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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. 47 min ago

    ANC welcomes failed no confidence motion against Didiza

    ANC welcomes failed no confidence motion against Didiza Following the failed motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, brought by the EFF, the ANC parliamentary caucus welcomed the vote outcome, characterising the EFF's motion as a "groundless attempt to disrupt parliamentary operations". The motion was rejected by 282 votes to 101, which the ANC said confirmed the National Assembly's confidence in Didiza. "The motion brought by the EFF was nothing more than a calculated political gimmick designed to undermine democratic processes, generate media headlines and waste the valuable time of Parliament. At no point did the Speaker violate any law, standing rule, or constitutional obligation," the party said. The EFF's motion alleged that Didiza acted "unfairly, partially, and in a partisan manner" regarding her procedural handling of President Cyril Ramaphosa's legal interdict application. In response, the ANC clarified that the Speaker exercised "sound legal judgment" and respected ongoing judicial processes to ensure the National Assembly operated strictly within the rule of law. The party emphasised that since assuming office two years ago, Didiza has protected the institution by respecting court processes so that Parliament does not overreach or violate due process. ActionSA joined the ANC in rejecting the motion, emphasising that its vote was a matter of constitutional principle rather than a blanket endorsement of the ANC-led Government of National Unity. ActionSA national spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni stated that a motion of no confidence cannot become a routine parliamentary remedy whenever a political party disagrees with a Speaker's ruling. She pointed out that removing a Speaker requires substantive grounds that demonstrate that they have fundamentally failed in the duties of the office, compromised the integrity of Parliament or become incapable of presiding over the House with the required impartiality. "In this instance, we do not believe the EFF has established that case," Ngobeni said. She noted that while ActionSA has previously been critical of Didiza's handling of aspects of the Section 89 process concerning Ramaphosa, she said political criticism cannot be converted into grounds for removal merely out of convenience. ActionSA concluded that Didiza has discharged her responsibilities with a "degree of restraint and institutional independence far exceeding her predecessors". RISE Mzansi national leader Songezo Zibi strongly critiqued the logic of the EFF's motion, arguing that it "unfairly" targeted an individual for decisions made collectively by parliamentary structures. Zibi pointed out that the Impeachment Committee, not the Speaker, decided to oppose the review application. Therefore, expecting the Speaker to dictate or ponder the committee's legal position suffers from a "fatal internal contradiction". He explained that the decision to not accommodate the President's initial request belonged entirely to the Impeachment Committee. He said no political parties objected when the Speaker routinely passed correspondence from the President directly to the Committee for its exclusive response. He added that the Speaker has no legal role in the litigation decisions of independent parliamentary committees.

  2. 47 min ago

    GOOD Party appeals R90 000 Electoral Court fine over funding violations

    GOOD Party appeals R90 000 Electoral Court fine over funding violations The GOOD Party has announced its intention to appeal an Electoral Court judgment which found the party and its leadership in breach of the Political Party Funding Act. The court ordered the party and its secretary-general Brett Herron to pay a combined fine of R90 000 for failing to comply with national electoral funding regulations. The court judgment found that ahead of the 2021 Municipal Elections the GOOD Party, during August and September of that year, bought T-shirts and other political marketing material from Kairos Communications for R1 972 365. A further R900 000 was paid to Kairos Communications by Electrox Properties, apparently as a donor, on behalf of the GOOD Party. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) argued that the R900 000 donation was not disclosed by the GOOD Party and did not reflect in the party's annual financial statements for the relevant financial period. "The GOOD Party simply did not account for this gratuitous donation to it from Electrox Properties," the court judgment read. In response to the ruling, Herron defended the party's financial practices. He emphasised that the GOOD Party operates on a "modest budget" and "scrupulously adheres" to all legal requirements. Herron criticised the court's process and the source of the initial complaint, accusing the Electoral Court of reaching its judgment without hearing argument or evidence. He believes the ruling relies on the "fabrications of a disgruntled former official" who he says was expelled for pocketing party donations. Internal legal counsel believes the court erred in several respects, directly impacting the outcome of the judgment. DA member Shaun August revealed himself as the whistleblower who initiated the IEC investigation. August, a former member of the GOOD party, stated that his suspicions grew under the leadership of Herron and party leader Patricia de Lille. August welcomed the court's decision, stating that hiding political funding is a serious offence in South Africa.

