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. 23 hr ago

    Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC CEO’s suspension invalid

    Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC CEO's suspension invalid Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has noted the High Court judgment declaring the suspension of Public Investment Corporation (PIC) CEO Patrick Dlamini invalid and unlawful. In a media statement, the Minister says this judgement vindicates the actions taken by the National Treasury and Cabinet to restore governance at South African's largest asset management institution. "These actions were both good and necessary, triggered in part by the hasty removal of Mr Dlamini without due consultation and process," the statement says. The Minister underscores that the PIC occupies a critical position within South Africa's financial system. "As the country's largest asset manager and the custodian of a substantial portion of public sector retirement funds, trust in its governance is of systemic importance," the Minister says. Newswire Reuters reported on August 4 that the South African High Court had declared Dlamini's suspension by the PIC board invalid, ordering his reinstatement at the helm of the embattled State asset manager. The PIC's board suspended Dlamini last month after a whistleblower complaint against him, though it said at the time that the precautionary suspension did not amount to a finding of wrongdoing. The High Court ruled that the board did not follow due process in suspending Dlamini, a copy of its decision showed.

  2. 23 hr ago

    South African private sector growth slows slightly in July, PMI shows

    South African private sector growth slows slightly in July, PMI shows South Africa's private sector expanded for a second straight month in July, though at a slightly slower pace as weaker employment growth and renewed stock drawdowns offset a return to output growth, a business survey showed on Wednesday. The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 50.3 in July from 50.5 in June, a survey by S&P Global showed. The 50-mark separates growth from contraction. Employment growth slowed sharply to a six-month low despite a first increase in backlogs of work since September. Supply chains remained stretched, with vendor delivery times lengthening for a seventh month, though the deterioration was the softest since February. New orders contracted for a third consecutive month as cautious consumer spending, protests and clients switching to cheaper imports weighed on sales. Export demand provided some support, rising for a second straight month, though less strongly than in June. However, the survey noted that South African businesses enjoyed more breathing room in July, following the cost squeeze over the second quarter, as a drop in fuel prices helped to lower the rate of input price inflation and reduce second-round wage effects. "This supported a modest revival of business activity, although sales continued to be hampered by client caution and a difficult trading environment," said David Owen, Principal Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Output rose for the first time in three months, ending a two-month run of contraction, although the increase was only marginal.

  3. 23 hr ago

    High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India, new protocol proposed

    High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India, new protocol proposed International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, has been "recalled to headquarters for consultations". This after Sooklal was photographed alongside former President and MKP leader Jacob Zuma, and notorious State Capture fugitive Ajay Gupta. The trio was spotted together in June at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali temple in Haridwar, India, during a religious ceremony. Critics slammed the interaction, pointing out that the Gupta family remains at the centre of South Africa's multibillion-rand State capture scandal. In response to the diplomatic headache, the government is moving to tightly regulate the international travel privileges of former leaders. Lamola announced that a recommendation has been submitted to Parliament and the Presidency to implement a rigid new framework for protocol and diplomatic support. Under this proposed framework, the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (dirco) will jointly establish a mandatory disclosure mechanism. Former Presidents and Deputy Presidents seeking State-funded protocol assistance abroad will be required to provide strict details prior to departure, including purpose of travel, complete programme of activities, direct sources of funding, principal hosts and key engagements, and the exact capacity in which they are travelling. Lamila said this will allow the State to perform informed risk assessments regarding potential reputational, political, diplomatic, or security hazards to South Africa. Meanwhile, this recall comes amid fierce political pushback from opposition parties demanding transparency. On Wednesday, ActionSA condemned the government's decision to desist from bringing disciplinary action against Sooklal. Last month, the DA called on Lamola to launch an urgent departmental inquiry to determine whether Sooklal had received explicit, official written orders to facilitate the meeting. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni openly rebuked Sooklal for hosting the pair, describing the social interaction with a State fugitive as a "disgrace" to the nation. The political narrative shifted sharply during a subsequent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting. Data emerged suggesting that Sooklal was not acting independently, but was instead executing direct written directives issued by Dirco headquarters to assist Zuma. DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith, strongly questioned these contradictions. Smith stated that his party viewed the entire incident as a severe breach of diplomatic protocol and an alarming indicator of institutional capture within South Africa's foreign service. Following Lamola's announcement of Sooklal's recall, Smith said this created more questions than answers. While he welcomed the proposal for new protocols, Smith said it did not answer whether Zuma's relationship with the Guptas is being supported by government. "South Africans are no closer to understanding what happened, who is responsible, and what action will be taken while Jacob Zuma clinks glasses with the Guptas who have yet to face consequences for a raft of corruption allegations outlined in the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture," he said.

