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Daily Maverick
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Letter to Mahlamba Ndlopfu: My jacaranda tree is a living metaphor for a country in flux
Ah, Chief Dwasaho! A giant jacaranda tree stands forlornly outside my window, stripped bare of the riotous purple blossoms that once danced like confetti across Pretoria's avenues in summer. It looks lonely and confused, as though it no longer understands its place in the world or the delicate art of statecraft. You might recall, my leader, how the erstwhile Chief Tenant of Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Thabo Mbeki, once waxed lyrical about the jacaranda trees to illustrate the splendour of our land. In a flourish typical of his philosophical bent, he ventured into uncharted territory, posing the rhetorical question: 'At times, and in fear, I have wondered whether I should concede equal citizenship of our country to the leopard and the lion, the elephant and the springbok, the hyena, the black mamba and the pestilential mosquito.' As I ponder the future of my homeland, my jacaranda tree stands as a living metaphor for a country in flux — confused, stripped of its splendour, yet stubbornly rooted in the hope that spring might one day return. Comrade Leadership, I'm going all philosophical on you because simple language and polite presuppositions can no longer suffice to explain the goings-on in the Republic of the Guptas — a land seemingly complete with its own Ministry of Crime tucked inside the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster. Now, to keep things precise, the word 'cluster,' according to the Oxford English Dictionary, means: Cluster (noun): A group of similar things growing or held together; a bunch. A bunch of ministers, a cluster of chaos Comrade Leadership, I'm rather fond of that last bit — a bunch. Stay with me for a second. Today, the Ministry of Police boasts a proper bunch of FIVE warm bodies. Yes, you read that right. It's a bona fide bunch of a ministry, the only one globally. First, you instructed our alleged underworld figure, Senzo Mchunu, to retreat to Zululand and tend to his chickens — on full pay — with the Blue Light Bullies (VIP police) trailing behind him. Then, in a plot twist worthy of a daytime soapie, you appointed Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, as Acting Minister of Police, effective immediately. He's merely holding the fort until Professor Firoz Cachalia assumes office in early August 2025, again in an acting capacity. Meanwhile, Mchunu will continue to shuffle between the Police Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and his taxpayer-funded hotel suite or state house, as he fancies. So here we stand, with a ministry housing three ministers — real, acting, and acting-in-waiting — plus two deputy ministers, namely Shela Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, both ANC acolytes. The latter serve diligently, albeit in near-total silence, thus redefining the very concept of a bunch within a cluster. If we add their bag carriers, security detail, administrators, speechwriters, spokespersons, heads of office or chiefs of staff, we've graduated from a 'bunch' to a fully fledged ANC branch. It comes complete with the quorum for singing 'My President, My President' at a regional conference at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Benoni. I digress. Coup plots and the people's bae My leader, within this convoluted environment, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, caretaker of state security, enters, wide-eyed but speaking in hushed tones. Ntshavheni — the people's bae, renowned for her fiery promise to 'smoke them out' when it comes to illegal miners and private sector players allegedly plotting to collapse the ANC-led government, is suddenly muted. This week, she dropped the political equivalent of a thunderclap, revealing 'plots of a coup d'état, or unconstitutional changes of government, orchestrated or encouraged by elements both domestic and external'. Yet, tragically, she followed this bombshell with a curious disclaimer: 'We are not alarmist, but vigilant. It is our duty to detect and neutralise threats before they destabilise the Republic. South Africa is not immune to the global trend of hybrid threats, where disinformation, cyberattacks and foreign interests combine with local actors to try to delegitimise the state or effect regime change.' My leader, I am utterly devastated by the minister's newfound reluctance to lead from the front and 'identify coup d'état plotters and smoke them out'. Why this sudden bout of shyness? Why are we, of all nations battered by history, suddenly so timid, so determined not to be alarmist, especially when the very foundations of the Republic might be under siege from forces skulking both inside and outside our borders? Where, I ask you, is this much-vaunted bunch of a Ministry of Police when we need them the most? In truth, the entire Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster should be on high alert, lest we witness a repeat of the proverbial July 2021 civil unrest. Those 12 so-called instigators, if you remember, were apparently identified by former police minister Bheki Cele in his sleep. Yet they somehow managed to outsmart, outfox, outwit and downright embarrass the entire security apparatus of the Republic. Barbarians at the gate And I'm left wondering, my leader: If the people's bae herself is now whispering instead of roaring, who exactly will stand guard when the jackals — or shall we call them the Barbarians — come sniffing at the gates of our democracy, specifically at Mahlamba Ndlopfu? In times like these, we, as a nation (Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi