Author: Anjianjei Constantine
The African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg has pushed back against allegations that its recent regional elective conference was compromised, insisting that any concerns must be raised through established party structures.The dispute follows the party’s December conference, where former regional chairperson Dada Morero lost his position to Loyiso Masuku, prompting claims of irregularities in the voting process.- Advertisement – Morero has since written to the ANC’s provincial leadership, alleging that the conference was not conducted fairly and that the outcome may have been influenced by improper practices.ANC Johannesburg Conference Integrity Under ScrutinyDuring the regional conference, accusations surfaced that money had…
The African National Congress (ANC) is preparing to submit a formal report following the discovery of ballot papers connected to its Greater Johannesburg regional elective conference at a residence in Pretoria.The December conference, which resulted in Loyiso Masuku narrowly defeating Dada Morero for the position of regional chairperson, has remained under a cloud amid ongoing disputes over its credibility.- Advertisement – Tensions have persisted since the gathering, with claims of bribery and vote manipulation prompting both a police investigation and scrutiny by the party’s national leadership structures.ANC Johannesburg Conference Under Police and Party ScrutinyThe latest development unfolded on Sunday when…
A social worker testified in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday, outlining Julius Malema’s difficult upbringing and urging the court to show leniency in his firearm case. The defence called Jessie Thompson to present a pre-sentencing report detailing the EFF leader’s personal history and circumstances.Thompson told the court Malema lost his mother at a young age, never knew his father and, from early on, used his own money to assist people in need. She recommended a suspended fine, a ban on obtaining a firearm licence and a monetary contribution to Gun Free SA.- Advertisement – Whether that plea will…
Julius Malema’s legal team has dismissed the state’s assertion that imposing a fine would effectively allow the EFF leader to avoid a prison sentence by paying his way out.Malema is due back at the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where proceedings will focus on sentencing in his firearm discharge case.- Advertisement – The argument emerged during the cross-examination of a social worker, when the prosecution challenged a recommendation that Malema receive a suspended fine instead of a custodial sentence.State Questions Fine as Alternative to PrisonProsecutor Joel Caeser put it to the court that a financial penalty could be seen…
A suspended financial penalty, restrictions on firearm ownership and a compulsory donation to an anti-gun violence organisation have been put forward as suitable punishment for EFF leader Julius Malema.The recommendations were made by seasoned social worker and qualified lawyer Jessie Thompson while testifying in mitigation of sentence in the East London regional court on Friday. Thompson told the court that any fine imposed should reflect the seriousness of the offences but be suspended to promote continued compliance with the law.- Advertisement – She further suggested that Malema be barred from applying for a firearm licence for a defined period as…
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is set to appear again in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday for pre-sentencing proceedings linked to his firearm discharge conviction.The case stems from the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations held at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018, where Malema was found guilty of discharging a firearm during the event.- Advertisement – He faced charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm, and reckless endangerment, following the incident that unfolded in front of thousands of supporters.Julius Malema firearm case: AfriForum weighs in on possible sentenceAfriForum’s head of private…
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has issued a sharp warning to party members, ordering an immediate halt to all discussions around the 2027 leadership race and any associated campaigns.The directive follows the emergence of videos over the weekend showing T-shirts being printed with the slogan “PM27”, widely linked to billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe. While Motsepe has publicly stated that he does not intend to run for ANC president, internal lobbying around his possible candidacy appears to have triggered concern within the party’s leadership.- Advertisement – Mbalula has now warned that any member who ignores the instruction risks facing disciplinary action.‘PM27’ T-Shirts…
US President Donald Trump has again ignited controversy by repeating claims of a so-called “white genocide” against Afrikaners in South Africa, insisting the alleged persecution in a democratic state must be halted.Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after his special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Trump intensified his rhetoric.- Advertisement – “What’s happening in South Africa is terrible. It’s a terrible situation. What they’re doing to people, a certain group of people, is unbelievable. You wouldn’t think it could happen today,”“Well, we have seen the numbers, we’ve seen the records, and it is taking place and it’s…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a 3.8% salary increase for members of the executive, including the deputy president, ministers and their deputies.The adjustment is slightly lower than the 4.1% increase recommended by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers in its latest report.- Advertisement – The decision, which also affects members of Parliament and provincial legislatures, was formally gazetted on 9 January 2026, giving the increase legal standing. The new salary levels will be backdated to 1 April 2025.The president’s own salary is excluded, as it is determined separately and must be approved by Parliament.What Ministers, MPs And…
The United States (U.S) has accused South Africa of endangering American national security after intercepting military training equipment allegedly destined for China’s armed forces, triggering a high-stakes legal and diplomatic dispute.The U.S. Department of Justice has now launched a civil forfeiture case to seize two pieces of military training equipment it says were illegally shipped from South Africa to China without proper authorisation.- Advertisement – US Claims Equipment Could Boost China’s Military CapabilitiesAccording to court documents, the equipment — known as mission crew trainers (MCTs) — was allegedly being transported from the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA) to…