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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. 17 HR AGO

    Human rights commission calls for water crisis to be declared a national disaster

    Human rights commission calls for water crisis to be declared a national disaster The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is calling for the water outages currently crippling South Africa to be declared a national disaster, as it believes that the water challenges have reached crisis proportions. The SAHRC will be issuing a letter to the head of the National Disaster Management Centre containing the recommendation of a national disaster on the water crisis. The commission said it was concerned by the ongoing downward spiral regarding water management and distribution as communities and households in various parts of the country continued to battle with lack of access to water. The water challenges are widespread and significantly disrupt the lives of communities. It is also significantly compromising the delivery and functioning of other essential services, such as schooling and healthcare. The commission highlights how data from the South African Water Justice Tracker corroborates the fact that the water crisis is not a localised phenomenon but is widespread, affecting various parts of the country. The Water Justice Tracker is a project partnership between the SAHRC and the University of the Witwatersrand to track drivers and causes of failure by water services authorities in providing households with clean and sufficient water. It reveals aging infrastructure; inadequate funding models; skills deficit and poor intergovernmental coordination as some of the key systemic and structural drivers contributing to the dysfunctionality of water services authorities. The crisis is also a result of insufficient attention and allocation of budget for the maintenance of water infrastructure; insufficient planning for population growth; high levels of water losses beyond the acceptable norms; and the scourge of water infrastructure vandalism related to the emergence of water mafias, besides others. "Considering the dire nature of the water crisis in the country, the SAHRC, empowered by Section 13(1)(a)(i) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013, recommends that government declare the water crisis engulfing the country a national disaster in accordance with the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002." "The water crisis has reached a level where a broad, integrated and coordinated effort is required to turn the dire situation around. Therefore, the classification and concomitant declaration of the water crisis in the country as a national disaster constitutes a reasonable measure in the circumstances." Properly and effectively implemented, the national state of disaster will ensure that emergency funds are mobilised and government collaboration is better coordinated. "An intervention of this magnitude is essential amid the ongoing water crisis in the country," the SAHRC said, cautioning, however, that the declaration of a national state of disaster on the ongoing water crisis should not become "a breeding ground for corruption, malfeasance and embezzlement of funds". Sufficient oversight measures to ensure fiscal prudence should be instilled. The SAHRC calls on government to continue to institute proactive measures, such as ensuring preventative infrastructure maintenance; critical water infrastructure rehabilitation; expediting the finalisation of bulk water projects; and instituting community behavioural change campaigns on water preservation.

