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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. 23h ago

    Majodina apologises over heated confrontation with E Cape resident

    Majodina apologises over heated confrontation with E Cape resident Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has issued a formal apology to the residents of Kouga, and the broader South African public, following a highly contentious confrontation with a local resident in the Eastern Cape. The incident, which has sparked widespread public outcry, has already resulted in official ethics complaints from opposition parties and intensified political tension ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 4. The confrontation took place last week during Majodina's visit to the Kouga local municipality for the launch of the upgraded Loerie sewer pump station. According to the Minister, the community engagement session was convened to promote accountability and provide feedback following the completion of the government project. However, the interaction quickly deteriorated. "In the heat of the moment, I reacted after being subjected to profane language," Majodina explained on Tuesday. "I take full responsibility for my conduct and deeply regret responding by using the same words directed at me." The Minister's conduct immediately drew criticism from opposition parties. Both the DA and ActionSA have laid official ethics complaints against Majodina. With the municipal elections less than two months away, opposition parties are leveraging the incident to question the governing party's leadership style and accountability. While acknowledging her lapse in composure, Majodina emphasised that public representatives must be held to high standards, even under provocation. "While public representatives are human and can, like anyone else, experience moments of frustration, this does not diminish the responsibility we carry to remain composed. I accept that responsibility and will continue to learn from this experience," Majodina stated. She appealed to the public to maintain "reciprocal respect" during difficult or emotionally charged engagements to ensure interactions remain constructive. Majodina reaffirmed her commitment to her portfolio, stating she remains dedicated to listening to community concerns and serving South Africans with "humility, accountability, and dedication".

  2. 23h ago

    Complete overhaul of appointment process essential to save Joburg, warns CDE

    Complete overhaul of appointment process essential to save Joburg, warns CDE The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has issued an urgent directive to political parties ahead of the upcoming November local government election, warning that Johannesburg's compounding infrastructure and management crisis will never be resolved without a complete overhaul of how municipal leaders and boards are appointed. In its newly released third Johannesburg Matters series report, the think tank urged all contesting political parties to publicly commit to transparent, competitive and merit-based appointments. Furthermore, the CDE demands that political office-bearers be kept out of procurement, appointments and daily operational decisions. "If there is a coalition, this commitment must be a non-negotiable component of the coalition agreement. No turnaround strategy will succeed if the institutions responsible for implementing it remain weak, politicised, and poorly led," said CDE executive director Ann Bernstein. Since 2016, the City of Johannesburg has cycled through nine mayors and eight coalition administrations. According to the CDE, this constant shifting has transformed crucial city entities into political "fiefdoms" controlled by competing factions. In these environments, cadre deployment and political allegiance routinely override professional skills and experience. The consequences of this patronage system are laid bare in the city's profound leadership gaps, with the CDE noting that zero professionally qualified engineers currently sit on the board of Johannesburg Water. Bernstein said at least seven of the city's 24 most senior management positions are filled by temporary, acting appointees and added that persistent vacancies continue to plague critical operational fields, including engineering, finance, ICT, project management and supply-chain oversight. "Senior appointments and board positions cannot continue to be treated as political bargaining chips," Bernstein urged, stressing that the city must decisively sever the link between shifting political coalitions and administrative hiring. To reverse the decay, the CDE argues that Johannesburg requires a highly capable city manager selected through a rigorous, transparent and competitive process built to match the enormity of the turnaround challenge. Bernstein urged the municipality to start immediately with Johannesburg Water, City Power, and Pikitup. She explained that these newly structured boards – built around an experienced, appropriate chairperson – must secure highly capable CEOs and must rigorously hold management teams accountable for measurable operational results. Additionally, the CDE advises that the incoming provisional government identify the city's mission-critical positions and conduct an immediate audit of the personnel occupying them, ideally before officially taking office. Recognising that permanent, high-quality recruitment takes time, Bernstein noted that some interventions cannot wait while infrastructure faces imminent collapse. To prevent further deterioration, the CDE advocates for innovative and speedy interim measures. A new administration may need to inject independent technical and professional expertise into specific, time-limited assignments while permanent leadership is being finalised. However, Bernstein emphasised that these emergency arrangements must remain subject to strict agreed targets, full transparency and clear accountability. "Appointing capable people will not repair a water pipe or solve the City's financial problems overnight," Bernstein said. "But none of the wider reforms required to turn Johannesburg around will succeed if the institutions responsible for implementing them remain weak, politicised, plagued with corruption and poorly led. People trump policy." Full report attached.

