Polity.org.za Audio Articles
Polity.org.za is a South African news platform covering political, legal, economic, and social issues in South Africa and Africa, along with international affairs. This podcast provides audio versions of the top three articles published on Polity each day. It offers a convenient way to catch up on important news and analysis from a South African perspective.
Episodes
KZN Premier urges SADC to renew commitment to public diplomacy as leaders meet
KZN Premier urges SADC to renew commitment to public diplomacy as leaders meet
Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's public lecture for the 46th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thami Ntuli urged proactiveness and adaptiveness to deal with changing economic and geopolitical dynamics.
South Africa is ho
Court reinstates NSFAS board, suspends administrator appointment
Court reinstates NSFAS board, suspends administrator appointment
The Pretoria High Court has granted interim relief suspending the appointment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula and immediately reinstating the institution's board.
The ruling temporarily reverses the May decision by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamel
SADC Summit: Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia, GBV
SADC Summit: Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia, GBV
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday delivered a powerful vision for the renewal of Southern Africa, calling for urgent regional action on gender-based violence, xenophobia, migration and climate change.
Heads of State gathered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Su
MKP calls ConCourt dismissal of Phala Phala interdict appeal ‘lazy’
MKP calls ConCourt dismissal of Phala Phala interdict appeal 'lazy'
The MKP on Thursday said the Constitution Court's decision to dismiss an application asking for direct access to appeal the halting of the Impeachment Inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa was "lazy".
The apex court refused the application, brought by the African Transformation Movement, to overturn last month's High
DA lays criminal charges against 10 ‘worst’ municipal managers
DA lays criminal charges against 10 'worst' municipal managers
The DA announced on Thursday that it will lay criminal charges against 10 municipal managers across nine municipalities, labelling these officials the "worst" in the country due to systemic financial negligence.
DA Parliamentary leader George Michalakis stated that the targeted officials have presided over a decade of "financi
Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge
Mapisa-Nqakula's corruption trial postponed as she seeks discharge
The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday postponed the high-profile corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to August 20.
The postponement comes at the request of her defence team to secure the transcribed case records required to file an application for a discharg
SAHRC says water crisis should be declared a state of disaster
SAHRC says water crisis should be declared a state of disaster
The South Africa Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stands firm on its view that the country's water crisis needs to be declared a national disaster.
This is despite the publication last month of the National Water Plan, developed by the Presidency-led National Water Crisis Committee (Watercom), which promised to tackle the long-
DA hits back at GNU partner ANC’s ‘Thatcherite’ critique of manifesto
DA hits back at GNU partner ANC's 'Thatcherite' critique of manifesto
DA Federal Council Chairperson Ashor Sarupen has hit back at ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula's criticism of the DA's newly launched election manifesto, arguing that the ANC's reliance on "outdated ideological labels exposes its inability to challenge the DA's substantive local government plans".
Following the DA's
ConCourt dismisses Phala Phala interdict appeal
ConCourt dismisses Phala Phala interdict appeal
The Constitutional Court has dismissed an application brought by the African Transformation Movement (ATM), asking for direct access to appeal the halting of the Impeachment Inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
ATM and its leader Vuyo Zungula brought the case to the apex court, which refused the application to overturn last month's Hig
South Africa links Russian financing to coup-accused influencer
South Africa links Russian financing to coup-accused influencer
South African prosecutors allege that Russia financed an attempted escape from the country by a social media influencer wanted by Benin in connection with an attempted coup in that country in December.
In court papers related to an extradition case filed in South Africa by Benin, prosecutors allege an unlikely alliance betwee
Presidency rebukes Eskom chair over criticism
Presidency rebukes Eskom chair over criticism
South Africa's presidency rebuked the chairperson of Eskom for publicly questioning the plan to restructure the State power utility.
