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The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has urged all stakeholders to monitor the implementation of the Public Service Commission Bill once it becomes law, as it believes the "Government of National Unity cannot be trusted".

The National Assembly passed the Public Service Commission Bill during Tuesday's plenary session, and it will now be submitted to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

The Bill aims to regulate the Public Service Commission (PSC) and enhance its independence by establishing a secretariat to support its operations.

The MKP views the Bill as a "a pivotal step" to reinforce the independence, accountability, and professionalisation of the country's public service.

MKP national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said his party would hold the Government of National Unity (GNU) to account and ensure the Bill became the "necessary intervention" in the fight against corruption, cadre deployment and inefficiencies that undermined service delivery.

Ndhlela said the party's oversight would see to a "transformed, transparent, and competent" public administration, which served the people of South Africa in line with unwavering values of Ubuntu/Batho Pele.

He said his party would sure, "with vigilance", that the GNU established a secretariat to enhance the PSC's impartiality and autonomy, and that the Bill ensured skilled and qualified leadership through stringent criteria for commissioner appointments.

He added that the party would conduct expanded oversight, including of municipalities and public entities under the PSC's mandate, to strengthen accountability.

Meanwhile, in hunting down public service "ghosts", the members of the Public Service and Administration Portfolio Committee will next week conduct oversight visits in Gauteng and North West.

Committee chairperson Jan de Villiers explained the committee would engage with provincial government and other national departments on their strategies, scope and progress in conducting ghost employee audits throughout the State.

He said the committee will also prioritise all other provinces.

De Villiers explained that the existence of these public service ghost employees, created wastage in the public service wage bill and should be investigated.

"Ghost employees also works directly against the this government's efforts to establish a professional, merit-based and independent public service," he said.

He noted that the committee sought to hold a joint sitting with the Standing Committee on Finance, for a briefing by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and the Treasury, on the strategy, scope and progress of ghost audits throughout the State.

It also wants a special committee sitting with the PSC and the Department of Public Service and Administration to understand their current strategy, scope and progress in conducting ghost audits throughout government departments.

Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on International Relations & Cooperation Emma Louise Powell stated on Wednesday that under the Government of National Unity (GNU), South Africa's embassies across the world must now be staffed by "suitably qualified and appropriately trained professionals, capable of appropriately and impartially representing the country's miracle democracy".

Last week, the Department of State in Washington expelled South Africa's ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool, after he criticised US President Donald Trump's Presidency.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Rasool was a "race-baiting politician" who hated Trump.

Powell said in light of increased tensions between the US and South Africa, the DA wanted a formal review of foreign policy at the Cabinet level.

"…this includes the adoption of a consensus-based approach to the appointment of ambassadors," she said.

Pointing to the need to grow the South African economy and create jobs, Powell said the country's foreign policy must no longer be dictated by the African National Congress's (ANC's) historical and fraternal allegiances.

She highlighted the ANC's 39% electoral support in the last election and said the party could no longer single-handedly determine the country's foreign policy agenda without consulting partners in government.

Powell pointed to Section 231 (1) of the Constitution, which she said made clear that the negotiation and signing of all international agreements were the responsibility of the National Executive, "in other words - the multi-party Cabinet, established and regulated in terms of the GNU's founding Statement of Intent", she said.

"Specifically, sections 18 - 19.3 of the Statement of Intent specify that decisions taken by the National Executive (Cabinet) must be taken based on 'sufficient consensus," she highlighted.

South Africa's headline consumer inflation remained at 3.2% year on year in February, unchanged from the month before, data from the statistics agency showed on Wednesday.

In month-on-month terms inflation was at 0.9% in February, versus 0.3% in January.

Economists had forecast annual inflation would pick up slightly to 3.3%, still well below 4.5% - the level the South African Reserve Bank aims for.

The central bank is set to announce its next monetary policy decision on Thursday, after cutting rates at its last three meetings.

Economists polled by Reuters think the bank could pause its rate-cutting cycle given risks emanating from US President Donald Trump's tariff war and a deadlock in the ruling coalition over the country's national budget.

Remarks by South Africa's ambassador to the United States about President Donald Trump were "unacceptable," a State Department spokesperson told reporters on Monday after Washington last week made the decision to expel the envoy.