  3. 23h ago

    East Rand killings: Ramaphosa promises ‘no stone left unturned’ as ANCWL calls for debate on death penalty, castration

    East Rand killings: Ramaphosa promises 'no stone left unturned' as ANCWL calls for debate on death penalty, castration President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday issued assurances to the public that the recent spate of murders of women in the East Rand area, in Gauteng, will be prioritised as a seventh body was revealed by police, this time in Clayville, a few hours after the discovery of a sixth body in Springs. On Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued an urgent safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park, following the discovery of five women's bodies over a period of about two months. Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS revealed "deeply concerning similarities" across all five crime scenes, with the bodies of the women discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and dumped within the same immediate vicinity. While SAPS has stopped short of officially declaring the presence of a serial killer, authorities admit the striking similarities are sufficiently alarming to warrant immediate public mobilisation and an intensified criminal investigation. The body of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo was identified by her family on Monday, after she went missing last week while on a run near her home in Rhodesfield. In a statement, Ramaphosa said government shared the heightened concerns of South Africans following the spate of murders. "I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo and to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park. These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women. Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice," the President assured. He was briefed on the investigation by the Police Minister and the acting National Police Commissioner, and said he had asked that these cases be prioritised. "…and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women," Ramaphosa stated. DEATH PENALTY AND CASTRATION As he called on South Africans to respect the rights of women and girls and ensure their safety, the ANC's Women's League (ANCWL) said it was "dismayed" by the continued violence against women. It called for national budget funding in addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and further suggested that police stations be repurposed to prioritise GBVF cases. Another demand includes a debate on the reintroduction of the death penalty and castration to deter certain crimes. "These measures must be publicly ventilated and critically examined as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat and prevent GBVF. It is imperative that we pursue a decisive firm stance against those who believe they can commit these heinous acts with impunity. The safety and dignity of all citizens must be prioritised through action, accountability, and decisive policy implementation," the ANCWL stated. ELECTIONS AND ACTION PLAN DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis used news of the killings to point out the "failures" of the SAPS, under an ANC government, to protect citizens. "We see the human cost of that failure in Ekurhuleni. The discovery of the bodies of six women since July is horrifying. My thoughts are with every family waiting for answers and justice. Women should not have to live in fear of going for a run, walking home or simply moving through their own communities," Hill-Lewis said. In electioneering mode, he promised that DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane will act to improve the metro police service, visible policing, lighting and surveillance and improve relationships with SAPS and communities. He said the November elections will present Ekurhuleni w...

  4. 1d ago

    SAPS deploys task team as political outrage mounts over murder of 5 women

    SAPS deploys task team as political outrage mounts over murder of 5 women The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued an urgent safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park, specifically in the Rhodesfield area, following the discovery of five women's bodies over a period of about two months. Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS has revealed "deeply concerning similarities" across all five crime scenes. The bodies of the women were discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and all were dumped within the same immediate vicinity. While SAPS has stopped short of officially declaring the presence of a serial killer, authorities admit the striking similarities are sufficiently alarming to warrant immediate public mobilisation and an intensified criminal investigation. In response, acting National Commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, has ordered the immediate establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team. The specialised unit will be led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo, who has been ordered to ensure that "no stone is left unturned". The task team will pull resources from elite divisions, including the murder and robbery unit, the investigative psychology unit (SAPS serial killer experts) and localised intelligence and forensic disciplines. "The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action," the police statement read, assuring the community that maximum resources are being deployed to bring those responsible to justice. The SAPS has strongly urged women in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, and surrounding suburbs to alter their daily routines to mitigate risks. The police are making an urgent appeal to residents, motorists, security personnel, and commuters who frequent the Rhodesfield area. Anyone who may have noticed suspicious vehicles, individuals, or unusual activity over the past two months is urged to come forward. DEMAND OF ACCOUNTABILITY The gruesome crime scenes have sparked widespread political outrage and renewed calls for government accountability regarding South Africa's rampant gender-based violence crisis. DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane announced that her party will pressure the City of Ekurhuleni to conduct immediate safety risk assessments in the affected zones. "We cannot allow fear to become part of everyday life for women in Ekurhuleni. Every woman deserves to return home safely to her family," Rasilingwane said. RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip Makashule Gana expressed "profound shock" at the killings, urging SAPS and government stakeholders to maintain total transparency with the public as the investigation unfolds. Gana underscored the systemic nature of the violence, noting that South Africa's femicide rate is roughly five to six times higher than the global average, claiming the lives of approximately 4 000 women every year. "All hands-on deck, not just policing, are required to end gender-based violence and femicide," Gana stated.

