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Presidency assumes control of Iran naval inquiry from Defence Department The probe into Iran's participation in the BRICS Plus naval exercises, held in South Africa in January, is being relocated from the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans to the Presidency. This is to "ensure an independent and timeous probe", according to the Presidency. President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the investigation into the participation of Iran in the Chinese-led Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace, after his request for Iran to withdraw from the drills was ignored. Initially launched by the Department of Defence, the inquiry will now be overseen by the Presidency, with the Presidency arguing that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force. The investigative panel, which will report directly to Ramaphosa, will be chaired by Justice Bernard Ngoepe, who will be assisted by Justice Kathleen Satchwell, Justice Mashangu Monica Leeuw and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Patrick Duze. They will investigate why the President's orders were ignored, identify individuals who are responsible and make recommendations on possible actions to be taken. The Presidency noted that owing to national security reasons, the panel's work will be confidential, and that the President will decide, based on recommendations, whether or not to make the findings of the investigation public. "The Panel will have the power to summon any member of the defence force and/or public service it needs, and to request for all documents, including classified documents, to fulfil its mandate," the Presidency said. The panel will have one month to complete its work and furnish its findings, but this could be extended by the President if there is "compelling cause".

EFF lays criminal charge against Paul O'Sullivan The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Friday laid a criminal charge against Forensic analyst Paul O'Sullivan for allegedly contravening the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act 4 of 2004, saying his refusal to complete recent testimony raised concerns of potential obstruction of accountability processes. This after O'Sullivan abruptly exited a hearing of the Ad Hoc Committee, established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service's (Saps') KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, while still under cross examination. The EFF argued that this conduct violated Section 17 of the Act, which states that a person who refuses to give evidence, or fail to remain in attendance without being excused, could be held in contempt of Parliament. In its affidavit, EFF deputy secretary general Leigh-Ann Mathys mentioned that O'Sullivan walked out despite objections raised by members of the committee and the committee chairperson. "…his departure was deliberate, voluntary and in direct defiance of the authority of the committee." Mathys said this constituted a prima facie contravention of Section 17. O'Sullivan returned to conclude his testimony on Thursday. He first appeared before the committee on February 10 following National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza's refusal to issue subpoenas on him and businessman Brown Mogotsi. Mathys claimed that O'Sullivan showed disrespect for the authority of the chairperson, refused to comply with lawful questioning and that he interfered with witnesses. She said Parliament cannot function effectively if witnesses are permitted to take an oath, answer selectively and then abandon proceedings at their will. She highlighted that the investigation has already produced "serious" prima facie evidence suggesting the existence of a wider network involving corruption, political interference with the Saps and possible protection of organised criminal activity. "Mr O'Sullivan is not a peripheral figure in these proceedings, but a central witness of significant interest. "His refusal to complete his testimony under oath raises reasonable concern regarding potential obstruction of accountably processes," said Mathys. She pointed to the need for urgency in the matter, claiming that O'Sullivan is a person of "substantial means". "I therefore demand that the South African Police Service register and investigate this matter with immediate effect and ensure that no delays or institutional conflicts of interest undermine the administration of justice," urged Mathys. Meanwhile, Didiza has requested an urgent report on the matter from the chairperson, indicating that action may be considered in terms of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act and the rules of the National Assembly to safeguard the integrity of Parliament.

Cape Town Mayor to run for leadership of DA Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said he'll stand for election as leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's second-biggest political party, a contest he's widely expected to win. John Steenhuisen has led the DA since 2019, but he announced earlier this month that he won't stand for another term when the party holds its elective conference in April. Nominations for a successor opened on Friday. "I will be seeking a specific mandate, a mandate to build a stronger DA," Hill-Lewis told reporters in Cape Town. "If we are to build a stronger South Africa, we must have a stronger DA." The DA, which garnered 22% support in the last national elections in 2024, is a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa's 10-party coalition government. Hill-Lewis, 39, has served as mayor of South Africa's second-biggest city since 2021 and won praise for his management of the tourism and financial-services hub. He's said he intends to seek re-election to that post in upcoming municipal elections, a job he can do while concurrently leading the DA.

Moody's says South Africa budget 'confirms' strong fiscal stance South Africa's latest budget painted an encouraging picture of improving public finances, according to Moody's Ratings, while cautioning that "meaningful" debt reduction will require stronger economic growth. The budget "confirms South Africa's strong fiscal performance, underpinned by broad-based revenue growth, and points to improving fiscal prospects," said Evan Wohlmann, Vice President-Senior Credit Officer at Moody's. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's annual budget presentation on Wednesday showed debt and debt-service costs peaking this year and then declining, helped by surging precious-metals prices that have boosted government revenue. The rand and government bonds rallied. In his speech to lawmakers in Cape Town, the minister said the world had taken note, citing S&P Global Ratings' decision in November to grant South Africa its first upgrade in two decades. That lifted S&P's assessment to BB from BB-minus and also put it on a positive outlook, which South African officials said was as good as two ratings upgrades. The move raised hope that the country is on track to restore the investment-grade rating it lost as public finances deteriorated under former President Jacob Zuma, whose tenure in office was marred by corruption scandals, mismanagement and soaring debt levels. Moody's rates South Africa Ba2 — two notches below investment grade. National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse said his team was actively engaging credit-rating companies to encourage them to recognise the country's progress. "We have taken a much more proactive approach, interrogating the modelling of some of the ratings agencies, questioning some of those assumptions and making our case of fiscal credibility," he told reporters in Cape Town. "Over time, hopefully, that will assist in the potential for ratings upgrades." Moody's cut South Africa to junk in 2020, after similar moves by S&P and Fitch several years before. While it's upbeat about the outlook after the budget, it stressed the need for stronger economic growth. "South Africa's fiscal space to absorb shocks will remain limited," Wohlmann said. "We expect general government debt will remain above 80% of gross domestic product in the coming years and meaningful debt reduction likely hinges on growth exceeding our baseline." Others agreed that the ratings companies will want to see tangible results before upgrading their assessments. "We expect that if GDP growth improves in first half 2026, a positive outlook from Fitch and Moody's might emerge toward the year-end," said Citigroup Inc.'s South Africa economist, Gina Schoeman.

