At the centre of Ramaphosa’s criticism is the selective nature of the US refugee offer. The Trump administration has cut back broader refugee admissions while creating an exception for Afrikaners, a group historically associated with South Africa ’s former apartheid-era ruling minority and still, on average, far wealthier than Black South Africans. Ramaphosa said the policy is a racialised view of South Africa and urged Trump to “see the truth of the situation.”

Ramaphosa also described a tense Oval Office meeting in 2025, saying Trump dimmed the lights and played a video he claimed proved “white genocide”,  an encounter Ramaphosa called a “spectacle” and an “ambush.”

The White House has defended Trump’s stance as humanitarian, saying he is highlighting “harrowing stories of Afrikaners” and will “continue to speak the truth about these injustices.”

Trump has publicly targeted South Africa since returning to office in 2025, including through an executive action accusing Pretoria of mistreating Afrikaners and citing the country’s expropriation law. Trump also boycotted the G20 leaders’ meeting in Johannesburg and later said South Africa would be barred from the US-hosted G20 gathering in Miami.

“These developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences,” the statement read in part.

Ramaphosa urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint” and to act in line with international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. The statement also stressed that UN Charter provisions on self-defence apply when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion, adding that “anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law.”

The warning comes as the US-Israel operation triggered Iranian retaliation, with missile and drone attacks reported against targets linked to the US and Israel across parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war.

The fighting has also disrupted air travel, with multiple countries closing or restricting their airspace and major hubs suspending flights, stranding travellers and forcing airlines to reroute services .

The Presidency confirmed that four of the men returned to South Africa on Friday, February 20. Eleven others were expected to return home soon, while two would follow at a later stage.

On Tuesday, February 24, the government said that 11 of the 17 men were set to return after the initial four arrived last week. Two remained in Russia, with one receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

“Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin, who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home,” Magwenya said.

An investigation into their recruitment is ongoing, as under South African law, working as a mercenary or fighting on behalf of another government is illegal unless authorised by the state.

Last Friday, two European researchers linked South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party , founded by former president Jacob Zuma, to alleged efforts to recruit Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The researchers claimed that some migrants were lured with job offers and later pushed into military service.

The MK Party was mentioned among South African actors connected to recruitment efforts. The researchers also linked former member of the National Assembly Zuma-Sambudla, who is also the daughter of Jacob Zuma, to the allegations.

In November 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned from Parliament following allegations that she helped lure 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her resignation came after police announced that she was under investigation over claims that she had enticed South Africans to travel to Russia.

The allegations emerged after the group of men, aged between 20 and 39, reportedly ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

A central theme was the need for African countries to process their natural resources locally instead of exporting them in raw form. Leaders argued that local beneficiation would increase economic returns and strengthen industrial development.

Ghana announced a specific policy measure during the summit. President John Dramani Mahama declared that by 2030, the country will end the export of unprocessed mineral ores. The directive applies to manganese, bauxite, and iron ore.

"By 2030, there will not be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana," Mahama said at his "Accra Reset" side event. The policy aims to promote local industrialisation and increase the value Ghana gains from its natural resources.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also warned against what he described as a "new form of colonialism", where foreign economies target Africa’s natural resources. He said minerals should be processed locally. "It should no longer be a case where rock, soil and dust is exported out of Africa without being beneficiated," Ramaphosa told delegates. He urged African nations to work together to ensure their resources benefit their citizens.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the historical exploitation of Africa’s resources. "No more exploitation, no more plundering," he said, stressing that "the people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa". He called for fair and sustainable value chains to ensure African countries benefit "first and fully" from their critical minerals.

President Mahama also announced changes to Ghana’s cocoa financing system. For nearly 30 years, Ghana has relied on syndicated loans from international banks to purchase cocoa, using cocoa beans as collateral.

According to Mahama, this system has limited domestic processing because collateralised beans must be exported to international financiers. Ghana has the capacity to process 400,000 tons of cocoa locally, but local processors have not had sufficient access to raw beans.

Under the new approach, Ghana will raise domestic bonds in cedis to finance cocoa purchases. "Ghana has enough cedis to pay for its cocoa," Mahama said, adding that the change will "immediately" release 400,000 tons of beans for local processing. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, at least 50% of all cocoa beans must be processed within the country.

The policy announcements were presented under the "Accra Reset" initiative. The framework focuses on strengthening resource sovereignty and shifting from aid dependency to investment-led growth.

Mahama criticised delays in implementing AU decisions. "African leaders come with decisions, agree and develop frameworks, but what is missing is urgency and implementation," he said. He urged leaders to "stop talking and start implementing" to create opportunities for young people and reduce irregular migration.

The summit also marked leadership changes within the AU. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye will assume the AU chairmanship for 2026. Outgoing chairperson President João Lourenço of Angola said Africa’s development is not possible "if we leave anyone behind," and called for continued investment in infrastructure and human capital.

Speaking in Pretoria, Ramaphosa dismissed suggestions that the alleged US move was causing diplomatic anxiety. “No, I don’t have sleepless nights,” he said. “All we want really is for South Africa to be treated as an equal sovereign country, one that respects others and fosters the success and prosperity of other countries.” His comments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria following the US decision to boycott South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg earlier this year.

The US administration has argued that South Africa should be excluded from the G20’s core work despite its formal membership, citing economic stagnation, corruption and what Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as “race-based policies ” that have undermined investor confidence and pushed skilled workers to leave. Washington has also accused Pretoria of mishandling its G20 presidency by blocking negotiations, ignoring attempts at consensus and prioritising political messaging over economic progress. In parallel, the US announced plans for a “New G20”, inviting Poland to join instead.

In response, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said South Africa will suspend its participation in G20 activities until the presidency rotates to the United Kingdom in 2027. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola added that Pretoria will not lobby for reinclusion, framing the year-long pause as a principled stand against what he called US unilateralism. The dispute is now shaping into a broader geopolitical test, one that could redefine how emerging economies assert their role within global governance structures.

President Ramaphosa described the U.S. absence at the first G20 meeting to take place on African soil as “regrettable” and criticised the reasons provided by U.S. President Donald Trump. 

According to Ramaphosa, Trump cited claims that white Afrikaners were being violently persecuted in South Africa as the basis for the decision not to send a government delegation to the summit. South Africa has dismissed the allegations as “blatant misinformation”.