The authorities are committed to ensuring that Eskom doesn't end up in a worse financial position than its current one, with a broad range of interested parties involved in the discussions about the unbundling of
Official unemployment rate rises to 33.6% in the second quarter
Official unemployment rate rises to 33.6% in the second quarter
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has confirmed that South Africa's official unemployment rate increased by 0.9 of a percentage point to 33.6% for the second quarter, compared with 32.7% in the first quarter of this year.
Stats SA's Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the number of unemployed persons increased by 345 00
South African police sound alarm on political crime before vote
South African police sound alarm on political crime before vote
South Africa's acting police chief said she is deeply concerned about the potential for politically-motivated violence ahead of municipal elections on November 4.
South Africa has a long history of political violence, and several politicians have been murdered this year. That includes two councillors from the African National
Voters’ Roll Closed: Municipal elections proclaimed for Nov 4
Voters' Roll Closed: Municipal elections proclaimed for Nov 4
South Africa is officially heading to the polls on November 4 for the highly anticipated 2026 municipal elections.
The announcement follows the official gazetting of the date by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, signalling the formal closure of the voters' roll and the start of the
Mbalula heads to court, Integrity Commission over Dlamini-Zuma's vote-buying claims
Mbalula heads to court, Integrity Commission over Dlamini-Zuma's vote-buying claims
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has announced legal action against party veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, following allegations that he distributed money during the party's 2022 national elective conference.
Mbalula confirmed he will also refer the matter to the ANC Integrity Commission to clear his
NSFAS accuses former board member of stealing laptops meant for needy schools
NSFAS accuses former board member of stealing laptops meant for needy schools
In a significant move towards organisational accountability, employees of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have officially opened a criminal case of theft against a former board member for allegedly stealing laptops that were meant for under-resourced schools in the Eastern Cape.
The incident go
Lamola threatens legal action over Dlamini-Zuma’s election-buying claims
Lamola threatens legal action over Dlamini-Zuma's election-buying claims
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and ANC NEC member Ronald Lamola has issued a strong demand to ANC veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to publicly retract claims linking him to vote-buying at the party's 2017 elective conference.
This after Dlamini-Zuma's appearance on the African Renaissance Podca
Madlanga report recommends suspension of Shadrack Sibiya, others
Madlanga report recommends suspension of Shadrack Sibiya, others
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the extensive recommendations and referrals detailed in the Second Interim Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, also known as the Madlanga Commission.
Submitted to the President on May 29, the
Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC CEO’s suspension invalid
Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC CEO's suspension invalid
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has noted the High Court judgment declaring the suspension of Public Investment Corporation (PIC) CEO Patrick Dlamini invalid and unlawful.
In a media statement, the Minister says this judgement vindicates the actions taken by the National Treasury and Cabinet to restore governan
South African private sector growth slows slightly in July, PMI shows
South African private sector growth slows slightly in July, PMI shows
South Africa's private sector expanded for a second straight month in July, though at a slightly slower pace as weaker employment growth and renewed stock drawdowns offset a return to output growth, a business survey showed on Wednesday.
The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 50.3 in July f
High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India, new protocol proposed
High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India, new protocol proposed
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, has been "recalled to headquarters for consultations".
This after Sooklal was photographed alongside former President and MKP leader Jacob Zuma, and notori
ActionSA criticise govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India
ActionSA criticise govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India
ActionSA has condemned the government's decision to withhold disciplinary action against South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal.
The party called on Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Ronald Lamola to make public the reason behind the decision.
In addition to demanding tran
Amnesty International demands govt action on rising anti-migrant vigilantism
Amnesty International demands govt action on rising anti-migrant vigilantism
Amnesty International South Africa has urged government to immediately stop vigilante groups from targeting migrants and businesses, citing a rise in unlawful, violent actions.
Executive director Shenilla Mohamed warned that failure to take decisive action against a growing trend of vigilantism is encouraging fur
Politicians laud voter registration drive with surge in registrations by youth, women
Politicians laud voter registration drive with surge in registrations by youth, women
Politicians have hailed the conclusion of the final voter registration weekend as a definitive reaffirmation of public faith in South Africa's democratic structures.