    3 min

  2. 17 HR AGO

    IMF finds South African economy resilient, but warns of downside risks

    IMF finds South African economy resilient, but warns of downside risks International financial institution the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as part of its yearly consultation with South Africa, has found that its economy has proven resilient thus far, owing to natural endowments, independent institutions and a strong monetary policy framework. It warns, however, that the country also faces downside risks and entrenched structural impediments that constrain potential growth and employment. The IMF's executive board completed its 2025 Article IV Consultation, which found that South Africa's economic activity is expected to improve gradually over the medium term, although risks remain tilted to the downside, related to continued trade and global policy uncertainty and domestic reform fatigue. Economic activity picked up in 2025, with growth estimated at 1.3%, supported by robust private consumption. Inflation moderated to an average of 3.2%, which enabled a shift to a lower 3% inflation target. The current account remained stable despite higher US tariffs and global policy uncertainty, and the banking sector remains sound. Public debt, however, has risen further, reaching 77% of GDP at end-March 2025, the IMF says. Growth is projected to accelerate to 1.4% this year and to 1.8% in the medium term, supported by resilient consumption and investment driven by structural reforms. Inflation is projected to reach the 3% target by end-2027. However, while fiscal deficits are moderating, they remain elevated, and public debt is therefore projected to continue rising over the medium term. Risks are tilted to the downside, mainly stemming from global fragmentation, trade tensions and domestic reform fatigue, although upside risks include faster reform implementation and stronger global growth. The IMF executive directors emphasised the need for well-coordinated policies and reforms to safeguard fiscal sustainability, secure low and stable inflation, ensure financial stability and achieve higher and inclusive growth. South Africa's commitment to strengthening fiscal sustainability was welcomed and the executive directors emphasised the need for credible, growth-friendly and socially acceptable fiscal consolidation to stabilise and reduce public debt, while protecting priority spending. Consolidation efforts should focus on reprioritising and improving the efficiency and equity of public spending, while protecting vulnerable groups, along with continued efforts to mobilise domestic revenues, the directors recommend. "A fiscal rule anchored in a prudent debt ceiling could help underpin the adjustment and bolster credibility," they add. The South African Reserve Bank was also praised for reducing inflation and the IMF welcomed the move to a lower, 3% inflation target with a narrower band, which should support macroeconomic stability and reduce borrowing costs. The IMF recommends maintaining a flexible and data-driven approach focused on guiding inflation expectations to the new target. Careful communication and gradual implementation of the new target are key to maintaining credibility, while preserving flexibility in case of shocks. Further, the assessment welcomed the authorities' efforts to safeguard financial stability, including bank-resolution and safety-net reforms and steps to bolster the anti-money laundering and countering of financing of terrorism framework that has enabled South Africa's exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. The IMF encourages the authorities to continue to monitor risks related to nonperforming loan and the sovereign–financial sector nexus, while strengthening supervision of banks and non-bank financial institutions. Additionally, it is important to improve access to finance, including smal and medium-sized enterprises, while bolstering payment-system efficiency, the IMF directors emphasise. The ongoing electricity and logistics reforms aimed at removing critical impediments to growth throu...

    7 min

  3. 17 HR AGO

    ‘He demonstrated accountability’ – ANC defends Lesufi’s ‘hotel shower’ apology

    'He demonstrated accountability' – ANC defends Lesufi's 'hotel shower' apology The African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday said it appreciated Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's "accountability" in correcting and apologising for his remarks on the ongoing water challenges in Gauteng. This after Lesufi told residents that he too faces water challenges and that he sometimes showers at hotels. He further stated that there are "no special water" or unique infrastructure for government leaders and that his family "suffered the same pain" as other residents. Lesufi issued a formal apology following public backlash following his remarks. He clarified that he never intended to trivialise the hardships faced by residents. The ANC welcomed Lesufi's clarification and apology, which it said affirmed that any interpretation suggesting that hardship differs based on social standing was never his intention. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu called on all its public representatives to exercise "disciplined, humble and people centred communication," especially during times of crisis. She said the values of the ANC, rooted in the Freedom Charter, of servant leadership and closeness to the masses must guide conduct and utterances. "Leaders must always reflect empathy, humility and accountability. Even in the most difficult challenges facing our communities, the character of the ANC must remain evident in its leadership," she said. The party pointed out that access to water is a basic human right enshrined in the Constitution and Bhengu stated that this was "consistently upheld" in ANC policy, including its 2024 Elections Manifesto. "Water shortages affect all residents, with the working class and poor often bearing the greatest burden. The movement remains committed to ensuring equitable, reliable and sustainable access to water infrastructure across Gauteng and the country," she assured. NATIONAL INTERVENTION Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is actively pushing for national intervention in the crisis, particularly in Gauteng. While there have been calls from various sectors to declare a national state of disaster, the party's position focuses on activating disaster funding and legal accountability rather than just a formal declaration. The party has urged the national government to activate emergency and disaster funding instruments to address the collapsing water infrastructure in municipalities, such as the City of Johannesburg and City of Tshwane.