Godongwana stresses need for higher growth to draw investment South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Thursday that meeting fiscal targets alone was insufficient to draw investment into Africa's biggest economy, stressing the need for higher economic growth. Godongwana was speaking a day after his annual budget showed the country's economy was on track for a third consecutive primary budget surplus, where tax revenue surpasses non-interest spending, and that debt was projected to peak this year. "Managing these numerical targets alone is not going to be enough in the absence of growth," Godongwana told Reuters. South Africa's economic growth has averaged less than 1% over the past decade, but it picked up slightly last year and is expected to rise further to 1.6% this year. The fiscal picture also looks brighter thanks to an improvement in domestic demand and strong commodity prices, which have helped boost government revenue. Godongwana said the government's reform agenda was landing well with investors and expressed hope this would translate into higher levels of fixed investment over time. "I think we're in a better space now to achieve structural reforms and macroeconomic stability, ... I think all of those things will provide a pull factor for private sector investment." He told lawmakers on Wednesday that the government was working on a legal "fiscal anchor", a set of rules to try to ensure that public finances are sustainable over the longer term. He is expected to give more details at a mid-term budget review due in October or November this year. Godongwana, who was appointed finance minister in 2021, said on Thursday that for now he had no reason not to finish his term, which is due to run until 2029.

DA welcomes members from ActionSA's 'dictatorship' Soweto-based ActionSA Councillor Mandla Nyaqela and five of the party's branch chairpersons and members have defected to the Democratic Alliance (DA) and were welcomed into the blue party on Thursday by DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille. She is expressing confidence that many more will join the party. Speaking at a briefing in Johannesburg, Nyaqela said he had joined ActionSA with high expectations but had been "sorely disillusioned", claiming that there was "no space for debate" in the green party. He described ActionSA as a "top-down dictatorship", stating that members only received instructions. Nyaqela expressed unhappiness with a lack of internal elections in ActionSA, claiming that all positions were appointed by one or two top leaders. In response, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba posted on X, "I would to take this opportunity to deeply convey ActionSA's appreciation to the @Our_DA and Helen Zille in particular, for saving us the trouble of undergoing a disciplinary process and potential legal expenses." Meanwhile, Zille thanked the new recruits for their "courage, conviction and determination". "People are beginning to understand that the best way to get water, electricity, clean neighbourhoods, investment and jobs is through the kind of good governance that the DA has a record in delivering," she stated. The DA believes the defections will severely impact ActionSA's ability to organise on the ground in its key constituency of Soweto. MAYORAL CANDIDACY Meanwhile, following a by-election victory for the DA in Ward 102 of Randburg/Bryanston on Wednesday, Zille is expected to fill a vacant proportional representation seat, allowing her to officially join the Johannesburg City Council ahead of the general local elections. In her campaign as the mayoral candidate for City of Johannesburg, Zille has vowed to fix the City's failing water systems, repair roads and stabilise electricity supply. She highlighted the R200-billion infrastructure backlog as a critical hurdle. To effect her plans, Zille aims to digitise internal systems to curb corruption and streamline the City's bureaucracy.

