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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. 42 min ago

    Malawi to repatriate citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigrant attacks

    Malawi to repatriate citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigrant attacks Malawi will join other countries in repatriating its nationals seeking to leave South Africa, where attacks on African migrants have been reported in parts of the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late on Tuesday that the programme would be limited to citizens who have requested assistance, with details to be announced once logistical arrangements are finalised. Xenophobic attacks are a recurring problem in South Africa, where immigrants are often blamed for economic challenges such as high unemployment. Anti-immigrant groups have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, fuelling fear among migrant communities. Mozambique said five of its citizens were killed in violence in the coastal town of Mossel Bay over the weekend, while Ghana repatriated hundreds of nationals last week. South Africa's government has pledged to crack down on those perpetrating or inciting violence against migrants. President Cyril Ramaphosa told parliament on Tuesday that while tackling illegal immigration was important, the country should not resort to "violence, xenophobia and vigilantism." South Africa has the biggest economy on the continent and is a destination for people from neighbouring countries seeking work. It also hosts refugees and asylum seekers fleeing conflict in countries like Democratic Republic of Congo.

    1 min

  2. 42 min ago

    South Africa private sector contracts after four months of growth, PMI shows

    South Africa private sector contracts after four months of growth, PMI shows South Africa's private sector contracted in May as output and new orders fell amid higher fuel prices and uncertainty linked to the Iran war, a business survey showed on Wednesday. The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 49.6 in May from 51.6 in April. The 50 mark separates growth from contraction. "The war in the Middle East, and increases in fuel prices in particular, took their toll on the South African private sector in May. Renewed falls in output and new orders were signalled as inflationary pressures strengthened further," said Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Output fell for the first time in five months, with firms citing higher fuel prices, the Iran war as well as stormy weather in South Africa. New orders dropped for the third time in four months and at the fastest pace so far this year. Survey respondents said price rises linked to the Middle East conflict hurt international demand, with lower new orders reported from economies across Europe and Africa. Despite the weaker business environment, firms were more optimistic about the outlook for the year ahead. S&P Global said confidence was the highest so far in 2026, supported by pipelines of new work, advertising plans and hopes for more stable conditions.

    1 min

  3. 43 min ago

    ANC backs impeachment panel, defends Speaker amid GNU friction

    ANC backs impeachment panel, defends Speaker amid GNU friction The ANC parliamentary caucus has formally welcomed the establishment of the Section 89 Impeachment Committee, expressing full confidence that the multiparty panel will execute its duties with "strict impartiality". Addressing the media on Wednesday, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli confirmed the party's support for the committee's constitution and the election of its chairperson Makashule Gana. The 31-member committee, which includes nine ANC representatives, is tasked with investigating allegations that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have breached the Constitution and his oath of office. Ntuli emphasised that the caucus expects the panel to work in a non-partisan manner, strictly adhering to parliamentary oversight responsibilities as outlined in Section 55 of the Constitution. "This process is essential to ensuring that the executive and organs of the State remain accountable," he stated. The ANC also rejected mounting pressure from opposition parties and Government of National Unity (GNU) partners calling for National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to recuse herself from the impeachment proceedings. Critics have argued that Didiza's senior position within the ANC compromises her ability to remain neutral. Ntuli dismissed these claims as "gratuitous allegations" that are devoid of merit. "There is absolutely no basis whatsoever to suggest that she will compromise the work of the Impeachment Committee," Ntuli said. "Didiza is a long-standing member and leader of the ANC who has demonstrated leadership acumen in dealing with governance matters over the years." The ANC also hit back at governance partners, UDM, whose leader and Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa, raised formal complaints regarding the operations of ANC parliamentary "study groups". Holomisa had flagged the groups in a letter to Didiza and Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni, questioning whether the meetings allowed MPs to improperly interfere with State administration. Ntuli defended the system, labelling the concerns of GNU partners as "completely misguided and devoid of any truth". He clarified that study groups were standard internal forums where ANC MPs analysed documents, prepared for committee business, processed legislation, and strategised on State oversight. Addressing concerns over State capture, Ntuli acknowledged that government officials were sometimes invited to these meetings, but strictly for "factual and technical briefings". "These are information-sharing sessions only. No directives are issued, and no administrative authority is exercised," Ntuli clarified. "They are certainly not sinister attempts to facilitate some kind of State capture." Ntuli asserted that neither the Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, nor GNU partners had the legal authority to dictate how the ANC managed its internal caucus structures. He noted that Section 44 of the Constitution allowed all political parties the freedom to request information from government departments to assist with their legislative mandates. "The invitation of public sector officials to provide information to any political party does not contravene any of the laws of our republic," Ntuli said, reassuring the public that all ANC MPs remained bound by their official oath to uphold the laws of South Africa.

