insert_link South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech to parliament listed South Africa’s old problems – but no new solutions By Vinothan Naidoo, University of Cape Town South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening of parliament speech successfully captured the spirit of a diverse and cohesive multi-party government ready to get down to work. But it failed to tell South Africans how the new dispensation will do things differently, and better. In the May 2024 national and provincial elections, Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party received just […] todayJuly 22, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s union welcomes President’s decision to sign the Pension Funds Amendment Bill into law S.A union, Cosatu has welcomed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to sign the Pension Funds Amendment Bill into law. The amendment will allow fund members to withdraw a part of their pension fund savings before retirement. Contributions will be divided into two pots, one-third that can be drawn on before retirement, and a second pot that preserves two-thirds of savings on retirement. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Matthew Parks, says this will provide invaluable […] todayJuly 22, 2024 15
insert_link Africa Who were the first Africans at the Olympics? The disturbing story of two 1904 marathon runners 1904 Olympic marathon participants Len Tau (left) and Jan Mashiani of South Africa. Missouri History Museum By Francois Cleophas, Stellenbosch University Who were the first Africans to compete in the modern Olympic Games? The answer to that question reveals the surprising story of a 1904 marathon – and exposes the history of racism and white supremacy that characterised the Olympics in its early days. The first modern […] todayJuly 22, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa DA Supports Temporary Ban on Movement of Cloven-Hooved Animals in Western Cape In S.A, the DA in the Western Cape says it supports the provincial government’s request to Agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, for a temporary ban on the movement of cloven-hooved animals, such as sheep, pigs, and cattle. This is to contain the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. Twenty-three farms in the Humansdorp area and one farm in East London have been confirmed as positive for the disease. […] todayJuly 22, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa General Industries Workers Union In S.AOpposes City Power’s New 200-Rand Prepaid Electricity Fee The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa has strongly opposed City Power’s decision to implement a 200-rand service fee for prepaid electricity. Spokesperson, Koketso Phasha says the union condemns this move as it is reckless and harmful to the working class already struggling with high living costs. He says the union calls for a mass meeting in Johannesburg to fight back against this decision: todayJuly 22, 2024 30
insert_link South Africa ActionSA’s Senate Addresses South Africa’s Coalition and Governance Issues in Two-Day Session To South Africa, where ActionSA's Senate held a two-day session to address calls from Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni councillors about the party's coalition relationships and its role in stabilising governance. Spokesperson, Samkelo Mgobozi says the party is committed to not partnering with the ANC, however, emphasised the party's intent to ensure effective service delivery: todayJuly 22, 2024 30
insert_link South Africa AfriForum Challenges Appointment of Former Judge John Hlophe to South Africa’s Judicial Services Commission In S.A, AfriForum has initiated legal proceedings to challenge the National Assembly’s appointment of former impeached judge-president John Hlophe to the Judicial Services Commission. The civil rights organisation argues Hlophe's appointment is irrational and unlawful given his previous misconduct. AfriForum CEO, Kallie Kriel says the Constitutional Court is being petitioned to address this matter as it has exclusive jurisdiction over the case: todayJuly 22, 2024 22
insert_link South Africa ANC’s secretary-general criticises opposition parties for accusing the ANC of selling out South Africans In South Africa, ANC's secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula has criticised opposition parties for accusing the ANC of selling out South Africans after forming a government of national unity. Mbalula stated the ANC mandate remains to be committed to representing the interests of South Africans. He emphasised the ANC retained key portfolios and is willing to collaborate with other parties: todayJuly 22, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa ActionSA Reacts to President Ramaphosa’s Address with Mixed Optimism and Criticism ActionSA says Ramaphosa’s address offered up a mixture of cautious optimism and critical scepticism. The party’s Parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, says the language and policies in the president’s speech reflect what ActionSA has advocated for years, including maintaining state infrastructure and employing competent, qualified personnel. He says however that there were glaring omissions of critical issues: todayJuly 19, 2024 17