Treasury mandates sustainability plans as fiscal anchor going forward To entrench commitments to healthy public finances, national government will introduce legislation requiring each new administration to table a medium-term fiscal plan to embed fiscal sustainability, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed during the 2026 Budget speech on February 25. Since 2008/09, government's debt ratio has more than tripled with debt service costs having risen from 8.8% of revenue in 2008/09 to 21.3% in 2025/26, which crowds out other spending. Over the next three years government aims to anchor fiscal policy with the primary budget surplus, which means a continued expected increase in the fiscal surplus will ensure government debt embarks on a sustainable path. A debt-reducing main budget primary surplus will therefore anchor fiscal policy over the medium term. "National Treasury developed a debt sustainability model to assess risks to the fiscal framework and inform good fiscal decision-making," Godongwana stated, adding that departments would need to be more deliberate in motivating their budgets rather than simply increasing them by inflation each year. Departments will have to provide evidence-based assessments for the continuation of programmes and projects. Treasury ultimately proposes a principles-based obligation to anchor fiscal sustainability in law, requiring each new government to table a plan to ensure that the fiscal position is sustainable throughout its term of office and that an appropriate fiscal metric is selected to measure compliance. This will build confidence and maintain the gains of fiscal consolidation without resorting to painful spending cuts or tax increases. Treasury aims to announce details of this fiscal anchor endeavour in the 2026 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). DEBT FIGURES For the first time this decade, debt service costs will grow slower than government's overall expenditure. South Africa debt-to-GDP ratio is currently at 78% which is unsustainable but is at least the peak, according to Godongwana. The higher debt is attributed to weaker nominal GDP growth and increased borrowing in 2025/26. Government's interest on debt has grown faster than the economy and takes a larger slice of the Budget than basic education, health or social protection. "By sticking to a responsible plan, government is making the economy stronger for all South Africans," Godongwana said. He affirmed that South Africa's debt as a share of economic output would reach its highest point this year and then start to decline. The main budget deficit is R12.4-billion lower than forecasted at the time of the 2025 Budget as a result of strong fiscal outcomes for the first ten months of 2025/26. He expects the country's GDP to grow by 1.6% this year and by 2% in 2028. South Africa's debt service costs as a percentage of revenue will decrease from 21.3% in 2025/26 to 20.8% in 2026/27 and continue to decline to 20.6% and 20.2% by 2027/28 and 2028/29, respectively. Principal and interest payments are expected to be R21-billion lower than estimated in the 2025 MTBPS while revenue collections for 2025/26 are projected to be R28.8-billion higher than the 2025 Budget estimate. This means non-interest expenditure will increase by R22.1-billion and government will achieve a primary surplus of 0.9% of GDP. The consolidated budget deficit is expected to narrow from 4.5% of GDP in 2025/26 to 3.1% of GDP in 2028/29. Likewise, National Treasury predicts the main budget primary surplus will increase from 1.6% of GDP in 2026/27 to 2.3% of GDP in 2028/29. Debt service costs have been revised down by R10.6-billion over the medium term, driven by improved bond yields, an appreciating rand and lower inflation and interest rates. An estimated R12-billion of savings under the Targeted and Responsible Savings (TARS) initiative over the medium term can markedly improve service delivery. The TARS initiative was announced in the 2025 MTBPS as ...

Treasury expects healthy trade, investment conditions until at least 2028 National Treasury expects demand from South Africa's major trading partners to tick up from an estimated 3.1% in 2025 to 3.3% in 2026, settling at 3.4% in 2027 and 2028. This trend is supported by strong investments in technology and accommodative fiscal and monetary policies, despite ongoing trade policy uncertainty globally. Global investor participation in the domestic bond market ticked up from 24.6% in 2024 to 25% in 2025, supported by lower risk aversion and improved perceptions of South Africa's credit outlook. In comparison, global trade demand growth is projected to reach 3.4% in 2028. The sovereign risk premium is expected to ease further in South Africa, supported by government's sustained commitment to a credible macroeconomic framework. Treasury explains in it 2026 Budget delivered on February 25 that South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list and the EU list of high-risk jurisdictions, together with a recent upgrade of the country's foreign currency sovereign credit rating, all bode well for investor confidence. TWO SCENARIOS Treasury outlines two scenarios to it baseline economic growth forecast for South Africa of between 1.6% and 1.9% from 2026 to 2028. In the global upside scenario, an improved global environment is driven by easing geopolitical tensions and more stable trade policies that reduce uncertainty, improve supply chains and boost productivity. With supply conditions improving, commodity markets can stabilise and oil prices are likely to remain slightly below baseline in the medium term. Earlier and more decisive monetary easing by major central banks, combined with lower global financial market volatility, strengthens investor appetite for emerging market assets, bolstering emerging market currencies. In turn, stronger global demand and reduced borrowing costs support exports and enhance financing conditions, raising domestic economic growth above the baseline. In this scenario, South Africa's economic growth is projected to average 1.9% from 2026 to 2028. On the other hand, the global downside scenario mulls the possibility of increased geopolitical tensions, further supply chain and critical infrastructure disruptions, as well as heightened uncertainty. These constraints could raise prices for key commodities, including crude oil and gas, while increasing demand for safe-haven assets such as gold. This in turn lifts global inflation, delaying monetary policy easing and weakening global growth. Simultaneously, financial market volatility increases, tightening financial conditions and reducing investors' appetite for risk. For South Africa, higher oil prices and a weaker exchange rate raise imported inflation, while elevated risk premiums lead to higher borrowing costs, delaying the domestic easing cycle and slowing consumption and investment. As a result, growth in this scenario averages 1.6% from 2026 to 2028. PROMINENT RISKS Some of the local risks to South Africa's trade landscape remain that of persistent logistics bottlenecks, weak public infrastructure and exposure to climate shocks. These continue to raise the cost of doing business and threaten production and investment prospects. In contrast, Treasury says faster structural reform implementation – particularly in energy and logistics – would boost potential growth. South Africa is making progress in becoming more trade and investment friendly. Since 2020, for example, government has expanded the use of concessional foreign funding with favourable terms from multilateral and development finance institutions, complemented by Eurobond issuance. In December last year, government successfully raised $3.5-billion in global markets through an oversubscribed transaction. Government has also introduced a formal process to attract new foreign-currency funding structures from financial institutions, as a result of which several transactions have b...

