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The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Tuesday while it is not opposed to a workable Budget, it opposes an anti-growth, anti-jobs and anti-poor VAT-based Budget.

DA spokesperson on Finance, Dr Mark Burke was speaking in front of the High Court in Cape Town where the DA's urgent court application to interdict the pending VAT increase will be heard.

"We oppose a debilitating and bulldozing Budget that will lead to further poverty by taking money from people who can't afford it and giving it to people who don't know how to use it.

"We oppose a bullying Budget that will lead to more young people losing hope when they realise they will be poorer than their parents," said Burke.

He said the DA was opposing a "bleeding Budget", which he said would lead to more South Africans wondering why their property values had decreased further.

The party also opposed a "blind and blundering Budget," that it said would make it more expensive for the working class to get to and from work.

He said his party would lend its support to a Budget focussed on infrastructure investment and no new bailouts.

"…such a Budget had our support until the African National Congress (ANC) decided to steamroll a tone-deaf Budget against our advice and against our collaborative input made in good faith," Burke said.

He said while the DA aimed for a favourable ruling in court, a victory would only get the party so far.

"In the end, there is a need for politicians to pierce through privileged pipedream plans and outdated ideology. They need to see the scale of the problem facing our people," he said.

Meanwhile, ActionSA has claimed that, through a parliamentary reply, the DA's Deputy Minister of Finance Ashor Sarupen has implicated himself in being intimately involved in the Budget process, particularly in drafting the original February 19 Budget speech which included the deeply unpopular two percentage point VAT increase, as well as the subsequent revision to the split 1 percentage point increase.

"Yet in recent weeks, the DA has cynically weaponised this very VAT hike in a desperate attempt to salvage its political image and to extract more influence in the Government of National Unity (GNU)," said ActionSA MP Alan Beesley.

Beesley accused the DA of waging an internal war in the GNU by "prioritising extortionist power plays and Ministerial positions in the GNU over the financial well-being of millions of struggling South Africans".

He said the DA's "kamikaze-style attacks" on the Budget process were never about blocking an unjust tax hike, but rather a deliberate attempt to sabotage the Budget so that the party could renegotiate its position in the GNU.

"…the truth, however, is that the DA's Deputy Minister was directly involved in the initial drafting of the VAT increase. They knew it was coming and said nothing until it suited their narrow political agenda," he explained.

The DA's reply to ActionSA's accusation will be added once received.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering cooperation in investigating fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the legal profession and related sectors.

The partnership is established under the framework provided by Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The MoU formalises a structured mechanism for information sharing, collaboration in investigations, capacity-building initiatives, and joint efforts to ensure accountability within the legal sector. It also aims to enhance public confidence in the integrity and ethical standards of legal practice in South Africa.

Speaking in Pretoria, during the signing ceremony, SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi said the MoU represented a significant step in strengthening the mechanisms to combat fraud and corruption.

"We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the LPFF and turning the commitments of this MoU into tangible results. Together, we are better equipped to protect public interests, uphold the rule of law, and promote good governance," he said.

LPFF CEO Motlatsi Barnabas Molefe welcomed the collaboration, stating that the practitioner's partnership with the SIU demonstrated its commitment to protecting public resources and maintaining trust in the legal profession.

"…by sharing resources and expertise, we can collectively respond more effectively to threats of fraud and unethical practices. Where we fall short, the SIU will help us have teeth to bite. More importantly, to recover funds that are stolen from the public," he explained.

Notably, joint efforts have previously prevented potential financial losses exceeding R3-billion and resulted in 45 referrals to the LPFF, involving about R279.5-million.

These cases highlighted non-compliance by legal practitioners, particularly relating to trust accounts and fund disbursement, and exposed potential misappropriation.

Criminal referrals were made to the National Prosecuting Authority.

"We don't want to leave any aspect unattended, So, just in terms of the numbers, the ones that we have referred to the NPA is about 54, as we speak today. 54 legal practitioners referred to NPA," Mothibi pointed out.

The MoU will serve as a strategic platform to deepen cooperation, improve information-sharing, coordinate investigative efforts, and promote integrity and justice, he added.

It further formalises mutual responsibilities, prioritises joint cases, and ensures regular communication on developments and outcomes, ultimately strengthening the collective fight against fraud, corruption, maladministration, and malpractice to enhance public service delivery.

