Latest news with #TshidiMadia
Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Dali Mpofu speaks on Shivambu's Parliament deployment, MKP shakeups and his legal battles
Tshidi Madia 4 June 2025 | 7:55 Dali Mpofu Politricking with Tshidi Madia MK Party JOHANNESBURG - "None of us own these positions," says Advocate Dali Mpofu when asked about Floyd Shivambu's future in the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, in what now feels like an ominous warning. Mpofu, who features on this week's Politricking with Tshidi Madia , an EWN podcast, recorded the conversation just days before Shivambu found himself booted out of the secretariat of the organisation founded and led by former President Jacob Zuma. Shivambu has now been redeployed to Parliament to "strengthen" the party's caucus. He does so without being appointed leader or chief whip of the official then referring to Mzwanele Manyi, who was demoted as the whip in Parliament, being replaced by newcomer Colleen Makhubele, said he didn't view the changes as demotions, instead being part of adjustments that come with a new party, as it tries to find some kind of activist and lawyer, recalling the early days of the EFF, said having been part of a "start-up" organisation the upheaval that causes much fanfare in the MKP doesn't faze him much. Elective conferences are not part of the MKP's agenda, with a constitution, which was firmed up by Shivambu, giving unfettered powers to the president of the organisation. Zuma, last year, went as far as describing the leadership contest as fake. The move is also aimed at achieving "maximum stability"."Literally everyone, including myself, is appointed to whatever position you hold, that in a way gives you the dexterity to make the changes, because you don't have to call a conference every time you want to make changes but at the same time, I suppose its amenable to frequent changes," he said this, however, didn't mean there'd been wrongdoing, or one was being while he's aligned with the idea, he recognised it was risky and might cause confusion for potential voters."That's the risk you have to take. Either you want to inspire confidence, or you want to build the organisation in such a way that you might inspire confidence in the long run," he explained."The aesthetics are not good, we have had four or five SGs, but in my book would be a huge improvement," added the interview Mpofu, once dubbed "the people's advocate", discussed his political and legal career, wading through some of the criticism that's been levelled against him, especially when he tackled matters in the courtroom, that seem to be in complete contrast to who he's understood to be in the political realm."The problem is that everyone thinks the only cases I do are the TV cases or challenge the system," he said he didn't take the criticism seriously, more so because some matters weren't because he was seeking a win but instead were aimed at pushing the envelope. The advocate also had some choice words for the current head of public prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, whom he described as "an unmitigated disaster". Those views are likely to find expression with millions of South Africans following yet another loss before the courts by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This time, before the Free State High Court, which declared the extradition of Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant of Ace Magashule, from the US to South Africa is meant to be the NPA's star witness in the matter involving Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi and 15 others over an asbestos contract stemming from his time as Free State premier."She's been an unmitigated disaster. That's what happens, I suppose, when appointments are made, for particular reasons, rather than what the job really requires," he on the Legal Practice Council and the various charges it brought against him, which has since been revised from seven to four, said it knows it is playing politics. He said the LPC being called out by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Professor Thuli Madonsela for proffering charges against him on their behalf showed just how problematic its approach towards him had been."Two women, in different parts of the country, complaining about the same thing about the same organisation but nobody cares. If it was the other way round, it would be 'Oh no, the world is coming to an end,'" he said."There can be no doubt that those actions were motivated by another agenda, other than trying to protect the so-called defenceless women," he slammed both the media and gender rights organisations for not focusing on the LPC's handling of complaints linked to the two prominent women. And when pressed to speak on his future, he simply defined himself as "a drifter", but admitted he had little to no yearning to occupy the courtroom as a judge. When asked if he would agree to become the MKP's number two, he smiled, saying he would go wherever his party wanted him to go.