Treasury withdraws planned R20bn tax increase from 2026 Budget Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced during his 2026 Budget speech on February 25 that a R20-billion tax increase that was previously earmarked for the 2026 Budget has been withdrawn and personal income tax (PIT) brackets, as well as medical tax credits, will be fully adjusted for inflation after two years of no inflationary relief. Tax thresholds and limits will also be adjusted for the impact of inflation to assist small businesses and provide overall relief to taxpayers. Last year's Budget announced that R20-billion in tax increases would be proposed in the 2026 Budget to fund new and persistent spending pressures, however, revenue collection has been stronger than expected owing to steady economic growth and commodity price increases. Government's gross tax revenue for 2025/26 has been revised upwards by R21.3-billion compared with estimates in the 2025 Budget. The tax-to-GDP ratio increase by 25.9% in 2025/26 from 25.1% in 2024/25. Specific excise duties on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products will increase by 3.4% at the end of February. Excise tax on malt beer and ciders both will increase by 8c per 340 ml can, while unfortified wine excise duties will increase by 15c per 750 ml bottle. Excise tax for fortified wine will increase by 26c per 750 ml bottle and cigarettes will have an excise duty increase of 77c per packet of 20. The general fuel levy will increase to R4.10 per litre for petrol and R3.93 for diesel from April 1, while the Road Accident Fund levy will increase by 7c per litre to R2.25 per litre – both increases are in line with or less than inflation. The carbon tax already increased from R236/t of carbon dioxide equivalent to R308/t from January 1, while the carbon fuel levy will increase to 19c per litre for petrol and 23c per litre for diesel from April 1. This is also in line with inflation. Treasury may soon tax online gambling for the first time. After publishing a draft national online gambling tax discussion paper for public comment in November 2025, which proposed a tax of 20% on gross gambling revenue generated by online gambling, the public comment period was extended to February 27. Treasury will also host a workshop with those who submitted comments and include proposals in draft legislation format for another round of public comment later in the year. Godongwana emphasises that the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of a small business for older persons is being raised from R1.8-million to R2.7-million. This applies to small businesses worth R15-million instead of the R10-million previously. It will enable small business owners to receive more tax relief when they sell their businesses. Meanwhile, Godongwana expects that government will garner R844-billion in tax revenue from PIT in 2026/27, R521-billion from value-added tax (VAT), R364-billion from corporate income tax, R159-billion from customs and excise duties, R104-billion from fuel levies and R132-billion from other taxes. Effective April 1, the compulsory VAT registration threshold increases to R2.3-million; the turnover tax regime for microbusinesses is adjusted for inflation, with the restriction on tax year end dates removed; and tax-free investments' yearly limit increases from R36 000 to R46 000 to encourage savings. The 2026 Budget tax proposals raise no additional revenue over the medium-term, which means the medium-term tax revenue outlook has been revised down by R57-billion. Treasury explains improvements in several tax bases will partly offset the withdrawn R20-billion in tax increases and confirms that tax buoyancy remains strong. Treasury says despite challenging economic conditions, South Africa's tax system has performed well, with the tax-to-GDP ratio increasing from 25.1% in 2024/25 to 25.9% in 2025/26. The tax-to-GDP ratio is expected to reach 26.2% by 2028/29 as economic growth improves. In the first three quarters of 2025/26, South Afr...

MKP files court application to halt Batohi's pension payments The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has filed an urgent application to the court to stop former National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi's pension payments and post-term gratuities benefits, until an inquiry is conducted. The matter will be heard on March 26 on an urgent basis. Last month the party approached the Presidency to withhold Batohi's pension benefits, pending the finalisation of issues arising from the Nkabinde Inquiry. Batohi vacated her office last month, as she reached the age of 65. The MKP is seeking an interdict to withhold Batohi's pension benefits, arguing that public funds could not lawfully be paid out while allegations of misconduct, dereliction of duty and possible perjury remained on record. "Allowing benefits to be paid under these circumstances would expose the State to irregular expenditure, undermine public confidence in the National Prosecuting Authority, and reward conduct that is fundamentally incompatible with constitutional standards of accountability and integrity," it argued. The party said the Nkabinde inquiry had already placed before the public prima facie evidence that raised concerns about Batohi's fitness for office, such as alleged contradictory testimony under oath and unresolved discrepancies between her version and documentary evidence. The inquiry is investigating whether Advocate Andrew Chauke, the Director of Public Prosecutions for the South Gauteng Division, is fit to continue to hold office. The party claimed that Batohi failed to handle and safeguard sensitive prosecutorial matters, and said her withdrawal from the inquiry proceedings was unlawful. The Nkabinde inquiry is expected to conclude by June 30, following President Cyril Ramaphosa's extension last month. The original date for the completion of the inquiry and submission of a final report was January 30, 2026. The MKP warned that if any funds have already been disbursed, it will pursue their full recovery. In its application, the party seeks an order that will compel Ramaphosa to establish a "proper inquiry" in terms of the applicable law. Last month, the party requested that Ramaphosa establish an inquiry to determine whether Batohi's alleged conduct disqualifies her from receiving her pension benefits or to ensure that any payment made is subject to the State's full right of recovery, and a formal undertaking that the funds will not be dissipated. The MKP wants the court to set aside any decision that authorised benefits without such an inquiry and declare any failure to institute the inquiry unlawful. It also wants the court to order repayment to the State of any money improperly paid.