The Independent Electoral Commission's final registration weekend concluded with 29-million citizens successfully registered on the nationa
SA’s energy transition must deliver affordable power, community growth – Ramaphosa
SA's energy transition must deliver affordable power, community growth – Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that South Africa's shift to clean energy must be an inclusive process that strengthens local communities and lowers the cost of electricity for everyday citizens.
Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa stated that it is the collective responsibility o
Petrol prices to decrease by 52c a litre, but diesel prices to increase by up to R1.38 a litre
Petrol prices to decrease by 52c a litre, but diesel prices to increase by up to R1.38 a litre
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has revealed that the price of Petrol 93 and Petrol 95 will decrease by 52c a litre from Wednesday, but the prices of diesel will increase by R1.23 and R1.38 a litre for diesel with a 0.005% and 0.05% sulphur content, respectively.
The dep
IEC shifts focus to election day as it records over 700 000 new voters
IEC shifts focus to election day as it records over 700 000 new voters
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially shifted its full attention to final election day preparations following what it describes as a successful conclusion of the final voter registration weekend.
Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, the commission recorded a massive 1.7-million voter interactions
Operation Vulindlela reports broader sweep, though progress uneven in Q1
Operation Vulindlela reports broader sweep, though progress uneven in Q1
National Treasury on Friday highlighted sustained structural reforms aimed at reviving the country's network industries, fixing local governance, and building a highly competitive investment environment.
Briefing the media on the first-quarter progress report for Operation Vulindlela, Treasury said despite navigating
DA challenges Parly Secretary’s ‘irregular appointment’, salary increase
DA challenges Parly Secretary's 'irregular appointment', salary increase
The DA will file court papers in the Western Cape High Court to have the appointment and salary of Secretary to Parliament Xolile George declared unlawful and set aside.
This legal move targets what the party says is an irregular 70% pay hike that saw George's salary surge from R2.6-million to R4.4-million within mon
Goldman sees more South Africa rating upgrades on strong revenue
Goldman sees more South Africa rating upgrades on strong revenue
South Africa's revenue outperformance puts the country on course for further credit-ratings upgrades over the next year, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said.
National Treasury data for June shows corporate tax collections grew about 5.5% to R385-billion on a semi-annualised basis, boosted largely by mining-industry export profits.
Joburg’s water, sanitation infrastructure investment needs to double
Joburg's water, sanitation infrastructure investment needs to double
Despite the magnitude of the City of Johannesburg's (CoJ's) existing sewer and water network, infrastructure will need to double over the next ten years to meet the surge in demand, delegates heard at the Symposium on the Future of Water-Efficient Sanitation on Thursday.
The two-day symposium is being hosted by the CoJ,
South Africa says African Union backs broad migration debate
South Africa says African Union backs broad migration debate
The African Union (AU) has backed a broader discussion on migration, a South African government official said on Thursday, after Ghana made a proposal to place xenophobic violence in South Africa on the agenda of an upcoming AU meeting.
Ghana has been a prominent critic of anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks in South
Seiso Mohai is PIC's new chairperson
Seiso Mohai is PIC's new chairperson
South Africa's government appointed a new chairperson at the State-owned fund manager that oversees $220-billion, seeking to restore confidence in an institution buffeted by years of governance scandals.
Deputy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Seiso Mohai will replace David Masondo as chairperson of the Public Investment Corp., Minister in
Impeachment Committee launches appeal against Phala Phala interdict
Impeachment Committee launches appeal against Phala Phala interdict
The Section 89 Impeachment Committee met on Wednesday to deliberate on the Western Cape High Court ruling delivered last Friday, and resolved to appeal to the Constitutional Court to challenge the interdict.
The High Court had granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an urgent interim interdict, successfully halting Parliament's
DA demands answers over Army Chief’s Moscow visit
DA demands answers over Army Chief's Moscow visit
The DA will submit urgent parliamentary questions to Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga following an official visit to Moscow by Chief of the South African Army Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha.
