Connect with us

South Africa News

Judge Hlophe defends meetings with ConCourt judges about Jacob Zuma’s arm deals case

Published

on

Judge Hlophe

Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe was on Tuesday at pains to explain why he had initiated discussions with two Constitutional Court justices on former president Jacob Zuma’s case while they were among the team considering it 12 years ago.

Hlophe has been hauled before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal where he is accused of having tried to improperly influence Justices Chris Jafta and Bess Nkabinde to help decide in favour of Zuma in the arms deal saga.
Earlier on Tuesday, both Jafta and Nkabinde took the stand and testified about their meetings with Hlophe.

Jafta recounted how Hlophe called him in March 2008 and set up a meeting in which the two discussed wide-ranging issues, including the issue of professional privilege in relation to the seizure of documents by law enforcement agencies from lawyers in the Zuma saga.

Hlophe is represented by renowned British criminal defence advocate Courtenay Griffiths, who asked Jafta to explain his impression of what Hlophe meant when he said “sesithembele kinina” when discussing the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling on the Zuma matter.

“My understanding of it was in the context that, here is a judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal, which I recollect in his words had gotten the law incorrectly. So in that context I understood him to mean that the Constitutional Court as the highest court will have to put right that which was wrong in the judgment of the SCA,” Jafta said.

Jafta told the tribunal that he had not thought of laying a complaint against Hlophe over the saga, even despite him and Nkabinde being told by then chief justice Pius Langa and then deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke to lodge a complaint in May 2008.

Jafta said among his reasons for not wanting to complain against Hlophe was their friendship and that he felt it was undesirable for a judge to testify.
What complicated the matter here was that the judge president (Hlophe) is my friend and I thought it would not be desirable for me to do that,” Jafta said.

Nkabinde took the stand and told the tribunal she had moved to rebuff Hlophe after he attempted to influence her on the case, adding that he had indicated that he had strong views on the Zuma case as it related to privilege.

“I was of the view that he was attempting to influence my thinking. When he came to me when we met, he had mentioned the issue of privilege.

“I did not make much of it at that time, but I became aware that he had discussed this matter with Justice Jafta and when he started discussing this matter, regard being had to the fact that I had been one of the scribes who was allocated to write about this very issue of professional privilege, I snapped and told him ‘you cannot do this’,” Nkabinde said.

Hlophe faced a grilling from advocate Gilbert Marcus, for the Constitutional Court, on why he thought it was appropriate to hold discussions with the apex court judges on Zuma’s cases.

Hlophe said he had talked with the judges “on the issue of general principle” and not “the facts and how the decision must be made by the court”.

“The issue of privilege, the communication between attorney and client has been an issue for decades,” Hlophe said.

Marcus also quizzed Hlophe on what he had meant when he remarked during his meeting with Jafta that Zuma was being persecuted, like him.

He said he had likened himself to Zuma in response to Jafta asking if his problems had ended in the Western Cape.

“I said I am just like Zuma because his problems will never go away,” Hlophe said.

The legal representatives are expected to make their final arguments before the tribunal on Friday.

In other news – Tributes pour in for 65-year old Amapiano Gogo Gee Six Five #RIPGeeSixFive

It was just 2 weeks ago, when Stacey and J Sbu had an interview with Gee Six Five who was riding on her name fame, after releasing what was dubbed a hit single at the age of 65. Learn more

Source: News365

South Africa News

Godswill Akpabio advocates reduction in cost of governance

Published

on

Godswill Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.

Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.

According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.

The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.

“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.

Source: pmnewsnigeria

In other news – Bad leaders making the life of Nigerians miserable – Pastor Giwa

The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.

Adewale Giwa

The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more

Continue Reading

South Africa News

South African Online Casino Player Strikes Gold with R189,000 Win at Tusk Casino

Published

on

Tusk Casino

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 2024 — In a thrilling display of fortune and skill, Tusk Casino announces a monumental win by Adelheid, a passionate player from South Africa, who secured an astonishing R189,000 from a mere R100 bet on the renowned casino slot game, Gate of Olympus. This remarkable achievement underscores the high-stakes excitement that Tusk Casino offers to its players.

Adelheid’s journey to this significant win was facilitated by his engagement with SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, the premier online casino and gambling guide specifically designed for South African players. Since its inception in 2003, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za has been a cornerstone in the online gambling community, offering expert reviews, trustworthy recommendations, and the latest gambling news, thereby guiding players like Adelheid to reputable and enjoyable online gambling experiences.

“I’ve always looked for the best in online casinos, and SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za has never let me down,” Adelheid remarked. “Their insightful reviews and dependable advice led me to Tusk Casino, where I’ve not only found an incredible array of games but also this life-changing win. It’s a dream come true.”