Meanwhile, Mothibi pointed out that the SIU was investigating the Road Accident Fund, with quite a number of legal practitioners found to be recalcitrant.

"But then it looks like they've now sort of migrated, you know, to the medical legal space. And now they are realising also that that area is being squeezed, or they have been squeezed out.

"We do not know what would be the next area. But, you know, in any instances where there are claims submitted and so on, you know, the legal practitioners tend to be present. And we would like to really ensure that going forward, we continue to demonstrate to them that that kind of unethical conduct is unacceptable. And it's important then to really have this kind of partnership with you and the LPFF so that they know and they can see," Mothibi said to Molefe.

He said the MoU was not the start of the relationship but rather a formalisation of an already productive partnership, pointing out that the collaboration began under Proclamation R74 of 2022, gazetted in 2022, which authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of impropriety relating to the national and provincial departments of Health.

Freedom Under Law (FUL) has welcomed the decision by the Constitutional Court to dismiss uMkhonto weSizwe Party's (MKP's) leader in Parliament and impeached judge Dr John Hlophe's appeal of the Western Cape High Court's interdict that prevented him from sitting as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

As a Judge, prior to his political career, Hlophe was removed from office by the National Assembly, following the JSC finding him guilty of dishonesty and gross misconduct for his attempts to unlawfully influence two Constitutional Court judges, in 2008, to rule in favour of Jacob Zuma in cases before them.

Last year, he was nominated by the Zuma-led MKP, the political party he joined following his removal from judicial office, to serve on the JSC, which is responsible for nominating judges for appointment, and for disciplining judges.

"FUL was one of the parties which challenged the National Assembly's designation of Dr Hlophe as a member of the JSC. Central to FUL's arguments was the clear view that for someone who had been removed from judicial office for gross misconduct to be a member of the body which is central to the selection of judges is unconstitutional and unlawful," said FUL executive officer Judith February.

FUL further argued that the National Assembly was unreasonable and irrational in its decision to designate Hlophe as a JSC member and that it did not fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect the courts.

February said the ConCourt's ruling, which came with costs against Hlophe, was important to prevent future "dilatory" court proceedings.

"This is an important measure to protect the court process from being stymied by unnecessary appeals as has so often been witnessed in South African courts in the past decade. FUL stands by its arguments as to why Dr Hlophe should not be designated as a member of the JSC, and awaits the final judgment of the Western Cape High Court which is currently pending," said February.

South Africa's finance minister has said that failing to raise the value-added tax rate from May would cause severe harm to state finances, court papers showed, after a stand-off over the proposal risked the stability of the coalition government.

The two biggest parties in the coalition government, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have been at odds over the proposal to raise VAT by 0.5 percentage points on May 1 and another 0.5 points next year.

VAT is currently at 15%.

In response to the pro-business DA challenging the legality of the VAT hike plan in court, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana argued that any delay or removal of the VAT hike would have dire consequences on the country's finances.

"If the rate increase is halted now, that revenue will be lost, and the state will be left without the funds needed to meet already-budgeted spending commitments," Godongwana said in papers lodged with the court on Wednesday.

"The consequences would be severe and far-reaching. Government would be immediately forced either to cut expenditure or to increase borrowing."

Lawmakers have the power to amend or withdraw the impending VAT hike through upcoming budget votes.

Some smaller political parties have put forward proposals that would include deeper expenditure cuts instead of a VAT hike.

Local news headlines last weekend had suggested the ANC was likely to drop its insistence on a VAT hike this year after indications that none of the parties it had been talking to would support it.

Godongwana also conceded on state broadcaster SABC on Wednesday that wrangling over a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT might not be in the broader public interest.

South Africa's National Treasury estimates that raising VAT will generate about R13.5-billion in additional revenue for the 2025/26 financial year.

During his oversight visit to the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa pointed out that despite progress in many areas in the province, its growth and development is significantly hampered by poor governance, mismanagement of public resources, and corruption, particularly at a municipal level.

Since November last year, the Presidency has undertaken oversight engagements in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, with Ramaphosa saying he hopes to conclude the first round of visits to all the provinces in the next few months.

During a meeting with the Eastern Cape Provincial Council, Ramaphosa cited the Auditor-General's 2023-2024 Consolidated General report which noted improvements and called out irregularities that impeded the province's growth.