included) must be vigilant, aware and ready to take action to protect our homeland from imigodoyi and underworld figures. I say so, my leader, because our Special Forces, police and army appear distracted these days. A whole 'bunch' of them are now deployed to protect our freshly minted National Key Point, none other than Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who, as you know, has been dropping political bombs — or was it missiles — that could blow the roof off the entire Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster. Meanwhile, the army types are playing a very different kind of war game, marching in and out of courtrooms, their boots squeaking on polished tiles instead of battlefield dust. On 11 July 2025, 12 SANDF Special Forces operators appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court facing a cocktail of charges including murder, kidnapping, fraud, obstruction of justice, perjury and vehicle theft. Their alleged involvement in the murder of Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa, tied to a kidnapping case involving a suspected Isis associate, reads like a Hollywood script. Except this is no blockbuster film. It's real life, with consequences for the integrity of our security cluster and the safety of 'our people'. Mafia state? My leader, all of this leaves me grappling with a chilling question: are we teetering on the brink of a failed state, or have we become a fully fledged mafia state? Because it's becoming increasingly complex to tell the difference. One minute, we're standing tall, singing Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, our fists raised high, eyes glistening with patriotic fervour, tears rolling down our cheeks as we swear that ours is a land of peace, justice and freedom. The next minute, we're hunched over our smartphones, squinting through bloodshot eyes at news alerts that speak of ministers under investigation, Special Forces members frog-marched into courtrooms, and whispers of coups slithering like vipers through the corridors of power. New citizens Perhaps, like the philosopher king Mbeki, we should indeed consider extending citizenship not to humans, who seem so hellbent on betrayal and plunder, but rather to the lions, leopards and elephants — creatures that, at the very least, understand the sacredness of territorial integrity and the solemn duty of sovereignty. At least the lion, when he roars, roars for real, and not in carefully worded press statements drafted by spin doctors who've mastered the art of saying absolutely nothing in a thousand words. With lions, there would be no cosy clandestine meetings in smoke-filled rooms to plot tenders and sell out national secrets. At least the leopard, when he stalks his prey, does so with lethal purpose, not dithering behind endless commissions of inquiry or ducking questions from parliamentary committees. At least the elephant, in its grandeur, never forgets, a quality that would serve this Republic well, given how conveniently our leaders' memories seem to fail them whenever brown envelopes start changing hands. Brown Mogotsi, anyone? My leader, sometimes I wonder if the wild animals would better guard the gates of Mahlamba Ndlopfu than some of those currently holding high office.
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
'Domestic abuse is not entertainment': Government slams 'Isencane Lengane'
Moja Love has responded to the backlash... South Africa's Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS), along with advocacy groups and concerned viewers, has criticised Moja Love's reality show Isencane Lengane for allegedly showcasing domestic abuse. The backlash follows a recent episode, on 20 April, of Isencane Lengane that sparked public outrage, leading to growing calls for the show's cancellation. In the episode of the show that follows a young married teenage couple, Thando Msomi and Siyacela Dlamuka, Siyacela threatened to beat Thando with a sjambok during a heated argument. JCPS condemned the channel, saying airing content that portrays domestic abuse under the guise of entertainment is dangerous. 'Media platforms have a moral and social responsibility to promote content that upholds the dignity, safety, and rights of all individuals. 'Broadcasting acts of domestic abuse or violence in any form — whether under the guise of reality television or entertainment — is a gross violation of this responsibility. It sends a dangerous message that violence can be exploited for public spectacle,' the statement reads. [DOMESTIC ABUSE AND GBV ARE NOT ENTERTAINMENT!] Media platforms have a moral and social responsibility to promote content that upholds the dignity, safety, and rights of all individuals. Broadcasting acts of domestic abuse or violence in any form — whether under the guise of… — South African Justice, Crime Prevention & Security (@RSA_JCPS) April 22, 2025 Activist group Women for Change also slammed Isencane Lengane, accusing the channel of normalising and trivialising gender-based violence. 'By broadcasting such abuse without adequate intervention and accountability, Moja Love is normalising and trivialising gender-based violence, sending the harmful message that abuse is acceptable if it brings in viewers. 'In a country where women and children are raped, beaten, and killed every day, this kind of programming is not only tone-deaf — it is a betrayal of every victim and survivor.' ALSO READ: Moja Love didn't want to 'throw Xolani Khumalo under the bus' as 'Sizok'thola' host returns Moja Love responds to 'Isencane Lengane' backlash Responding to The Citizen's media enquiry, Moja Love said that complaints have been lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and are being handled by the channel's legal department. 'It is important to mention that the show is a reality series that showcases real-life stories and embraces various cultural aspects of the lives of the main cast. 'The channel does not condone any acts of violence and/or intimidation,' the channel added. Moja Love further cited a 2023 BCCSA Tribunal ruling, which found that the show had not violated any broadcasting codes in a previous case. The tribunal reviewed an episode aired on 22 January 2023, in which the channel was accused of airing gender-based violence without critique. According to the judgment, the BCCSA found no breach of Clause 10 of the Code of Conduct, stating that there was no incitement to violence or advocacy of gender-based hatred. NOW READ: Dr Brian addresses 'malicious' rumours about his breakup with Minnie Dlamini