  5. 1d ago

    Ramaphosa greenlights SIU probe into eThekwini municipality, North West Transport Investments

    Ramaphosa greenlights SIU probe into eThekwini municipality, North West Transport Investments President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a new proclamation and a key amendment empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe deep-seated allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, and irregular expenditure at the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the North West Transport Investments (NTI), with a direct mandate to recover financial losses suffered by the State. Ramaphosa amended an existing proclamation to expand the ongoing investigation into the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The initial 2024 proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate the municipality's procurement of security and VIP protection services. The new amendment extends the investigation period and brings contracts CMS 0031, 1C15104, 1C18709, 1C20359, 1X31747 and 1C29300 under forensic scrutiny. The SIU will evaluate whether these contracts, and any subsequent extensions or variations followed a fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, and cost-effective framework, or if they resulted in irregular expenditure. If the investigation uncovers evidence of criminal conduct, the SIU will hand the files over to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution. Additionally, the SIU is fully authorised to initiate civil action in the High Court or the Special Tribunal to recover stolen public funds and assets. In the North West, the SIU will investigate the affairs of the NTI, alongside its wholly-owned subsidiary North West Star, and the Atteridgeville Bus Service. According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho the investigation will target procurement, contracting, and payment processes related to contracts handled by Zentrafor Fuel Limited, trading as FuelU, services rendered under a vehicle rental agreement dated July 28, 2023 and operations outlined in a Sub-Contractor Agreement dated July 7, 2023. The SIU's scope extends to systemic operational flaws. Investigators will scrutinise the receipt, processing, approval, and payment of claims submitted by Transnat Coachlines, Ziggy Investments, and their subsequent Joint Venture. The unit will check if these transactions breached National or Provincial Treasury guidelines. Crucially, the probe will also dissect the actions of the Business Rescue Practitioner appointed on 21 July 2022, alongside their agents and NTI employees. The SIU aims to determine whether corrupt individuals or entities received undue benefits, resulting in severe losses to the NTI or the State.

  6. 1d ago

    Ramaphosa touts BRICS success, vows to build on $10-billion SA-India economic ties

    Ramaphosa touts BRICS success, vows to build on $10-billion SA-India economic ties President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to leveraging its BRICS membership to drive domestic economic growth, expand trade and solidify bilateral ties with India. Following the conclusion of the eighteenth BRICS Summit, held over the weekend in New Delhi, in India, Ramaphosa detailed how South Africa is capitalising on its strategic partnerships to boost investment and modernise key domestic industries. India currently stands as South Africa's fourth-largest trading partner. The economic footprint between the two nations is already substantial, with more than 150 Indian companies investing over $10-billion in South Africa, a move that has generated more than 18 000 local jobs. Prominent South African enterprises, including Naspers, FirstRand Bank, Sanlam, and Momentum, maintain a significant investment presence in India. To build on this foundation, the summit hosted the South Africa-India CEOs Roundtable, bringing together captains of industry from both nations. Ramaphosa also engaged in targeted bilateral discussions with individual Indian firms looking to either expand their footprint in South Africa or venture into new local markets. According to the President, Indian business leaders highly commended South Africa's ongoing structural reforms, particularly those targeting the energy, logistics, telecommunications, water, and visa sectors, as well as advancements in public digital infrastructure. Ramaphosa emphasised that the two nations possess "highly complementary capabilities" that can unlock massive value when combined, noting that India's globally recognised strengths in pharmaceuticals, health technology, IT, and fintech are positioned to support South Africa's ambitions to localise vaccine and medicine production while modernising its public service systems. He said South Africa's reserves of critical minerals are primed to feed India's rapidly expanding renewable energy, electric vehicle, and battery value chains. Ramaphosa stressed that a key priority remains ensuring the processing and beneficiation of these minerals happen on South African soil. He explained that to translate this immense potential into reality, both nations have committed to working toward restoring direct commercial flights between South Africa and India, alongside fostering closer collaboration between their respective business chambers. Addressing scepticism regarding the domestic relevance of international summits, Ramaphosa countered that BRICS membership yields direct, tangible rewards for South Africa's economy. More than one-fifth of South Africa's total global trade is conducted with fellow BRICS nations. Furthermore, as a shareholder in the New Development Bank, South Africa directly accesses crucial development finance to fund major domestic infrastructure projects in energy, water, and transportation. Participation in the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement also secures South Africa access to a $100-billion liquidity pool in the event of a currency crisis. Beyond the economic balance sheet, Ramaphosa underscored the geopolitical weight of the bloc, noting that BRICS provides a platform for cultivating a fairer, more inclusive multilateral world order that operates under international law with the United Nations at its centre. Through institutional cooperation in science, research, and education, alongside grassroots platforms like the BRICS Youth Council and the BRICS Network University, the bloc continues to drive sustainable development. "Through BRICS, we will continue to add our voice to the growing call from the Global South for an inclusive world order rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity," Ramaphosa said. "And we will continue to use our membership of BRICS to develop our economy and improve the lives of our people."

