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  Majodina apologises over heated confrontation with E Cape resident 15.09.2026 2мин

  Majodina apologises over heated confrontation with E Cape resident Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has issued a formal apology to the residents of Kouga, and the broader South African public, following a highly contentious confrontation with a local resident in the Eastern Cape. The incident, which has sparked widespread public outcry, has already resulted in official ethics complaints from opposition parties and intensified political tension ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 4. The confrontation took place last week during Majodina's visit to the Kouga local municipality for the launch of the upgraded Loerie sewer pump station. According to the Minister, the community engagement session was convened to promote accountability and provide feedback following the completion of the government project. However, the interaction quickly deteriorated. "In the heat of the moment, I reacted after being subjected to profane language," Majodina explained on Tuesday. "I take full responsibility for my conduct and deeply regret responding by using the same words directed at me." The Minister's conduct immediately drew criticism from opposition parties. Both the DA and ActionSA have laid official ethics complaints against Majodina. With the municipal elections less than two months away, opposition parties are leveraging the incident to question the governing party's leadership style and accountability. While acknowledging her lapse in composure, Majodina emphasised that public representatives must be held to high standards, even under provocation. "While public representatives are human and can, like anyone else, experience moments of frustration, this does not diminish the responsibility we carry to remain composed. I accept that responsibility and will continue to learn from this experience," Majodina stated. She appealed to the public to maintain "reciprocal respect" during difficult or emotionally charged engagements to ensure interactions remain constructive. Majodina reaffirmed her commitment to her portfolio, stating she remains dedicated to listening to community concerns and serving South Africans with "humility, accountability, and dedication".
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  Complete overhaul of appointment process essential to save Joburg, warns CDE 15.09.2026 4мин

  Complete overhaul of appointment process essential to save Joburg, warns CDE The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has issued an urgent directive to political parties ahead of the upcoming November local government election, warning that Johannesburg's compounding infrastructure and management crisis will never be resolved without a complete overhaul of how municipal leaders and boards are appointed. In its newly released third Johannesburg Matters series report, the think tank urged all contesting political parties to publicly commit to transparent, competitive and merit-based appointments. Furthermore, the CDE demands that political office-bearers be kept out of procurement, appointments and daily operational decisions. "If there is a coalition, this commitment must be a non-negotiable component of the coalition agreement. No turnaround strategy will succeed if the institutions responsible for implementing it remain weak, politicised, and poorly led," said CDE executive director Ann Bernstein. Since 2016, the City of Johannesburg has cycled through nine mayors and eight coalition administrations. According to the CDE, this constant shifting has transformed crucial city entities into political "fiefdoms" controlled by competing factions. In these environments, cadre deployment and political allegiance routinely override professional skills and experience. The consequences of this patronage system are laid bare in the city's profound leadership gaps, with the CDE noting that zero professionally qualified engineers currently sit on the board of Johannesburg Water. Bernstein said at least seven of the city's 24 most senior management positions are filled by temporary, acting appointees and added that persistent vacancies continue to plague critical operational fields, including engineering, finance, ICT, project management and supply-chain oversight. "Senior appointments and board positions cannot continue to be treated as political bargaining chips," Bernstein urged, stressing that the city must decisively sever the link between shifting political coalitions and administrative hiring. To reverse the decay, the CDE argues that Johannesburg requires a highly capable city manager selected through a rigorous, transparent and competitive process built to match the enormity of the turnaround challenge. Bernstein urged the municipality to start immediately with Johannesburg Water, City Power, and Pikitup. She explained that these newly structured boards – built around an experienced, appropriate chairperson – must secure highly capable CEOs and must rigorously hold management teams accountable for measurable operational results. Additionally, the CDE advises that the incoming provisional government identify the city's mission-critical positions and conduct an immediate audit of the personnel occupying them, ideally before officially taking office. Recognising that permanent, high-quality recruitment takes time, Bernstein noted that some interventions cannot wait while infrastructure faces imminent collapse. To prevent further deterioration, the CDE advocates for innovative and speedy interim measures. A new administration may need to inject independent technical and professional expertise into specific, time-limited assignments while permanent leadership is being finalised. However, Bernstein emphasised that these emergency arrangements must remain subject to strict agreed targets, full transparency and clear accountability. "Appointing capable people will not repair a water pipe or solve the City's financial problems overnight," Bernstein said. "But none of the wider reforms required to turn Johannesburg around will succeed if the institutions responsible for implementing them remain weak, politicised, plagued with corruption and poorly led. People trump policy." Full report attached.
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  East Rand killings: Ramaphosa promises ‘no stone left unturned’ as ANCWL calls for debate on death penalty, castration 15.09.2026 5мин

  East Rand killings: Ramaphosa promises 'no stone left unturned' as ANCWL calls for debate on death penalty, castration President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday issued assurances to the public that the recent spate of murders of women in the East Rand area, in Gauteng, will be prioritised as a seventh body was revealed by police, this time in Clayville, a few hours after the discovery of a sixth body in Springs. On Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued an urgent safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park, following the discovery of five women's bodies over a period of about two months. Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS revealed "deeply concerning similarities" across all five crime scenes, with the bodies of the women discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and dumped within the same immediate vicinity. While SAPS has stopped short of officially declaring the presence of a serial killer, authorities admit the striking similarities are sufficiently alarming to warrant immediate public mobilisation and an intensified criminal investigation. The body of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo was identified by her family on Monday, after she went missing last week while on a run near her home in Rhodesfield. In a statement, Ramaphosa said government shared the heightened concerns of South Africans following the spate of murders. "I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo and to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park. These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women. Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice," the President assured. He was briefed on the investigation by the Police Minister and the acting National Police Commissioner, and said he had asked that these cases be prioritised. "…and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women," Ramaphosa stated. DEATH PENALTY AND CASTRATION As he called on South Africans to respect the rights of women and girls and ensure their safety, the ANC's Women's League (ANCWL) said it was "dismayed" by the continued violence against women. It called for national budget funding in addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and further suggested that police stations be repurposed to prioritise GBVF cases. Another demand includes a debate on the reintroduction of the death penalty and castration to deter certain crimes. "These measures must be publicly ventilated and critically examined as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat and prevent GBVF. It is imperative that we pursue a decisive firm stance against those who believe they can commit these heinous acts with impunity. The safety and dignity of all citizens must be prioritised through action, accountability, and decisive policy implementation," the ANCWL stated. ELECTIONS AND ACTION PLAN DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis used news of the killings to point out the "failures" of the SAPS, under an ANC government, to protect citizens. "We see the human cost of that failure in Ekurhuleni. The discovery of the bodies of six women since July is horrifying. My thoughts are with every family waiting for answers and justice. Women should not have to live in fear of going for a run, walking home or simply moving through their own communities," Hill-Lewis said. In electioneering mode, he promised that DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane will act to improve the metro police service, visible policing, lighting and surveillance and improve relationships with SAPS and communities. He said the November elections will present Ekurhuleni w...
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  SAPS deploys task team as political outrage mounts over murder of 5 women 14.09.2026 3мин

