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  Parly champions coordinated regional strategy for migration governance, expansion of legislative dialogue 20.08.2026 3мин

  Parly champions coordinated regional strategy for migration governance, expansion of legislative dialogue Parliament must move beyond reactive measures and lead the charge in building robust governance systems, driving evidence-based policies, and leveraging parliamentary diplomacy to address the complex realities of continental migration. This according to Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation chairperson Supra Mahumapelo, following the conclusion of a multi-stakeholder workshop on migration governance and parliamentary diplomacy. The workshop, hosted with the International Organisation for Migration and the Wits School of Governance, brought together lawmakers and experts to dissect shifting migration trends. Participants firmly rejected isolated interventions, concluding that migration is a "multidimensional phenomenon" requiring deep coordination between government and civil society. Mahumapelo stressed that the phenomenon is a permanent global and continental reality. The State's responsibility lies in strengthening institutional and administrative systems, deepening regional and international cooperation, promoting social cohesion across host and migrant communities and addressing the fundamental socioeconomic root causes of displacement, he said. The discussions identified labour mobility, economic disparities, and Africa's rapidly growing youth demographic as the primary drivers of migration across borders. To counter irregular migration, the committee noted that African governments must urgently prioritise creating sustainable domestic economic opportunities. By empowering young people within their own nations, countries can mitigate the economic pressures that force citizens to migrate, the discussions concluded. Furthermore, the committee stressed that South Africa's management of migration must remain anchored within the framework of the Constitution, the rule of law, and its broader international human rights obligations. A breakthrough at the workshop was the proposed expansion of legislative dialogue. Lawmakers agreed that unilateral policies are insufficient for shared border dynamics. Mahumapelo revealed plans to scale up communication channels directly with neighbouring parliaments whose citizens are highly impacted by migration. The long-term strategy involves elevating these bilateral talks to continental bodies such as the Pan-African Parliament to harmonise regional frameworks and support broader African integration. To convert the workshop's insights into actionable governance, the committee outlined several urgent policy recommendations, urging for the overhauling of current migration laws to fit modern geopolitical realities, eliminating bureaucratic silos between State departments and upgrading municipal infrastructure to handle shifting populations. Mahumapelo also called for the rolling out of initiatives to counter misinformation and xenophobia and to institutionalise regular forums to monitor policy progress. He said Parliament has pledged to utilise its legislative and oversight powers to ensure these integration, development, and social cohesion targets are actively met.
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  DA wants Parly hearing after scathing SCA ruling on Kusile pollution 20.08.2026 2мин

  DA wants Parly hearing after scathing SCA ruling on Kusile pollution The DA has requested an urgent joint oversight hearing in Parliament following a landmark Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment regarding ongoing pollution at Eskom's Kusile power station. The party describes the ruling as a damning indictment of the power utility and the regulatory bodies tasked with monitoring it. The SCA overturned a 2024 High Court dismissal, ruling that Eskom failed in its legal duty to control, minimise, and rectify water pollution flowing from Kusile into downstream water resources and neighbouring farmlands. The court found Eskom in breach of its 2008 environmental authorisations, the National Environmental Management Act, the National Water Act and Section 24 of the South African Constitution. DA spokesperson on Electricity and Energy Kevin Mileham confirmed the party wants an urgent joint hearing involving the Electricity and Energy, Water and Sanitation, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment committees. The DA wants Eskom's board, executive management, and relevant departmental directors-general to appear before Parliament to table a comprehensive corrective action plan, pollution monitoring data and enforcement records, environmental and social conditions linked to Kusile's financing and disclosures of lender notifications, waivers, and independent environmental reviews. Mileham highlighted that the costly Kusile was funded by taxpayers, yet suffered years of unaddressed pollution limits and weak regulatory enforcement. The judgment raises critical questions about what Eskom communicated to its international and domestic lenders, he added. Eskom's own financial statements show that environmental performance previously impacted its loan agreements. During previous temporary-stack arrangements, Eskom had to engage three lenders to avoid breaching loan conditions, while two lenders mandated independent environmental reviews. Parliament must now establish whether these newly identified pollution failures triggered financial exposure clauses, whether lenders were formally notified, and if the National Treasury was advised of potential fiscal risks, Mileham said. The SCA has placed tight timelines on the State entities: Eskom must file a sworn corrective action plan within 30 days and report on implementation within 60 days and directors-general have 75 days to explain what enforcement action will follow. The DA maintains that since the public has already "paid heavily" for Kusile's cost overruns and delays, Parliament must ensure environmental failures do not create further financial ruin. The party wants Eskom and its regulators to now be held strictly accountable to the deadlines imposed by the court.
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  South Africa consumer inflation slows more than expected in July 19.08.2026 1мин

