Latest news with #Ndhlela
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Why did Trump overlook Ramaphosa's $580,000 scandal, asks MK Party
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has branded President Ramaphosa a fugitive from justice, saying US authorities should have questioned and investigated him over the Phala Phala dollar scandal. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party )spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa following his meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, calling him a 'fugitive from justice' in connection with the Phala Phala farm scandal. Ndhlela said Ramaphosa should have been held accountable for the undisclosed dollars found on his property (farm) in 2020 and questioned under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). ''What you have there sitting next to Donald Trump is a fugitive from justice. What should be happening is that they should be prosecuting him and asking him to respond to how all those dollars ended up in his couch. This is what should be happening because they are sitting with a person who has caused criminality, and that farm of his is a crime scene,'' ' Ndhlela said in an interview with the SABC. This comes after the party had previously urged US authorities, under the Trump administration, to launch an investigation into the Phala Phala farm robbery, in which an estimated $580,000 was allegedly stolen. Ndhlela also questioned the timing of Ramaphosa's US trip, implying it was strategically planned to avoid key political responsibilities. 'He chose these three dates deliberately. On Monday, the Phala Phala case began,he was meant to be in court but was absent. Today, during the budget vote, again, he was nowhere to be seen,' said Ndhlela. Drawing comparisons with past South African presidents, he added: 'If President Zuma can attend court, and President Mandela could attend court in 1996, why can't Ramaphosa? He is not above the law.' He noted that party has long argued that the Phala Phala incident constitutes international financial misconduct and should be investigated by US authorities, particularly the FBI. 'The crime he committed on his farm was dollar-based. If there's any undeclared money, especially in the form of US dollars, that's a matter for international scrutiny,' Ndhlela 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 Next Stay Close ✕ He also dismissed the Ramaphosa–Trump meeting as 'an act of subservience.' 'This is the act of a black man running to his white imperial bosses for assistance. It's disgraceful,' he said. Moreover, Ndhlela rejected Trump's controversial claims about "white genocide" in South Africa, calling such statements 'desperate acts' intended to preserve minority privilege. 'If there is any genocide to be spoken of, it is apartheid. Not the fiction Trump is peddling.' Addressing remarks by DA leader John Steenhuisen, who suggested the Government of National Unity (GNU) was established to sideline parties like the MK Party and the EFF, Ndhlela defended his party's policies: 'Since when is free education a crime? Since when is nationalising the Reserve Bank a criminal idea?' He added that an MK-led government would have handled diplomatic relations with the US more effectively: 'We would have dealt with this issue through the proper diplomatic channels, not with subservience, but with sovereignty and integrity.' Calling for Ramaphosa's immediate resignation, Ndhlela announced that the MK Party will pursue a motion of no confidence against the president. 'What we expect is that when he lands, he submits his letter of resignation. This cannot continue. South Africa is not a banana republic.' Responding to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula's praise of Ramaphosa's US trip on X (formerly Twitter) where he wrote, 'Well done to Team South Africa for representing our country and putting the record straight,' Ndhlela dismissed the statement as nothing more than political flattery. 'He's just singing for his supper,' Ndhlela said. Cape Argus
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MK Party questions why Trump didn't address Ramaphosa's $580,000 Phala Phala scandal
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has branded President Ramaphosa a fugitive from justice, saying US authorities should have questioned and investigated him over the Phala Phala dollar scandal. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party )spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa following his meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, calling him a 'fugitive from justice' in connection with the Phala Phala farm scandal. Ndhlela said Ramaphosa should have been held accountable for the undisclosed dollars found on his property (farm) in 2020 and questioned under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). ''What you have there sitting next to Donald Trump is a fugitive from justice. What should be happening is that they should be prosecuting him and asking him to respond to how all those dollars ended up in his couch. This is what should be happening because they are sitting with a person who has caused criminality, and that farm of his is a crime scene,'' ' Ndhlela said in an interview with the SABC. This comes after the party had previously urged US authorities, under the Trump administration, to launch an investigation into the Phala Phala farm robbery, in which an estimated $580,000 was allegedly stolen. Ndhlela also questioned the timing of Ramaphosa's US trip, implying it was strategically planned to avoid key political responsibilities. 