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IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Generation Alpha: Inheriting property or inequality?
Will Generation Alpha be able to break into the formal property market or will their property future be the informal one? Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers June marks the beginning of Youth Month in South Africa and also marks almost 50 years since the Soweto Uprising of 1976. It honours the role of youth in the fight against apartheid and it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by young people today and their potential for future contribution. As the youngest cohort of youth in our country – Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) – come of age, almost half a century post-1976, experts say South Africa's property sector should be bracing for a generational shift not seen before considering tech fluency, social awareness and shifting values. However, given the South African context, how much better off will this generation be than those of 1976, many of whom could be Gen Alpha's grandparents? And, in a nation still confronting its structural inequalities, how will it play out when this generation – the oldest of whom is now 15 – make it to adulthood and want to enter the property market? Nomfundo Molemohi, uMaStandi portfolio manager: Eastern and Western Cape, painting a bleak yet realistic picture: 'With so many young people unemployed, poverty rising and the cost of housing out of reach, it's hard to see how this generation, especially our black children, will become homeowners. 'They dream of owning land and building a future, but the road is heavy with obstacles. Even those who are lucky to have family homes often can't afford the legal costs to transfer it into their names or don't know how to take ownership. 'This Generation Alpha is carrying the weight of South Africa's past and present struggles and for some, the hope of a better life may lie beyond our borders.' Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 1976 to today Post-apartheid South Africa has seen an increase in property ownership for black South Africans, a significant shift from the discriminatory practices of the past where black people had severely restricted property rights. The government has also implemented land reform initiatives to address the historical injustices of land dispossession under apartheid. Despite some progress however, the legacy of apartheid continues to shape property ownership patterns. Inequality persists, and many black South Africans still face challenges in accessing land and property ownership. Affordability issues 'It will certainly be a generation that feels the affect of declining housing affordability,' says property economist, Associate Professor Francois Viruly of UCT, speaking to Independent Media property journalist Given Majola. Even as interest rates ease slightly, property prices remain out of reach for many, especially in urban centres where the cost of living is rising and wages are stagnant. Unemployment among youth aged 15 to 34 (Gen Z and a portion of Millennials) remains high – 46.1% in Q1 2025, according to Stats SA – squeezing the dream of homeownership further out of reach. This means that nearly half of South Africa's young people are unemployed. 'We should be concerned about high youth unemployment. It would also obviously dampen the possibilities of investment in property,' says Viruly. Yet, he believes Gen Alpha may grow up more aware of the importance of property – particularly in communities where ownership has now become possible. 'Increasingly the opportunities associated with property ownership would be discussed around the dinner table – especially in the townships. This is also a generation that will benefit from property inheritance through the legal transfer of properties.' Government and NGOs have been hard at work to try sort out the title-deed issues plaguing many township households who do not have valid title deeds in effect killing the hopes of using the property as an asset. It remains one of the bigger barriers to asset wealth in the country. Inherited wealth According to new research by Rebecca Simson and Mina Mahmoudzadeh (2024), the racial wealth divide in South Africa remains stark, despite some progress. Using probate records, the researchers found that 45% of white South African adults own inheritable wealth of at least R250 000. Among black adults, that figure drops to just 3%. Their findings also show that black South Africans who do leave estates tend to be concentrated in former townships and homelands – suggesting that this emerging black middle class owns property acquired only after apartheid, with limited access to historically white-owned assets or areas of high capital appreciation. The study states that while black South Africans are increasingly formal property owners, structural inequality, localised appreciation and contested inheritance processes are slowing intergenerational wealth accumulation. Success in Gen A era For Gen Alpha, traditional success markers such as stable jobs, financial security, homeownership are being redefined. Flexibility, community and digital integration now sit alongside asset ownership. Vusi Vokwana, the founder of Kasi Catalyst, which helps drive and facilitate outside big investment in the townships, believes Gen A 'will reshape SA's property landscape, being the offspring of the 'quiet quitters', the rockstars who coined the phrase, 'daily work is giving slavery''. 'What they will show us is patience doesn't solve systemic discrimination and generational exclusion, our norms don't apply to them. If they're anything like Gen Z, they will show us flames while affecting real change.' The future of housing According to Christian Hamann, a researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, the only way to bridge historical divides in property access is through localised integration. In an article in The Conversation he says: 'Opportunities for racial and socio-economic integration can only be created on a very local level if a diversity of housing options is provided in neighbourhoods.' In practice, this means designing new developments that accommodate a range of income levels – pairing upmarket townhouses with more affordable apartments and social housing. 'There should be upmarket townhouses alongside more affordable flats and social housing developments,' Hamann told The Conversation. Split market, split future The divide is growing clearer: while some Gen Alphas may inherit homes and capital, many others will be priced out or forced to rent long-term. Experts say that wealthier Gen Alphas of all races will leverage family wealth to buy homes in secure, eco-conscious estates while lower- and middle-income Gen Alphas will fuel a growing rental sector and build-to-rent developments, unable to cross the ownership threshold.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Is ANC cadre deployment causing the downfall of South Africa's state-owned enterprises?