"It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people," President Ramaphosa said .

Speaking to the nation on Sunday evening, November 30, Ramaphosa stated that the justification provided by the U.S. administration for not attending the summit was based on false information. He confirmed that all other G20 members participated in related meetings throughout the year, with the United States being the only country absent.

Despite ongoing tensions, including U.S. tariffs on South African goods that currently stand at 30%—the highest imposed on any African country—President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s goodwill toward the American people.

"We offer the people of the United States nothing but goodwill and friendship," he said.

In response to Trump’s claim that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in the United States, President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s founding role in the G20.

"We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20, and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20," he said.

The diplomatic rift follows a meeting in May at the Oval Office, where Trump accused the South African government of committing “genocide” against white farmers, referencing a video that was later shown to feature opposition figures rather than state officials.

In correspondence shared by the party, Pillay wrote, “The Public Protector has considered your submissions and will proceed to investigate your allegations in connection with abuse of power and/or improper conduct.”

MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the investigation was critical to “restoring credibility to the highest office,” adding that no president should be “placed above the law .”

The complaint draws on long-standing controversies surrounding Ramaphosa’s presidency, including the Phala Phala foreign currency scandal and what the party describes as the weakening of oversight institutions.

Ramaphosa has previously been cleared of separate ethics violations. In April, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka dismissed a complaint lodged by opposition leader John Steenhuisen, who argued that the president blurred party-state lines at an ANC event.

“They are giving up the very important role that they should be playing as the biggest economy in the world,” he said .

Trump announced earlier this week that neither he nor any U.S. official would attend the summit, citing discredited claims that white South Africans, particularly Afrikaner farmers, are being persecuted and having their land seized. “No U.S. government official will attend as long as these human rights abuses continue,” Trump said on social media, repeating his assertion that South Africa should not be part of the G20.

The South African government has dismissed the allegations of “white genocide” as “unsupported by reliable evidence,” insisting that no white farmers have had their land confiscated without compensation.

Trump has said he would send Vice President JD Vance in his place, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a close Trump ally, has also announced he will skip the summit, delegating his attendance to Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.

South Africa, which currently holds the G20 presidency, will host the gathering for the first time on African soil. Each year, a different member nation chairs the group and sets the agenda for discussions among the world ’s major economies. The United States is set to assume the presidency from South Africa next year.

The Attempted Assassination of Brown Mogotsi

Brown Mogotsi, a businessman with a criminal past who claims to have been a state informant, reported surviving an assassination attempt when a car said to be his was found riddled with bullets hours after contacting the Madlanga Commission about testifying in its corruption inquiry. 

Police launched an attempted murder investigation, but the early details were murky. No injuries were recorded. Mogotsi initially failed to make a formal report, and he became unreachable, raising questions about whether the attack was real or staged.

Latest developments have since confirmed that Mogotsi was indeed targeted. On Monday night in Vosloorus, Gauteng, his vehicle was struck by approximately 11 bullets in what police describe as an apparent hit attempt. Mogotsi later met with investigators from the South African Police Service (SAPS), accompanied by his lawyers, to provide a statement.

Authorities have seized his digital devices and vehicle for forensic analysis, while the Madlanga Commission has expressed concern for his safety. Discussions are reportedly underway for possible witness protection ahead of his expected appearance before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee.

The attack reinforces how dangerous it has become for individuals connected to corruption inquiries, where intimidation and violence often shadow those willing to testify.

The Madlanga Commission and the Big Five Cartel

The Madlanga Commission, chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the alleged infiltration of South Africa’s justice system by organised crime.

At the centre of the inquiry is the Big Five Cartel, a powerful criminal syndicate accused of collaborating with politicians, police , and business figures. The network is believed to be linked to more than 100 assassinations targeting political leaders, whistleblowers, and community activists.

Investigators say the killers operated with such confidence that they often reused the same weapons, making it easier to link crimes but harder to secure arrests. A special police task force that began to uncover the cartel’s operations was reportedly disbanded before completing its work.

Political Fallout and National Alarm

The scandal has already implicated high-ranking officials. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on special leave amid allegations of participating in the cover-up of the cartel’s activities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the allegations threaten the credibility of South Africa’s law enforcement institutions and could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.

The commission’s hearings have become a focal point of national attention, revealing the extent to which organised crime may have penetrated state structures.

The crisis draws parallels with the findings of the Zondo Commission, which previously detailed large-scale corruption and state capture under former President Jacob Zuma.

That investigation revealed how politically connected business elites manipulated state contracts for personal gain. Despite extensive evidence, few of the implicated figures have faced prosecution, leaving South Africans sceptical about whether new inquiries like Madlanga’s will yield lasting change.

While South Africa is not among Africa’s most corrupt countries, its size, wealth, and democratic institutions make its corruption scandals more visible and far-reaching.

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Ramaphosa said the tariff dispute reinforced the need for Africa to diversify its export markets and build deeper ties with Asian partners.

“Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners, partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation,” he told delegates in Yokohama.

He further indicated that South Africa’s strength as an exporter of agricultural goods, vehicles, and industrial components, and urged Japan to cooperate on easing market access.

Ramaphosa called for Japanese investment in infrastructure , energy and digital development, as well as in skills training, youth innovation and small business growth.

“Recent tariff actions by the United States on African goods have highlighted the need to diversify our export markets,” he said. “We call on our Japanese counterparts to support tariff cooperation to ease market access for African goods.”

Launched in 1993, TICAD is Japan’s main platform for building economic and development partnerships with Africa. This year’s session in Yokohama has focused on sustainable growth, digital transformation and industrialisation.

According to the EFF, the White House meeting—which was said to focus on diplomatic and trade relations—instead turned into a coordinated attack on Malema’s call for land expropriation without compensation. 

In the meeting, Trump played a video showing white crosses and protest clips, which he claimed were proof that white South Africans were being persecuted and killed. He argued, “ People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they’re being killed.”

Ramaphosa, who brought prominent white South Africans as part of his delegation, denied Trump’s allegations, stating, “There is just no genocide in South Africa.” However, the EFF says this denial came at the cost of justice and land reform.

EFF defends Malema and land expropriation stance

In its statement , the EFF said it was not surprised that the meeting focused on its leader and its policies. 

“The meeting, which came under the pretext of discussing diplomatic, trade and economic relations, ended up being a discussion about the President and Commander in Chief of the EFF Julius Malema and his correct and principled position regarding the return of the land to African people.”

