Pravin Gordhan and Julius Malema summoned to court

We kicked off the week with the news that Pravin Gordhan will appear in court on Tuesday, 2 November, facing fraud charges. Trumped-up fraud charges if you read and listen to the media. Gordhan refuses to step down and vows to continue serving South Africa, regardless.

On the back of the news, the Rand also plummeted. Fun times.

Then, while South Africans were still discussing the issues around Gordhan’s summons, the news broke that Julius Malema was summoned on a charge of incitement on Thursday. This happened straight after a press conference at which he had spoken - which was a little strange.

What was even stranger (or maybe suspicious if you’re particular cynical and don’t trust the National Prosecuting Authority) is one of the summons is for a comment he made in 2014. Really?

He is expected to appear in court on Monday, 7 November and again on Monday, 14 November for encouraging citizens to occupy vacant land and build homes across the country.

Thuli Madonsela’s time is up

Today is Thuli Madonsela’s last day in office as the Public Protector of South Africa. Tear.

She has served as Public Protector since October 2009, and quite valiantly too. South Africans took to Twitter to show their support, with some users describing her as a “remarkable woman”. Radio station, 947, also shared its support by posting an open letter to Madonsela on YouTube. You can watch the video, here.

Let’s hope the person who succeeds her – Busisiwe Mkhwebane – carries on from where she left off. She has big shoes to fill.

International Day of the Girl

On a more positive note, Tuesday, 11 October, marked the International Day of the Girl. The theme this year was ‘Girl’s progress = Goals progress: A global girl data movement’.

The United Nations Women executive director, Lakshni Puri, attended several events and highlighted the fact that by 2030, the UN hopes to reach their goal that no one girl gets left behind, by ensuring that all young girls get the same opportunities that boys do.

And now for a little Friday fun

Have you ever wondered why you can’t be with someone? Maybe their hygiene isn’t all its cracked up to be. They disrespect your friends and family. Or they just don’t like the same TV programmes as you. Well, just in case you need a good reason to hit the road, Twitter dished up some great reasons with #Icantbewithsomeone hashtag, which was trending earlier this week.

Here are a few of our favourites:

@madenzod: #ICantBeWithSomeone who doesn’t know how to dilute oros, let’s respect each other pls

@Mizzpurple01: #ICantBeWithSomeone who Says "FNB Bank" First National Bank Bank? Go Home

@Leigh_Rahto: #ICantBeWithSomeone who doesn't love biltong

According to @Zombie_Phil, you don’t even need a reason to be #foreveralone. Sometimes you have to let go and realise, you just can’t be with someone.

That’s all we have time for this week. Have a great weekend. Stay safe, enjoy it, and see you all next week.

*The image we used is courtesy of The Mail & Guardian and the article can be found, here.