Newsroom

Newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has committed to tackling the extensive challenges within the department with a determined and innovative approach, Times Live reports. Acknowledging issues such as visa processing delays, long queues, and the notorious “system offline” problem, Schreiber emphasized the need for significant reforms to improve efficiency. He highlighted the economic impacts of these inefficiencies, such as the loss of skilled professionals due to visa delays, and stressed that his mission goes beyond operational efficiency to restoring dignity in the home affairs experience. Schreiber’s predecessor, Aaron Motsoaledi, had previously appealed for more funding to address these challenges, which continue to hinder the department’s performance.

Image credit: Leon Schreiber, X

According to Times Live, talks between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng for forming a government of provincial unity have failed. The DA is expected to announce this after a meeting with the ANC on Tuesday. The two parties had been negotiating a power-sharing deal but could not reach an agreement, leading to a deadlock. ANC Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi had postponed the announcement of his executive due to this impasse. Although Lesufi was prepared to offer the DA three positions in his executive, the DA declined, insisting they deserved more. Meanwhile, the ANC is reportedly in discussions with the MK Party, which has previously supported Lesufi.

After being sworn in for a second term, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of job creation and economic growth, stating that any party in the government of national unity (GNU) that fails to meet these objectives will be removed. The GNU comprises the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, and GOOD, Times Live reports. Ramaphosa took his oath before Chief Justice Raymond Zondo at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and is set to announce his cabinet soon. With 47% of South Africans receiving social grants and an official unemployment rate of 32.9%, Ramaphosa is determined to ensure all GNU parties contribute to addressing these economic challenges.

Image credit: @PresidencyZA, X platform.

South Africa’s second-largest political party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has joined the African National Congress (ANC), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Patriotic Alliance (PA) in forming a Government of National Unity (GNU), Business Tech reports. Announced by DA leader John Steenhuisen at the National Assembly’s first sitting on June 14th, the coalition will control 272 out of 400 parliamentary seats, collaborating to elect key officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and speaker Thoko Didiza. The GNU agreement, soon to be public, outlines executive decision-making processes, conflict resolution mechanisms, and guidelines for policymaking and budget finalization.

Image credit: The PresidencyZA, X platform.

According to News24, the MK Party has reached out to the IFP for coalition talks just 48 hours before the first sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, where key positions will be elected. Despite IFP provincial chairperson Thami Ntuli ruling out a coalition with the MK Party, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa did not dismiss the possibility in a recent interview. The MK Party, emphasizing shared political goals such as restoring the dignity of the Zulu kingdom, enhancing service delivery, and boosting the economy, has requested formal discussions. The IFP has yet to respond and plans to address the matter in a press briefing.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo announced that the first sitting of the newly-elected parliament will be on Friday, June 14th, to elect the President, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker, while the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will hold its first sitting on Saturday, June 15th, to elect the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, Business Tech reports. The ANC, for the first time, does not hold a majority in parliament, having lost significant support to Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party. Due to the MK Party’s planned boycott, arrangements for its MPs were cancelled to avoid unnecessary expenditure. Provincial legislatures must also meet within 14 days of the election results to elect their respective Speakers and Premiers.

The African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is forming a Government of National Unity (GNU) after failing to secure a majority in the recent elections. Following a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Ramaphosa emphasized that this coalition aims to address key issues such as job creation, economic growth, and crime, while adhering to principles of social justice and good governance. Though coalition governments can slow decision-making due to necessary compromises, they promote moderate policies and accountability. The ANC will collaborate with various political parties, including the EFF, DA, and IFP, to form this unified government. This move is seen as essential for national development and addressing the needs of all South Africans. (The Citizen).

Image credit: President Cyril Ramaphosa, X platform.

Standard Bank’s CEO, Sim Tshabalala, expresses optimism about the stability and performance of South Africa’s financial markets following the establishment of a new government, regardless of its composition, IOL reports. Historical data indicates that the country’s markets tend to rally post-elections, with eight out of ten elections since 1980 showing positive market reactions. Tshabalala emphasizes the resilience of South Africa’s institutions and their ability to function effectively. Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki suggests that the new government should scrap Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which he believes drive corruption and inefficiency. Despite mismanagement issues in sectors like railways and electricity, Mbeki remains positive about the country’s economic prospects, stressing that South Africa is not in crisis but needs new political parties representing diverse groups.

Thabo Bester, a convicted murderer and rapist, made an emotional plea in the Free State High Court, citing severe restrictions and challenges in mounting his defence due to direct oversight by the national commissioner of prisons, News24 reports. Appearing with his lover, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, and seven others facing charges related to his 2022 prison escape, Bester reported harsh confinement conditions, mistreatment, and limited contact with the outside world. He expressed frustration with media portrayal influencing public opinion, insisted the charges were politically motivated, and controversially suggested the public petition for his execution if convinced of his guilt. The case was postponed to July 24.

The KwaZulu-Natal police are on high alert due to potential unrest following the MKP’s claims of election fraud, News24 reports. The MKP, founded by former president Jacob Zuma, alleges fraud after finding unmonitored ballot papers and has filed a criminal complaint. They plan to pursue their grievances through the justice system before deciding on further action. Zuma hinted at possible future guidance if their concerns aren’t addressed. Despite heightened security measures, including additional police and army deployments, no significant threats have materialized yet. The MKP has also launched a social media campaign to discredit the election results.