The party also criticised the composition of Ramaphosa’s delegation, which included businessman Johann Rupert, golfer Ernie Els, and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen. 

The EFF described them as “white privileged men, who have amassed wealth at the expense of African people,” and claimed the delegation “spent a majority of the time expressing their hatred of the EFF and of its leader Julius Malema.”

Trump had played several clips of Malema speaking about land redistribution, including him chanting, “Kill The Boer, Kill The Farmer.” 

The EFF defended this chant in its statement, saying it was “a song that expresses the desire to destroy the system of white minority control over the resources of South Africa.” It noted that the Equality Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court of South Africa had previously ruled the song could not be interpreted literally.

The party further accused Ramaphosa of denouncing his country’s own judiciary to please Trump. 

“In an act of cowardice, Cyril Ramaphosa blatantly denounced the rulings of the courts of the country he is a President of,” the EFF said, calling the meeting “a clear collusion to prevent genuine transformation in South Africa.”

The EFF concluded by reaffirming its stance on land expropriation and constitutional democracy. “We will oppose any reversal of transformative legislation, including that which will allow for expropriation of land,” it stated. 

The party described Trump’s calls for Malema’s arrest as a reaction to a revolutionary agenda and warned against compromising national sovereignty to satisfy foreign powers.

“We will defend our constitutional democracy and never bow and succumb to imperialism,” the statement read.

Ahead of the scheduled meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Afrikaner farmers visited a farm attack memorial in Bothaville, South Africa. The visit coincides with a major agricultural fair attended by thousands. Despite their conservative leanings, several white Afrikaner groups rejected the Trump administration’s assertions of “genocide” and unlawful land seizures, which prompted the U.S. to suspend financial aid to South Africa.

Authorities report rise in remote jamming car thefts at South African shopping malls

South African shopping mall visitors are being cautioned about a growing trend in vehicle thefts involving remote jamming. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security companies, criminals are increasingly using jamming devices to block the signal between a vehicle owner's remote and their car, preventing it from locking. Bull Security, operating in Pretoria, has observed a significant rise in such incidents, particularly in eastern suburbs like Mooikloof. Spokesperson French Jooste stated that suspects typically remain in parking areas, activate a jamming device as the driver walks away, and then access the unlocked vehicle.

State-owned poultry produce faces liquidation after failed funding effort

State-owned poultry producer Daybreak Foods, which supplies approximately 7% of South Africa’s poultry, is facing liquidation following an unsuccessful attempt to raise emergency funding. The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), its owner, has requested R500 million (approximately $27.8 million) from the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund to settle creditor claims. 

Ramaphosa appoints minerals minister as acting president 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantash, as acting president of South Africa from 18 to 22 May 2025. The appointment was made as a result of President Ramaphosa’s visit to the United States, coinciding with Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to France.

South Africa’s Treasury expected to revise budget deficit forecast upward 

South Africa’s National Treasury is expected to announce a wider budget deficit forecast for the 2025/26 fiscal year, projecting a shortfall of 4.70% of GDP, according to a Reuters poll conducted between May 8 and 19. This exceeds both the 4.60% estimate released by the government in March and the 4.55% figure predicted in a February Reuters poll. Economists’ projections ranged from a 5.10% to 4.50% deficit. The deficit is expected to narrow slightly to 4.40% in the following fiscal year but will remain above the Treasury’s previous projection of 3.80%. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to return to parliament on May 21 to seek approval for the national budget, following disagreements with coalition partners over proposed tax increases. The government currently faces a 75 billion rand ($4.1 billion) funding gap.

In a national address, Ramaphosa urged unity, cautioning against foreign influences that could divide the country. He directly challenged accusations that his government is deliberately targeting the white community through policies such as land reform and allegations of orchestrated farm attacks.

"In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution," Ramaphosa said .

Musk recently amplified concerns over white farmers' safety, claiming that political figures in South Africa were promoting "white genocide." He referenced a rally by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, where members sang a controversial anti-apartheid song often associated with anti-Boer sentiments. Musk suggested that many people underestimate the party’s influence in shaping radical narratives.

The EFF, which holds 9.5% of seats in South Africa's parliament, has faced criticism for inciting racial tensions. While a previous court ruling classified the song as hate speech, recent legal decisions have upheld it as protected under freedom of expression laws.

The South African government has sought to clarify that while farm attacks and violent crimes do occur, they are part of the broader crime trends affecting all racial groups. Experts and crime analysts emphasize that there is no evidence of targeted violence against white individuals, stressing that South Africa’s high crime rates impact communities across racial lines.

"South Africa's Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS . We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA," Rubio wrote on X.

The decision came after controversial remarks made by Rasool about the MAGA movement and demographic shifts in the United States.

A persona non grata

During a webinar hosted by a South African think tank, Rasool suggested that the rise of former President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement was partially driven by concerns over changing US demographics.

"The MAGA movement is a response not simply to a supremacist instinct, but to very clear data that shows great demographic shifts in the USA," Rasool stated, referencing projections that white Americans will make up only 48% of the voting electorate in the future.

His comments sparked backlash in Washington, with the Trump-led administration viewing them as an inappropriate interference in US domestic politics.

In response to Rasool’s expulsion, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, called the move “regrettable” and urged both nations to maintain diplomatic decorum.

"We urge all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States," Magwenya said.

A new ambassador in the works

With Rasool’s departure, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is now looking to appoint a seasoned political figure to repair strained ties with Washington. According to reports, an experienced ANC politician has emerged as the frontrunner for the position.

"He won’t speak out of line. He is a smart guy, and his messaging will be disciplined,"  Semafor quotes an ANC official.

The rift between South Africa and the US is the latest in a series of diplomatic challenges between the two nations. The Trump administration has previously accused the South African government of land expropriation from white farmers, adding to the already fragile relationship.

The controversial legislation has sparked international tension, with former US President Donald Trump claiming it enables land seizures targeting white farmers.

Trump, whose ally Elon Musk was born in apartheid-era South Africa, reportedly ordered a freeze on aid to the country in response.

Land ownership remains a highly sensitive issue in South Africa, where most farmland is still owned by white South Africans despite the end of apartheid over three decades ago. The legacy of colonial-era and apartheid expropriation continues to fuel debates over land reform.

