New Boko Haram another attack and killings in Nigeria

Boko Haram (Picture: Supplied)

Damaturu - Boko Haram gunmen attacked a Nigerian military base and adjacent police barracks simultaneously in the northeastern town of Buni Yadi, killing at least 24 security personnel, security sources and a witness said.

The attack late on Monday in Yobe state occurred not far from where the Islamist insurgents shot or burned to death 59 pupils at a boarding school in February.

A witness and resident of Buni Yadi, who identified himself only as Mustafa for fear of retribution, said the militants arrived in an armoured personnel carrier and six Hilux bakkies before dismounting and firing into the air.

The witness, and two security sources, one in the Yobe state capital of Damaturu and another at the army's northeast headquarters in Maiduguri, said that at least 11 soldiers and 14 policemen were killed. The security source in Damaturu state said 17 soldiers may have actually died.

In what has become rare for a movement that has often killed civilians, Boko Harm called out to people on the street not to run away as they had only come for the security forces, according to Mustafa and the Yobe police source said.

The insurgents also burned down the police barracks, the army base, the high court and the residence of the district head Abba Hassan.

Boko Haram, whose violent struggle for an Islamic state in northern Nigeria has killed thousands and made them the biggest threat to security in Africa's top oil-producing state, are still holding more than 200 girls kidnapped on 14 April.

Zuma's new Cabinet largely welcomed

(GCIS)

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma's newly-announced Cabinet was largely welcomed on Sunday as being able to drive socio-economic transformation forward, but the official opposition was decidedly less excited about the prospects.

The African National Congress believed the choice of leaders was balanced and experienced.

"It is our belief that the Cabinet, as announced, espouses the qualities necessary for the task ahead, guided by the National Development Plan, to decisively confront unemployment, poverty, and inequality in an equitable and accountable manner," said ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

'Bold and decisive'

He said the ANC welcomed the "bold and decisive" step by Zuma to re-organise and re-focus government departments.

"We believe that these changes will lead to greater cost effectiveness and more effective monitoring of the work of government. The number of government ministries has not increased as a result."

Mantashe congratulated the new Cabinet and reminded them that they dare not disappoint citizens who had entrusted them with the power.

"Now is the time to pool our collective energies to the task at hand to create a South Africa that is even better than it is today," he said.

"We have full confidence in the ability of our public representatives to fulfil the commitment made by President Zuma that the fifth democratically elected administration will serve our people with humility, commitment, and dedication."

Fellow tripartite alliance member, the SA Communist Party, also welcomed and congratulated the new appointees.

SACP spokesperson Alex Mashilo said the fifth administration should drive polices for radical socio-economic transformation and development, as stated by Zuma in his inaugural address on Saturday.

"This is incompatible with neoliberalism. The SACP therefore says, one of the critical conditions for our second radical phase of democratic transition to succeed is to do away with all the remnants of neoliberalism in our state."

DA unimpressed

A less enthusiastic Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said the new Cabinet left citizens with little hope that the country's problems would be effectively tackled.

"President Jacob Zuma's announcement of his new Cabinet does not inspire confidence that South Africa's major challenges - weak economic growth, unemployment, and corruption - will be tackled effectively in the president's second term."

Zille welcomed two announcements - the re-appointment of Aaron Motsoaledi as health minister and Angie Motshekga as basic education minister to ensure continuity in Cabinet.

But, the retention of other ministers, or their move to other important portfolios, did not bode well, she said.

These included Thulas Nxesi, who stays on as public works minister, and Mildred Oliphant who retains her position as labour minister.

"In particular, the move of Tina Joemat-Pettersson to the department of energy is lamentable," Zille said.

"Ms Joemat-Pettersson performed very poorly as minister of agriculture, and does not deserve to serve in the executive."

ANC's internal political problems

Zuma's decision to expand his Cabinet was also labelled a bad move.

"What the government needs is a leaner, more effective administration, not an ever growing executive," Zille said.

"It is clear that these new positions have little to do with efficiency, and everything to do with solving the ANC's internal political problems at public expense."

Moving former finance minister Pravin Gordhan to co-operative governance and traditional affairs would negatively affect international investor confidence.

"We hope that over the coming years [new finance] minister Nhlanhla Nene will prove that he can get rising government debt levels under control and that he can instil a sense of fiscal discipline that has been lacking in recent years," Zille said.

"We hope that minister Gordhan will bring his trademark efficiency to the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, which has underperformed for several years."

NUM happy

The National Union of Mineworkers especially welcomed the appointment of a former NUM president.

"[The] NUM congratulates... its former president Senzeni Zokwana for being appointed as minister of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries by President Jacob Zuma," the union said.

"This is in line with swelling the ranks of the ANC which is a Cosatu congress resolution."

