insert_link South Africa How democracy can work at community level: 3 lessons from a South African protest movement By Luke Sinwell, University of Johannesburg Popular protests have surged around the world over the last decade. But do they work? And what lessons can be learnt from communities who have a history of militant protests? When the African National Congress (ANC) was elected to power in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, many believed that popular protests, which were the […] todayJuly 2, 2024 22
insert_link South Africa South African organisation OUTA has questioned some cabinet appointments The South African organisation OUTA has questioned some cabinet appointments, seeking greater transparency from new ministers. CEO Wayne Duvenage hopes for closer consultation with civil society and better service delivery. Duvenage has criticised the increased cabinet size and the retention of underperforming ministers stating the bloated cabinet will be a massive cost to society. He has also emphasised the need to address wasteful expenditure, maladministration, and corruption: todayJuly 2, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa ActionSA Raises Concerns Over New Allegations Against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Director In S.A, ActionSA in Ekurhuleni says it is concerned about the emergence of new allegations against Metro Police Department’s director of Special Services Julius Mkhwanazi. He returned to work in October last year, after an investigation into him abusing his power and utilising metro vehicles for personal use was dropped. ActionSA’s, Siyanda Makhubo, says Mkhwanazi has now been accused of soliciting sex for jobs from female EMPD officers who want […] todayJuly 2, 2024 19
insert_link South Africa Ramaphosa’s New Cabinet Announcement Sparks Rally in South African Markets In S.A, President Cyril Ramaphosa's new cabinet announcement has sparked a significant rally in South African shares and bonds, easing investor concerns. Key positions were given to business-friendly opposition politicians, with Enoch Godongwana retained as Finance minister. This move signals a continued commitment to prudent fiscal policy. Economist Dawie Roodt says bond yields fell, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's all-share index rose: todayJuly 2, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Rural Development Organisation Warns of Increased Evictions Under New Agriculture Minister South Africa's Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation has raised concerns over potential increased evictions and exploitation of farm workers under newly appointed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. Criticizing the Democratic Alliance's historical stance towards labor unions and perceived lack of empathy for farm workers, the organisation's executive director, Billy Claasen, has called for urgent government intervention to safeguard the rights of farm workers amidst fears of neglect and heightened vulnerability under […] todayJuly 2, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s New Unity Government Sparks Cautious Optimism Amid Economic Concerns South Africa's new unity government, formed by President Cyril Ramaphosa with former opposition leader John Steenhuisen heading a key ministry, has garnered cautious optimism from industry and financial markets. Reuters reports that many citizens and political analysts express concerns about the coalition's ability to achieve economic growth and social reforms, marking the first coalition cabinet in three decades involving the Democratic Alliance and other parties. todayJuly 2, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Automobile Association Applauds Finalization of President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet for Certainty in Key Departments South Africa's Automobile Association has welcomed the finalisation of president Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet stating that it brings certainty to key departments. Spokesperson Layton Beard emphasises the need for effective leadership from new Transport minister Barbara Creecy and re-appointed Mineral Resources and Energy minister Gwede Mantashe. Beard highlights the importance of improving public transport, road safety, and fuel pricing. He calls for collaboration with civil organisations to address these critical issues: […] todayJuly 2, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s new cabinet draws mixed reactions Following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of his new cabinet, which consists of the eleven political parties that are part of the government of national unity, we reached out to South African-based political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast for comment. Ramaphosa has added two ministries to his cabinet and announced 32 ministers. The Democratic Alliance has been allocated six ministerial posts, with its leader John Steenhuisen appointed Agriculture Minister. Ramaphosa says […] todayJuly 1, 2024 25
insert_link South Africa S.Africa’s new centre-right government promises unity, action South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's new coalition government heralds a pragmatic centre-right shift as opposition parties take control of more than a third of ministries, bringing hope for better governance but also cohesion fears. The African National Congress (ANC), which has governed since the advent of democracy in 1994, keeps 20 of the 32 cabinet positions, including foreign affairs, finance, defence, justice and police. The historied party […] todayJuly 1, 2024 10