Presidency assures NHI delay won't affect implementation timetable The Presidency confirmed on Tuesday that following consultations with Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially agreed to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments in May. Further, it assured that the decision taken by Ramaphosa will not affect the timetable for the implementation of the NHI. This comes amid several legal actions from various civil society groups, arguing that the NHI Act is unconstitutional and irrational. Last week Ramaphosa confirmed that he would not promulgate any provisions of the NHI Act prior to the Constitutional Court handing down judgment on the public participation challenges, and that he would not enforce any part of the Act until he was requested to do so by the Minister of Health. The court cases relate to the public participation process that led to the adoption of the NHI Bill by Parliament, with arguments that they were not properly followed. The Department of Health (DoH) has indicated that preparatory work for the implementation of the NHI has been ongoing, such as the improvement of health services before any sections of the NHI Act are ready for commencement. Meanwhile, one of the litigators, Solidarity, has threatened legal action against government should it fail to comply with Tuesday's High Court order. Opponents to the NHI and government reached an agreement to cease legal action on condition that the implementation and further development of the NHI ceased immediately. "Any further implementation of the National Health Insurance Act (NHI) must now be stopped with immediate effect, following a court order. "No further budgetary concessions may now be granted in respect of the NHI," it said. Following the issuance of the court order, Solidarity has sent a letter of demand to Ramaphosa, the DoH, the National Treasury, and the relevant Ministers, warning them against any disregard of the NHI court order. Solidarity welcomed the provisional suspension of the NHI, saying the ruling is a major breakthrough in its opposition to the NHI. "…it is beyond comprehension that taxpayers' money is being used to establish a system that faces such extensive litigation," said economic researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute Theuns du Buisson. He claimed the NHI would never be realised, because it was simply "unworkable, unaffordable, and irrational". "It is deeply concerning that anyone could regard it as a sound policy, particularly given that billions of rands have already been spent on it. "Yet these billions of rands in costs would be only a fraction of the far greater sums and the irreversible loss of life were the NHI package to be implemented," he stated.

S African men lured into fighting in Russia make their way home President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that 11 of the 17 South African men who were lured under false pretences into fighting in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, will soon make their way home. The South African government said it has been working closely with the Russian government to secure the safe return of the men. Ramaphosa expressed "heartfelt gratitude" to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his assistance in the matter and reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through negotiation. Spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya said Putin pledged his support to the men returning home during a telephone call with Ramaphosa earlier this month. Last year, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that 17 South Africans were stranded in the Donbas area after allegedly being lured to fight in the Ukraine-Russia conflict under false pretences. Media reports had indicated that the 17 men between the ages of 20 and 39 years were South Africans, mainly from KwaZulu-Natal, and were tricked into believing they were to receive "skills training" in Russia but ended up on the war front with Ukraine. The Hawks and the South African Police Service are investigating the recruitment process. Ramaphosa had received distressed calls for assistance from the 17 South African men. Four men arrived back in the country last week, while two remain in Russia; one is hospitalised in Moscow and the other is undergoing administrative travel processing. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has laid criminal charges against uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla for the alleged mercenary recruitment. The investigation revolves around allegations of human trafficking, fraud, and violations of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits South African citizens from participating in foreign armed conflicts without government authorisation. Zuma-Sambudla and the MKP have since denied the allegations, claiming they were also victims of fraud by intermediaries.

Trump's new ambassador to South Africa presents credentials US President Donald Trump's pick for ambassador to South Africa, conservative activist and writer Leo Brent Bozell III, on Monday presented his credentials to South Africa's government. South Africa's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that Bozell had presented his letters of credence to Clayson Monyela, the deputy director-general. Bozell arrived in the country earlier this month, at a time of strained relations between Washington and Pretoria. Trump has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with Russia and China, imposed steep tariffs on its exports and cut all aid. Pretoria strongly rejects claims that its white minority is persecuted. Bozell said in his Senate confirmation hearing in October that he would approach his ambassadorship "with respect for the South African people", and that he saw "real opportunity for a lasting partnership" despite areas of disagreement. South Africa has not had an ambassador in Washington since the Trump administration expelled its last one.