    2 min

  4. 1 DAY AGO

    Crime, job prospects drive rich, skilled South Africans abroad

    Crime, job prospects drive rich, skilled South Africans abroad Concerns about crime, the future of their children and career prospects have driven more than 1-million rich and well-educated South Africans to emigrate, a new report shows. Nearly half of the 1 500 South Africans living in 73 countries polled for the South African Diaspora Report 2026 by the University of Cape Town's Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing cited fears about insecurity and safety as their main reason for leaving. The country has one of the world's highest homicide rates, with only one in 10 cases solved, according to the police. The World Bank estimates that crime erodes at least 10% of annual gross domestic product. About 90% of respondents held at least one tertiary qualification and 60% a post-graduate degree or diploma. South Africa's diaspora includes a "substantial concentration of high-value individuals," the institute said. About 60% of those canvassed live in households earning more than $100 000 and a further 20% more than $200 000, it said. The average annual household income in South Africa was R204 359 ($12 816) in 2023, latest statistics office data show. Data from the United Nations and Statistics South Africa's mid-year population estimates suggest more than 1-million South Africans, equivalent to less than 2% of the country's population, live overseas, with the UK, Australia and US accounting for more than half of the diaspora, according to the survey. Less than a quarter plan to return, it said. The report indicated that the emigration trend was likely to continue, citing a study by the Professional Provident Society, which found that 90% of South African students would like to work abroad. "Among younger Black students in particular, the intention to seek opportunities overseas has surged — rising from 39% in 2021 to 90% in 2024 — driven largely by limited local job prospects and the belief that international markets offer better career pathways," the report said. Local authorities stopped collecting data on self-declared emigrants in 2004.

    2 min

  5. 1 DAY AGO

    Ramaphosa opens Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy for ex-offenders

    Ramaphosa opens Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy for ex-offenders On the thirty-sixth anniversary of former President Nelson Mandela's release from prison, President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the opening address at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, which he said is a "powerful affirmation" of Mandela's values. The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy was officially opened on Wednesday at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, in the Western Cape, the last place Mandela was imprisoned before his release. The Academy is the first of its kind in Africa to focus exclusively on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. It will serve as a centre for learning, research and shared knowledge, and help shape better correctional practices. Ramaphosa said one cannot overcome crime in South Africa without having a "frank, honest" conversation about the rehabilitation of offenders, their re-integration into society, and prevention of re-offending. He explained that the facility symbolised the humanisation of corrections, the elevation of dignity, and the global pursuit of justice rooted in humanity. "Our people are fed up with crime, and at most times are inclined to the 'lock the door and throw away the key' mentality when it comes to offenders," he said. He explained that offenders came from communities and families. "They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. They are husbands, wives, partners, friends and colleagues. In as much as far too many in our country have been impacted by crime, there are also many families across the country from whence the offenders came, and they too have suffered," he said. He highlighted that once offenders had served their sentences, ex-offenders were released back into the community. It was, therefore, a priority to ensure that they were rehabilitated and provided with the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society. Ramaphosa said the academy would focus on providing education, skills training and support to inmates in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules – to provide opportunity to inmates in preparation for life outside prison, and for those serving long sentences, a chance to better themselves. "I am told this is the first such facility of its kind on the African continent, so it will serve as a knowledge hub not only for South African officials, but also for the global corrections community," he stated. Last year Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald disclosed that over the past three years more than 18 000 ex-offenders out on parole re-offended, including for serious crimes. Ex-offenders faced many challenges when they exited prison, particularly the stigma of having been behind bars. "Many lack basic financial stability. Because they have a criminal record it is difficult, if not impossible to find work. Many ex-offenders leave prison with untreated mental health and substance abuse problems. Rebuilding trust with family members and friends is perhaps the hardest of all," Ramaphosa said. Facing social stigma, an unwelcoming environment and social isolation, far too many returned to a life of crime, Ramaphosa pointed out. Last year, work commenced on refurbishing the Drakenstein Management Area Training Center into this new facility. Ramaphosa noted that the furniture that filled the academy had also been produced by offenders within correctional system. "…every table, every chair, every crafted piece speaks to the power of skills development, meaningful work and desire for change. "Today we open a repurposed, renovated and expanded facility, transformed into a modern training academy. One cannot help but marvel at the quality of workmanship. It fills me with pride to appreciate work of such high standard being produced by local hands, by men and women within our correctional system," he said. He highlighted that w...