  South Africa consumer inflation slows more than expected in July South Africa's inflation rate slowed for the first time in five months in July, partly due to a steep drop in fuel costs, but analysts said it could soon climb again as renewed US-Iran hostilities had since driven global oil prices higher. Headline inflation in Africa's largest economy eased to 4.3% year-on-year, lower than the 4.5% predicted by economists polled by Reuters and June's 5.0% reading, Statistics South Africa data showed on Wednesday. The agency attributed the slowdown to three main factors: softer food inflation, lower municipal tariff increases and a decline in fuel prices. Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation fell to its lowest level in more than 16 years, reaching 0.9% in annual terms, largely due to cereals and meat. Municipalities implement tariff increases in July each year, and most categories saw smaller increases than in 2025. Petrol prices decreased by 7.1% and diesel by 11.7% between June and July, pulling the annual rate for fuel down to 20.6% from 34.3% in June. Inflation remains above the central bank's 3% target. August's inflation reading comes out on the same day as the bank's next monetary policy announcement on September 23. The central bank surprised investors and economists by keeping rates unchanged in July, saying its policy was restrictive enough to return inflation to its target within two years.
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  Ramaphosa objects to Thandazani Madonsela as Impeachment Committee evidence leader 19.08.2026 2мин

  Ramaphosa objects to Thandazani Madonsela as Impeachment Committee evidence leader President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally objected to the appointment of advocate Thandazani Madonsela as the Chief Evidence Leader for the upcoming parliamentary impeachment inquiry, claiming conflicts of interest. The objection has forced the Section 89 Impeachment Committee to halt proceedings and seek urgent independent legal opinion. Ramaphosa argued that Madonsela has "clear conflicts of interest". And in his submissions, the President pointed out that he removed Madonsela from the Judicial Service Commission in 2022. This history creates a risk of a personal grievance, Ramaphosa argued. He also said that the ANC noted that Madonsela previously advised the party on matters tied to this exact impeachment inquiry. Ramaphosa made the submissions under rule 167, which allows interested persons to submit concerns to the National Assembly and its committees, section 54, which gives the President the right to speak in the assembly and section 41(1)(h), which requires State organs to share information and try to avoid legal battles. ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula explained that party representatives abstained from voting on advocate Madonsela. The party is concerned that a legal expert who advised a client on a case should not act in a neutral or decision-making role on that same matter later. The President believes this appointment breaks core conflict-of-interest rules and should not go forward. "I am not aware of the nature or extent of the information disclosed to Adv. Madonsela SC, nor of the nature or extent of the legal advice he provided. I understand, however, that the ANC has addressed a letter to the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly raising concerns regarding Adv. Madonsela SC's recommendation based on the legal advice which he previously provided. "Ordinarily, a legal practitioner ought not to act in a matter that is substantially the same as one in which he or she previously advised a former client who is involved in that matter, particularly where confidential or privileged information may have been disclosed," said Ramaphosa. He noted that a person should not assume a decision-making or quasi-adjudicative role in proceedings concerning a matter in which they previously acted for, or advised, a party who is to be directly or indirectly affected by those proceedings. Following a heated debate and a subsequent vote, the committee resolved to refer Ramaphosa's objection to Parliament's Legal Services Office to assess their available options. Committee chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed that the committee will also use this pause to finalise its framework. Members have until Wednesday to submit written feedback on the draft terms of reference. The committee will officially reconvene on September 1 to review these submissions and chart the path forward based on the incoming legal opinion.
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  DA removes Mark Burke from finance committee amid SARB probe 19.08.2026 2мин

  DA removes Mark Burke from finance committee amid SARB probe The DA has removed Mark Burke from Parliament's finance committee and his role as the party's finance spokesperson following a South African Reserve Bank (SARB) investigation into a company, Kastelo Proprietary Limited, with which he is linked. While the party maintains a "strict stance on accountability" and awaits formal findings, it said it acted to avoid conflicts of interest, appointing Kingsley Wakelin as the new finance spokesperson. On Tuesday the party affirmed its commitment to due process and the independence of State institutions. DA Federal Council chairperson Ashor Sarupen stated that the party will not interfere with or prejudge the ongoing central bank probe, adding the party maintains a "strict stance on accountability" but emphasised that decisions must be guided by "verified legal outcomes rather than premature assumptions". The party vowed to not treat Burke as guilty without formal findings and that it will "act appropriately" if any "competent authority" proves wrongdoing. Responding to media reporting on Tuesday, Burke expressed his "full respect" for the SARB's investigation into potential exchange control contraventions but urged accurate factual reporting. Burke clarified that he is not the chairperson of Kastelo Proprietary Limited and he holds no operational involvement in the investigated company. Burke said he previously chaired the broader Kastelo Group but exited that role in February 2026. He added that he originally resigned from Kastelo in 2024 to pursue his political career. Addressing the recent legal setback, Burke noted that the High Court judgment was strictly procedural. Burke maintained that he has consistently acted ethically, taking extensive proactive steps since entering Parliament to avoid any potential conflicts of interest regarding his former business ties. He revealed that he formally notified the DA leadership and the parliamentary finance committee secretary that he must be entirely recused from any matters involving the SARB. POLITICAL BACKLASH The GOOD Party said Burke is unfit to serve on Parliament's Standing Committees on Finance and Appropriations and Public Accounts. "What is alarming about the Burke case is not only the scale of the alleged contraventions by his company, Kastelo, but also the modus operandi manipulating the modest wealth of relatively poor people to maximise financial benefits to the privileged," said GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron. While the DA can choose whoever it wishes to speak about finance on its behalf, Herron said it besmirches parliament's integrity for Burke to have continued serving as a parliamentary financial watchdog.
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  DA stands by ‘due process’ as MP Mark Burke addresses SARB probe 18.08.2026 3мин

