ANC faces criticism over lenient approach to corruption in municipalities
This follows the party's announcement that it will deploy senior leaders to address pressing local government challenges amid ongoing concerns about service delivery and municipal accountability.
The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) convened over the weekend in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, where discussions centered, among other issues, on the upcoming local government elections scheduled for next year.
During a media briefing on Monday, the NEC revealed plans to hold a special session within the next two weeks focused explicitly on addressing issues plaguing local governments.
This move follows the party's April Election Strategy Workshop and marks the beginning of election preparations.
However, critics argue that the ANC's response appears reactive rather than proactive.
Geopolitical analyst Joe Mhlanga voiced strong disapproval, stating, 'This sends a negative message to South African communities. It suggests that the ANC only pays attention to issues when seeking votes.'
He stated that many communities have been waiting for basic services for decades, yet little tangible progress has been made.
'Since 1994, residents have been promised clean water, proper roads, and basic infrastructure, but are still waiting. The same officials accused of corruption remain in power, and accountability is lacking.'
He pointed out that municipalities accused of misconduct continue to operate without consequences, fuelling public frustration.
'People protest weekly, demanding essentials like water, roads, and functioning healthcare facilities. Yet, the ANC seems to be acknowledging these challenges only now, which should have been addressed long ago,' he said.
Mhlanga also criticised the apparent lack of concrete action, citing the significant amounts of money stolen from municipalities over the years.
'Billions meant for critical development have been siphoned off, but there's little accountability. This systemic corruption undermines efforts to develop the economy and improve living conditions,' he argued.
He warned that the ongoing failure to tackle corruption could impact the ANC's support in the upcoming elections.
'Voters are increasingly getting frustrated. They see no real effort to hold officials accountable, and many are ready to vote for opposition parties instead,' he said.
'Residents want basic services, water, roads, clinics, hospitals, and they're not getting them.'
Adding to the concerns, Mhlanga questioned the ANC's broader priorities, suggesting that the government's focus should extend beyond internal politics.
'While the country faces economic challenges, the leadership seems preoccupied with court cases and internal disputes. They should be seeking investment and strengthening trade relations, but instead, they're just waiting for legal outcomes,' he noted.
Meanwhile, the NEC also discussed the South African Communist Party's (SACP) decision to contest the upcoming elections independently of the ANC.
The party reaffirmed its respect for the SACP's right to contest.
'We recognize that the SACP is an independent political organization with the right to contest elections as it sees fit. We have no wish to interfere with their decision. However, we disagree with their choice,' read the NEC statement.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Political pressure mounts for banking sector regulation in South Africa
SA's big banks' trade policies in the spotlight Image: IOL HEATED calls for a body to regulate the practices of the country's banking sector, especially from political circles, have emerged once again. They are dismayed with the wanton power that banks currently possess, which included cherry-picking which clients' accounts could be shut without justification. Parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Umkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) were very vocal about the establishment a formal adjudication body to oversee banks. Donald Trump's tough stance on US banks has got South Africans thinking Image: Lee Ronganger Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The conversation resurfaced yet again after US President Donald Trump's plans to have their nation's banks powers reviewed for what he called 'politicising or unlawful banking practices'. However, unlike the US, the South African Constitution does not give President Cyril Ramaphosa such leverage to regulate the powers of the country's banks, due process must be followed. Earlier this year, the South African banks came under strong criticism at a Parliamentary standing committee on finance meeting. The meeting focused on issues pertaining to competition, the provision of credit for productive activities, and transformation. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB), along with its Prudential Authority Institute, the Banking Association South Africa (BASA), Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), Standard Bank, FNB, Absa, Investec, Nedbank, and Capitec were in attendance. In the latter part of 2023, there were reports that banks were charging clients rates based on the colour of their skin. That revelation caused people to ask pertinent questions about the regulation of banks. The move by Trump's got people asking similar questions as well as why doesn't Ramaphosa implement similar policies as his US counterpart. Labour expert Michael Bagraim responded that the country's Constitution doesn't allow for Ramaphosa to exercise absolute authority and interfere with the banking sector. 