Author: Anjianjei Constantine

President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again voiced concern over the shortage of critical skills in South Africa’s public service, which he says is being weakened by corruption and inefficiency.Writing in his weekly newsletter, the president stressed the importance of strengthening the “professional foundations” of the state to improve service delivery.- Advertisement – While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Ramaphosa also recognised the commitment of many public servants who work tirelessly to meet the needs of South Africans.Public Service Month Highlights Essential ContributionsEach September, South Africa observes Public Service Month to reflect on the work of the country’s 1.7 million public servants.Advertisements Ramaphosa…

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced it will reprioritise R13 billion to support students who were unable to register due to funding issues.Deputy Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela confirmed the move during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, where he provided an update on the 2026 academic year preparations and the scheme applications.- Advertisement – According to Manamela, around 34,000 students with blocked registrations and 15,000 second-semester students will now be prioritised for funding.R10 Billion Miscalculation Affected StudentsIn August, the scheme revealed that it had miscalculated its available funds by R10 billion, which left thousands…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged police corruption was scheduled to start on 1 September, but operational setbacks — including the absence of IT infrastructure — have forced delays.The inquiry, expected to last six months, comes with a projected cost of R148 million, raising concerns among critics who argue the process holds no prosecuting power.- Advertisement – Justice Minister Kubayi Defends Commission and BudgetJustice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has defended both the commission and its price tag, saying that the budget was formally submitted to the National Treasury and approved.“I think where we are still sitting, the costs are not…

African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to present the party’s new action plan aimed at reviving municipalities and strengthening service delivery.The plan will be tabled before the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) during its meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Sunday. It is expected to provide clear guidelines on the responsibilities of ANC councillors across the country.- Advertisement – Addressing Skills Gaps In Local GovernmentRamaphosa has acknowledged that poor leadership and a lack of expertise among political and administrative heads have contributed to widespread service delivery challenges.To tackle these shortcomings, the ANC has consolidated existing…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has strongly criticised Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, accusing him of undermining his position by “treating it like his kingdom.”According to the MK Party, McKenzie’s decisions have harmed the growth of sports and culture, while also showing “utter disrespect” to young South Africans striving to overcome poverty through their talents.- Advertisement – “What McKenzie has done is sabotage. Sabotage of grassroots development, sabotage of constitutional obligations and sabotage of the dreams of ordinary South Africans.“His actions do not uplift the poor, they abandon them. They are not reform, they are vandalism,”…

Former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has praised the survival of the Government of National Unity (GNU), calling it a “sign of political maturity” rather than evidence of a failed state.Speaking on the SABC’s Face the Nation this week, Pandor reflected on the coalition government’s resilience in a challenging political environment.- Advertisement – “The fact that the GNU has survived thus far indicates a useful level of political maturity in South Africa,” she said.“It is the first time we’ve had a national coalition of this kind, apart from, of course, at the inception of our democracy.”Advertisements Pandor Urges Focus On…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has revealed that municipalities across South Africa collectively owe water boards a staggering R25.1 billion as of June 2025. He made the disclosure while addressing the National Council of Provinces in Parliament on Thursday.Mashatile noted that the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, has urged municipalities to meet their payment obligations.- Advertisement – “As of June 2025, the collective debt owed to water boards across the country stands at R25.1 billion. And to address this, Honourable Chairperson, the Minister of Water and Sanitation has made a call to affected municipalities to make regular payments on…

Former police minister Bheki Cele has failed to respond to Parliament’s invitation to testify before the ad hoc committee investigating KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims.Cele was contacted on 8 September and given until 10 September to reply, but no response was received. Committee legal adviser Advocate Norman Arendse confirmed Cele is the only high-profile witness who has not made contact.- Advertisement – Other senior figures — including Acting Minister Firoz Cachalia, Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu — have already complied with requests.Mkhwanazi Appearance Pushed BackMkhwanazi, the central figure in the probe,…

The African National Congress (ANC) will hold its much-anticipated Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this weekend, after several postponements.The two-day gathering, taking place between Saturday and Sunday, is expected to focus on the state of local government and the controversial dual membership of ANC and South African Communist Party (SACP) members.- Advertisement – This follows the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently, a move that has raised serious questions within the tripartite alliance. The ANC has previously admitted it will be difficult to regard the SACP as an alliance partner while competing for the same votes in the 2026…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has defended broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE), saying the policy has achieved significant progress and should be applied with greater intensity.Speaking during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) session, Mashatile dismissed criticism that BBBEE had failed, arguing instead that it had opened doors for black ownership in key industries.- Advertisement – He stressed that the legislation was not designed as a race-based tool but as a driver of economic transformation.“Anybody who says we must scrap that means we must go back to apartheid. You basically say: ‘Leave the economy in the hands of whites,’” he said.Advertisements…