Polity.org.za Audio Articles

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have agreed to work together, as parties prepare for the 2026 Local Government Elections and the 2029 General Elections.

Following a meeting, held in Durban on Wednesday, the parties discussed their shared values and objectives and agreed that their respective secretary-generals will hold bilateral meetings to see how best both parties can work together in upcoming by-elections.

The outcomes of these meetings will then be presented to the parties' leadership and members.

"The MK and ATM principally agree that the struggle for total emancipation of the colonised and oppressed people of South Africa is incomplete and needs a unified response and common action," the parties said.

They will join forces on all political, community and parliamentary programmes and activities.

"We jointly call on all progressive political formations and individuals in South Africa to support and associate with the revolutionary and long overdue efforts to unify all the progressive forces. Unity is the most important weapon in the war against colonialism and for total emancipation and freedom of our people," the parties said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) national spokesperson Willie Aucamp has said that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party's (MKP's) recent treason charges filed against AfriForum, have "no prospect of success", and will only harden attitudes against South Africa in the US.

Last month, the MKP opened a case of treason against AfriForum in Cape Town, with the South African National Civic Organisation also announcing its intention to open a similar case against AfriForum, and other organisations.

The case followed US President Donald Trump's accusation that South Africa is "confiscating land" and "treating some classes of people very badly".

The Hawks have confirmed that four dockets of High Treason have been opened, following accusations of the spread of misleading information in the US on South Africa's Expropriation Act.

Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said the dockets concerned some individuals that may have crossed the border to communicate things that had been perceived as treasonous.

He did not mention any names of organisations.

"…there are some organisations that are suspected to be involved, but certain complainants have indicated that this and that organisation seem to be the ones that are advocating something that appears to be high treason," he said.

Aucamp said the country can't afford MKP's treason charges against AfriForum in the changing global environment.

He described it as "frivolous stunts that only inflame divisions".

"…now is the time for cool-headed and mature leadership that does not indulge in extremes. It is also a time for unity and open communication lines to create the conditions inside South Africa where all communities are heard and can contribute to a stable democracy and prosperous economy," he said.

Aucamp said there was a shared national interest in building capacity against a "gathering global storm".

He added that South Africa would be "profoundly affected by this, especially given the poor international positioning and policy choices over the last three decades of African National Congress (ANC) government".

Meanwhile, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel argued on Tuesday that there were no legal grounds for the treason charges brought against the organisation, expressing its readiness for the investigation.

Kriel emphasised that any potential court case would provide AfriForum with the platform to show how "disloyal" ANC leaders behaved towards ordinary people of the country by "gambling with the country's future".

The African National Congress (ANC) said on Wednesday South Africa's 0.6% GDP growth shows a positive growth trajectory despite challenges in areas such as standards of living, which it attributed to an inflationary economy and other economic factors.

South Africa's GDP increased by 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, following a decrease of 0.1% in the third quarter of the year.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri noted that the growth was indicative of economic expansion, which she said imbued hope and served as positive sign for economic growth.

"This development is aligned with our priorities of pursuing a developmental macroeconomic framework, tackling the high cost of living in line with our economic transformation agenda," she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri said that as a measure of economic growth, the 0.6% expansion demonstrated strides made to ensure an upward and positive developmental path and "a country at work".

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 17.2%, contributing 0.4 of a percentage point to the positive GDP growth, while the finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.1%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point and the transport, storage and communication industry decreased by 1%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point.

The agriculture; construction; trade; transport; manufacturing; and general government services industries recorded negative growth in 2024.

Statistics South Africa attributed the growth to agriculture, which Bhengu-Motsiri said had the most significant positive impact on GDP growth on the supply side of the economy owing to a rise in the production of field crops and animal products.

"This growth was boosted by the sterling performance by finance, real estate and business services which grew for an eighth consecutive quarter, with financial intermediation, real estate activities and other business services the largest positive contributors to growth," she said.

The ANC said it would continue to work with the business sector, investors and other stakeholders for small- medium-sized, and microenterprise growth, poverty eradication and job creation.

"This positive economic development is a testament to South Africa's resilience and the ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive economy. The ANC remains committed to fostering sustainable growth that benefits all South Africans and strengthens our vision of a better life for all," explained Bhengu-Motsiri.

Following a recent Solidarity Movement delegation visit to the US amid tensions between Washington and Pretoria, the Democratic Alliance (DA) also undertook a visit to the US capital this week, in an attempt to stabilise diplomatic relations between both countries.

Turbulent relations between South Africa and Donald Trump's administration came to a head after the signing of the Expropriation Act, tensions which many believe were exacerbated by the Solidarity Movement and its members AfriForum and Solidarity lobbying the US.

Charges of treason have since be laid against AfriForum.

Trump has stopped aid to the country, significantly impacting thousands of health-care programmes, and critically jeopardising HIV/Aids projects.

There are also concerns surrounding the possibility that South Africa could lose vital access to US markets through the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

During its visit to Washington, the DA said it had engaged with the US Congress, State Department and the White House, to present "accurate and fact-based information" on issues affecting South Africa.

"The DA further emphasised the importance of maintaining strong communication channels between our two nations, in light of recent tensions exacerbated by unnecessary provocations, which come at the expense of the unity and continued economic development of our Nation," said DA International Relations & Cooperation spokesperson Emma Louise Powell.

She said the visit proved that there was a need to strengthen bilateral trust.

Further, the DA is legally challenging the Expropriation Act.

