Latest news with #M27
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The impact of wealth on leadership dynamics within the ANC
Patrice Motsepe's quiet bid for the African National Congress presidency amid financial influence Image: Kelly Ayoundi Political analysts have cautioned that financial power, rather than political credentials, is increasingly shaping leadership positions within the top echelons of the African National Congress (ANC). Their comments arise during ongoing provincial elective conferences that will significantly influence the party's direction in the lead-up to the 56th national elective congress, scheduled for December 2027. Independent political analyst Joe Mhlanga argued that this party's reliance on wealth undermines its integrity and ability to genuinely serve the people. 'Voters are becoming more aware of how money influences internal party processes,' he said. 'In the ANC, it's no longer about qualities of leadership or service records — it's about who can mobilise the most resources.' Mhlanga pointed to the controversial CR17 campaign that propelled Cyril Ramaphosa to the ANC leadership and South Africa's presidency. The campaign reportedly raised over R2 billion, which was used to garner internal support within the party and outside backing for Ramaphosa. 'To win a conference, history reminds us that one needs to raise at least R2 billion,' Mhlanga added. 'Money has become the real currency of power in the ANC.' Patrice Motsepe's Quiet Campaign Amid this backdrop, whispers are growing that Patrice Motsepe, the billionaire businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is quietly mobilising support for a possible bid for the ANC presidency. Although he has not publicly declared his intentions, sources suggest that support is building behind the scenes. When approached by IOL, Motsepe declined to comment. A close associate involved in what is being dubbed the 'M27' campaign told IOL that Motsepe 'will only engage publicly after the ANC's Bilateral General Meeting (BGM) has taken place.' The source added, 'For now, he's observing quietly and waiting for the right moment to speak.' Party Leaders Call for Silence Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has issued a firm directive, urging party leaders not to engage in public succession debates. 'We want to avoid factions and division,' Mbalula said recently at Luthuli House. 'Let's focus on uniting the party and preparing for the conference without unnecessary public speculation.' Despite this, speculation about potential candidates continues to swirl, with names like Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Mbalula himself, and Police Minister Bheki Cele mentioned as possible contenders. Implications for the ANC Mhlanga warns that the party risks further voter erosion and declining credibility unless it confronts its dependence on money and internal corruption. 'The ANC must return to traditional politics, honest debate, policy focus, and service delivery,' he urged. 'Otherwise, the cycle of money-driven leadership will persist, and the party's relevance will continue to decline.' Earlier this year, Mbalula restructured the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provincial structures to regain ground. He immediately reshuffled subcommittees and provincial deployees, citing the need to reinforce party committees and implement the principle of rotation. Analysts' View on New Provincial Task Teams Political analysts have weighed in on these developments. They note that the newly appointed Provincial Task Teams (PTTs) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will face significant challenges in restoring support unless they address internal governance issues and factional conflicts. Dr Metji Makgoba, a senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, commented on the ANC's efforts in these provinces. 'The decline of the ANC in Gauteng and KZN stems from internal leadership conflicts, the rise of opposition parties, and shifting voter priorities,' he said. In Gauteng, Makgoba noted, the focus has shifted from party loyalty to effective governance and service delivery. 'Voters now demand stability and tangible results, but successive governments have struggled to maintain governance continuity, which weakens public trust.' In KwaZulu-Natal, the situation is further complicated by the influence of former President Jacob Zuma and the emergence of new political formations like uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. 'Zuma's charisma, cultural resonance, and deep ties to traditional structures have made it difficult for the ANC to reclaim lost ground,' Makgoba explained. He also highlighted ongoing tensions within the party, particularly between traditional councils and provincial leaders, which continue to undermine stability and progress. [email protected] IOL Politics
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Two crucial motorways hit with closures this weekend sparking chaos for thousands of drivers
TWO Major motorways are set to close this weekend causing chaos for thousands of drivers. Motorists heading south have been warned to plan ahead before hitting the road. 2 2 Both the M3 and M27 in the Southampton area will be closed for various times over this weekend, starting from Friday. Roadworks will impact the motorways during the late evening and early hours of the morning. For those needing to use these routes, diversions will be put in place directing drivers along alternate roads. The string of overnight closures set to cause major disruption on the from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11. Tonight, the M3 northbound will see a full carriageway closure at Junction 9, both the entry and exit slip roads, from 9pm to 6am, as crews carry out major improvement works. Over on the M3 westbound, the entry slip at Junction 1 will also be shut between 11pm and 6am for resurfacing. The M27 is also facing slip road closures today. On the westbound carriageway, drivers will be hit with exit slip road closures at Junctions 7 and 5, and entry slip closures at Junctions 8 and 7. These will be in place from 10pm Friday until 6am Saturday for major resurfacing. Meanwhile, the eastbound M27 will have a slip road closed between Junction 12 and the A27 westbound, running 9pm to 5am. Moment 4x4 completely wipes out motorcyclist in shocking road rage hit & run The link road from the M27 westbound to the M275 southbound will also be shut 9pm to 6am. Thankfully, on Saturday night there are no closures scheduled on the M3 . But over on the M27 westbound, it's a repeat of the closures from Friday. Junctions 7 and 5 exits, and Junctions 8 and 7 entries will be closed again between 10pm and 6am. These, again are for resurfacing works. On Sunday night, the M3 will face closures once more with the southbound exit slip at Junction 13 shut from 9pm to 6am for maintenance. The M27 westbound will have the same set of closures – exit slips at Junctions 7 and 5, and entry slips at Junctions 8 and 7, all from 10pm Sunday until 6am Monday. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, follow diversion signs, and check the National Highways website for real-time updates. This comes as drivers as drivers have been warned the southbound side of the M271 will be closed for a month. It will be shut between the Rownhams Interchange (M27 Junction 3) and Junction 1, also known as the Nursling Interchange. This will take place from 9pm on May 30 until 6am on June 2. The road exiting from Junction 1 at Nursling will also be inaccessible. National Highways said the closure is required as a safety measure while a contractor carries out maintenance works, including concrete block replacements.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vance celebrates 'no more quotas' in the military as he fires guns and visits with Marines