Ramaphosa defends SANDF deployment to fight organised crime Government is working to close funding gaps and strengthen the readiness of the country's armed forces to assist the South Africa National Police Service (Saps) in fighting organised crime, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa. On Monday, in his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa defended his decision to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), to support the Saps in tackling gang violence and illegal mining in the Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape. Ramaphosa wrote that given the country's history, where the apartheid State sent the army into townships to violently suppress opposition, it is important that the SANDF is not deployed inside the country to deal with domestic threats without good reason. He argued that the recent deployment is necessary owing to a surge in violent organised crime. Ramaphosa received criticism for this move, with some opposition parties claiming this is government's admission that it has failed to strengthen the Saps. Ramaphosa assured that the SANDF will be deployed in support of the Saps, operating under police command, with clear rules of engagement and for specific time-limited objectives. "The SANDF may, for example, be called on by the police to provide protection in high-risk operations, or to support cordon-and-search operations against armed criminals. Soldiers may also help to secure critical infrastructure, freeing Saps members to focus on investigations, arrests and building cases that lead to successful prosecutions," he explained. He pointed out that the deployment of the SANDF will take place alongside other measures, such as strengthening anti-gang units and illegal mining tasks teams. Police will also collaborate with the National Prosecuting Authority on multi-disciplinary task teams to target the leadership, finances, firearms and logistics of criminal networks. On Saturday Ramaphosa officiated the Armed Forces Day commemoration in Limpopo. He said in an era defined by increased geopolitical tensions, the country's armed forces safeguard sovereignty and promote peace and stability beyond the country's borders. "They also have an important role inside the country," he added. He highlighted that this is not the first time that the SANDF has been deployed domestically, noting disaster response and development support. He said during the recent floods in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the SANDF supported relief efforts and assisted with evacuations, repairing damaged infrastructure and erecting temporary structures. "Through Project Owethu, which was launched in Limpopo to coincide with Armed Forces Day, the SANDF provided healthcare services to more than 50 000 people in underserved communities," he explained. He pointed to the unprecedented mobilisation of the SANDF during the Covid-19 pandemic, which he said enabled government to enforce disaster regulations, safeguard the borders, support anti-crime efforts with the Saps and set up field hospitals to tend to the sick. Meanwhile, he said government is also strengthening the complement of younger people in the SANDF. He explained that applications recently opened for the 2027 Military Skills Development System, which offers young people the opportunity to gain skills and training in the army, air force, navy and military health service.

'SA immigration system treated as marketplace' – SIU reveals corruption at Home Affairs The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Acting head Leonard Lekgetho has called on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to consider vetting of all its employees and strengthening its verification process before the issuance of visas. This after its investigation revealed a disturbing picture of systemic corruption within the DHA, describing the country's immigration system has been "treated as a marketplace", where permits and visas were sold, traded and laundered. Lekgetho was speaking during the release of the SIU's interim report on the DHA, where he explained that officials enriched themselves by unlawfully issuing permits, using spouses as conduits to launder bribes. He said syndicates operated with precision, exploiting weaknesses in verification and monitoring. The investigation into the DHA was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The interim report outlining the outcome of the SIU investigation has been submitted to the President, with the SIU now making the findings publicly available. Lekgetho explained that a whistleblower brought forward to the SIU allegations that foreign nationals and South Africans fraudulently obtained asylum seeker permits and later used them to apply for permanent residence and ultimately citizenship. The SIU received information that the foreign nationals colluded with syndicates and corrupt Home Affairs officials to secure permits. The SIU has also traced financial gains exceeding R181-million associated with beneficiaries of fraudulent Visa applications, which were underpinned by fake documentation. Lekgetho said payments were made through various methods, such as cash hidden in application forms, with office doors closed to avoid cameras, as well as e-wallet deposits. "Asylum seekers sending e-wallet payments to themselves and providing the OTPs to official and in-kind payments, such as covering official private rent or services. An official used dummy phones to conceal transaction and communication," Lekgetho said. The SIU revealed that so far, it has uncovered that four officials who earn less than R25 000 a month, have received a total of R16.3-million in direct deposits. Officials also operated within syndicates and used intermediaries to collect funds from foreign nationals and transactions referred as payment and visa processes or building materials were used to mask the true nature of the payment. "Analysis of a construction company registered in the name of one official's husband reveal deposits totalling R8.9-million, between 2020 and 2023," Lekgetho said. He highlighted that at least R185 000 was directly linked to the Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) application. RELIGIOUS FIGURES SYNDICATE Lekgetho said the SIU has identified a coordinated network of religious figures, where pastors and prophets exploited the immigration system through fraudulent documentation and fake retirement confirmation, falsified financial means, marriage of convenience, and syndicate back sponsorship, faking financial stability. He explained that prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Kudakwashe Mpofu, and Nigerian nationals leveraged influence, fabricated documentation, and misused networks to secure fraudulent immigration status. Lekgetho said an investigation revealed that R1.2-million USD in cash was paid from Bushiri's non-profit company at Lanseria Airport. Pastor Timothy Omotoso's modus operandi was fundamentally built on fraud and misrepresentation to enter, and subsequent residence, in South Africa. "His initial entry was secured through a fraudulently obtained work permit, issued in a country where he was not a citizen, based on an unauthorised directive," Lekgetho said. He explained that the investigation revealed that the waiver was unlawfully granted by an official without the necessary delegated authority, highlighting a strategy of leveraging administrative gaps to override lawful rejections and perpetuate hi...

DA reiterates rejection of BEE after Ramaphosa slams party in SoNA debate Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has assured that his party will continue to push for the implementation of "faster and bolder reform", while it rejects the African National Congress's continued adherence to black economic empowerment (BEE). In his reply to the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended BEE and criticised political parties that called for its scrapping. He argued that there had been "real changes" in ownership patterns, management control, enterprise development and skills development through the use of BEE policies. Steenhuisen said the DA would continue to fight for an alternative that creates a more "inclusive" economy for all, claiming that BEE has benefited "only politically connected elites at the expense of the poor, who remain trapped in poverty, locked out of employment, and with little hope of climbing the opportunity ladder". Last year, the DA proposed the Economic Inclusion for All Bill, to repeal and replace BEE in its current form. He noted that while there were encouraging signs of stabilisation under the Government of National Unity (GNU), albeit "slow [to take root] and . . . not felt evenly". He pointed out that South Africans still faced severe unemployment, crime, failing municipalities, and economic growth that was far below what was required to create jobs at scale. Steenhuisen said the DA remained committed to the GNU because it was helping to stabilise South Africa after years of "governance failure, and because it serves as a bulwark against instability and extremist policy alternatives". "But participation in the GNU does not mean passive support. It means driving reform from within, fighting corruption, and holding the executive accountable where urgency is lacking," he expressed. He said the key test following the SoNA and the President's reply to the debate on SoNA was whether government would accelerate structural reforms that unlocked growth and jobs. Steenhuisen noted the party's consistent call for urgent reforms in ports and rail through accelerated private concessions, an end to cadre deployment and the enforcement of merit-based appointments. The party also called for accelerated energy market reform, the unbundling of Eskom, and pro-investment policy certainty. "These are practical economic reforms, not ideological positions, and they are essential to achieving sustained growth," he said.