  DA stands by 'due process' as MP Mark Burke addresses SARB probe The DA has affirmed its commitment to due process and the independence of State institutions following reports of a South African Reserve Bank (SARB) investigation into financial services company Kastelo Proprietary Limited, and which involves DA MP and party federal finance chairperson Mark Burke. DA Federal Council Chairperson Ashor Sarupen stated that the party will not interfere with or prejudge the ongoing central bank probe, adding the party maintains a "strict stance on accountability" but emphasised that decisions must be guided by "verified legal outcomes rather than premature assumptions". The SARB probe is investigating exchange control contraventions relating to the company, Katselo, which was founded by Burke. The party said it will not treat Burke as guilty without formal findings and that it will "act appropriately" if any "competent authority" proves wrongdoing. The party highlighted its belief in the independence of regulatory bodies. "There is no finding of wrongdoing against Burke that would justify the DA treating him as though such a finding had already been made," Sarupen explained, stressing that this stance applies to all party representatives. Responding to the recent media reporting on Tuesday, Burke expressed his "full respect" for the SARB's investigation into potential exchange control contraventions but urged for accurate factual reporting. Burke clarified that he is not the chairperson of Kastelo Proprietary Limited and he holds no operational involvement in the investigated company. Burke said he previously chaired the broader Kastelo Group but exited that role in February 2026. He added that he originally resigned from Kastelo in 2024 to pursue his political career. Addressing the recent legal setback, Burke noted that the High Court judgment was strictly procedural. The court ruled only that the Reserve Bank had sufficient grounds to maintain a temporary blocking order while its inquiry continues. "The High Court judgment does not make any finding of wrongdoing against Kastelo, nor myself," Burke said. "Nor does the judgment constitute a finding that exchange control contraventions have been proven." Burke maintained that he has consistently acted ethically, taking extensive proactive steps since entering parliament to avoid any potential conflicts of interest regarding his former business ties. He revealed that he formally notified the DA leadership and the parliamentary finance committee secretary that he must be entirely recused from any matters involving the SARB. "The record of recusal is very clear," Burke said. "I did this to maintain strong ethical boundaries and will continue to do so." Furthermore, the MP confirmed that all required financial disclosures were submitted "timeously and accurately" to the parliamentary Register of Members' Interests. Burke emphasised that he remains confident the completed SARB inquiry will vindicate him, noting that no personal allegations of misconduct or investigations have been directed against him.
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  Nene appointed Financial and Fiscal Commission chair 18.08.2026 2мин

  Nene appointed Financial and Fiscal Commission chair President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Nhlanhla Nene as chairperson of the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) and Malijeng Ngqaleni as its deputy chairperson. Additionally, Bulelwa Nqadolo, Neo Tsholanku, Andrew Donaldson and Astrid Ludin have been appointed as members of the commission. The appointments are for a period of five years. The chairperson serves as a full-time member, while the deputy chairperson and the other members serve on a part-time basis, the Presidency says. The FFC's primary objective is to make recommendations to Parliament, the provincial legislatures, local government and other organs of State on financial and fiscal matters as envisaged in the Constitution and other national legislation. Nene is a former Finance Minister and has served as a Member of Parliament, as Finance Deputy Minister and as a member of the Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Ngqaleni is currently a member of the FFC. She formerly served as National Treasury Intergovernmental Relations deputy director-general, as well as Provincial and Local Government Infrastructure chief director and Provincial Budget and Policy Analysis director. Nqadolo previously served as Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury Municipal Financial Governance deputy director-general, CFO and chief director, as well as Eastern Cape Financial Administration director. Further, Tsholanku serves as South African Revenue Service (SARS) Legal Services Head of Corporate. He previously served as SARS Head of Criminal Investigations, and as State-owned utility Eskom Legal and Compliance GM, chief legal adviser and legal team manager. Tsholanku has served as South African Broadcasting Corporation senior legal adviser, was a practising advocate and has also served as Public Prosecutor. Donaldson is a University of Cape Town Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit senior research associate. He is a former National Treasury deputy director-general responsible for the Budget Office and Public Finance, and served as Government Technical Advisory Centre acting head. Ludin is president of the International Organisation of Pension Supervisors. She was a deputy commissioner of regulator the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), where she was responsible for oversight over financial markets and retirement fund supervision, as well as the digital transformation of the FSCA. Additionally, Ludin served as Companies and Intellectual Property Commission Commissioner, as Department of Trade, Industry and Competition deputy director-general, as Competition Commission deputy commissioner and as senior adviser at regulator the Prudential Authority. Ramaphosa thanked former FFC chairperson Dr Patience Nombeko Mbava for her dedication and expertise during her term of office.
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  Joburg collapse guarantees national failure, warns CDE report 18.08.2026 3мин