  3. 47 min ago

    Dlamini-Zuma, Mbalula go head to head in court over vote-buying claims

    Dlamini-Zuma, Mbalula go head to head in court over vote-buying claims ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced she stands firmly by the substance of her concerns regarding financial corruption within internal party contests, as she confirmed that her legal representatives had on Tuesday filed a formal notice of intention to oppose ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula suit against her. This follows Dlamini-Zuma's remarks made during a recent appearance on an episode of the African Renaissance Podcast, a platform hosted by former EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. During her appearance, the former Minister alleged that illicit monetary influence extensively manipulated executive outcomes during major party elections. Specifically, Dlamini-Zuma accused Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Mbalula of participating in vote-buying during the ANC's fifty-fourth National Conference in 2017. She alleged that a circulating audio recording directly implicated Lamola in these transactional activities. Furthermore, she went on to accuse Mbalula of openly "dishing out money" at a clinic facility during the fifty-fifth National Conference in 2022 to secure his position and protect Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency. Earlier this month, Mbalula announced legal action against Dlamini-Zuma and confirmed that he will also refer the matter to the ANC Integrity Commission to clear his name. Since then, Dlamini-Zuma has issued a formal retraction of her comments about Lamola. However, she has not issued a similar retraction to comments made about Mbalula and instead doubled down on her concerns regarding financial corruption in the party. "I stand by my statements and the substance of the argument raised," she asserted. "Out of respect for the court, I will not argue the merits of the case through public statements as the matter will now be fully ventilated in court." Despite the legal risks, Dlamini-Zuma insisted that the overarching structural issue cannot be silenced by litigation or brushed aside. She stressed that the ANC is undergoing a "critical process" of organisational renewal that will fail if the party does not directly confront internal financial corruption. She pointed out that leadership contests have become commercialised, threatening the fundamental identity of the liberation movement, and said financial considerations are overriding political conviction and policy frameworks among voting delegates and that the reliance on cash distributions in internal lobbies is actively destroying the organisational integrity of the ANC. "The influence of money in ANC elective conferences is common cause and has been spoken about openly by senior leaders and structures of the movement," Dlamini-Zuma said. "Our movement must find the courage to confront this problem as it is killing the ANC." On Wednesday, Dlamini-Zuma issued a statement on social media to correct the record about Lamola. This after Lamola issued a strong legal demand to her, instructing her to publicly retract the claims linking him to 2017 vote-buying allegations. "Comrade Lamola has since advised me that the voice was not his. I withdraw the attribution on the basis of his clarification," she stated. Lamola welcomed the move, noting that Dlamini-Zuma's statement vindicates what he has maintained from the outset.

  4. 1 day ago

    Hill-Lewis urges Cachalia to engage on investigative powers for metro police

    Hill-Lewis urges Cachalia to engage on investigative powers for metro police Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed concern over what he says is a lack of engagement by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on the potential expansion of Cape Town Metro Police powers. Despite Cachalia's recent indication that he has an "open mind" on the matter, the City of Cape Town reports a month of silence following the lodging of an intergovernmental dispute. The city is seeking to amend the SAPS Act Amendment Bill currently before Parliament to allow Metro Police to investigate gang, gun, and drug-related crimes. Hill-Lewis initiated an intergovernmental dispute last month. Under Section 42 of the Intergovernmental Framework Relations Act, both parties are required to meet "promptly" to establish a mediation process. "It has been a month of silence despite the constitutional obligations to engage us promptly on our intergovernmental dispute," stated Hill-Lewis. "Investigative powers for Metro Police are urgent for communities facing gang and drug crime. SAPS are under pressure and require the Metro Police's assistance to increase conviction rates." The mayor has proposed new dates for an online meeting to chart a way forward, aiming to resolve the matter. The disagreement follows Cachalia's remarks to the Parliamentary Police Portfolio Committee, where he suggested that "cross-party consensus" was a prerequisite for granting these powers. Hill-Lewis characterised this stance as a delay in necessary leadership. "The Minister has the authority to amend the SAPS Act Amendment Bill he has tabled. It is unclear what further consensus is required, and this appears to be a delay in taking practical action," the mayor said. He referenced Section 205 of the Constitution, which provides for local government policing functions "where appropriate". He asserts that Cape Town's Metro Police are resourced and ready to transition from a "catch and release" model to a "catch and convict" approach. Safety and Security MMC Alderman JP Smith noted that expanding municipal policing powers is a tested strategy. He cited the 2018 expansion of Municipal Peace Officer powers, which led to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP). Recently, LEAP officers confiscated four semi-automatic rifles during an arrest in Nyanga, highlighting their role in vulnerable areas. "If we can reduce the flow of illegal firearms, we can decrease violent crime," said Smith. "The city is already assisting through specialised units like the Safety and Security Investigation Unit and is prepared to do more."

