Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

The storm is far from over for Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, despite being cleared by an internal party probe into allegations that he misused a party credit card. Steenhuisen, who has also been subjected to a garnishee order by a commercial bank over an unpaid R150,000 credit card debt, reportedly repaid the amount owed to the DA. This repayment ultimately resulted in the internal finding that he was not guilty of misconduct. However, while the DA has maintained that there was no wrongdoing, the party’s former head of finance and ex-minister, Dion George, has now lodged a formal…

The African National Congress (ANC) has struggled to explain what appeared to be a poorly attended celebration of its 114th anniversary, held at Moruleng Stadium in the North West, where only one side of the grandstand was occupied. The party attributed both the late start of the programme and the failure to fill the 20,000-seater venue to traffic congestion. This was despite buses having been arranged from across the country to transport supporters to the event. Throughout most of the proceedings, ANC leaders appeared to ignore the visibly low turnout, with speakers repeatedly declaring that “the ANC lives and the…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered what is arguably his strongest condemnation to date of separatist and right-wing groupings that have been lobbying foreign governments to intervene in South Africa’s internal affairs. Addressing supporters during the ANC’s January 8 anniversary statement at Moruleng Stadium in the North West, Ramaphosa accused the groups of lying, conspiring, and actively working to undermine South Africa’s constitutional democracy. He singled out efforts to court foreign powers — including elements within the administration of former US president Donald Trump — to take punitive action against South Africa. Ramaphosa said organisations such as AfriForum, alongside other right-wing…

Communities across South Africa’s North West province are calling on government to intervene and force mining companies to comply with their legally binding Social Labour Plans (SLPs), which are meant to ensure that host communities benefit from mining operations. Residents say their frustration has grown due to what they describe as ongoing exploitation by mining companies, including failures to rehabilitate land after minerals are exhausted, prioritise local residents in hiring, support local entrepreneurs, and contribute to the development and maintenance of public infrastructure. While Social Labour Plans are mandatory for all licensed mining companies, communities argue that enforcement has been…

The government has announced that it will take steps to rein in dissident groups and individuals who are actively lobbying the administration of United States President Donald Trump to take adverse action against South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement in response to recent calls by right-wing groups urging Trump to intervene in South Africa with the aim of toppling his government. These renewed calls follow the United States’ invasion of Venezuela, which resulted in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Over the years, right-wing groups in South Africa have promoted false claims of a so-called…

Despite being the only nominee for the position of Gauteng Judge President, Judge Aubrey Ledwaba is not guaranteed appointment to the powerful post. While it remains unclear why no other candidates were nominated, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has stressed that Ledwaba’s shortlisting does not amount to an automatic appointment. Ledwaba, who has been implicated in testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, is the only candidate shortlisted for interview for the position of Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court — a development that has raised concerns in some quarters that the post is…

There was widespread outrage following Bafana Bafana’s CAF group-stage defeat to Egypt in Morocco, with much of the anger directed at Burundian referee Pacific Ndabihawenimana after several controversial decisions. The referee awarded Egypt a soft penalty in the first half, while denying South Africa what appeared to be a clear penalty in the final minutes. Head coach Hugo Broos did not hold back in his assessment of the officiating.“Take the first penalty — even Mo Salah said to me after the game he was surprised it was given. It was ridiculous, really ridiculous,” Broos said. “Then look at our penalty:…

The government is seriously considering issuing licenses to small-scale miners as part of efforts to curb escalating illegal mining in the North West. On Monday, a high-level delegation led by North West Premier Lazarus Mogotsi and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia visited Bapong Ba Mogale, one of the areas worst affected, where residents say they are living in fear. They were joined by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, North West Community Safety MEC Wessels Morweng, and Economic Development MEC Oageng Molapisi. The delegation held lengthy discussions with the local traditional authority over the ongoing crisis. Police have arrested more…

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has assured the public that the suspects in the murder of DJ and businessman Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock will be arrested imminently. Masemola confirmed that the alleged shooter has been identified and is being actively pursued, with an arrest expected before Monday. The Commissioner made the remarks on the sidelines of a ceremony in Pretoria, where 162 vehicles were handed over to SAPS Gauteng. “We will go and catch him, wherever he is,” Masemola said. Warras, 40, was shot and killed on Tuesday outside the Zambezi Building in Johannesburg’s CBD. CCTV footage captured the…

The South African government has once again asserted its sovereignty in response to pressure from the Trump administration following the arrest and deportation of seven Kenyan nationals in Johannesburg. The individuals were found working unlawfully while processing refugee applications for white Afrikaners seeking relocation to the U.S., linked to claims of racial persecution and state-backed land grabs. In a carefully worded statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) emphasized that the deportations were fully compliant with South African immigration and labor laws, and that Washington’s threats were unwarranted. “The recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department…