Author: Anjianjei Constantine
Former president Thabo Mbeki has called on KwaZulu-Natal leaders to urgently address the dismal state of Durban’s port, after the World Bank ranked it as the worst-performing container hub in the world.The 2024 World Bank Container Port Performance Index, released last week, placed Durban at the bottom of 405 global ports. This marked a sharp fall from its already low 399th position in 2023. Cape Town also fared poorly, ranking 400th.- Advertisement – ANC Leadership Needs to Step Up, Says Thabo MbekiSpeaking at the ANC’s political school in Durban over the weekend, Mbeki stressed the urgent need for the party…
Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy leader Kenny Kunene has officially returned to the Johannesburg City Council.His reinstatement comes two months after he stepped down following controversy linked to the arrest of Katiso “KT” Molefe, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of musician Oupa Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody.- Advertisement – Johannesburg Council Speaker Margaret Arnolds confirmed the development. “Kenny Kunene has been sworn in as councillor. He was on his party’s list and was sworn in as a councillor today,” she said.Controversy Over DJ Sumbody Murder SuspectKunene’s resignation followed his presence at Molefe’s home during the suspect’s arrest. At the…
Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police corruption was divided on Friday over whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should appear as a witness in its upcoming hearings.The dispute arose as members debated the addition of more than 20 new names to the committee’s witness list ahead of hearings scheduled to begin in October.- Advertisement – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) submitted an extensive list that included Ramaphosa and Minister Gayton McKenzie. Concerns were also raised that the committee may not have enough time to properly assess all the proposed witnesses before proceedings begin.EFF Demands Accountability From the PresidentEFF leader Julius Malema argued…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially named Hannif Hoosen as its mayoral candidate for the eThekwini metro in KwaZulu-Natal.The former member of parliament, Hoosen is bringing a wealth of political experience to the city’s top post, which the DA says is central to its election strategy ahead of the upcoming local government elections.- Advertisement – Service Delivery Takes Center Stage in Hannif Hoosen’s CampaignAddressing hundreds of supporters in Chatsworth, Hoosen promised to prioritize service delivery across Durban, vowing equality and accessibility for all residents.“When I’m elected your mayor, it will not matter where you live, it will not matter what…
KwaZulu-Natal’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Elaine Harrison, has voiced strong support for the continuation of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Harrison stated that the unit plays a vital role in tackling politically motivated crimes in the province.- Advertisement – “The KZN Political Killings Task Team is doing good work and is sorely needed,” Harrison said.Disbandment Order Delayed Justice, Says HarrisonHarrison revealed that the instruction to shut down the PKTT had serious consequences, including slowing down the progress of crucial cases. She noted that the removal of case dockets from the task team directly hampered ongoing…
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, may soon face suspension after a motion was tabled in council linking him to alleged underworld boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.Mkhwanazi is accused of providing EMPD blue lights to Matlala in 2023. These lights were reportedly fitted onto Matlala’s personal vehicles. The Ekurhuleni City Council is expected to decide on Thursday morning whether Mkhwanazi will be suspended.- Advertisement – Mkhwanazi’s Name Raised at Commission of InquiryThe controversy around Mkhwanazi intensified last week at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. His name surfaced in testimony alleging that he extended unlawful favours to…
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has condemned alleged criminal activity involving members of law enforcement in the City of Tshwane.Two SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) officers and a retired Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer were recently arrested for hijacking a delivery truck loaded with goods valued at R900,000. Shockingly, the suspects reportedly used an official government vehicle in the crime.- Advertisement – “They carried out this brazen crime using a state vehicle fitted with blue lights, the very tools of law enforcement turned into instruments of organised crime,” the EFF said.EFF Accuses Tshwane Metro Police of Criminal…
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC), demanding the reinstatement of its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, to the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral committee.This comes after Kunene was cleared of any wrongdoing linked to his presence at the Sandton home of businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe in July, when police arrived to arrest Molefe.- Advertisement – Independent Probe Clears Kenny Kunene of WrongdoingKunene was removed from the mayoral committee by PA leader Gayton McKenzie following the incident. McKenzie commissioned an independent investigation by a law firm, which ultimately found that Kunene had not acted…
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been told that political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) poses “dangerous and unconstitutional consequences.”Major General Marga van Rooyen testified that policing operations must remain independent, highlighting how blurred lines between political authority and police leadership compromise accountability.- Advertisement – Citing Section 199(6) of the Constitution, she stressed that ministers may shape policy but have no mandate to control day-to-day police operations.“This structure is intended to ensure political accountability but insulating the police operations from undue political interference and I think that is ultimately the goal of getting that line right—to ensure…
The head of the South African Police Service (SAPS) legal division, Major General Petronella van Rooyen, has testified that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu did not have the authority to disband the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).Speaking before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, Van Rooyen said the directive to dissolve the unit fell under operational matters, which are solely the responsibility of the national police commissioner.- Advertisement – National Commissioner Outlines Key RolesEarlier in the week, National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola explained the distinction between his role and that of the Police Minister.According to the Constitution and the…