Author: Anjianjei Constantine
Members of Parliament have raised serious concerns about a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) survey that claimed morale among soldiers remains high.During a briefing to Parliament on Friday, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and SANDF leadership presented findings from the latest internal survey, which assessed the sentiments of thousands of personnel.- Advertisement – According to the results, most respondents rated the department positively on training and the “image of the Department of Defence as an employer.”The department highlighted that in a military environment, strong morale helps reduce the risk of battle stress during operations and enhances overall performance. However, the…
Former Public Enterprises Minister Dr Malusi Gigaba has not been arrested, despite earlier reports suggesting he had handed himself over to authorities in connection with the Transnet corruption investigation.The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) confirmed on Thursday that Gigaba visited their offices in Lynnwood, Pretoria East, but that no formal charges have been laid.- Advertisement – IDAC Confirms: Malusi Gigaba Not ArrestedIn a brief statement, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said:“Mr Malusi Gigaba has not been placed under arrest. He is engaging IDAC and there will be no court appearance today. IDAC will not be commenting any further…
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has stated that its suspended parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, had no authority to unilaterally alter the composition of the party’s parliamentary caucus, despite his senior position.Earlier this week, Hlophe announced the dismissal of Colleen Makhubele as the party’s parliamentary chief whip and appointed Des van Rooyen in her place.- Advertisement – YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Jacob Zuma Suspends John Hlophe As MK Party Reverses Parliamentary Leadership ChangesThe move, however, was swiftly overturned by party leader Jacob Zuma, who subsequently suspended Hlophe for alleged ill-discipline.Zuma had recently returned from Burkina Faso, where he reportedly met with…
Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba is expected to hand himself over to police to face charges linked to the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) ongoing investigation into corruption at Transnet.The development forms part of the state’s broader crackdown on those implicated in the capture of state-owned enterprises during the Zuma administration.- Advertisement – Malusi Gigaba Implicated in Transnet Corruption InvestigationThe Transnet corruption case focuses on irregular contracts and unlawful payments worth billions of rand allegedly made during the parastatal’s procurement of locomotives and other major deals.Several former senior executives — including ex-Transnet CEO Brian Molefe and former CFO Anoj Singh…
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leadership has described former President Jacob Zuma’s decision to dismiss Des van Rooyen as the party’s parliamentary chief whip less than 24 hours after his appointment as “painful but necessary.”Van Rooyen was appointed to the position on Tuesday evening, replacing Colleen Makhubele. However, by Wednesday night, Zuma’s office released a statement overturning that decision, effectively removing van Rooyen from the role.- Advertisement – For van Rooyen, it’s a case of history repeating itself. In December 2015, Zuma, then serving as South Africa’s president, appointed him as finance minister — a post he held for just…
Four senior African National Congress (ANC) officials in the Western Cape have officially joined the Democratic Alliance (DA) after resigning from the ruling party.The group includes the ANC’s Provincial Secretary Neville Delport, ward councillors Daniel Baadjies and Paul Strauss, as well as Regional Executive member Jason Donn.- Advertisement – Their move was formally announced during a media briefing in Cape Town, led by DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille and the party’s Western Cape leader, Tertuis Simmers.Political Realignment Gains Momentum in the Western CapeSpeaking on behalf of the group, Delport said the move represents just the beginning of a larger…
Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has suspended its Deputy President and parliamentary caucus leader, Dr John Hlophe, with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into his conduct.The announcement came late on Wednesday evening, shortly after Zuma’s return from a trip to Burkina Faso. Upon his return, the MKP leader met with national officials, who briefed him about leadership changes made in Parliament without broader consultation.- Advertisement – “The President has taken the decision to issue a precautionary suspension to the Party’s Deputy President and the Leader of the MKP Parliament Caucus, Dr John Hlophe, from both his…
With less than three weeks to go before the world’s most powerful leaders gather in Johannesburg, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that the province is officially ready to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit.South Africa, which took over the G20 presidency at the end of 2024, will make history as the first African nation to chair the group of major developed and developing economies.- Advertisement – YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Shadrack Sibiya Caught Driving Car Registered to Convicted Criminal — Madlanga Commission ToldThe landmark event will take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre, south of Johannesburg, where global heads of…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recent Government of National Unity (GNU) leaders’ retreat as “excellent and meaningful,” saying the two-day gathering fostered open and productive discussions on South Africa’s pressing challenges.Held quietly at the Cradle of Humankind, the retreat brought together ten representatives of the GNU parties, along with Deputy President Paul Mashatile.- Advertisement – YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Thabo Mbeki Urges Major Reform In How South Africa Elects Its PresidentThe meeting followed months of tension among coalition partners over policy differences, budget disputes, and the stalled National Dialogue process.Ramaphosa said the atmosphere was “congenial and pleasant,” with leaders…
Former President Thabo Mbeki has called for a complete overhaul of the process used to elect South Africa’s president, saying the current system does not ensure that the head of state is truly qualified for the role.Mbeki made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the launch of the National Dialogue initiative, hosted by Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape over the weekend.- Advertisement – In South Africa, voters do not directly elect the president. Instead, they cast their ballots for political parties that occupy 400 seats in the National Assembly. The president is then chosen by a…