Ties between the two countries have slumped since Trump cut US financial aid to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land policy and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the International Court of Justice.

The expulsion of ambassador Ebrahim Rasool following an article that quoted him as saying President Donald Trump was leading a white supremacist movement, was the last straw.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday in a post on X that he was expelling Rasool, calling him a "race-baiting politician" who hates Trump, and reposting the article from right-wing website Breitbart.

"These remarks were unacceptable to the United States, not just to the president, but to every American," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, speaking at a daily briefing, told reporters.

"At the very least, what we should expect is a standard of some respect - basic, low-level respect - if you're in a position that is going to help facilitate any kind of diplomatic relationship with another country."

She added that Rasool's privileges as ambassador expired on Monday and he must leave the country by Friday.

South Africa's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Breitbart article or Bruce's comments.

REVIEW OF TIES

South Africa previously called the expulsion regrettable in statements from its presidency and international relations department, but said it remained committed to building mutually beneficial relations.

Asked by reporters whether other ambassadors to the United States could criticise Trump without fear of being expelled, Bruce said: "You want people in each embassy who can actually facilitate a relationship."

Rasool presented his credentials to then-President Joe Biden on January 13, a week before Trump took office, according to the embassy's website. It was his second stint in Washington.

Bruce also said the Trump administration was conducting a serious review of Washington's South Africa policy, citing South Africa's land policy, its growing ties with countries like Russia and Iran and "aggressive positions" toward the US and allies, including accusing Israel of genocide.

Trump has said, without citing evidence, that South Africa is confiscating land and that "certain classes of people" were being treated very badly.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law a bill in January aimed at making it easier for the state to expropriate land in the public interest, in some cases without compensating the owner.

Ramaphosa has defended the policy as evening out racial disparities in ownership in the Black-majority nation and said the government had not confiscated any land.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will on Tuesday confer an honorary doctorate on "respected statesman" Kgalema Motlanthe, who the university said is known for his "commitment to democracy, governance, and social justice".

The conferral will take place at the UJ Auditorium at Auckland Park Kingsway Campus in Johannesburg.

The university pointed out that throughout his career, Motlanthe had worked to advance economic and political reforms, championing the principles of equality and development.

"His leadership has left an enduring mark on South Africa's democratic progress," it said.

Motlanthe was incarcerated for ten years on Robben Island for various liberation struggle activities, and, after playing a significant role in the trade union movement, rose to leading positions in the African National Congress.

He ultimately served as South Africa's third president after Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, a position that highlighted his "statesmanship, intellect, and commitment towards social justice", UJ said.

Motlanthe is among eight individuals that the university is conferring honorary doctorates on during its 2025 graduation ceremonies, coinciding with its 20-year celebrations.

Last week, Barbara Masekela and Sister Abegail Nhleko were honoured for their leadership and social impact work, and on Monday the university conferred Professor Alfred Msezane with an honorary doctorate for his contributions to atomic, molecular, and condensed matter physics.

"These distinguished individuals exemplify UJ's commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact and transformation. The honorary doctoral degrees recognise individuals whose work has significantly advanced knowledge, public life, and social progress. Through their leadership, advocacy, and ground-breaking contributions, they have demonstrated a dedication to making a lasting difference in the world we live in," the university noted.

UJ's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, said these honourees exemplify UJ's commitment to excellence, service, and global impact.

"…their legacies remind us that leadership is measured not by accolades, but by the lives uplifted and the boundaries redefined. At UJ, we believe in education as a force for societal transformation, and these individuals embody that belief. Their stories inspire our graduates to go beyond personal success and contribute meaningfully to the world," he said.

Ratings agency Moody's expects South Africa's coalition government to reach a compromise that allows the country's deadlocked budget to pass with its focus on fiscal consolidation intact.

"Our baseline is for the GNU (Government of National Unity coalition) to reach a compromise, leading to an orderly approval of the budget," Moody's said in an issuer comment dated March 17.

"Continued friction within the GNU means there may still be some changes to fiscal measures before parliament approves the budget, but we expect the budget's overall focus on fiscal consolidation to remain."

The budget was postponed last month because of disagreements in the ruling coalition over a contentious plan to raise value-added tax (VAT), before Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented a revised version in parliament last week.