    3 min

  4. 1 day ago

    Kganyago signals resolve to curb inflation after rate hike​

    Kganyago signals resolve to curb inflation after rate hike South Africa's central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Tuesday that the bank would bring inflation back to its 3% target, defending last week's rate hike as necessary to prevent second-round effects from the Middle East oil shock from becoming entrenched. The South African Reserve Bank raised its key repo rate by 25 basis points last Thursday, to 7%, with four out of six Monetary Policy Committee members backing the decision. South Africa's inflation climbed to 4% in April from 3.1% in March, sitting at the upper end of the central bank's target range. The SARB, which targets inflation at 3% with a 1-percentage-point tolerance band, raised its inflation forecasts to 4.4% and 3.7% for 2026 and 2027 respectively. Africa's most industrialised economy is a net oil importer and has seen large price hikes on the back of the Iran war, which has pushed inflation higher, despite a modest government intervention on the fuel levy to cushion the full effect of the price increases. The governor said second-round effects from the oil shock -including spillovers to food prices from higher diesel and fertiliser costs - were developing and needed to be tackled. The bank is projecting core inflation of around 4% in the first half of next year. Kganyago warned that inflation expectations could quickly edge higher as price setters have a fresh memory of elevated inflation, adding that raising rates now was a move to counter that risk. "By changing rates, we hope to send a clear and credible signal that we will keep inflation under control," Kganyago said in a speech to economists in Johannesburg, warning that the bank would not allow a price spiral to take hold at the expense of the most vulnerable. Kganyago firmly ruled out reverting to the old 3–6% inflation target band. The next inflation expectation survey will be released at the end of June.

    2 min

  5. 1 day ago

    Liam Jacobs apologises for ‘disgraced departure’ from DA, slams 'ANC cheerleader' PA

    Liam Jacobs apologises for 'disgraced departure' from DA, slams 'ANC cheerleader' PA In a political turnaround, former DA defectee and PA member Liam Jacobs has officially returned to the DA, issuing a public apology on Tuesday for his "distasteful" and "disgraceful" departure from the official opposition last year. Jacobs, who joined Gayton McKenzie's PA last year, announced that he is returning to the DA not as a public representative, but as an ordinary activist. Reflecting on his exit, Jacobs expressed "deep regret" for what he believes is the harm created for DA voters, leadership, public representatives, activists, and staff by his social media commentary and sudden departure. "I left the DA in a manner that disrespected the organisation that went to great lengths to invest in my development," Jacobs admitted. "I followed it up with statements on social media that caused great harm to the very people who extended their trust and support to me. My departure was disgraceful." He acknowledged that regaining the party's trust will take time. "I do not expect forgiveness immediately. I understand that trust must be earned again, and I am committed to rebuilding it through my actions." Jacobs credited the DA with launching his political career, noting that the party took a young activist from the Northern Cape, developed his skills in Gauteng, and placed him in the National Assembly at just 23 years old. "The DA believed in my potential," he said. He stated that his time inside the PA served as an "eye-opener", claiming that what he "saw behind the curtain" was a political culture that explicitly contravened his personal values. According to Jacobs, the internal instability of the PA became undeniable when McKenzie offered him a return to Parliament as a PA MP. He declined the offer. "I could not, in good conscience, serve the people of South Africa whilst being in the vehicle of the PA." He launched a scathing critique of the PA's governance and internal structures, contrasting them with the DA's institutional systems. Jacobs alleged that decisions within the PA are centralised and controlled by "one man", with no elected structures, internal accountability, or collective wisdom. "Parties or governments cannot be run by live stream," he remarked. He claimed the PA operates in a space of anarchy, enforcing discipline via "Facebook lives and social media", whereas the DA uses a "regular, constitutionally" bound system. "The DA has a track record of good governance, but where the PA governs, people are put last, things collapse and promises are never kept," Jacobs claimed. CRONYISM AND CADRE DEPLOYMENT Jacobs expressed concerns regarding recent appointments within the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, a portfolio currently led by McKenzie in the Government of National Unity (GNU). He alleged that the department mirrors "Zuma-era politics" by favouring political loyalists. "It is worrisome to see so many PA-aligned figures/members show up as board members, performers at events, and linked to events under the Mzansi Golden Economy," Jacobs stated. "What happened to merit? I refuse to play a part in the capture of our institutions. The PA strives to be what the ANC is: a buddy-buddy system." Jacobs further accused the PA of selling out its voter base to the ANC, describing the party as an "uncritical supporter" and "cheerleader" of the ANC both in public and within Parliament. He argued that despite exposed ANC corruption, the PA has consistently failed to hold its coalition partner accountable. In contrast, Jacobs praised the DA's strategy within the GNU, arguing that the party remains "unafraid" to apply pressure, use the courts, and take to the streets to protect citizens, pointing to the DA's opposition to the VAT hike as proof. He added that the DA's recent historic township ward victory in Emfuleni proves the party is not driven by "slogans en lekker tye", but by a genuine vision for all South Africans. Jacobs says ...