People Against Suffering, Oppression, and Poverty (Passop) dedicated their statement to praising the appointment of Malusi Gigaba to home affairs. Gigaba previously headed public enterprises and was a deputy home affairs minister before that.

"It is also clear that when he was involved in home affairs he left behind him a reputation as an extremely hard worker, who the departmental staff looked up to," Passop community outreach officer Anthony Muteti said.

"He has, in our previous interactions, shown a deep sense of humility and understanding, both for South Africans and immigrants, who the department services."

Passop said Gigaba's appointment showed that Zuma took home affairs seriously.

He hoped that Gigaba would manage migration correctly, document more people, weed out corruption, and deliver identity books to every citizen.

Youth development

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) welcomed the opportunity to work with minister Jeff Radebe and deputy minister Buti Manamela in the performance, monitoring, and evaluation ministry within the presidency.

This, after Zuma announced the ministry would continue to be responsible for youth development.

"The president could not have chosen a better executive for matters of youth development - well-experienced, dynamic, and passionate," said NYDA executive chair Yershen Pillay.

"Young people should watch this space; this government is serious about youth development."

He said Manamela, as the Young Communist League of SA (YCLSA) national secretary and ANC MP, had always been passionate and highly committed to improving the lives of young people.

The YCLSA said it was humbled by Manamela's appointment.

"We would like to wish him, the entire Cabinet and deputy ministers well in the tasks that lie ahead.

The NYDA also welcomed the establishment of the small business development ministry, to be headed by Lindiwe Zulu.

"We are jubilant about the new ministry that will assist the growth and development of small businesses and we are confident that young South Africans will benefit the most from such a ministry," Pillay said.

EFF concerned about costs

The Economic Freedom Fighters national spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said the party was deeply concerned about the costs associated with the new cabinet.

He said the average expenditure on each minister and deputy for their cars, both houses in Pretoria and Cape Town, the protection services and transport exceeded R10m.

"This means almost a billion is spent on this permanent government mass meeting of ministers before we can even think of core functions and programmes that change lives."

"It seems that President Zuma has taken a decision to award his loyalists with government positions, to prioritise giving them jobs as opposed to radical economic transformation which he committed to in his inaugural address."

The party however welcomed the appointment of Nhlanhla Nene as finance minister. Nene, the former deputy finance minister, replaced Gordhan.

"This is for the first time ever, that a black African has been appointed to that position and it is against the backdrop of racist attitudes that have sentenced Africans as incapable of dealing with finance," Ndlozi said.

"The move must be welcomed and indeed applauded."

Gordhan moved to critical post

Business Unity South Africa's (BUSA) acting CEO Cas Coovadia said the organisation was disappointed that Gordhan was no longer finance minister.

"...but we welcome the appointment of Minister Nene, who has proven himself a very competent, pragmatic and consistent person. These are critical qualities for the position of minister of finance, and we look forward to working with him."

Coovadia said Gordhan was moved to a critical post.

"The sustainable growth and development of municipalities is critical to growth and service delivery, and Minister Gordhan's experience and discipline will be excellent in this ministry."

Busa was however concerned with the co-ordination in economic policy.

"We remain convinced the separation of economic development from trade and investment is inappropriate. The retention of both ministries will lead to further lack of co-ordination," Coovadia said.

He said the creation of a small business development ministry, to be headed by Zulu, could focus attention on the critical sector.

"...But we need to focus on getting rid of the problems we all know are plaguing this area. These include red tape, managerial and administrative knowledge of running a business and finance.

"We believe Minister Lindiwe Zulu is a competent person who will make a difference in this area."

1. Obama lands in Afghanistan on surprise visit. 2. Malema due in court to fight sequestration. 3. DA laments new Cabinet, Zille says New Zuma cabinet bad news for jobs.

Bagram Air Base - US President Barack Obama landed in Afghanistan late Sunday on a surprise visit to salute the sacrifices of US troops in America's longest war.

Obama slipped out of the White House after dark on Saturday and flew in secret across the globe, landing at Bagram Air Base outside Kabul in the late evening.

Obama planned to meet top US military commanders and civilian leaders in Afghanistan during a short visit, but there were no plans to see Afghan President Hamid Karzai or either of the candidates in Afghanistan's run-off presidential election.

The surprise trip, pulled off under extraordinary security precautions, came ahead of Memorial Day, when the United States marks the sacrifices of its war dead and honours the veterans.

Malema due in court to fight sequestration

Julius Malema (Picture: AFP)

Pretoria - Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema is set to appear in the North Gauteng High Court on Monday to fight the final sequestration of his estate as compensation for unpaid taxes.

Malema - or any other interested party - has until 10:00 on Monday to give the court reasons why his sequestration should not be made final.

Last week Malema's lawyer, Tumi Mokwena, said the leader, who is a newly sworn-in Member of Parliament, would oppose the finalisation of an order to seize his assets.