Experts shed light on how cadre deployment has led to the collapse of state-owned enterprises. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers The majority of people employed as chief executives, executives, and board members in state-owned entities are incompetent, do not know the sectors they operate in, are without skills, and don't even know what they are doing, experts say. Governance, economic, and political experts say that South African leaders lack the political will to fix the problems. The SOEs have cost the country billions of rand in bailouts. Many of them are struggling with massive debt, under-investment in infrastructure, and continuous reliance on government bailouts. Eskom, Transnet, South African Airways, Denel, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have accumulated significant losses and debt. The Treasury has since announced that no funds have been allocated to struggling SOEs. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Professor William Gumede from the Wits School of Governance said incompetence is the main issue, resulting from hiring unskilled, politically connected people. 'Most of the CEOs, most of the boards, most of the executives are appointed because of their political connections. So, people are not appointed based on merit. They do not know what they are doing, they don't know how to manage an organisation, and they also don't know the sector where they are operating. 'Sometimes you may not know the sector, but if you are very well skilled, you'll be able to turn around something. But now, often what happens with politically connected people that get appointed is they don't know the sector, are also not competent, so you have a double destruction of entities,' Gumede said. He added that the second problem is corruption, where procurement processes are manipulated based on Black Economic Empowerment. 'They don't appoint capable black-owned companies, they appoint politically connected companies, who don't deliver. 'So you (SOEs) pay for services that don't get delivered. Many of these companies inflate the prices. So, there are double and triple payments for products and services, for no delivery. They suck the money out of the entities without delivering services also. 'Even if there was corruption, if services are delivered, at least one could say that at least services are being rendered, but now there are no services and there is no money left. 'So, now you are left with management and board members without appropriate skills, not knowing the sector, not knowing the entity, and then they run the entity into financial distress. And then you have your empowerment process, which has been abused and manipulated, and you lose money there also,' he explained. He added that another challenge is that many of the entities are very unionised. And the unions are aligned with the ANC as part of the Tripartite Alliance. 'Often, union members can't be fired by the entities because they just go to the union. And the union will protect them, or it will even go straight to the president. I know, at Eskom for example, instances where senior union leaders, who are part of the staff, and when the CEO wants to fire them, they actually phone the president straight. 'So, it means they are untouchable, they don't have to work. They don't have to be efficient, they don't have to be effective, and they cannot be fired,' he said. Gumede highlighted that at almost every level in the SOEs, there is political capture and interference. 'No one can be held accountable, no one can be fired. You can't fire the board, you can't fire the management, because they are all politically connected. You can't fire your staff because they are trade union connected, you can't fire the companies that don't deliver, because they are also politically connected. 'When the entities are bailed out, they are bailed out with the same things in place, so you've got the same management; you have the same board, the same staff, the same procurement companies that cannot be fired. So, the money just disappears into a hole all the time,' Gumede said. He said one of the moral hazards created by bailouts is that most people ideologically believe state companies should not close down because they create jobs. 'Bailing out a company without holding management and companies accountable is like throwing money into a bottomless pit. In fact, bailing out state entities is a misallocation of government resources. 'Black people who are competent but not politically connected get marginalised, they don't get jobs or promotions. Even competent black-owned companies get sidelined because they are not politically connected, and this becomes a lost opportunity to get the right people to turn things around,' Gumede said. 