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The South African
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Tshidi Madia praised for 'mopping floor' with US reporter [video]
South African political reporter Tshidi Madia has been praised for challenging an American counterpart who questioned her on 'white genocide' and President Donald Trump's claim of 'persecution' of white farmers. Her comments come a day after SA President Cyril Ramaphosa's Oval Office meeting with Trump. Last year, Madia was lauded for her interview with Jacob Zuma, in which she addressed mistruths of his political campaign. A day after Ramaphosa and Trump's tense meeting, particularly about 'white genocide' and 'persecuted farmers,' made global headlines, Tshidi Madia was invited to share her comments with News Nation. The US media platform – which hails itself as 'unbiased,' – questioned Tshidi about what was happening in South Africa. On Balance presenter Leland Vittert particularly brought up SA's delegation to the White House, and Trump's display of imagery and information about the 'targeted killings'. Tshidi kicked off by labelling Trump's 'misinformation' campaign – supported by Pretoria-born Elon Musk, as a 'gimmick'. She said, 'The issue is about what is being pedalled about South Africa. The startling truth of crime in South Africa was actually answered by everyone there. Is it targeted toward a certain group, is it ethnic cleansing? That's the question, based on what has been said about South Africa. [But] that's not a fact. 'The issue is falsehood. White people are not being targeted. Crime is experienced by everybody, not just white people. Vittert went on to question Tshidi Madia on whether white people were being targeted 'disproportionally', whether white farmers were 'abandoning' their land and businesses, and Julius Malema's singing of Kill The Boer. Tshidi mentioned that of the 49 Afrikaner 'refugees' who arrived in the US, none were farmers. She also attempted to explain the context of the Apartheid struggle song. Tshidi also clapped back at claims Elon Musk had claimed that 'racist laws' – ie, BEE – had prevented his business, Starlink, from operating in SA. She responded: 'So we are forced to undermine our transformative laws? We must be ok with a South Africa, where the majority are denied their land, and deprived of access to economic transformation? We must be ok with South Africa being labelled the most unequal country in the world and not try and do anything about it?' On the X platform, Tshidi Madia's interview quickly became a trending topic. Fellow reporter Redi Tlhabi posted: 'You were EXCELLENT here! Really sizzling. Not just your arguments, but your delivery and demeanour. You read the room and outplayed the anchor on his home-ground'. Here's what others had to say… @owensonO2: 'Her name is Matshidiso Tshidi Madia. Give her her flowers. #SAinUSA'. @JerryBru007: 'Classic and predictable from the US – well done Tshidi for not taking their bullsh*t!' @PetiteEbonyGirl: 'Tshidi Madia mopped the floor with his face '. On his X account, News Nation's Leland Vittert responded to commentary about his interview with Tshidi Madia. He posted: 'I don't think I have ever been so eloquently insulted'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Was it a hole in one for Ramaphosa, or did Trump meeting leave him in the rough?
Sara-Jayne Makwala King 22 May 2025 | 12:24 Donald Trump Cyril Ramaphosa The Clement Manyathela Show President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the White House in Washington, United States, to meet his counterpart President Donald Trump over resetting the two countries' bilateral ties. Picture: AFP Broadcasting from Washington D.C., 702's Clement Manyathela unpacks last night's meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Tshidi Madia, EWN Politics Editor and New York Times correspondent John Eligon join him. Listen below: It was a meeting that many had been anxiously awaiting and one that many agreed was much needed. Considering the precarious nature of South Africa's relationship with the United States (U.S.) in recent months, all eyes were on Washington as the two leaders met on Wednesday. From the American side, several issues have caused much consternation. Primarily, South Africa's genocide case against its ally Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Then, of course, there's the issue of the 'white genocide' the US president seems to have been convinced is taking place here. Add to that the controversial Expropriation Act, and misgivings about America's relationship with South Africa have been at an all-time high. So, one pertinent question remains—did Cyril Ramaphosa do enough to mend and set US-SA relations back on an amicable path (a path that ultimately leads to more investment in South Africa)? Tshidi Madia and John Eligon unpack Wednesday's Oval Office conference between the two leaders. Madia said when South African journalists left for Washington a few days ago, they knew which ministers would form part of the delegation. She says no mention was made at the time of the famous golfers who would also attend the meeting inside the Oval Office. Sporting legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who are apparently golfing buddies of the US president, were present on Wednesday. Crucially, says Madia, the two were included on the White House invitation list, and did not form part of the official South African delegation: "These are his friends. These are people he plays golf with. These are people who have gone to him to intervene or to have comments on South Africa in one way or another." Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN Some of these golfing buddies have even been credited with efforts to ensure South Africa's continued inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement, explains Madia. However, when asked about the presence of the sports stars, Madia states that Ramaphosa became 'testy'. "What Ramaphosa failed to admit openly was that, [he] didn't bring the golfers, they were given to [him]. Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN But she says government did not feel aggrieved by the presence of Els and Goosen: "They did look at the golfers as people they regard as patriots." Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN But patriotic or not, New York Times correspondent John Eligon says Trump used the golfers to make his own case about South Africa: "I thought it was very telling that he got, at the very least, Retief Goosen to the point where he said his mother has been attacked and his family has to live behind and electric fence." John Eligon, Correspondent - New York Times Notably absent from the meeting - and from the delegation - was Mcebisi Jonas, the newly appointed South African special envoy to the United States (US). Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed to Clement Manyathela that the Trump administration has raised 'displeasure' about Jonas. This, of course, is in relation to previous comments made by Jonas about the US Commander-in-Chief in which he referred to Trump as a racist and a homophobe. "You can't appoint a special envoy and then an opportunity comes to open channels and he's not in the makes absolutely no sense." Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN "He [Jonas] was on route to the US - he didn't make it here, but he was on his way." Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN ALSO READ: Jonas hopes US buries hatchet over his Trump comments One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the meeting came when President Ramaphosa appeared to be ambushed by Trump, who produced a pre-prepared video montage in his bid to prove the so-called white genocide in South Africa. The video included footage of Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema singing 'Kill The Boer' to a packed stadium. Ramaphosa initially looked shocked and confused by the footage, but later led to denials by the delegation, who conceded that crime is rampant but isn't targeted at a specific grouping based on race. "Ramaphosa came ready to approach Trump the way he needed to...I think he did that then this video comes no, President Ramaphosa was not ready for that." John Eligon, Correspondent - New York Times "Throughout the whole thing he was squirming." John Eligon, Correspondent - New York Times However, while that particular moment of the meeting was steeped in awkwardness, Eligon says that overall, Ramaphosa held his own well and did what he came to do and what he needed to do. In other words, his well-known charm offensive worked, says Elgion. "He needed to really stroke Trump's ego, he needed to make Trump happy, and he did all those things." John Eligon, Correspondent - New York Times Surprisingly, what had been thought to be one of the more contentious issues for the US, ended up being shrugged off by the US the Oval Office, Manyathela asked Trump whether he anticipated South Africa would withdraw its genocide case against Israel. Trump's response? "I'm not expecting anything, to be honest. They've brought a case, and there's a lot of emotion around it… We'll get a ruling eventually, but it's hard to say what that will actually mean." "If I was Benjamin Netenyahu I would be looking at Trump's response, because that actually tells you so shrugged the question away." Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN "That tells you something about a shift in geo-politics, pay attention." Tshidi Madia, Political editor - EWN Eligon says Trump's response to the question around the ICJ case was one of South Africa's big wins.
Eyewitness News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Politricking with Tshidi Madia: Sinawo Tambo, EFF National spokesperson and member of Parliament
On this week's episode of Politricking with Tshidi Madia, EFF National Spokesperson and Member of Parliament, Sinawo Tambo joins Tshidi Madia in studio. Dubbed as the VAT police by Sihle Lonzi after what many have called a Sinawo and EFF victory following the VAT hike being overturned. Sinawo begins the conversation by reflecting on this decision and where the future of the budget stands. He explains why the EFF are calling the for the Finance Minister to resign. He goes on to talk about the EFF's recovery plan post elections and what they believe went wrong. He shares why they refuse to work with DA and misconceptions that have been created about the EFF by the DA. He closes off the conversation by speaking about the future of the EFF and the lessons learnt 11 years into politics
Eyewitness News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Kenneth Meshoe defends ACDP's controversial Israel trip, says party won't join GNU
