We need to ignore meaningless commissions and build on our hard-won freedoms
With reference to the spat between the ANC, EFF and MKP regarding Jacob Zuma's visit to Morocco, it is amusing to observe their defence of colonialism's biggest legacy in the light of their fervent anti-colonial rhetoric and historical "struggle" against colonialism.
The territorial demarcation of the map of Africa is colonialism's most enduring legacy. The boundaries of colonies were the result of territorial and economic greed among the European colonisers, each scrambling in the late 19th century to aggrandize their empires. Through invasion and conquest, the intervention of European powers in Africa was a violent collision between Western and African cultures the aftershocks of which persist to this day.
The biggest mistake the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) made on its formation in 1963 was its failure to redraw the map of Africa based on tribal and cultural integrity.
Instead, the newly emancipated pursued power and prestige as presidents of the "states" bequeathed to them by colonialism.
The only territory to break free of the colonial map is Eritrea – after a brutal and devastating 40- year war with Ethiopia.
History shows that boundaries are not permanent. Eastern Europe's boundaries changed twice in the 20th century – post World War I and after the collapse of the USSR.
Currently, separatist movements exist in Scotland and Spain. There is even one in the Western Cape.
So it is ironic that the ANC, EFF and MKP are vociferous about preserving national sovereignty based on colonial boundaries. It's a pity that fondness does not extend to some of the worthwhile legacies of colonialism, such as medicine, education and infrastructure. | DR DUNCAN DU BOIS Bluff
A tale of dreadful suffering and woe
This is the most severe and devastating phase of starvation the Gaza Strip has experienced.
Without exaggeration or distortion, the population is currently enduring a real famine.
Humanitarian aid is virtually nonexistent. Available goods are extremely scarce and limited. Prices have reached astronomical levels, unaffordable even for those who still possess financial means. Most citizens, already exhausted by war and repeated displacement alerts, no longer have any money.
The commission fees on withdrawing funds can be up to 45%.
Numerous individuals have reported that for several days, they and their children have not eaten bread – the staple and often sole item on the table – because the price of 1kg of flour has reached $20 (R355). Other food items are simply inaccessible.
Despite claims made nearly a month ago, when Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza – including the entrance of aid trucks through border crossings and the operations of Israeli-American companies distributing food in high-risk zones (which, according to the latest UN report, resulted in the deaths of 798 civilians) – the reality on the ground remains starkly different.
From the beginning, we warned that these aid deliveries were nothing more than misleading media propaganda intended to silence international criticism and obscure the ongoing campaign of military extermination being carried out by the occupying forces
.In truth, more than 80% of the population does not receive any of this aid due to multiple factors: The general scarcity of aid, widespread theft and looting along the supply chain and in storage facilities, and serious deficiencies in logistical organisation and distribution mechanisms.
In practical terms, civilians in Gaza have been under total siege and subjected to deliberate starvation since March 2, 2025 – the date the occupying forces closed the border crossings. That was 131 consecutive days ago. Since then, nothing new has entered their homes.
Moreover, the population has been completely deprived of all meat products, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. The limited aid that does arrive consists solely of canned goods, dried legumes, and starchy foods such as rice and pasta. Additionally, the complete lack of access to essential medications has led to thousands of preventable deaths.
This is an urgent message to all concerned parties: Gaza's people are enduring one of the most extreme forms of starvation, torture, and denial of their basic human rights – especially of late.
The narrative that aid is entering Gaza and reaching those in need is profoundly misleading. The reality is that most of the population – those who are paying the price with their lives and health – continue to be denied access to food and critical resources, while propaganda serves the interests of those benefiting from false claims about aid distribution. | Alaa (full name withheld) Gaza Strip
Commissions of inquiry rarely of value
A few weeks ago, South Africans heard serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement structures.
On Sunday, July 13, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to focus on the shocking allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and how the alleged deep-rooted corruption will be addressed.
While I agree that the allegations must be attended to with the necessary diligence and that all parties must be given a fair chance to express themselves, citizens are tired of the many costly, time-consuming and unsuccessful commissions of inquiry.
The most famous commission of inquiry, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, also known as the Zondo Commission, has yet to see its recommendations fully implemented or justice served against those who benefited from the abuse of power and state capture.