'Some of the entities must close down. If you can't improve performance even after a bailout, you have to close down, just like in the private sector.' He said the various SOE reform initiatives, such as Operation Vulindlela and the National State Enterprises Bill, don't reform anything, but waste state money and people's time. These bills miss the mark because people should be hired based on merit and fired if they don't perform. He said ordinary citizens are not doing enough. 'They must stop voting for political parties that fail to deliver. They must hold the entities accountable. They must be vocal about these issues,' he said. Politicians should not appoint the CEOs and boards of SOEs. That must be professionalised or left to an independent panel, and there must be public transparency in the process. Also, employees must be depoliticised, he said. Gumede was part of the 2009 Presidential Review Commission on SOEs, however, these have not been implemented despite being approved and adopted by the Cabinet. Under President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration, he was part of the Task Team on the Professionalisation of Public Services, and says that the recommendations have not been implemented. Professor Sipho Seepe, a political analyst from the University of Zululand, said there are no hurdles that stand in the way of the effective implementation of SOE reforms other than a political will. He said SOEs have been reduced to employment agencies for the politically connected. 'If the number one citizen (Ramaphosa) can be allowed to avoid accountability as far as the Phala Phala scandal is concerned, how can we expect lowly public servants not to do the same. The president must lead by example. So far, he has failed dismally. Until then, we should not be surprised that there is a general failure insofar as proper governance is concerned.' Dawie Roodt, a chief economist from Efficient Group, said: 'If there's one institution that I would like to blame for how we got here (failing SOEs), it is the ANC. Ideologically, the ANC believes and talks about the developmental state and centralisation. 'Secondly, they've got the policy of cadre deployment, and what often happens is that they employ people in positions because they are loyal to the party and not because they can do the job. Quite often, you find incompetent people in high positions. Thirdly, you often find very high levels of corruption. So, the combination of all these things inevitably then leads to the collapse of these state-owned enterprises.' Roodt said many of these SOEs are crucial to the economy. Eskom, for example, is important, but gradually, the economy is weaning itself off Eskom by putting in solar panels. Harbours are still very important for exports, and the railways. 'In the past, you had various levels of government. The lowest level of government is local authorities, which have their revenue sources, own tax base, and balance their books. They did not need the Minister of Finance. 'The same goes for the SOEs. The state-owned enterprises could wash their faces. They had their revenue sources, good-rated debt, like Eskom's debt. At one stage, it was better rated than the state's debt. They could stand on their own feet financially, but what has subsequently happened, not only at the state-owned enterprises, but local authorities, because of mismanagement and cadre deployment, they have been run into the ground operationally and financially. Those institutions now need to be bailed out by the central (national) government,' Roodt said. According to Roodt, the Minister of Finance has his problems, as the Department of Finance and others have been mismanaged. And in the process, state debt levels have reached a record high, but it's much worse than what we think because, since the SOE and local authorities are also depending on the state. He said there is a need to fix the country's political leadership before things can improve. One must look at the Zondo Commission's report and ask oneself why it has not been implemented. 'The problem is they are not prepared to act, and to enforce the laws. Zondo did all the work, and the reason why that has not been implemented is that the cadres are implicated. Proof is there for everybody to see; all they need to do is start prosecuting, but it is simply not happening. So if they don't implement the Zondo Commission report, then I do not have any hope that they will start acting against corruption,' Roodt said.