Vice President JD Vance boasted of "no more quotas" in the military as he visited young Marines at Quantico Wednesday, emphasizing that the previous administration's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are no longer in effect. "No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings," he said. "We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation's wars." The vice president claimed he saw a "renewed sense of patriotism" and a "renewed commitment to excellence in the nation's military youth." After addressing a crowd of Marines, Vance briefly served lunch in the chow hall and fired three different guns — an M27, M107 and an M240B — and an inert Howitzer and a drone at a gun range. Vance Office Touts Us Defense Of Greenland From Nazis, Soviets, Ahead Of Vp And Wife's Visit To Space Base Arriving three hours late, Vance blamed the delay on an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. Read On The Fox News App "I was in the Oval Office talking to the president. I said, 'Sir, I know we're in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me." He said Trump sent his "love" and appreciation. Lieutenants at Quantico told Fox News Digital they were excited to see a former Marine in the White House. Amid rapid-fire changes in Washington, they said their day-to-day lives hadn't changed much in the military, other than new restrictions about what they were allowed to post on social media. Wednesday's address included Vance's first public remarks since a bombshell report emerged of the vice president airing his concerns about Houthi strikes in a group chat on Signal with other top U.S. officials. He did not answer questions from reporters about the leaked discussion. Jd Vance Recalls His Wife Texting Him Under Table At Silicon Valley Dinner: 'These People Are F---ing Crazy' Vance pointed out in messages revealed after The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a high-level Signal chat that Europe's shipping was far more affected than shipping in the U.S. by Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. "I think we are making a mistake," Vance said in one message. "3 percent of US trade runs through the [Suez Canal]. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn't understand this or why it's necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message." Hegseth addressed Vance's hesitance: "VP: I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS. Important considerations, most of which are tough to know how they play out (economy, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc). I think messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded." Hegseth added, "Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don't get to start this on our own terms." Vance replied, "If you think we should do it let's go. I just hate bailing Europe out again." Hegseth added, "VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It's PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes. I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space."Original article source: Vance celebrates 'no more quotas' in the military as he fires guns and visits with Marines
Fox News
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Vance celebrates 'no more quotas' in the military as he fires guns and visits with Marines
Vice President JD Vance boasted of "no more quotas" in the military as he visited young Marines at Quantico Wednesday, emphasizing that the previous administration's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are no longer in effect. "No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings," he said. "We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation's wars." The vice president claimed he saw a "renewed sense of patriotism" and a "renewed commitment to excellence in the nation's military youth." After addressing a crowd of Marines, Vance briefly served lunch in the chow hall and fired three different guns — an M27, M107 and an M240B — and an inert Howitzer and a drone at a gun range. Arriving three hours late, Vance blamed the delay on an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. "I was in the Oval Office talking to the president. I said, 'Sir, I know we're in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me." He said Trump sent his "love" and appreciation. Lieutenants at Quantico told Fox News Digital they were excited to see a former Marine in the White House. Amid rapid-fire changes in Washington, they said their day-to-day lives hadn't changed much in the military, other than new restrictions about what they were allowed to post on social media. Wednesday's address included Vance's first public remarks since a bombshell report emerged of the vice president airing his concerns about Houthi strikes in a group chat on Signal with other top U.S. officials. He did not answer questions from reporters about the leaked discussion. Vance pointed out in messages revealed after The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a high-level Signal chat that Europe's shipping was far more affected than shipping in the U.S. by Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. "I think we are making a mistake," Vance said in one message. "3 percent of US trade runs through the [Suez Canal]. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn't understand this or why it's necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message." Hegseth addressed Vance's hesitance: "VP: I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS. Important considerations, most of which are tough to know how they play out (economy, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc). I think messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded." Hegseth added, "Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don't get to start this on our own terms." Vance replied, "If you think we should do it let's go. I just hate bailing Europe out again." Hegseth added, "VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It's PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes. I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space."