  SAPS deploys task team as political outrage mounts over murder of 5 women The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued an urgent safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park, specifically in the Rhodesfield area, following the discovery of five women's bodies over a period of about two months. Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS has revealed "deeply concerning similarities" across all five crime scenes. The bodies of the women were discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and all were dumped within the same immediate vicinity. While SAPS has stopped short of officially declaring the presence of a serial killer, authorities admit the striking similarities are sufficiently alarming to warrant immediate public mobilisation and an intensified criminal investigation. In response, acting National Commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, has ordered the immediate establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team. The specialised unit will be led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo, who has been ordered to ensure that "no stone is left unturned". The task team will pull resources from elite divisions, including the murder and robbery unit, the investigative psychology unit (SAPS serial killer experts) and localised intelligence and forensic disciplines. "The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action," the police statement read, assuring the community that maximum resources are being deployed to bring those responsible to justice. The SAPS has strongly urged women in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, and surrounding suburbs to alter their daily routines to mitigate risks. The police are making an urgent appeal to residents, motorists, security personnel, and commuters who frequent the Rhodesfield area. Anyone who may have noticed suspicious vehicles, individuals, or unusual activity over the past two months is urged to come forward. DEMAND OF ACCOUNTABILITY The gruesome crime scenes have sparked widespread political outrage and renewed calls for government accountability regarding South Africa's rampant gender-based violence crisis. DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane announced that her party will pressure the City of Ekurhuleni to conduct immediate safety risk assessments in the affected zones. "We cannot allow fear to become part of everyday life for women in Ekurhuleni. Every woman deserves to return home safely to her family," Rasilingwane said. RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip Makashule Gana expressed "profound shock" at the killings, urging SAPS and government stakeholders to maintain total transparency with the public as the investigation unfolds. Gana underscored the systemic nature of the violence, noting that South Africa's femicide rate is roughly five to six times higher than the global average, claiming the lives of approximately 4 000 women every year. "All hands-on deck, not just policing, are required to end gender-based violence and femicide," Gana stated.
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  Ramaphosa greenlights SIU probe into eThekwini municipality, North West Transport Investments 14.09.2026 2мин

  Ramaphosa greenlights SIU probe into eThekwini municipality, North West Transport Investments President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a new proclamation and a key amendment empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe deep-seated allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, and irregular expenditure at the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the North West Transport Investments (NTI), with a direct mandate to recover financial losses suffered by the State. Ramaphosa amended an existing proclamation to expand the ongoing investigation into the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The initial 2024 proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate the municipality's procurement of security and VIP protection services. The new amendment extends the investigation period and brings contracts CMS 0031, 1C15104, 1C18709, 1C20359, 1X31747 and 1C29300 under forensic scrutiny. The SIU will evaluate whether these contracts, and any subsequent extensions or variations followed a fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, and cost-effective framework, or if they resulted in irregular expenditure. If the investigation uncovers evidence of criminal conduct, the SIU will hand the files over to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution. Additionally, the SIU is fully authorised to initiate civil action in the High Court or the Special Tribunal to recover stolen public funds and assets. In the North West, the SIU will investigate the affairs of the NTI, alongside its wholly-owned subsidiary North West Star, and the Atteridgeville Bus Service. According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho the investigation will target procurement, contracting, and payment processes related to contracts handled by Zentrafor Fuel Limited, trading as FuelU, services rendered under a vehicle rental agreement dated July 28, 2023 and operations outlined in a Sub-Contractor Agreement dated July 7, 2023. The SIU's scope extends to systemic operational flaws. Investigators will scrutinise the receipt, processing, approval, and payment of claims submitted by Transnat Coachlines, Ziggy Investments, and their subsequent Joint Venture. The unit will check if these transactions breached National or Provincial Treasury guidelines. Crucially, the probe will also dissect the actions of the Business Rescue Practitioner appointed on 21 July 2022, alongside their agents and NTI employees. The SIU aims to determine whether corrupt individuals or entities received undue benefits, resulting in severe losses to the NTI or the State.
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  Ramaphosa touts BRICS success, vows to build on $10-billion SA-India economic ties 14.09.2026 4мин

