insert_link South Africa Prof. Ntsikelelo Breakfast assesses Jacob Zuma’s impact on SA elections Despite being a disgraced former president who was sent to jail, Jacob Zuma is turning out to be the political wildcard in South Africa's election campaign. This follows his dramatic decision to ditch the governing African National Congress for the newly formed party uMkhonto we Sizwe. We spoke to Here’s to SA-based political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast. todayMarch 14, 2024 43
insert_link South Africa eThekwini Municipality Takes Disciplinary Action Against Nearly 2,000 Striking Workers The eThekwini Municipality has taken decisive disciplinary action, including dismissals, against nearly two thousand staff members affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union who participated in an illegal strike. The workers had been protesting for salary increases. Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda disclosed that as of now, 81 employees are under precautionary suspension for misconduct related to the illegal strike, while one thousand seven hundred eighty-one employees have been served notices […] todayMarch 14, 2024 36
insert_link 2 South Africa African Transformation Movement Denounces Eskom’s Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike The African Transformation Movement has issued a strong condemnation against Eskom's plan to raise electricity tariffs by an average of 15.9 percent annually over the next three years. The party asserts that this decision directly jeopardizes the economic stability and well-being of citizens. While acknowledging Eskom's need for financial sustainability, ATM's spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, argues that burdening already struggling households and businesses with this hike is unjustifiable. Ntshona vehemently opposes […] todayMarch 14, 2024 16 2
insert_link South Africa DA Demands Accountability Over Cancelled South African Airways Deal South Africa's Democratic Alliance is demanding accountability from the government, including Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, regarding the South African Airways- Takatso Consortium deal. The minister announced yesterday that the sale of a 51% stake in SAA to Takatso has been terminated, citing obstacles such as the necessity to revalue the airline's assets. Mimmy Gondwe of the DA stated that they believe the government neglected due diligence before initiating […] todayMarch 14, 2024 19
insert_link South Africa SA’s Defend Our Democracy Calls for Responsible Engagement in Electoral Process SA's Defend Our Democracy, a civil society group, has urged political parties to refrain from undermining the integrity of the electoral processes and the Independent Electoral Commission. The group, launching its election watch campaign, has expressed concern over certain political parties, notably the uMkhonto we Sizwe party, for making alarming statements, issuing threats, and discrediting the IEC's credibility. Andries Sibanyoni, representing the group, has called on parties to engage in […] todayMarch 14, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa Prepares for National Strike Amidst Disputes in Bus Passenger Sector The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has accused employers in the bus passenger sector of instigating a potential national strike by insisting that workers absorb contract penalties and establishing a two-tier labor market. Following unsuccessful negotiations and a minimal wage increase offer, the union has rejected these demands and is gearing up for industrial action. Numsa is advocating for adjustments to allowances, medical insurance, and working hours, alleging […] todayMarch 14, 2024 7
insert_link South Africa City of Tshwane’s Audit Outcome Reflects Governance Progress The audit outcome of the City of Tshwane has demonstrated notable improvement, transitioning from an adverse result in 2022 to a qualified outcome in 2023. This shift signifies advancements in governance within the municipality. Mayor Cilliers Brink has acknowledged the significant strides made, crediting the improvement to heightened oversight and the dedicated efforts of Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi. Brink has expressed the municipality's commitment to achieving an unqualified audit […] todayMarch 14, 2024 62
insert_link South Africa City of Cape Town Takes Legal Action Against Extortionists Delaying MyCiTi Bus Service Expansion The City of Cape Town has revealed that internal procedures are in progress to file an interdict application against extortionists responsible for obstructing the construction of the MyCiTi bus service in Mitchells Plain. This 340-million-rand initiative is a crucial component of the broader rollout of the MyCiTi service to Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Claremont, and Wynberg. Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, has indicated that the interdict is anticipated […] todayMarch 13, 2024 46
insert_link South Africa Three Coptic Orthodox monks killed in S.African church South African police were on Wednesday investigating the murder of three monks of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox faith. The motive for the fatal stabbings remains unclear. The monks at a church in Cullinan, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) northeast of Pretoria, were murdered on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said. "Three victims were found with stab wounds while the fourth victim that survived alleged that he was […] todayMarch 13, 2024 15