  5. 1 day ago

    Lamola welcomes Dlamini-Zuma’s retraction of vote-buying claims

    Lamola welcomes Dlamini-Zuma's retraction of vote-buying claims Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has welcomed a formal retraction by ANC veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, of allegations linking him to illicit voice notes and vote-buying during internal party elections. The controversy erupted earlier this month following Dlamini-Zuma's appearance on the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by former EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. During the episode, the former Minister levelled explosive allegations against high-ranking ANC officials, claiming that illicit financial influence heavily dictated internal election outcomes. Specifically, Dlamini-Zuma accused Lamola and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of participating in vote-buying during the ANC's fifty-fourth National Conference in 2017. She alleged that a circulating audio recording directly implicated Lamola in these transactional activities. Furthermore, she went on to accuse Mbalula of openly "dishing out money" at a clinic facility during the fifty-fifth National Conference in 2022 to secure his position and protect Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency. Following the broadcast, Lamola issued a strong legal demand to Dlamini-Zuma, instructing her to publicly retract the claims linking him to the 2017 vote-buying allegations. Dlamini-Zuma issued a statement on social media to correct the record. "Comrade Lamola has since advised me that the voice was not his. I withdraw the attribution on the basis of his clarification," she stated. Lamola welcomed the move, noting that Dlamini-Zuma's statement vindicates what he has maintained from the outset. "The voice note is not mine, and I was not involved in the conduct falsely attributed to me," Lamola said. Despite the personal retraction, Dlamini-Zuma maintained that the core of her message remains vital. She explained that the broader concern she raised regarding the influence of money in leadership contests is an important matter that must be addressed for the renewal and integrity of the ANC. Lamola echoed these sentiments, agreeing that the influence of money in political campaigns is a "legitimate and important" matter for public discussion. However, he drew a strict line on accountability, adding, "That discussion must, however, proceed on accurate facts and without falsely implicating individuals." Meanwhile, Mbalula has since announced that he is pursuing formal legal action against Dlamini-Zuma following the 2022 clinic distribution allegations. Rejecting the claims entirely, Mbalula confirmed he will sue for defamation and will also refer the matter directly to the ANC Integrity Commission to formally clear his name.

  6. 1 day ago

    ActionSA sues ANC’s Maepa over alleged AI-faked claims

    ActionSA sues ANC's Maepa over alleged AI-faked claims ActionSA has launched coordinated actions against the ANC's Kgoši Maepa, lodging a formal complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and preparing criminal charges over an alleged disinformation campaign targeting Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya. The dispute stems from public allegations that Tlopo Construction, a company doing business with the City of Tshwane, performed renovations at Moya's private residence using public funds. ActionSA believes Maepa's actions breach the Electoral Code of Conduct and contravene the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act of 2000, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to ten years. ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont stated that these rumours had been "shopped around" to media houses since July by political opponents. Beaumont accused Maepa of doubling down on the claims via social media, despite Moya reportedly providing journalists with financial proof that the work was paid for privately and completed by a different contractor. Specifically, ActionSA alleges that Maepa shared posts on X using AI-generated WhatsApp chats to manufacture incriminating conversations between the Mayor and a contractor. ActionSA's formal complaint asks the IEC to investigate whether Maepa's conduct violates Clause 9(1)(b)(i) of the Electoral Code of Conduct, which prohibits the publication of false or defamatory allegations against a party's candidate. Simultaneously, the party is initiating criminal proceedings under Section 69(2)(c) of the Municipal Electoral Act. This section strictly forbids the distribution of false information aimed at influencing the conduct or outcome of an election. Under the Act, individuals found guilty face heavy fines or imprisonment for up to ten years. Beaumont questioned Maepa's credibility by highlighting his controversial political track record. He noted Maepa's past vocal support for fugitive and self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, as well as his defence of the late former Tshwane Mayor Murunwa Makwarela's falsified insolvency rehabilitation certificate. Beaumont further noted that Maepa previously made unverified claims in May 2024, alleging that the Tshwane coalition government intentionally cut electricity as a form of "electoral sabotage". With local election campaigning intensifying, ActionSA views the attacks as a sign of "ANC desperation" in a region where ActionSA says the yellow party is losing historic support. ActionSA reaffirmed its absolute support for Moya, stating that the legal actions are a necessary shield against sponsored disinformation campaigns designed to derail her administration's progress.

