Latest news with #ANCYouthLeague
Daily Maverick
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
After the Bell: The Budget Battle is over. Long live the Budget Battle!
The government has to provide many more people with a lot more, with a lot less money. And that's never easy. This means that a process of budget reform is now starting … and it will not be easy. I've often noticed that in my working life, after a big project, or tussle or fight, as soon as it's over, another one begins. It's in the nature of the beast I suppose; capitalism won't allow you to stand still and you have to move from one thing to another. And often the companies and people that are able to do this in the quickest and best ways are the most successful. I don't know if I can use the word 'successful' in connection with our coalition government… But now that it's finally over — the fight around the Budget — a new fight is about to begin. And I think, and fear, it will be a lot more intense than the old fight we have just seen. The government has to provide many more people with a lot more, with a lot less money. And that's never easy. This means that a process of budget reform is now starting … and it will not be easy. I'm sure you've been in a position, at a meeting around a table, or just sitting in your work chair while your boss or the manager or the CEO's boss or some idiot from head office has given the most non-rousing speech you've ever heard, and then had the nerve to mention the R-word. (No, not Recession. Worse than that. Resilient.) I hate that word. I didn't know one could hate a word, I mean seriously. But I do. I hate it with a passion. It always means someone is demanding I do more with less. Basically, I'm being screwed over. Now, in a company, there are all sorts of ways to save money — you can often cut back on some of the goodies. No serious person needs a cappuccino machine; everyone can get by on proper coffee. And often there are ways to make more money. Governments can't do that. They have to make do with what they have. And reforming them is much, much slower. Our current Budget is all about trade-offs. Now I'm not a big fan of people in uniform carrying weapons; the whole idea can scare me. I'm from a generation of South Africans where the phrase 'Law and Order' reminds me of Adriaan Vlok and the worst of the 1980s. But even I can't deny that the SANDF needs more money. And it needs it now. No one can seriously argue that health and education budgets can be cut. But there is plenty that can and must be done. So much of the wastage happens long after the departmental budget process. I mean, can anyone seriously believe that stacking Gauteng hospital boards with leaders from the ANC Youth League is a good idea? Some other cuts are obvious. The Ministry of Small Business Development gives me the impression it has done nothing for anybody. I don't know what the Ministry of Women, Youth and People Living with Disabilities does? (And I worry that creating a special ministry for some people can ghetto-ise them anyway.) There are some other obvious examples around salaries. If you look at our roads, would you seriously suggest the CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation should get more than R10-million a year? And a big chunk of this is a performance bonus? How the… Then there is the Road Accident Fund. Its currently suspended CEO Collins Letsoalo was getting about the same. And had the gall to spend a lot more money on bodyguards. I also think that making cuts is politically hard. There will be so many bad actors that will just get in the way. We are living in an environment where many people have made a strong case to allow Starlink to operate in our massive and largely rural country. And yet the EFF has decided it will die on the hill of opposing the changes to the law that would allow it to come here. Much of this opposition will be performative and idiotic. Just yesterday, the MK party managed to vote against every department budget and then cast its ballots in favour of the actual Appropriations Bill. Colleen Makhubele was an incredibly disruptive and incompetent Speaker in Johannesburg. It looks like she might have the same impact on MK as its Chief Whip. Instead, I think what is going to have to happen is that a group of National Treasury bureaucrats will have to get together, work out what needs to be cut and just present that to the politicians. And if they do it properly, basically putting the politicians in a position where they just have to accept it, then this fight might be a little easier.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Ramaphosa appoints NYDA board
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board, set to run for three years starting on August 1. This is in line with the NYDA Act of 2008. The role of the board is to address issues faced by young people in the country. 'The agency functions as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government level,' presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said. Ramaphosa has previously been criticised for delaying the appointment of the NYDA board. The appointments come four months after the portfolio committee on youth, women and persons with disabilities recommended nine people to fill the vacancies, which excluded ANC Youth League members. Of the nine, only seven were selected. Sunshine Minenhle Myende was selected as ]chairperson of the board, and Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as deputy chairperson. Other board members are:
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Hitman sentenced to life for murder of ANC councillor