  Joburg collapse guarantees national failure, warns CDE report Preventing the total collapse of Johannesburg must become an urgent national priority. This is the warning issued by Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) director Ann Bernstein, following the release of the organisation's report, 'Johannesburg Matters: Fixing South Africa's Growth Engine'. Bernstein emphasised that Johannesburg is the single municipality whose failure guarantees national failure. If South Africa's principal economic gateway cannot be saved, the entire country's growth and development are in jeopardy, she said. The CDE report outlines a failure across every core dimension of the municipality's mandate and indicates that structural decay is evidenced by alarming financial and operational metrics. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed the city owes creditors R25.2-billion, while holding just R3.9-billion in cash. Johannesburg Water faces an infrastructure backlog of R26.6-billion. At current spending rates, replacing the city's aging pipes will take nearly 200 years. The city has an electricity infrastructure backlog of R44-billion, resulting in a staggering 54 132 power outages between July and December 2025 alone. In the second quarter of 2026, Johannesburg recorded the highest official unemployment rate among South African metros at 35.9%. The city lost 90 000 jobs between April 2025 and June 2026, while Cape Town gained 57 000. The CDE warned that these crises are not isolated and form a "destructive feedback loop". "Poor governance destroys municipal finances, which halts infrastructure maintenance. Consequently, businesses and skilled professionals flee, eroding the tax base and leaving fewer resources to fix the city," the organisation pointed out. The root of Johannesburg's decay is political instability, the CDE states. Since 2016, the city has cycled through nine different mayors and eight fragile coalitions. The total absence of a mayor completing a full five-year term has destroyed stable, long-term planning. According to Bernstein, continuing down this road of "dysfunctional, unstable coalitions" means an accelerated decline. She said weak leadership will remain incapable of making hard decisions, appointing skilled professionals, or attracting vital investment. The upcoming local government elections present a stark choice for voters, Bernstein said, adding that the city's crisis is political, not technical, and requires a clean break from unstable coalitions. "Johannesburg can recover," Bernstein insisted. "This is only possible if the elections produce stable, honest political leadership." However, new leadership cannot fix the metro in isolation. Reversing the decline will require the incoming government to actively mobilise outside experts and forge deep partnerships with Johannesburg's private sector, financial markets, academic institutions, and civic organisations. https://www.polity.org.za/article/johannesburg-matters-joburg-in-jeopardy-2026-08-18
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  South Africa takes over regional economic bloc as trade falters 17.08.2026 3мин

  South Africa takes over regional economic bloc as trade falters South Africa is taking over leadership of the Southern African Development Community with a push to deepen regional commerce, as the bloc's own assessment shows it faces tepid economic growth, persistent trade barriers and declining industrialisation. Pretoria's ascendancy to the chairmanship of the 16-member bloc this month follows protests against undocumented migrants in South Africa that forced tens of thousands of people, mainly from Zimbabwe and Malawi, to leave the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to address that issue directly before SADC leaders began a summit on Monday, saying South Africa was "deeply concerned and ashamed" that nationals of other countries had recently faced discrimination and ill-treatment. "We cannot preach integration at summits and practice exclusion in our streets," he said. SADC's State of the Region report, scheduled to be adopted at the summit in the eastern port city of Durban on Monday, shows intra-bloc trade remains below pre-pandemic levels, with manufacturing losing ground and growth too weak to meet its job-creation and economic development targets. Intra-regional trade grew to 20% in 2025, according to the report. Nine long-standing non-tariff barriers remain unresolved, while recurring trade disputes, import restrictions and surcharges continue to increase the cost of doing business across borders. Regional growth increased to 3.4% last year and is forecast at 3.9% in 2026. Yet Zimbabwe was the only SADC member to meet its 7% growth target in 2025, and none are projected to reach it this year. Manufacturing's contribution to regional gross domestic product fell to 10.9% in 2025, well short of the bloc's target of 30% by 2030. Remittance Flows South Africa exported $28.3-billion of goods to SADC in 2024 and imported $6.8-billion, data compiled by the Stellenbosch, South Africa-based Trade Law Centre shows. The bloc accounted for 91% of South Africa's intra-African exports, with the country supplying neighbours with industrial goods, machinery, food and consumer products. The imbalance is also reflected in remittances. More than R112-billion was remitted from South Africa to SADC countries between 2016 and 2024, according to South African Reserve Bank data. Remittances to the region rose to R19.3-billion in 2024, with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi accounting for 90% of payments. Remittance inflows from SADC countries to South Africa totalled R25.6-billion over the period, leaving an R87-billion difference. South Africa's yearlong chairmanship of the bloc will focus on promoting industrialisation, regional value chains and infrastructure, with the government seeking greater processing of critical minerals and agricultural products within the region. The bloc's Regional Development Fund is also expected to feature prominently as SADC seeks to mobilise capital for industrial projects and infrastructure. Its 2026-27 corporate plan calls for implementation of a revised roadmap for the fund.
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  Ramaphosa calls for common market in SADC to develop industries 17.08.2026 4мин