Trust

In April, a trust was launched to collect funds to settle Malema's R16m SA Revenue Service (Sars) bill, but it is not clear if the trust has secured enough funds to help him.

According to court documents, Malema owed R16m plus interest after failing to submit tax returns between 2006 and 2010.

In 2010 Sars contacted Malema about his failure to submit tax returns. It took Malema 18 months, after many attempts by Sars, to file his outstanding returns.

Malema also failed to register his Ratanang Trust for tax purposes, and Sars had to do this on his behalf. Sars attached some of Malema's property to recoup the taxes he owed.

In May last year, Malema's incomplete mansion in Sandton, Johannesburg, was sold on auction for R5.9m - although it was later revealed the bidder could apparently not afford the home.

Malema's farm in Limpopo fetched R2.5m at an auction in June 2013, and several of his household goods were also auctioned off.

DA laments new Cabinet,

Zille says New Zuma cabinet bad news for jobs

Parliament 

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma's new Cabinet gives South Africans little hope that the country's problems will be tackled effectively, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said on Sunday.

"President Jacob Zuma’s announcement of his new Cabinet does not inspire confidence that South Africa’s major challenges - weak economic growth, unemployment, and corruption - will be tackled effectively in the president’s second term," Zille said.

Zille welcomed the re-appointment of Aaron Motsoaledi as health minister and Angie Motshekga as basic education minister to ensure continuity in Cabinet.

But, the retention of other ministers, or their move to other important portfolios, did not bode well.

These included Thulas Nxesi, who stays on as public works minister, and Mildred Oliphant who retains her position as labour minister.

"In particular, the move of Tina Joemat-Petterson to the department of energy is lamentable," Zille said.

"Ms Joemat-Petterson performed very poorly as minister of agriculture, and does not deserve to serve in the executive."

Zuma's decision to expand his Cabinet was also labelled a bad move.

"What the government needs is a leaner, more effective administration, not an ever growing executive," Zille said.

"It is clear that these new positions have little to do with efficiency, and everything to do with solving the ANC's internal political problems at public expense."

Moving Pravin Gordhan to co-operative governance and traditional affairs would negatively affect international investor confidence.

"We hope that over the coming years minister Nhlanhla Nene will prove that he can get rising government debt levels under control and that he can instil a sense of fiscal discipline that has been lacking in recent years," Zille said.

"We hope that minister Gordhan will bring his trademark efficiency to the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, which has underperformed for several years."

Nigeria: Boko Haram razes houses, kills 28

Abubakar Shekau claims to be the leader of Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. (Boko Haram/ AFP)

Maiduguri - Suspected Islamist Boko Haram gunmen rampaged through three villages in northern Nigeria, killing 28 people and burning houses to the ground in a pattern of violence that has become almost a daily occurrence, according to police and witnesses.

All three attacks happened on Thursday in remote parts of Borno state, the epicentre of Boko Haram's increasingly bloody struggle for an Islamic kingdom in religiously mixed Nigeria.

One took place right next to Chibok, by the Cameroon border, from where more than 200 school girls were abducted last month.

The most deadly was in the town of Kerenua, near the Niger border. Scores of militants opened fire on residents, killing 20 of them, and burned houses, a police source said.

Since the girls' abduction on 14 April, at least 450 civilians have been killed by the group, according to a Reuters count.

A spate of bombings across north and central Nigeria has killed hundreds, including two in the capital Abuja and one in the central city of Jos on Tuesday that killed 118 people.

The source said some phone signals to the militants had been tracked to Niger itself, suggesting they may have been directed from there. Dozens had been wounded by bullets, he said.

Regional security 

Another attack occurred in a small village of Kubur Viu, a few kilometres away from Chibok, resident Simeon Yhana said.

The police source concurred with the attack and toll.

"They killed five people. This place is right next to Chibok. The military is supposed to be protecting this area but we fear these people [Boko Haram] are coming back," Yhana said.

Militants shot dead three other people during an attack on the village of Kimba, the police source said.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was in South Africa on Saturday, his office said, to discuss ways of tackling Islamist militancy across the continent with African heads of state.

Nigeria and its neighbours say Boko Haram - which has killed thousands during its five-year-old insurgency in Africa's top oil producer - now threatens the security of the whole region.

The insurgents initially attacked mostly security forces and government officials after they launched their uprising in northeast Borno state's capital Maiduguri in 2009. When Jonathan ordered an offensive a year ago to flush them out, civilians formed vigilante groups to help out - making them targets too.

Nigeria accepted help from the United States, Britain, France and China last week and around 80 US troops were arriving in Chad to start a mission to try to free the girls, who remain in captivity.

US deploys troops to help find Nigerian girls

(Picture: AFP)

Washington - The United States has deployed about 80 military personnel to Chad as part of its effort to help find and return more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist militant group Boko Haram, President Barack Obama said in a letter to Congress on Wednesday.