According to a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) statement, the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral defence co
Final weekend to register to vote, urges IEC
Final weekend to register to vote, urges IEC
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is entering its final phase of operational readiness ahead of the final voting station-based registration weekend and is urging voters to make use of the opportunity before the voter's roll closes.
As voters prepare to register on Saturday and Sunday, the commission expects that Cooperative Governance
ANC pledges ‘strict financial discipline’ strategy ahead of local elections
ANC pledges 'strict financial discipline' strategy ahead of local elections
The ANC is rolling out a targeted local government intervention programme to address systemic failures in water, electricity, refuse, and roads, through a dual strategy of enforcing strict financial discipline while actively rescuing collapsing municipalities ahead of the local government elections.
Speaking at Lu
South African army chief visits Moscow, agrees to strengthen military ties
South African army chief visits Moscow, agrees to strengthen military ties
Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, the chief of the South African Army, held talks with Russian counterparts on Tuesday during a visit to Moscow which his hosts said resulted in an agreement to beef up ties between the two nations' land forces.
Mbatha, on his second official visit to Russia, was part of a military
South Africa adds Angolan kwanza to regional cross-border payment system
South Africa adds Angolan kwanza to regional cross-border payment system
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Monday that the Angolan kwanza has become the first new settlement currency added to the Southern African regional payment system since its 2013 launch, marking a milestone in the expansion of the platform beyond the South African rand.
The system facilitat
Ramaphosa promises action against criminality in water sector as govt launches reforms
Ramaphosa promises action against criminality in water sector as govt launches reforms
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged swift and firm action against criminal networks and corrupt individuals benefiting from irregular water contracts and intentional infrastructure damage, amid the country's chronic water disruptions.
Writing in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa accepts IDAC head’s resignation amid inquiry interference claims
Ramaphosa accepts IDAC head's resignation amid inquiry interference claims
Advocate Andrea Johnson has resigned as Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) with immediate effect, prompting the DA to emphasise the need for an independent inquiry free from interference.
President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted Johnson's resignation following recommendations from Justice Min
Chapter 9 bodies' inquiry into GBVF justice failures backed by Parliament
Chapter 9 bodies' inquiry into GBVF justice failures backed by Parliament
A joint inquiry by three Chapter 9 institutions could finally expose the systemic failures denying justice to survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), according to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, which has promised rigid oversight of the inquiry.
Th
Shanthie Naidoo honoured for fierce anti-apartheid resilience
Shanthie Naidoo honoured for fierce anti-apartheid resilience
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) on Friday paid tribute to anti-apartheid stalwart Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie (91) following her passing on Thursday, highlighting her extraordinary courage during 371 days in solitary confinement.
The foundation described Naidoo Tweedie's "extraordinary legacy", declaring her passing as the "end
Court halts Phala Phala impeachment process, Ramaphosa pledges cooperation
Court halts Phala Phala impeachment process, Ramaphosa pledges cooperation
The Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an urgent interim interdict, pausing Parliament's Section 89 impeachment process.
Delivered on Friday, the ruling halts the parliamentary process pending a separate legal review regarding the Phala Phala game farm scandal.
Last month Ramaphosa asked
DA lays Public Protector complaint against McKenzie over R110m fund
DA lays Public Protector complaint against McKenzie over R110m fund
The DA has officially filed a complaint with the Public Protector against Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, alleging that he violated his oath of office to benefit his inner circle and the PA party.
The complaint accuses McKenzie of breaching the Executive Members' Ethics Act and the Executive Ethics Cod
Ramaphosa clears Andrew Chauke to resume DPP duties
Ramaphosa clears Andrew Chauke to resume DPP duties
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially exonerated Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Andrew Chauke, following findings by the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry that he is, indeed, fit to hold office.
As a result, Chauke, who had been on precautionary suspension since July 2025, is set to resume his duties at the National
South Africa unexpectedly holds rates as it flags growth risks
South Africa unexpectedly holds rates as it flags growth risks
The South African Reserve Bank defied expectations and held interest rates steady to support economic growth after revising its inflation forecasts lower, while warning that the renewed conflict in the Middle East could justify more tightening.