  Ramaphosa calls for common market in SADC to develop industries The 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, with a combined population of nearly 400-million people, have abundant natural resources, a youthful population and the means to produce everything that its people need, says South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. SADC needs to create a dynamic common market in which countries trade. No country in the region can build an integrated power system, develop cross-border corridors, manage shared water resources or withstand the full force of climate change on its own. "We need to remove the costs that we have imposed on ourselves, from reducing the price of phone calls and money transfers to reducing waiting times at our borders and harmonising customs procedures. However, this must not be limited to only increasing trade with each other. "We must produce goods and services together. We must assemble cars in one SADC country from parts manufactured in another, using materials produced in a third," he states in a weekly letter to the nation. Southern Africa has abundant energy resources, minerals and land, skills, technology, industrial capabilities and strong financial institutions. However, the region imports much of the goods and services it needs. Trade among SADC countries accounts for only about 20% of their combined total trade. "Our region holds much of the world's critical minerals, yet we export the ore and import the battery. We are supplying an industrial revolution taking place elsewhere and buying back its products at a price set by others," he says. SADC countries must link their economies through corridors of goods, services and industry. The Maputo, North-South, Trans-Kalahari, Beira and Lobito corridors are being developed, but the region needs to do more so that they become living arteries of commerce, carrying freight, electricity, data and people, Ramaphosa says. Further, the region has the Southern African Power Pool, which means that electricity generated in one country powers businesses and lights homes in another. The task now is to widen that pool to ensure all parts of Southern Africa have a reliable supply of affordable energy, he adds. SADC must similarly develop its shared water resources so that every country has the water it needs to supply its industries and its people in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, SADC needs to invest in infrastructure and industry. However, the region's most precious asset is its people. More than half of SADC's population is under the age of 30. To realise this demographic dividend, SADC must ensure every young person is given the best foundation for success in life. "As a region, we should work together to ensure every child has sufficient food and water, that they have quality healthcare and can access early childhood development. To realise their potential, we need to invest in our schools, universities, technical and vocational colleges and research institutions." These are some of the actions that this SADC Summit will consider as South Africa works to achieve SADC's Vision 2050 for an integrated, productive and prosperous region. South Africa hosted the forty-sixth Summit of SADC, in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, on August 17, starting the country's turn as chair of SADC. South Africa's focus is on the practical steps needed to further integrate the economies of SADC and build a dynamic regional market, which is becoming increasingly important in the context of growing turbulence in the global economy. South Africa's membership of SADC is about the creation of jobs and improving the quality of life of South Africans, growth of its industries, the development of its infrastructure and the health and well-being of its people. "South Africa's prosperity is bound to that of our neighbours. All of us must now turn the enormous potential that our region has into growth, development and jobs," says Ramaphosa.
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  KZN Premier urges SADC to renew commitment to public diplomacy as leaders meet 14.08.2026 2мин

  KZN Premier urges SADC to renew commitment to public diplomacy as leaders meet Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's public lecture for the 46th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thami Ntuli urged proactiveness and adaptiveness to deal with changing economic and geopolitical dynamics. South Africa is hosting heads of State in KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme 'Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity'. The public lecture aims to initiate reflection and public dialogue on practical pathways for advancing regional integration, industrialisation, infrastructure development, peace, security and inclusive development in Southern Africa. Speaking at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday, Ntuli welcomed delegates by declaring that continental unity is not a slogan but a responsibility. As South Africa faces immigration tensions with fellow African countries, Ntuli urged togetherness through deliberate effort. "…a Summit succeeds not only in what is signed, but in what is understood. Let SADEC gathering in Durban inspire a renewed commitment to public diplomacy – investment in exchange programmes, regional media partnerships, and cultural cooperation. Let our citizens know each other as SADC intended: not as foreigners bound by treaty, but as one people bound by a shared future," he said. He described the Summit as the architecture of shared prosperity and as a catalyst for a working political economy. He said KZN's trade infrastructure was not provincial but regional, highlighting the importance of Durban and Richards Bay in ensuring trade between SADC countries. "We therefore carry a responsibility beyond our provincial borders. Every rand we invest in our ports serves this region. Every improvement to our logistics corridors serves this region. Every partnership we build serves the SADC vision of shared growth," Ntuli said.
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  Court reinstates NSFAS board, suspends administrator appointment 14.08.2026 1мин

  Court reinstates NSFAS board, suspends administrator appointment The Pretoria High Court has granted interim relief suspending the appointment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula and immediately reinstating the institution's board. The ruling temporarily reverses the May decision by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela to dissolve the board and place NSFAS under administration owing to ongoing governance instability. In May, following consultations and consideration of alternatives, Manamela announced the appointment of Mathebula as NSFAS Administrator. Welcoming the court's decision, the NSFAS board announced that its urgent focus will centre on stabilising the financial aid institution, strengthening internal governance mechanisms and fulfilling the core mandate of providing financial assistance to eligible South African students. While the interim relief allows the board to return to office under Part A of the application, the legal battle is not yet concluded. Part B of the review application is still awaiting a final determination by the High Court. Because the matter remains sub judice, the board noted it will not comment further on the ongoing legal proceedings. The board addressed the widespread public concern and controversy surrounding NSFAS operations. The leadership pledged to investigate outstanding issues as a matter of priority, stating that appropriate legal and administrative action will be taken if any wrongdoing is identified. Furthermore, the board reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with Manamela and broader higher education stakeholders to navigate the sector's current challenges.
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  SADC Summit: Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia, GBV 14.08.2026 3мин

