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Polity.org.za offers a unique take on news, with a focus on political, legal, economic and social issues in South Africa and Africa, as well as international affairs. Now you can listen to the top three articles on Polity at the end of each day.

  1. 16h ago

    Salga Gauteng calls for transparent intergovernmental processes to resolve withholding of equitable share

    Salga Gauteng calls for transparent intergovernmental processes to resolve withholding of equitable share The South African Local Government Association Gauteng calls for a fair, transparent and collaborative intergovernmental process to resolve the decision by the National Treasury to withhold equitable share allocations from six municipalities in the province. Treasury announced last week that it would withhold equitable share transfers to 69 municipalities across the country. Municipalities must comply with financial governance requirements, but enforcement measures should not undermine the constitutional mandate of local government nor compromise the delivery of essential services, says Salga Gauteng. The equitable share remains a critical source of funding, particularly for municipalities facing constrained revenue bases, rising bulk service costs, historical debt burdens and increasing socioeconomic pressures, the organisation adds. Salga Gauteng is concerned that withholding equitable share allocations may unintentionally deepen the financial challenges these measures seek to address. Many municipalities rely on these allocations to provide basic services, support indigent households, meet operational commitments and honour payment arrangements with suppliers. Financial sanctions should not create a cycle in which municipalities become less able to address the very compliance shortcomings they are required to resolve. Salga Gauteng, therefore, urges Treasury to ensure enforcement measures are proportionate, evidence-based and responsive to the circumstances of each municipality, particularly where credible evidence of compliance or corrective action has been submitted. Salga Gauteng held a meeting on July 10 during which the affected municipalities reported how they had engaged Treasury, submitted representations and, in several instances, provided supporting evidence demonstrating progress or compliance. The compliance areas identified by Treasury include reducing unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure; strengthening consequence management, disciplinary boards and Municipal Public Accounts Committee processes; implementing sustainable payment arrangements with bulk suppliers and institutions such as water boards, Eskom, the South African Revenue Service, the Auditor-General and pension funds; and adopting funded budgets. These measures are fundamental to sound financial management. Municipalities must continue strengthening internal controls, improving revenue management, maintaining credible records, honouring sustainable repayment agreements and ensuring that oversight structures address unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure matters and consequence management without delay, Salga Gauteng says. Salga Gauteng says it will continue to support affected municipalities by consolidating their submissions, identifying common challenges and escalating unresolved matters through the appropriate political and technical intergovernmental structures. "Salga Gauteng calls on Treasury to engage directly and urgently with affected municipalities before finalising or continuing decisions to withhold equitable share allocations. Where additional information is required, municipalities should receive clear guidance and a reasonable opportunity to address any outstanding requirements. "Simultaneously, municipalities must continue taking decisive steps to strengthen financial governance by reducing unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, improving oversight and consequence management, honouring credible payment arrangements, strengthening revenue collection and ensuring that budgets are funded, realistic and aligned to service delivery priorities," says Salga Gauteng. Salga Gauteng says it remains committed to supporting municipalities while advancing accountability, financial discipline and service delivery stability. Compliance and enforcement should strengthen local go...

    4 min

  2. 16h ago

    South Africa proposes compulsory fuel stocks to preempt crises

    South Africa proposes compulsory fuel stocks to preempt crises South Africa is proposing a revamp of its strategic fuel storage capability requiring mandatory reserves from both the State and private sector to mitigate supply crises, a policy document showed. Global energy supplies and prices have been under pressure for months due to an ongoing crisis in the Middle East that has choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and liquefied natural gas transit route. The proposals, outlined in a document from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, would make it mandatory for all licensed oil and fuel wholesalers and importers to hold 21 days' worth of stocks, with 70% allocated to crude oil and the remainder to refined products such as diesel or jet fuel. It proposes state strategic stocks of 60 days, with the same split. The buffer can be released during a declared state of emergency in "catastrophic events". "There is a compelling need for South Africa to have a Strategic Stocks Policy to enhance the state of readiness in the event of major oil supply disruptions," the document said. If approved, the draft policy, which is open for public consultation, will mark the first major boost to the country's strategic fuel reserves since the 1970s, when the apartheid government built underground crude oil storage facilities at Saldanha on the west coast. However, no specific storage levels to support the operations have been set. The new State stocks would be managed at the Saldanha and Milnerton storage facilities. The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, which represents oil companies operating in the country, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. South Africa, which has lost about half of its refinery capacity in recent years, uses an average of 27-billion litres of oil products each year, according to government estimates.