"These personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area," Obama said in the letter.

"The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required," he said. 

A senior Obama administration official said the military personnel were deployed to Chad with the consent of that government. Some will maintain the unmanned aircraft involved in the mission and the rest will provide security for the group.

The girls were taken in April from a boarding school close to Nigeria's border with Cameroon, Niger and Chad in a sparsely populated region. Their whereabouts are unknown.

The kidnappings have generated an outpouring of concern from the United States, with Obama's wife, Michelle, speaking out about the crisis. The president himself has resisted some calls from Republicans in Congress to send special forces into Nigeria to search for the girls.

US surveillance aircraft have been flying over remote areas of northeast Nigeria for two weeks, and the Pentagon struck an agreement last weekend to allow it to share intelligence directly with the Nigerian government.

The US government has also sent officials from the State Department and the FBI to Nigeria to help in the search.

Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the forces were positioned in Chad to allow the surveillance aircraft more time above the search areas before refuelling.

One of the officials said the flights were being carried out by a Predator drone and that the US forces would be responsible for launch and recovery of the aircraft, as well as force protection.

The Predator flights were in addition to unmanned surveillance flights already being carried out by Global Hawk aircraft, the official said.

It was not immediately clear how many Global Hawk drones the US military was using to carry out the search.

The composition of America's surveillance aircraft searching for the girls has changed over time and previously included manned aircraft as well. The Pentagon said on Tuesday the manned surveillance aircraft required maintenance and there were no manned flights at the moment.

Zuma back in the hot seat, despite DA plans to derail him

President Jacob Zuma (Picture: AFP)

Cape Town – The new National Assembly on Wednesday elected President Jacob Zuma unopposed for a second term as head of state after a failed bid by the DA to argue that he was not fit for the post.

After the ANC nominated Zuma, the DA's James Selfe rose to ask that Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng rule that he was not a "fit and proper person", notably because of his inadequate response to reports from the public protector.

Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor countered that it was a "frivolous motion" because, constitutionally, any member of the National Assembly could be elected president.

The chief justice concurred that under Section 86 of the Constitution this was the case, and reminded members that earlier in the day Zuma was indeed sworn in as one of the 400 members of the chamber.

"My ruling is, therefore, to dismiss the point raised without costs," Mogoeng quipped, before confirming Zuma's election as president.

The National Assembly earlier elected ANC national chair Baleka Mbete Speaker after new MPs took their seats - ranging from the red-clad initiates of the EFF to veterans of the post-apartheid Parliament.

Mbete easily defeated the DA's nominee for the post, former ANC Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela, who first defected to the Congress of the People and then to the official opposition in 2012.

Mbete won 260 votes compared to Balindlela's 88. There were 366 ballots cast of which 18 were invalid.

Mbete previously held the post from 2004 to 2008 and replaced the widely respected Max Sisulu, who was sworn in as an ordinary ANC MP on Wednesday.

Political analyst Steven Friedman commented that Sisulu had a reputation for listening to all political parties and Mbete's election was a clear sign the ruling party wanted the Speaker to do "what the ANC wants".

Outgoing co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Lechesa Tsenoli was elected deputy speaker unopposed.

MPs take the oath

Earlier Mogoeng called MPs to take the oath or solemn affirmation in groups of 10, with the first including Zuma, ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, and Pandor.

The next group included Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, widely expected to return to his portfolio when Zuma announces his Cabinet on Sunday, after former SA Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni withdrew from the ruling party's list of MPs.

Zuma remained an MP for only a few hours before being formally elected president for a second term.

His former political protégé turned foe Julius Malema was sworn in along with nine other members of his Economic Freedom Fighters, who hold 25 seats in the chamber after winning 6% of the vote in the 7 May elections.

In a theatrical touch, Malema and his colleagues wore red boiler suits or dressed like domestic workers to symbolise their stated aim of representing the poor. But most MPs chose formal attire such as suits for the ceremony.

The DA's Mmusi Maimane was sworn in amid speculation that though he had no experience in the legislature, he would replace Lindiwe Mazibuko as the party's parliamentary leader.

Another new DA MP was former prosecutor Glynnis Breytenbach, who joined the official opposition after a labour dispute with the National Prosecuting Authority.

Before the sitting began, hugs, kisses, and handshakes were exchanged in the Assembly as MPs took their seats.

Animated conversations took place between ANC MPs - more than 60% of whom are returning to the fifth Parliament after the elections. Some of the ruling party's MPs walked over to the EFF's MPs to welcome them to the House for the first time.

Former Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale greeted Malema warmly with a handshake and a pat on the back.

In contrast to the EFF newcomers, many MPs were taking the oath or solemn affirmation for the fifth time, having served in every post-apartheid Parliament.