  SADC Summit: Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia, GBV President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday delivered a powerful vision for the renewal of Southern Africa, calling for urgent regional action on gender-based violence, xenophobia, migration and climate change. Heads of State gathered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, where Ramaphosa delivered a public lecture, stressing that achieving the region's long-term developmental goals is possible but requires shifting from policy debates to direct action. He emphasised that the continent's response to abuse must focus heavily on prevention, survivor support, stricter legislation and better prosecutions. While advocating for more specialised sexual offences courts, he noted that legal action alone is not enough. "Prevention does not begin with women," Ramaphosa stated. "It begins with the men and the boys in our homes, our schools, our churches, our workplaces, and our taverns, who must be raised to reject violence and abuse." Meanwhile, addressing recent instances of discrimination within South Africa, Ramaphosa expressed deep concern and shame over the ill-treatment of foreign nationals. He condemned criminal acts as a "total rejection of regional solidarity", reminding the audience that Southern Africa's identity and diversity have been shaped by migration over millennia. Looking toward the region's 'Vision 2050', Ramaphosa called for an environment where people can move freely and legally. To achieve this, he urged regional leaders to collaborate on addressing the root causes of desperate migration, conflict and political instability, governance failures, deep-seated poverty and a lack of equal economic opportunities. Ramaphosa warned that economic development and foreign investment are impossible in war zones. He pointed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the gravest test of regional unity, paying tribute to the Southern African soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for peace there. Additionally, Ramaphosa welcomed progress in Mozambique's Inclusive National Dialogue and praised the ongoing diplomatic interventions led by the SADC Panel of Elders in Madagascar. He stressed that regional accountability institutions and election observation missions must be fully resourced to ensure democratic transparency. Reflecting on the devastating April 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal that claimed over 400 lives, Ramaphosa highlighted climate change as an immediate threat to infrastructure and livelihoods. To prevent future catastrophes from catching the region off guard, he proposed that the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre be strengthened for immediate, unified disaster responses. He urged for a shifting focus toward proactive disaster mitigation rather than reactive relief and said Southern African must present a united front on climate loss and damage during international climate summits. Ramaphosa stated that the ultimate success of Vision 2050 rests in the hands of the youth, rather than current political leaders. He challenged students and young people to hold leaders accountable for the implementation of regional goals. "One hundred and twenty years ago, the renewal of Africa was a proposition to be defended against a hostile world," Ramaphosa said. "It is no longer a proposition. It is a programme of work. It has actions, assigned responsibilities, and deadlines.
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  MKP calls ConCourt dismissal of Phala Phala interdict appeal ‘lazy’ 13.08.2026 1мин

  MKP calls ConCourt dismissal of Phala Phala interdict appeal 'lazy' The MKP on Thursday said the Constitution Court's decision to dismiss an application asking for direct access to appeal the halting of the Impeachment Inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa was "lazy". The apex court refused the application, brought by the African Transformation Movement, to overturn last month's High Court decision, which granted Ramaphosa an urgent interdict to halt the impeachment process. As a result, Parliament ceased its public hearings into the Phala Phala game farm scandal. The Constitutional Court concluded that it is not in the interest of justice to hear the matter at this stage. An imminent judicial review decision in the Western Cape Division of the High Court will likely render the interim interdict moot, the order read. The MKP said it was concerned by the ruling and regarded the decision as a "regrettably evasive judicial response". "The Constitutional Court has missed an opportunity to pronounce decisively on whether a lower court may interfere with, suspend, circumvent or effectively overrule a decision or process flowing directly from the Constitutional Court itself. That is not a peripheral procedural issue. It goes directly to the hierarchy, authority and integrity of our constitutional judicial system. At a time of growing public concern about whether powerful office-bearers are subjected to the same standards of accountability as ordinary citizens, decisions of this nature inevitably deepen public scepticism," the party rationalised. It stressed the need for the judiciary to stay independent and said silence on constitutional questions raises uncertainty than clarity.
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  DA lays criminal charges against 10 ‘worst’ municipal managers 13.08.2026 2мин

  DA lays criminal charges against 10 'worst' municipal managers The DA announced on Thursday that it will lay criminal charges against 10 municipal managers across nine municipalities, labelling these officials the "worst" in the country due to systemic financial negligence. DA Parliamentary leader George Michalakis stated that the targeted officials have presided over a decade of "financial chaos". The charges are based on consecutive "disclaimed audit opinions" from the Auditor-General and the DA has accused these municipalities of regularly ignoring official recommendations and failing to submit basic financial statements. According to Michalakis, local resources are being "milked dry" while citizens are left without basic services. The criminal charges target 10 specific administrators across four provinces. Free State: Majalefa Matlole of Masilonyana, Mokete Solomon Nhlapo of Nketoana, Mopedi Mohale of Mohokare, Matthews Mofokeng of Maluti-A-Phofung, and Futhulu Patrick Mothamaha, a former manager.North West: Olaotse Bojosinvane of Ditsobotla and Olehile Allan Losaba of Ngaka Modiri Molema.Eastern Cape: Thabiso Klaas of Sundays River Valley and Pumelelo Maxwell Kate of Makana.Western Cape: Advocate Dillo Sereo of Kannaland. Notably, this is the second time the DA has taken aim at Makana's Kate. The party laid charges against him last year for the ongoing environmental pollution of the Kowie River. The DA is pursuing these cases under Section 173(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, which criminalises gross financial negligence, material accounting irregularities and supplying false information to the Auditor-General. The DA stated that the ANC has historically "recycled" failing officials by moving them between different State roles. DA National Spokesperson Karabo Khakhau stated that the party's objective is to force these individuals into the criminal justice system. Khakhau reiterated that local governance must pivot toward merit-based appointments, strict accountability, and continuous skills development.
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  Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge 13.08.2026 1мин