In its statement, the DA described the act as "vague and contradictory" and argued it breached constitutional provisions. The party, South Africa’s only white-led political group, emphasized concerns about the legality and clarity of the legislation.

The new law replaces a 1975 apartheid-era regulation and seeks to align land policies with the current constitution. However, fears persist that the move could echo Zimbabwe's early 2000s crisis when white farmers lost their land without compensation, destabilizing the economy.

South Africa's government on Saturday condemned what it called a "campaign of misinformation," rejecting Trump's claims and reiterating that expropriation without compensation would be used only in "exceptional and justifiable" cases.

The forum comprises nineteen countries with some of the world’s largest economies, along with the European Union (EU) and, since 2023, the African Union (AU).

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States are the member countries. Spain is invited as a permanent guest.

The latest controversy surrounding the G20 involves US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to skip the upcoming meeting in South Africa this month.

This decision comes amidst tensions between the US and South Africa over a land expropriation law.

President Trump has threatened to cut aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land confiscation, although these claims have been disputed.

In January 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law allowing the government to expropriate land without compensation if it serves the public interest. This includes cases where land is underutilised or if an agreement cannot be reached with the owner.

The African National Congress (ANC) supports the law, arguing that it’s a crucial move to address the inequalities left by apartheid. However, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over the potential economic consequences of this policy.

South Africa, holding the G20 presidency until November 2025, will host a foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg on February 20-21.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is both the leader of the ANC and the head of state, addressed the crowd, reaffirming the party's commitment to its founding principles while acknowledging the challenges faced in the wake of the 2024 election results.

Ramaphosa assured attendees that the ANC’s core values remain intact despite recent political setbacks.

“The false notion that the character and strategy of the ANC have now been redefined by a single tactic of forming a broad inclusive government of national unity is really a distortion of the realities our movement faces and should be dismissed out of hand,” Ramaphosa stated during his speech.

The president emphasised that the party has taken the election outcome as an opportunity for introspection and tactical renewal, seeking to strengthen its position and reconnect with its grassroots base.

Global Solidarity and Peace Calls

In addition to addressing domestic issues, Ramaphosa used the platform to reiterate South Africa’s solidarity with international struggles for justice and peace. He called for the lifting of the decades-long U.S. economic blockade on Cuba and urged for the removal of Cuba from the list of terrorist states.

“Our support for the people of Palestine continues unabated, particularly as we continue with the case in the International Court of Justice to support the struggle of the Palestinians,” Ramaphosa said.

South Africa's rand has strengthened against global currencies, trading at approximately R17.24 against the dollar, its best level since July 2023. This surge is expected to lead to further petrol price cuts, with projections indicating a decline in petrol inflation to around -20% year-on-year. As a result, overall inflation, which was at a three-year low of 4.4% in August, could see a reduction by about one percentage point, Media agency Independent Online reports. Despite these changes, Old Mutual's Izak Odendaal noted that the South African Reserve Bank is unlikely to cut interest rates in response to oil price declines, as they focus on the broader economic impacts rather than initial price shocks.

Ramaphosa speaks against apartheid

In his address at the United Nations General Assembly, President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed South Africa's stance against apartheid, expressing solidarity with those facing oppression. He underscored the UN's vital role in advocating for human rights, the dignity of all individuals, and the need for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing violence in Palestine. According to SA News , Ramaphosa announced plans for South Africa to submit a case to the International Court of Justice in 2024, accusing Israel of genocide.

South Africa's rand

On September 25, South Africa's rand rose to a 20-month high, trading at 17.22 against the U.S. dollar, marking a 0.3% gain. Analysts attribute this rally to positive sentiment following interest rate cuts by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the U.S. Federal Reserve. Currency strategist Andre Cilliers predicts the rand will likely trade between 17.20 and 17.40. Investors are awaiting August producer inflation figures to gauge easing price pressures. CNBC Africa reported the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's Top-40 index climbed 1.5%, while the yield on South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond increased slightly to 8.86%.

Electricity prices

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, has requested a 36% increase in electricity prices for the 2026 financial year, significantly surpassing the country’s 4.4% inflation rate. This increase is deemed essential for addressing Eskom's financial challenges, including a debt of 400 billion rand (approximately $23 billion), Financial Post report indicates. Although the company has recently experienced fewer power cuts, it struggles with consistent electricity supply and long-term sustainability. Eskom has also proposed smaller price hikes of 11.8% for fiscal 2027 and 9.1% for 2028.

South Africa ranks among least secure nation

A recent Gallup poll indicates that South Africa ranks among the least secure nations, with 70% of citizens feeling unsafe walking alone. The country is in the bottom three globally, alongside Ecuador and Liberia. In contrast, Kuwait, Singapore, and Norway have significantly higher safety perceptions, with only 1% to 8% feeling unsafe. According to Africa.com , consistent low safety perceptions and confidence in police are noted in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite efforts to improve police visibility, South Africa faces high crime rates, including over 6,000 murders and 9,000 rapes reported between April and June 2024.

The DA argues that the bill, which aims to give the government more control over school language and admission policies, could undermine mother-tongue education and disproportionately affect minority language communities.

According to the leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, the members "will have to consider all of our options on the way forward" if Ramaposa signed the bill on Friday, September 13.

Despite these disagreements, Ramaphosa has emphasised that such conflicts are normal in a democratic government.

“I don’t work on the basis that we are going to differ to a point of even parting ways. I have often worked on the basis of what Nelson Mandela taught us — that for every problem there is a solution,” Ramaphosa stated during a session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). “And so you try to find the solution. We confirmed this yesterday that we will find solutions to whatever may arise because problems will arise and we should never kid ourselves and think that we will not have challenges.”

Additionally, the president on Wednesday, September 11 after dining with the members of the alliance said "I had a wonderful dinner with the members of the government of national unity. We broke bread together, and we were able to talk about a variety of issues, including also how we should function and, the number of issues that were discussed, issues that are going to empower us to continue working, as a united collective, and leading this country forward."

 The move is expected to create a competitive electricity market by reducing energy costs and attracting investment in new generation capacity.

The new law sets the groundwork for establishing a fully independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) within five years.

Meanwhile, the state-owned National Transmission Company will serve as the TSO.

The legislation also introduces a new market code to oversee the future competitive market, enabling both wholesale and retail electricity markets. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa, an engineering consultant, will be responsible for licensing new market activities and approving prices, charges, and tariffs.