'There is no possibility that our president can do something similar to what the Trump presidency has done. We are governed by a much more inclusive constitutional democracy and our laws would not allow such horrific powers to be given to an individual. "The American system gives despotic power to the American presidency,' Bagraim explained. His sentiments were echoed by Professor Siphamandla Zondi, who said the constitutional and political system does not give the president such executive power to punish such wrongdoings. 'In our case, the president should be reporting these matters of debanking and banks' misdemeanors to the regulators and the reserve bank. "The fact these issues continue in our banking sector means those tasked with supervisory and oversight roles are weak and ineffective,' said Zondi. Previously the MK Party had expressed its concerns about banking issues through its member of parliament, Sanele Mwali. Mwali raised concerns that the banks were displaying and "perpetuating unfairness and neo-apartheid systems of racist practices post-1994". He accused banks of exercising double standards when dealing with clients. "We have seen that there were companies covered in controversy in the financial sector, for instance Tongaat, Steinhoff, and Glencor, but they still have accounts with the major banks. "But Sekunjalo and others have already faced their day in court and they've already experienced closure of their accounts. Mwali said such actions by the country's major banks was a concern and he supported the notion that there discrimination within the financial sector still existed. DAILY NEWS
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Ramaphosa talks to Putin about US efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine
The South African President's call to the Russian leader followed one he made to US President Donald Trump about a different matter. President Ramaphosa spoke on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, just a day after he (Ramaphosa) spoke to US President Donald Trump. The two calls, however, covered very different subjects. While Ramaphosa spoke to Trump mainly about the massive 30% trade tariffs that were to hit SA, Ramaphosa and Putin spoke mainly about Trump's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that the call had taken place. 'The discussion followed President Putin's request to brief President Ramaphosa on the peace process with Ukraine and to engage on issues of mutual bilateral interest. President Putin expressed his recognition and appreciation for South Africa's involvement in advancing a peace process between Russia and Ukraine,' said Magwenya. He added that Ramaphosa 'welcomed the briefing and expressed South Africa's full support to peace initiatives that will end the war and contribute to a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.' Magwenya said the two leaders agreed to further their discussions on moving forward the strategic relationship between their two countries. The Kremlin also released information that, 'Vladimir Putin shared the main results of the conversation held the day before in Moscow with the special envoy of the president of the United States, Steven Witkoff.' Cyril Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the information provided. The Russian side also noted in a positive way the well-known peace initiative of African states. including South Africa, to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. 'The leaders discussed topical issues of further development of the Russian-South African Republic comprehensive strategic partnership.' It also confirmed that the two presidents agreed to continue their contacts. Putin was referring to the meeting he had in Moscow on Wednesday with Witkoff, Trump's special envoy on the Russia-Ukraine peace process. According to ABC, Witkoff met Putin ahead of Trump's Friday deadline for Moscow to make peace with Ukraine 'or face severe sanctions'. It quoted a senior US administration official as saying the meeting 'went well' and Russia wished to continue engaging with the US, but secondary sanctions were still expected to be deployed against Moscow this week. 'The Russians are eager to continue engaging with the United States. The secondary sanctions are still expected to be implemented on Friday,' said the senior administration official. There has been no visible progress in Trump's peace efforts, which has turned him against Putin. However, in a typical response on social media, he declared the meeting between Witkoff and Putin had been 'highly productive'. 'Great progress was made! Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come,' wrote Trump. DM
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
SACP hits back at ANC over ultimatum to ‘choose a side' before 2026 elections
As the SACP prepares to contest the 2026 local government elections independently, it insists members can still hold dual membership with the ANC. However, the ANC constitution prohibits supporting other parties and warns of disciplinary action. The South African Communist Party (SACP) has rejected the notion that its decision to contest the 2026 elections independently should force its members to choose between it and the ANC, insisting that dual membership remains a foundational principle of the Tripartite Alliance. This comes after comments made by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, suggesting that individuals who are members of both the ANC and SACP and deployed in Cabinet positions might have to pick a side. Among those who may be forced to choose where their allegiance lies are recently appointed Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande. 