  Mapisa-Nqakula's corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday postponed the high-profile corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to August 20. The postponement comes at the request of her defence team to secure the transcribed case records required to file an application for a discharge. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) confirmed that the pause in proceedings will allow the defence to prepare an application in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. This statutory provision allows an accused person to apply for an acquittal at the close of the prosecution's case if they believe there is no credible evidence showing they committed the offence. IDAC Spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained that Mapisa-Nqakula has formally placed it on record in court that she will pursue this discharge. The former Speaker faces substantial criminal charges, including 12 counts of corruption for allegedly abusing her official capacity, one count of money laundering linked to State contracts, R4.5-million solicited from a prominent State service provider and R2.1-million allegedly received as direct cash payments. The State has now officially closed its case after presenting its evidence and witnesses. The prosecution team is currently awaiting the formal heads of argument from Mapisa-Nqakula's legal representation regarding the discharge application. Once received, the State will draft and file its counter-reply ahead of the resumed court session next Thursday.
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  SAHRC says water crisis should be declared a state of disaster 12.08.2026 5мин

  SAHRC says water crisis should be declared a state of disaster The South Africa Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stands firm on its view that the country's water crisis needs to be declared a national disaster. This is despite the publication last month of the National Water Plan, developed by the Presidency-led National Water Crisis Committee (Watercom), which promised to tackle the long-standing water challenges. SAHRC Commissioner Dr Henk Boshoff said that given the scale, scope and magnitude of the water crisis, the commission is calling for the water crisis to be declared a national disaster in accordance with the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002. Speaking during a SAHRC-hosted webinar on the water crisis, he explained the water crisis requires an urgent, broad, integrated and coordinated effort, and the declaration of a state of national disaster will enable the mobilisation of emergency funds, better intergovernmental collaboration and deliver a coordinated process. Water-related complaints continue to rank in the top five complaints received by the SAHRC. This, alongside the commission's six provincial inquiries related to water since 2021 across KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape and Gauteng, and the South African Water Rights Tracker, a project partnership between the SAHRC and the University of the Witwatersrand, reveal the scale of the crisis. Through the inquiries and the Water Rights Tracker, the SAHRC has identified several drivers that inhibit the ability of water services authorities to effectively deliver water. These include aging infrastructure; an inadequate funding model; high levels of indebted to water boards, at R28-billion; skills deficit and lack of capacity in technical departments; the discharge of untreated effluent into water resources and high levels of water losses; water sabotage, theft of infrastructure and emergence of water mafias; and a water tankering system fraught with corruption. Boshoff said the water crisis is widespread and causing a significant disruption in the lives of communities. "We are aware that the National Water Action Plan was recently released. We agree that the symptoms have been identified. We agree that there is a proper diagnosis of the problem," he said, questioning, however, if the action plan adequately deals with the challenges going forward. The SAHRC is of the view that declaring a national state of disaster will, among others, ensure greater and enhanced governmental collaboration, budget prioritisation and emergency and speedier procurement. "Government simply does not have sufficient funds at this stage to address the water crisis, and it will be a process that will be unfolding over quite a few years," Boshoff continued, noting that time will tell whether the national water plan is sufficient to address the water crisis. Unpacking the National Action Plan during the seminar, Department of Water and Sanitation director general Dr Sean Phillips said that a state of disaster will not achieve much more than what is already being undertaken to ensure water security. He agreed that urgent action is needed to address immediate crises, however, reforming the sector for long-term sustainability is also required. The declaration of a national state of disaster will not address the core causes of the challenges, and would not result in a sustainable sector. "I can understand the reasoning for it, but I am still not convinced that it would result in much more than is currently the case. [Emergency procurement, for example] might, in the short term, result in some [elements] being addressed more quickly. But unless you address the root causes, the problems are going to keep coming back," Phillips noted. The National Water Action Plan contains the elements required to address the real root causes, which the disaster provisions could not do. Further, he said it would not result in much more money being allocated. "It is a zero-sum game. If y...
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  DA hits back at GNU partner ANC’s ‘Thatcherite’ critique of manifesto 12.08.2026 2мин