Tusk Casino is renowned for its vast selection of over 3000 slot games, provided by world-leading game developers such as Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, and NetEnt. The casino distinguishes itself with generous bonus offerings, including a 50 Free Spins No Deposit On Wheel of Fortune  on Registration, and a R5,000 Welcome Bonus for first-time deposits, making it an enticing choice for both new and seasoned players.

Adelheid’s win is a testament to Tusk Casino’s commitment to providing a premier online gaming experience in the South African market. The casino’s elegant design, user-friendly interface, and substantial bonuses are designed to engage and excite players, promising an unmatched online gaming journey.

With the support of SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, Tusk Casino continues to solidify its position as a leading online gaming destination, offering secure, engaging, and lucrative gaming experiences for South African players. This partnership ensures that players have access to reliable information, the latest industry news, and the best online gambling opportunities, fostering a safe and enjoyable casino online gambling ecosystem.

About SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za

SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za stands as South Africa’s largest and most reliable online casino and gambling guide, delivering unparalleled casino recommendations, unbiased reviews, and comprehensive gambling insights tailored to ZAR casino players since 2003. It remains a crucial resource for players seeking secure, high-quality, and rewarding online gambling experiences.

About Tusk Casino

As an established corporation with numerous ground casinos worldwide, Tusk Casino has successfully extended its reach into the South African online casino market, offering an exquisite blend of stylish design, player-centric features, and significant bonuses. Licensed and regulated by the Government of Curacao, it provides a diverse range of over 3000 slot games from leading global providers, ensuring a rich, rewarding, and secure online gaming experience for all South African players. With its impressive bonuses and comprehensive payment support, Tusk Casino is dedicated to delivering a distinct and superior online gaming experience.

Continue Reading

South Africa News

Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal

Published

on

Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal

Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal. Manchester City and Arsenal handed Liverpool the advantage in the Premier League title race as they played out a bitterly disappointing goalless stalemate at Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool are now top of the table and two points clear of Arsenal after they came from behind to beat Brighton at Anfield, their delight increased by their two closest rivals cancelling each other out.

This was a game that made a nonsense of its billing as a potential classic, as Arsenal’s containing tactics snuffed out City while the Gunners had only limited chances of their own in a desperately poor affair.

Nathan Ake had an early close-range header saved by Arsenal keeper David Raya before going off injured while former City striker Gabriel Jesus posed an occasional threat, just failing to connect with Bukayo Saka’s cross inches from goal after the break.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be happier than City counterpart Pep Guardiola with this outcome – but the real winners were Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.

Guardiola’s side were under greater pressure to win this match but their usual fluent passing game was rarely in evidence, stifled by the visitors’ organisation and infuriated by referee Anthony Taylor’s reluctance to punish the Gunners for a succession of infringements.

It led to a scrappy, disjointed game in which City were never allowed to gather their usual momentum and rhythm, with even the best efforts of master creators Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva unable to carve out meaningful opportunities for Erling Haaland, who was kept on the margins throughout.

The hosts held sway in possession for most of the second half but it was illustrative of the game that Raya barely had an anxious moment, his counterpart Stefan Ortega also idle for long periods.

Indeed, it is the first time City have failed to score at home in the Premier League since October 2021, a run of 47 games.

The reigning champions, as usual, will remain confident of retaining their title but Guardiola will be bitterly disappointed at his side’s failure to trouble Arsenal, with substitute Jack Grealish on the end of some lengthy post-match advice from his manager.

City are back here at Etihad Stadium to face in-form Aston Villa on Wednesday night knowing they cannot afford any more slip-ups in this tight Premier League title pursuit.

Arsenal arrived at Manchester City with a point to make and a chance to show their improvement at a ground where they have had a miserable record in the past.

The Gunners last won here in January 2015, drawing one and losing eight of their subsequent nine visits before this game.

Here, Arteta set his side out to be fiercely drilled and well-organised to frustrate, a strategy seemingly designed to earn the point they secured rather than risk more for victory.

It was a conservative approach but what it did demonstrate was that Arsenal do have more resilience and character than on previous occasions, when they have sometimes capitulated under City’s attacking assault.

Arteta’s side were composed but also willing to throw bodies on the line when danger threatened, not that they were ever in serious peril of conceding – a tribute to their display in itself.

They have kept clean sheets in both games against Manchester City this season, making them only the fourth team to shut out a Guardiola side twice in the same season.

Whether this is one point gained or two lost remains to be seen, but Arteta seemed satisfied enough at the final whistle.

source – BBC

Continue Reading

Trending