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What's @Trending: X users throw brickbats and bouquets at Floyd Shivambu

What's @Trending: X users throw brickbats and bouquets at Floyd Shivambu

IOL News2 days ago

Floyd Shivambu's removal as MKP Secretary-General by party-president Jacob Zuma created a stir on X
@MogomotsiLebot2 Fekile Mbalula was right. Floyd Shivambu didn't finish a year as the MK Party SG. Will he finish the year as an MP? The jury is still out. It all depends on if he pleases Ivanka Zuma.PS: Please let me know when Julius Malema press conference starts, I'll cancel my meetings.
@verashni It's kinda hilarious: Jacob Zuma's MK party has axed Floyd Shivambu as secretary general for 'poor administration' when the party is such a shambles - with or without Floyd's help. Poor Floyd, what did he think was going to happen venturing into this snake pit?
@DanCorderOnAir Floyd Shivambu is the story of Icarus. Icarus made wings of feathers and wax so he could fly. This made him think he was more powerful than he was. He flew too high, too close to the sun, even though everyone warned him not to. The wax melted, the wings fell apart, Icarus fell.
@VITO_G_Wagon 'I'm not going to apologise for going to see Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi' – Floyd Shivambu
@AfricaisBlack Floyd Shivambu's greatest talent? Betrayal with a side of lies! First, he claims Zuma approved his fugitive-Bushiri church visit. Now, crocodile tears – 'Oh, it wasn't consistent with MK's constitution'. The only consistent thing about Floyd? His treachery! #FloydTheFlipFlop.
@Lebona_cabonena Zuma is a wise man, he made Floyd Shivambu draft the constitution of the MK Party, then used the same constitution to remove him. Chess Master!
@EdgarLegoale I'm close to a few senior leaders in the EFF, and they often tell me that when Floyd Shivambu was in the EFF, he was like a king commanding power and respect. Since he left to join Jacob Zuma's MK Party, it's like he's become a nobody. His removal is a signal that Zuma didn't trust him. I remember someone saying: 'If you sell your brother, the buyer won't trust you.' Its clear now that they brought him in to weaken the EFF, but it didn't work. He rattled them, but didn't destroy them. Now, he's become more of a liability than an asset. The Malawi issue was just an excuse to remove him.
@Collen82241585 Duduzile Zuma demonstrated her powers and showed Floyd Shivambu as to who is the real decision maker in the MK Party.@MisInfoCrusherIt's about time that Floyd Shivambu exercise this option to return to the EFF. 'The EFF constitution doesn't allow members to go and come back. But Floyd is welcome to come back when he decides to', ~ Julius Malema
@miShumoZA_ Not only is Bushiri a fake prophet, where is he when Floyd Shivambu needs him the most.
@Patricia_Bantom Floyd Shivambu is going to be the president of this country. I don't know how, when or where, but he is the president in waiting.
@newslivesa 'I don't work with Floyd Shivambu anywhere Parliament or Soccer Match or anything, I don't work with @FloydShivambu his issues have nothing to do with me' EFF President Julius Malema. 'I'm not getting involved, where was he going, so it's not our problem, we are in Parliament we are working in Parliament and that's It, if he comes to Parliament he will find us rolling' @Julius_S_Malema
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MTN backs Starlink's South African operations, contingent on B-BBEE compliance
MTN backs Starlink's South African operations, contingent on B-BBEE compliance