  4. 1 day ago

    ActionSA criticise govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India

    ActionSA criticise govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India ActionSA has condemned the government's decision to withhold disciplinary action against South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal. The party called on Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Ronald Lamola to make public the reason behind the decision. In addition to demanding transparency, ActionSA is calling for the immediate disclosure of all internal investigative findings. The party wants to know why disciplinary sanctions were deemed unnecessary, given the political and ethical implications of the diplomat's recent associations. The political storm ignited in June when Sooklal was photographed alongside former President and MKP leader Jacob Zuma, as well as notorious State Capture fugitive Ajay Gupta. The trio were spotted together at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali temple in Haridwar, India. The imagery provoked immediate public backlash, considering the multi-billion-rand corruption allegations and outstanding legal matters tied to the Gupta family's role in institutional State capture. Last month, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni issued a stern, open reprimand against Sooklal for hosting the controversial pair. However, the State's narrative shifted dramatically during a subsequent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting. Information emerged indicating that Sooklal may not have acted independently, but rather under direct written instructions issued by Dirco management. ActionSA says the public has a right to know the contents of those communication trails. ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said any friendly association between senior public officials and those implicated in State capture demands thorough scrutiny and decisive action. "It is therefore entirely reasonable to expect that public representatives entrusted with advancing South Africa's interests abroad should be held to the highest ethical standard," said Trollip. "Choosing not to act in these circumstances sends the wrong message and further erodes public confidence in the State's willingness to confront and eradicate the legacy of State Capture." The party said the newly formed Government of National Unity cannot credibly claim a commitment to clean governance and the rule of law while actively appearing to excuse conduct that normalises relations with State fugitives.

  5. 1 day ago

    Amnesty International demands govt action on rising anti-migrant vigilantism

    Amnesty International demands govt action on rising anti-migrant vigilantism Amnesty International South Africa has urged government to immediately stop vigilante groups from targeting migrants and businesses, citing a rise in unlawful, violent actions. Executive director Shenilla Mohamed warned that failure to take decisive action against a growing trend of vigilantism is encouraging further human rights violations. The organisation is demanding that police investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. The crisis intensified ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by the group March and March, which ordered undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. With the deadline passing, coordinated intimidation, harassment, and anti-migrant protests continue to disrupt communities, the organisation notes. Mohamed emphasised that government statements are no longer enough to deter these groups. "Authorities must move beyond statements of concern and demonstrate through effective investigations, prosecutions and accountability measures that no person or group is above the law," she said. Amnesty International cited the Immigration Act, which prohibits private citizens or groups from enforcing immigration laws. This means private individuals cannot demand identity documents, enter private property, or evict people from homes and businesses and only designated immigration officers and members of the South African Police Service hold legal enforcement authority. The organisation is calling for urgent interventions from State authorities, highlighting that allegations of police officers ignoring illegal acts or actively colluding with vigilante groups must face thorough criminal and disciplinary reviews. The organisation wants the State to protect the right of business owners to operate safely without harassment, while upholding the right to dignity, freedom, and security for every person living in South Africa. "Human dignity has no nationality and we cannot allow the unfettered violation of rights to continue," Mohamed said. She said where concerns exist about a person's immigration status, these must be addressed through lawful procedures that respect constitutional rights and human dignity. "Even where individuals may be found to be undocumented, they remain entitled to rights protected under the Constitution and international human rights law, including due process, dignity and protection from violence and abuse," she reminded. Amnesty International South Africa and other civil society organisations have repeatedly warned that inflammatory rhetoric, anti-migrant mobilisation and weak State responses risk fuelling discrimination, violence and further human rights violations.

  6. 1 day ago

    Politicians laud voter registration drive with surge in registrations by youth, women

    Politicians laud voter registration drive with surge in registrations by youth, women Politicians have hailed the conclusion of the final voter registration weekend as a definitive reaffirmation of public faith in South Africa's democratic structures. The Independent Electoral Commission's final registration weekend concluded with 29-million citizens successfully registered on the national voters' roll. The ANC welcomed the voter turnout, viewing the high registration numbers as proof of the resilience of South Africa's democratic project. The party highlighted specific demographic trends from the final registration drive, noting the surge in youth registrations, citizens under the age of 39 accounted for 46% of all new registrations, while women represented 56% of the newly registered voter block. In a statement, the party remarked that these statistics validate its long-standing policy position that women and young people are "active agents" in building a capable developmental State rather than passive beneficiaries. Declaring full readiness for the upcoming November elections, the ANC announced that its upcoming campaign will centre on a rigorous programme of community mobilisation, candidate unveiling, and the launch of its Election Manifesto. The party's core campaign pillars will target fixing local government structural weaknesses, accelerating municipal service delivery, investing directly in human capital and transforming the local economy. In a statement, Parliamentary leadership, led by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, noted that South Africa's "strong registration metrics" send a global message regarding the health of its democracy, particularly at a time when civic participation is facing global decline. Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice Jane Mananiso, echoed these sentiments, calling the registration growth a sign of a maturing democracy. However, she urged all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered, or who need to update their registration details, to do so before the voters' roll closes at midnight on Friday. Mananiso urged all remaining eligible citizens to use online platforms or local offices to register or update their address details. She stressed that while the current metrics are encouraging, a significant portion of the population remains unregistered, necessitating targeted, practical interventions to ensure complete electoral inclusion. Meanwhile, the IFP also lauded the registration outcome, focusing on the broader impact of the newly registered electorate. IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa revealed that 754 332 entirely new voters were added to the system during the recent registration drives. Hlengwa said the success of the registration weekends proves democracy is an active responsibility rather than a passive constitutional right. According to the IFP, this expanded voting bloc represents a critical step forward in allowing citizens to directly dictate and influence the governance, service quality, and future direction of their local municipalities.