  DA hits back at GNU partner ANC's 'Thatcherite' critique of manifesto DA Federal Council Chairperson Ashor Sarupen has hit back at ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula's criticism of the DA's newly launched election manifesto, arguing that the ANC's reliance on "outdated ideological labels exposes its inability to challenge the DA's substantive local government plans". Following the DA's launch of its local government manifesto, ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, Mbalula took to social media to pan the policy document. Mbalula labelled the DA's platform a "Thatcherite" manifesto, accusing the party of aiming to privatise the State. He further noted that the DA's inclusion in the current Government of National Unity (GNU) was merely a byproduct of the ANC losing its outright majority. Sarupen dismissed the remarks as a weak "tantrum", stating that the ANC has no real defence for its own record of failed governance. Sarupen further argued that South African citizens are tired of "liberation-era slogans" and are instead desperate for functioning basic services, such as refuse removal and water. The clash seemingly stems from the DA's manifesto laying out the inclusion of the private sector in doling out basic services in municipalities. Sarupen pointed out that the ANC already relies on private sector participation to prevent total service collapse in municipalities it governs, such as Mafube and KwaDukuza. The DA rationalised that while the State should deliver services efficiently where it can, it must partner with businesses and communities to achieve faster, better-value results. "That is not 'Thatcherism'," Sarupen hit back. "It is called governing." He also noted Mbalula's comment regarding the DA's presence in the GNU. "Perhaps the most revealing part of Mbalula's statement... is his admission that the DA is in the Government of National Unity because of the 'collapse of the ANC majority.' On that, at least, we agree," Sarupen said. He argued that those millions of voters abandoned the ANC because the ruling party confused State ownership with State capacity. Sarupen declared that while the ANC "wastes time" debating 1980s British politics, the DA is focused on getting South Africa's broken municipalities working again.
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  ConCourt dismisses Phala Phala interdict appeal 12.08.2026 1мин

  ConCourt dismisses Phala Phala interdict appeal The Constitutional Court has dismissed an application brought by the African Transformation Movement (ATM), asking for direct access to appeal the halting of the Impeachment Inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa. ATM and its leader Vuyo Zungula brought the case to the apex court, which refused the application to overturn last month's High Court decision, which granted Ramaphosa an urgent interdict to halt the impeachment process. As a result, Parliament ceased its public hearings into the Phala Phala game farm scandal. Ramaphosa's legal team argued that public hearings cannot proceed until a separate judicial review of the Independent Panel's report concludes. The Constitutional Court concluded that it is not in the interest of justice to hear the matter at this stage. An imminent judicial review decision in the Western Cape Division of the High Court will likely render the interim interdict moot, the order read. Consequently, the apex court refused leave to appeal and leave to file a replying affidavit, deciding not to award costs. Impeachment Committee Chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed that parliamentary proceedings will adapt to the legal framework. Despite the halt on public hearings, Gana emphasised that foundational administrative work will continue. The committee's current internal operations include finalising guidelines to direct future committee work and completing recommendations for the evidence leader position. The committee will await an appointment update for the evidence leader at the next meeting and review witness lists once the evidence leader officially joins the team, Gana said.
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  South Africa links Russian financing to coup-accused influencer 11.08.2026 3мин

  South Africa links Russian financing to coup-accused influencer South African prosecutors allege that Russia financed an attempted escape from the country by a social media influencer wanted by Benin in connection with an attempted coup in that country in December. In court papers related to an extradition case filed in South Africa by Benin, prosecutors allege an unlikely alliance between French-born Kemi Séba, the one-time leader of a Black nationalist movement in France, with Francois van der Merwe, who heads South Africa's White nationalist Bittereinders movement. Both are linked to Russia, prosecutors allege. Séba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested in Pretoria together with his son and van der Merwe on April 13 as they prepared to exit South Africa illegally over the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, prosecutors say in the court documents seen by Bloomberg. The police masqueraded as private security hired by van der Merwe to help get Séba out the country. More than R300 000 was seized during the arrest. South African financial authorities have been asked to help trace "the funds that Mr. van der Merwe had received allegedly from the Russians to assist with the safe escorting and transfer of Mr. Capo Chichi from South Africa to Zimbabwe," the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, said in the documents. Russia has provided support to military juntas in West Africa and has been tied to disinformation campaigns across the continent aimed at eroding support for the West. Séba has been accused of aiding those efforts, including through pro-Russian, anti-French online content. Séba was to exit into Zimbabwe and fly to Europe to carry out terror attacks there and in the UK and "the information also mentioned that the person is trained by the Russians and is extremely dangerous," the Hawks said in documents filed when Séba and van der Merwe sought bail. Both are still in custody and the court will hear Benin's extradition case starting August 11. Sinenhlanhla Mguni, Séba's lawyer, said his client denies the allegations of planning attacks, disputes the alleged ties to Russia and opposes the extradition. Johan van Zyl, van der Merwe's lawyer, didn't respond to phone calls, text messages or emails. A phone number listed on Bittereinder's Facebook page wasn't answered. Russia's embassy in South Africa and Russia's foreign ministry didn't reply to emailed queries. Benin issued an international warrant for Séba's arrest after he praised the would-be mutineers on social media. He also faces charges there of money laundering and terrorism. Séba has been a prominent anti-French activist in West Africa. In 2017, he was arrested in Senegal and deported after starting a social-media storm by burning banknotes to protest the regional currency's link to France. He was stripped of French citizenship in 2024 because of alleged incitement of violence against the state. The US Department of State in 2022 accused Russia's Wagner Group of using Séba to promote pro-Russian narratives. Bittereinders says it "unashamedly fights solely for Afrikaner" interests. "We will be free again," it proclaims on its Facebook site. The group also has links with Russia. Van der Merwe attended a meeting of right-wing organisations including Germany's AfD in St. Petersburg last year.