    2 min

  3. 16h ago

    Ramaphosa calls on S Africans to use Mandela Day to fight poverty, inequality

    Ramaphosa calls on S Africans to use Mandela Day to fight poverty, inequality President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to use the upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day to refocus national efforts on tackling deep-seated poverty and inequality. Writing in his weekly newsletter to the nation, Ramaphosa emphasised that meaningful change requires a combination of structural policy reform and grassroots community service. He stated that the government must ensure laws and policies protect workers while maintaining a regulatory environment that encourages investment. "At the same time, we are continuing to improve our social protection system and helping people build livelihoods, gain skills and find work through our public and social employment programmes," Ramaphosa added. This coming Saturday, South Africa will join the global community in celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day. The day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009. Ramaphosa noted that July 18 is not just a local occasion that the world happens to notice. Instead, it is a global day of action designed to harness Madiba's legacy to confront universal challenges: the fight against poverty, inequality, and injustice. The President challenged citizens to view their volunteer work as part of a larger, systemic mission rather than an isolated event. "The acts of service we perform this Saturday are not merely symbolic gestures, disconnected from the harder business of building institutions, driving investment, and changing systems and policies. They are part of the same effort," Ramaphosa explained. "So this Mandela Day, as we serve our communities, let us also renew our resolve to tackle the poverty and inequality that make such service necessary in the first place." Ramaphosa appealed to the public to dedicate their time to sustainable upliftment. "This year, we ask every South African to heed that call. Let us give our 67 minutes through acts of service that feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, or support vulnerable communities, ensuring that Madiba's legacy lives on through our collective actions." Ramaphosa explained that Madiba was clear that overcoming poverty is not an act of charity, but an act of justice. "So on this Mandela Day, let us also recommit ourselves to the difficult task of ending poverty and inequality in our country and in our world," he said. He noted that through the country's G20 Presidency last year, government placed the issue of inequality firmly on the global agenda. He said government is now working with other countries and institutions to establish an International Panel on Inequality to monitor global inequality, assess its causes and consequences and recommend the policies needed to reverse it … no nation can overcome inequality alone; we need coordinated multilateral action, rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility, he added. "As a country, we must use Mandela Day to refocus our efforts to tackle poverty and inequality. We must sustain our investment in the education and health of our people, prioritising the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. "We must continue to direct energy and resources towards strengthening early learning in our schools and completing the overhaul of our skills development system. At the same time, we must continue to build a health care system that provides quality care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay," he said.

    4 min

  4. 3d ago

    Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa

    Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa Frustrations over unemployment, crime and years of weak growth are driving South Africa's anti-migrant protests. But economists warn that the departure of thousands of foreign workers could end up hurting the very businesses and labour markets that anti-migrant campaigners say they are trying to protect. Anti-migrant sentiment has surged in recent months, culminating in a nationwide march on June 30. Although the protests were largely peaceful, fears of violence have prompted thousands of African migrants to leave South Africa. Their departure could create labour shortages in businesses that have long relied on foreign workers - from construction sites and farms to delivery services and corner shops - while also undermining the country's vast informal economy. "Migrants typically find work in sectors where vacancies are difficult to fill, including farming, construction, hospitality, retail, transport and the informal sector," Mpho Lenoke, a lecturer at North-West University, said. According to United Nations data, some 2.6 million migrants called South Africa their home in 2024 - around 5% of the population. While recent data on their economic contribution is limited, OECD-ILO estimates from 2018 based on 2010 modelling put their GDP contribution at 9%. "Many foreign nationals are starting businesses that employ South Africans and bring competition, which is good for consumers," said Lenoke. "International experience suggests that restrictions on migrant labour often have unintended economic consequences." The protests have already caused disruption in parts of the retail sector. Foreign-owned spaza shops — informal convenience stores that operate from makeshift stalls, garages or shipping containers — are a key feature of South Africa's informal economy, supporting wholesalers, landlords and local employees. Sixty60 — the grocery delivery platform of Africa's largest food retailer Shoprite Group — faced disruptions during the latest protests. Company data shows fewer than a quarter of its drivers were South African. BUILDING MOMENTUM South Africa's anti-migrant movement has been building for years as the country grapples with weak growth. The World Bank in June cut its 2026 growth forecast for South Africa to 1.0% from 1.4%, while Statistics South Africa reported an unemployment rate of nearly one third in the first quarter, leaving 8.1-million people without work. Those conditions have helped fuel resentment towards migrants. However, a study by the UN's International Labour Organization using labour force survey data found that as immigrant participation in the workforce increases, employment opportunities for South African-born workers also rise. Protests can also disrupt economic activity through looting and business closures, said Susanna Deetlefs of ACLED. "Supply chains are disrupted, jobs are lost, and access to goods and services is curtailed when tensions escalate," she said. BEYOND BORDERS Investors have so far reacted calmly, but say the protests add a new risk factor. "It is a significant social problem in South Africa that investors keep hearing about, but they actually haven't seen an actual real-life impact of it," said Kaan Nazli, emerging markets debt portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman. "Now, with these protests, this is a risk." The stakes extend beyond South Africa, the region's main source of remittances and largest host of working-age migrants, according to data from the ILO. A joint FinMark Trust and South African Reserve Bank report found remittance outflows more than tripled between 2016 and 2024 to more than R19-billion ($1.16-billion) in 2024. Nearly 90% of transfers to southern Africa went to Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with Zimbabwe receiving more than 60% of the total.

