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  DA stands by ‘due process’ as MP Mark Burke addresses SARB probe 18.08.2026 3min

  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 2min

  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 3min

  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 3min

  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 4min

  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 2min

  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 1min

  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 3min

  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 1min

  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 2min

  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 1min

  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 5min

  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 2min

  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 1min

  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 3min

  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.
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  Presidency rebukes Eskom chair over criticism 11.08.2026 2min

  Presidency rebukes Eskom chair over criticism South Africa's presidency rebuked the chairperson of Eskom for publicly questioning the plan to restructure the State power utility. The authorities are committed to ensuring that Eskom doesn't end up in a worse financial position than its current one, with a broad range of interested parties involved in the discussions about the unbundling of the utility, presidency spokesman Vincent Magwenya said on Tuesday. Magwenya's comments came in response to Eskom chairperson Mteto Nyati, who warned last week that plans to transferring the power company's transmission assets to an independent operator may trigger change-of-control provisions in lending agreements, create accounting complications and unsettle bondholders. Chief Executive Officer Dan Marokane in June said the unbundling needs to be handled in a way that's sustainable for the company. "It is unfortunate that Mr. Nyati creates an impression as if there's a process that's underway without the inclusion of Eskom and at the detriment of Eskom," he said. "All of Eskom's concerns are well known and have been thoroughly discussed in government and with Eskom." The dispute between the presidency and Eskom's board highlights growing tensions over the sequencing of the utility's break-up, with investors closely watching whether the transfer of transmission assets will weaken Eskom's balance sheet or alter protections for creditors. President Cyril Ramaphosa last month backed a plan for the establishment of an independent transmission system operator, ending a century-old monopoly by Eskom and bringing in private producers and traders to create a liberalised electricity market. The National Treasury is expected to appoint advisers in the coming weeks to begin negotiations with Eskom's lenders over the planned separation of the transmission business, Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse said last week. That process is likely to be central to determining how the restructuring can proceed without impairing creditors. The presidency emphasised that the Eskom Restructuring Task Team includes representatives from Ramaphosa's office, the Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom and the National Transmission Co. South Africa. Eskom has said it supports the creation of an independent transmission system operator, but has argued that ownership of the transmission assets should remain with the utility during an interim period, until financial and creditor-related risks have been resolved. The transmission business is particularly important to Eskom's finances because it contributes about 40% of the utility's earnings, according to Nyati. He said removing the assets before legacy liabilities are addressed could materially weaken Eskom's balance sheet. The government remains committed to establishing a fully independent operator, Magwenya said. The reform is a key policy objective under the Electricity Regulation Act and is intended to support a competitive wholesale electricity market, investment and economic growth, he said.
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  Official unemployment rate rises to 33.6% in the second quarter 11.08.2026 2min

  Official unemployment rate rises to 33.6% in the second quarter Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has confirmed that South Africa's official unemployment rate increased by 0.9 of a percentage point to 33.6% for the second quarter, compared with 32.7% in the first quarter of this year. Stats SA's Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the number of unemployed persons increased by 345 000 quarter-on-quarter to 8.5-million, while the number of employed persons decreased by 16 000 quarter-on-quarter to 16.7-million. This resulted in an increase of 329 000 in the labour force during the same period. Discouraged job-seekers decreased by 227 000 quarter-on-quarter to 3.7-million, while other available job-seekers decreased by 49 000 quarter-onquarter to 861 000 and unavailable job-seekers decreased by 4 000 quarter-on-quarterto 44 000, resulting in a net decrease of 280 000 to 4.6-million in the potential labour force. Those outside the labour force for other reasons increased by 72 000 quarter-on-quarter to 12.5-million. Furthere, persons outside the labour force, which is the total of those in potential labour force and others outside the labour force, decreased by 208 000 to 17.1 million in the second quarter. Stats SA points out that, in addition to the unemployment rate, other indicators of labour underutilisation were measured. The combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment increased by 0.7 of a percentage point to 36.6%, while the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force increased by 0.1 of a percentage point to 43.8%. The composite measure of labour underutilisation, which combines time-related underemployment, unemployment and potential labour force as a proportion of extended labour force, remained unchanged at 46.3% in the second quarter. These labour underutilisation measures highlight people in different situations with different degrees of attachment to the labour market, Stats SA states.
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  South African police sound alarm on political crime before vote 07.08.2026 1min

  South African police sound alarm on political crime before vote South Africa's acting police chief said she is deeply concerned about the potential for politically-motivated violence ahead of municipal elections on November 4. South Africa has a long history of political violence, and several politicians have been murdered this year. That includes two councillors from the African National Congress, the biggest party, one Democratic Alliance candidate, two members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and two from the Economic Freedom Fighters. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the killings. "There is absolutely no justification for taking the life of another person because of political differences or political contestation," Puleng Dimpane, the acting national police commissioner, told reporters in Pretoria on Friday. "We are issuing a stern warning to anyone who is planning attacks, assassinations or acts of violence for political gain." The local government poll is the first since the 2024 general election that saw the ANC lose the overall majority it had held since the end of apartheid. Polls show support for the party has declined further and it risks losing control of a number of towns and cities.
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  Voters’ Roll Closed: Municipal elections proclaimed for Nov 4 07.08.2026 2min