Since the end of the previous Provincial Administration's term, the report notes stable leadership has strengthened oversight, increasing the number of departments with clean audits from five to nine.

Submission of good-quality financial statements improved from 62% of departments at the start of the Administration to 76% in 2023-24 owing to proactive support by the Provincial Treasury.

"At the same time, the report noted that the Eastern Cape had the highest number of material irregularities of all provinces, which resulted in an estimated financial loss of R197-million," Ramaphosa said.

Out of the 30 material irregularities identified, 13 remained unresolved at the time of reporting.

"Not only must we pay attention to how well public funds are managed. We also need to pay attention to how these funds are used," he said.

The Auditor-General also revealed that the Education Department did not achieve 80% of its targets for public ordinary schools and infrastructure delivery performance indicators, while the Health Department did not achieve 54 of its district health services performance indicators.

"While there is much that can be learnt from these and other statistics, the true measure of progress are the changes brought about in the lives of the people of this province. We must be concerned when we see the collapse of services and the deterioration of infrastructure in our metros, cities and towns," Ramaphosa said.

He berated the fact that pensioners are forced to cross raging rivers in drums because there are no bridges, and sick patients must lie on the floors of hospitals because there are no beds.

"The extent of these and other challenges means that we need to make critical decisions about resource allocation and spending in a difficult economic climate. We are called upon to drive inclusive growth and job creation within an ever more volatile global economy," Ramaphosa said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday laid corruption charges against Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane, and accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of protecting African National Congress (ANC) Ministers implicated in corruption.

Simelane is alleged to have stolen more than R700 000 by fraudulently billing State-owned Eskom when she worked for consulting firm Vitrovian.

Eskom is reported to have used Vitrovian to suppress protests at the Kusile power plant during its construction.

DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said Vitrovians' charges to Eskom appeared ridiculously inflated, and Eskom was also allegedly invoiced by Vitrovian for work done by employees that did not exist.

She noted that Simelane's signature appeared on the first of these invoices, directly implicating her in the scandal.

Breytenbach highlighted that the allegations were in addition to Simelane's alleged involvement and subsequent implication in the looting of VBS Bank.

"The President has repeatedly refused to disclose the content of Simelane's report to him on these allegations, despite several requests by the DA that he does so. The President's continued protection of Simelane raises serious questions on his ability and willingness to root out corruption at the highest level," she said.

Breytenbach accused Ramaphosa of allowing a culture of impunity for ANC Ministers accused of corruption, to grow.

She warned that if he failed to remove Simelane from her post, he would become complicit in the corruption he said he was intent on fighting.

The DA said it was determined to purge government of corrupt officials, "with or without" Ramaphosa's help, saying it eagerly await the outcome of the investigation against Simelane.

Support for the African National Congress (ANC), which ruled South Africa outright for three decades after apartheid rule ended, has slipped further since it lost its parliamentary majority in last year's elections and now lags that of its main rival for the first time, a new opinion poll showed.

Of 807 respondents canvassed by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) by phone between March 27 and April 3, some 29.7% said they backed the ANC and 30.3% the business friendly Democratic Alliance (DA). Support for the DA among registered Black voters jumped to 18% from 5%. The poll had a margin of error of about 4%.

The ANC's political dominance has been steadily eroded by public dissatisfaction over inadequate government services and high levels of poverty and unemployment. The party garnered 40.2% backing in the May 2024 elections and the DA 21.8%, and they then teamed up to form a so-called government of national unity with eight smaller rivals.

The coalition's two main members have sparred over health, education and land-expropriation laws and plans by the National Treasury to raise value-added tax, raising questions about the durability of their alliance. The country is due to hold municipal elections next year, while the next national vote is scheduled for 2029.

"The potential emergence of a politics defined by socio-economic concerns rather than identity-based grievance is one of the standout features of the latest polling," the IRR said.

The responses reflect "mounting public dissatisfaction with the ANC's insistence on raising VAT. The DA's participation in the GNU, coupled with its prominent opposition to the tax hike, appears to have boosted its national appeal," it said.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George says his department is actively engaging with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (Saps) through platforms such as the National Biodiversity Investigators Forum to enhance bail opposition for environmental crime suspects, particularly repeat offenders and foreign nationals with no fixed address.