The man has been in custody since 2022 after he was arrested . The South African Police Service (Saps) Political Task Team has registered another conviction, after a 28-year-old hitman was sentenced to life in jail for the murder of an ANC councillor in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Phathisakhe Thuthukani Ngiba appeared in the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court on Friday, July 18, 2025, where the sentence was handed down. Murder Ngiba has been in custody since 2022 after he was arrested for the murder of ANC councillor Zakhele Shezi Khuzwayo, who was attached to the KwaMaphumulo Municipality. Khuzwayo was shot and killed on 15 September 2022 while sitting in his vehicle. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the Saps Political Task Team investigated the case, which led to the arrest of Ngiba. Ngiba was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 (1) of Act 60 of 2000. Ngiba is also an accused in a matter where ANC candidate Councillor Siyabonga Mkhize and ANC member Mzukisi Nyanga were shot in Cator Crest. The matter is currently on trial. ALSO READ: Gauteng businessman jailed for R66 million Transnet fraud ANC Youth League leader Earlier this month, the political task team secured the conviction of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa's killer to 25 years imprisonment. Sibusiso Ncengwa admitted that he was part of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Magaqa in 2017. His lawyers had pleaded for leniency. They argued that he had apologised to the Magaqa family and had shown remorse for his deeds. Ncengwa is also serving time in prison for other crimes unrelated to Magaqa's murder. These include armed robberies. Jail Judge Nontuthuzelo Mlaba said it was in the best interests of society for Ncengwa to be imprisoned. 'Your conduct in agreeing to take the life of a person demonstrates a clear disregard for human life. The right to life is currently one that you enjoy, but one that you took away from the deceased and for selfish reasons,' Mlaba said 'The deceased had a family. He had young children who will forever be denied the privilege of having a present father. 'You did not seem to have considered all the above when you decided to arm yourself, attack and kill the victim in this matter,' Mlaba said. Political killings Mathe said since July 2018, more than 130 accused were sentenced for various crimes linked to murders and attacks of councillors, which were proven to be politically related. 'This number includes hitmen and hit orderers,' Mathe said. NOW READ: 'David vs Goliath': Meta agrees to hand over child porn channel creator information
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
R10k just to show up: Fear of ‘Nkabane 2.0' as ANC Youth League leaders get hospital board positions
From 'tutor' to Gauteng hospitals board member, seemingly only on political connections. Fresh concerns of cronyism have rocked the Gauteng health sector after the reported appointment of several ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leaders to hospital boards in the province. As hospitals battle overcrowding, understaffing, corruption, low morale, and fierce battles over who should get healthcare, those tasked with managing the crisis were allegedly hired not for their expertise or experience but because of party connections. An unnamed ANCYL member told The Sunday Times that 'comrades were encouraged to apply', with the party promising to 'lobby' for them. Those appointed include Gauteng youth league deputy secretary Ziyanda Ncuru, deputy chair Jennifer Latifi, and Tshwane regional secretary Onkgopotse Thompson-Peete. PEC members Masabata Ramollo, Thabo Matome Twayise, Ashley Mabasa and Vuyisile Plaatjie were also listed, as was ANCYL member Khumo Thandeka. Paid for their expertise Some of those appointed held accounting and transport management qualifications, while others' only listed qualifications were as a 'tutor'. They will reportly receiving around R10 000 for each meeting they attend. Nkabane 2.0 A senior provincial government official said it was like 'Nkabane 2.0″, in reference to the saga around higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane's appointment of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board. The minister appointed several ANC-linked officials to the board, including minerals minister Gwede Mantashe's son, and several other fellow party associates. She withdrew the appointments, but not before digging in her heels and appearing to mislead Parliament. She told MPs that the selections were made by an 'independent' panel chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement in the process. Higher Education Chief Director for Seta Coordination, Mabuza Ngubane, was also listed on the panel but told Parliament on Friday that he had not accepted the appointment, attended any panel meetings or screened any candidates. The rest of the panel included officials from the Department of Higher Education, including Nkabane's chief of staff, Nelisiwe Semane, and advisor Asisipho Solani. Nkabane remains in office despite significant pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend or fire here. The DA has laid a criminal complaint against the minister and also reported her to both the Public Protector and Parliament's Ethics Committee. Additional reporting by Molefe Seeletsa
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mandela's legacy: SA in dire need of decisive, principled leadership
Then ANC President Nelson Mandela (centre) flanked by Cyril Ramaphosa (left) and Jacob Zuma at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) on December 20,1991 in Johannesburg. Mandela's life remains a formidable example. His leadership was principled, resolute, and intolerant of external dictates, internal inefficiency and ill-discipline, says the writer. Image: AFP Reneva Fourie Today, 18 July, we celebrate Mandela Day. The occasion requires that we reflect on the qualities that defined former President Nelson Mandela and consider how they can be applied to South Africa's current woes. As society faces socio-economic challenges, institutional decay and an increasing culture of individualism, Mandela's legacy of decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the erosion of authority that dominates today's political landscape. No country develops by chance. Effective leadership is crucial for fostering