The Public Investment Corporation PIC Board has placed its Chief Executive, Patrick Dlamini, on precautionary suspension following a whistleblower report submitted last month. This decision, announced on Monday, comes after weeks of internal disagreements and allegations of impropriety. The PIC, which manages the pension savings of 1.3 million civil servants, has faced scrutiny over governance and financial losses from politically connected investments, with approximately R67 billion invested in nearly 150 unlisted entities since 2005, and at least 78 of these experiencing losses. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana reportedly clashed with PIC Chair David Masondo over the handling of a report commissioned by Dlamini and a subsequent whistleblower tip-off. PIC spokesperson Sipho Mofokeng stated that the suspension provides Dlamini space to respond to allegations and ensures a fair investigation, emphasizing it does not imply wrongdoing. Interim arrangements for an Acting CEO are being finalized. Additionally, the Board announced leadership changes in its investment division, with August Van Heerden ceasing to serve as Acting Chief Investment Officer. Leon Smit, Head for Fixed Income in Listed Investments, will be appointed as Acting CIO. Smit, who joined the PIC in 2000, has previously acted as CIO and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Economics from the University of Pretoria, along with advanced qualifications in Treasury Management, Financial Markets, and FAIS. The PIC
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.
The uMkhonto weSizwe MK party has announced the appointment of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede as its new member and deputy convener for KwaZulu-Natal. This announcement was made during a briefing on Monday, 13 July, where party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu welcomed Gumede, highlighting her political experience in the region and South Africa. Gumede, who was previously a member of the ANC, joins the MK party while facing a corruption case. She and 21 co-accused are charged with multiple offenses related to an irregular Durban Solid Waste tender exceeding R300 million. The charges include conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act and Municipal Systems Act. During the briefing, the MK party also called for the dismissal of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and condemned the Legal Practice Council's application to have former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane struck from the roll of advocates. Additionally, Mahlangu addressed claims that the party was experiencing financial difficulties, refuting a Sunday World article that reported the closure of provincial offices due to unpaid rent, and labeling the journalist a "propagandist running an anti-MK campaign."
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a 45-year-old Zimbabwean national, will remain in custody in South Africa as authorities verify his legal status in the country. Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on July 10, following an operation involving the Saps Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence, and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit. He is wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with the murders of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their two daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5. Their bodies were discovered at their home near Bedford, and police allege Tshuma left the UK two days before the discovery. Tshuma appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday, where he was informed of potential sentences for a charge of illegal firearm possession. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that Tshuma will be extradited to the UK once all necessary paperwork is finalized. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, 2026.