  7. 4d ago

    Ramaphosa calls for BRICS members to invest in productive capacity

    Ramaphosa calls for BRICS members to invest in productive capacity President Cyril Ramaphosa, during an address to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, held in India this week, called for the bloc to direct investment towards manufacturing and beneficiation, industrial technologies, energy systems, infrastructure and logistics. Africa must not only supply the minerals on which the next generation of industries depends, while value addition and manufacturing take place elsewhere. "If we are to change where value is created, we must also change where investment is directed. Companies must invest not only to access markets, but also to establish production facilities and develop local capabilities," he said. BRICS countries were at an inflection point. With the global economy being reshaped, trade patterns shifting, technological advances accelerating and climate pressures increasing, countries and companies must reconsider where they source, produce and invest. For the BRICS bloc, this was an opportunity to shape a more resilient, diversified and inclusive economic future for the Global South, Ramaphosa said. Developing economies have participated in global value chains mainly as suppliers of raw commodities. Value creation, technology and higher-value manufacturing remained concentrated elsewhere. "We must not reproduce that pattern within the expanded BRICS. Our ambition must extend beyond increasing intra-BRICS trade to deepening the productive relationships between our economies." BRICS must be a platform through which investment and trade reshape existing economic patterns and transform the destinies of its countries and peoples, said Ramaphosa. He called on BRICS countries to turn the ambitions of the bloc into commercial relationships and productive partnerships. The work of the BRICS Business Council and the Working Groups was essential to turning the ambitions of BRICS into meaningful economic cooperation, he added. "The question is not whether there is potential, but whether we have the ambition, the instruments and the partnerships to convert this potential into economic value for our people. Our shared task is to translate the ideas, recommendations and partnerships developed through the council into tangible economic growth and development. "Our economies have confronted profound challenges [since the formation of the BRICS Business Council in 2013], yet we have also shown that adversity can create opportunity. Resilience is not simply the capacity to withstand disruption. It is the capacity to transform disruption into new capabilities and partnerships," he said.

  8. 4d ago

    Nigeria suspends official visits to SA over xenophobic attacks

    Nigeria suspends official visits to SA over xenophobic attacks The Nigerian National Assembly has officially suspended all official visits to South Africa and has initiated a complete boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities. This directive follows intensive consultations between the leadership of the country's Senate and the House of Representatives and is a response to reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation and the targeted destruction of property belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa. In an official communication conveying the directive, the Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana, expressed the legislative body's "profound concern" over the escalating hostility, noting reports of Nigerian citizens being killed, injured, displaced, and forced to abandon their homes, investments, and legitimate businesses due to recurring violent attacks. Of particular frustration to Nigerians is the "systematic failure" of South African authorities to curb the violence. The National Assembly pointed out that despite repeated appeals from the federal government of Nigeria and regional stakeholders demanding decisive measures to protect foreign nationals and bring perpetrators to justice, the attacks have persisted with minimal legal accountability. The National Assembly acknowledged ongoing federal interventions, including State-backed efforts to evacuate vulnerable Nigerian nationals. The National Assembly emphasised that such emergency measures underscore the gravity of the crisis and reinforce the constitutional responsibility of Nigerian State institutions to safeguard the lives, dignity and interests of citizens abroad. Following the joint resolution by parliamentary leaders, the suspension of engagements takes effect immediately and remains in force until further notice. The ban is comprehensive and applies to all planned visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its standing committees, lawmakers, and administrative staff. Participation in conferences, seminars, workshops and parliamentary exchanges hosted, organised, or co-sponsored by the Parliament of South Africa is strictly prohibited. The National Assembly pointed out that the restriction applies to physical travel and online or virtual meetings hosted by South African legislative institutions. The National Assembly has urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria's 36 states to adopt similar retaliatory measures. The Clerk made it clear that no official delegation or individual may bypass this directive without prior express approval from the National Assembly leadership. Further, all existing invitations and proposed programmes are to be immediately reviewed. The legislative leadership described the boycott as a firm, measured response aimed at prioritising the welfare and dignity of Nigerians. While the National Assembly values parliamentary diplomacy and inter-State cooperation, it maintained that these relationships must be anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rule of law. Officials clarified that this decision is not an attempt to permanently dismantle Nigeria's deep-rooted historical and diplomatic ties with South Africa. Instead, it serves as an "unambiguous expression of protest" against the unsafe environment confronting Nigerians in South Africa. The House of Representatives and the Senate have urged the South African government to fulfil its fundamental international obligations. They called on South Africa to halt existing violence and prevent future xenophobic outbreaks against African nationals, conduct thorough investigations into all reported incidents of targeted violence, and arrest and prosecute suspects to the full extent of the law to restore confidence and goodwill between the two economic powerhouses. The House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments closely. While Nigeria remains open ...

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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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