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Government launches 90-day blitz to crush Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Ministers and senior officials convened a special sitting on Monday, 14 April 2025, under the leadership of Cluster Co-Chairs, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. This urgent meeting was convened in response to the alarming surge in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) incidents across the country. It culminated in the adoption of a 90-day acceleration programme to intensify the national response and fast-track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Recognising the gravity of the crisis, the Cluster resolved to revitalise and urgently reconstitute the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF, with a formal request to the President for its re-establishment under the 7th Administration. The IMC's inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place within two weeks. It will serve as the central coordinating mechanism to expedite government interventions, resolve systemic bottlenecks, and ensure measurable progress. A dedicated GBVF Priority Committee will also be established within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), co-chaired by the Departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. This structure aims to improve the coordination of frontline security and protection interventions. Acknowledging the inadequacy of relying solely on the national government for local-level interventions, the Cluster directed the revitalisation of JCPS structures across all provinces. Provincial JCPS Committees, comprising security cluster executives and senior officials, will be established to drive targeted and localised implementation of GBVF interventions. The Cluster further directed the activation of government machinery at the grassroots level, with a strong emphasis on community mobilisation and the involvement of local structures in the fight against GBVF. To address inefficiencies within the criminal justice value chain, a team of senior officials has been tasked with aligning police, prosecutorial, and correctional services systems to eliminate delays in GBVF case processing. Departments have also been instructed to identify critical institutional gaps and propose actionable, time-bound measures. The meeting mandated the consolidation of GBVF-related statistics across the JCPS value chain, from arrest, prosecution, conviction to incarceration, into a single integrated report. This report, along with each department's intervention points, will be submitted to the IMC. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has been instructed to coordinate a national webinar on GBVF, led by government experts, and to deliver targeted communication training to officials. The training will focus on ensuring message alignment and professional public engagement. The Cluster also resolved to prioritise the accelerated rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres across all provinces to provide holistic, survivor-centred support services. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was specifically tasked with urgently addressing the repair and maintenance of SOS systems in court facilities. This is aimed at enhancing safety for survivors and witnesses, especially minors, and ensuring the prevention of secondary victimisation. Further, the meeting underscored the need to rebuild the social fabric of society, particularly the family unit, as a foundational step in the long-term prevention of GBVF. Departments were directed to develop results-driven action plans with clear timelines, defined target communities, and measurable outcomes. To strengthen the National Council on GBVF, departments will propose sustainable funding models and nominate board members at Deputy Director-General level or higher to reinforce institutional capacity. The meeting further resolved to intensify training across the Cluster on the revised legislation, regulations, and guidelines for handling GBVF cases. In addition, concern was raised about the growing number of children arrested for sexual offences, prompting a directive for NATJOINTS to develop an appropriate and urgent response to this emerging crisis. Importantly, the Cluster affirmed the need to reclaim the national narrative on GBVF and broader security matters, ensuring that government, not external actors, leads public discourse on these issues. This 90-day blitz marks not only a declaration of intent but the beginning of a coordinated, government-wide campaign to end GBVF. Implementation began immediately following the meeting, and the Co-Chairs emphasised that incremental change is no longer sufficient. Government enters this period with full force, calling on every organ of state and sector of society to play an active, decisive role in eradicating GBVF. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
