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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

    Business leaders demand national govt step in to rescue Joburg from economic collapse

    Business leaders demand national govt step in to rescue Joburg from economic collapse The South African business sector has issued an urgent call to political parties and national government to immediately stabilise the City of Johannesburg's fiscal and governance crisis. Ahead of the upcoming local government elections, business leaders demand specific, costed recovery plans, consequence management for corruption, and active national intervention to prevent an economic emergency. Johannesburg is the commercial capital of South Africa, accounting for about 16% of the national GDP and is the central hub where a disproportionate share of domestic and foreign investment decisions are made. While the broader South African economic trajectory is showing signs of recovery – highlighted by energy stability and positive sovereign credit rating momentum – the visible decline of the City of Johannesburg threatens to undermine the country's growth story, business warns. Leaders from the Business Unity South Africa, Business Leadership South Africa and the Business for South Africa steering committee emphasise that this is not a localised political dispute, but a critical national economic emergency. They note that City of Johannesburg's challenges have escalated to a tipping point owing to several alarming indicators, that includes an unfunded adjustment budget, prompting National Treasury to place the metro on formal notice, with the July 2026 equitable share allocation currently at risk. State utility Eskom has also warned it may suspend or throttle electricity supply to the city over mounting bulk electricity debt. Capital expenditure has dropped to 6% of the City's budget, with maintenance spending standing at 0.5% of asset value, roughly one-eighteenth of the metro average. And, the Auditor-General estimated yearly losses of about R12-billion owing to unauthorised, irregular, and wasteful expenditure. Business notes that fragile coalitions have resulted in a constantly changing administration, producing ten mayors in the last decade. The business leaders say while business remains non-partisan, it will not be passive. Business leaders want immediate, tangible changes rather than empty promises, urging political parties to stabilise the City's finances now and not after the next election. They want the elimination of irregular expenditure and clear, transparent reporting against specific service delivery indicators, and "consistent and exceptionless" enforcement of accountability for corruption and maladministration. All parties contesting the elections must provide specific, costed commitments on how they plan to address the fiscal crisis, restore infrastructure, and re-establish functional governance, they says. Because these structural and financial crises have exceeded the capabilities of current city-level leadership, business leaders are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity to step in. The national government is being urged to use available powers to drive structural reforms, assist with financial stabilisation, and ensure consequence management is enforced where governance standards fail. Further, drawing on the successes of the national government-business partnership, which yielded measurable progress in energy and freight logistics, the private sector says it is ready to lend its expertise, execution capability, and resources. However, they add that this is on condition of a "capable, scrupulous counterparty" that can be held to account.

    3 min

  2. 17 hr ago

    DA requests IEC investigation over ANC-Russia ‘disinformation network’

    DA requests IEC investigation over ANC-Russia 'disinformation network' The DA has formally requested that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) launch an immediate investigation into ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and his adviser Bongani Mbindwane. This development follows recent investigative reports alleging that the ANC officials coordinated with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) to run targeted disinformation operations designed to disrupt South Africa's democratic elections. According to a letter sent to IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo on Thursday, the DA claims that leaked SVR documents expose a "deep-seated collusion" between the Russian Federation and high-ranking ANC members. The alleged operation aims to dismantle opposition support through calculated cyber smear campaigns, manufactured scandals, and electoral interference. DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith, said local and international investigative journalists have traced these operations back to a Russian company named 'Politology'. Led directly by the SVR, this entity allegedly collaborated with Mbalula and Mbindwane to "manipulate" public perception and weaken South African opposition parties. The scope of the alleged interference includes circulating fraudulent documents and creating fictitious events on social media and specifically targeting then DA federal leader John Steenhuisen and Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille. Smith said this also allegedly included deploying coordinated cyber disinformation campaigns to suppress DA votes during the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, with some hostile operations tracking as far back as 2019. The DA's escalation to the IEC comes after it says the Department of International Relations and Cooperation refused to take diplomatic action. In March, the ministry publicly declined to démarche the Russian Ambassador to South Africa, dismissing the election interference allegations as farcical. Smith strongly criticised this stance, pointing out a severe conflict of interest within the State. Ministers tasked by oath to defend the country's democratic architecture are instead prioritising the political and financial survival of the ANC, he stated. The DA believes South Africans share no common values with a Russian dictatorship. As the IEC reviews the formal complaint, the DA is calling for swift accountability and appropriate sanctions against Mbalula and Mbindwane, warning that the State will not stand by while the ruling party attempts to compromise the voting booth with foreign assistance.

    2 min

  3. 17 hr ago

    South Africa to send envoys to other African countries after xenophobic attacks, Ramaphosa says

    South Africa to send envoys to other African countries after xenophobic attacks, Ramaphosa says South Africa will send envoys to other African countries and around the world after a spate of xenophobic attacks targeting immigrants from other nations on the continent, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday. Ramaphosa made the comments at a press conference after talks with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto at the seat of South Africa's government in Pretoria. "There will be envoys, yes, there will be people that we will send around not only on the continent but also around the world," Ramaphosa said. He continued: "What we seek to do is to get the issue of migration ... properly addressed, ... we should get as many key role players, countries ... to work together." Ramaphosa said he and Ruto had touched on the topic of migration during their talks. "As South Africa, we are addressing this matter," Ramaphosa told reporters. "And I explained that South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans. They want to live with other Africans peacefully".

    1 min

  4. 1 day 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

  5. 1 day 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

  6. 1 day 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

  7. 2 days 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

  8. 2 days 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
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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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