DA Backs South Africa Budget Bill Despite Deputy Minister Removal
'This move is not part of a broader reshuffle, and there can therefore be no other conclusion to be drawn that this is a calculated assault' on the Democratic Alliance, its leader, John Steenhuisen, told lawmakers in Cape Town Thursday. 'If this situation is not corrected, it will go down as the greatest political mistake in modern South African history.'
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News24
6 hours ago
- News24
Madlanga inquiry's six-month investigation to cost R147.9m
Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to investigate allegations of criminal infiltration into the SA justice system. Madlanga says the inquiry has already started its work, but needs to procure building space and internet reporting capacity before it can hold public hearings. The justice department has confirmed it is responsible for that procurement process. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga's inquiry into KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations of criminal infiltration into the South African justice system has an estimated budget R147.9 million over a six-month period. That budget was confirmed by Department of Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson Terence Manase on Tuesday, after Madlanga referred all queries about the budget to the department. 'Regarding your specific enquiry, we can confirm that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is responsible for the procurement process for services for the Commission in consultation with the Commission Chairperson and Secretary,' Manase told News24. 'Due to the timeframes, the department has applied for a deviation from standard procurement processes with the National Treasury for the Madlanga Commission and awaiting feedback. 'The estimated budget for the commission over a six-month period is R147.9 million'. On Monday, Madlanga announced that his inquiry had already started its work, but that it still needed to procure a building and internet reporting capacity before it could hold public hearings. He also announced that some of South Africa's most highly regarded advocates would be part of the team that aims to get to the bottom of Mkhwanazi's claims. This is a developing story.
News24
11 hours ago
- News24
ANC fights back against Zuma's court challenge to overturn his expulsion
Former president Jacob Zuma has filed a court challenge to overturn the ANC's disciplinary process that led to his expulsion, arguing procedural flaws and intimidation by ANC officials. Zuma claims the ANC's national disciplinary committee unilaterally scheduled hearings when his representatives were unavailable and accuses secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of intimidation during the process. The ANC has filed a notice to oppose Zuma's application and promises to submit its answering documents at a later stage. The ANC has moved to block former president Jacob Zuma's bid to return to the party, filing court papers to oppose his legal challenge against his expulsion. City Press understands that the party filed a notice of intention to oppose Zuma's Johannesburg High Court application on 25 July, in which he argues his disciplinary process was unlawful and seeks reinstatement to the ANC. READ: Jacob Zuma challenges ANC expulsion in court, citing intimidation and procedural irregularities Zuma's application at the same court, filed on 8 July, shows that the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader contends that the process leading to his expulsion as a member of the ANC in November last year was 'irregular and illegal'. He claims that the ANC's national disciplinary committee (NDC) unilaterally determined the hearing dates despite his representatives being unavailable at the time, on 23 July last year. In the notice, the ANC, with President Cyril Ramaphosa cited as a respondent, indicates that its answering papers and all the necessary documents to substantiate its case will be submitted at a later stage. The ANC and Cyril Ramaphosa hereby give notice of the intention to oppose the notice of motion and appoint the address at the attorneys set out in the notice of motion as the address where all documents in the matter will be served ANC legal papers The contentious legal action by Zuma comes as the ANC's disciplinary committee found him guilty of 'prejudicing the integrity' of the party by joining the MKP and has given him three weeks to appeal against its ruling. In his court papers, he highlights procedural flaws that led to the verdict of his expulsion. A pre-hearing conference was not held, despite being expressly directed by the NDC. 'A pre-hearing conference is an important feature of a fair hearing and not just a mere optional formality,' his papers state. Zuma also alleges that his representatives were subjected to intimidation at the hands of ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. According to the court papers, Mbalula allegedly sent WhatsApp messages to Tony Yengeni, Zuma's representative in the hearing. The alleged messages from Mbalula to Yengeni read: 'Who do you think you are, to destroy the ANC, and who are you, Tony?' Zuma further states that Yengeni regarded Mbalula's actions as bizarre and unconstitutional. 'He correctly regarded Mbalula's conduct as insulting, intimidating and a breach of the spirit of the ANC constitution. I agreed with his view and, after he reported the incident to me, I instructed him to raise it with the NDC at the earliest convenience, in the hope that the ANC would take appropriate action against such blatant misconduct,' read the court papers. He further asserts that the ANC failed to provide him with the heads of argument, an omission he regards as a violation of his constitutional rights.
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- Associated Press
Panel 54 – Africa, Heard Differently: Exclusive Two-Part Interview with H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, Former President of Ghana
NAIROBI, KENYA - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - Panel 54 is a bold new weekly podcast that redefines how Africa tells its story. Produced by Commex Africa and E&C Talent, and hosted by veteran journalists Waweru Njoroge (Kenya) and Ndu Okoh (Nigeria, based in Kenya), the show brings clarity and candor to conversations on power, policy, and the shifting narratives of the continent. [VIDEO] In a media landscape where African issues are often filtered through external lenses or simplified into headlines, Panel 54 provides a platform where Africa speaks for itself—and to the world. The show blends in‑studio debate, street‑level voices, and raw exchanges between its hosts. It explores the power struggles, public debates, and cultural crossroads shaping the continent, from Cape Town to Cairo, Lagos to Lamu. 'We're not here to echo what's trending. We're here to ask what's true,' says co-host Ndu Okoh. 'Our goal is to center African thought in global dialogue,' adds Waweru Njoroge. Debut Spotlight: H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor – The Gentle Giant Speaks For its premiere two‑part episode, Panel 54 travels to Accra for an in‑depth interview with H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana (2001–2009) and former ECOWAS Chair, widely regarded as one of Africa's elder statesmen. At 86, Kufuor remains sharp, passionate and deeply committed to Africa's future. In this rare conversation, he issues a rallying call to young Africans: 'Today's youth are smarter than their fathers. Africa is too young to die. It must be imbued with great hope. Please young people, keep yourselves in education. Learn. And keep open-minded so you can think through issues.' He speaks candidly about the centrality of democracy: 'People should decide their leaders. They should make their leaders and use the ballot box.' Kufuor also warns of the dangers that a multipolar world poses for Africa if the continent fails to cultivate visionary and educated leadership: 'We need smart, educated leaders—not goons in suits or military uniforms—capable of navigating global complexity without becoming pawns in great power rivalries.' During the discussion, Kufuor reflects on: · The dangers of illegal gold mining (galamsey) in Ghana, calling it a 'menace' · The importance of digital technology in advancing Pan‑African integration · His mediation work in peace processes in Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia · His legacy in education reform and healthcare development in Ghana · The importance of strategic security partnerships with the United States and other nations, handled in a way that strengthens African sovereignty rather than weakens it On Pan‑Africanism, he underlines: 'It is an imperative that must be realized. It may have seemed idealistic in Nkrumah's time, but today, through technology and digitization, African unity is more feasible than ever.' Listen, Watch and Join the Conversation Panel 54 is available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Listeners can expect deep insights, authentic conversations, and vibrant audience participation through live Q&As, polls, and behind-the-scenes features. 🎧 Listen to the full interview with President Kufuor: Follow @panel54podcast on YouTube, Instagram, X (Twitter) and TikTok. About the Hosts · Waweru Njoroge – A seasoned Kenyan political editor, media strategist and newsroom leader with over 20 years of experience. · Ndu Okoh – A Nigerian-born, Kenya-based journalist and cultural commentator. Together, they bring clarity, depth and urgency to the most vital conversations shaping Africa's future. Hashtag: #Panel54 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