The law also aims to strengthen the protection of public infrastructure by imposing penalties for theft, destruction, and sabotage of electricity equipment, Energy Capital & Power reports .

This is part of South Africa’s broader Energy Action Plan and Eskom Roadmap, which aim to improve energy access and eliminate load-shedding in the country.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is facing expulsion from the ANC after joining a rival political party and campaigning against his former organisation. Zuma, who was forced to step down as president in 2018 amid corruption allegations, has been critical of President Cyril Ramaphosa and has been suspended from the ANC. His new party, MK, won 14% of the national vote in the recent May elections, leading to the ANC losing its majority for the first time since apartheid. According to Africanews , Zuma remains popular in parts of the country despite facing legal battles, and the MK Party has become the official opposition in Parliament.

44 missing French-owned ships

Authorities were scouring the ocean off South Africa's east coast on Wednesday for 44 containers missing after breaking loose from a French-owned ship in heavy seas last week, the maritime body said. The ultra-large container ship heading to Le Havre from Asia encountered bad weather in the Indian Ocean near the city of Durban on July 9, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said. Aerial surveys of the area were being carried out to trace the containers and other vessels in the area have been asked to look out for them, SAMSA spokesman Tebogo Ramatjie told AFP as reported by TOI .

Opening of parliament address

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, July 18, deliver the Opening of Parliament Address for the Seventh Administration, outlining key priorities and policies. The address coincides with Nelson Mandela International Day and invites all South Africans to participate. It is a rallying point for the nation to work together to address challenges, improve lives, and build an inclusive economy. The President emphasizes the need for the help of all South Africans and sectors of society to grow the economy, create jobs, and bring hope for a better tomorrow, announces the SA Government .

South Africa commissions largest wheeling project

South Africa's largest wheeling project has been launched in Lichtenburg, North West Province. SOLA Group will supply over 200 MW of renewable energy to Tronox Mineral Sands through the Eskom transmission network. Wheeling involves transferring electrical power through a utility's transmission or distribution system between different service areas. The energy will be sourced from two newly completed solar plants near Lichtenburg, generating 126 MW and 130 MW, according to PV Magazine .

South Africa's AI preparedness

South Africa is the best-prepared African country for AI, with a score of 0.5. Nigeria is not among the continent's top five AI-prepared countries, with a score of 0.34. According to the IMF, Ghana, Kenya and Morocco are the other countries in Africa more prepared for AI aside from South Africa. The IMF, however, warns that AI is likely to exacerbate overall inequality, Bitcoin.com News emphasises.

What they said

A DA source told Reuters that they are still committed to honest and fair negotiations. "Our Federal Executive met yesterday late afternoon, early evening and it was resolved that we will continue to negotiate. So, at this point we are not at the point of drawing lines in the sand and giving final ultimatums," he said. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, also announced on his X platform that the impasse has been resolved. “Almost done with GNU discussions," he wrote. "It will be done as promised." 

Instead, members of the National Assembly are elected and the party which wins the majority will go on to vote for a president within 30 days of the general elections.

The country’s Electoral Commission (IEC) voting concluded at 3 am on May 29 with all queued voters assisted by 9 pm. Voter turnout was 58.48%.

The first result was announced just after midnight in Eastern Cape. This is the country’s 7 th election since 1994 when the first elections were held with black participation.

Who is leading? Who is losing?

Vote counting is ongoing with complete results from 20% of voting districts. This means vote counting in 4,838 of 23293 voting districts is completed according to IEC.  

Per the provisional results, the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s biggest party is leading by 43.37% with 971963 votes for members of the National Assembly. They are followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the latest party to join the race, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).

Below are the figures of the top 10 as provided by the Electoral Commission

ANC – 971963 votes – 43.37% support

DA    -  555813 votes – 24.8%

EFF    - 199449 votes – 8.9%

M.K. – 180143 votes – 8.04%

PA – 91329 votes – 4.08%

IFP – 43712 votes – 1.95%

VF PLUS – 41464 votes – 1.85%

ACTIONSA – 18180 votes – 0.81%

ACDP – 13951 – 0.62%

UDM – 11801 – 0.53%

What the Constitution says about a ‘no majority’ result

This is the first time the ANC appears to be getting less than 50% votes after an election. Projections from analysts including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) predict a less than 50% win for ANC, which is a drop from the 57% it obtained in the 2019 election. The IEC’s provisional results indicate a heavy loss for ANC in Kwa Aulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province where the latter is leading with 43% of the votes. The South African Constitution does not make provision for how a coalition should be in the face of a less than 50% vote for the leading party but there are a few options.

Smaller groups could agree to support the leading party to achieve its 50% mark on a vote-by-vote basis in return for some concessions, the BBC reports.

Otherwise, the leading party will have to engage in a formal coalition with some parties, including a written agreement with legislative plans and the distribution of cabinet posts.  

Biggest contenders?

The ANC is South Africa’s biggest party having come into power 30 years ago in 1994. From Nelson Mandela’s regime through to ruling president Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC has dominated elections in South Africa, forming the majority in the National Assembly consistently.

Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC is going up against his closest rivals John Steenhuisen of the DA and Julius Malema of the EFF. A new dynamic that added to the race this year is the emergence of MK’s Jacob Zuma. The former president’s presidential aspirations did not come without controversy. Zuma who was ousted by Ramaphosa amidst corruption allegations which he denies was taken to court and jailed over the use of its name which was taken from the ANC’s former armed wing. A court ruling said the former president could not run for parliament because of his 15-month prison sentence but he still appeared on the ballot paper. Zuma is said to be a contending force in his home province KwaZulu-natal.

When will the results be announced?

Vote counting is ongoing, and the Electoral Commission is expected to announce final results by June 2.

This is the end of our live coverage. Thank you for following. Follow GSW for updates on the results and final declaration on June 2.

22:15 GMT +2: Vote counting is underway and the IEC has announced the first batch of results. The delayed voting process is ongoing simultaneously with vote counting. The final election results are expected to be announced by the IEC on June 2.

19:00 GMT +2: Polls officially close in South Africa as hundreds queue to cast their votes due to widespread delay in the delivery of voting materials. The IEC tells presiding officers to drop faulty scanners, use manual voting and assist long queues. Those already in the line by 21:00 local time can still vote.

