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In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, despite opposition from some parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Ramaphosa stated that the Constitution compelled him to sign the bill after Parliament passed it, as he had no reservations about its constitutionality, News24 reports. However, the president delayed implementing two controversial clauses, Sections 4 and 5, to allow for further discussions among political parties regarding school admissions and language policy.

The delay followed appeals from leaders of AfriForum and Solidarity, with opposition parties like the DA challenging the bill’s adoption and substance in court. Ramaphosa emphasized that the GNU remains crucial for the country’s development, acknowledging the diversity of political views but highlighting the spirit of cooperation within the Cabinet.

Thembi Simelane, the Minister of Justice, recently faced Parliament to explain her financial dealings with Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company entangled in the VBS Bank scandal, reports The South African. Simelane, who was the mayor of Polokwane at the time, received a R575,600 loan from Gundo, a municipal service provider involved in an illicit investment deal with VBS. Despite Democratic Alliance MP Damien Klopper challenging her comparison of the loan to borrowing from family, Simelane maintained that she believed Gundo was a registered financial service provider. She claims to have repaid the loan with significant interest, though she has yet to provide proof of payment to Parliament.

Simelane further distanced herself from the VBS scandal, emphasizing that her dealings were solely with Gundo, not VBS. She expressed regret over the financial harm caused to depositors, particularly pensioners in Venda, but reiterated that her contract was with Gundo. The Department of Justice issued a statement affirming that Simelane had repaid the loan and assured Parliament of the existence of proof, though this proof has not been made publicly available. The matter remains contentious, with questions surrounding the legitimacy of her loan and its repayment.

Image credit: South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, X

The MK Party Youth League (MKPYL) has defended Floyd Shivambu, the newly appointed national organiser, against criticism from his former EFF comrades who labelled him a “betrayer” after his resignation from the EFF. MKPYL spokesperson Nkateko Mkhabela dismissed the criticism as “desperate tactics” by those threatened by Shivambu’s move, emphasizing that his experience and leadership will be pivotal in advancing the MK Party’s revolutionary agenda. Mkhabela asserted that the detractors’ reactions stem from fear of the progressive forces reshaping the political landscape, and expressed confidence in Shivambu’s ability to strengthen the party. The full article is available on Times Live.

The MK Party (MKP), a newcomer in South African politics, has overtaken the EFF as the third-largest political party, securing 14.58% of the national vote. The MKP also lured EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, causing turmoil within the EFF. Shivambu, now the MKP’s national organizer, was praised by MKP leaders, including Jacob Zuma, who commended his strategic decision-making. The move has strained relations between Shivambu and EFF leader Julius Malema, who accused him of betrayal. The MKP’s rise and Shivambu’s defection have significantly impacted the EFF, which had expected to gain more support in the elections. For more details, refer to the original article from Times Live.

Image credit: Floyd Shivambu, X

The MK Party (MKP) has undergone a leadership reshuffle, with former EFF leader Floyd Shivambu appointed as the party’s national organiser. The announcement was made by MKP secretary-general Sifiso Maseko on behalf of party president Jacob Zuma. The newly formed national high command, which is the top decision-making body, includes key figures such as Zuma as president, Dr. John Hlophe as deputy president, and Nkosinathi Nhleko as national chair. The changes were revealed during a media briefing in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Image credit: Floyd Shivambu, X platform

According to a report by News24, US singer and actor Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from her husband Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. Lopez filed for divorce on August 20 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, listing April 26, 2024, as their separation date. The filing follows reports that the couple has been living separately, with Lopez canceling her summer tour and the couple putting their Beverly Hills home up for sale. Lopez and Affleck, who earned the nickname Bennifer, first met in 2002, got engaged in 2003, and split in 2004 before reuniting and marrying in July 2022. The couple, who had a Las Vegas wedding followed by a traditional ceremony in Georgia, does not share any children together but has five from previous relationships.

EFF leader Julius Malema has taken a combative stance against his former deputy, Floyd Shivambu, and any potential defectors from the party. Initially, Malema expressed goodwill towards Shivambu when he left to join the MK Party, even suggesting Shivambu could return to the EFF if his new venture failed. However, in a subsequent speech, Malema’s tone shifted dramatically as he accused Shivambu of betrayal and expressed deep frustration with those who might use the upcoming national assembly to further personal ambitions. Malema emphasized that anyone who intends to leave should do so immediately, as he no longer wishes to accommodate those who are not fully committed to the EFF’s mission.

Malema also addressed allegations related to his involvement in government of national unity (GNU) talks, denying any personal ambitions for high-ranking positions and reaffirming his objections to alliances with the DA and Freedom Front Plus. He made significant changes within the EFF, including replacing Shivambu as the chief whip in Parliament and redistributing duties from the deputy president’s office to his own. Malema called on EFF members to unite and protect the party from internal and external threats, warning against opportunism and factionalism. He declared that the EFF would continue its fight despite the challenges, asserting that the party has not wronged anyone and remains dedicated to its revolutionary mission.

Image credit: EFF, X

Professor Susan Booysen, a political analyst from Wits University, commented on the challenges facing the EFF following the resignation of its deputy leader, Floyd Shivambu. Shivambu’s departure, which some attribute to tensions with party leader Julius Malema, raises concerns about the party’s future growth. Booysen suggests that the EFF may struggle to expand, although she doesn’t believe it’s a dying party. She also notes that Shivambu’s move to the MK Party (MKP), led by Jacob Zuma, could spark further defections from the EFF. However, the MKP’s ability to accommodate non-Zulu leaders like Shivambu remains uncertain, Times Live reports.

Floyd Shivambu has resigned as the EFF’s deputy president following a reported fallout with party leader Julius Malema, News24 reports. Sources indicate that Shivambu was approached by wealthy businesspeople offering financial support for him to challenge Malema at the upcoming party congress, a move that Malema quickly discovered, leading to heightened tensions. The EFF is expected to announce Shivambu’s resignation, along with others, during a media briefing. Shivambu’s departure is further complicated by lingering allegations from the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, which accuse him and Malema of involvement in fraudulent activities.

Image credit: Floyd Shivambu, X platform

Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old, recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant following intense xenophobic attacks and backlash on social media, IOL reports. After being rejected by South Africans who argued that she did not represent the country due to her Mozambican and Nigerian heritage, Adetshina received an invitation to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria. The organizers of the Nigerian pageant encouraged her to represent her father’s native land on an international stage. Adetshina accepted the offer and shared her excitement on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity. She explained that her decision to withdraw from Miss SA was influenced by concerns for her safety and that of her family, given the hostility she faced online.