Update as at 16h00 SAST
Alleged Parliament Arsonist Zandile Mafe Appears In Western Cape High Court
Zandile Mafe, 51, appeared in the Western Cape High Court today, July 13, 2023, News24 reports. His pre-trial appearance was to provide feedback on a second psychiatric assessment he had undergone. The first assessment in which he was declared schizophrenic, was declared unlawful. Mafe is accused of setting alight parliament's national assembly chamber on January 2, 2022 causing extensive damage amounting to millions of rand. On entering the dock Mafe shouted: "I did burn parliament". He also demanded that parliament be moved to either Bloemfontein or Pretoria and threatened to burn parliament again if the move was not made.
38 Nominees Shortlisted for Public Protector Position
A parliamentary committee has released the names of 38 nominees who have met the requirements to be considered for the position of Public Protector, reports eNCA. The names will be published on the national legislature's website for public comment for seven days. The shortlisting process is set to begin on July 26. Advocate Busisiwe Mkwebane, the current Public Protector, who is under suspension, will conclude her term on October 15. The Public Protector's Office is an independent body that investigates claims of abuse of power, unfair treatment, non-adherence to rules, dishonest or improper handling of money, and personal gain through bribes and corruption. The conditions to be considered for the position - besides being a South African Citizen, a judge, advocate, or attorney - are to be a fit and proper person to hold such office.
KZN Pupils to Design Their Own "Mission to Mars" at NASA
KwaZulu-Natal schoolgirl Willemien Kotzé has been selected to attend the United Space School (USS) at NASA in Houston, Texas, reports TimesLive. She will be joined by William Kitching, a Hilton College pupil. The USS programme brings together students from various countries for a 15-day immersive experience that combines classroom learning and field trips to space-related sites. Under the mentorship of engineers, scientists, and leaders in the aerospace industry, they come together to design their own "Mission to Mars". Kotzé aims to become an astronaut and is excited to learn about space science and technology.