Tshidi Madia 23 April 2025 | 9:00 Rev Kenneth Meshoe, founder of the African Christian Democratic Party. The ACDP, which is only represented by 3 members of parliament in the national assembly and tends to fly below the radar, has been at the heart of public discourse in recent weeks following a controversial, privately funded, multi-party trip to Israel, undertaken by some of its members alongside a few other MPs from the DA and PA last trip, titled a 'fact-finding mission,' has come under much scrutiny, following its findings which claim there is no evidence of apartheid in Israel, it further described the country as a vibrant, progressive, multi-racial and multi-ethnic society. The difficulty with this view, for many, is it's a sponsored one-sided view of what's happening in the middle east and is this is at odds, with what South Africa's government has been involved in a retaliatory onslaught against Palestine following the October 2023 attacks, however this is part of a longer battle by the Palestinians to self-determine, this as they have continuously argued that they are being pushed off their land, with those living in Gaza comparing it to being in an open prison. ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe joined Politricking with Tshidi Madia, an EWN politics podcast, defending his own party members' participation in the trip. He also spoke on the future of his organisation, while sharing his views on South Africa's own tensions with the U.S and why the ACDP could never join the government of national unity coalition.'When you have a constitution such as we have in South Africa, that promotes freedom of conscience, freedom of movement, freedom of association, how can I say no to a member of the ACDP who says my faith was started in Jerusalem, my faith is embedded in the in the Middle East…I have said to ACDP members, anybody who wants to go, go,' said said it was not his responsibility to vet who his party members were traveling with, let alone the meetings they participated in whilst in Israel, insisting that his MPs know his organisation's values and would not act out of line with its Christian party is a vocal supporter of Israel and has publicly refused to back the country's successful bid to have attacks on Gaza declared genocidal in the international court of it argued was because it believed South Africa could have played a more constructive role in influencing Hamas to surrender and release hostages kidnapped in the October 7th argued that South Africa has lost its right to play the role of an honest said theirs wasn't a stance aligned to politicians and went on to discuss his own experiences of Israel, which also, did not include a detour to the west bank, to see firsthand if claims of conflict were real or not. He also insisted the Middle East experience is nothing like apartheid, which his own country has experienced.'In South Africa, you go to the beach, there were those benches; whites only, [in Israel], you go to the beach, you see people of different colours swimming together. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw that… when I went to a hospital, a children's Hospital… to see Muslim mothers with their babies and to see Arab doctors there,' he Reverend did however bemoan the countless reported fatalities in as he continued to defend Israel, raising concerns over what he said were 'attempts by politicians in the country to remove Israel from the face of the earth.''If you have people talking about eradicating a nation, I would never agree with that,' he also shared his thoughts on President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as the special envoy to the U.S, this as the country tries to thaw an increasingly frosty relationship with the western superpower. He said South Africa should have acted much faster.'They are late, what they are now wanting to do with Jonas should have been done from the very beginning, its like they were caught napping,' he said a delegation should have been sent immediately after U.S President Donald Trump started publicly echoing some of the disinformation regarding the country's policies on land expropriation and claims of attacks targeted at white said this was a far better approach than ones which might be seen as antagonistic to the U.S.'When we fight fire with fire, it doesn't produce the desired results, and unfortunately at the beginning, if you listened to the language that was being used by our people, it was terrible. It was as if they were fighting, now they are cooling down because they realise you cannot win this fight,' said a local front, he said due to his party's policies, it realised it could not join the government of national ACDP is anti-abortion rights and takes issue with the recognition of the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, both of which are covered and protected by this country's constitution.'We couldn't not avoid policy clashes and obviously when we see what happens between the DA and ANC, we realise that the same would be happening, even on a smaller scale [with us,] said as he defended his party's policies, whilst arguing that partnering with parties in the GNU would have had a negative impact on the performance of ACDP Reverend went on to describe the two largest parties in the national coalition as a disappointment.'People have double-tongues,' he said the two major parties all say they care about citizens but their actions, more so during the ongoing proposed budget statement have let the country down.'They have said one thing and did the opposite of what they've said,' he his part, Meshoe said his party would have voted in favour of the fiscal framework had it not been for the proposed VAT increase, which kicks in next interestingly enough, continued to believe the ACDP's time to shine is yet to come, this despite being on the ballot for all of the country's general elections and failing to capture the electorate's imagination, he believes the fall of the ANC, might be to his party's benefit. 'Everything has its own time, there's time to smile, a time to frown… watch what's going to happen in the next few years,' he concluded.