'He chose these three dates deliberately. On Monday, the Phala Phala case began,he was meant to be in court but was absent. Today, during the budget vote, again, he was nowhere to be seen,' said Ndhlela. Drawing comparisons with past South African presidents, he added:'If President Zuma can attend court, and President Mandela could attend court in 1996, why can't Ramaphosa? He is not above the law.' He noted that party has long argued that the Phala Phala incident constitutes international financial misconduct and should be investigated by US authorities, particularly the FBI. 'The crime he committed on his farm was dollar-based. If there's any undeclared money, especially in the form of US dollars, that's a matter for international scrutiny,' Ndhlela said. He also dismissed the Ramaphosa–Trump meeting as 'an act of subservience.' 'This is the act of a black man running to his white imperial bosses for assistance. It's disgraceful,' he said. Moreover, Ndhlela rejected Trump's controversial claims about "white genocide" in South Africa, calling such statements 'desperate acts' intended to preserve minority privilege. 'If there is any genocide to be spoken of, it is apartheid. Not the fiction Trump is peddling.' Addressing remarks by DA leader John Steenhuisen, who suggested the Government of National Unity (GNU) was established to sideline parties like the MK Party and the EFF, Ndhlela defended his party's policies: 'Since when is free education a crime? Since when is nationalising the Reserve Bank a criminal idea?' He added that an MK-led government would have handled diplomatic relations with the US more effectively:'We would have dealt with this issue through the proper diplomatic channels, not with subservience, but with sovereignty and integrity.' Calling for Ramaphosa's immediate resignation, Ndhlela announced that the MK Party will pursue a motion of no confidence against the president. 'What we expect is that when he lands, he submits his letter of resignation. This cannot continue. South Africa is not a banana republic.' Responding to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula's praise of Ramaphosa's US trip on X (formerly Twitter) where he wrote, 'Well done to Team South Africa for representing our country and putting the record straight,' Ndhlela dismissed the statement as nothing more than political flattery. 'He's just singing for his supper,' Ndhlela said. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL Politics
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Budget 3.0: Opposition parties clash over impact on poor
Parties are split, with some calling Budget 3.0 progress and others accusing it of deepening poverty and failing the economy. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana at the presentation of the Budget for the 2025/26 financial year at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 21 May 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams Opposition parties are divided over Budget 3.0, with some welcoming key changes and others condemning it as anti-poor and lacking solutions to South Africa's economic crisis. The DA cautiously welcomed the proposals for revenue and expenditure in the budget, viewing them as a pathway to a national budget that the party can support when it is time to vote. 'It is a victory for all South Africans that the mooted VAT hike has now finally been removed from the minister's revenue proposals after the DA court action in this regard,' said Dr Mark Burke, DA spokesperson on finance. VAT hike removal a win for the DA The party stated that the budget speech is turning the tide towards growth and investment. DA said it is turning away from unchecked government spending funded by South African taxpayers. 'The DA also notes and welcomes that more realistic economic growth forecasts have been used to model revenue in this version of the budget,' Burke said. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has criticised Budget 3.0 as an indictment of the poor, asserting that the increase in the fuel levy effectively acts as a hidden value-added tax (VAT) increase. From 4 June, the general fuel levy will increase by 16c per litre of petrol and by 15c per litre for diesel. ALSO READ: Budget 3.0: not austerity budget, but a redistributive budget 'This budget is as absent as its president,' said MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Washington, D.C., on a working visit to the United States. Ndhlela said the budget continues to punish the poor. The party's reaction comes as it announced it has tabled a motion of censure against Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana because of his 'gross incompetence, chaotic budgetary process, and ongoing neglect' of the country's socioeconomic crisis. The MK party is also moving to table a vote of no confidence in President Ramaphosa. MK tables motions against Godongwana and Ramaphosa 'Minister Godongwana presented yet another hollow and anti-poor budget, burdening the most vulnerable through fuel levy increases and the removal of essential zero-rated VAT items, while offering no meaningful proposals to resolve the deep structural crises facing our society,' the party said in a statement. The MK party was not impressed that the VAT was not increasing and urged the government to attract investment into the country, double infrastructure spending, and create jobs. 