'In our view, the resolution of the SACP is forcing members to choose between the ANC and the SACP. So the notion of dual membership doesn't fall away, but the implication of that decision essentially says, choose between the ANC and the SACP,' Mbalula said on Wednesday, 7 August. He was briefing journalists at the party's headquarters, Luthuli House, on the resolutions of the NEC's meeting over the weekend. The SACP is of a different view. It believes that dual membership has long been central to the alliance and cannot be dismissed due to electoral competition. SACP spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana said, 'The principle of dual membership in the alliance predates the electoral era of the South African revolution. The inconveniences of the era of elections should not be used to justify undermining the centrality of the principle of dual membership.' Daily Maverick understands that a task team was established during the parties' last bilateral meeting to look into how the two organisations would work together before and after the elections. However, the team has not met since its formation. Asked about this, Mandlana said, 'The task team tasked with developing the framework for how the alliance will function has not yet delivered any outcomes. The SACP remains committed to the process.' It is unclear how the two will proceed since ANC's constitution prohibits dual membership. Rule 4.19(b) states: 'Any member who supports a political organisation or party other than an organisation in alliance with the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, objectives and policy of the ANC shall be liable for disciplinary action.' Slow start The SACP has long been a central partner in the Tripartite Alliance, alongside the ANC and Cosatu. Over the years, it has supported the ANC during elections, had access to its election strategies, participated in workshops and played a role in processes such as the selection of public representatives. But according to Mbalula, the SACP's latest decision means these longstanding arrangements will now have to be reviewed. Mounting tensions within the alliance, particularly under the presidency of Jacob Zuma, led the SACP to begin re-evaluating its position. At its congress in July 2017, the party resolved to explore the possibility of contesting elections independently, especially in areas where the alliance was seen as dysfunctional or where the ANC was no longer viewed as representing the interests of the working class. Later that year, in November, the SACP contested its first by-election in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality in the Free State. The party secured three out of 21 council seats and garnered about 6,000 votes. The by-election followed the dissolution of the 2016 municipal council due to political instability. Two weeks ago, the party contested yet another by-election, this time in Polokwane, and garnered only 70 votes, representing just 1%. Despite underperforming, Mandlana said the party had learnt lessons which would be key in the 2026 polls. 'Winning or failing to win at this point was not the focal point, but evaluating these dynamics by being on the ground was more primary than other considerations. To that end, the SACP derives neither disappointment nor satisfaction from the numerical results, but key strategic lessons to build from,' he said. Clinging on In a week or two, the NEC will hold a special meeting which will look at local government issues. Mbalula said the NEC would also use that meeting to finalise its position on how the two parties would work together, heading into the elections. Mbalula appeared to suggest that there would still be engagements with the SACP, possibly to reverse the decision, but this would be possible only once the party held its next congress. 'We may as well fail, at some point, to persuade them out of this thing of contesting for elections. And when that happens, we are now going to have to look into, in the next two weeks, the implications of this decision and how we are going to operate as the two parties going forward, because there's a lot of implications in relation to this decision,' Mbalula said. Mandlana said the talks between the SACP and ANC were simply an attempt by the two allies to work out how their alliance should function under new circumstances, especially now that the Communist Party was on the ballot for the first time since 1994. 'Persuasion to change the party decision was never on the table, in truth,' he said. Expanding the GNU The ANC is also dealing with challenges concerning the Government of National Unity (GNU). Last week, party president Cyril Ramaphosa said the NEC had reaffirmed that forming the GNU over a year ago was the right decision, as it had brought about stability. However, the NEC has also resolved to reconfigure the GNU and engage with political parties outside the current arrangement, specifically those aligned with the ANC's objectives that the party wouldn't need to constantly negotiate with for support on key parliamentary votes. The aim is to stabilise governance and push through important reforms. This follows the GNU's fragility since its formation, as well as ongoing policy differences. When asked how this reconfiguration would work and whether the ANC had considered the views of its current partners, particularly the DA, Mbalula said the party would first speak to existing members of the GNU. 'We have been mandated in terms of the Statement of Intent; we have to talk to the partners in the GNU, which is what we are going to do,' Mbalula said.