IOL News

time39 minutes ago

  • IOL News

MTN backs Starlink's South African operations, contingent on B-BBEE compliance

EFF rejects Minister Malatsi's unlawful attempt to bypass South Africa's 30% local ownership law for Elon Musk's Starlink, saying legal compliance and transformation must be upheld to protect jobs, sovereignty, and national security. Image: AP Photo/Francois Mori Giant digital communication network service provider, MTN, whose chairperson is South Africa's special envoy to the United States of America, Mcebisi Jonas, has expressed support for Starlink being licensed to operate in the country. However, this is only if one of the world's richest men, Elon Musk's satellite internet service licence, complies with black economic empowerment regulations. The company, which is originally from South Africa but operates in various countries across the continent, described US-based Starlink as one of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication providers that could significantly accelerate connectivity, 'particularly in rural and underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or costly to deploy'. 'By providing high-speed, low-latency internet, leveraging LEO capabilities could bridge the digital divide, supporting South Africa's national goals of broader digital inclusion, economic development, and innovation,' said MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo. MTN advocates for partnerships with LEO communication providers, including Starlink, as these can enhance service resilience, extend reach, and improve customer experience, especially in challenging geographical areas. 'MTN welcomes cooperation and competition in the telecommunications space, provided there is regulatory parity,' said Morafo. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ It has been reported that Starlink currently operates in 18 of the 54 countries in Africa, and it would expand to 10 more states before the end of the year. MTN's Digital Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer, Mazen Mroué, had, on December 14, 2023, while he was still the group's chief technology and information officer, revealed that there were engagements with SpaceX's Starlink, with enterprise-grade trials under way in Rwanda and Nigeria. When asked if those MTN engagements with Starlink had been expanded to involve the latter coming to South Africa, the group said it did not comment on confidential market-specific discussions. 'MTN embraces the value of LEO satellite systems and remains open to partnerships that support the extension of connectivity across Africa, including South Africa, in compliance with applicable regulations,' Morafo said. It was reported in 2013 that President Cyril Ramaphosa's Shanduka Group had paid $335 million for a stake in MTN's Nigerian business. Soon before being appointed state deputy president, Ramaphosa disinvested from Shanduka to focus on his government responsibilities to avoid a conflict of interest. Former finance deputy minister Jonas was appointed MTN Group chairperson on June 1, 2018, and on April 14, 2025, Ramaphosa appointed him as his special envoy to the United States of America with the responsibility of advancing South Africa's diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities. This entailed fostering strategic partnerships and engaging with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote South Africa. Currently, Starlink does not have an operating licence in South Africa after its attempts to get one failed due to Musk's disagreement with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirement that foreign telecommunication companies must sell 30% of their stake to local historically disadvantaged groups for them to operate in the country. Trump signed an Executive Order on February 7, which sought to isolate South Africa, following allegations that white Afrikaners were subjected to orchestrated genocide and anti-white black employment policies, and that South Africa had taken a hostile stance against the US and its allies, including Israel. This was attributed to Musk's fightback against B-BBEE regulations using Trump. Ramaphosa led the delegation to Washington to negotiate with Trump on May 21 to save South Africa/US trade agreements and recruit new investors. The Presidency had listed Jonas as among the delegation, but he did not go due to his business commitments, although he had contributed to the preparation of that meeting. Before the two leaders held a private meeting at the White House, there was a media briefing in which the issue of genocide and crime was discussed. It was in that briefing that South African billionaire Johann Rupert pleaded with Trump to assist South Africa with modern technology to fight crime and even suggested, in the presence of Musk, that Starlink should come to the country. The negotiation took place before it was reported that Trump had fired Musk as his senior advisor and Department of Government Efficiency head. When asked if Jonas had in any way participated in negotiations to bring Starlink to the country, Morafo said 'no'. 'In his capacity as MTN Group chairperson, Mr Mcebisi Jonas does not participate in operational negotiations relating to Starlink or any other specific vendor or technology partner. 'His responsibilities are focused on providing strategic oversight and governance at the MTN Group level, in line with the role of a non-executive chairperson,' she said. When called, Jonas declined to comment, saying he does not talk to the media as he works in the background. 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EFF's Julius Malema is ‘quietly' singing ‘Hallelujah hosanna' over Trump-Musk fallout
EFF's Julius Malema is ‘quietly' singing ‘Hallelujah hosanna' over Trump-Musk fallout

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

EFF's Julius Malema is ‘quietly' singing ‘Hallelujah hosanna' over Trump-Musk fallout

Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) leader Julius Malema is probably celebrating celebrating the US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk fallout. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers EFF leader Julius Malema is 'quietly enjoying' the dramatic fallout between US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, the two figures who have long criticised him over his outspoken rhetoric, radical political views, including the controversial "Kill the Boer" chant. The two had previously accused Malema of inciting violence against white farmers. The red berets have denounced the claim. The latest split between the former allies who were once bound by political interests appears to align with Malema's long-standing opposition to both. Trump, in a televised Oval Office tirade, said he was "very disappointed" in Musk after the tech billionaire criticised his spending bill. Musk fired back on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Trump of ingratitude, claiming credit for his 2024 win, and even referencing unverified claims linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. The feud has political and economic fallout. Tesla shares dropped, Musk threatened to withdraw from a major US space programme, and Trump also hinted at pulling Musk's government contracts. The clash comes amid rising tensions between the US and South Africa. Tensions between the two countries have intensified since Trump's second term. Last month, during a high-level meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Trump administration in Washington, aimed at mending diplomatic relations between the two countries, Malema took centre stage. Trump played clips of Malema singing the 'Kill the boer' chant, which he argued incites violence against white farmers, but the red berets rubbished the claim. Trump called for Malema's arrest and denounced South Africa's land reform as 'land seizure.' IOL News previously reported that Malema has vowed to continue singing the controversial song despite strong criticism from Trump. The US also cut HIV/AIDS funding and granted refugee status to 49 white South Africans, claiming racial discrimination, which Pretoria has vehemently rejected. With Musk born in South Africa and now publicly clashing with Trump, Malema 'may' see this as more than political theatre, which is possibly a moment of vindication. Speaking with IOL News, Professor Theo Neethling, from the University of Free State's Department of Political Studies and Governance, said the fallout between Trump and Musk was 'long predictable.' 'The Trump-Musk fallout was long predictable, and even if the EFF delights in it, the fact remains that the United States conducts diplomatic relations with the South African government, not with the EFF…,' he said. 'The EFF is a relatively small party, as President Ramaphosa pointed out to Trump, and it is not relevant in South Africa's international relations.' Neethling emphasised that diplomatic relations are maintained between the US government and South African government, not with political outliers. 'The Trump administration also conducts its relations with the South African government, and what carries much more weight in the US than Elon Musk are the views and roles of top Republican voices like JD Vance, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. They will be decisive in the future US-South Africa relations.' Commenting on the developments of Trump and Musk clashing, Neethling said Malema will continue 'loudly in his rhetoric of African self-reliance,' but South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) understands the importance of maintaining relations with the US, which is the largest economy in the world. 'Around 600 American companies invest and do business here in South Africa and contribute to job creation,' he told IOL News. 'The Minister of Finance (Enoch Godongwana) also rightly pointed out recently that if the US does not want to do business with a country, it places that country on the periphery of international trade and investment.' According to Neethling, the Trump and Musk fallout will have no impact on future US and South Africa relations. 'Again, top Republican voices like JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz are what matter, as well as those of senior officials in the White House.' Meanwhile, independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego also expressed his views on the Trump and Musk fallout, adding that is probably 'enjoying' seeing the two clash. 'I think Julius Malema is really enjoying, is really reveling at what is happening because it absorbs him in a way to say, look, two liars are now fighting. You know, they say, do not disturb. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, don't disturb your enemy when he's making a mistake.' Mashego said he believes that Malema is currently not in any mood to disturb what he called 'enemies' as they make mistakes. 'I hope he doesn't tweet. I hope he just watches the show. He just enjoys reading Elon Musk and Donald Trump's Truth Social tweets. So that, you know, I think it's a marvel…' He added, 'think EFF, I think Julius Malema, he now knows that the person who's been whispering into Donald Trump's eye is no longer in the picture, which means the rhetoric from the part of the White House towards him is going to be limited because Trump doesn't have an original opinion.' 'All that he's saying is a megaphone. He's just saying what other people want him to say. So I think this is really the end of the Que de Bois charade that Donald Trump used to stage. And it's the end of that whole obsession by Donald Trump with Elon Musk, because going forward, with the Que de Bois, because going forward, whatever Elon Musk says relating to South Africa, I think one of the people is going to really try to ridicule it will be Donald Trump.' 'So they have two fools, two buffoons, really ridiculing each other,' Mashego added.