Among them was the ANC's Luwellyn Landers and IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Gravely ill IFP MP Mario Oriani-Ambrosini returned to the legislature in a wheelchair.

A frail-looking Oriani-Ambrosini lifted himself out of his wheelchair with the help of an ornate walking stick, and stood hunched over while reading the oath.

Malema stands to attention as he's sworn in

EFF leader Julius Malema (Sapa)

Cape Town - Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema stood to attention as he was called up to be sworn in as a first-time MP on Wednesday.

Malema and other male EFF MPs, dressed in red overalls, removed their matching hard hats before taking the oath.

Women EFF MPs, dressed as cleaners, kept their headscarves on as they mouthed the oath.

MPs took the oath in groups of 10, with the first including President Jacob Zuma, ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, and Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor. The next group included Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Zuma will remain an MP for only a few hours before being formally elected president for a second term by members of the National Assembly.

Speaking to News24 outside Parliament, the EFF's Floyd Shivambu said the EFF has not "sold out" and that the nationalisation of mines and land expropriation without compensation remains a priority. Watch:

Lindiwe Mazibuko is nothing without me says - Helen Zille: DA leader Helen Zille has launched an extraordinary attack on Lindiwe Mazibuko, her party's former parliamentary leader, claiming she "made" her and "saved" her many times.

TABLE TALK:Lindiwe Mazibuko, who has quit as the DA's leader in parliament, and Mmusi Maimane, tipped as her successor, were spotted deep in conversation this week in a restaurant at the V&A Waterfront

The falling-out has rocked the DA, which is embroiled in a bitter battle over its black leadership. The tensions could fuel claims that its attitude to black leaders in its ranks smacks of window-dressing.

Zille told the party's federal executive meeting in Johannesburg on Friday that she had opposed Mazibuko's candidature as parliamentary leader against Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip.

But, she said, she had supported Mazibuko once her candidature had been declared because she could not run the risk of a black candidate losing.

Zille told the meeting she "made" Mazibuko and went on to attack her record as parliamentary leader, claiming she "saved" her several times.

She painted a picture of Mazi-buko as incompetent and out of her depth, saying she promoted, defended and protected her and that Mazibuko was nothing without her.

Yesterday, federal executive chair James Selfe denied the interpretation of the meeting as tense and emotive.

"There was an honest and frank debate. It was robust but without rancour, and there was a great deal of honesty. I would venture to say that we are the only party in South Africa, and maybe the world, which can remain cohesive and still have such strong debate," he said.

Zille's claims came a week after Mazibuko dropped a bombshell by saying she would not seek to renew her parliamentary position, having decided to study at Harvard University in the US.

Yesterday Mazibuko said: "I really think it is best for me and the DA if I stay out of this for now. I won't be doing any more interviews."

According to various sources, Friday's meeting was tense and emotive. No one would speak on the record because federal executive discussions are meant to be confidential. Some of those who attended the meeting did not want to comment.

One source described the meeting as "very hectic. Helen has changed. She is not the Helen Zille of 10, even five, years ago. One had the feeling that the empress no longer wore clothes, but that no one would say so because then she would turn on them with the same venom. But I think that if a leadership election were held there, we might have seen a surprising result."

Sources said the meeting started with Zille delivering a speech that first focused on the DA's poll performance and growth and then turned to Mazibuko's departure and the possibility of national spokesman Mmusi Maimane succeeding her.

Zille then launched the scathing attack on Mazibuko - who did not attend the meeting - saying Mazibuko should have told her earlier about her decision to study.

She also said Mazibuko had constructed a "Berlin wall" between herself and Zille and repeated her belief - stated in the media this week - that Mazi-buko would have lost a parliamentary election to Maimane.

Her attack on Mazibuko's parliamentary record is in sharp contrast to what she has claimed in public since 2011.

In an interview then, Zille said: "Lindi is a brilliant debater and public speaker. The DA gains someone who can use the parliament as a platform to speak to the nation on all our policies. She also enables people to see that the DA is a party for all the people."

After Zille's attack, federal chairman Wilmot James praised Mazibuko's parliamentary achievements and urged Zille to halt her attacks.

He said Mazibuko had campaigned for the DA during the elections and the timing of her announcement, after the election and before the parliamentary leadership election, had caused the least possible harm and disruption to the DA.

The subject of Mazibuko's successor was equally heated. MP Stevens Mokgalapa warned against a "rent-a-black" approach to leadership elections, saying competence was more important than race.

Zille told the meeting that because she knew Maimane was not experienced enough to be parliamentary leader, the executive had to decide on a strong team to support him.

She also disclosed that she had asked Selfe to be the leader for a year and then let Maimane take over, but Selfe had been unwilling.

DA Gauteng leader John Moodey then reminded Zille that DA leaders were elected, not appointed. He accused Zille of trying to usurp the power of the parliamentary caucus and said he would not allow it.

