News you should know tonight: Top 5 stories you may have missed on May 19, 2025
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It's Monday, May 19, 2025 and it's time for a wrap of the biggest headlines making waves in South Africa and beyond. Don't forget to join the IOL WhatsApp Channel to stay in tune, informed and in the know.
Why Ramaphosa left out Afrikaners in Trump talks: Analysts explain the strategy
Political analysts suggest that President Cyril Ramaphosa deliberately left out Afrikaner nationalist leaders from his US visit with President Donald Trump to maintain unity within the GNU and ensure the delegation remains focused on its main objectives.To read on, click here.
Health ombudsman launches investigation into the death of intern doctor at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
The Health Ombudsman, Professor Taole Mokoena, has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of an intern doctor, Dr Alulutho Mazwi at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. To read on, click here.
How Budget 2025-26 could reshape service delivery and accountability
Analysts have emphasised the need for the National Treasury to allocate more resources toward improving service delivery, complemented by stronger accountability measures to ensure efficiency and transparency as the Finance Minister prepares to present the '3.0 Budget' for the 2025-26 financial year. To read on, click here.
Seven Gauteng teenagers arrested after viral bullying video emerges
Seven teenage girls have been arrested in Gauteng in connection with a bullying video that has since gone viral on social media. To read on, click here.
Medical condition: R10 million theft case at President Ramaphosa's farm postponed
The case against Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph relating to the break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm returned to court on Monday. To read on, click here.
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The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘Government should hang their heads in shame': Marikana Massacre marks 13 years without justice
Government has paid more than R350 million in claims linked to the tragedy. Saturday, 16 August 2025, marked 13 years since 34 mineworkers were gunned down by police in what is now remembered as the Marikana massacre. The incident took place at the Lonmin platinum mine (now Sibanye-Stillwater) in North West, during a wage protest in 2012. Ten people were also killed in the days leading up to the Marikana massacre between 12 and 16 August. ALSO READ: Over 1,800 illegal miners arrested in Stilfontein operation, most deported Although a commission of inquiry recommended that a full investigation be conducted to hold police accountable, no officers have faced prosecution to date. Meanwhile, government has paid more than R350 million in claims linked to the tragedy. Marikana Massacre remembered On Saturday, various organisations honoured the victims and renewed calls for accountability. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stressed that the slain miners were not criminals, but workers demanding fair wages. 'They were fathers, brothers, and sons, demanding a living wage in the face of exploitation, degradation, and hunger. 'Instead of dialogue and dignity, they were met with the barrels of guns in full view of the world,' the EFF said in a statement. READ MORE: Illegal miner says he will keep digging to survive The party also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was a shareholder in Lonmin at the time, and the ANC for failing to deliver justice. 'It is not surprising then that the ANC has refused to bring justice to the families of the Marikana victims. 'There have been no prosecutions, no reparations, and no structural change to the mining sector that continues to enrich a few at the expense of the many. 'The workers of Marikana died in vain because their demands remain unmet, their killers remain unpunished, and the system that murdered them remains firmly in place.' The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg found in July 2022 that Ramaphosa did not carry legal responsibility for the massacre The EFF's Statement on the Anniversary of the Marikana Massacre -The recent unemployment statistics paint a bleak picture: millions without work, millions without hope, and millions trapped in poverty while the political elite grow richer. Black workers, in particular, have… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 16, 2025 'We will never forget' The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) also reiterated demands for justice. 'The families have yet to see justice, victims have yet to be compensated, and those who gave the orders have yet to be brought to account for their criminal conduct,' the union said. AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa said the ongoing National Dialogue disrespected the memory of the slain workers. 'The government should hang their heads in shame. This slaughter of hard-working men happened under their watch, under their command. 'These workers are not just numbers – they had names, families, and identities. Yet we are still calling for justice thirteen years later. That is a disgrace,' he said. READ MORE: Groups warn against heavy-handed raids in tackling illegal miners The union pointed out that Parliament rejected its calls for 16 August to be declared a public holiday. 'They would not even recognise it as a massacre. They want us to forget, but we will never forget.' AMCU added that, through the Marikana Massacre Trust Fund, it has built houses for the families of 34 victims. Mathunjwa said the day was more than just about remembrance, but a warning. 'That was the day the state showed its true face,' he added. Silence on NPA appeal Furthermore, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (Seri) emphasised that true justice could only come through successful prosecutions. 'The state continues to fail the families of the deceased and the survivors of the massacre,' the NGO said. While the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has prosecuted nine police officers, Seri highlighted that that two trials ended in acquittals. 'In 2023, the NPA issued a statement detailing various personnel and resource constraints as reasons for their failure to prosecute the Marikana case. READ MORE: 'We know it's wrong, but they're trying to make a living,' say families of arrested illegal miners 'However, two more years have passed, and the families and survivors of the massacre have still not seen any progress concerning prosecutions for the massacre of 16 August 2012. 'Following the acquittals in 2024, the families were told that the NPA would consider an appeal but have heard nothing since. 'This inaction reflects a lack of commitment to ensuring the families obtain justice for the deaths of their loved ones.' Seri added that several family members of the victims had died without ever seeing accountability. Marikana Massacre a 'premeditated act of state violence' The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) declared that the Marikana massacre was not a tragic accident, but 'a premeditated act of state violence in defence of capital'. The federation said the state has ignored or failed to implement the commission's recommendations adequately. 'The state's refusal to fully implement these recommendations confirms Saftu's reluctance to participate in any so-called national dialogue. 'Dialogue without justice is a betrayal to the victims and a mockery to the working class.' NOW READ: SA opened 159 new mines in five years, creating over 15 000 jobs
