Author: Anjianjei Constantine
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…
After years marked by internal divisions, the African National Congress’ uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV) have ushered in a new era with the election of a fresh leadership at their inaugural national conference in Bloemfontein.National convenor Dan Hatto was elected unopposed as chairperson, alongside the rest of the executive. The new structure follows the disbandment of the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) in June 2021, a move aimed at ending persistent factionalism.- Advertisement – The decision also sought to unite the former MKMVA with its rival body, the MK National Council (MKNC), bringing together veterans who once volunteered…
The African National Congress (ANC) has identified improving basic service delivery in local government as its key priority for the year ahead.ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party’s January 8th Statement placed strong emphasis on addressing challenges in under-performing municipalities and rebuilding public confidence.- Advertisement – Mbalula was addressing supporters during the ANC’s 114th anniversary celebrations held in Trompsburg, within the Xhariep District of the Free State, on Saturday.ANC targets failing municipalities and public trustAccording to Mbalula, the governing party recognises that restoring trust requires more than electoral campaigning, with a renewed focus on responsive and effective local governance.“We work…
The resignation of former Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dion George has deepened divisions within the Democratic Alliance, drawing attention to tensions at the top of the party.George’s decision to walk away from both the DA and Parliament has sharply divided political analysts, with some warning it weakens the party’s credibility, while others believe leader John Steenhuisen can weather the storm.- Advertisement – Dion George Resigns After Public Clash With DA LeaderA DA member since 1995, George announced his resignation on Thursday following a bitter and very public fallout with Steenhuisen. He also stepped down as the party’s federal chairperson…
Former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has indicated that he may return to the city’s top political office, this time flying the flag of his own party, ActionSA.Such a move would set up a high-profile contest with Democratic Alliance figure Helen Zille, whom Mashaba on Thursday described as a “dark force”, accusing her of playing a role in his departure from the DA in 2019.- Advertisement – Speaking at a press briefing at Parliament, Mashaba said the decision would ultimately depend on whether ActionSA identifies a mayoral candidate with the right experience and leadership credentials ahead of the next local government…
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, is preparing to approach Cabinet with a request to have the current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak declared a state of disaster.He said the move would unlock additional resources, including law enforcement assistance, to help clamp down on the movement of animals, which authorities have identified as the primary driver of the disease’s spread.- Advertisement – Speaking on Wednesday, Steenhuisen also announced the launch of a mass vaccination campaign aimed at containing the outbreak, with KwaZulu-Natal identified as the epicentre.Steenhuisen: Cabinet Disaster Declaration Could Unlock Law Enforcement SupportAccording to the minister, a formal disaster declaration…
The Public Protector has formally cleared Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson of wrongdoing following an ethics complaint lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), concluding that he did not abuse his office or breach the Executive Ethics Code.The complaint centred on claims that Macpherson improperly intervened in the affairs of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), a state entity that has faced years of operational and governance challenges.- Advertisement – In a report, Public Protector Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka found no evidence that the minister’s conduct violated section 96 of the Constitution or the Executive Ethics Code, effectively dismissing all allegations against…
The MK Party has once again removed Colleen Makhubele from her role as Chief Whip, marking the second time she has been axed from the position amid a fresh reshuffle of the party’s leadership structures.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: DA Calls On Acting Police Minister Cachalia To Account To NCOP On SAPS Body Camera RolloutThe decision forms part of a broader reorganisation of the party’s Parliamentary caucus and national officials, led by party leader Jacob Zuma, as the organisation continues to realign its internal leadership.- Advertisement – In the same round of changes, former Eskom chief executive and MK Party Member…
Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma will continue with their formal objections to the appointment of retired Constitutional Court justice Sisi Khampepe as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) prosecutions inquiry.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ramaphosa Says South Africa ‘Will Not Be Bullied’ Amid Rising Tensions With The USBoth leaders, alongside several former cabinet ministers, are seeking Khampepe’s recusal from the process, raising concerns about possible impartiality. The inquiry was established in 2025 to probe allegations of interference and attempts to prevent the prosecution of cases linked to the TRC.- Advertisement – In separate applications filed earlier, both…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a legal bid to compel President Cyril Ramaphosa to make public the report detailing the selection process for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).The move comes after Ramaphosa unexpectedly appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi, head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), to the top prosecutorial role.- Advertisement – DA Demands Transparency Over NDPP AppointmentThe DA’s court application, filed under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), seeks the release of the advisory panel’s report that led to Mothibi’s appointment.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mantashe Says He Was Misquoted Over Youth ‘Laziness’ StormThe panel had…