Author: Anjianjei Constantine
Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has publicly rejected claims that he intends to pursue political office, distancing himself from speculation that he could contest the presidency of the African National Congress (ANC).Reports circulating in political circles have suggested that Motsepe might emerge as a candidate to succeed his brother-in-law, Cyril Ramaphosa, when the party holds its next national elective conference.- Advertisement – Speaking to shareholders of his mining company, African Rainbow Minerals, on Friday, Motsepe dismissed the claims and made it clear he has no intention of entering politics.PM27 Campaign Rumours Linked To ANC Leadership SpeculationMotsepe has long maintained a relationship…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that he would not object if Justice Sisi Khampepe were to step aside as chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) inquiry.The position emerged in court documents filed in response to a legal challenge by former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, who are seeking Khampepe’s removal from the post.- Advertisement – In the papers, Ramaphosa said that if the allegations now raised against Khampepe had been known at the time of her appointment, he would not have chosen her for the role.Legal Challenge By Mbeki And Zuma Over TRC Inquiry LeadershipThe case centres…
South Africa has signalled its willingness to step into a mediating role in the Middle East conflict — should an opportunity arise.Speaking to local media on the sidelines of an energy conference in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country stands ready to assist if formally approached.- Advertisement – South Africa Open to Mediation RoleRamaphosa indicated that Pretoria would not hesitate to get involved if called upon to help facilitate dialogue between the warring parties.“South Africa is always ready to play a contributing role, either in mediation or whatever. And if a gap opens or if we are asked,…
Political parties in eThekwini have condemned the lavish unveiling of two statues honouring struggle icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, arguing the R22 million spent could have addressed pressing service delivery crises affecting residents.The unveiling, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and government officials, took place on Tuesday, while many communities continue to face ongoing water and electricity shortages.- Advertisement – Mayor Defends Durban Statues as Tourism BoosteThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba defended the expenditure, describing the statues as part of a drive to attract tourism.“The two giant statues of our liberation stalwarts that will be unveiled by the president tomorrow forms…
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to support Washington’s military campaign against Iran, warning that the long-standing “special relationship” between the two nations is under strain.Trump accused Starmer of failing to stand with the United States during its offensive operations.- Advertisement – “He has not been helpful…I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK,” Trump said of Starmer.Trump Says US-UK Alliance ‘Not What It Was’The US president suggested the historic alliance had shifted significantly.“It’s a different world, actually. It’s just a much different kind of…
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has officially stepped into the race to succeed John Steenhuisen as leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), confirming on Friday that he has accepted a nomination for the party’s top post.Hill-Lewis made the declaration at the Elsies River Civic Centre on the Cape Flats, where senior DA figures and party supporters gathered for the launch of his leadership bid.- Advertisement – YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ekurhuleni Shake-Up: Xolani Khumalo Appointed MMC Despite Court CaseThe announcement comes as nominations for the DA’s leadership positions opened ahead of the party’s federal congress scheduled for April.DA Leadership Race…
Political tensions in the City of Ekurhuleni have escalated sharply, with opposition parties calling for Executive Mayor Doctor Xhakaza to step down amid mounting instability in the metro.The latest upheaval follows the sudden resignation of Jongizizwe Dlabathi from the mayoral committee on Thursday. Dlabathi, widely regarded as a close ally of Xhakaza, stepped down amid reports of a serious fallout between the pair.- Advertisement – His departure came just days after he publicly dismissed suggestions of turmoil within the municipality. “We wish to assure the residents of Ekurhuleni that there is no crisis in the City of Ekurhuleni. There is…
The MK Party has taken legal steps to prevent former National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi from receiving her pension and post-service benefits, escalating tensions over her conduct while in office.Court papers lodged on Monday ask the High Court in Pretoria to intervene and direct President Cyril Ramaphosa to institute a commission of inquiry into whether Batohi committed misconduct during her tenure.- Advertisement – The party is also challenging the decision to fund Batohi’s legal representation at the ongoing inquiry chaired by Bess Nkabinde, arguing that any payments should be conditional upon security being provided should funds need to…
Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has reshuffled the City of City of Ekurhuleni mayoral committee, announcing a new executive line-up late on Tuesday night.The changes, which took immediate effect on 17 February 2026, follow consultations with multi-party organisations represented in council. Thirteen of the sixteen political parties participated in the discussions, according to the mayor.- Advertisement – Governance Framework Anchors Government of Local UnityXhakaza said the appointments are guided by an agreed Ekurhuleni Governance Framework aimed at strengthening the Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity (EGLU).“An agreed-upon Ekurhuleni Governance Framework was widely accepted to guide the work of the executive. This framework is a…
ActionSA has confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, will not accept a seat on the City of Ekurhuleni’s mayoral committee.The announcement comes after a late-night cabinet reshuffle by Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.- Advertisement – Khumalo was slated to serve as MMC for Community Services and By-law Enforcement. However, ActionSA released a statement on Wednesday morning, insisting that he would not participate in what the party described as a “failing and corrupt” administration.Herman Mashaba Speaks After Xolani Khumalo AppointedActionSA leader Herman Mashaba reiterated the party’s refusal to join Xhakaza’s executive, labelling the reshuffle a strategic attempt to manipulate…