Most big parliamentary parties publicly rejected the amended budget, despite it scaling back the size of the proposed VAT hike, and negotiations are taking place to try to break the impasse.

The revised budget aimed for public debt to peak in the fiscal year that starts on April 1, a target Moody's predicted would remain in place in the version eventually passed by parliament.

The US is expelling South Africa's ambassador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, calling the envoy a "race-baiting politician" who hates President Donald Trump.

Ties have slumped since Trump cut US financial aid to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land policy and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the International Court of Justice.

"South Africa's Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country," Rubio said on Friday in a post on X about the rare barring of a nation's top diplomat.

"Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @Potus (Trump)."

In statements from its presidency and international relations department, South Africa called the move regrettable but said it remained committed to building mutually beneficial relations and would address the matter via diplomatic channels.

Rubio reposted an article from right-wing website Breitbart that quoted the envoy as saying that Trump was leading a white supremacist movement. He must depart by March 21, a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday.

Reuters was unable to contact Rasool or confirm his whereabouts.

News website Semafor reported this week that Rasool has failed to secure routine meetings with State Department officials and key Republican party figures since Trump, a Republican, took office in January,

The US is reviewing its South Africa policy, the State Department spokesperson added, citing the land policy, South Africa's growing ties with countries like Russia and Iran and "aggressive positions" toward the US and allies.

TIES AT 'LOWEST POINT'

"The US / South Africa relationship has now reached its lowest point," said Patrick Gaspard, a former US ambassador to South Africa. "There's too much at stake to not work towards the repair of this partnership."

Rasool presented his credentials to then-President Joe Biden on January 13, a week before Trump took office, according to the embassy's website, for a second stint in Washington.

Trump has said, without citing evidence, that "South Africa is confiscating land" and that "certain classes of people" are being treated "very badly."

South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who is close to Trump, has said white South Africans have been the victims of "racist ownership laws."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law a bill in January aimed at making it easier for the state to expropriate land in the public interest, in some cases without compensating the owner.

Ramaphosa has defended the policy as evening out racial disparities in ownership in the Black-majority nation and said the government had not confiscated any land.

Trump has offered to resettle white South African farmers and their families as refugees. The State Department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security and has begun implementing the plan, the State Department spokesperson said, adding that initial interviews were underway.

President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the creation of a collaborative framework for early childhood development (ECD), which brings together government, business, donors, ECD workers and all other social partners.

Ramaphosa was speaking during the Bana Pele 2030 Roadmap leadership summit, held in Johannesburg, where he said the framework must ensure that all role-players work together at both the provincial and municipal levels to improve access to quality early childhood education.

He explained that investing in ECD was about shaping the next generation of skilled, capable, and entrepreneurial citizens who would drive the country's economy forward.

"ECD provides children with the foundational skills they need to build a successful future. It helps to break the cycle of poverty that is handed down from one generation to the next," he said.

He highlighted that it is about giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow into confident, capable citizens who contribute positively to society.

"Children who receive a strong start are more likely to succeed in school and the workforce, reducing societal costs in areas such as healthcare, crime prevention and welfare," explained Ramaphosa.

Last week, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced an additional investment of R10-billion in ECD over the next three years.

"We therefore welcome this wonderful initiative for business, civil society, and government to work together to shape the future of ECD. This initiative will assist the strategic reorientation of the basic education sector to strengthen foundation learning," he said.

He highlighted that the benefits of universal access to ECD extended beyond the education of the child, noting that it also helped to empower families to break free from the effects of poverty.

The initiative also emphasised the importance of ECD in a child's life, a period critical for cognitive and emotional development, he added.

He said by focusing on comprehensive early childhood care and education, government could mitigate the disadvantages faced by many children owing to poverty and lack of resources.

"This holistic approach will ensure that children not only receive education but also proper nutrition, healthcare, and a safe environment," he explained.

Ramaphosa noted that investing in ECD yielded significant economic returns, pointing to studies, which he said had shown that every rand spent on early childhood education could save up to seven rands in future costs associated with remedial education, social services, and criminal justice.

"The ripple effects of a robust ECD system are felt across generations, fostering a cycle of opportunity and growth. We are determined that every child, regardless of their background or location, must have access to quality early education," he explained.