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Ramaphosa to Mbeki and legacy foundations: ‘National Dialogue will proceed with or without you'
Simon Majadibodu | Published 1 day ago President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on' and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki. Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon. This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on 15 and 16 August. Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue. 'The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,' said Magwenya. 'It is a platform where the agenda for the National Dialogue will be set and agreed upon. The roadmap for the rollout of the actual dialogue will also be affirmed.' He said that the inclusivity of the process should not be questioned at this stage, as the convention is just the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement. 'It's always been understood that this is the kick-off of the dialogue process. Out of the National Convention, we will get a clear roadmap for dialogues in communities, wards, districts and sectoral groups. At the end of this nine-month process, all South Africans will have had an opportunity to participate.' Magwenya dismissed concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the withdrawal of seven foundations does not undermine its credibility. 'With respect to the National Convention and the withdrawal of seven foundations - with all due respect, these foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans.' Last week on Friday, IOL News reported that several prominent legacy foundations announced their withdrawal from the process, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, WDB Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group. In a joint statement, the organisations expressed 'deep regret,' saying their decision was necessary to protect the credibility and integrity of the process. They accused organisers of deviating from the original citizen-led vision and shifting towards government control. 'What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately, in practice, shifted towards government control,' the statement read. Magwenya dismissed the notion that the foundations represent defined constituencies, arguing that their absence would not diminish the legitimacy or inclusiveness of the convention. 'These foundations were never set up to be constituency groups, as far as we understand, unless that has changed. We now have close to 1,000 confirmed delegates. The Convention will be representative of all sectors of society through the different formations and groups that have accepted invitations to attend.' He added that the dialogue must eventually reach communities, industries, households and other sectors. 'It can't be held over two days at a university campus - that would be illogical. The credibility of the dialogue is not a once off exercise . It will depend on the level of participation across communities and the outcomes of that process.' Magwenya rejected the idea that the credibility of the dialogue could be determined by one person or a handful of organisations. 'South Africa is much bigger than any one individual or any single foundation. It would've been great to have former (President Mbeki) there – but if he's not there, he's not there.' 'The reality is that the show will go on, and South Africans will continue with the dialogue process. Hopefully, at some point, not only the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and others will eventually decide to participate in the process and realise that there's no benefit out the boycotting the people of South Africa.' 'Boycotting the process is not boycotting the government – it's boycotting the people of South Africa.' He added that the dialogue process does not belong to Ramaphosa or the government 'It belongs to all South Africans. Those who choose not to participate are not disadvantaged by the president or the government – they are choosing not to be part of the broader national conversation.' Several political parties have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), both members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), have pulled out, accusing the ANC of using the process to boost its image ahead of the 2026 local government elections. ActionSA announced on Wednesday that it would not formally participate, citing unresolved concerns about the process and the legality of its funding. However, the party will send two senior MPs. Dr Kgosi Letlape and Lerato Ngobeni, to attend in an observer capacity. Controversial lobby groups, AfriForum and Solidary also pulled out from the dialogue. [email protected] IOL Politics
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Watch: Second day of National Convention underway
The second day of the inaugural South African National Convention has kicked off at the University of South Africa (Unisa)in Pretoria on Saturday morning, The Witness reports. The National Convention, a two-day event, was opened on Friday by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said that the gathering, though missing the support of various political parties, marked the start of a nationwide conversation aimed at addressing the country's most pressing challenges. 'We have come together in this National Convention not to have the dialogue, but to start the dialogue,' Ramaphosa told delegates yesterday. The National Convention is described as the precursor to the National Dialogue, which will see 13 000 meetings held across the country, aimed at fostering social cohesion, tackling the country's social ills and removing obstacles to economic growth. The dialogue's credibility has come under scrutiny following the withdrawal of several foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk foundations. Ramaphosa has encouraged citizens to take part in the dialogue, saying it is a call to participate in the country's progress and events that are meant to shape its future. 'This we cannot do when we are sitting on the sidelines; this we cannot do when we do not want to be part of this conversation and this we cannot do when we sit on the sidelines and criticise. We need to be inside rather than outside the tent,' he said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