  7. 2 days ago

    SA’s energy transition must deliver affordable power, community growth – Ramaphosa

    SA's energy transition must deliver affordable power, community growth – Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that South Africa's shift to clean energy must be an inclusive process that strengthens local communities and lowers the cost of electricity for everyday citizens. Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa stated that it is the collective responsibility of government, business, labour, and civil society to ensure the energy transition delivers equitable benefits. "… most importantly, it must deliver affordable electricity for all, now and into the future." The President's address follows significant policy developments aimed at restructuring the nation's energy landscape. Last week, Cabinet approved for public comment the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy and the Draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper. Additionally, Ramaphosa received a vital progress update regarding the establishment of a fully independent, State-owned transmission and market operator entity. This independent body is expected to form the backbone of a modernised, competitive domestic power market. The President pointed to the newly opened Ummbila Emoyeni facility in Mpumalanga as proof of the country's resilience and adaptability amid its historic energy crisis. The project's first phase officially entered commercial operation last week, featuring 25 wind turbines generating 155 MW of clean energy. The facility was developed by Seriti Green, a subsidiary of the local mining house Seriti Resources. The President highlighted that this project dispels the myth that green energy is solely funded by international players. "This is a demonstration that South Africa's clean energy investments are not only being driven from abroad, but also by domestic firms with the foresight to invest in their country's future," he remarked. The initial 155 MW of wind power will be wheeled directly through Eskom's national grid to supply Seriti's existing coal mining operations, effectively lowering the carbon footprint of the heavy industry sector. Looking ahead, the site is slated for massive expansion. Once fully completed, Ummbila Emoyeni will scale into a 900 MW hybrid energy cluster combining, wind generation, solar arrays and advanced battery storage systems. Once it reaches full operational capacity, it will officially become the largest hybrid renewable energy facility in South Africa. Ramaphosa said this project serves as an "invaluable contribution" to South Africa's sustainable economic future and long-term energy security. The President noted that the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan aims to achieve a diversified portfolio of energy sources that relies more on wind and solar, and a reduced share of coal, supported by gas, battery storage and nuclear power. He noted that while coal continues to dominate South Africa's energy mix, the growth of renewable energy is accelerating. Meanwhile, he said the installation of rooftop solar by households and businesses, has exceeded expectations. According to Statistics South Africa, there has been an 86% increase in households with solar panels over just a three-year period, totalling 675 000 households in 2025. The investment in clean energy technologies, which was accelerated by loadshedding in recent years, was enabled by far-reaching legislative and regulatory reforms. Ramaphosa said the removal of the self-generation licensing threshold and the revival of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme unlocked large-scale private investment in electricity generation. "Attracting clean energy investment supports our climate commitments while promoting inclusive growth and job creation," he added.

  8. 2 days ago

    Petrol prices to decrease by 52c a litre, but diesel prices to increase by up to R1.38 a litre

    Petrol prices to decrease by 52c a litre, but diesel prices to increase by up to R1.38 a litre The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has revealed that the price of Petrol 93 and Petrol 95 will decrease by 52c a litre from Wednesday, but the prices of diesel will increase by R1.23 and R1.38 a litre for diesel with a 0.005% and 0.05% sulphur content, respectively. The department notes that these changes are based on various factors, including a decrease in the average Brent crude oil price, from $86.53/bbl to $82.37/bbl, for the period under review. "The impact of renewed US/Iran tensions which caused the price to increase up to a $100 mark, was offset by the fact that the prices had already decreased significantly the previous month and the first half of this month due to the ceasefire memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, as well as lower global demand for crude oil," it points out. Further, the DMPR notes that the average international product prices of petrol decreased during the period under review, while the prices of diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by Russia/Ukraine conflict, which resulted in diesel export restrictions by Russia. "The situation was compounded by the Middle East refineries that were operating below capacity. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) of petrol by 6.08c a litre, and higher contributions to the BFP of diesel and illuminating paraffin by 182.62c a litre (c/l) and 143.32c a litre, respectively," the department points out. Meanwhile, the rand depreciated slightly, on average, against the dollar, from R16.34 to R16.46, during the period under review. This led to higher contributions to the BFP of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 6.37c, 8.14c and 7.89c a litre, respectively. Further, the DMPR notes that the cumulative slate amounted to a negative balance of R7.42-billion for petrol and diesel at the end of June. In line with the provisions of the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, the slate levy of 61.38c a litre will be implemented in the price structures of petrol and diesel with effect from August 5. The Slate Levy has decreased by 52.56c a litre, from R1.14 a litre.

See All (117)

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