  Ramaphosa touts BRICS success, vows to build on $10-billion SA-India economic ties President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to leveraging its BRICS membership to drive domestic economic growth, expand trade and solidify bilateral ties with India. Following the conclusion of the eighteenth BRICS Summit, held over the weekend in New Delhi, in India, Ramaphosa detailed how South Africa is capitalising on its strategic partnerships to boost investment and modernise key domestic industries. India currently stands as South Africa's fourth-largest trading partner. The economic footprint between the two nations is already substantial, with more than 150 Indian companies investing over $10-billion in South Africa, a move that has generated more than 18 000 local jobs. Prominent South African enterprises, including Naspers, FirstRand Bank, Sanlam, and Momentum, maintain a significant investment presence in India. To build on this foundation, the summit hosted the South Africa-India CEOs Roundtable, bringing together captains of industry from both nations. Ramaphosa also engaged in targeted bilateral discussions with individual Indian firms looking to either expand their footprint in South Africa or venture into new local markets. According to the President, Indian business leaders highly commended South Africa's ongoing structural reforms, particularly those targeting the energy, logistics, telecommunications, water, and visa sectors, as well as advancements in public digital infrastructure. Ramaphosa emphasised that the two nations possess "highly complementary capabilities" that can unlock massive value when combined, noting that India's globally recognised strengths in pharmaceuticals, health technology, IT, and fintech are positioned to support South Africa's ambitions to localise vaccine and medicine production while modernising its public service systems. He said South Africa's reserves of critical minerals are primed to feed India's rapidly expanding renewable energy, electric vehicle, and battery value chains. Ramaphosa stressed that a key priority remains ensuring the processing and beneficiation of these minerals happen on South African soil. He explained that to translate this immense potential into reality, both nations have committed to working toward restoring direct commercial flights between South Africa and India, alongside fostering closer collaboration between their respective business chambers. Addressing scepticism regarding the domestic relevance of international summits, Ramaphosa countered that BRICS membership yields direct, tangible rewards for South Africa's economy. More than one-fifth of South Africa's total global trade is conducted with fellow BRICS nations. Furthermore, as a shareholder in the New Development Bank, South Africa directly accesses crucial development finance to fund major domestic infrastructure projects in energy, water, and transportation. Participation in the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement also secures South Africa access to a $100-billion liquidity pool in the event of a currency crisis. Beyond the economic balance sheet, Ramaphosa underscored the geopolitical weight of the bloc, noting that BRICS provides a platform for cultivating a fairer, more inclusive multilateral world order that operates under international law with the United Nations at its centre. Through institutional cooperation in science, research, and education, alongside grassroots platforms like the BRICS Youth Council and the BRICS Network University, the bloc continues to drive sustainable development. "Through BRICS, we will continue to add our voice to the growing call from the Global South for an inclusive world order rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity," Ramaphosa said. "And we will continue to use our membership of BRICS to develop our economy and improve the lives of our people."
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  Ramaphosa calls for BRICS members to invest in productive capacity 11.09.2026 2мин

  Ramaphosa calls for BRICS members to invest in productive capacity President Cyril Ramaphosa, during an address to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, held in India this week, called for the bloc to direct investment towards manufacturing and beneficiation, industrial technologies, energy systems, infrastructure and logistics. Africa must not only supply the minerals on which the next generation of industries depends, while value addition and manufacturing take place elsewhere. "If we are to change where value is created, we must also change where investment is directed. Companies must invest not only to access markets, but also to establish production facilities and develop local capabilities," he said. BRICS countries were at an inflection point. With the global economy being reshaped, trade patterns shifting, technological advances accelerating and climate pressures increasing, countries and companies must reconsider where they source, produce and invest. For the BRICS bloc, this was an opportunity to shape a more resilient, diversified and inclusive economic future for the Global South, Ramaphosa said. Developing economies have participated in global value chains mainly as suppliers of raw commodities. Value creation, technology and higher-value manufacturing remained concentrated elsewhere. "We must not reproduce that pattern within the expanded BRICS. Our ambition must extend beyond increasing intra-BRICS trade to deepening the productive relationships between our economies." BRICS must be a platform through which investment and trade reshape existing economic patterns and transform the destinies of its countries and peoples, said Ramaphosa. He called on BRICS countries to turn the ambitions of the bloc into commercial relationships and productive partnerships. The work of the BRICS Business Council and the Working Groups was essential to turning the ambitions of BRICS into meaningful economic cooperation, he added. "The question is not whether there is potential, but whether we have the ambition, the instruments and the partnerships to convert this potential into economic value for our people. Our shared task is to translate the ideas, recommendations and partnerships developed through the council into tangible economic growth and development. "Our economies have confronted profound challenges [since the formation of the BRICS Business Council in 2013], yet we have also shown that adversity can create opportunity. Resilience is not simply the capacity to withstand disruption. It is the capacity to transform disruption into new capabilities and partnerships," he said.
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  Nigeria suspends official visits to SA over xenophobic attacks 11.09.2026 4мин

  Nigeria suspends official visits to SA over xenophobic attacks The Nigerian National Assembly has officially suspended all official visits to South Africa and has initiated a complete boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities. This directive follows intensive consultations between the leadership of the country's Senate and the House of Representatives and is a response to reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation and the targeted destruction of property belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa. In an official communication conveying the directive, the Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana, expressed the legislative body's "profound concern" over the escalating hostility, noting reports of Nigerian citizens being killed, injured, displaced, and forced to abandon their homes, investments, and legitimate businesses due to recurring violent attacks. Of particular frustration to Nigerians is the "systematic failure" of South African authorities to curb the violence. The National Assembly pointed out that despite repeated appeals from the federal government of Nigeria and regional stakeholders demanding decisive measures to protect foreign nationals and bring perpetrators to justice, the attacks have persisted with minimal legal accountability. The National Assembly acknowledged ongoing federal interventions, including State-backed efforts to evacuate vulnerable Nigerian nationals. The National Assembly emphasised that such emergency measures underscore the gravity of the crisis and reinforce the constitutional responsibility of Nigerian State institutions to safeguard the lives, dignity and interests of citizens abroad. Following the joint resolution by parliamentary leaders, the suspension of engagements takes effect immediately and remains in force until further notice. The ban is comprehensive and applies to all planned visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its standing committees, lawmakers, and administrative staff. Participation in conferences, seminars, workshops and parliamentary exchanges hosted, organised, or co-sponsored by the Parliament of South Africa is strictly prohibited. The National Assembly pointed out that the restriction applies to physical travel and online or virtual meetings hosted by South African legislative institutions. The National Assembly has urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria's 36 states to adopt similar retaliatory measures. The Clerk made it clear that no official delegation or individual may bypass this directive without prior express approval from the National Assembly leadership. Further, all existing invitations and proposed programmes are to be immediately reviewed. The legislative leadership described the boycott as a firm, measured response aimed at prioritising the welfare and dignity of Nigerians. While the National Assembly values parliamentary diplomacy and inter-State cooperation, it maintained that these relationships must be anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rule of law. Officials clarified that this decision is not an attempt to permanently dismantle Nigeria's deep-rooted historical and diplomatic ties with South Africa. Instead, it serves as an "unambiguous expression of protest" against the unsafe environment confronting Nigerians in South Africa. The House of Representatives and the Senate have urged the South African government to fulfil its fundamental international obligations. They called on South Africa to halt existing violence and prevent future xenophobic outbreaks against African nationals, conduct thorough investigations into all reported incidents of targeted violence, and arrest and prosecute suspects to the full extent of the law to restore confidence and goodwill between the two economic powerhouses. The House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments closely. While Nigeria remains open ...
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  Parties lodge ethics complaint against Majodina over vulgar tirade against Kouga resident 11.09.2026 3мин