  Voters' Roll Closed: Municipal elections proclaimed for Nov 4 South Africa is officially heading to the polls on November 4 for the highly anticipated 2026 municipal elections. The announcement follows the official gazetting of the date by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, signalling the formal closure of the voters' roll and the start of the election period. The proclamation fulfils Hlabisa's responsibility under Section 159 of the Constitution, read alongside the Municipal Structures Act. This legislation mandates that local government elections must take place within 90 days of the end of a five-year municipal term. With the date now legally locked in, the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has officially closed voter registration. Earlier this week, the IEC said following the gazetting, it will spend the coming weeks managing logistics, verifying candidate lists, and providing regular public updates on the road to the voting stations. Hlabisa expressed his gratitude to citizens who actively registered during the IEC's final voter registration weekend. He urged all South Africans to maintain a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election environment. "I urge all South Africans, especially women, youth, persons with disabilities, and people in rural areas under different traditional authorities, to go out and strengthen our democracy by voting," Hlabisa stated. ACTIONSA SETS SIGHT ON 'BROKEN MUNICIPALITIES' ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont declared his party's operational readiness to contest the elections, aiming to target what the party describes as South Africa's "broken municipalities." Beaumont revealed that ActionSA has radically transformed its electoral strategy since the 2021 municipal elections, moving from a regional player to a "formidable national contender". ActionSA will contest just under 60 municipalities and over 2 000 wards this year, a staggering increase from the six municipalities it contested in 2021. Following organisational growth after the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the party has expanded its footprint deep into municipalities outside its traditional stronghold of Gauteng. Beaumont highlighted that candidates were chosen through direct branch consultations to ensure local representation. "These are not candidates who have never stepped foot in the wards they seek to lead," Beaumont emphasised. "Local problems require local solutions, championed by local leaders."
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  Mbalula heads to court, Integrity Commission over Dlamini-Zuma's vote-buying claims 07.08.2026 3min

  Mbalula heads to court, Integrity Commission over Dlamini-Zuma's vote-buying claims ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has announced legal action against party veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, following allegations that he distributed money during the party's 2022 national elective conference. Mbalula confirmed he will also refer the matter to the ANC Integrity Commission to clear his name. During a recent appearance on the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by former EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Dlamini-Zuma levelled explosive allegations against high-ranking ANC officials, claiming that illicit financial influence heavily dictated internal election outcomes. Specifically, she accused Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and ANC NEC member Ronald Lamola and Mbalula of participating in vote-buying during the ANC's 54th National Conference in 2017. She also went on to accuse Mbalula of "dishing out money" at a clinic facility during the 55th National Conference in 2022 to secure his position and protect Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency. Dlamini-Zuma alleged that a circulating audio recording directly implicated Lamola in these transactional activities. Lamola issued a strong demand to Dlamini-Zuma to publicly retract claims linking him to vote-buying at the party's 2017 elective conference, categorically denying any involvement in vote-buying through phone calls, voice notes, or any other medium at any point in his career. While emphasising his respect for Dlamini-Zuma's liberation struggle credentials, Lamola made it clear that a formal retraction is necessary to avoid escalating the matter legally. Mbalula also denied the claims during a media briefing on Friday, stating that the damage to his reputation is too severe to handle through informal internal discussions. He rejected any possibility of a quiet political compromise. "There is no political solution to a charge that you have stolen money," Mbalula said. "It's either you accept you have stolen money, you have dished money, or otherwise you clear yourself." Mbalula pointed out that Dlamini-Zuma did not raise these concerns during the 2022 conference, noting that his home has never been raided, nor has any evidence of illicit cash been found. Defending his decision to pursue litigation, Mbalula referenced historical instances of ANC leaders making public claims that failed under legal scrutiny. He cited former President Jacob Zuma's unproven allegations that Derek Hanekom was an apartheid-era informer and that Ngoako Ramatlhodi was a "sellout" at the Zondo Commission. Mbalula argued that if Hanekom had not challenged Zuma in court, those damaging claims would have permanently been accepted as historical facts. While emphasising that he has no animosity toward the African Renaissance Podcast or public political debates, Mbalula warned that senior party leaders must not use media platforms to denigrate colleagues without substantive evidence. He said while he respects the "unmatched struggle history of elders" such as Dlamini-Zuma, he said must exercise "their advisory roles cautiously and guide the current leadership rather than launching unsubstantiated personal attacks".