Politics Archives

UDM Banks on Leadership Renewal As It Gears Up for November Polls

2Jul

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Politics

UDM Banks on Leadership Renewal As It Gears Up for November Polls

By Becker Semela: The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has emerged from its national electoral congress with a renewed leadership team, signalling its determination to strengthen the party ahead of South Africa's local government elections in November. While delegates opted for continuity by re-electing party president Bantu Holomisa and his deputy, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, the congress also delivered a message that renewal remains important within the organisation. The election of several new leaders reflects the party's intention to reposition itself as it prepares to contest municipalities across the country. The most notable outcome of the congress was the replacement of long-serving national treasurer Thandiwe Nontenja. Delegates vote...

JACINTA NGOBESE-ZUMA: From Boardroom Dreams to Street Conviction, Founding Leader of March and March

30Jun

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Politics

JACINTA NGOBESE-ZUMA: From Boardroom Dreams to Street Conviction, Founding Leader of March and March

By Sandile Memela: Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and her husband, Xolani Zuma, during the 30 June national protest marches. (Image: Facebook) There are lives that begin with one map and are redrawn by history. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is a young graduate professional. She studied with a clear picture in her mind: the suit, the boardroom table, the pen that signs decisions that change lives. “I spent all my life believing I would get an education so that one day I could sit in boardrooms and make decisions that would change people’s lives,” she says. History gave her a different classroom. The streets. When the Boardroom Door Did Not Open What turned a corporate ambition into civic courage was what she saw first-hand. In January 2026, as foun...

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...