18:25 GMT +2: Warning shots fired in Thokoza after voters attempted to storm a polling station. Calm is restored.

18:00 GMT +2: One hour to the close of polls and the queues are getting longer. IEC addresses the media.

"We are experiencing a late surge and are processing a large number of voters in certain areas, particularly the metropolitan areas in Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN, and the Eastern Cape" - Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission Sy Mamabolo. The IEC added that those in the queue before the close of the polls would be allowed to vote and they have beefed up their staff numbers to attend to all voters in the queue.

16:20 GMT +2: It is already dark and temperatures are dropping while people are in long queues waiting to vote.

16:00 GMT +2: Three hours to the close of polls at 9 pm and there are long lines of people in Kwazulu Natal and other provinces waiting to vote. The IEC has announced that people who are in queues at 21:00 will be allowed to vote.

16:00 GMT +2: Voting papers sent late by boat to a community in North Kwazulu Natal.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has sent voting papers by boat to the community of ENKovukeni in North Kwazulu Natal to ensure that people vote.

15:00 GMT +2: Five Eastern Cape voting stations closed due to protests

The Eastern Cape saw some voting stations closed down due to protests over electricity outages and lack of water, the IEC said. were some of the issues that delayed and, in some cases, prevented some voters from casting their votes at voting stations in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.

Eastern Cape electoral officer, Kayakazi Magudumana, said five voting stations remained closed due to residents protesting over service delivery issues. The stations are Nokhatshile in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality's Ward 2; Buhlambu in the Ntabankulu Local Municipality's Ward 17; Maggie in the Port St Johns Municipality's Ward 1; Sidanda in the Nyandeni Local Municipality's Ward 28; and Mavundleni in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality's Ward 28.

14:20 GMT +2: Several stores in the Johannesburg area are giving out gifts to voters as a token of appreciation.

Hudsons Burgers in Johannesburg is among the long list of stores that are offering free gifts and treats as a token of appreciation to those who take the time to cast their votes. Krispy Kreme said it had given 80 dozen (960) donuts to people who have voted so far. Lush was handing out bath bombs which ran out at 09:00. Others that are offering free gifts include Wimpy, Spur, Doppio Zero, Motherland Coffee and Sorbet.

14:15 GMT +2: International election observers have lauded the IEC for a smooth electoral process.

14:01 GMT +2: Concerns of voters roll machine failures in several regions raised. IEC urged to fix it to avoid delays.

14:00 GMT +2: Julius Malema speaks against extension of the election by a day.

14:00 GMT +2: Julius Malema of the EFF casts his vote.

13:56 GMT +2: International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor speaks to the press after casting her vote.

13:24 GMT +2: Voters still in queues by the close of polls will be assisted to vote.

12:57 GMT +2: Some voters share their election expectations.

12:07 GMT +2: Reports of a polling station located in western Cape Town running out of ballot boxes as voting continues in other parts.

11:57 GMT +2: Voters with special needs who were unable to vote on May 27 and 28 are allowed to vote.

11:16 GMT +2: Former President Jacob Zuma votes at a polling station in KwaZulu-Natal.

11:00 GMT +2: The Electoral Commission briefs the media on the progress of the elections.

10:31 GMT +2: Police Minister Bheki Cele says voting is going well in the country except in some parts of the Eastern Cape.

10:20 GMT +2: Julius Malema, leader of the opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) arrives at a polling station in Limpopo province to cast his vote.

10:02 GMT +2: Former President Thabo Mbeki votes in Johannesburg.

09:11 GMT +2: First-time voters share their experience.

09:07 GMT +2: Voting is still ongoing as queues move along.

08:24 GMT +2: President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Tshepo Motsepe vote at a polling station in Soweto.

08:03 GMT +2: Wife of former President Jacob Zuma, Sizakele Zuma votes.

07:57 GMT+2: Voting continues 2 hours after polls opened.

07:53 GMT+2: John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA) votes.

07:46 GMT +2: Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan among election observers visiting polling stations in Soweto.

07:35 GMT +2: Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives at his polling station in Sandton to cast his vote.

07:25 GMT +2: South Africa's Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Ronald Lamola, reports that 17,129 inmates have registered to vote, with Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria having the highest number.

07:11 GMT +2: Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile is expected to cast his vote at a polling station in Sandton.

06:30 GMT +2: Ballots have still not arrived at a polling station in Craighall, a suburb of Johannesburg.

06:27 GMT +2: Long queues in Sandton, a residence in the northern part of Johannesburg where former mayor Herman Mashaba is expected to vote.

06:14 GMT +2: Locals in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape Town, are halting voting at Wolf River Primary School due to a protest over a land claim.

06:06 GMT +2: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to cast his vote at a primary school in Soweto at 08:00 GMT +2.

06:00 GMT +2: Voters at South Africa’s largest voting station at Joubert Park in Johannesburg queue as voting stations remain unopened.

05:45 GMT +2: Voting is underway in some regions as voters take to the polls to cast their votes.

05:00 GMT +2: Voting is expected to start at this time as voters wait at some voting centres.

Polls are expected to open from 7 am (0500 GMT) to 9 pm (1900 GMT) across the country’s nine provinces.

ELECTIONS BACKGROUND

South Africa has had 5 black presidents; Nelson Mandela (1994-1999), Thabo Mbeki (1999-2008), Kgalema Motlanthe (2008-2009), Jacob Zuma (2009-2018), Cyril Ramaphosa (2018-present) all from the dominant African National Congress (ANC).

However, the governing African National Congress (ANC) is projected to lose its parliament majority for the first time, possibly paving the way for the country’s first coalition government.

Contesting are 14,889 candidates, including 70 political parties and 11 independents vying for 887 seats in the election to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC ).

Voters with special needs, such as expectant mothers and individuals with disabilities, cast their ballots two days before election day on May 27 and 28, while registered voters residing overseas cast their ballots on May 17 and 18, according to the IEC.

South Africa employs a proportional representation system, with voters receiving three ballots - National Compensatory Ballot, National Regional Ballot, and Provincial Legislature Ballot - to elect representatives to the National Assembly, Regional National Assembly and Provincial Legislature.

Voters are allowed to vote for different contestants on each ballot and are not compelled to vote for the same party across all the ballot papers. All ballot papers are Universal Braille Template compliant for the blind and partially sighted.

