On The Deals Shaping Our Economy
💸 Cash in Woolies Bags
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala dropped a bombshell at Parliament's ad hoc committee inquiry, alleging he personally delivered R500,000 in cash to former police minister Bheki Cele.
The details: Matlala claims the money was handed over in Woolworths shopping bags at a penthouse and a hotel as a gesture of "appreciation" to halt police harassment. Cele has denied receiving any money.
The catch: While vocal about the bribes, Matlala refused to answer questions regarding a cancelled R360m police healthcare contract awarded to his company, Medicare24.
He admitted to having no track record in healthcare prior to the award.
He likened his position to a "KFC franchise" where the holding company does the actual work.
Notable quote: Matlala expressed frustration over his legal exposure:
"I'm being chased today by the law that is protecting me."
🇺🇸 Trump exiles South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa is rallying G20 members to defend multilateralism after US President Donald Trump announced that South Africa would be excluded from the 2026 G20 summit hosted by the US.
The friction: Trump cited discredited claims of "white genocide" as the reason for the unilateral ban, stating he would cut off payments and subsidies. This follows a US boycott of the recent summit in Johannesburg.
The response: Ramaphosa insisted that SA's membership is based on the consensus of all members, not just the US, and called for the group to support equal participation.
What he said: Trump posted on Truth Social:
"South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere."
The rebuttal: Ramaphosa responded:
"South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20."
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