economic resilience and driving progress, particularly in the face of global challenges. China, for instance, emerged as an international economic powerhouse after implementing transformative reforms from the late 1970s. By the end of 2020, the country had successfully achieved its objective of lifting more than 850 million people out of absolute poverty. This metamorphosis was propelled by leaders who understood that effective governance should prioritise the needs of the people and must be supported by integrated, strategic, long-term planning. Nelson Mandela was such a transformational leader. In the ANC Youth League, he agitated for a mass-based movement. He was instrumental in the founding of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's armed wing. He turned down Botha's offer to be released if he agreed to renounce violence. After he was released from prison in 1990, he convinced the ANC to make difficult compromises during the negotiations to ensure peace and a better future. He did not put up with any nonsense from FW De Klerk, as shown in his famous temper speech. He used his strong leadership skills to help calm a country that was close to civil war after Chris Hani was assassinated. His presidency was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of South Africans. His administration delivered water, electricity, public housing and affordable healthcare on a scale that drew admiration from around the world. He saw governance as a tool to serve the people, especially the poor and marginalised. Mandela was a voice for global justice. He continued to oppose poverty, inequality and conflict with unwavering determination and remained a staunch supporter of liberation movements worldwide. He boldly defended the people of Palestine and defied US threats by hosting leaders like Castro and Gaddafi. His belief in Pan-African unity never faded. Leadership is too often viewed in terms of political control, economic influence, or the visibility of social movements. Yet, at its core, leadership is a responsibility that must be shared. Mandela's legacy did not arise in a vacuum. 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. 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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 ✕ He was part of a generation of exceptional and selfless cadres. Before 1990, the activists and leaders of the ANC-led alliance and the broader anti-apartheid movement operated with a coherence and discipline that is increasingly hard to find today. Their commitment was forged in sacrifice. Many faced detention, torture, imprisonment, life on the run, exile and the supreme sacrifice. Their common aim was to build a just and democratic South Africa in honour of their efforts and the lives lost during the liberation struggle. When leadership spoke, it was listened to. Recalling a sitting president for personal ambition was unheard of. And the recent attempts at external interference in domestic matters would never have been welcomed, let alone encouraged. Today, the country needs that same discipline and cohesion. Those who hold power in the state must rise to the occasion. Ministers must be effective and accountable. The President should remove those tainted by scandal. The Minister of Public Administration must act quickly to improve the efficiency of the public sector. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs must ensure that municipalities deliver services. National Treasury should stop deferring to international financial institutions and begin asserting national priorities. The security cluster requires a total institutional overhaul to restore public confidence. Parliament must act boldly to oversee the executive and hold it accountable. The judiciary must reaffirm its commitment to impartiality and the pursuit of effective justice. Poor governance is not solely due to corrupt or ineffective public leaders. It also reflects a breakdown in our sense of mutual ownership. A thriving democracy requires participation from those who govern and those who are governed. Although the state bears responsibility, ultimate power resides with the people. It was ordinary citizens, as inspired – among others – by the ANC-led alliance, who made the dream of freedom from apartheid a reality. That same commitment to civic responsibility must now be exercised to ensure that government remains accountable and effective. We must dismiss the notion that leadership is reserved for politicians or elites. Genuine leadership exists within communities, workplaces, homes, and our everyday interactions. This is why Mandela Day and initiatives like the 67 minutes of community service remain so important. These gestures remind us of our shared humanity and collective responsibility, allowing us to connect across divides and channel our discontent into action. But volunteering once a year is not enough. The spirit of Mandela demands sustained civic engagement, critical vigilance, and an unwavering insistence on integrity at every level of government. Effective governance is a partnership. It is not a battleground for self-interest but a space for cooperation and joint leadership. Decisions must reflect the voices and needs of all, not just the few. This will enhance state legitimacy and cultivate a stronger, more resilient society. Mandela's life remains a formidable example. He did not seek power for its own sake. He used it to uplift others. He led by listening, acting, and uniting. His leadership was principled, resolute, and intolerant of external dictates, internal inefficiency and ill-discipline. On this Mandela Day, let us honour his legacy not only with remembrance but with resolve. Let us demand accountability and competence, and a reward principle. Let us insist that those who lead us do so in the service of all. Because in the end, as Mandela himself taught us, what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is about what difference we have made to the lives of others. * Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