Polls open from 7 am (0500 GMT) to 9 pm (1900 GMT) across the country’s nine provinces, where electorates will cast ballots for national and provincial governments.

The final results of the election are expected to be announced by the IEC on June 2.

KEY FIGURES

While recent reports have been centred on the potential end to the ANC’s dominance and ex-president Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to run for office , there are 14,889 candidates , including 70 political parties and 11 independents contesting 887 seats in this landmark 2024 election.

Here is a brief history of the elections that have taken place in the country since 1994:

1994 election

The 1994 South African general election marked a significant event, ending apartheid and allowing citizens of all races to participate. With over 19 million votes counted, the ANC led by Nelson Mandela won 62.5% of the vote becoming the country's first black president, symbolising a new era for South Africa. Freedom Day, a public holiday on April 27 commemorates the election's significance.

1999 election

The 1999 South African general election, held on June 2nd, resulted in a landslide victory for the ANC, which increased its majority by over 66%. This election was particularly notable as Nelson Mandela, the incumbent President, chose not to seek re-election due to his age and was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki. The election saw a high voter turnout, with over 89% of registered voters participating, reflecting the citizens' engagement in the democratic process.

2004 election

The 2004 South African general election, held on April 14, marked the third democratic election since the end of apartheid. The ANC, led by President Thabo Mbeki, secured a significant victory, obtaining 69.7% of the votes and an increased majority in the National Assembly. This election was notable for the ANC's ability to potentially amend the constitution due to its large majority.

2009 election

In 2009 , under the new presidency of Jacob Zuma, the ANC's share dropped to 65.9%. This election was also notable for the breakaway of former ANC members to form the Congress of the People (COPE).

2014 election

The 2014 South African general election, held on May 7, was the first following the passing of Nelson Mandela. The elections saw the ANC’s share reduce further to 62.15%, amid growing public dissatisfaction under the leadership of Jacob Zuma and the emergence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) , a party formed in 2013 by former ANC member and 2024 presidential candidate Julius Malema as a significant political force.

2019 election

In 2019 , under President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC's majority dipped below 60% for the first time, securing 57.5% of the vote. This election highlighted the increasing fragmentation of the South African political landscape and the rise of opposition parties.

2024 election

The upcoming 2024 election has been described as potentially transformative, with the ANC facing its toughest challenge yet. For the first time, independent candidates were allowed to stand, and the ANC's dominance was threatened amid concerns over unemployment, crime rates, and economic management. The election employed a proportional representation system , with voters receiving three ballots to elect the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.

Each election has been conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC ), which has been praised for its management of the electoral process. However, the IEC has also faced challenges , including logistical issues and allegations of irregularities. Despite these challenges, South Africa's electoral process has been largely peaceful and is considered a model for other emerging democracies.

She is expected to lead the country’s judiciary for the next 10 years.

Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya has also served in many pioneering roles as a woman in South Africa’s legal field. She was a prosecutor and state law advisor and was admitted as an advocate in 1994.

In June 2006, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal in June 2006 by former President Thabo Mbeki as the first black woman to serve in her position.

She also served as the first woman deputy president and first woman president in the Appeal’s Court from 2017 to 2022.

Maya was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, assisting her predecessor Raymond Zondo in 2022.

She replaces Chief Justice Raymond Zondo who was appointed as Chief Justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2022, The Citizen reports.

The President’s signage will make the law fully enacted.

The NHI Bill was passed by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in 2023. The bill aims to provide free healthcare for all South African citizens regardless of which health facility they choose to use.

President Ramaphosa during his speech at the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February said that work was underway to improve healthcare quality and access in the country

According to the South African Government News Agency , Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced that the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028, the government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.

“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities,” he was quoted.

Delivery areas including healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention are key to the ministry to ensure smooth implementation of the bill.

Recent reports by the Johannesburg-based  Brenthurst Foundation on the election on March 8 suggest that the ANC could receive less than 50% of the national vote for the first time.

Candidates

Independent candidates are permitted to compete for seats in both the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. A total of 14,889 candidates, nominated by 70 political parties (excluding 11 independents), have been cleared by the election commission to contest 887 seats. 31 political parties will participate in the national elections for the first time.

The electoral system

South Africa holds elections every five years under a proportional representation system, where parties and candidates  vie for 400 seats in the National Assembly. Of these, 200 seats are contested nationally, while the remaining 200 are divided among the nine provinces, contested by parties and independent candidates. Provincial legislature seats are allocated based on population size in each province.

On election day, voters will be issued with three ballots instead of the usual two. Each ballot requires voters to select either one party or one candidate. Two of these ballots will be used to determine the composition of the National Assembly, while the third will be designated for the election of members to the provincial legislature in each province.

What's at stake?

Even though the ANC replaced former President Jacob Zuma with Cyril Ramaphosa as the leader of the ANC in 2018, enabling him to lead the party into the 2019 elections, internal divisions continue to plague the ANC.

While President Ramaphosa has gradually garnered more backing within the party and is set to represent the party in the 2024 elections, there is a growing division within the party. Zuma's support for a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe, poses a direct challenge to Ramaphosa's leadership.

The ANC party faces mounting pressure due to issues such as high unemployment, economic disparities, corruption allegations, and ongoing internal divisions. Rising violent crime rates, an average of 130 rapes and 80 murders a day in the last three months of 2023 have further strained public confidence in the authorities. The election will be closely watched as a test of the ANC's ability to address these pressing issues and maintain its political dominance.

According to a release by the Parliament of South Africa , the development is related to a case dating back to 2008 when Judge Hlophe was accused of attempting to influence the court’s judgement in the case involving former President Jacob Zuma.

The former Judge President of the Western Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa is said to have approached the two justices to garner their support for Zuma in a decision relating to a corruption case.

He subsequently denied the accusation.

The case was assigned to a Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) after years of delays caused by various litigation. The JCT was tasked to investigate and report on the allegations.

On August 25, 2021, the JCT found that Hlophe’s conduct breached the provisions of section 165 of the Constitution and interfered with the independence, impartiality, dignity, and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court.

The JSC having considered the report of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal upheld the findings and recommended that he be suspended.

In December 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Hlophe.

Section 177 of the South African Constitution dictates that a judge may be removed on grounds which include incapacity, gross incompetence, or gross misconduct.

Hlophe’s removal is historic as he is the first judge in the democratic history of the country to have been impeached.

