Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

South Africa’s government is actively seeking new export markets as part of a diversified economic strategy. This comes on the heels of the Trump administration imposing significant tariffs, including a staggering 30 percent, that have strained trade relations and prompted local officials to rethink their approach. During a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, alongside Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, emphasised the need for a united cabinet effort to explore alternative trading opportunities. “With regards to diversification, we’ve also agreed in Cabinet that we need to invoke the entire Cabinet in these processes of diversification,”…

The steering committee overseeing the National Dialogue has taken a firm stance on measures designed to thwart any potential theft of public funds during what is set to be a vast and intricate process involving thousands of meetings across South Africa. This commitment comes in light of rising public apprehension about potential procurement malpractices tied to the substantial expenditure associated with the dialogue, estimated to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of rands. Addressing media representatives in Pretoria on Monday, the committee assured that stringent accounting methodologies have been implemented to safeguard not only government funds but also any donations received…

The aftermath of South Africa’s 2024 general elections has echoed with a clarion call for a national dialogue, a response spearheaded by a steering committee intent on addressing the alarmingly low voter turnout. Critics, however, are questioning the legitimacy and necessity of this initiative, suggesting that South Africans have already voiced their opinions through their votes and party preferences. During a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, committee members defended the dialogue, which will feature two national conventions. Steering committee spokesperson, Reverend Zwo Nevhutalu, highlighted the critical need to interrogate why citizens refrained from exercising their democratic rights. “The election…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), led by former President Jacob Zuma, has staunchly defended its recent endorsement of Morocco’s occupation of South Sahara, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism and allegations of betrayal among its critics. The announcement made in Rabat two weeks ago has embroiled the party in a storm of controversy, particularly concerning Zuma’s past position advocating for the independence of South Sahara. During a media briefing held in Johannesburg last Friday, the MKP sought to clarify its stance, asserting that the endorsement was a strategic move aimed at addressing what it termed a “vacuum” left by…

Authorities in the City of Joburg have identified non-compliance with bylaws, illegal connections and vandalism as being among major contributors to the City’s service delivery challenges. Mayor Dada Morero and his staff (composed of representatives from all departments and city agencies) have witnessed the extent of lawlessness in and around Johannesburg. Morero launched his high-impact service delivery drive in Soweto last month and continued it this week in the township of Cosmo City, where infrastructure was discovered to be deteriorating as a result of a variety of factors such as illegal access to services and deliberate destruction, among others. “It’s…

The African National Congress (ANC) is standing resolute in the face of mounting tensions with the United States, driven by what it perceives as a misinformation campaign regarding South Africa’s policies. Following a four-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Germiston last week, party leaders voiced their commitment to continue with transformative economic measures despite recent challenges, including the US’s imposition of 30 percent tariffs that threaten to jeopardise South Africa’s access to the lucrative US market. In a media briefing at the ANC’s headquarters, Luthuli House, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula conveyed the party’s discontent with the US’s demands, labelling…

The African National Congress (ANC) has announced its intention to engage with additional political parties to join the Government of National Unity (GNU). This decision follows a recent four-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where party leaders expressed concerns about the growing influence of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the need for a more stable coalition environment. President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering his closing remarks after the NEC deliberations, stated that parties already existing within the coalition will be prioritised for talks as the ANC seeks to foster stability and unite like-minded allies. “The mooted reconfiguration was aimed at ensuring stability…

The uMkhonto weSizwe party (MKP) has expressed vehement disapproval of the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling that dismissed their application challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave. This swift judgment, delivered in under a minute by Judge Mathopo, has ignited sharp criticism aimed at the apex court, suggesting a concerning trend in how judicial accountability is exercised in South Africa.The court’s brief ruling indicated that it found no grounds for exclusive jurisdiction or direct access, thus refusing the MKP’s application. “The following order is made: one, direct access is refused. Two, costs are…

The legal battle surrounding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave intensified this week as the Constitutional Court delved into the arguments presented by the official opposition, uMkhonto weSizwe (MKP), and its leader, Jacob Zuma. At the heart of the matter lies the constitutionality of Ramaphosa’s actions in the wake of allegations from Kwazulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that gangs, including drug cartels, have infiltrated the country’s criminal justice system and exert significant control over political and legal institutions. Ramaphosa’s legal representatives assert that the president’s authority should be respected,…

The City of Joburg has embarked on an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming Johannesburg into a world-class city. On Tuesday, Executive Mayor Dada Morero spearheaded the launch of a “high impact” service delivery programme in Soweto, marking a significant stride in addressing the myriad service delivery challenges faced by residents. Gathering with members of the Mayoral Committee and various municipal departments, Morero introduced the initiative designed to mobilise all sectors of the municipality simultaneously, targeting specific areas that require urgent attention. “Today we are here with members of the Mayoral Committee together with the entire departments. The intention today is…