Latest news with #SnukiZikalala
IOL News
26-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Zikalala defends ANC against US Bill: No evidence of wrongdoing, only justice for Palestine
The US moves to sanction some ANC and government too officials. Image: AFP ANC Veterans League President, Dr Snuki Zikalala, has strongly condemned a proposed US bill seeking to review bilateral ties with South Africa and impose sanctions on top ANC and government leaders, calling the move 'baseless'. The bill, approved earlier this week by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, cited South Africa's alignment with Russia and China, as well as its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as key reasons for reassessing Washington's relationship with Pretoria. Committee Chairperson Brian Mast also pointed to South Africa's direct engagement with Hamas leaders as indicative of a growing rift between the two nations. The proposed legislation has sparked outrage within ANC circles and drawn criticism from some US lawmakers. Zikalala dismissed the bill as an unwarranted attack on South Africa's principled support for the Palestinian cause. 'Those sanctions have no basis at all, especially on ANC leaders,' Zikalala said. 'None of our leaders have been found wanting by the international community. The only reason we are being targeted is because we have stood firmly in support of the Palestinian people and taken Israel to the ICJ to answer for what we believe is genocide.' Zikalala emphasised that South Africa's actions were consistent with its values and international law, and were not aimed at undermining its relationship with the US. 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 ✕ 'We believe in engagement. We think Pretoria and Washington can and must find each other. It's not in the interest of the American or South African people to escalate tensions,' he added. The US had taken a similar approach with Zimbabwe in the past, imposing sanctions that ultimately hurt ordinary citizens rather than the leadership. Zikalala also defended the ANC's internal accountability mechanisms, arguing that allegations of corruption within the party were being dealt with according to due process. 'We have made it clear: if anyone in the ANC is criminally charged, they must step down immediately. But our leadership has not been found guilty of wrongdoing internationally,' he said. The proposed sanctions bill has also caused divisions within the US Congress. Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks criticised the move, accusing Republicans of hypocrisy and undermining diplomatic norms. Despite the approval by the House committee, Zikalala expressed skepticism that the bill would ultimately pass into law. 'We don't think those sanctions will go through. This is not about wrongdoing – it's about standing up for human rights. We are not going to change our position. We say no to genocide, and we will continue to support the Palestinian cause,' he said. The bill's progression comes amid escalating global criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and mounting legal challenges in international courts. South Africa's ICJ case against Israel, accusing it of genocide, has positioned the country as a leading voice in the Global South on issues of international justice and human rights. Meanwhile, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri asserted that the sanctions stemmed from what she characterised as propaganda campaigns orchestrated by right-wing extremist organisations, between the two countries. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also called on the Democrats to protect them against the bill. IOL Politics
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'A group of friends with no Constitutional mandate': Joburg's Bomb Squad slammed as undemocratic
Eldorado Park residents doubt the city's new 'Bomb Squad' led by Dr Snuki Zikalala will bring real solutions. Image: Supplied Residents of Eldorado Park have voiced doubts over the City of Johannesburg's newly formed 'Bomb Squad,' led by Dr. Snuki Zikalala, 74, aimed at tackling the city's persistent service delivery failures. Ward 18 Councillor Juwaitiya Kaldine criticised the initiative, calling it undemocratic and unlawful. 'I believe meaningful impact can only be achieved by lawfully elected councilors, not an unlegislated Bomb Squad,' said Kaldine. 'This is a group of friends with no constitutional mandate that undermines elected local government structures. It's a waste of public funds.' Kaldine argued that municipalities are governed by legislation such as the Municipal Structures Act, the Systems Act, and the Municipal Finance Management Act. 'Does Snuki have the budget and powers to redirect municipal funds? If so, he holds more power than MMCs (Members of the Mayoral Committee). But the MFMA doesn't allow this nonsense,' she said. 'No illegal Bomb Squad will make a meaningful impact; only elected and trusted councilors can.' Another concerned resident, Errol Jacobs, echoed the concern, citing unresolved issues including potholes, power outages, water cuts, and rampant crime. 'The government seems to be looking the other way,' said Jacobs. 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 said they previously launched a community cleaning initiative called Quick Fix, however, it was not quite well received from the community. 'Even though some people didn't support us, we kept going because crime is rising and kids aren't safe, criminals are hiding in overgrown areas.' The area has been struggling with deteriorating infrastructure for over a decade, including blocked drains, overflowing sewage, uncollected waste, and poorly maintained roads. In April, Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale visited the area for a ministerial imbizo to address rising gang violence and policing challenges. While the city acknowledged the longstanding problems. However, residents say little has changed. Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg confirmed that teams from Joburg Water are currently on the ground addressing the issues. Zikalala vowed to collaborate with the community and elected officials. 'We are determined to find a solution,' said Zikalala. 'We will work with the community, councilors, and stakeholders to ensure residents get the services they deserve.' IOL News previously reported that the Bomb Squad was officially announced by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero at the Soweto Hotel in Kliptown. The task team, made up of ANC- and EFF-linked members as well as former city executives, is expected to focus on 'crime and grime,' law enforcement, and fast-tracking service delivery. 'Business intelligence gathering will be central to the Bomb Squad's work,' Morero said at that time. 'The team will propose proactive interventions, support rapid response teams in hotspot areas, and enable swift action against lawlessness.' The unit includes former city managers and executives such as Blake Mosley-Lefatole, Mavela Dlamini, Professor Trevor Fowler, and Gerald Dumas. Additional members include governance and finance experts from SALGA, the National School of Governance, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Audrey Mothupi, CEO of Systemic Logic Group, will coordinate private-sector partnerships. IOL News