IOL News
6 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Minister orders removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels by June 16
Half sunken boats are seen at Hout Bay Harbour. Picture Henk Kruger/ Independent Media FILE Image: Henk Kruger/ Independent Media / FILE Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George has directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities. In a statement on Tuesday, the department said George was taking steps to address longstanding environmental and safety complexities in South Africa's proclaimed fishing harbors, including Gordons Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, St Helena Bay, and Hout Bay. 'For too long, these derelict vessels have been a blight on our harbors, endangering our marine environment and the safety of those who rely on these waters,' said George. 'I am committed to reversing this legacy of neglect and ensuring our coastal infrastructure supports both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.' Under the authority of the Wreck and Salvage Act 94 of 1996, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25, directing the owners of identified wrecks to remove their vessels by June 16, 2025. Failure to comply by this date will result in further action by the authorities, with costs recoverable from the owners as stipulated in the Act. 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 ✕ The department said the initiative reflects the Minister's dedication to restoring the integrity of South Africa's coastal infrastructure. 'Our harbors are vital to our coastal communities and marine ecosystems. By removing these wrecks, we are safeguarding our oceans for future generations and creating safer, more sustainable hubs for maritime activities,' said George. The department said in consultation with SAMSA, it will ensure that the process is conducted responsibly, prioritising environmental protection and compliance with legal frameworks. George called on all vessel owners to cooperate fully with the directive and contact SAMSA promptly to arrange compliance by the deadline. 'I urge vessel owners to act swiftly and responsibly to meet the June 16, 2025 deadline,' George said. The SAMSA Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25 is available at or contact SAMSA at marinenotices@ for more information. Cape Times
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Rand remains steady below R18 as dollar weakens due to US trade tensions
The rand held its ground against a weaker dollar on Monday. Image: Picture: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers The South African rand maintained its position below R18 against the US dollar on Monday, buoyed by a weakening greenback as investors reacted to US President Donald Trump's renewed focus on trade tensions with Europe. The rand traded at R17.82 to the dollar in morning sessions, benefiting from a broader decline in the US currency, which softened after Trump threatened Europe with 50% tariffs and criticised the region on social media. By 4.30pm the rand was at R17.87 to the dollar, 0.2% up. 'The dollar's weakness stems from investors shifting away from U.S. assets amid heightened trade rhetoric,' said Bianca Botes, a director at Citadel Global. The rand, however, remained stable against other major currencies, trading at R24.11 to the pound and R20.32 to the euro. Market participants await the South African Monetary Policy Committee rate decision later this week, with some economists seeing room for a 25 basis point cut, supported by subdued inflation at 2.8% in April, below the SA Reserve Bank's 3 - 6% target. Annabel Bishop, the chief economist at Investec, noted that the dollar has retreated from recent highs due to concerns over proposed US tariffs and a perceived preference by Trump for a weaker dollar to bolster trade competitiveness. 'Reports suggest the US is seeking to weaken the dollar, which has strengthened currencies like the yen and supported gains in others, including the rand,' Bishop said. 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 ✕ Since mid-January, when the dollar index stood at 110.0, it has fallen to 98.9, driving the rand's appreciation from R19.23 to R17.81 against the dollar. However, this strength is largely confined to the dollar, with the rand weakening against the euro (from R19.51 to R20.37) and the pound (from R23.23 to R24.26) over the same period, reflecting the rand's reliance on dollar dynamics rather than inherent strength, Bishop added. Elsewhere, the British pound rose 0.13% to $1.3558 (R32.84), hovering near its highest level since early 2022, according to Reuters data. South African Markets Rally on Policy Wins South Africa's stock market continued its upward trajectory, fueled by growing investor confidence following key policy developments. The All Share index closed 93 724.31 points higher, up 0.21%. A recent meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trump yielded an agreement to negotiate on critical minerals, a vital sector for South Africa's economic growth, according to Trading Economics. Additionally, parliamentary approval of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget has eased political risks, further bolstering market sentiment. The South Africa Stock Market Index (Composite) has risen 3.64% over the past four weeks and 18.56% over the past 12 months, Trading Economics reported, reflecting sustained optimism in the country's economic outlook.