He said the DA should not act like the colonial powers who imposed leaders on the local population, and asked who gave her the right to appoint Maimane as leader.

The tone of the meeting deteroriated when Gauteng MP Makashule Gana said he was considering running as parliamentary leader. Zille said she would not be involved in the elections and that it was his decision.

DA Mpumalanga leader Anthony Benadie raised the view - held widely in the DA and voiced earlier this week in the media by Western Cape leader Ivan Meyer - that in this time of crisis, Zille should lead the DA in parliament.

He said it was technically possible for her to be elected, although Zille said her decision to remain Western Cape premier had ruled her out. Trollip attacked Zille for targeting and influencing "vulnerable" MPs when she campaigned for Mazibuko against him.

Boko Haram 'ready to release schoolgirls'

Supporters are seen during a rally in Miami, Florida, to show support for national and international action to free the Nigerian girls. Photo / AFP

Boko Haram is prepared to start releasing up to half of the kidnapped schoolgirls in the coming days after dropping demands for the release of top commanders in talks with the Nigerian government, sources close to the group have said.

The militant Islamist group, which kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls a month ago, is willing to conduct a "gradual" release of its hostages in return for the freeing of Boko Haram prisoners in Nigerian jails, it was claimed.

In a significant concession, the group has abandoned demands for its top commanders to be released, seemingly aware that this would be politically impossible for the Nigerian government.

Boko Haram kill soldier in Cameroon

Abubakar Shekau claims to be the leader of Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. (Boko Haram/ AFP)

Yaoundé - A Cameroonian soldier was killed and 10 Chinese nationals were feared kidnapped after an overnight attack in northern Cameroon believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram militants from Nigeria, police said on Saturday.

"Boko Haram Islamists attacked a camp (of road workers)... Ten Chinese cannot be found since the attack. We think they have probably been kidnapped," a local police chief said on condition of anonymity.

One Cameroonian soldier was killed, said the source, correcting an earlier statement which said a Chinese national died in the attack.

African National Congress Women's League : Boko Haram is a group of terrorists that is not supported by any religious groups

Boko Haram Islamists leader Abubakar Shekau. (File AFP)

Johannesburg - Boko Haram is a group of terrorists that is not supported by any religious groups, the ANC Women's League said on Saturday.

"[Boko Haram] is vehemently opposed by all religious groupings including Islam and goes against the fundamental principles of the Islam religion by removing innocent children from their families," the league said in a statement after a meeting in Johannesburg.

"We commit our solidarity to the women of Nigeria, both Muslims and Christians, in every effort possible for the safe return of the kidnapped schoolgirls."

The girls were kidnapped from a school in Chibok in north-eastern Borno state on 14 April by militant group Boko Haram. Nigerian police have offered a reward of 50 million naira for a lead on their whereabouts.

According to the Associated Press, Boko Haram would reportedly sell them into slavery unless the government freed detained insurgents.

The ANCWL called on leaders and people around the world to unite in efforts to find the girls.

"We shall never sit back as spectators while our girls' human rights are taken away," the league said.

"We will keep the flame of awareness burning by holding various events to highlight the plight of these girls until they have been returned safely to their homes."

#bringbackourgirls 

1. Nzimande: R1bn added to NSFAS 2. Almost 400 000 study opportunities for matrics - Nzimande 3. New Gauteng university to open in 2015 4. R2bn earmarked for new universities

Nzimande: R1bn added to NSFAS

Another R1bn has been added to the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Higher Education and Learning Minister Blade Nzimande said on Thursday.

"[My] department has made available an additional amount of R1bn sourced from National Skills Fund to all universities to cover the 2013 and 2014 shortfall," he told reporters in Pretoria.

He said the NSFAS had a shortfall of R2.6bn in 2013.

He said his department had also approached the Sector Education and Training Authorities to support student at universities.

"The Setas have responded positively and have committed to assist with funding the shortfall, addressing scarce and critical skills in their sector," he said.

More than 430 000 students would be assisted by NSFAS in 2014 across 25 public universities and 50 public further education and training colleges, Nzimande added. 

Almost 400 000 study opportunities for matrics - Nzimande

Close to 400 000 study opportunities are available to 2013 matrics at tertiary education institutions, Higher Education and Training MinisterBlade Nzimande said on Thursday.

Nzimande congratulated the class of 2013 for the highest matric pass rate since 1994.

"As the department, we are aware that this is a very important milestone in the lives of young people and therefore would like to take this opportunity to make them aware of approximately 396 449 opportunities available to them within the... 25 universities, 50 further education and training (FET) colleges, and 21 sector education and training authorities [Setas]," Nzimande said.