'This budget is perpetuating the state of the poor,' Ndhlela said. ALSO READ: Budget 3.0: First fuel levy increase in three years – Here's by how much The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have rejected the third version of the budget, describing it as 'weak, misguided and disconnected' from the daily lives of South Africans. 'What is now tabled is not only weaker than the previous budget – it is a declaration of surrender by the National Treasury,' the party said in a statement. 'It demonstrates complete incompetence and an ideological commitment to failed neoliberal austerity, despite the claim by the Minister of Finance and the former liberation movement that this is not an austerity budget.' Budget lacks concrete plan to create jobs – Malema EFF leader Julius Malema said Godongwana's budget lacks a concrete plan to create jobs or stimulate economic growth. 'He must increase corporate tax. He must increase the inheritance tax. He must increase the luxurious land tax where people just have beautiful land and don't use it for anything. We must strengthen the South African Revenue Service (Sars),' Malema said. He also criticised the government for failing to raise corporate tax. ALSO READ: Godongwana cuts government spending to offset VAT shortfall 'To them, the rich are untouchable,' Malema said. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa supported the budget, stating that South Africans must use the available resources rather than rely on tax increases. 'The good aspect is that the frontline services (education, health, social grants) were maintained. More funding is going to infrastructure to generate job opportunities and create an opportunity for the country to grow its economy,' Hlabisa said. IFP not happy with fuel levy increase The party was not happy with the fuel levy increase, as it would hit the poorest hard. Hlabisa stated that the budget requires close monitoring due to a shortfall over the next three years. The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) welcomed Godongwana's amended budget as a win for multiparty democracy and the government of national unity's (GNU) influence on policy. The party praised the decision to avoid a VAT hike, which it argued would harm the poor, but criticised the increased fuel levy as counterproductive. ALSO READ: Budget 3.0: pressure and expectations are building 'The party continues to advocate for alternative solutions, such as a sharp reduction in government expenditure coupled with the eradication of corruption,' the party said. 'The Freedom Front Plus is pleased that its proposals regarding constructive solutions to stimulate economic growth and promote cost-effective state expenditure have been incorporated into today's budget.' ActionSA welcomes Sars boost ActionSA welcomed the R7.5 billion boost to Sars, seeing it as a vital step toward improving revenue collection. However, the party strongly opposes the new tax measures—such as bracket creep and increased fuel levies—arguing they unfairly burden ordinary South Africans while government waste and corruption remain unaddressed. ActionSA also criticised the lack of funding for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and stressed the need for structural economic reforms to tackle the country's deepening unemployment and cost-of-living crises.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Political parties call for action as South Africa's unemployment crisis escalates
With South Africa's unemployment rate soaring to 32.9%, political parties are calling for urgent government action. Image: Freepik South Africa's unemployment rate has reached a staggering 32.9%, with 8.2 million people officially unemployed and 3.5 million discouraged work-seekers. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) has sparked outrage among political parties, who are demanding action from the government to address the crisis. According to the report, the total number of employed persons is 16.8 million. The three industries that employ the most people are trade, employing 3.2 million, community and social services with 3.9 million, and finance employs 3 million people. 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 ✕ However, this quarter has seen a net job loss of 291 000. Major declines were recorded in trade, which went down by 194 000 while construction declined by 119 000 jobs. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said it was not surprised by the rising unemployment rate. 'This is yet another indicator of the rapid economic and social collapse under the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU),' MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. 