    4 min

  5. 3d ago

    EFF demands immediate public release of Madlanga Commission’s first, second interim reports

    EFF demands immediate public release of Madlanga Commission's first, second interim reports The EFF is demanding the immediate, public release of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's first and second interim reports, criticising the Presidency's secrecy and its handling of the commission's deadline extensions. The party has called for the publication of both the interim reports submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party stipulated that these releases should only be subject to redactions strictly necessary to protect witnesses, ongoing criminal investigations, or legitimate national security concerns. The Presidency announced a second extension for the inquiry, shifting the final report submission deadline from August 31 to November 16. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained that the timeline sets an evidence deadline of October 2, enabling the commission to close off topics explored during public hearings. However, the EFF expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency. While acknowledging that the inquiry has uncovered troubling evidence of criminal syndicates infiltrating South Africa's justice and security systems, the party condemned the lack of clarity regarding how much additional time or resources the commission genuinely requires. The party highlighted ongoing secrecy surrounding the findings, noting that both interim documents remain hidden from the public despite their far-reaching recommendations. The first interim report, submitted in December 2025, contained recommendations that immediately resulted in referrals for criminal investigations, prosecutorial consideration, and administrative action against implicated individuals, while in the second interim report, submitted in May 2026, the Presidency acknowledged that it also contains recommendations requiring urgent prosecutorial and investigative action. The EFF maintained that the inquiry belongs to the people of South Africa and that its findings are matters of constitutional integrity rather than private presidential correspondence. Meanwhile, despite concerns over internal police vetting delays, RISE Mzansi welcomed the decision by the President to grant a requested timeline extension for the Madlanga Commission. The party believes the extra time is crucial to allow the Commission and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee to thoroughly complete their mandates without cutting corners. However, the political party remains vigilant, noting that a timeline extension must be paired with rapid, decisive implementation on the ground to restore public trust in the country's police force. RISE Mzansi National Assembly Chief Whip Makashule Gana has issued a stern warning following revelations from the ongoing Madlanga Commission, stating that criminal networks have deeply infiltrated the highest ranks of the South African Police Service. While acknowledging a recent parliamentary update from Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia regarding lifestyle audits and re-vetting, Gana criticised the sluggish pace of execution, pointing out that the process has been inexcusably slow since its initial announcement by the President. "The rot is deeper," Gana explained. "We need action now, not more delays, and we call on the vetting authorities to treat this with the absolute urgency it demands."

    3 min

  6. 3d ago

    Hill-Lewis demands permanent Police Minister amid national crime crisis

    Hill-Lewis demands permanent Police Minister amid national crime crisis DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently appoint a permanent Minister of Police, warning that the country cannot fight the perpetual crime crisis with temporary leadership. In a formal letter addressed to the President on Friday, Hill-Lewis emphasised that South Africa cannot afford ongoing leadership uncertainty within the South African Police Service. The demand comes at a time when murder, extortion, gang violence, infrastructure sabotage, and organised crime continue to inflict deep harm on both local communities and the national economy. In July last year, Ramaphosa appointed Firoz Cachalia to replace Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on an immediate leave of absence. Mchunu's suspension followed serious allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi specifically accused Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, where they were allegedly neutralised. Speaking during the DA's march demanding urgent action against violent crime in Nelson Mandela Bay, Hill-Lewis pointed out that this weekend marks exactly one year since Cachalia's temporary appointment. "A whole year where two Ministers are being paid for the work of one," Hill-Lewis told the crowd. "The suspended Minister of Police [Mchunu] is still getting his salary of over R2.6-million while he sits at home. With that money, we could employ eight more detectives full-time." Hill-Lewis highlighted the severe operational consequences of this financial waste. In a country where thousands of criminals walk free due to poorly investigated cases, the DA leader stressed that every single resource matters. "Eight new detectives mean more criminals behind bars and off our streets," Hill-Lewis argued. "South Africa needs leadership, authority, and accountability in the middle of a national crime crisis. You cannot fight permanent crime with temporary leadership." The DA leader noted that systemic reforms within the police service are impossible without a stable, long-term political head. "You cannot rebuild crime intelligence, fix broken police stations, support detectives, restore discipline in SAPS, and clean up corruption in law enforcement if the person responsible for doing it does not have a clear, permanent mandate," Hill-Lewis said. Hill-Lewis said whoever serves in this position must have a clear and permanent mandate to rebuild crime intelligence, strengthen visible policing, support detectives, improve forensic capacity, restore discipline in SAPS, and clean up corruption within the criminal justice system. He emphasised that a permanent Minister must also be given clear performance targets and be held publicly accountable for progress. "South Africans deserve to know who is responsible, what is being done, and by when results will be delivered," he said.