A total of 305 members voted at the National Assembly for the removal of the judge from office against 27 members who voted in his favour.

Retired Judge Motata was also impeached having been found guilty of gross misconduct following a drunk driving conviction in 2009. The JCT recommended that the JSC invoke section 177(1)(a) of the Constitution, which provides that a judge may only be removed from office if the JSC finds that the Judge suffers from an incapacity, is grossly incompetent, or is guilty of gross misconduct.

296 members voted for his removal from office against one who voted against his removal and thirteen members who abstained from voting.

“The NA’s resolution on the removal of the two judges will now be communicated to the President,” parts of the statement issued by the parliament of the Republic of South Africa said.

“To succeed in an ever-changing global economy, our country needs far more people with the right skills. This is so that our economy can be competitive, grow and create employment,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement .

“The publication of the new draft regulations is part of our ongoing drive to reform the country’s visa system, making it easier to attract the skills our economy needs and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. An efficient, agile, responsive visa regime is key to attracting business investment and boosting economic growth. International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for.,” he added.

The draft amendments include a remote working visa and a critical skills visa. Digital nomads who can operate virtually from anywhere in the world are covered by the remote working visa.

For critical skills visas, the draft regulations provide a point system that accounts for job experience, age, education, language proficiency, and receiving an employment offer.

The South African government has committed over R3 billion ($158 million) since 2016 to bolstering the development and growth of business process outsourcing, intending to create about 500,000 new jobs in the industry by 2030, President Ramaphosa indicated.

Members of the University of Cape Town Employees Union embarked on a strike on February 8 to demand better conditions of service and salaries. According to Ground Up , approximately 1,400 members of the Union are demanding a 7.5% increase in their salaries for 2024 and for the implementation of a unified bargaining forum for members. Union members commenced the protests at the Sarah Baartman Hall and marched to Bremner Building, UCT’s administrative headquarters where they submitted their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Interim Vice-Chancellor Daya Reddy and other UCT officials. The vice-chancellor committed to discuss their grievances with management and revert to the union with urgency.

Bad weather projected

The South African Weather Service has warned of damaging winds, hail, lightning, and heavy rain in some regions across the country over the weekend. According to a release, there will be strong winds in the central and western parts of Limpopo and over the escarpment and northern Highveld of Mpumalanga. Gauteng, Free State, and Northern Cape are expected to experience cloudy and warm weather. Morning fog is expected in places over the interior in KwaZulu-Natal, otherwise cloudy and warm, but hot in places in the north, News 24 reports.

Presidential address to the nation

President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the 2024 State of the Nation Address in parliament on February 8. This is in accordance with Section 42 (5) of the Constitution which provides the president with an opportunity to address the nation on the general state of South Africa while indicating the political, economic, and social projections for the fiscal year. The address took place before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament a government release noted. The president touched on issues of unemployment in the country indicating the success of the government through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, SAYouth.mobi, a zero-rated platform for unemployed young people to access opportunities for learning and earning. He also touched on efforts by the government to tackle money laundering and fraud in the country.

Former mayor jailed

A former mayor of the Ingwe municipality in Kwazulu-Natal has been sentenced to five years in prison over convictions of theft and corruption. Nomagugu Luzulane was convicted of stealing from an outreach programme, Operation Mbo, set up to assist needy people with food parcels containing basic foodstuff. Luzulane used the money, R71,500 (3,756.38 USD) to fund the funeral of a local councillor’s relative, Times Live reported. The money was said to have been used to purchase “luxury items” with some of it spent on catering, sound equipment, and tent hire. The municipal manager of the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma municipality which incorporated the Ingwe municipality said Luzulane’s fraud had effectively deprived 141 households of urgent assistance in the form of food parcels, instead of complying with her constitutional duties and obligations.

Food poisoning in children

Four children are recovering in Pholosong Hospital in Tsakane after they were admitted with suspected food poisoning on February 6. The children are aged two, three, six and nine. A fifth child, aged six and a pupil at the Mandlethu Primary School died after consuming biscuits bought from a spaza shop. The Gauteng Health Department says these incidents follow some 861 others in the past that have resulted in 11 deaths. They further urged people to visit the nearest health facilities when they sight or experience symptoms of food poisoning. Efforts are also underway to investigate food samples from the shop, Sowetan Live reports. 

The term was originally BRIC before South Africa joined in 2010 and now two African countries, Egypt and Ethiopia, will be invited to join the group from January 1, 2024.

The bloc, initiated by Russia, was founded as an informal club in 2009 to provide a platform for its members to challenge the dominance of the United States and its Western allies. Its founding members include Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

Why African leaders want to join BRICS

African leaders view the dollar’s dominance over the global financial system and the market as impeding their nations’ economic growth. The US interest rate hikes further intensify the continent's reason to break free from these constraints.

Unlike the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the BRICS bank known as the New Development Bank, aims to reach 30 percent of lending in local currencies by 2026.

South Africa, for instance, has benefitted 100 billion  rand, approximately US $5.3 billion from the BRICS bank which it used to fund its infrastructure projects. Egypt also joined the bank in February to help ease its  greenback shortages.

African countries can grow with BRICS

With the BRICS de-dollarization concept aimed at increasing the use of local currencies in trade, it is no surprise that African leaders request an alignment with the bloc. What could go wrong with this concept is an increased use of the Chinese renminbi and already, African nations including Mauritius, Nigeria, and Zambia, already use the renminbi as a  reserve currency . So again, what could possibly go wrong?

African leaders view the group as an alternative to global bodies like the World Bank and International Fund (IMF) which are hosted by Western powers and offer support with sometimes unfavourable conditions.

Alignment with BRICS will unlock benefits including development finance, increased trade, infrastructure development, and investment as indicated by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. It will offer African countries the chance to gain a louder voice on the world stage. With BRICS accounting for more than 40 percent of the world’s population, and surpassing the combined GDP of the G-7 countries in 2023, it is possible.

Africa - BRICS trade

The BRICS are now Africa’s largest trading partners and in 2012 only, trade rose to as much as US $340 billion. The BRICS are also growing in their foreign direct investments in Africa, especially in the manufacturing and service sectors compared to the US and Europe. It is reported that the BRICS trade more with Africa than they do among themselves.

With Africa’s untapped agricultural sector, the opportunity for investments and the transfer of technology, BRICS is a strategic alternative for Africa to break free from Western influence.