    4 min

  6. 1 day ago

    South Africa's fiscal targets on track despite Iran war, Treasury says

    South Africa's fiscal targets on track despite Iran war, Treasury says South Africa remains on track to meet its fiscal targets despite the conflict in the Middle East, its National Treasury said on Tuesday, adding it wanted to demonstrate its credibility by meeting its objectives even at times of stress. Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse thinks the Iran war will not derail South Africa's fiscal trajectory. He was speaking at a Citi emerging markets conference. Recent fiscal outcomes have beaten forecasts: South Africa achieved a third consecutive primary surplus for the fiscal year to end-March, of 1.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) against a budget estimate of 0.9%. Relief measures rolled out in response to the Iran war are designed to be fiscally-neutral: Fuel levy relief from April to June will cost R17.2-billion, but this will be funded by the fiscal outperformance from the previous year. There are near-term buffers: before the war economic growth was improving, the current account was balanced, the rand was on a solid footing and bond yields were compressed. Expenditure is largely insulated from higher inflation: the public sector wage bill accounts for almost one-third of spending over the medium term, but there is a wage deal in place until the 2027/28 fiscal year. Debt dynamics have structurally improved: debt is expected to have peaked in 2025/26 and to decrease to 76.5% of GDP by 2028/29. The finances of state-owned companies are turning around, reducing the risk of further calls for fiscal support. One of the biggest drains has been power utility Eskom, but it is on course for its second consecutive full-year profit. Eskom last implemented electricity blackouts over a year ago.

    2 min

  7. 2 days ago

    ANCWL President Sisisi Tolashe steps down amid disciplinary actions

    ANCWL President Sisisi Tolashe steps down amid disciplinary actions The national executive committee (NEC) of the African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) has unanimously decided that its President Sisisi Tolashe, must take a leave of absence. This decision allows Tolashe to focus on the ongoing disciplinary processes within the ANC. This development follows her dismissal last month from her post as Minister of Social Development by President Cyril Ramaphosa, after the ANC Integrity Commission found her guilty of misconduct in public office. During a Special NEC meeting held over the weekend, the ANCWL resolved to remove Tolashe from her active duties. The league's secretary-general Nokuthula Nqaba has assumed interim leadership of the organisation while formal disciplinary procedures continue. In a statement, the Women's League emphasised that it will take into account the presumption of innocence, which is enshrined in the Constitution. The broader ANC NEC has welcomed the decision to take disciplinary action against five senior ANC members, including Tolashe, following recommendations from the Integrity Committee. ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalala addressed the situation, stating, "We still call on these individuals to step aside on their own volition." Zikalala urged the ANC NEC to resolve outstanding cases from the Zondo Commission and to strengthen the terms of reference for the Integrity Commission and the party's Step Aside Guidelines to ensure decisive action against wrongdoing within party ranks. THREATS AND ATTACKS Beyond internal party discipline, the weekend meetings addressed critical socio-economic and geopolitical issues. The Veterans League noted with concern recent threats and attacks on foreign nationals in the country. "We all need to be concerned about these attacks and respond pro-actively," Zikalala said, placing the events within a broader geopolitical context. He called on the government to enforce immigration and labour laws, urging employers not to exploit undocumented workers and warning political parties against using migrants as scapegoats for local economic challenges. The Women's League announced plans to lobby the government for an integrated approach involving all sectors of society to manage the influx of foreign nationals, regardless of race, colour, or country of origin. The league stressed the need for community education to dispel the notion that only Black Africans are undocumented in the country. Furthermore, the ANCWL intends to mobilise "progressive formations" to "counter the economic seizure of local businesses by undocumented foreign nationals". The league is advocating for relevant government departments to strictly enforce small business regulations and local by-laws. A key priority outlined by the league is creating a sustainable pathway for women to fully integrate into the township economy, specifically enabling meaningful participation in the local spaza shop sector to drive community transformation. The ANCWL also resolved to engage the government's security cluster to conduct proper due diligence regarding the rise of politically sponsored community protests.

    3 min

  8. 2 days ago

    DA welcomes Liam Jacobs back following departure to PA

    DA welcomes Liam Jacobs back following departure to PA The DA has officially welcomed former member Liam Jacobs back into its ranks, framing his return as a testament to the party's "ongoing growth and inclusive vision" for South Africa. Jacobs defected to the PA last year following a high-profile parliamentary clash with PA leader Gayton McKenzie. His return to the DA marks a significant political U-turn. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis characterised the DA as a growing, inclusive political home dedicated to governance rather than sensationalism. "The DA is growing across communities and across the country because more and more South Africans can see that we are serious about the future. We are not interested in the politics of chaos, personality cults, and empty promises. "Hill-Lewis asserted that Jacobs chose to leave the PA after witnessing firsthand that the party failed to deliver on its commitments to voters," Hill-Lewis stated. Addressing the defection and subsequent return, Hill-Lewis praised Jacobs for correcting his course and rejected the notion that political departures should result in permanent hostility. "The DA does not and will never subscribe to the school of politics that says once a bridge is burnt it can never be repaired, and that once someone has wronged you, they are dead to you," he said. "That is unhealthy in politics and in life." With local government elections scheduled for November, the party is leveraging Jacobs' return to signal its readiness to absorb diverse political perspectives. "As we move towards the election in November, we invite South Africans from every community to join us in building a country that works for all," Hill-Lewis concluded.

    1 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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