Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

South Africa will be playing an active role in the push for reparations to be paid to the counties of the global South in particular Africa for slavery and colonialism. President Cyril Ramaphosa from as far back as 2021 had raised concern that even after its abolition, victims of slavery remained marginalised in the Americas, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Millions of the descendants of Africans who were sold into slavery remain trapped in lives of underdevelopment, disadvantage, discrimination and poverty. SA calls on the UN to put the issue of reparations for victims of the slave trade on…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has unveiled a staggering R2 billion fraud scandal involving multiple criminal syndicates at Tembisa Hospital, shaking the foundations of public trust in South Africa’s healthcare system. This extensive inquiry stems from a probe initiated in 2021, following the tragic shooting of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, drawing attention to a web of corruption that has laid waste to public funds. During a press briefing held at the hospital on Monday, SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi revealed the grim scope of the plunder. “We have uncovered three coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion,” Mothibi…

The Madlanga Commission, officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, is currently grappling with serious allegations against high-ranking police officials in South Africa. Set in motion by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, the inquiry has drawn a significant amount of public attention as compelling testimonies arise surrounding claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya used their duties to support criminal syndicates and drug cartels. The foundation of these allegations was laid out during recent hearings, where witnesses, including Kwazulu-Natal Director of Public…

In a fiery response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial assertion that the Democratic Alliance (DA) governs better than the African National Congress (ANC), ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji has labelled the claim as ignorant and misleading. The comments, made during a roll-call meeting at the FNB Stadium attended by over 4,800 ANC councillors on Monday, have ignited a storm of criticism within the party and beyond. Malatji addressed the media in Johannesburg, asserting that the reality of the DA’s governance record is far from the rosy depiction suggested by Ramaphosa. He likened the comparison to “comparing apples with bananas,”…

The ANC is set to press ahead with a planned reset of the Government of National Unity amid disapproval and panic to allow for more unity of progressive black parties. The party vowed to intensify talks with other progressive political parties, inside and outside the coalition given the tension with the DA. Its weekend meeting of the National Executive Committee, the highest structure did not discuss the GNU having recently adopted a motion to expand the government of national unity. The NEC dealt instead with a plan to drastically improve performance of municipalities which culminated with a roll call meeting…

As the Urban 20 summit approaches this weekend, Johannesburg and Pretoria are facing pressing challenges posed by uncontrolled population growth. Executive mayors Dada Morero and Nasiphi Moya convened a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday, where they outlined the mounting pressures on infrastructure and the emergence of informal settlements that threaten the cities’ stability. Morero highlighted that while both cities are grappling with the implications of immigration, Johannesburg is bearing the brunt of the crisis. He cautioned that the unchecked influx of people, both legal and illegal, is considerably straining the already fragile municipal infrastructure. “We are seeing an overwhelming…

The Madlanga Commission, tasked with investigating systemic issues within South Africa’s criminal justice system, has announced that portions of the hearings will be conducted in secrecy to safeguard witnesses and sensitive information. The inquiry will officially commence on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, amid growing concerns over political interference and criminal infiltration within law enforcement agencies. During a media briefing held in Pretoria, Evidence Leader Mathews Chaskelson emphasised that witnesses who fear for their safety, or who are providing sensitive testimony involving state secrets, will testify in camera—meaning behind closed doors. “We understand the need for transparency but where state secrets…

The City of Tshwane is poised at a critical juncture, grappling with the leadership of Kleinfontein, a controversial whites-only settlement located in Pretoria. In a stark warning, officials have indicated that the ongoing stand-off could result in the township facing demolition if the current impasse persists.At a recent handover of title deeds in Extension 10, Soshanguve, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlement, Aaron Maluleke, expressed dissatisfaction with negotiations, noting the significant challenges posed by the Afrikaner-only enclave that has escalated the matter to the courts. “While we can engage with illegally established townships like Plastic View, it has been almost…

The South African government is facing an urgent housing crisis, as the waiting list for public housing continues to grow, compounded by widespread unemployment and the devastation of natural disasters. With over 4,000 informal settlements throughout the country and a backlog of three million housing units, Human Settlement Minister Thembi Simelane has announced a shift in strategy regarding public housing provision, moving beyond the traditional Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses. During a recent title deed handover ceremony in Extension 10, Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, Simelane expressed concern over the compounding factors contributing to homelessness—particularly the ongoing floods in KwaZulu-Natal…

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has issued a stern warning to South Africans to brace for potential economic repercussions as the US Trump administration weighs its next moves. This caution follows reports suggesting that President Trump is contemplating removing South Africa from the international payment system SWIFT, a move that could significantly cripple the country’s economy. Amid heightened tensions, Lamola noted that while South Africa has been subject to various retaliatory measures from Trump, including harsh tariffs, the proposed removal from SWIFT remains uncertain and could be mere speculation. “What I’ve read in the media is what is alleged could…