Judge Millar warned that Zuma’s repeated attempts to relitigate settled issues undermined the principle of equal justice. “It is destructive of the notion that all are equal before the law,” he said . Zuma has 60 days to repay the amount or risk having his presidential pension attached.

At almost the same time in Pietermaritzburg, Zuma appeared before the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in his long-running corruption case linked to the 1999 arms deal. He and French arms company Thales are seeking to have the charges struck off. Zuma’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, argued that trial delays and the deaths of key witnesses had prejudiced his client, insisting that “they cannot be resurrected.”

The state, however, accused Zuma of once again using “Stalingrad” tactics, delaying the case through endless applications rather than confronting the charges.

Zuma also filed a recusal application related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission inquiry, adding to the day’s legal battles.

Among the 17 men reportedly recruited, eight were family members. Authorities say the men, aged between 20 and 39, left South Africa under false pretences, believing they would get “bodyguard training” or other employment . In reality, distress calls received by South African authorities indicate they found themselves on the frontlines.

South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, The Hawks, has opened a criminal investigation into the allegations. The charges under consideration include human trafficking, fraud, and violations of the foreign-military-assistance law.

Her half-sister formally filed the complaint, saying she felt a “moral obligation” to act, especially after learning some of the men were close relatives.

On November 28, 2025, MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, announced that Zuma-Sambudla had stepped down from her parliamentary seat, effective immediately. Party officials described the resignation as voluntary and not an admission of guilt. The party also pledged to support the families of the affected men and assist in efforts to repatriate them safely.

If proven, the case marks one of the most serious mercenary-recruitment scandals involving foreign nationals and raises new concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

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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World Reframed is produced in London by  Global South  World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

The Umhlanga reed dance is a days-long rite of passage where thousands of young girls, dressed in brightly coloured traditional clothing, sing and dance bare-chested.

It was during this event on September 2 that Nomcebo Zuma appeared as the liphovela, a term meaning royal fiancée or concubine, solidifying her engagement to the 56-year-old monarch.

King Mswati III has ruled over Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, since 1986, ascending the throne just days after his 18th birthday.

The king governs the nation of approximately 1.2 million people by decree, with political parties banned and elected officials serving only in an advisory capacity.

Nomcebo's father, Jacob Zuma, served as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018. The 82-year-old ex-president, who is known to have over 20 children from his wives, former wives, and mistresses, once stated in a televised interview, "There are plenty of politicians who have mistresses and children that they hide so as to pretend they're monogamous. I prefer to be open. I love my wives and I'm proud of my children."

In August, ex-president Zuma announced that he was leaving the African National Congress (ANC), the party he once led, after forming the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party after his expulsion from the ANC.

Zuma claimed that the ANC no longer represents the values it once stood for.

Speaking at an MK press conference in Johannesburg, Zuma criticised the current leadership of the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa. "I'm leaving the ANC because it has gone out of the way, it’s no longer the ANC we know. This is the Ramaphosa ANC, and they have deviated, they have moved out of the way,” Zuma stated.

Zuma also hinted at the long-term consequences of his departure, suggesting that the fragmentation of political parties could weaken South Africa's political landscape. "One day, when I'm an old man... I will tell the citizens of this country that you sold out by creating other organisations, helping the enemy to disperse us so that you don't have a concrete majority," he added.

The ANC suspended Zuma in January after he publicly endorsed the newly formed MK party. MK went on to secure 14.5 percent of the vote in the May 29 elections, placing third and significantly reducing the ANC's share of the electorate.

The ANC's disciplinary committee found Zuma guilty of "prejudicing the integrity" of the party and has given him three weeks to appeal.

"His platform is dangerous, appeals to extremist instincts in our body politic and riles up a political base that may foment social unrest," the ANC's statement was quoted by the BBC .

Zuma, 82, had been a longtime ANC member but fell out with the party after being forced to resign as president in 2018 over corruption scandals.

However, he denied any wrongdoing.

After forming MK, which now opposes the ANC-led government, Zuma was suspended in January.

MK which says Zuma was not informed about his expulsion criticised the disciplinary process, and likened it to a "kangaroo court".

The ANC's disciplinary hearing was held virtually, which Zuma refused to attend, insisting on being physically present.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said Zuma's request for a physical presence was rejected to prevent a rally atmosphere.

"Even when they [MK supporters] were told that the disciplinary hearing was virtual they still came here. So it tells you that Jacob Zuma wanted a movie," he was quoted .

Mr Mbalula denied that Mr Zuma had not been informed of his expulsion.

"[The] kangaroo court is that MK. Who are they to lecture people about a due process?," Mr Mbalula said .

South Africa's current President, Cyril Ramaphosa, replaced Zuma in 2018, vowing to clean up the government.

In the recent elections, the ANC had its worst result in 30 years, necessitating a coalition to retain power. MK emerged as the third-largest party, securing nearly 15% of the vote and 58 seats in parliament.

Zuma, barred from being an MP due to a previous prison sentence for contempt of court, now faces corruption charges over a 1999 arms deal. His arrest in 2021 triggered deadly riots. Zuma appointed an impeached ex-judge to lead MK in parliament.

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.

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.

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.

What they said

President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispelled concerns about a possible eruption of violence following the court’s ruling. "I'm not concerned about this instigating violence." "We have a rule of law in South Africa that governs us. Once a constitutional court has decided, that is it and should there be any threat of violence our security forces are ready," he said. Some political experts have suggested that there could be threats of disruption from Zuma’s following. "In light of the reaction to the arrest of Zuma in 2021, one has to fear that there could be some major effort by those same networks to destabilise this election," Daryl Glaser, a politics professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, told Reuters .

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.

The Court's decision clears the path for Zuma to contest the presidency under the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), a party he joined after leaving the African National Congress (ANC).

The Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify Jacob Zuma last month from running for office was due to a contempt of court conviction,according to the BBC . The commission argued that the constitution prohibits individuals convicted of crimes and sentenced to over 12 months in prison from holding public office.

In 2021, the former president received a 15-month jail sentence for refusing to testify in a corruption probe, but he was released after serving only three months due to health reasons.

However, Zuma’s lawyers argued that his conviction was related to civil rather than criminal matters

The former president aged 81, though running on the ticket of the MK opposition, was once a prominent member of the ruling party, ANC which Nelson Mandela once led. He served as president from 2009 to 2018 before resigning amidst corruption allegations.

Jacob Zuma, who sees himself as the rightful successor to the ANC's revolutionary legacy, is running on the ticket of the MK party named after the former military wing of the ANC.

While South Africa’s Electoral Commission has acknowledged the court order, it has requested the court to justify its conclusions.

“In order to understand the basis of the conclusions reached in both matters, it is important that reasons are provided. We will accordingly request the Electoral Court to hand down reasons for the orders made,” the media statement read.

South Africa's upcoming general election on May 29 is anticipated to be fiercely contested, and expected to be a historic moment in the country's democracy.

What they said

"In the case of former president Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld," IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya was quoted by The East African . "We were unanimous. These are not matters we deal with that are personal. It is a provision of the law against which we must measure an objection and it's straightforward. It is whether the person qualifies or does not qualify," he added.

National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the former statesman however escaped unhurt in the accident which happened at about 18:40 on the R66.

"No one was injured, including members of the Presidential Protection Services (PPS). The former president was evacuated and taken to his residence," Mathe was quoted by local news outlet News 24 .

Details from the police further indicated that the crash was caused by a 51-year-old drunk driver who ran into the convoy of the former president.

He has since been arrested on charges of drunk, reckless, and negligent driving. He has been detained and is expected to appear before the Eshowe Magistrate Court on April 2, 2024.