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

Making headlines: Head of Gauteng Health suspended, DA demands his axing; South African business confidence edges up in September; And, Madagascar's National Assembly votes to impeach departed Rajoelina

Head of Gauteng Health suspended, DA demands his axing

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has suspended head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness Lesiba Arnold Malotana, with immediate effect, and the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng is calling for his axing.

Malotana’s name has being linked to numerous scandals and a Special Investigating Unit investigation into allegations that he received a multimillion-rand bribe to approve a contract, along with other officials in the department.

Lesufi has appointed Dr Darion Barclay to act in the position.

Barclay leads the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Lesufi is confident that he will ensure stability and continuity in the department.

On Thursday, the Premier's Office will also make the signed performance agreements of all Members of the Executive Council available to the public.

South African business confidence edges up in September

South Africa's business confidence improved in September, driven by robust tourism, higher precious metal prices and increased exports.

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Business Confidence Index rose to 121.1 in September, up from 120.0 in August.

The business chamber releases the index every two months. August's business confidence level was also higher than a reading of 116.7 in July.

Economic activity and the financial environment showed more positive trends year-on-year, while month-on-month activity remained stable with some negative aspects, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The chamber added that uncertainty was weighing on economic activity as South Africa tries to persuade President Donald Trump's administration to lower the 30% tariff imposed in August on its exports to the US.

And, Madagascar's National Assembly votes to impeach departed Rajoelina

Madagascar's lower house of parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina who has fled abroad after a standoff with youth-led protesters and the military.

The National Assembly decision, by 130 yes votes to one blank ballot, came hours after the 51-year-old leader sought to dissolve the National Assembly by decree, deepening the Indian Ocean island's political crisis.

Despite flying out on a French military jet, Rajoelina is refusing to step down in defiance of weeks of Gen Z protests demanding his resignation and widespread defections in the army.

The presidency said the assembly meeting was unconstitutional and thus any resolution "null and void."

Rajoelina has said he has moved to a safe place because of threats to his life. An opposition official, a military source and a foreign diplomat said he had fled the country on Sunday aboard a French military plane.

In a post on X, Rajoelina said the decision to dissolve the national assembly, paving the way for an election in 60 days at the earliest, was "necessary to restore order" in Madagascar.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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