insert_link South Africa ANC Given Deadline to Submit Cadre Deployment Records The ANC has until today to submit its complete records of the cadre deployment committee dating back to January 2013, following a Constitutional Court order. DA leader John Steenhuisen stated that failure to comply would lead the DA to petition the Constitutional Court for contempt of court charges against the ANC. The DA has consistently argued that the ANC's cadre deployment policy is unconstitutional and unlawful. todayFebruary 19, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa RISE Mzansi Reveals Major Donor and Funding Approach South Africa's RISE Mzansi has transparently disclosed its contributors whose donations meet the submission and declaration criteria set by the Electoral Commission. The largest contributor, Rebecca Oppenheimer, donated 15 million rand. Makashule Gana of RISE Mzansi underscored that, unlike established political parties, they do not receive taxpayer funding, highlighting their distinct financial model. This disclosure aligns with the party's commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process. todayFebruary 19, 2024 9
insert_link Environment Rhinos can’t sweat, making them vulnerable to overheating: global warming could wipe them out in southern Africa By Timothy Randhir, UMass Amherst Southern Africa is home to 22,137 of the world’s 23,432 white and black African rhinos. But they’re facing grave threats because of a warming planet. Now, the first study of how climate change affects rhinos in southern Africa has found that they will cease to exist in the region’s national parks by 2085 if the world takes the worst-case scenario climate change […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa SA’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will not be silenced about global human rights abuses SA's President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa may be a small nation on the international front, but it will not be silenced about global human rights abuses. In his first-ever address to the Cape Town Press Club on Thursday, Ramaphosa referred to unfolding conflicts in Russia and Ukraine and between Hamas and Israel. He also addressed several pressing issues in the country. Journalists peppered the president with questions, and concerns […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa Recusal Decision Reserved in “Kill the Boer” Appeal Case: AfriForum Awaits Verdict The Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa has deferred judgment on AfriForum's plea to have acting judge of appeal, Raylene Keightley, recused from the "Kill the Boer" appeal case. AfriForum filed the recusal request in 2023, citing Keightley's strong opinions against the organization in a previous case. Kallie Kriel, AfriForum's spokesperson, highlights the importance of an impartial judiciary in cases involving controversial statements by Julius Malema and the EFF. […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 24
insert_link South Africa South African Government Extends Special Relief of Distress Grant to March 2025, Cosatu Welcomes Move The Congress of South African Trade Unions applauds the government's decision to extend the Special Relief of Distress grant for an additional year until March 2025. This extension brings relief to 8 million unemployed individuals dependent on this crucial poverty alleviation support. Matthew Parks, Cosatu's acting spokesperson, acknowledges the grant's limitations but highlights its invaluable role in providing relief to millions without income, signaling a potential step towards the anticipated […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa has spent billions in 4 years to create jobs for young people: how their wages affect the broader economy By Joshua Budlender, UMass Amherst and Ihsaan Bassier, London School of Economics and Political Science In October 2020 the South African government launched a collection of public employment programmes, initially intended as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, called the Presidential Employment Stimulus, has been extended since then. The total budget allocation to March 2024 was R42 billion (US$2.1 billion). By December 2023 it had […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa EFF Threatens March to American Embassy in South Africa Over Ongoing Palestinian Bombardment Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, issues a threat to march to the American embassy if the bombardment and alleged genocide of Palestinians continue. Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, Malema condemns recent attacks on Palestine, accusing Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of defying the International Court of Justice's order to cease hostilities. The EFF leader declares the party's intention to hold the American embassy accountable […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 5
insert_link South Africa SA President Ramaphosa Highlights Progress in Tackling South Africa’s Long-Standing Electricity Crisis South African President Cyril Ramaphosa asserts that the government is achieving tangible advancements in resolving the 15-year-long electricity crisis. He points to enhanced maintenance at Eskom plants, resulting in damaged units returning to service ahead of schedule. In response to the state of the nation address in Parliament, Ramaphosa notes a significant uptick in rooftop solar installations by businesses and households, supported by government incentives. todayFebruary 16, 2024 5