'This is a Frankenstein coalition stitched together to serve elite interests, not the people of South Africa…Once again, black youth, black women, and persons living with disabilities, the very backbone of our society bears the heaviest burden of this crisis. 'These are the very groups who are deliberately sidelined from the mainstream economy, locked out by a racially-defined skills economy that still reflects the apartheid architecture of privilege,' Ndhlela said. The EFF called for practical solutions to stimulate economic activity and ensure mass job creation. The party's Sinawo Thambo also hit out at the GNU saying they have failed to put in place any practical and believable plan to create jobs and address the crisis of unemployment in South Africa. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has highlighted the racial disparities in unemployment, with black Africans bearing the heaviest burden. 'The catastrophic mismanagement of South Africa's economy, underscored by an alarming rise in unemployment that has reached an unprecedented 32.9%, reflects the utter failure of the ANC-DA coalition government to fulfil its obligations to the citizens of South Africa,' the party said. The ATM has suggested empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through accessible funding and resources, leveraging mineral resources to stimulate job creation, and implementing policies that prioritise employment for South Africans. Even parties within the GNU weighed in on the matter. The GOOD Party secretary general, Brett Herron, said South Africa was not just facing an unemployment crisis but a crisis of dignity. 'The latest QLFS confirms what South Africans already feel in their homes and communities - unemployment is getting worse, not better… Every lost job means another family pushed into poverty. Every discouraged worker is a symbol of a broken economic system,' Herron said. The DA has also emphasised the need for economic growth and job creation. 'Economic growth and job creation are the paramount priority of the government, and the DA's reform proposals and bold agenda should be front and centre to reverse this situation,' said Michael Bagraim, DA spokesperson on Employment and Labour. Cape Argus
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
MK party slams GNU partners for prioritising political expediency before South Africa
The KZN treasury said it would consult its national counterparts concerning the next steps after withdrawing its budget President Cyril Ramaphosa smiles as Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen shakes hands with Deputy President Paul Mashatile at a sitting of Parliament. Picture: AFP The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has accused the government of national unity (GNU) of failing to run the country and is calling for fresh elections. Various disagreements have occurred between GNU partners concerning Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana's increase in value-added tax (VAT). The DA has also challenged Godongwana's power to raise taxes single-handedly for most South Africans. The instability at the national government level also saw the MEC of finance in KwaZulu-Natal announcing the withdrawal of the provincial budget. Cracks within GNU In a statement MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said it is clear that the GNU is failing to govern with consensus on a number of issues. 'The cracks in the GNU are not just showing, they are deepening. What began as discontent over policy missteps has now evolved into a complete loss of public trust,' Ndhlela said. 'How can citizens believe in a government that cannot meet the most fundamental obligation of governance; approving a budget? This debacle adds to a legacy of failure that has come to define the ANC of Ramaphosa.' Ndhlela said the GNU has become a symbol of everything that is wrong with coalition politics, 'They are driven by expediency, rather than principle.' MK had called for a recount of the votes after the 2024 elections. At the time, the party claimed that votes had been 'stolen'. ALSO READ: GNU stumbles as VAT hike U-turn heightens ANC-DA tensions Calls for fresh elections Now Ndhlela said the party believes that the only way to solve the 'governance crisis' in the country is to have fresh elections that will produce an outright winner. 'The MK party reiterates its call for Parliament to be dissolved immediately and for fresh elections to be held. 'The people of South Africa deserve a government that will put their needs first, a government that is bold, decisive and prepared to lead this country out of the abyss created by the GNU. 'South Africa cannot afford another day under this reckless, inept administration.' Revised budget Meanwhile, Godongwana is expected to have a third attempt at passing a revised budget later this month. Following consultations with parties such as ActionSA, Build One South Africa and Rise Mzansi, the minister made a U-turn on his decision to increase VAT by 0.5%. The KZN government is expected to table its budget after Godongwana's revised budget. For now, provincial departments are expected to use funds not exceeding 45% of last year's budget pending the finalisation of the process. NOW READ: MK party demands answers: Why are some judges living lavish lifestyles?
