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According to The South African, Not In My Name International has called for the immediate closure of Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria, after shocking videos surfaced showing a brutal assault allegedly involving the club’s security. The nightclub management admitted excessive force was used but shifted the blame to a now-terminated security company, denying claims that the assault was over an unpaid bill. Authorities, led by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, are investigating multiple charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, and violations of privacy laws. The police have urged victims to come forward, assuring full support and swift justice. Meanwhile, compliance inspections will determine whether Zanzou has adhered to legal regulations, with mounting public pressure for its closure.

According to EWN, President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls to withdraw South African troops from the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing that their peacekeeping mission is essential for stability in Africa. Approximately 2,000 SANDF soldiers are deployed under UN and SADC mandates, but the recent clashes with M23 rebels have resulted in the deaths of 14 South African troops. Their remains were repatriated and honored in a memorial service in Tshwane, where Ramaphosa stated that pulling out now would be dishonorable to their sacrifice. Critics argue that the mission is a “suicide mission,” with concerns about inadequate equipment and supplies for SANDF troops. However, SANDF chief Rudzani Maphwanya defended the deployment, asserting that soldiers were adequately armed and resourced. Despite ongoing criticism, the multinational mission is set to continue until the end of the year, with South African troops still stationed in Goma, now surrounded after the rebels captured the capital of North Kivu province.

Jacob Zuma, leader of the MK Party (MKP), has demanded a public apology from his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, after she made disparaging remarks about the party’s secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, on social media, News24 reports. In a series of X posts, Zuma-Sambudla called Shivambu “useless” and “the worst thing that happened to MK,” prompting the party to take disciplinary action. The MKP issued a statement condemning her comments as a violation of the party’s disciplinary code, emphasizing the need for unity and respect. She has been instructed to apologize to Shivambu, MKP members, and supporters, as well as to all structures she serves in, or face expulsion from the party. The party also warned that failure to comply would lead to immediate consequences, including the termination of her membership and removal from leadership roles. Shivambu has not personally responded to the controversy but acknowledged it by retweeting the party’s statement.

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Jacob Zuma vs. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla – The MK Party leader demands an apology from his daughter over social media remarks. Source: News24 #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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According to Times Live, the EFF has hit back at Elon Musk after he called for Julius Malema to be declared an international criminal and sanctioned. Musk’s comments were based on an old video of Malema speaking about “cutting the throat of whiteness.” Malema responded by calling Musk a “spoiled brat” and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for black equality. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo dismissed Musk’s remarks, accusing him of interfering in South African affairs and acting as an imperialist. The party also criticized Musk’s influence in global politics and reiterated its stance that Starlink must comply with local ownership laws to operate in SA.

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Ndlozi Quits EFF – Former EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has left the party to become a university lecturer. Source: Scrolla #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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According to The Citizen, South Africa’s national minimum wage will increase from R27.58 to R28.79 per hour, effective 1 March, as announced by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth. This increase applies to domestic workers and farm workers, while employees in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) will receive a 67-cent increase, bringing their hourly rate to R15.83. Cleaners working for certain municipalities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Tshwane, must be paid at least R31.69 per hour. Learnership programs also have new tiered minimum allowances, ranging from R433.33 to R2,527.66 per week, depending on the level. Employers struggling to meet the new wage requirements can apply for exemptions through the Department of Employment and Labour, but they must provide financial records and proof of consultation with employees. If granted, a copy of the exemption certificate must be displayed in the workplace. Otherwise, all employers must comply with the new rates starting 1 March.

According to The Citizen, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be a key moment for the Government of National Unity (GNU), either highlighting divisions or demonstrating a unified vision. Political analyst Prof. Theo Neethling expects Ramaphosa to address major issues, including controversial laws like the National Health Insurance (NHI), the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, and the Land Expropriation Act, which have sparked tensions within the coalition.

Economic challenges such as unemployment, service delivery, and infrastructure failures are also expected to be priorities, along with security concerns like crime and regional stability. Additionally, Ramaphosa may discuss international matters, including US aid threats and conflicts in Africa. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including the DA’s John Steenhuisen and MK party’s John Hlophe, are set to share their expectations for the speech.

Questions have arisen about Elon Musk’s influence on the US government’s negative stance toward South Africa, given his significant financial support for Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, according to The Citizen. Musk, who has previously expressed concerns about anti-white sentiments in South Africa, responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s denial of land confiscation by questioning the country’s land ownership laws. Analysts suggest Musk may be influencing Trump’s views on South Africa, particularly in light of its stance on global issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Experts warn that Trump’s administration may impose diplomatic and economic pressures on South Africa, urging the government to develop strategies to manage its relations with the US. South African politicians have expressed concern over Trump’s unpredictability and potential use of foreign aid as leverage to influence domestic policies.

Eskom has warned of a high risk of load shedding after more than 10 months of uninterrupted electricity supply. Recent breakdowns requiring extended repairs have put pressure on emergency reserves, with load shedding up to Stage 4 possible over the weekend. This announcement comes just after Nersa approved a 12.7% electricity tariff hike—far lower than Eskom’s requested 36.1%. Despite these challenges, Eskom recently celebrated 300 days without load shedding, the longest stretch since 2018, and has saved R16.42 billion in diesel costs due to improved power plant performance.

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Eskom warns of possible load shedding after 10 months of uninterrupted power. Source: The Citizen #news #tiktoksouthafrica #loadshedding

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According to Mail & Guardian, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame issued a strong warning to South Africa, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government of distorting facts about the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His statement came after 13 South African soldiers were killed while deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), intensifying scrutiny on Pretoria’s military involvement. South African officials have blamed the violence on the M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defence Force, while Rwanda dismisses SAMIDRC as a “belligerent force” supporting the Congolese government and working alongside the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kagame contradicted Ramaphosa’s statements, claiming South Africa had requested Rwanda’s logistical help rather than issuing any warnings. He asserted that if South Africa sought peace, Rwanda welcomed it, but if it preferred confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s role in the DRC as part of a regional peacekeeping effort, calling for all parties to respect existing peace agreements and the DRC’s territorial integrity.