‘Msholozi finally heard us': MK leaders welcome Shivambu's axing as secretary general
‘Msholozi finally heard us': MK leaders welcome Shivambu's axing as secretary general

Mail & Guardian

timea day ago

  • Mail & Guardian

‘Msholozi finally heard us': MK leaders welcome Shivambu's axing as secretary general

Former MK party secretary general Floyd Shivambu. (File photo) Senior officials in Although they expressed 'relief' that the party's leader, Zuma axed Shivambu as secretary general after he had travelled without sanction to Malawi in April to attend a church service led by self-proclaimed prophet On Monday Zuma said Shivambu's visit was inconsistent with the MK party's constitution. The trip, and Shivambu's insistence on defending how he made it while wearing MK colours, led to what insiders described as the boiling over of long-standing grievances against him. MK deputy chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko told Monday's media briefing that the party had been 'left with no other option' but to remove Shivambu from his post. The redeployment comes as the party prepares to reshuffle its list of parliamentary candidates. Shivambu was not included on the MK list during May 2024 general elections, because he had been on the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) list before defecting to the former. His name is expected to be included when the Electoral Commission of South Africa opens the first window for candidate list amendments from 6 to 12 June. 'We are happy Msholozi finally heard us,' said a senior MK leader in KwaZulu-Natal, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'This man was causing serious discord in the ranks. He came in as if he was going to fix the movement, but he created more problems than solutions.' Shivambu has accepted the move and expressed gratitude to Zuma, calling his role in the party 'an invaluable and humbling experience'. But his remained unapologetic about his Malawi trip, saying on the Newzroom Afrika channel: 'One thing I will never apologise for is going to see Prophet Shepherd Bushiri. When he said, 'Let's go to church,' I said, 'I'll go to church.'' The MK party source said branches had long raised concerns about Shivambu's leadership style, accusing him of sidelining long-time organisers, tightening access to Zuma and attempting to centralise control of party finances. Other insiders said his tenure had been marked by delays in convening the national high command and alienation of grassroots organisers. 'There was a growing feeling that he didn't come to build but to hijack. So when the Bushiri trip came to light, it gave the president the space to act. We see the redeployment as a way to remove him from the engine room without losing the value he still has in parliament,' said one. Shivambu's experience, including a decade in the National Assembly as the EFF's deputy president, is seen as an asset for a party seeking to assert itself as a serious opposition force after its surprise performance in the May 2024 elections. The MK party secured 58 seats nationally, displacing the EFF as the third-largest party. MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlhela said on Monday that Shivambu's Malawi trip was inconsistent with the party's policies, and 'the appropriate action was taken'. 'However, the national officials have resolved that his skills are best placed in parliament where he can help sharpen the MK party's opposition role,' Ndlhela added. But not all in the party are convinced that the move will resolve the deeper tensions his presence has created. Two MK high command members said Shivambu's strained relationship with Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and MK deputy president John Hlophe could make his integration into the caucus difficult. Duduzile, who played a central role in the party's digital mobilisation, has clashed with Shivambu over media strategy and his growing influence in the party's core decision-making circles. 'Dudu never trusted him, and neither did Hlophe. They tolerated him when he was in a position to help us build the ground campaign. But when he started isolating people and dictating terms, the red flags went up,' said one of the high command sources. Additional concerns have surfaced over a broader rift between founding members of the MK party and those who defected from the EFF alongside Shivambu. The high command members said his role also placed those he defected with in danger because of their loyalty to him, 'now that means they will be scrutinised as well. He should've been fired.' But some officials argue that Shivambu's visibility in parliament could benefit the MK party's image as it gears up to play a vocal role against the government of national unity. 'Zuma understands Shivambu is a polarising figure, but also a political weapon. Putting him in parliament keeps him visible but contained. The real question is whether the internal divisions he leaves behind will fester or fade,' political analyst Bheki Mngomezulu said. Shivambu did not respond to the Mail & Guardian' s efforts to get his comment.

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