For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I am Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: DA warns Ramaphosa’s signing of BELA Bill risks future of GNU; South Africa to provide ICJ with evidence of genocide crimes in Palestine; And, South Africa rejects civil-servant pay demand, offers 3% raise

DA warns Ramaphosa’s signing of BELA Bill risks future of GNU

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has warned President Cyril Ramaphosa against signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law, saying if he does, he would be violating the letter and spirit of the joint Statement of Intent that forms the basis of the Government of National Unity.

Ramaphosa is due to sign the BELA Bill into law on Friday, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.

The BELA Bill was passed in the National Assembly on May 17.

The Bill is subject to much public opposition owing to its removal of powers from parents and giving some powers to the State.

Meanwhile, ActionSA and AfriForum have threatened legal action if Ramaphosa signs the Bill into law. 

South Africa to provide ICJ with evidence of genocide crimes in Palestine

South Africa will head to the International Court of Justice in October to present evidence to prove that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine.

Israel has repeatedly dismissed claims of genocide, as deadly attacks continue.

South Africa’s case against Israel has been joined by Nicaragua, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, Libya and Colombia.

In July the ICJ concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and that it is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence as rapidly as possible.

And, South Africa rejects civil-servant pay demand, offers 3% raise

The South African government rejected a demand by public-sector workers for a 12% pay increase, saying it’s unaffordable.

Instead, the state offered a 3% raise, Frikkie de Bruin, general secretary at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council said. The proposal by workers would require R140-billion and be “totally out of budget,” he said.

The government told labour unions representing state workers to reconsider and relook at the position and at the demands in terms of where is it.

In addition to the 12% increase in the 2025-26 financial year, public servants are seeking a R2 500 increase in their housing allowance. They’ve also called for a danger allowance to be raised to R1 000 from the R597.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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