Lack of support for Nene an eye-opener

FINANCE Minister Nhlanhla Nene’s much-anticipated testimony before the Zondo Commission revealed shocking details about the lengths then-president Jacob Zuma went to to benefit the Gupta family. This story dominates the news agenda.

Sacked by Zuma to be replaced by unknown Des van Rooyen, who did not last a week on the job, Nene told of the lack of support Treasury received from the country’s highest office and from some of his colleagues in the Cabinet.

Then-State Security minister David Mahlobo and International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane became openly hostile to him when he rejected the nuclear deal.

He also denied allegations that he had supported the Guptas in securing lucrative contracts with state-owned companies.

Yesterday also marked a historic occasion as AmaMpondo aseNyandeni King Mangaliso Ndamase Ndlovuyezwe was crowned at the Nyandeni Great Place in Libode, Eastern Cape.

The king wasted no time, prioritising the development of the people of his nation.

We also report that the Anglican Church of Southern Africa has adopted measures to deal with sexual abuse and harassment. Anyone wanting to be ordained to serve as Anglican clergy will have to provide a police clearance certificate.

University of the Western Cape astrophysics Professor Roy Maartens obtained a coveted A-rating at this year’s National Research Foundation Awards. This is the second time he has received the accolade.

We round things off with a story about Rivonia trialist Denis Goldberg being one step closer to making the dream of his “House of Hope” a reality with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.

This means that construction of an Arts and Culture Education and Training Centre he longed for to benefit the youth of Imizamo Yethu could start as early as next year.