NEC Rejects Zuma Pleas to Avoid Jail Time, Magashule May Face Punishment

LOCAL NEWS

• NEC rejects calls for political solution to Zuma's plea to avoid jail time, while highlighting that allies who addressed the illegal gathering (Magashule) should face disciplinary processes.
  • Zuma is expected to be at the Petermaritzburg High Court today to argue against jail time. Analyst says it is unlikely Zuma will avoid jail time. Acting SG Duarte to address media on NEC outcomes this morning – EWN
• Economists divided over R18bn cash sweetener for public servants, saying although this may avoid large-scale strike action (should it be accepted), extra funds will have to be taken from departmental budgets.
  • While some unions (SALGA & SAMWU) have said they are not interested in continuing wage negotiations, others are expected to meet with Govt today to discuss the offer
• SA's alcohol industry predicts the current two-week ban on alcohol to cost R6.1bn in lost retail sales. The sector is lobbying to defer at least R1.5bn in related excise tax payments in response
• 12,513 new covid cases recorded yesterday and 331 deaths. Economists say lockdown level 4 is likely to be extended another two weeks.
  • Groups are putting pressure on the government to re-introduce some form of financial support for the sectors hit by the lockdown – with pleas for the TERS or Solidarity Fund to step in. The only thing government says it is looking at is the TERS