News the captives will “probably” be released on Monday.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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