The six-member monetary policy committee maintained the benchmark policy rate at 7%
Parly extends deadline for Phala Phala enquiry evidence leader
Parly extends deadline for Phala Phala enquiry evidence leader
Parliament's Section 89 Impeachment Committee met on Wednesday to deliberate on the nominations for an evidence leader and review the draft terms of reference that will guide its upcoming enquiry, deciding to extend the deadline for parties to consult.
Committee Chairperson Makashule Gana announced plans to finalise the consid
Godongwana set to remove PIC chair – Report
Godongwana set to remove PIC chair – Report
South Africa's finance chief is preparing to oust his deputy from the position of chairman of the board of the Public Investment Corp (PIC), the State pension fund manager that's been wracked by corruption and instability, News24 reported.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana called a general meeting of the PIC for July 27 at which the PIC's non-ex
South Africa inflation jumps more than expected in June
South Africa inflation jumps more than expected in June
South African inflation picked up more sharply than expected in June, bolstering expectations that the central bank will deliver a second consecutive interest rate hike on Thursday.
Annual headline consumer inflation accelerated to a two-year high of 5.0% in June from 4.5% in May, data from Statistics South Africa showed on Wednesday
Trade conditions remained tight in June – Sacci
Trade conditions remained tight in June – Sacci
The crude oil price returning to about $72/bl at the end of June had positive effects on business and particularly on general trade conditions for the month and improved trade expectations, reports business organisation the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci).
Sales prices remained stable in June, although the general pric
Treasury confirms signing of govt’s $1.5bn development policy loan with World Bank
Treasury confirms signing of govt's $1.5bn development policy loan with World Bank
The South African government and the World Bank have signed a $1.5-billion Development Policy Loan Agreement aimed at supporting the country's efforts to achieve inclusive growth by tackling infrastructure constraints, identified as the primary barrier to job creation.
This serves as the fourth development
Holomisa calls for practical partnership plan to transform SANDF infrastructure
Holomisa calls for practical partnership plan to transform SANDF infrastructure
The Department of Defence and Military Veterans is shifting toward practical public-private partnerships (PPPs) to modernise its vast infrastructure and leverage strategic State assets.
However, Defence and Military Veterans Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa wants an immediate transition from abstract policy disc
World Bank facility extended to support water, sanitation sector reforms in South Africa
World Bank facility extended to support water, sanitation sector reforms in South Africa
The new $1.5-billion loan from International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to South Africa, the fourth stand-alone Development Policy Loan to the country since 2022, aims to support reforms in the country's water and sanitation sectors, alongside supporting continued reforms in electr
Mashaba appeals to Treasury for strict oversight amid Joburg liquidity crisis
Mashaba appeals to Treasury for strict oversight amid Joburg liquidity crisis
ActionSA leader and the party's Johannesburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba has formally requested the intervention of Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to oversee and monitor National Treasury funds bound for the cash-strapped City of Johannesburg.
In a letter sent on Monday, Mashaba recommended the immedi
South Africa's financial resilience built up by fiscal reforms; broader reforms must continue – BLSA
South Africa's financial resilience built up by fiscal reforms; broader reforms must continue – BLSA
The resilience shown by the South African economy since re-escalation of the US-Israel and Iran war, with the rand holding up better than it has during past global shocks, is a direct result of a deliberate build-up of policy credibility, says business organisation Business Leadership Sout
MKP wants NDPP to suspend IDAC head over interference allegations
MKP wants NDPP to suspend IDAC head over interference allegations
The MKP has given the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi seven days to provide written confirmation of steps taken in the suspension of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson, warning that it will take further action if the NDPP fails to do so.
Thi
ActionSA files court bid to overturn Phala Phala ‘police whitewash'
ActionSA files court bid to overturn Phala Phala 'police whitewash'
ActionSA has initiated legal proceedings in the Pretoria High Court to review and set aside the South African Police Service's (SAPS's) disciplinary findings clearing Major-General Wally Rhoode and Brigadier Hennie Rekhoto in the Phala Phala matter.