    3 min

  7. 4d ago

    ‘ANC neglect’ collapsing SA’s foreign service assets – DA

    'ANC neglect' collapsing SA's foreign service assets – DA The DA has on Thursday fiercely condemned the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) following the sudden, unannounced closure of the South African High Commission to the UK this week. Located at the iconic South Africa House in London's Trafalgar Square, the building has reportedly deteriorated to an unworkable state owing to decades of systemic neglect under the ANC government, the party said. DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith revealed that the closure follows severe operational disruptions that made the historic property completely uninhabitable for diplomatic staff. He highlighted water issues, climate failure, sanitation collapse and structural decay. Repairs to rescue the London property are now estimated to cost South African taxpayers just under R70-million. The DA noted that this entire financial burden could have been avoided had Dirco implemented a regular maintenance framework for the country's prime international property portfolio. The crisis at Trafalgar Square is not an isolated incident. Smith highlighted a similar collapse at the South African Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. He noted the Hague closure, for nearly a year now, under the guise of "repairs". He explained that local observation confirms no scaffolding has been erected and no construction workers have accessed the site. Smith said South African foreign service staff remain stranded in a temporary location. This follows an oversight visit by the DA to the crumbling Netherlands facility in November 2025. According to the DA, these decaying international properties serve as global symbols of local State failure, mirroring the broken infrastructure seen across ANC-managed municipalities at home. The DA directly blamed International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola for siphoning critical funds away from asset maintenance and professional consular staffing. Instead, the party alleges Dirco continues to exhaust its budget on expensive international litigation and millions in humanitarian aid to political allies like Cuba. This operational decay is confirmed in official State oversight findings. The sudden closure of South Africa House corroborates the Auditor-General's 2024/25 Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report, which officially regressed Dirco's audit outcomes owing to mismanaged foreign assets rendering key State properties entirely "uninhabitable". As a partner in the Government of National Unity, the DA has distanced itself from these failures, criticising the ANC's subversion of the nation's foreign service. "If Dirco is the outward face of the South African government abroad, then it is wrinkled, haggard, and decrepit. Our perception abroad is surely not much different," said Smith. The DA continues to demand an immediate reprioritisation of Dirco's budget to safeguard the country's remaining foreign assets and rebuild a professional, functional diplomatic corps.

    3 min

  8. 4d ago

    Ramaphosa heads to France for high-level talks

    Ramaphosa heads to France for high-level talks President Cyril Ramaphosa is embarking on a three-day official working visit to France to advance global education reform, strengthen bilateral ties, and honour fallen South African soldiers. The visit features high-level diplomatic engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and a key leadership role at a gathering at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation headquarters. Ramaphosa will co-chair the leaders' meeting of the Unesco High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on Quality Education, at the invitation of Unesco director-general Khaled El-Enany. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya noted that South Africa's appointment highlights the nation's rising authority in global education governance and international confidence in its ability to push for equitable, inclusive, quality education. The HLSC meeting is expected to endorse the global education agenda priorities for 2026/27, focusing on strengthening the teaching profession, advancing foundational and lifelong learning, promoting inclusive digital transformation and ensuring sustainable financing for education. Following the HLSC session, Ramaphosa will participate in the Transforming Education Summit +4 Stocktake. Convened by the UN and Unesco, the summit evaluates global progress made since the initial 2022 Transforming Education Summit. The objective is to establish priority actions required to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 targets for SDG 4. Ramaphosa will travel to the village of Longueval in northern France to attend the 110th commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood. Held at the South African National Memorial, the event honours the bravery and sacrifice of South African soldiers who fought during the First World War. Ramaphosa is accompanied by a delegation of senior Cabinet Ministers, including First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe; Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean MacPherson; Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton MacKenzie and Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela.

    2 min
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Polity.org.za offers a unique take on news, with a focus on political, legal, economic and social issues in South Africa and Africa, as well as international affairs. Now you can listen to the top three articles on Polity at the end of each day.

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