ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is now mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay

ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is now mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay

ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is now mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, succeeding National Alliance president Gary van Niekerk, who stepped down to take on the deputy role. Both leaders resigned to facilitate the leadership swap, positioning the ANC to lead the metro. Van Niekerk dismissed coalition conflict rumors. Lobishe emphasised the need to ensure stability and resident-focused governance:

November 1, 2024 21

South Africa

Lusikisiki Mass Murder Mastermind to Represent Himself in Court

The alleged mastermind in the Lusikisiki mass murders in the Eastern Cape, Mzukisi Ndamase, told the local Magistrate's Court he would represent himself, refusing Legal Aid assistance. Ndamase, who is currently serving a life sentence, was arrested in Ebongweni Maximum Correctional Centre, where he allegedly orchestrated the murders of 18 people. The case was postponed to 29 November for further investigation. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Luxolo Tyali says they have […]

November 1, 2024 23

Business / Economics

ActionSA criticizes 2024 mid-term budget promises

ActionSA says the 2024 mid-term budget fails to meet the government of National Unity’s promises. Party representative Alan Beesley welcomed increased SARS funding but criticised the 1.1-percent economic growth projection, saying it falls short of the needed three-percent. Beesley argues that government neglects economic stability, keeping a bloated cabinet while essential services like policing, healthcare, and education suffer. He labels the budget’s priorities as misplaced, calling for urgent focus on […]

October 31, 2024 13

South Africa

TLU SA Seeks Clarity on Medium Term Budget’s Impact on Agriculture

The South African agricultural organisation TLU SA says it wants clarity on whether the plans announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement will genuinely meet the real needs of the economy and agriculture. TLU SA’s, Bennie van Zyl, says the focus of the government of national unity on inclusive growth and job creation is valuable, but the concern is that real challenges, such as corruption and mismanagement, are […]

October 31, 2024 26

South Africa

Cosatu Expresses Disappointment with S.A’s Treasury’s Economic Strategies

S.A union, Cosatu says it remains underwhelmed and disappointed by the Treasury’s continued approach to tackling South Africa’s deep-seated economic and governance crises. The union federation was responding to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Cosatu’s, Matthew Parks, says the fundamental challenges facing the nation are a stagnant economy and a rising unemployment rate of 42.6-percent:

October 31, 2024 26

South Africa

S.A’s EFF rejects Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement

The Economic Freedom Fightersin South Africa have rejected the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, claiming the government favors private sector profits over job creation and economic growth. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana defended the budget in Parliament, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable public finances. EFF leader Julius Malema criticized the statement for overlooking the rising unemployment crisis. RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has called for financial reform to address national debt […]

October 31, 2024 20

Business / Economics

DA leader and Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen endorsed the mid-term budget

DA leader and Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen endorsed the mid-term budget, calling it the right step toward fiscal growth. Speaking outside Parliament, Steenhuisen commended the focus on debt reduction, infrastructure spending, halting bailouts for state-owned entities, and the end of e-tolls. He emphasises the DA’s role in driving reforms through the government of national unity, through economic growth and job creation:

October 31, 2024 20

Business / Economics

South Africa nears compliance with the Financial Action Task Force’s financial crime requirements

South Africa is close to meeting the Financial Action Task Force's requirements to combat financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing. In his first medium-term budget policy statement for the seventh administration, Finance minister Enoch Godongwana said only six items remain to be addressed by February next year, with 16 of the 22 requirements already fully or mostly completed:

October 31, 2024 17

South Africa

OUTA Calls for Budget Focus on S.A’s Corruption and Economic Stability….

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has urged Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to prioritize anti-corruption efforts in the medium-term budget policy statement, advocating for reduced spending on non-core state-owned entities. Meanwhile, agriculture organization TLU SA expects the budget to focus on economic growth and stability in light of the changing political climate. TLU SA’s Bennie van Zyl emphasized the importance of enhancing security and economic confidence in South Africa.

October 30, 2024 24