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa's delegate to the Oval Office and the DA's deep undemocratic instincts
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. Image: Henk Kruger/ Independent Newspapers IN the unfamiliarity of the Oval Office decorum to the visiting delegation and the practised antipathy of its principal occupant, it did not take long before DA leader John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance, betrayed the secret attributes of Operation Doomsday. All he had to do was to requite in equanimous measure US President Donald Trump's hilarious and overplayed script of a genocide unfolding in South Africa since 1994. The leader of the DA could not constrain the infantility of his instincts, however, as undemocratic as they were virulently suggestive. And his plea to Trump was neither surprising nor novel for its shock value as it was for its inelegance. Aunty Helen Zille, in the subterfuge of her language had already issued the threat to the ANC, whose chilling connotations were worse than its veil. Any attempt to coalesce with any 'black' party to form a ruling majority in parliament, will unleash her ire, resulting in the triggering of the Doomsday Option! This option, or what in her perversion she refers to as a 'Doomsday Coalition', somewhat suggests that the depravity in the 'doomsday', is an inherent quality in the 'black' or flaw in the 'coalition' or both, as opposed to the content of her armageddon retribution. 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 ✕ This undemocratic instinct has an ominous shorthand. It distorts Abraham Lincoln's address in Gettysburg which famously defines democracy as a government of the people by the people for the people. In the gilded sanctum of the Oval Office, the Minister of Agriculture was enthused when pleading with Trump to redefine Lincoln's epigram and replace it with a definition suited for a government by some people who rule on behalf of a manufactured globalist consensus. Whenever a political party or leader that does not conform to the tenets of the Washington Consensus wins an election, they must according to South Africa's Steenhuisen, echoing the aunty that chairs his party, be stopped. 2025 has seen a proliferation of this trend, colloquially styled the 'French solution', which the continent knows painfully too well. From Patrice Lumumba to Thomas Sankara, the tendency has been fairly manifested to permanently neutralise candidates that do not oblige with the bidding of the former colonisers. The theatre for these nascent neo-fascist tendencies has moved to Europe however. The continent that prides itself for its liberal democratic values, has witnessed a disproportionate increase of undemocratic incidences. And there have been many candidates to choose from. From Georgia to the UK, across to Germany and Romania including France, the continent portends a rich buffet from which anti-liberal democratic traits could easily manifest themselves. In Georgia, President Salome Zourabichvilli, did not want to concede to the election victory of the Georgia Dream Party. She refused to leave office physically, called for a constitutional coup and solicited for the de-recognition of the Georgia Dream party victory, all because they do not want to start another war with Russia. Despite enormous support from the Brussels bureaucracy, the will of the Georgian people prevailed. Nigel Farage is a particular brand of politician, very much in the moment and seldom willing to be interrupted by scripted soundbites. He is staunchly British First! It did not take much to draw false equivalence between his British First predilections being anti-Europe. And this bias associated with anti-globalism, has been allowed to permeate through the mainstream press and television. And the banks too! One random day, he woke up to his Coutts Bank accounts, which he held for 44 years, closed without any reason. That may have been intended to curtail the traction of his popularity and his political ambitions. As fate would have it, Farage's party has turned out to be the most popular party in the UK today. Were it not for its anti-war stance against the US/NATO proxy war in Ukraine against Russia and the condemning of the bombing of the Nordstream pipelines that have significantly impoverished the economy of Germany, it is difficult to imagine where the likeability of Alternative fur Deutschland or AfD for short, would come from. This outfit has been accused of being far right, a non-descript swipe at foes of the establishment. And with such categorization, any misfortune may befall them without public empathy nor any conceivable legal consequence. Their support has been rising in local and regional elections. German politics have since fractured even more. Romania's elections were the litmus test for the intensity of undemocratic tendencies. In these elections, Calin Georgescu was prevented from proceeding to the second round of elections, notwithstanding his lead in the first round. Elections were cancelled and he was indicted under a number of criminal statutes with a panoply of charges and accordingly, barred from the fresh round of elections, only because he did not want NATO bases in Romania. George Simion, successor to Georgescu, unsurprisingly won the first round of the new elections. On the day of the second round, he woke up to millions of Romanians staying in France, who at the persuasion of President Emmanuel Macron, lent their vote to the EU supported candidate, to his utter defeat. Only the French could count those votes and announce the outcomes, a fact the owner of Telegram had warned would happen. And Marie Le Pen watched in disbelief as the tragedy unfolded slowly to entrap her in the web of alleged criminal charges. On that worst political night of 21st May in the Oval Office, John Steenhuisen could not hold back. Requested to weigh in as Minister of Agriculture, he cared little about the Ministerial mandate from Cabinet, nor did he care about the yearnings of his agricultural clients.