    4 min

  6. 1 DAY AGO

    DA threatens to sue over Gauteng water crisis

    DA threatens to sue over Gauteng water crisis The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday accused African National Congress-led municipalities and Rand Water of collapsing the Gauteng water system, threatening to take legal action against Johannesburg Water and Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina. This follows weeks of dry taps around the province, exacerbated by infrastructure failure, supply throttling and recent labour issues at Joburg Water. The party is demanding that Majodina immediately instruct Rand Water to regularly and timeously communicate directly with the public and not through metros. "Municipalities carry the primary responsibility. The scale of water leaks we see in Gauteng is the predictable result of political choices, budgets that do not prioritise maintenance, no matter what mayors say, weak consequence management where people are failing and do not suffer consequences, and a culture of reacting after failure rather than preventing it," said DA Water and Sanitation spokesperson Stephen Moore. He accused Rand Water of repeatedly failing to communicate directly, clearly and timeously with residents during major incidents. "They have a policy of only communicating via municipalities saying it is not their policy to communicate to residents." He said this caused harm, fueled rumours, and left families guessing. "…this makes the Minister's role unavoidable. The Minister is the executive authority, she is empowered to instruct water boards like Rand Water to communicate properly, and she can demand aligned, honest communication from municipalities. If she does not act, we will consider legal steps to compel lawful transparency and decisive intervention. This is her moment to show she puts the republic first and it is also a moment of truth for the water task team chaired by the Deputy President [Paul Mashatile], that the structure exists not only for speeches but for urgent action," he said. DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said residents could not be blamed for the "incompetency and lack of proper planning" experienced. He highlighted that from a provincial perspective, government's response was to introduce integrated intergovernmental relations, which would see collaboration with municipalities. The party said it wanted concrete steps to stabilise the system while repairs were implemented. Moore said his party was demanding that national and provincial government activate the emergency and disaster funding instruments that were available. "…but we also need to be clear on the rules. This cannot be a blank check or an avenue for corruption, it cannot be a bailout for general municipal cash flow. Any support must be ring-fenced for stabilisation and non-revenue water reduction, with strict reporting and measurable outputs. Leak repair capacity, pressure management and pipe replacement are the key things…," he said. The party also wants Majodina to relax water licence restrictions for Rand Water to aid Gauteng, and fix failing infrastructure. Meanwhile, Majodina has previously said her department is not entirely to blame, stating that the department provides bulk water while reticulation (distribution) is the responsibility of local municipalities.

    3 min

  7. 2 DAYS AGO

    Operation Vulindlela represents incomplete reforms until lived experiences improve – Bernstein