Further study opportunities available at the country's higher education institutions included:

-- 197 946 new entrant opportunities at universities;

-- 23 000 engineering and business studies opportunities at FET colleges;

-- 44 000 national certificate vocational programme opportunities at FET colleges;

-- 10 000 artisanal opportunities at FET colleges; and

-- 93 000 occupationally-directed (apprenticeship or learnership) opportunities in collaboration with FET colleges, Setas, and employers.

The country's two new universities would also start operating this year.

The intake for the University of Mpumalanga was 240 students, while the Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape would register 124 students.

The universities would increase their intake as new infrastructure was built.

"The number of students at the two new universities is expected to increase dramatically over the 10-year development plan with Sol Plaatje University growing to accommodate 7 500 contact students in a variety of programmes on its Kimberley Campus," Nzimande said.

"The University of Mpumalanga will accommodate 15 000 contact students on its Nelspruit campus."

The department would again operate its central application clearing house (CACH) system this year, which went live this week.

"The CACH service is for learners who qualify for higher education studies but have not been accepted at an institution of their choice at the time the matric results were released," Nzimande said.

The system was also meant for pupils who did not apply at institutions before the closing dates last year.

They could register on the system via a call centre on 0860-356-635 or by sending an SMS with their names and ID number to 49200.

"The CACH service will verify the learner’s information and forward it to institutions that still have unfilled places," Nzimande said.

"Where places exist and applicants meet the requirements, institutions will contact students to offer them available places."

New Gauteng university to open in 2015 - Nzimande

A new health and allied sciences university in Gauteng should open its doors in 2015, the higher education department said on Friday.

The name of the new university would be Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said in a statement.

"The university is named after a highly-acclaimed politician, journalist, educationist and theologian.

"We are proud to advance his lifelong struggle for a South Africa that is legitimate, non-racial, non-exploitative, free, independent, democratic, and playing its proper role amongst the nations of the world," Nzimande said.

Sefako Mapogo Makgatho was the second president of the ANC.

The new university would be merged with the Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa) campus in Garankuwa, Pretoria.

Nzimande announced his intention to separate Medunsa campus from the University of Limpopo in May 2011.

The decision was based on the findings and recommendations of a task team's report, led by Professor William Makgoba and Dr Max Price.

"The task team had been appointed to review the impact of the merger of the Medical University of South Africa and the University of North, which resulted in the establishment of the University of Limpopo.

"When I made this announcement there was a commitment from the department that we would open the doors for learning of this institution at the beginning of the 2015 academic year."

R2bn earmarked for new universities - Nzimande 

Two new universities earmarked for Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape will open their doors next year, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said on Wednesday.

"Much preparatory work has been done and I now expect to establish the two institutions as legal entities in the next month. R2.1bn has been earmarked for the development of the universities over the next three years," Nzimande said in his budget vote speech in the National Assembly.

The two new universities, combined with an expansion of Further Education and Training Colleges (FET), are set to deal with growing enrolments at higher learning institutions.

University enrolments went up by 12% from 837 779 in 2009 to 938 200 in 2011.

"We are chasing the one million mark and aim to increase the total enrolments to 1.62 million by 2030," said Nzimande.

The number of students who graduated rose by 11% during the same period.

"The numbers of post-graduates increased at a higher rate than the overall graduation rate, which is important because it is on post-graduates that we depend for our future academics, researchers, and other leaders in knowledge-intensive professions."

Nzimande said about 25% more students graduated with masters degrees, while those with doctorates grew by 15%, from 1 373 in 2009 to 1 576 in 2011.

"In my view though, this is quite insufficient to meet our needs and it is not really comparable to other leading developing countries, let alone developed ones."

In a bid to significantly increase the number of academics with doctorates, Nzimande was exploring sending students abroad to further their studies.

An inter-ministerial committee report on reviewing the funding of universities was complete.

Nzimande said a revised funding framework was being worked on.

The minister later attacked critics who claimed his decision to place various universities under administration was undermining academic independence.

"Although our public university system as a whole is relatively stable, I have been compelled to take action in some institutions to ensure their integrity and proper functioning in the face of corruption or maladministration," he said.

In the past few years, the Vaal, Tshwane, and Central Universities of Technology, Walter Sisulu University, and the University of Zululand were placed under administration.

Nzimande said: "I refuse to be intimidated by those who say this violates university autonomy but ignore the need for universities to be publicly accountable."

On FET colleges, he said moves were afoot to rename the institutions Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges soon.

"For the 2012 academic year, we set a target of 550 000 student headcount enrolments. However, a total of 657 690 was achieved, representing an increase of 54% over the preceding year," he said.

To expand enrolments at the colleges, an allocation of R6.3bn would be made available over the next three years.

"This will enable us to ensure greater access to education and training opportunities for 702 430 poor and academically capable young people over the MTEF (Medium Term Expenditure Framework) period," Nzimande said.

Beyoncé’s sister attacks Jay Z in elevator

Beyoncé, Jay Z and Solange Knowles. 