  Parties lodge ethics complaint against Majodina over vulgar tirade against Kouga resident The EFF, DA and ActionSA have criticised Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, following a highly contentious confrontation with a resident in the Eastern Cape. The incident, which has sparked widespread public outcry, has led to an official ethics complaint laid by the DA and ActionSA, and intensified the political temperature ahead of the November 4 local government elections. The controversy erupted during a community meeting in the Kouga local municipality, meant to address severe local water shortages. According to political parties, Majodina unleashed a tirade of profanities and insults at a community member who was questioning or criticising the government's performance. The EFF stated that Majodina ordered the resident to leave the meeting before proceeding to insult him and his mother, using highly vulgar language. "To make matters worse, the resident she verbally attacked appeared to be a disabled citizen, who was on crutches while being treated with indignity, disdain, and a lack of respect," the party said in a statement. The EFF alleged that the Minister's outbursts formed part of a broader pattern of behaviour within the ANC. The EFF highlighted recent separate incidents, including controversial remarks by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, who reportedly compared a resident's community engagement input to faeces, and Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, whom the EFF accused of blackmailing residents with service delivery. "The attitude of ANC public representatives in community meetings reveals an organisation frustrated with its own electoral decline, and they are now lashing out at the public," the EFF said. The red berets argued that Majodina did not just insult an individual in Kouga, but effectively insulted millions of South Africans currently enduring water scarcity in areas ranging from Johannesburg and eThekwini to rural Giyani and Ditsobotla. The EFF called on voters to punish the ruling party's "arrogance" at the ballot box on November 4. The DA lodged an ethics complaint with Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests, calling for Majodina's conduct to be investigated and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed by Parliament. "This behaviour brings the ANC, Parliament and government into disrepute and undermines public confidence in her. Minister Majodina must be held accountable, and she must be sanctioned by the President," said DA Parliamentary leader George Michalakis. ActionSA has also lodged an ethics complaint against Majodina with the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests. ActionSA Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe criticised Majodina's behaviour as a flagrant breach of Section 5(e) of the Code of Ethical Conduct for Assembly and Council Members. Kobe argued that the Minister's conduct brings Parliament into disrepute and exemplifies a growing disconnect between the Government of National Unity and the citizens it serves. "There is simply no place for this kind of behaviour from a Minister of the Republic," Kobe said. "South Africans expect those entrusted with public office to conduct themselves with dignity, restraint, and respect, not to resort to crude insults when confronted with the frustration of ordinary South Africans who rightly criticise the failures of the government." ActionSA has demanded an immediate, unequivocal public apology from Majodina and has called for swift disciplinary consequences from Parliament.
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  South Africa urged to lock in reforms before Ramaphosa leaves 10.09.2026 3мин

  South Africa urged to lock in reforms before Ramaphosa leaves South Africa must enshrine its reform process in law to guarantee the momentum gained under President Cyril Ramaphosa endures after he leaves office, said the head of a key business lobby group. "The reform project is the most important project that is happening in this country," Business Leadership South Africa Chief Executive Officer Busi Mavuso said in an interview at Bloomberg's office in Johannesburg on Wednesday. "Reducing government dominance in the country gives the country the resilience in order to continue functioning, irrespective of what happens in politics." Investors have warmed to Africa's largest economy as reforms begin to bear fruit, most visibly with the end of almost daily power cuts as the state-owned electricity utility improves its performance. South Africa's credit-rating has been upgraded, the much-maligned rand has strengthened, and the stock market hit a record high in February. But the legacy of corruption and mismanagement under Ramaphosa's predecessor, Jacob Zuma, still dogs an economy that has expanded at less than 1% annually for more than a decade. And with Zuma still a political force, there's apprehension whether the pro-growth track of Ramaphosa and his government coalition partners will survive the election cycle. The next general election isn't until 2029. But Ramaphosa will stand down as leader of the African National Congress — the country's biggest political party — in late 2027, and in the past the incoming head of the ANC has then become president. Before then, the country holds municipal elections on Nov. 4. If the ANC loses ground with voters – as polls suggest it might — it may weaken Ramaphosa's ability to steer the selection of his successor toward someone who will continue reforms. He also faces a potential parliamentary impeachment process over a 2022 cash-in-sofa scandal that he's challenging in court. "Our country has been undermined by politics," Mavuso said. "You are therefore, through reforms, decoupling the functioning of the economy from politics, you are derisking the function of the economy from politics." Her remarks come as the government and private sector launch the third phase of their partnership aimed at lifting national economic growth to 3% by 2030. Ramaphosa established Operation Vulindlela, a unit within his own office aimed at fast-tracking reform implementation, and between 70% and 75% of those in the energy and logistics sectors are complete. The urgency is pressing. Data this week showed the economy contracted by a larger than anticipated 0.2% in the second quarter, snapping six quarters of consecutive growth. Mavuso cautioned that the numbers show the economy remains vulnerable and that improvements at State power utility Eskom and the State port and rail operator Transnet only mark the beginning of the process. That's why getting the reforms written into law is essential, she said. "If the reforms are reducing the government dominance on the economy, it shouldn't matter who the president is because we'll still be able to generate electricity irrespective of what happens," Mavuso said. "At that time, it will be a function of implementing what's in the law."
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  Six S Africans still missing after Nepal floods, DNA provided in search efforts 10.09.2026 1мин