    Operation Vulindlela represents incomplete reforms until lived experiences improve – Bernstein While South Africa has made progress since forming the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2024, particularly in electricity and logistics reform, these incomplete achievements fall short of building the deep credibility needed to convince investors and businesses that the future will be meaningfully better, says public policy think tank Centre for Development and Enterprise executive director Ann Bernstein. There are some areas of progress and the GNU deserves credit, but the question is not whether some things are better than they were, but whether the country genuinely believes it is on a trajectory that will lift investment, growth and employment; none of which has improved meaningfully. "The economy is driven by what people expect to happen in the future. Confidence in the future derives from much deeper issues of policy and political credibility. Having been subjected to decades of misgovernance, deep suspicions about the quality of current and future governance are hard to turn around," she says. Operation Vulindlela is the most frequently cited evidence of the progress of reform, but listing achievements is not enough to persuade businesses and households that the future will be materially better than the present. Much more potent is the lived experience of businesses and households. This has improved, as loadshedding has declined and as ports have become more efficient. However, people must believe that progress is being made on vital issues, like crime and corruption, school quality and local governments' performance, Bernstein notes. "Operation Vulindlela has made progress in some domains, although deep challenges in others will continue to hold back growth. Additionally, the roots of Operation Vulindlela's successes are not nearly as deep and healthy as they need to be," she adds. For example, in terms of the liberalisation of generation, the erosion of State-owned Eskom's monopoly and the entry of private power producers marks a decisive break with the past. Loadshedding has receded and investment in renewable generation has surged. "While these are real reforms, the electricity market is still incomplete and prices continue to rise rapidly. Grid capacity constraints remain binding, wheeling rules are unresolved and the wholesale market has not begun to operate. "Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is also reportedly walking back vital commitments to make the transmission company independent of Eskom," she points out. South Africa has moved from crisis management to reform, but does not yet have a fully functioning, competitive electricity system. Execution risk remains high amid pushback on some reforms by industry players, including Eskom, Bernstein says. Another frequently cited example of Operation Vulindlela's success is the opening of rail access to private operators and improvements in port performance, which represent meaningful progress after years of decline. Reduced vessel waiting times and increased private-sector participation are important achievements. However, State-owned Transnet remains financially fragile and operational monopolies in key sectors persist. Concessions and private participation are only beginning and the infrastructure backlog is enormous. Exporters cannot yet rely on rail and ports with confidence, and investment decisions presumably reflect that reality, she points out. Further, while the GNU is making some progress, the risk of destabilising policy changes in the medium and long term is real. It is also not really clear whether that risk is rising or falling. Crime, corruption, government failure, infrastructure decay and weak execution capacity continue to exist and undermine confidence, she emphasises. Many reforms are vulnerable to delay, dilution or reversal – whether now or if a new President is elected – while others depend on institutions that have yet to...

    5 min

  8. 2 DAYS AGO

    Goldman expects wave of South Africa deals fuelled by commodities

    Goldman expects wave of South Africa deals fuelled by commodities Goldman Sachs Group expects a busy year of deals for South Africa as the continent's largest economy starts to benefit from structural reforms and rides a commodities-boom wave. "We expect activity across the board and our pipeline has broadened across sectors," said Simon Denny, chief executive officer of the South Africa business. "Mining will continue to be a big theme this year and there are growing benefits to scale." Platinum prices have more than doubled in the past 12 months, while gold is up about 73%, spurring deals such as the merger of Anglo American and Teck Resources and the spinoff of Valterra Platinum from Anglo. South Africa is a key producer of both metals. "We are in the late stage of a commodity boom, with gold spiking and platinum prices rebounding strongly — that should also be a needed windfall for the South African government," Denny said. South Africa's economy has failed to grow by more than 1% annually for the past decade as corruption and dilapidated infrastructure deterred investors. Reforms to end crippling power shortages and improve the performance of the freight-rail network — including opening it up to private investors — are contributing to improved sentiment. The central bank sees the economy expanding 1.4% this year and 1.9% next, a slight improvement from current rates, but well below the global average of 3.3% for 2026 and 3.2% for 2027 forecast in January by the International Monetary Fund. "It remains fragile, and maybe still not moving at the pace we would want it to, but it is happening," Denny said of the improvement in growth rates. President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined plans to turn South Africa into a vast construction site to modernise infrastructure and raise economic growth to as much as 3.5% by 2030. He estimates the country will need about R1.6-trillion in public-sector infrastructure spending and an additional R3.2-trillion from private investors to meet that target. "There are trillions that needs to be spent, and the South African government will need to continue to crowd in the private sector on transmission, railway, ports and terminals infrastructure investment," Denny said. "The more economic activity, the more companies and CEOs will feel confident to invest and do M&A." Denny expects the financial services and property sectors to continue to be active, while the areas of mobile, digital infrastructure and industrials could see consolidation. The country's consumer sector is facing threats including the impact of online gambling and low-cost competitors such as China's Shein and PDD Holdings's Temu. "There could be both offensive and defensive M&A activity in that sector," Denny said.

    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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