David Makhura - The African Mirror

Jul

2021

Farewell to our mayor, chairperson, soldier, and commander who died in the call of duty

DAVID MAKHURA WE bid a reluctant and sad farewell to our mayor and comrade, Geoffrey Moloantoa Makhubo. We are grief-stricken and shaken to the core by the untimely passing of our mayor and our comrade. Our grief and tears must not be mistaken for fear of death or fear of the enemy. One thing common between revolutionaries and people of faith is that we are taught not to fear death. What we fear most is to live a petty life with no purpose, without impact and without a bigger cause that seeks to empower and liberate others. The question is…

Apr

2021

By The African Mirror

Fire at Joburg hospital extinguished, all patients transferred

NEWS

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER THE raging fire that forced the evacuation of over 470 patients and the closure of one of Africa’s largest hospitals, the Charlotte Maxeke in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been extinguished, the Gauteng Health Department has announced. Kwara Kekana, Gauteng Health spokesperson, the site has been handed over to fire safety investigators for an investigation into the cause of the fire. Kekana said all patients have been transferred to other hospitals around Gauteng. The health department has provided information that families of those affected by the fire and out patients can use to get help. Kekana said: "The…

Oct

2020

By The African Mirror

COVID-19 corruption scandal: Gauteng Health MEC fired

NEWS

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER THE fraud and corruption scandal surrounding the procurement of hundreds of millions in equipment to fight COVID-19 has claimed the career of a top Gauteng politician. Dr Bandile Masuku was today fired as Gauteng Health MEC for failure to act when questionable tenders worth over R500-million were awarded by his department. Masuku was suspended in July after a damning report by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) placed him at the centre of dodgy tenders awarded to companies to provide personal protective equipment. Gauteng Premier David Makhura said he acted against Masuku on the basis of a report…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

South Africa probes medical suppliers over COVID-19 tender graft allegations

NEWS

SOUTH African investigators are probing 102 suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the country's most populous province after news reports alleged that politically connected individuals had won lucrative COVID-19 tenders. David Makhura, premier of the Gauteng province where major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria are located, said payments of around 1 billion rands ($60 million) to PPE suppliers had been halted after an initial audit raised red flags like overpricing and bad quality. Gauteng Health MEC, Dr Bandile Masuku, will take at least four weeks of leave during the investigations, he added. Gauteng has more confirmed COVID-19 infections than…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

I’m doing well, says COVID-19 positive cabinet minister

COVID-19

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER SOUTH African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe says he is doing well in hospital, where he is being treated for COVID-19. Mantashe sent a message on Twitter, saying he was recuperating well at a public hospital. "I have been admitted to a public hospital for medical attention and monitoring. I am doing well. Thanks to the health care workers. Thanks to your messages of support for my family and all persons who have been infected and affected by this virus," Mantashe said. Thembelani "Thulas" Nxesi, South Africa's Minister of Employment and Labour, is the…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

South African cabinet minister recovers from COVID-19

COVID-19

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER SOUTH Africa’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has recovered from COVID-19, the government has announced. In a statement, the Government Communication and Information Systems said Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband, Charles, the national security advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, have both fully recovered after testing positive and their symptoms have cleared. Charles Nqakula “The Minister and Mr Nqakula tested positive recently and are currently still in self-isolation. We are glad that all their symptoms have cleared and we are looking forward to them finishing their 14 days of mandatory self-quarantine period. Both the Minister and…