  Six S Africans still missing after Nepal floods, DNA provided in search efforts Six South African nationals remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed on Thursday. In response to a formal request from the Nepalese government, Dirco has partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite identification efforts. The SAPS Victim Identification Centre, operating under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, has collected and coordinated DNA profiles from the biological relatives of the missing individuals. These DNA profiles have been sent to authorities in Nepal and Interpol in Kathmandu to help in the ongoing search and identification process. Dirco explained that owing to the complex geography of the region, South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are actively liaising with host governments to coordinate a regional disaster response. Dirco noted that there is still no official confirmation from authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding the status or whereabouts of the six citizens. Dirco stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to providing regular updates to the affected families as new information emerges.
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  South Africa's current account records Q2 deficit as Iran war drives up import costs 10.09.2026 1мин

  South Africa's current account records Q2 deficit as Iran war drives up import costs South Africa recorded a current account deficit in the second quarter after a strong surplus in the first three months of this year, as the Iran war drove import costs sharply higher, central bank data showed on Thursday. The current account deficit was 2.6% of gross domestic product in the second quarter, compared with a surplus of 2.3% in the first quarter of 2026, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) said. The deficit on the current account was R205.5-billion in April-June, compared with a surplus of R181.6-billion in January-March. The trade surplus narrowed sharply to R146.4-billion from R428.8-billion in the previous quarter. The SARB said the value of crude oil and refined petroleum product imports in particular had surged, linking that to "heightened supply concerns related to the ongoing war in the Middle East". For crude, the value of imports increased by 82.1% while the quantity imported increased by only 1.8%. South Africa imports the majority of its fuel, making its economy heavily exposed to swings in global energy prices since the US-Israeli war against Iran started in late February.
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  Impeachment Committee halts evidence leader appointments, heads to court against EFF, ALPA 09.09.2026 2мин

  Impeachment Committee halts evidence leader appointments, heads to court against EFF, ALPA The Section 89 Impeachment Committee announced on Wednesday that it will legally oppose court applications brought by the EFF and the African Legal Professional Association (ALPA). The legal battle followed the committee's controversial decision to rescind its initial recommendation to appoint advocate Thandazani Madonsela as the chief evidence leader for the upcoming parliamentary impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Phala Phala matter. Both the EFF and ALPA filed separate urgent applications in the Western Cape High Court, arguing that the committee's reversal was flawed. In its court papers, the EFF criticised the executive's intervention as an act of "bad faith" designed to delay and frustrate parliamentary oversight, further labelling the committee's decision to back down as "fundamentally irrational". Committee chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed that the decision to oppose the lawsuits was finalised during a committee meeting on Wednesday. Considering the pending litigation, the committee resolved to halt the appointment process entirely. "The committee will wait until the court challenges are settled before we appoint the evidence leader," Gana stated, confirming that no new recommendation will be made until the Western Cape High Court rules on the matter. The dispute erupted last month when Ramaphosa formally objected to Madonsela's nomination, citing severe conflicts of interest. The objection forced the committee to halt its proceedings and seek independent legal counsel. In his submissions, Ramaphosa noted that he personally removed Madonsela from the Judicial Service Commission in 2022, creating an inherent risk of a personal grievance. The ANC noted that Madonsela had previously advised the ruling party on the exact matters tied to this specific impeachment inquiry. Despite the legal deadlock over the evidence leader, Gana emphasised that the committee is forging ahead with its structural work, noting that 90% of the terms of reference have been completed. "Now the legal services have been given the mandate to build in the additional clauses that the committee has agreed to today, and now to then produce the final draft," Gana said. The committee expects to officially adopt the finalised terms of reference at its next scheduled meeting.
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  EFF heads to court over Parly’s 'irrational' reversal on removal of impeachment evidence leader 09.09.2026 4мин

  EFF heads to court over Parly's 'irrational' reversal on removal of impeachment evidence leader The EFF has filed an urgent application at the Western Cape High Court, seeking to review and set aside Parliament's decision to rescind the appointment of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as chief evidence leader of the Section 89 Impeachment Committee in the Phala Phala matter. The party contends that the Committee's sudden reversal represents a "dangerous capitulation" to executive overreach. According to the EFF, the legal challenge is vital to "safeguard the independence of Parliament from executive control" and to fortify the legislature's constitutional mandate to hold the executive accountable without fear or favour. The EFF officially nominated Madonsela for the role on July 22. Following the nomination, parliamentary officials questioned Madonsela regarding potential conflicts of interest, specifically whether any past dealings with President Cyril Ramaphosa would cloud his judgment. On July 27, Madonsela replied to Parliament, affirming that he had no conflicts of interest. However, he highlighted two specific interactions with the President and the ruling party. Madonsela highlighted his previous appointment by Ramaphosa to the Judicial Service Commission, from which he was later removed during a reconfiguration of the body. He also noted his instruction by a firm of attorneys to assist a junior advocate in drafting a legal opinion for the ANC parliamentary study group. This opinion outlined how Parliament should respond to litigation following the Constitutional Court's mandate to establish an Impeachment Committee. The EFF stressed that when the Impeachment Committee met last month, it possessed all this information. After evaluating these facts, the committee concluded that no conflict of interest existed and formally resolved to recommend Madonsela for the role. The EFF alleged that the committee's subsequent reversal was triggered by direct interference from both the ruling party and the Presidency. The party noted that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula sent a letter to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, flagging Madonsela's prior legal work for the ANC. Concurrently, Ramaphosa wrote to Parliament objecting to the appointment, citing the exact two grounds Madonsela had already disclosed - his past JSC membership and the ANC study group briefing. The EFF has criticised these objections, labelling them "frivolous" and legally flawed. "The reasons proffered by Ramaphosa are frivolous and should have never been entertained by the committee," the EFF stated. "They are also not new, as the Committee had full disclosure made to it by Madonsela, and still resolved to appoint him." In its court papers, the EFF argued that the executive's intervention was executed in bad faith, aimed at delaying and frustrating the work of the Impeachment Committee. Furthermore, the party maintained that the committee's decision to rescind the appointment is fundamentally irrational. The EFF pointed out a critical misunderstanding of the role: evidence leaders do not function as judges and hold no decision-making power within the inquiry. The Impeachment Committee itself remained the sole arbiter and decision-maker. By bowing to external pressure, the EFF warned that Parliament has compromised its integrity, a development that "should concern all Constitution-loving and law-abiding citizens in this country." The party highlighted that the work Madonsela might have done for the study group cannot constitute conflict of interest because the ANC is not party to any of the litigation taking place surrounding Ramaphosa and Phala Phala. "… Ramaphosa's averment that Madonsela's role and removal from the JSC might have caused Madonsela to resent Ramaphosa is without merit and irrational," the EFF explained.
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  South Africa’s 3% inflation goal is robust, Central Bank study shows 09.09.2026 3мин