He said it was for this reason that the Department of Basic Education launched the Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive last year.

Ramaphosa called on all ECD programmes to register with the department so that all children could receive the start in life that they needed and deserved.

He said the Mass Registration Drive was an example of cross-sectoral collaboration at work.

"We have an opportunity to rethink and restructure the entire ECD landscape, making it more effective, more inclusive, and more impactful than ever before. As South Africans, we have a clear goal for all our children: access to quality learning opportunities for an additional 1.3-million children by 2030," he explained.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that while South Africa and the EU are expanding their traditional areas of cooperation, they are now focused on working together to develop the industries of the future.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the eighth Summit of South Africa and the EU, will be remembered as a watershed moment in the development of the country's trade and investment relations.

Last week, Ramaphosa had the privilege of hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa at the Summit in Cape Town.

He noted that at a time of great geopolitical turmoil, the summit reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of South Africa and the EU to multilateralism, the consistent application of international law and the centrality of the United Nations Charter.

He said the partnership agreed that a collective effort was needed by all countries to overcome global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, rising inequality and conflict.

"The EU shares South Africa's view that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed so that it is more inclusive, efficient, and democratic. In its composition and actions, the Security Council needs to better reflect the realities of today's world. We also agreed to strengthen efforts to safeguard and advance human rights across the world," explained Ramaphosa.

He highlighted that as a G20 member, the EU expressed its support for South Africa's G20 Presidency and its emphasis on solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.

It also welcomed South Africa's focus on forging partnerships between G20 members and other African countries.

Ramaphosa noted that the summit confirmed the great alignment between South Africa and the EU on matters of global and continental significance.

"…we share a vision of a just, peaceful, and more equal world order in which all countries can develop and thrive. We share similar views on how to navigate these difficult times, by standing together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, to adhere to international law and to strengthen the institutions of global cooperation," he said.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Meanwhile, he said the partnership agreed to work towards a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, highlighting that the partnership would support the development of value chains that were more environmentally sustainable.

"…it will make South Africa and the EU more competitive in a low-carbon global economy by improving conditions for investment in the extraction and local beneficiation of rare minerals, renewable energy, low-carbon hydrogen and clean technology," he explained.

Ramaphosa noted that the partnership would improve cooperation between South Africa and the EU on some of the regulatory issues that constrained greater levels of trade.

He added that this work should enable South African companies to export products such as sustainable fuel and electric and hybrid vehicles to the EU.

"One of the most important outcomes of the summit was the announcement by the EU of an investment package worth €4.7 billion - around R90-billion - to support investment projects in South Africa. This package will include grants and loans from European financial institutions and businesses," he said.

Ramaphosa explained that the investment would be used to build South Africa's vaccine production capacity and boost local pharmaceutical value chains.

"The package will also support South Africa's just energy transition through the development of critical raw minerals and low carbon hydrogen. In addition to investments in transport and digital infrastructure, the package will provide resources for skills development," he said.

He pointed out that South Africa would work with its EU partners to develop the industries that processed natural resources into finished goods for export.

This, he said created more jobs in South Africa and ensured that the country derived a greater benefit from natural re...

Fitch ratings agency said on Friday that it thought South Africa's government would struggle to stabilise debt as projected in this week's revised budget.

"South Africa's 2025 budget, unveiled on 12 March, indicates that the government remains committed to fiscal consolidation, despite upward pressure on public expenditure," Fitch said.

"The budget has narrowed the gap between our projections for the fiscal deficit and those of the government, but we remain less optimistic that general government debt is stabilising, with Fitch's baseline indicating that debt/GDP will continue to rise in the next two years."

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's amended budget projected that debt would peak at 76.2% of GDP in the fiscal year that starts on April 1.

Fitch said: "This is more optimistic than our latest assumption that debt will reach 78.8% of GDP in FY25, from 77% in FY24, and will continue to increase in FY26. It could be positive for the sovereign's rating if debt follows the path projected by the government."

Most big parliamentary parties have publicly rejected Godongwana's amended budget, despite it scaling back the size of a contentious hike in value-added tax. The budget was earlier postponed because of disagreements in the ruling coalition.