Los Angeles - Beyoncé's sister viciously attacked Jay Z at the Met Gala after-party in New York City last Monday. 

Solange Knowles was caught on surveillance lashing out at the rapper, 44, in an elevator as they left the glamorous bash held in the Boom Boom Room at The Standard Hotel.

The XO hitmaker appeared to be watching on helplessly as her sibling, 27, kicked and clawed her husband in what seemed to be an unprovoked attack.

In the footage, obtained by TMZ.com, Jay didn't appear to retaliate as the singer screamed in his face and, at one point, he even tried to hold her arms down as another man, who was presumably their bodyguard, held her back.

The bodyguard can even be seen pushing the emergency stop button repeatedly as the elevator reached the 12th floor in a bid to keep the violent altercation private.

Beyoncé - who has two-year-old daughter Blue Ivy with Jay - finally intervened and said something to Solange after she broke free and began punching him again.

Solange then stormed out of the elevator with a disgruntled expression plastered across her face as Beyoncé, 32, and Jay followed shortly behind.

The siblings were then seen getting into a car together, while the Holy Grailhitmaker left on his own.

Oscar could face month of mental tests

Prosecutors will apply to have Oscar Pistorius committed for one month of mental evaluations after a psychiatrist on Monday told his murder trial the Paralympian suffered from an "anxiety disorder".

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued the sprinter should go to a facility for 30 days to test a defence psychiatrist's claim that the condition may have had an impact on his state of mind before he shot and killed his girlfriend, allegedly believing she was an intruder.

"Then I'll bring the application," he said, after a heated to-and-fro with defence lawyer Barry Roux and defence witness Meryll Vorster.

Opening the eighth and perhaps final week of evidence, Roux called the forensic psychiatrist to testify about the 27-year-old's feelings of vulnerability.

"It is my opinion, My Lady, that Mr Pistorius has an anxiety disorder," said Vorster, recounting stressful factors in the Paralympic gold medallist's life.

"If he was afraid that there was an intruder, then certainly having a generalised anxiety disorder would have affected the way he reacted to that fear," she added.

The court adjourned early for the prosecution to study the psychiatric report, before more questioning on Tuesday and the formal application for tests.

During two months of trial, the defence has sought to portray the world-famous athlete as almost manically obsessed with safety after a difficult childhood and in the face of high crime levels in South Africa.

The star sprinter claims he mistakenly shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked toilet door, believing she was an intruder in his upmarket Pretoria home.

'Threatening environment'

Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to intentionally killing Steenkamp, as well as three other firearms charges.

If found guilty of premeditated murder, Pistorius faces 25 years in jails and an abrupt end to his once glittering sporting career.

Vorster, who also interviewed Pistorius's close family and friends to compile her report, said the athlete's disorder began when his parents encouraged the double-amputee to be normal.

"Over time this could result in anxiety," she said.

The Pistorius children were not "soothed" by their mother, Sheila, who slept with a firearm under her pillow and "abused alcohol intermittently”, continued the psychiatrist.

"The children were reared to see their external environment as threatening," said Vorster, who said Pistorius's mother "added" to her children's anxiety.

As the psychiatrist was giving her testimony, Pistorius appeared to become emotional, his face turning red. His sister Aimee sat stone-still, staring into the distance.

When Pistorius's mother died when he was a teen, the star sprinter lost his only adult role model, said the psychiatrist. His parents were divorced at the time.

At age 21, a rising athletic star and financially independent Pistorius "broke all ties with his father", she said. Soon after, he bought a gun.

"Individuals with an anxiety disorder work hard to control their environment," said Vorster, wearing black-framed glasses and a black blazer, "in a way, his strict training regime and his diet helped him to alleviate his levels of anxiety."

Malema says EFF will fund striking miners

Economic Freedom Fighters "EFF"

Politician Julius Malema said on Saturday his EFF party - the country's third-largest after the elections - would give money to platinum miners going without wages during the lengthy strike.

Malema supports the protracted stoppages by over 80 000 members of the Association for Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) at the world's top three platinum producers.

The money would go towards supporting miners with financial difficulties, he added, without divulging how much the party would donate.

The strikers have gone without salaries for over 15 weeks since the strike started to demand that the entry-level wage be more than doubled.

Amcu members at Lonmin , Impala and Anglo American Platinum operations in Rustenburg and Northam in Limpopo downed tools on 23 January, demanding a basic salary of R12 500.

Unrest

Amcu gained massive traction when it used the figure as a rallying call during violent unrest on the platinum belt two years ago.

Employers have offered the sum in a package that includes salary and cash allowances, saying they cannot afford to pay the R12 500.

Talks between the miners and Amcu have collapsed, but Malema said the strike should continue.

"Let those mines not operate until our people get what they want," he said.

"We are tired of the exploitation of our workers by white capital."