Overall crime stats remain high, Cachalia to 're-invigorate' community-policing Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on Friday said although various categories of violent crime have declined, overall levels remain unacceptably high. In releasing the 2025/26 third quarter crime statistics, Cachalia promised that the South African Police Service (Saps) would re-invigorate community-policing by establishing a national community-patroller programme for every province. While patrollers will not undertake any policing functions, they will be deployed to increase security presence and prevent crime, particularly in transport nodes, walkways, around schools, et cetera. Cachalia said he tasked the Civilian Secretariat for Police to develop the concept and a funding model, with the objective of training community members and issuing them stipends to assist with improving safety in their areas. He highlighted that after more than a decade of yearly increases, murder was on the decrease since the first quarter of 2023/24. "…this trend has continued throughout this year with this quarter showing a 8.7 decrease, or 602 fewer lives lost," he stated. He said this meant that over the last two years, the numbers of murders for the third quarter period of October 1 to December 31 dropped by 17.6%, or 1 359 fewer murders. He highlighted that total contact crimes, made up of all categories of violent crime, started to decrease in the third quarter of 2024/25. "During this quarter, total violent crime decreased again by 6.7%, or 12 682 fewer cases reported to the Saps, when compared to the same quarter last year. Over the past two years, total violent crime for this quarter is down by 8.3%, or 15 763 fewer cases. This trend may well be attributable to enhanced policing operations," he noted. While most communities have recorded a decrease in violent and property crimes, Cachalia said there were still too many communities that had recorded increases. "This does not necessarily translate into a felt sense of security by individuals, families and communities," he said. Of the 23 police officials who lost their lives 80% were off-duty. Next month, Cachalia will hold a meeting of all Provincial Heads of Community Safety, including some Premiers, to ensure that Saps aligns the operations of the national, provincial and local governments in implementing the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy in the high-crime precincts in all provinces. "We also need to ensure that communities are supported with their local level programmes to improve public safety. However, this must be done within the law. Where communities take the law into their own hands, resulting in murders and assaults, this creates further work for an already overstretched police service," said Cachalia. ORGANISED CRIME While most organised crime was not recorded in the national crime statistics, Cachalia said the impact of these crimes was real and severely damaging for the country. He explained that the quality of crucial public services such as education, health care and transport, was undermined when the public funds allocated for these services were stolen. "In the private sector, the cost of goods and services increase as private companies charge more to make up for losses in stock or fraud or incur additional security costs to prevent becoming victims to syndicated crime," he explained. He pointed out that the Madlanga Commission and related Parliamentary Ad Hoc inquiries had shown that organised criminality had infiltrated the country's criminal justice system. He announced that the Saps had already established a dedicated task team to investigate evidence of criminality against senior Saps and Ekurhuleni local government officials who had been identified by the interim report of the Madlanga Commission as being part of criminal activities. CONVICTIONS Meanwhile, Saps National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced that between October 1 and December 31, a total...

NHI halted as Ramaphosa awaits ConCourt ruling Two cases relating to the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) will be heard in the Constitutional Court in May, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to refrain from promulgating any provisions of the Act until they are both finalised. One of the challengers of the NHI Act, Solidarity, said on Friday that it had received communication from Ramaphosa's legal team that the NHI would be placed on hold. It was signed into law by Ramaphosa in 2024 but is yet to be implemented. The two cases that will be heard in May relate to public participation challenges. "We are instructed to advise that, in order to ensure the orderly procedural conduct of the pending challenges and to avoid parallel proceedings overlapping, the President confirms the undertaking set out below. The President undertakes not to promulgate any provisions of the NHI Act prior to the Constitutional Court handing down judgment in the public participation challenges," a letter from Ramaphosa's legal team reads. It further reiterated that Ramaphosa would not enforce any part of the Act until he was requested to do so by the Minister of Health. "As previously stated, the President does not act in isolation in considering and determining whether to bring legislation into effect or in determining whether to implement the legislation," the letter continued. Solidarity welcomed the NHI's delay, claiming that it was as a result of pressure from it and other organisations opposing the implementation. Solidarity Research Institute economic researcher Theuns du Buisson said maintaining the pressure would give the Department of Health the opportunity to reconsider. "It should, of course, never have progressed this far, as Solidarity has long indicated how unworkable, irrational and unaffordable the NHI scheme is. Even the Treasury recognises this, and we hope that this realisation is now also reaching the president and the minister of health," he said. Solidarity is expecting to head to court next week over the consolidation of multiple cases against the NHI.