The party announced its legal challenge on Friday, following an analysis
Operation PROSPER deals heavy blow to illicit mining, organised crime
Operation PROSPER deals heavy blow to illicit mining, organised crime
In a massive nationwide crackdown, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have intensified joint, multi-disciplinary efforts under Operation PROSPER.
The high-density operations targeted illegal mining, organised syndicates, and gang violence, resulting in the arrest
Power outage hits Eikenhof booster station operations
Power outage hits Eikenhof booster station operations
A widespread power outage following an explosion on the 11 kV power lines supplied from City Power's Orlando switching station is impacting the pumping operations of Rand Water's Eikenhof booster station, which experienced a power failure in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Rand Water on Thursday said that the power outage, which i
SA, Namibia to hold 4th Binational Commission in Pretoria
SA, Namibia to hold 4th Binational Commission in Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will co-chair the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission (BNC) on Friday in Pretoria.
The high-level presidential session serves as the culmination of a week of bilateral diplomatic engagements following the Council of Ministers Meetin
South Africa's financial regulator launches probe into state asset manager
South Africa's financial regulator launches probe into state asset manager
South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority has launched an investigation into the Public Investment Corporation, citing concerns over governance, leadership stability and transparency at the State-owned asset manager.
In a statement late on Tuesday, the regulator said it had become "increasingly concerned" b
DA urges Ramaphosa to task SIU, SSA with public service lifestyle audits
DA urges Ramaphosa to task SIU, SSA with public service lifestyle audits
The DA has formally requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to issue a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to partner with the State Security Agency for mandatory public sector lifestyle audits.
The opposition party insists these financial reviews must target the entire public service. They plac
Absa joins Home Affairs digital partnership to offer smart IDs
Absa joins Home Affairs digital partnership to offer smart IDs
The Department of Home Affairs has announced another major milestone in its digital transformation strategy as Absa officially went live with digital Smart ID applications.
This rollout marks Absa as the fourth major financial institution to participate in the department's new Digital Partnership Model, joining Capitec, Standa
South African rand gains as US inflation weighs on dollar
South African rand gains as US inflation weighs on dollar
The South African rand gained on Tuesday against a weaker dollar after US consumer inflation slowed more than expected in June, ruling out an interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year.
The rand was trading at 16.3725 against the dollar by 1255 GMT, roughly up 0.6% from its previous close.
The US dollar weakened abou
DA demands release of National Water Crisis Action Plan after Speaker rejects debate
DA demands release of National Water Crisis Action Plan after Speaker rejects debate
The DA on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the immediate publication of the National Water Crisis Action Plan and its current implementation status, in whatever form it may exist, following a refusal by Parliament to debate the matter.
This escalation comes after the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiz
Makashule Gana representing Parly in Phala Phala court battle against Ramaphosa
Makashule Gana representing Parly in Phala Phala court battle against Ramaphosa
The Western Cape High Court is scheduled to hear an urgent legal challenge on Wednesday and Thursday, positioning Parliament's Section 89 Impeachment Committee chairperson Makashule Gana, at the centre.
Cited as the second respondent in his official capacity, Gana's upcoming courtroom appearance underscores Pa
Salga Gauteng calls for transparent intergovernmental processes to resolve withholding of equitable share
Salga Gauteng calls for transparent intergovernmental processes to resolve withholding of equitable share
The South African Local Government Association Gauteng calls for a fair, transparent and collaborative intergovernmental process to resolve the decision by the National Treasury to withhold equitable share allocations from six municipalities in the province.
Treasury announced last we
South Africa proposes compulsory fuel stocks to preempt crises
South Africa proposes compulsory fuel stocks to preempt crises
South Africa is proposing a revamp of its strategic fuel storage capability requiring mandatory reserves from both the State and private sector to mitigate supply crises, a policy document showed.
