WEEKEND WRAP

Babita Deokaran’s revenge, Andrea Johnson’s potential end, and SA’s teacher shortage

This edition of the Weekend Wrap covers the State seizure of the R326-million empire of Tembisa Hospital tender kingpin, Andrea Johnson’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission, and South Africa’s deepening teacher shortage. We also look at residents reclaiming a neglected beachfront park, answer readers’ questions about the Iran-US conflict, explore how regenerative agriculture can thrive, and round off with World Cup reflections, culture, food and the Maverick Mind Quiz.

By Daily Maverick

24 Jul

Babita’s revenge: State seizes R326m empire of Tembisa Hospital tender kingpin

Ferial-NPA-AFU — Illustrative image | The Special Investigating Unit raided the lavish of controversial businessman Hangwani Maumela and seized his fleet of luxury cars including three Lamborghini, each worth several millions Rands. This connection with the R2bn Tembisa Hospital scandal. (Photo: SIU) | Babita Deokaran. (Photo: X) | Adocate Andy Mothibi. (Photo: Shelley Christians) | Hangwani Morgan Maumela, lives in a luxury Sandton mansion that was raided by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on October 9, 2025, leading to the seizure of assets worth millions of rans, including three Lamborghinis and a mansion. (Photo: Nhlanhla Lux Official / Facebook)

By Ferial Haffajee. Five years after whistleblower Babita Deokaran was murdered for exposing corruption at Tembisa Hospital, the State has stripped one of the scheme’s alleged masterminds of four Lamborghinis, a Bentley and luxury properties worth R326m – a rare victory in the long fight against State Capture. Read more.

Andrea Johnson’s potential end: Idac boss admits colleagues ‘misinformed’ her in Crime Intelligence scandal

johnsonagain-madlanga-caryn — Advocate Andrea Johnson, Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), testifies before the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, on July 21, 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

By Caryn Dolley. Anti-corruption directorate boss Andrea Johnson was initially adamant about why she pursued certain Crime Intelligence officers, which ultimately led to their arrests. But she’s changed her tune somewhat, edging closer to KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s stance that duplicitous individuals reside in South Africa’s key law-enforcement agencies, including in her office. Read more.

Residents reclaim beachfront park after years of neglect

Kyran-HappyValley — Residents and businesses came out in their numbers at the weekend to clean up Happy Valley that has been neglected for a number of years. (Photo: The Port Elizabeth Hotel Group)

By Kyran Blaauw. Businesses and residents have launched a long-term campaign to restore Gqeberha’s Happy Valley after years of neglect turned the once-popular beachfront park into a symbol of municipal decline. Organisers hope sustained community action, backed by municipal support, can reclaim the space for residents and tourists alike. Read more.