Corruption, crime major deterrents to private investors, DA vows to enforce accountability Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga on Thursday accused the African National Congress-led government of failing Gauteng residents, promising to rescue the province by acting against criminality. Delivering his own State of the Province Address (SoPA), he pointed to a lack of accountability on as yet unpublished forensic reports and lifestyle audits, accusing Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi of empty promises. Lesufi will deliver the official SoPA on Monday. Msimanga said the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry had once again revealed that corruption was still festering and that Gauteng was a "petri dish of opportunities" for corrupt officials. "This must end now! The endless promises made by the current Premier of this province have come to naught, as we still have not seen any lifestyle audits being released on the current executive," he stated. He noted that a stopgap measure was put in place to remove Heads of Departments (HoDs) who did not pass the lifestyle audits and that only a portion of the 177 forensic investigation reports had been released and were heavily redacted. "…what has come to light is the fact that corruption at the Tembisa Hospital is widespread, and no one has been held to account to date. "In addition, Premier Lesufi denied our request and subsequent appeal to release the 177 forensic investigation reports. This is a blatant attempt to protect corrupt politicians and officials who are implicated in these reports," he said. Msimanga announced that the DA had decided that where forensic investigative reports recommended that criminal action be taken and where none had been, the party would take action. Last year, the DA opened a criminal case against former HoD for the Gauteng Department of Roads and Logistics Ronald Swartz, regarding the misuse of the bus subsidy funds, which resulted in money being wasted because the proper authorisation procedures were not followed. Msimanga said the DA was actively following the case and would continue to do so until it was concluded. "While the police are investigating the charges against the former HoD, Lesufi's government is stonewalling us and hiding behind the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI). They refuse to release the full unredacted PricewaterhouseCoopers report, citing the POPI Act. While we do believe that where needed officials identities should be protected, we cannot support protecting corrupt officials," he said. DA SUGGESTIONS In its own plan to fix the province, the DA suggested that all government officials, including the Premier and MECs, sign a performance agreement to be made public, that set out strict guidelines on how and when targets needed to be met. "This will not be a tick-box exercise. We will not do what the current Premier has done with the three suspended officials – move them to other departments where we think they will do no harm," Msimanga said. The DA suggests that disciplinary action against officials take place within 90 days. "There will no longer be long periods of suspension at the dime of the taxpayer. Corruption in this province and the rise in crime are among the major deterrents to private investors," he added. Msimanga pointed to failing hospitals, a rising unemployment rate, while criticising government for cable theft and water cuts. Msimanga promised that the DA would have an infrastructure master plan that would be implemented across all municipalities and provincial government departments where needed. This, he said would mean that the party would be working with the private sector to establish public-private partnerships to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects in the province. "Our track record in Midvaal speaks for itself; this municipality has received 11 consecutive clean audits. This has encouraged the private sector to invest in the local economy of Midvaal, which translat...

Parly committee flags ARV imports by companies listed as local Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health chairperson Faith Muthambi is urging greater transparency and accountability in the process of awarding of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) tenders by the Department of Health (DoH). The committee expressed concerns over an apparent lack of due diligence by the DoH when awarding tenders to Barrs Pharmaceuticals Industries and Innovata Pharmaceuticals, which were placed under business rescue in December 2025. The committee questioned the impact of the two suppliers being unable to meet their contractual obligations and the extent of the problem, as well as the contingency plans the department had in place, and if due diligence was conducted on the suppliers prior to their receiving the tender. Muthambi noted with concern that due diligence appeared to have been desktop-based, limiting the accuracy of local assessments. The DoH indicated that it was procuring at least 70% of its ARVs from local manufacturers, however, committee members questioned this, estimating that 70% of ARVs were imported, while only 30% were produced domestically. "It would appear that the country has at least four-million monthly patient capacity for Tenofovir Dolutegravir and Lamivudine (TDL) and yet less than 50% of this has been awarded domestically," she said. Muthambi explained that this assessment was based on several factors, including referencing TDL, which accounts for 80% of the contract value. "For the 84s pack size, members noted that Emcure (India) won 15% of the tender, but trade data from Indian customs indicates that Emcure imports its ARVs into South Africa. "In the last three-year contract, which ended two months ago, Emcure imported $43-million (R1.6-billion) worth of ARVs, yet the department lists Emcure as local," Muthambi pointed out. She highlighted that the department lists Barrs, Innovata, Aurobindo and Viatris as local manufacturers, despite evidence that they are importing ARVs into South Africa. Furthermore, Barrs, having gone into business rescue, had been acquired by Hetero, which would import ARV products into South Africa, she said. The committee wants the department to account for the discrepancy in the requirement that a minimum 70% be locally procured, when import data for the mentioned suppliers indicates otherwise. The committee said it sought documentation proving that these manufacturers were indeed producing ARVs in South Africa. "Additionally, members inquired why local producers like Sunpharma, Cipla and Adcock Ingram were excluded in favour of importers, and why the department did not maximise the capacities of both Aspen and Cipla, which could provide three-million monthly patient treatments, when both companies are competitive," Muthambi said. The committee wants a breakdown of how the DoH conducts its due diligence, particularly in confirming the shareholding of these companies and verifying whether manufacturers claiming to produce ARVs in South Africa are actually doing so.