Global energy supplies and prices have been under pressure for months due to an ongoing crisis in the Middle East that has choked o
Ramaphosa calls on S Africans to use Mandela Day to fight poverty, inequality
Ramaphosa calls on S Africans to use Mandela Day to fight poverty, inequality
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to use the upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day to refocus national efforts on tackling deep-seated poverty and inequality.
Writing in his weekly newsletter to the nation, Ramaphosa emphasised that meaningful change requires a combination of structural poli
Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa
Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa
Frustrations over unemployment, crime and years of weak growth are driving South Africa's anti-migrant protests. But economists warn that the departure of thousands of foreign workers could end up hurting the very businesses and labour markets that anti-migrant campaigners say they are trying to protect.
Anti-migrant sentiment
EFF demands immediate public release of Madlanga Commission’s first, second interim reports
EFF demands immediate public release of Madlanga Commission's first, second interim reports
The EFF is demanding the immediate, public release of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's first and second interim reports, criticising the Presidency's secrecy and its handling of the commission's deadline extensions.
The party has called for the publication of both the interim reports submitted
Hill-Lewis demands permanent Police Minister amid national crime crisis
Hill-Lewis demands permanent Police Minister amid national crime crisis
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently appoint a permanent Minister of Police, warning that the country cannot fight the perpetual crime crisis with temporary leadership.
In a formal letter addressed to the President on Friday, Hill-Lewis emphasised that South Africa cannot af
‘ANC neglect’ collapsing SA’s foreign service assets – DA
'ANC neglect' collapsing SA's foreign service assets – DA
The DA has on Thursday fiercely condemned the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) following the sudden, unannounced closure of the South African High Commission to the UK this week.
Located at the iconic South Africa House in London's Trafalgar Square, the building has reportedly deteriorated to an unworka
Ramaphosa heads to France for high-level talks
Ramaphosa heads to France for high-level talks
President Cyril Ramaphosa is embarking on a three-day official working visit to France to advance global education reform, strengthen bilateral ties, and honour fallen South African soldiers.
The visit features high-level diplomatic engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and a key leadership role at a gathering at United Nations Ed
Ramaphosa extends Madlanga Commission deadline to November
Ramaphosa extends Madlanga Commission deadline to November
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the final report deadline for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
The commission is now scheduled to submit its final report on November 16, shifting from the originally anticipated date of August 31.
Spok
DA to lead massive anti-crime march in Nelson Mandela Bay
DA to lead massive anti-crime march in Nelson Mandela Bay
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis will on Friday spearhead what is anticipated to be the largest anti-crime demonstration in Nelson Mandela Bay's recent history.
The mobilisation comes as communities across South Africa grapple with a deepening and violent crime crisis. Organised under a unified "Catch, Convict, and Clean-up" agenda, th
MKP, EFF reject Treasury’s ‘punitive’ R13.5b municipal funding freeze
MKP, EFF reject Treasury's 'punitive' R13.5b municipal funding freeze
The MKP and the EFF have strongly condemned the National Treasury's decision to temporarily withhold R13.5-billion in local government equitable share transfers from 69 non-compliant municipalities.
The freeze impacts major municipalities and local authorities across all nine provinces, including the City of Johannesbur
Nkabane appointed acting chairperson of Agriculture Committee
Nkabane appointed acting chairperson of Agriculture Committee
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has officially elected Dr Nobuhle Nkabane as its acting chairperson, invoking Rule 159 of the National Assembly Rules to ensure stable leadership.
The position became vacant after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed former committee chairperson Dina Pule to the Cabinet as the Social Develo
ActionSA escalates Phala Phala battle, accuses SAPS of shielding Ramaphosa
ActionSA escalates Phala Phala battle, accuses SAPS of shielding Ramaphosa
ActionSA has officially approached the Information Regulator in a bid to force the release of crucial Phala Phala evidence that it believes could implicate President Cyril Ramaphosa in perjury.
This escalation follows the rejection of the party's Promotion of Access to Information Act applications and subsequent ap