Instead of a 'leave of absence', Ramaphosa should have suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu as a deterrent measure, thoroughly investigated the allegations, and then, if proven on a balance of probabilities, dismissed the minister after a fair hearing.Commissions that have the potential to uncover the truth only matter if their findings lead to action and are backed by consequences, sanctions, and justice. | MOHAMED SAEED Pietermaritzburg
We need to build on the freedoms we won
As we navigate the complexities of our 30-year democracy, it's essential to remember the principles that guided our struggle for freedom and continue to shape our path towards a more just and equitable society.
In South Africa, we have made significant progress since the dawn of democracy. We've built a Constitution that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or creed. We've made strides in promoting social justice, addressing the legacy of apartheid, and building a more inclusive economy. However, we still face significant challenges.
Inequality, poverty, and unemployment remain pressing issues, and we need to work together to address them. As liberals, we believe that individual freedom, equality, and democracy are essential to creating a society where everyone can thrive.
We need to promote economic growth, investment, and job creation, while ensuring the benefits of growth are shared fairly among all South Africans. We need to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions, ensuring that they remain accountable to the people and responsive to their needs.We also need to celebrate our diversity and promote social cohesion. South Africa is a rainbow nation, and our diversity is our strength. By embracing our differences and promoting tolerance, we can build a more harmonious and inclusive society.
As liberals, we believe the answers to South Africa's challenges lie in our shared values of freedom, equality, and democracy. We need to work together, across party lines and sectors, to build a brighter future for all South Africans.
Let us continue to uphold these liberal values, working together to build a South Africa where everyone can live with dignity, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the greater good. A South Africa where freedom, equality, and democracy thrive. | Thulani Dasa Khayelitsha
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The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Julius Malema's message to KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Malema has urged Mkhwanazi to stand his ground against opposition. EFF leader Julius Malema has affirmed his party's support for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This follows Mkhwanazi's media briefing earlier this month, in which he levelled several allegations against police management and the judiciary, among others. Mkhwanazi said an investigation with the Gauteng organised crime investigation unit unmasked a syndicate which involves politicians, law enforcement, metro police, correctional services, prosecutors, the judiciary, and is controlled by drug cartels as well as businesspeople. ALSO READ: Judiciary requests Mkhwanazi to provide evidence of allegations President Cyril Ramaphosa has since announced the establishment of a commission to investigate the allegations, while parliament agreed to establish an ad hoc committee. 'We are Mkhwanazi' Addressing supporters at the EFFTurns12 rally at Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium on Saturday, Malema affirmed his party's support for Mkhwanazi, urging him to stand his ground against opposition. 'Fighters, we are General Mkhwanazi, and General Mkhwanazi is us. We support Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. We are not ashamed of Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,' said Malema. ALSO READ: Mchunu denies ties to Cat Matlala, as tenderpreneur bust with cellphone in prison 'We are calling on all Mkhwanazis in the police to come out and fight crime and the syndicates that have captured the police and our country. We will not sit back and allow our country to be controlled by drug syndicates. 'To Mkhwanazi, do not be shaken, because if they fire you, there is a position for you in the EFF so that you can continue to fight corruption in South Africa. 'General Mkhwanazi should know that there is only one home for the fearless, and that home is the EFF.' 'Come forward' Malema further assured EFF supporters that the ad hoc committee's investigation will not suffer the same fate as that which investigated the Phala Phala farm robbery. The Section 89 independent panel had found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding the incident. However, the ANC used its majority in parliament to vote against the adoption of the report. ALSO READ: Senzo Mchunu investigation will take longer to finalise, says Public Protector Malema called on people to come forward with information. 'People must come to parliament and tell us who the drug lords are and who is protecting them, because we need to start fighting drugs. We want to know where the guns come from in the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha,' said Malema. 'You the people know the truth, this is the time and platform to expose the rot. Do not be scared, the killing of our children must be stopped now. Mkhwanazi opened the way, we must join him and restore peace and order in South Africa. 'As long as the EFF is in that committee, we will make sure that this does not become another Section 89 report they brushed aside. Phala phala is not dead, we will find a way to bring it into this committee.' READ NEXT: 'Get your popcorn factory ready' — McKenzie willing to testify at the commission into Mkhwanazi allegations

IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Economic Freedom Fighters: Celebrating twelve years of radical transformation in South Africa
Thousands of supporters filled the dome, which holds 10,000 people, demonstrating the massive turnout for the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete Twelve years ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) burst onto South Africa's political landscape with a promise to transform the country's economic and social order. Founded by Julius Malema and his comrades on July 26, 2013, the party emerged from a deep frustration with the slow pace of change since democracy and the persistence of poverty, inequality, and racial divisions. Their rallying cry was clear: radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation of mines and banks, and the eradication of poverty. Economic Freedom Fighters founder and president Julius Malema gives his speech at the 12th anniversary in Khayelitsha. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete Speaking at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebrations, Malema painted a vivid picture of how those founding principles remain as urgent today as ever. He reminded the crowd of Khayelitsha's history, founded in 1983 under apartheid as a relocation site for Black people forcibly removed from Cape Town. Despite decades of democracy, Khayelitsha still bears the scars of spatial apartheid: poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and limited public transport. For many residents, these conditions have become normalised. Malema did not hold back in his criticism of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the party governing the Western Cape. He accused the DA of being a party that protects white privilege and sustains inequality by neglecting townships like Khayelitsha. While affluent suburbs such as Constantia and Clifton enjoy well-maintained roads and services, places like Gugulethu and Nyanga continue to suffer from neglect, overcrowded clinics, and dangerous streets plagued by gang violence. He added that the DA's failure to extend services such as the MyCiTi bus into these areas was described as deliberate exclusion. 'Spatial apartheid continues under their watch,' Malema said, framing the DA's governance as a continuation of apartheid-era divisions. He argued that the DA prioritises the comfort of the elite over the dignity and well-being of the poor majority. The party, he claimed, has no genuine interest in addressing poverty or unemployment, problems that affect over 43% of South Africans and hit the youth hardest. Malema also spoke about the broader economic challenges facing the country, saying that while other nations on the continent experience growth, South Africa's economy is stagnating. He criticised the control that white-owned banks and financial institutions hold over the economy, dictating who can access loans and property, and keeping wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. "At the same time, key state-owned enterprises are being weakened by defunding and attempts to privatise through outsourcing or fragmenting services." He pointed to the gradual dismantling of institutions like Eskom and Transnet, warning that the consequences are dire for the country's development and job creation. The looming debt crisis, with government spending over R420 billion this year just on interest payments, was described as a ticking time bomb that threatens social services such as education, health, and policing. To counter this, the EFF plans to push for laws requiring parliamentary approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The party rejects neoliberal economic policies imposed by these institutions, arguing instead for a state-led developmental model focused on industrialisation and wealth redistribution. The EFF's rise from a small, radical movement into a force that commands respect across South Africa's political spectrum is no accident. Malema stressed that the party has remained true to its revolutionary principles, refusing to become co-opted by establishment politics or elite interests. The EFF's activism spans beyond Parliament, engaging directly with communities through land occupations, supporting workers' rights, and fighting gender-based violence. However, the party's growing influence has unsettled the political establishment. Malema recounted how even international figures have taken notice, including a visit to the White House where former US President Donald Trump played EFF songs 'Kill the boer' as a warning, which he repeatedly sang after concluding his speech. He criticised both the ANC and DA for forming uneasy coalitions motivated by fear of the EFF's growing power. In a pointed attack, Malema said the ANC has become riddled with corruption and tenderpreneurship, while the DA serves to protect white monopoly capital. Yet, both parties are united in their efforts to block the EFF from gaining control in any government. On crime and policing, the EFF expressed support for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who raised allegations of corruption and criminal syndicates operating within law enforcement. The party insisted on a parliamentary committee to investigate these claims, emphasising the need to clean up police and justice institutions. Looking to the future, the EFF is preparing for the 2026 local government elections with ambitions to govern outright in many municipalities. Malema urged party structures to strengthen grassroots organisation, win wards decisively, and deliver services that the DA has failed to provide. Ending poverty, combatting crime, and ensuring dignity for all remain the movement's key objectives.

IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Cyril Ramaphosa advised to adopt diplomacy amid US sanctions threat
Government leaders who are members of the ANC have been cautioned to avoid being targeted by proposed US sanctioning bill. Image: IOL / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa and his ANC ministers should tone it down to avoid being the victims of the United States of America's bill, designed to sanction some of the party members, an international relations expert said. Dr Bongiwe Ngcobo of the University of South Africa's Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, commented following a growing pressure on South Africa from US President Donald Trump's administration and some of his country's parliamentarians. While Ramaphosa's administration was still trying to navigate the US's 30% tariff on the country and Trump's Executive Order, US Congressman Ronny Jackson proposed US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which seeks to impose sanctions against some ANC leaders accused of, among others, supporting China, Russia, and Iran, and mismanaging state resources. The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has already passed the bill and is now awaiting tabling at the full House of Representatives for a vote. US embassy spokesperson Rubani Trimiew declined to comment, saying the questions about the bill should be directed to the members of Congress who proposed it. Jackson did not respond to questions emailed to him on Friday. 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 bill, which the South African Communist Party described in April as an imperialist agenda, accused Ramaphosa and former International Relations and Cooperation minister Naledi Pandor of being pro-Palestinian and Hamas and anti-Israel. Ngcobo, who described the bill as concerning, said the president and ministers have to be diplomatic in how they comment on issues that are sensitive to the US, as South Africa is still negotiating a trade deal and repairing its relations with the US. 'They have to be willing to compromise to gain bigger things that we are trying to achieve. 'Criticising Trump publicly will not benefit South Africa in any way, so they need to find a strategy to air their thoughts without being aggressive,' said Ngcobo. Ngcobo said that since South Africa is not a global influencer, it should take a beggar's approach. 'We are not Russia or China, we don't have the economic and military strength to counter the US, because even continentally, our influence is weaker than before. 'With the Democratic Republic of Congo, we could not mediate, and that peace was mediated by the US, which shows that we won't get much global support. 'This means that South Africa would have to beg,' she said. It remained unclear which individual ANC members would be the targets of the proposed act. However, the bill specifically mentioned Pandor, who is an ANC veteran, Ramaphosa, ANC president, party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, and Ebrahim Rasool, an ANC activist whom the US expelled as the ambassador. It blamed Pandor for saying in 2024 that Israeli-South Africans would be arrested for fighting in the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza 'upon their return home and could strip them of their South African citizenship.' It said Pandor also encouraged protests outside the United States Embassy. 'Pandor called for the International Criminal Court to issue an immediate arrest warrant charging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with violations of international criminal law. 'On October 14, 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa accused Israel of 'genocide' in statements during a pro-Palestinian rally. 'On October 8, 2023, the ANC's national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, said of the devastating Hamas attack, 'the decision by Palestinians to respond to the brutality of the settler Israeli apartheid regime is unsurprising," read the bill. The bill blamed the ANC for its ongoing attempt to rename the street where the United States Consulate in Johannesburg is situated after Palestine activist Leila Khaled. Its author, Jackson, took offense at ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane, who he quoted as saying, 'we want the United States of America embassy to change their letterhead to Number 1 Leila Khaled Drive'. It was reported that the US had rejected former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as a Ramaphosa-appointed special envoy following Rasool's expulsion from that country. Ngcobo said it was likely that the targets would be high-profile ANC leaders who had been vocal on the Gaza and South Africa's land expropriation issues. 'It would be key individuals whom they know the sanction would affect their operations. 'At this point, I am not sure who they are targeting,' she said. AfriForum, which had been accused of badmouthing the country in the US, welcomed the bill as a weapon to implement targeted sanctions against corrupt and extremist South African politicians. "AfriForum maintains that ordinary citizens should not be punished for the extremism and corruption of politicians. 'AfriForum has never advocated for sanctions that target South Africa as a whole. 'Therefore, the introduction of targeted sanctions against these politicians will be a welcome development,' said AfriForum's public relations head, Ernst van Zyl. Ramaphosa took a wait-and-see stance, saying the bill still has a long way to go before reaching the final stage, as after the House of Representatives vote, it will proceed to the Senate for final consideration. 'Our bilateral dealings and engagements with the United States will continue, and we'll talk about all manner of things - including this issue.' 'We are very positive that the outcome of our engagements with the United States will be comprehensive and all-encompassing, so we can return to good deals with the United States,' he said. On behalf of the ANC, Bhengu-Motsiri said: 'Remember, we come from a history where sanctions were imposed against the apartheid system. 'The ANC was also isolated by countries that worked closely with the apartheid regime, including the United States,' she said. Zimbabwe's Zanu–PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said the sanctions, which started in 2000, failed to bring his country to its knees.