  7. 2 days ago

    DA welcomes former FF+ caucus leader to its ranks

    DA welcomes former FF+ caucus leader to its ranks The DA on Tuesday welcomed to its ranks former Freedom Front Plus (FF+) Tshwane Caucus Leader Grandi Theunissen, a move that DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink said bodes well for the blue party. Theunissen, a former FF+ regional chairperson for Tshwane, said he hopes to make a positive contribution to the DA and to the metro. "As I said, leaving a party of which I have been a member since 1994 is a difficult decision. As chairperson of the FF+'s largest region, I worked hard to grow the party. I also held a highly winnable position on the Tshwane candidate list. However, between 2023 and 2024, the FF+ voted to topple several DA mayors in the Western Cape. Cilliers Brink and I promised each other that we would not allow this kind of politicking to jeopardise our own coalition here in the Tshwane metro," he said. He pointed to shared values and interests between himself and Brink, also noting strong bonds of friendship. Brink said Theunissen's move to the DA was significant for Tshwane residents. "Our opponents in this election are those that break down institutions, deploy cadres, and attack the bedrock of good governance in our City. When we governed together in Tshwane, Grandi served as a Mayoral Committee Member and he proved himself to be entirely aligned, working against forces of corruption and capture," he stated. Brink pointed to Theunissen's experience in the FF+, stressing that he did not leave his former party as a disgruntled member. Brink noted the upcoming local government election, and expressed readiness for the DA's ability to govern the metro, again. "My focus is now on the future. We must stand together to win," Theunissen said.

  8. 2 days ago

    Parly flags R300m shortfall at Home Affairs following spike in deportations

    Parly flags R300m shortfall at Home Affairs following spike in deportations The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has raised serious concerns over a R341-million financial shortfall facing the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), following intense anti-illegal-immigration protests on June 30 and a subsequent surge in immigration enforcement, deportations and repatriations. With its yearly deportation budget already fully depleted, the department faces severe operational risks if fiscal interventions are not approved, the committee warned. The DHA has officially requested R292-million in "unforeseen and unavoidable expenditure" from the National Treasury to help cover the sudden enforcement. However, a major concern is the lack of an explicit guarantee that the funds will be reimbursed. Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane warned that the situation is untenable. If the Treasury rejects the request, the DHA will be forced to absorb the costs from its existing baseline budget. This will compel the department to reprioritise funds away from its structured annual plans. Ultimately, such budget shifts threaten to delay key operational milestones and directly degrade the quality of public services provided to citizens, Chabane said. In response to the crisis, the DHA has initiated diplomatic engagements with the governments of countries whose nationals were deported, aiming to secure financial reimbursement. While the committee welcomed these discussions, it cautioned that international diplomacy is a lengthy process that cannot replace sustainable, long-term budgeting. The committee highlighted that the situation underscores an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to secure South Africa's porous borders. Consequently, Parliament has called on the DHA and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to intensify joint engagements with foreign nations. The goal is to establish structured mechanisms where foreign governments contribute directly to the deportation and repatriation costs of their respective citizens. To ensure financial compliance, the committee has directed the DHA's internal audit component to expedite its scrutiny of all procurement and expenditure linked to the recent enforcement operations. This proactive review aims to ensure strict legislative compliance and resolve potential irregularities before the Auditor-General's mandatory audit. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs and the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa. Both entities failed to provide timely, complete information regarding their migration management challenges, which hindered Parliament's oversight process. The committee confirmed it will delay its interrogation of these specific migration-related matters until all outstanding data is received, reiterating that effective migration management demands total transparency from all State institutions.

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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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