  South Africa's 3% inflation goal is robust, Central Bank study shows South Africa's 3% inflation target can withstand a range of economic shocks as expectations have become better anchored and more forward-looking, the central bank said in a new study. In the absence of major shocks, there's a 78% chance that inflation will remain between the central bank's 2% and 4% tolerance band, authors Theo Janse van Rensburg, Jeffrey Rakgalakane and Rudi Steinbach said in an economic note published late Tuesday. South Africa formally lowered its inflation target to 3% in November with a 1 percentage point tolerance band, replacing the 3% to 6% range that had been in place for 25 years. The central bank had aimed for the band's 4.5% midpoint since 2017. Since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, the nation has faced mounting price pressures. Restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global supply route, has pushed up oil and fertiliser costs, raising inflation to 4.5% from 3% before the war started. The central bank responded by raising interest rates by 25 basis points in May to 7%, before pausing in July after revising its inflation forecasts lower and to support economic growth. Governor Lesetja Kganyago last week said there is room for officials to continue to adopt a measured approach to interest rates in the face of a polyshock. The study backs up this assessment. A typical shock to key inflation drivers such as food, oil, electricity prices, the rand and expectations, would cause it to deviate by less than 1 percentage point from the 3% goal over a year, the authors wrote. Of the key drivers, oil poses the biggest inflation risk. The study found that an almost 40% oil-price shock lasting three quarters would add an average 0.87 percentage point to inflation in the first year, with the impact peaking at just over 1 percentage point. Yet inflation expectations would rise by only 0.15 percentage point, it found. Even when several shocks occur together, the authors estimate there is a 62% chance that inflation will vary between 2% and 4%. To lift inflation by more than a percentage point for a full year, a shock that would not be considered temporary, the rand would need to depreciate by about 14%, while oil prices would need to rise by around 46%, the study found. Food prices would need to increase by 4.8%, unit labour costs by 5.1% and electricity by 17.1%, and other administrative prices by 9.4%. The study attributes the outcomes to inflation expectations being more forward-looking, particularly since the South African Reserve Bank adopted its preferred goal of 4.5% in mid-2017. "These results reflect increased monetary policy credibility, which bodes well for the achievement of a 3% inflation target," it found. "It is important to note that when lower inflation is accompanied by reduced volatility – as has been the case historically – the responses to shocks are likely to be more muted," the authors said.
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  Govt launches massive crackdown on illegal immigration, hijacked buildings 08.09.2026 5мин

  Govt launches massive crackdown on illegal immigration, hijacked buildings Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced a sweeping, multidisciplinary national strategy to reclaim thousands of hijacked buildings across South Africa's major metropolitan areas and drastically tighten the country's immigration and border controls. Speaking on Tuesday, Kubayi revealed, as head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on migration management, that between April and July 2026, border authorities intercepted more than 4 200 undocumented foreign nationals trying to cross into South Africa outside formal ports of entry, primarily along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, followed by Lesotho and Mozambique. The crackdown has triggered a massive spike in expulsions. Between June 14 and August 20, a staggering 86 596 foreign nationals were processed for deportation and repatriation. Statistics show that 90% of these individuals entered the country illegally, with 95% classified as border jumpers. Citizens of Malawi formed the largest demographic of deportees, followed closely by Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals. To manage localised humanitarian bottlenecks, government is monitoring the ongoing situation in Che Guevara road, in Durban. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is currently assisting the group there with voluntary community reintegration, while compiling information for those wishing to relocate to the Lindela Holding Facility as a temporary alternative. Government's multidisciplinary offensive has also targeted local businesses. Law enforcement has conducted over 350 000 industrial inspections across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, exposing widespread labour and health violations, specifically the deliberate hiring of undocumented workers. To sustain this pressure, government has initiated a massive enforcement expansion, finalising the deployment of 6 317 labour inspectors, which includes 4 017 newly recruited interns and 2 300 experienced inspectors reassigned to joint blitz operations. Furthermore, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has advertised 301 Immigration Inspector posts, with recruitment wrapping up by the end of September. So far, police have registered 205 building-related criminal cases, resulting in 354 arrests and 123 cases already placed on the court roll. Looking forward, Kubayi emphasised that the DHA is actively drafting a brand-new legal framework to overhaul citizenship and immigration systems. Backed by technological upgrades like the newly launched Electronic Travel Authorisation initiative, the reforms aim to eradicate fraud, secure the borders, and transition South Africa into a modern, lawful migration system. ILLEGAL OCCUPATION Kubayi also announced that the IMC has finalised a consolidated blueprint to address the "menacing challenge" of bad and illegally occupied structures, which have rapidly turned into inner-city havens for dangerous crime syndicates, human trafficking and drug distribution networks. A comprehensive IMC report drawing on data from the eight metropolitan municipalities, Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung, Buffalo City, and Cape Town, has identified about 2 400 non-compliant buildings. While the report confirmed that metros already possess the requisite by-laws and enforcement structures to act, a severe legal and financial bottleneck has paralysed executions. Under Constitutional Court rulings, municipalities cannot lawfully evict illegal occupants without providing funded temporary emergency accommodation, a resource most metros lack. During an IMC meeting with metro mayors last Wednesday, mayors raised alarms over bleeding municipal revenues owing to unpaid rates, alongside dangerous, unauthorised water and energy consumption. To counter inner-city decay and stop syndicates, some of which are reportedly orchestrating operations from inside prisons, mayor...
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  Manufacturing, mining weigh on second-quarter economic growth; GDP contracts by 0.2% q/q 08.09.2026 4мин

