Polity.org.za Audio Articles

Unknown
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Politics
  • Updated Daily

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. 5h ago

    South African rand gains as US inflation weighs on dollar

    South African rand gains as US inflation weighs on dollar The South African rand gained on Tuesday against a weaker dollar after US consumer inflation slowed more than expected in June, ruling out an interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year. The rand was trading at 16.3725 against the dollar by 1255 GMT, roughly up 0.6% from its previous close. The US dollar weakened about 0.5% against a basket of currencies after US Labor Department data showed consumer prices at 3.5% in the 12 months through June, slowing from 4.2% in May. Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as US policy in addition to domestic data. South Africa's mining output fell 5.4% year-on-year in May, compared with an 8% increase in April, Statistics South Africa data showed. On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was up about 0.2%. South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond was weaker, as the yield rose 7.5 basis points to 8.42%.

  2. 5h ago

    DA demands release of National Water Crisis Action Plan after Speaker rejects debate

    DA demands release of National Water Crisis Action Plan after Speaker rejects debate The DA on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the immediate publication of the National Water Crisis Action Plan and its current implementation status, in whatever form it may exist, following a refusal by Parliament to debate the matter. This escalation comes after the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza denied a written request from the opposition party for an urgent Parliamentary debate regarding South Africa's escalating drinking water supply crisis. The DA's push for an urgent debate stems from a commitment made in March by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament, where he promised that a comprehensive water action plan would be ready by the end of March 2026. However, months later, no such plan has been made public. The party stated that it cannot and will not accept a reality where millions of citizens continue to live with dry taps, dirty water flow, and long-term supply breakdowns affecting both homes and businesses across the country. "Despite the DA's information, which we got from the Presidency, showing that there is currently no Water Action Plan, the Speaker of the National Assembly has rejected our request for an urgent debate," said DA spokesperson on Water and Sanitation Stephen Moore. "The DA is of the opinion that the issue qualifies for such a debate because the President made a specific promise in Parliament, and Parliament must seek answers." Moore explained that the opposition is not looking for vague promises, but a clear, dated programme setting out explicit responsibilities, funding models, targets, and strict deadlines. "Water is a constitutional right, not a communications exercise," Moore stressed. "The President's lack of action shows the ANC's attitude to water supply in South Africa. South Africans were promised a Water Crisis Plan to end dry taps in March, by the President. Continuous DA action has exposed that there is no ready plan to end their suffering." Moore further noted that holding the executive accountable is Parliament's foremost duty, yet the Speaker's decision suggests a preference for keeping South Africans waiting for answers rather than allowing Parliament to find them through open debate. Compounding the issue, the President has reportedly failed to respond to a formal written question on the matter. In response to the stonewalling, Moore announced that the opposition will be taking the matter a step further. "We will be pursuing the President's false promise to have a ready plan by March in the Executive Undertakings Committee, where the truth will come to the fore," Moore said. The DA warned it won't hesitate to haul the President before this committee to answer for his unfulfilled parliamentary commitments.

  3. 5h ago

    Makashule Gana representing Parly in Phala Phala court battle against Ramaphosa

    Makashule Gana representing Parly in Phala Phala court battle against Ramaphosa The Western Cape High Court is scheduled to hear an urgent legal challenge on Wednesday and Thursday, positioning Parliament's Section 89 Impeachment Committee chairperson Makashule Gana, at the centre. Cited as the second respondent in his official capacity, Gana's upcoming courtroom appearance underscores Parliament's firm commitment to defending its constitutional oversight mechanisms against high-level executive pushback. The legal battle intensified last month when the Section 89 Impeachment Committee resolved to formally oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent court application attempting to halt the committee's inquiry. His urgent application aims to block it from proceeding with the impeachment process tied to the ongoing Phala Phala scandal. This litigation represents the latest chapter in a protracted legal saga surrounding the Section 89 inquiry currently before Parliament. The Presidency's move to interdict the process is seen as a direct challenge to the legislative arm's power to hold the executive accountable. Despite the litigation, committee members maintain that their mandate remains unchanged. Committee leadership emphasised that they are legally bound by previous Constitutional Court directives regarding parliamentary oversight. Gana's representation of the committee this week will focus heavily on preserving the separation of powers. Parliament's legal team is expected to argue that halting an active legislative inquiry prematurely encroaches on the constitutional duties of the National Assembly. The outcome of the two-day hearing will dictate whether the Phala Phala impeachment inquiry faces further delays or proceeds at full steam.

  4. 1d 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...

  5. 1d 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.

  6. 1d 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.

  7. 4d 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.

  8. 4d 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."

See All (110)

About

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.

Information