Politics Archives

EFF WARNS: Fuel price shock to push South Africa over the edge

6May

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Politics

EFF WARNS: Fuel price shock to push South Africa over the edge

By Rorisang Rampheteng: South Africa faces mounting economic pressure as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) issues a stark warning that the latest fuel price increases could push millions of households closer to the brink. In a strongly worded statement released this week, the party described the hikes as devastating, arguing that they come at a time when citizens are already grappling with rising food prices, unemployment and a fragile economy. The EFF warned that the increases are not merely adjustments at the pump, but a direct blow to the survival of working-class families and vulnerable communities. From 6 May 2026, petrol is set to rise by R2.04 per litre, while diesel will increase by as much as R4.96 per litre. Illuminating para...

Freedom Day: Reflecting on the long journey the country has traversed

27Apr

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Politics

Freedom Day: Reflecting on the long journey the country has traversed

By Becker Semela: President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his speech on Freedom Day South Africans across the country gathered on Monday, 27 April, to celebrate Freedom Day, a moment that reminds the country of its long journey from oppression to democracy. Speaking at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, in Bloemfontein, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation with a message of reflection, progress and renewed commitment to building a better South Africa for all. The President began by acknowledging the importance of Freedom Day as more than just a public holiday. He said it is a day to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and to recognise the responsibility that comes with it. He reminded the people that freedom was not easily won, but...

BREAKING NEWS: Julius Malema granted leave to appeal his five-year imprisonment, allowing him to continue with life as usual for now

16Apr

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Politics

BREAKING NEWS: Julius Malema granted leave to appeal his five-year imprisonment, allowing him to continue with life as usual for now

By News SA Reporter : Commander and chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters and South African presidential candidate Julius Malema (J. Countess/Getty Images) EFF leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment by the East London Magistrate at KuGompo in the Eastern Cape. But he was granted leave to appeal after his legal team immediately lodged it with the intention of going to a higher court. The granting of the leave to appeal meant that he would continue with his job as an MP until his appeal is heard and concluded. Even then, the politician still has an option to go to a higher court, such as the Constitutional Court, which may take a very long time and he may not even go to jail. Immediately after the leave to appeal was...

ANC Confident of Regaining Full Control of Free State Municipalities

17Mar

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Politics

ANC Confident of Regaining Full Control of Free State Municipalities

By Rorisang Rampheteng: The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State says it is strengthening its election machinery and focusing on service delivery as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections. Speaking during an interview at the party’s provincial headquarters, Kaizer Sebothelo House in Bloemfontein, ANC Free State provincial secretary Polediso Motsoeneng said the party is confident it can regain full control of municipalities across the province. Motsoeneng said the party has already established a comprehensive election structure that stretches from the provincial leadership down to the grassroots level. “The ANC has put in place one of its effective subcommittees led by Comrade Saki Mokoena as a provincial election structure, which is re...

Community Body Calls for Mangaung Mayor and MMC to Resign Immediately

9Mar

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Politics

Community Body Calls for Mangaung Mayor and MMC to Resign Immediately

By Becker Semela: 031: Mangaung Metro Mayor Gregory Nthatisi whom his office denied vehemently all allegations. (Image by Mangaung Metro Facebook) Mangaung Concerned Communities (MCC) has called on Mangaung Metro Executive Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, and the MMC for Community and Social Services, Nthabiseng Jonas, to resign from their positions over allegations of political interference in the municipal administration. Numerous complaints received from residents According to MCC spokesperson Senotli Gaba, the organisation believes the duo have violated the Code of Conduct for Councillors, which prohibits councillors from interfering in the administration of municipal departments. Gaba said MCC has received numerous complaints from residents claiming that new people are...

Eastern Cape SOPA2026: Mabuyane’s leadership on trial after year 7

27Feb

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Politics

Eastern Cape SOPA2026: Mabuyane’s leadership on trial after year 7

By Bulelani Bobotyane: Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane (Image: EC Government Website) The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape notes that on 27 February 2026, Premier Oscar Mabuyane will address the province in his seventh year at the helm. Across towns and villages, one hears a recurring sentiment: there was a period in this region’s history when executive authority translated into visible administrative discipline, when decisions were implemented with consistency and consequence management was not optional. That period existed within a different constitutional dispensation and must be understood in its proper historical context. It was not beyond criticism. In this province, what endures in public memory is not nostalgia for past structures, but the...

China and Africa strengthen ties with people-to-people exchanges, boosting Afro-China relations and cooperation

16Jan

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Politics

China and Africa strengthen ties with people-to-people exchanges, boosting Afro-China relations and cooperation

By Thobile Jiwulane: China's Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, takes a photograph with the cultural groups that performed at the event. (Image: Xiang Sun/CNS) The relationship between Africa and the People's Republic of China has moved to a new level with a renewed commitment by the two sides to implement people-to-people exchanges that are bound to benefit their respective societies in various ways and further strengthen China-Africa friendships. This was the focus of the launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria this week. The launch was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, and African diplomats, with a huge presence of the South African government representatives, inc...

UDM CALLS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATION: Alleged racial and sexist remarks by Bafana coach

15Dec

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Politics

UDM CALLS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATION: Alleged racial and sexist remarks by Bafana coach

By Becker Semela: Nqabayomzi Kwankwa of The United Democratic Movement (Image: Facebook) The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has taken a firm stand against alleged racist and sexist comments reportedly made by Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, calling the remarks "unacceptable, demeaning and completely out of line with the values of South Africa’s Constitution". In two formal letters sent this week to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), the UDM secretary general, Yongama Zigebe, requested an urgent investigation and strong corrective action against the national team coach. The party said the statements, if confirmed, threaten the dignity of the individuals involved and undermine South Africa’s...

WHO IS SOBUKWE: Reigniting The Legacy of a Liberation Giant

9Dec

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Politics

WHO IS SOBUKWE: Reigniting The Legacy of a Liberation Giant

By Hlumela Xaba: PAC flag (Image: From the PAC website) A name often forgotten in the lexicon of South Africa’s liberation stalwarts, yet it carries so much gravitas and reverence. I regard the attempted erasure of Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe’s legacy as paradoxical to his contributions in South Africa and the greater continent’s emancipation struggle. Perhaps Sobukwe’s life story as an anti-apartheid political activist was a precursor to his afterlife, where not a single audio of his speeches has ever been made public. I posit the latter with reference to Sobukwe’s banishment to Galashewe in Kimberley upon his release from Robben Island, where he was kept in solitary confinement under the Sobukwe Clause for six years. His banishment was accompanied by an administrative d...

3.5 TRILLION AT RISK: The Public Investment Corporation’s governance collapse demands action, says Holomisa

4Nov

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Politics

3.5 TRILLION AT RISK: The Public Investment Corporation’s governance collapse demands action, says Holomisa

UDM President and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Major-Gen (Rt) Bantu Holomisa writes an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Songezo Zibi. By Bantu Holomisa: General Bantu Holomisa of the UDM party Dear Mr President and Chairperson Zibi, 1. I had the privilege of attending the extended Cabinet Lekgotla at the end of September 2025, where you, Mr President, emphasised that the fight against corruption and the looting of state resources would be a top priority for the Government of National Unity. You further noted that the current climate of corruption and mismanagement has severely undermined investor confidence and that this situation must be decisiv...