  Manufacturing, mining weigh on second-quarter economic growth; GDP contracts by 0.2% q/q South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter for the second quarter, following growth of 0.4% in the first quarter of the year, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reports. The manufacturing industry contracted by 1.8%, contributing -0.2 of a percentage point, to the overall GDP figure. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates. The largest negative contributions were reported for the food and beverages; furniture and 'other' manufacturing; and basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products and machinery divisions. Stats SA's data shows that the mining and quarrying industry also contracted by 3%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point to the overall figure. The largest negative contributors were platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese ore, gold and iron-ore. Further, the trade, catering and accommodation industry decreased by 1.9%, contributing -0,2 of a percentage point. Stats SA notes that decreased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, motor trade and food and beverages. North-West University Business School economist Professor Raymond Parsons says the contraction in second-quarter GDP was expected and confirms the "bad knock" the South African economy took – together with many other economies – as a result of the global energy shock in recent months. "After opening the year on a positive note with 0.4% GDP growth in the first quarter, the setback in South Africa's subsequent growth performance reflects the strong pressure it faced in recent months from severe global headwinds on the twin growth and inflation fronts. "The prospect at the beginning of 2026 that the economy would immediately build on the incipient recovery seen in the second half of 2025 has unfortunately not been realised. "In the latest GDP figures, while finance, business services and transport still appear to be 'leading' sectors, mining and manufacturing are for now the 'lagging' ones in the growth outlook. Gross fixed capital formation, which is necessary for sustained job-rich growth, has also disappointed," he comments. Parsons notes, however, that while high-frequency economic data in the third quarter have been mixed, there is evidence that the recovery of the South African economy has been interrupted and delayed rather than "definitively derailed". "Household spending appears stable. A plausible central forecast is now about 1.2% real GDP growth in 2026, but that is lower than the broad consensus of about 1.6% growth anticipated earlier in the year." He adds that better growth prospects remain vulnerable to renewed Middle East escalation, weak fixed investment, borrowing costs and policy uncertainty. "Domestic policy must, therefore, still act to mobilise available tailwinds and reinforce a resumed economic momentum. Changed economic circumstances this year now also have important implications for the South African Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 23, as well as the key policy choices in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement due on October 21," Parsons points out. OTHER STATISTICS Meanwhile, Stats SA reports that the finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 0.3%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point, with the main contributors having been financial intermediation, insurance and pension funding, and other business services. The transport, storage and communication industry grew by 0.9%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point, with increased economic activity reported for land transport. General government services increased by 1%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. This was mainly due to an increase in compensation of employees in extra-budgetary and higher education institutions and provincial government, Stats SA points out. The personal services industry increased by 0.6%, contributing 0.1 of a...
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  Mbalula extols ANC internal nominations process as party challenges IEC in court over 'administrative setback' 08.09.2026 4мин

  Mbalula extols ANC internal nominations process as party challenges IEC in court over 'administrative setback' The ANC has launched an urgent application in the Electoral Court following the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC's) rejection of the party's 181 candidate nominations across six municipalities. Announcing the legal challenge, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula emphasised that despite the "administrative setback", the party is fielding over 9 000 candidates across all nine provinces. Mbalula revealed that the ANC successfully lodged 9 128 candidates for the upcoming November 4 election. Of these, 4 366 are registered on the ward ballots and 4 581 on the proportional representation (PR) ballots. This represents 97% of all available ward seats and 90% of all PR seats across the country. "No other party in this country will come to you with that figure," Mbalula said, framing the scale of the party's registration drive against the localised omissions. "I give it to you first because it is the frame in which everything else must be read." The dispute centres on 181 candidates, comprising 130 on the PR ballot and 51 on the ward ballot, whose electronic submissions did not complete the final step on the IEC's system before the August 28 17:00 deadline. The affected areas are limited to six of the country's 257 councils: Ngquza Hill, Port St Johns, Walter Sisulu, and Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape; uMshwathi in KwaZulu-Natal; and the Mangaung metropolitan municipality in the Free State. Mbalula has clarified reports suggesting the party had completely disappeared from those ballots. In Mangaung, uMshwathi, Walter Sisulu, and Sundays River Valley, the ANC's full slate of ward candidates remains fully registered. Only Ngquza Hill and Port St Johns face disruptions to both the ward and PR ballots, he explained. Defending the party's submission process, Mbalula explained that candidate loading began on July 13, following an extensive internal selection process overseen by Kgalema Motlanthe's electoral committee. However, in the final hour of August 28, operators handling the affected lists were abruptly logged out of the IEC's electronic platform and redirected to the landing page, cutting off final confirmations. The ANC claims the data was already captured within the system prior to the 17:00 deadline, pointing out that the IEC printed reports for those councils on September 3 using that specific data. "Let me repeat there is not a single name the ANC wishes to enter into the Commission's system anew. All the names are inside the system as we speak. Whether that is submission in law is the question the Court will decide," Mbalula stated. The IEC officially refused the ANC's request to process the stored information on September 4, prompting the party to approach the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein under Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act. The application seeks to overturn the IEC's decision and direct the commission to recognise the submissions as valid. Mbalula noted that its legal battle carries implications for the broader political landscape. According to IEC records, 2 274 candidates from 45 different political parties experienced identical electronic submission failures. Mbalula highlighted that out of 299 parties using the electronic route, 45 could not complete the process, whereas none of the 224 parties lodging by hand reported similar difficulties. Despite the litigation, Mbalula says the party maintains confidence in the electoral body. "The Electoral Commission is an exemplary institution by any global standard," he said. "There is no question about its integrity, or about its standing as a guardian of our democracy."
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  Businesses not yet feeling the effect of reforms, as confidence drops – BLSA 07.09.2026 4мин

