Author: Motlhaping Modise
The clock is ticking for South Africa’s political parties as they face a 14-day deadline to form coalitions in 127 hung councils, while only 86 councils secured an outright majority following last week’s local government elections. South Africa’s political landscape has been permanently altered. A country once dominated by a single liberation movement has officially transitioned into a highly fragmented and competitive multi-party system. Coalition talks are officially under way following the formal declaration of the election results by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Sunday. The commission declared the elections free and fair, revealing a highly fragmented political landscape…
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS), which assessed voters’ experiences and perceptions of the electoral process during the local government elections held on 4 November. The HSRC reported that an overwhelming majority of voters regarded South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections as free and fair, with 90% expressing confidence that the electoral procedures were free and 91% satisfied that they were fair. Speaking at the official declaration of the election results, IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya welcomed the findings, saying they reflected continued confidence in the country’s electoral…
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured South Africans that it is ready to administer the 2026 Local Government Elections, urging eligible voters, political parties, independent candidates, election observers and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful Election Day on Wednesday. Briefing the media at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya confirmed that ballot papers and essential election materials had been secured and distributed to voting stations, with logistical, security and operational arrangements in place. Moepya called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and respect the electoral process. “We urge voters, political parties, independent…
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU)-appointed curator is pursuing information about a vehicle allegedly located at a property in Midrand, Johannesburg, believed to be linked to the Tembisa Hospital investigation. The curator is tracing eight outstanding vehicles, including four Ferraris, three Porsches and one Bentley, linked to the alleged R900 million Tembisa Hospital corruption syndicate. The SIU said a recent tip-off from an anonymous whistle-blower led investigators to a property allegedly belonging to a business associate of businessman Hangwani Maumela, where a luxury Bentley was reportedly hidden. “While a raid on the premises revealed that the vehicle had already been moved,…
With a few days to go before the local government elections, the battle for the 35 wards of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, based in Mogwase in the North West province’s Bojanala Platinum District, is reaching fever pitch. While 25 political parties are contesting the elections, independent candidates are attracting considerable local attention by promising a direct alternative to traditional party politics. The rural municipality, which covers 107 villages and the two traditional townships of Madikwe and Mogwase, will see a total of 653 ward candidates contesting the upcoming elections. Among them are ten independent candidates determined to break the party-political…
Business leaders in Mahikeng have raised concerns about systemic government bottlenecks and delayed payments for services rendered to provincial government entities, saying the problems are pushing small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) towards financial collapse. The challenges, including alleged non-compliance by some provincial government entities with regulations requiring valid invoices to be paid within 30 days, were raised during a meeting with Deputy Public Protector Advocate Dinkie Dube on Wednesday. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, Dube said the engagement was aimed at gathering first-hand accounts of payment delays affecting businesses that provide services to government. “During our engagement today with…
With less than a week remaining before South Africans head to the polls, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged registered voters to prioritise integrity, competence and accountability when choosing their local government representatives. Millions of eligible voters are preparing to cast their ballots on Wednesday, ushering in the seventh administration of local government. The elections are expected to play a significant role in determining the leadership and development priorities of municipalities across the country. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba emphasised that the association does not dictate whom communities should elect. Instead, SALGA works…
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will conduct its Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS) on election day during next Wednesday’s Local Government Elections, encouraging South Africans to share their experiences of the electoral process. This year’s elections hold historical significance, marking 30 years since South Africa held its first democratic municipal elections in 1995/96. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, Dr Steven Gordon, Chief Research Specialist in the HSRC’s Developmental, Capable and Ethical State Research Division, urged voters to participate in the survey by sharing their honest views with fieldworkers stationed at selected voting stations. Gordon said the survey would help assess…
South Africa’s robust border security measures at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, have resulted in the seizure of illicit cocaine worth more than R200 million. According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), SARS Customs and the Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted five luggage bags containing 216 blocks of cocaine, weighing approximately 250 kilograms. SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the joint team for its vigilance and professionalism. “General Masemola emphasised that SAPS and its partners remain fully committed to strengthening border security, dismantling…
As the festive season approaches, the South African Government is intensifying efforts to prevent crime and ensure the safety of communities, visitors and holidaymakers. The North West provincial police leadership, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Police and the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, has officially launched the province’s 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, signalling a firm stance against crime ahead of the holidays. The launch took place at Lehurutshe Sports Ground, near Zeerust, marking a province-wide deployment of law enforcement officers to protect residents, tourists and businesses during the high-risk festive period. Running from 1 October 2026…