The Minister said discussions between the entities focused on improving the quality of affidavits drafted by investigating officers to present stronger cases in court.

George said the recent conviction and sentencing of a 54-year-old Zimbabwean national Thomas Chauke, underscored government's unwavering commitment to combatting environmental crime.

Chauke was convicted and sentenced to 110 years' imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court in February 2025, for six counts of rhino poaching and wildlife-related offences, alongside three counts of escaping lawful custody.

George commended the Saps, particularly the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, for its "meticulous investigation and dedication" in securing the conviction.

The Minister applauded the collaborative efforts between the Saps and the NPA, which he said ensured effective coordination and prosecution across multiple provinces, including the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West.

The department is also sharing best-practice affidavits with investigators to ensure more effective bail opposition and is exploring options to secure funding for dedicated support to Saps in these applications.

At the upcoming Environmental Management Inspectors executive training this month, the NPA will address bail-related issues, allowing for direct engagement with the Minister and other stakeholders.

"This landmark sentencing, coupled with these strategic interventions, sends a powerful message to those involved in illegal wildlife trafficking and environmental destruction," said George.

George reiterated his support for ongoing efforts to protect South Africa's precious biodiversity and natural heritage, ensuring that perpetrators faced the full might of the law.

The African National Congress (ANC) said the "landmark ruling" to include crimes against humanity charges in the Congress of South African Student (COSAS) 4 case marked a "decisive step forward" in the long and painful journey toward truth, justice, and accountability for the families of the young freedom fighters.

Judge Dario Dosio delivered the ruling on Tuesday, in the Johannesburg High Court.

This case involves the deaths of Eustice "Bimbo" Madikela, Peter "Ntshingo" Matabane, Fanyana Nhlapo, and the severe injury of Zandisile Musi on February 15, 1982, at the hands of the Security Branch of the South African Police.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC saluted the persistence of the families for over four decades.

"As we approach the trial phase, the ANC reaffirms its full support for the families and for the principle of accountability. We urge all South Africans to draw strength and vigilance from this moment," she stated.

Bhengu-Motsiri added that the case was a reminder that the price of freedom was "paid in blood", and that justice is a debt owed to those who died in pursuit of South Africa's democratic dispensation.

AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit (PPU) has urged the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to give corruption cases appropriate attention and allay fears that politicians implicated in serious corruption are shielded from prosecution.

The unit said it was briefed to consider prosecuting Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and other senior State officials in a multimillion-rand corruption case after the NPA decided not to prosecute.

The unit is representing erstwhile Mthombeni Projects director Lonwabo Bam, who "personally and unlawfully" distributed funds paid into his company account, after he was instructed to disburse the funds to several companies.

The case is related to, amongst others, transport arrangements for the funeral of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Bam opened the case in April 2019, alleging that he was paid funds from the provincial government despite providing no services in return.

He claims he was then instructed to disburse the funds to several companies.

"These allegations and the facts surrounding them have been in the public domain since October 2021 and the subject of numerous media investigations," said the unit.

Bam alleged that Eastern Cape Public Works former head Babalo Madikizela instructed him to submit a forged invoice to the municipal manager of Mbizana local municipality Luvuyo Mahlaka for R1.1-million.

It is alleged that Mabuyane received R450 000, which he used to pay for renovations on his private house; Madikizela was paid R350 000 via a company owned by his wife; and R280 000 was paid into the African National Congress's fundraising account.

In a letter to the NPA, PPU head Advocate Gerrie Nel, said there was overwhelming evidence and a compelling case for prosecution.

"We cannot avoid concluding that the NPA's failure to make a decision is based more on the political implications and consequences of such a decision, than a duty to prosecute without fear favour and prejudice," he said.

The Public Protector investigated the allegations and referred the matter for further investigation, however in February 2023 the Eastern Cape High Court set aside the Public Protector's report on technical grounds relating to exceeding the office's jurisdiction.

Subsequently, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecution declined to prosecute the case.

Nel said it was ironic that the NPA would criticise accused persons for using the Stalingrad defence as a tactic while doing everything possible to avoid prosecuting cases with political influences.

"…in doing so, the NPA has regrettably failed to overcome the historical and ongoing criticism that the NPA cannot shake itself free of its shortcomings. Any expectation by law-abiding citizens to rely on the NPA offers no hope of turning the tide against corruption and crime," he added.