  Businesses not yet feeling the effect of reforms, as confidence drops – BLSA Businesses are unfortunately not yet feeling the impact of structural reforms on the ground, with felt progress important in the move toward a new operating environment in which electricity is priced through competitive markets and logistics services can be accessed through multiple operators, says business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busisiwe Mavuso. "Only when we have fully functioning and competitive markets for electricity and logistics services will business sentiment respond; when companies start to see their input costs falling and service reliability improving, they start to build confidence. "This is still a way to go to turn reform into a real improvement in the operating environment," she says. The Rand Merchant Bank/Bureau for Economic Research Business Confidence Index, released on September 2, fell one point to 38 in the third quarter, from the second quarter, which indicates generally negative sentiment, with 62% of respondents dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. This is down significantly from the reading of 47 in the first quarter. There are plenty of signs that reform is moving forward, but business confidence is far behind, says Mavuso. National Treasury, through the Development Bank of Southern Africa, has issued a request for proposals (RFPs) for advisers on the unbundling of State-owned utility Eskom's transmission assets into an independent transmission system operator, which is a significant step. The transaction is complex, and will require the approval of Eskom's lenders, but such restructurings have been successfully concluded in many countries, and there is substantial international experience to draw on, Mavuso points out. The timetable set out in the RFP is ambitious, with the transaction set to be concluded in the next 18 months. While the plan has faced resistance in some quarters, BLSA and Eskom fully support the electricity reform programme and the process toward unbundling can now accelerate, says Mavuso. Eskom's lenders are willing to engage to find workable solutions. Treasury's advisers will have an important role to play in aligning those role players and designing a transaction that works for everyone. BLSA will play its part in supporting all role-players to achieve that outcome. It is critical to establishing the foundations of growth in South Africa's economy. Further, an update on progress with the rail network statement was provided by the Department of Transport (DoT). The network statement is a crucial document that sets out how private operators can access the national rail network. It is important for the logistics reform process and has the potential to unlock billions of new investment in rolling stock and rail infrastructure. The DoT will publish the final statement at the end of September. This is behind schedule, but better a high-quality network statement that works than meeting a deadline with something that does not work, Mavuso says. "Logistics and electricity are growth enablers. They are the preconditions for the investment that will drive growth toward our more than 3% target and the job creation that would follow." TRADE ADVANCES On the trade front, an agreement was signed between the India Commonwealth Trade Council and the India South Africa Chamber of Commerce. Improved trade relations are important for the business outlook, says Mavuso. South Africa does not have a coherent trade strategy. India is an example of a much more coherent strategy, and has 14 signed free trade agreements, compared with the seven agreements and customs union arrangements South Africa has, she says. India also has six preferential trade agreements when South Africa has one. "We have had lengthy stop-start engagements with India on trade opportunities, and perhaps this agreement will support progress toward a mutually beneficial outcome." Further, the two-year extens...
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  Court shuts down UDF’s bid to get IEC to extend candidate nomination deadline 07.09.2026 4мин

  Court shuts down UDF's bid to get IEC to extend candidate nomination deadline The Electoral Court has handed down a decisive judgment dismissing an urgent application by the newly registered United Democratic Front (UDF), which sought permission to participate in the upcoming local government elections despite missing the critical candidate nomination deadline. The applicant, which was officially registered by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on August 24, failed to comply with the August 28 deadline to submit its ward candidate nominations. Under the 2026 local government election timetable published on August 7, all political parties and independent candidates intending to contest wards were required to submit their nominations by 17h00 on that date. After the IEC denied a request for an extension, the party approached the Electoral Court on an urgent basis. During the proceedings, the UDF proposed an alternative relief package. It sought permission to nominate "placeholder" candidates in selected wards, intending to substitute them with permanent candidates before the next relevant deadline in the timetable. The party argued that because its registration was finalised only four days before the nomination deadline, it lacked sufficient time to properly identify, recruit and secure consent from suitable ward candidates. It contended that the IEC should have used its powers under Section 11(2)(a) of the local government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000 to amend the election timetable in the interest of ensuring a free and fair election. However, the Electoral Court rejected these arguments in their entirety. The court clarified that while Section 11(2)(a) allows the IEC to amend the election timetable via the Government Gazette if deemed necessary for a free and fair election, it does not grant the Commission the authority to exempt an individual political party from a deadline that remains legally binding on all other participants. Furthermore, the court noted that under Sections 11(3) and 17 of the Municipal Electoral Act, all acts relating to ward nominations must be completed by the exact date and time stipulated in the official timetable. Consequently, the Commission possesses no statutory power to condone late ward nominations. The judgment emphasised that strict adherence to electoral timetables is fundamental to protecting the integrity of the democratic process. It stressed that uniform deadlines promote equity among political parties and independent candidates, enable the IEC to administer elections efficiently and impartially, and ensure that the public perceives the elections as genuinely free and fair. Allowing an individual party to bypass these deadlines would prejudice compliant participants and compromise the Commission's neutrality, it argued. The court similarly dismissed the "placeholder" candidate proposal. It ruled that the mechanism would effectively permit new ward nominations after the prescribed deadline, which violates the strict and limited substitution frameworks permitted under the Municipal Electoral Act. The court also highlighted a further legal hurdle under Section 69(1) of the Act, noting that the proposal involved nominating individuals in wards that the party, by its own admission, did not genuinely intend to contest. Ultimately, the Electoral Court found that the applicant's predicament was largely self-created. The party delayed lodging its registration application and failed to conduct necessary preparations for candidate nominations while its registration was pending. The court noted that nothing prevented the organisation from identifying target wards, recruiting prospective candidates, and preparing the required documentation ahead of its official registration. The court concluded that the IEC acted lawfully, rationally, and reasonably in refusing the extension, adding that the commission was correct in assessing that a timetable amendment was unnecessary. This ruling ...