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Dear readers,

In this edition, the Gauteng health department has had to pay back R250m given to it by the provincial treasury for potentially life-saving treatment for cancer patients, because it did not spend a cent of it. This startling admission is contained in the department's latest court documents filed in the Johannesburg High Court.

It is mind-boggling how those facing life-threatening diseases must be subjected to this. 

Despite an investigation that found no arms were shipped to Russia by the South African government, outgoing US ambassador Reuben Brigety says he stands by his statement. In an interview with the Sunday Times this week, Brigety, who shocked South Africans with his claim that shook the South African economy and damaged the country's reputation globally, said he had had the full backing of Washington when he made the allegation.

But he does believe South Africa will be able to navigate its relationship with president-elect Donald Trump's administration.

At the SA Communist Party’s special conference this week, ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile sang “asiyifuni iGNU”, which means “we don’t want the GNU” (government of national unity) and this left many, including those at Luthuli House and the Union Buildings, gnashing their teeth. The singing was predictable grist to the political mill, with many condemning Mashatile — and DA federal chair Helen Zille noting “This says it all”. We explain what this all means.

Elsewhere, EFF leader Julius Malema got himself reelected for a third term at the National People’s Assembly. Happy reading.

Regards,Makhudu Sefara,

editor-in-chief