"The DA has consistently called for a comprehensive reform of South Africa's foreign policy agenda and the consistent application of our policy of non-alignment in advancing our national interest. The DA remains resolute in opposing the ANC's divisive, race-based policies, and advocating for a means-based approach to addressing systemic inequality," she added.

Following a significant reconfiguration of its national structures, the African National Congress (ANC) has hit back against some media, accusing them of attempts to "create a false narrative of divisions within the movement by ascribing demotions and promotions where none exist".

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula made changes to the party's national executive committee (NEC) subcommittees, which some news reports have claimed is indicative of power plays in the party.

On Tuesday, the ANC sought to clarify the significant changes made to its structures, arguing that they formed part of the party's plan to strengthen organisational capacity and governance.

"The Special NEC Meeting of 20 February 2023 approved the latest deployment rotation, which is conducted biennially to enhance oversight and strengthen leadership across provinces. Additionally, deployments to NEC subcommittees are periodically reviewed to align with organisational priorities and the evolving responsibilities of NEC members serving in government," the party explained.

It said the deployments were normal and standard rotational processes for effective leadership and oversight.

"The media has a responsibility to report accurately and develop a better understanding of the ANC's internal processes instead of fuelling speculation that misleads the public and seeks to sow unnecessary discord," the ANC said.

A full list of the party's new deployees can be found here.

Lobby group AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel argued on Tuesday that there are no legal grounds for the treason charges brought against the organisation, expressing its readiness for the investigation.

The Hawks have confirmed that four dockets of High Treason have been opened, following accusations of the spread of misleading information in the US on South Africa's Expropriation Act.

The Solidarity Movement and its organisations recently held meetings with representatives of US President Donald Trump's administration to discuss concerns regarding South Africa's policies.

Many have labelled the Solidarity Movement and its associated organisations as "treasonous", with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party recently opening a case of treason against AfriForum.

However, the Solidarity Movement and its organisations have instead blamed the South African government, and particularly the African National Congress (ANC), for allegedly alienating the US and straining tensions.

Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said the dockets concerned some individuals that may have crossed the border to communicate things that had been perceived as treasonous.

He did not mention any names of organisations.

"…there are some organisations that are suspected to be involved, but certain complainants have indicated that this and that organisation seems to be the ones that are advocating something that appear to be high treason," he said.

Lebeya said four case dockets were laid by different complainants, and some were laid by political parties.

He said the investigations were at the initial stage and that the Hawks would be working closely with the prosecuting authority.

Kriel highlighted that should the State decide to continue with actions against AfriForum, the organisation would strengthen its position to show that ANC leaders were abusing their power to govern against certain sections of the population.

"…this abuse takes place while ANC leaders who have been implicated in corruption by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture go untouched," he said.

Kriel emphasised that any potential court case would provide AfriForum with the platform to show how "disloyal" ANC leaders behaved towards ordinary people of the country by "gambling with the country's future".

"…this is done through reckless policies such as the Expropriation Act, the Basic Education Act Amendment Act, racial discrimination and a careless foreign policy," he said.

AfriForum said it had not yet received any official notice of the Hawks' investigation.

Meanwhile, the delegation to the US continued their discussions with role players this week.

Since last week, a delegation from AfriForum, Solidarity and the Solidarity Movement have been meeting with politicians and other role players in the US to promote the interests of Afrikaners and South Africa.

South Africa's GDP increased by 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, following a decrease of 0.1% in the third quarter of the year.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 17.2%, contributing 0.4 of a percentage point to the positive GDP growth. This was primarily owing to increased economic activities reported for field crops and animal products.

The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.1%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for financial intermediation, real estate activities and other business services.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade and motor trade.

The transport, storage and communication industry decreased by 1%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.

The manufacturing industry decreased by 0.6%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Six of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates. The largest negative contributions were reported for the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division and the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division.

General government services decreased by 0.5%. This was mainly owing to decreased employment in national and provincial government and extra-budgetary institutions.

The electricity, gas and water industry decreased by 1.4%. This was largely owing to decreases in electricity production and consumption.

The mining and quarrying industry decreased by 0.2%. Decreased economic activities were reported for manganese ore and iron-ore.

Meanwhile, real GDP for the full 2024 increased by 0.6%, following an increase of 0.7% in 2023, with the growth primarily led by higher economic activities in finance, real estate and business services; personal services; and electricity, gas and water.

The agriculture; construction; trade; transport; manufacturing; and general government services industries recorded negative growth in 2024.

ActionSA announced on Monday a Cabinet Reform Package that it hopes will save R1.5-billion in taxpayer money and rid government of a "bloated executive".

The party will table a Constitutional Amendment to abolish Deputy Ministers entirely from the Cabinet structure by amending Section 91 and repealing Section 93 of the Constitution.

ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip explained that this would be done in conjunction with a Constitutional Amendment requiring Parliament to ratify Cabinet appointments within a set timeframe by amending Section 92 of the Constitution.

"This will, for the first time, introduce Parliamentary vetting of ministerial appointments by the President, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability of the executive," he said.

Through the party's Cabinet Reform Package, it hopes to save the taxpayer from funding Ministers' lifestyles.

"...this indulgence in wasteful perks allows 32 Ministers, 43 Deputy Ministers, and their large staff complements to live in luxury while demanding that taxpayers, who fund their billion-rand rockstar lifestyles, tighten their belts and accept potential tax increases," he said.

Trollip noted that the party would also urgently table the Cut Cabinet Perks Bill - a piece of legislation previously introduced but later abandoned by the Democratic Alliance (DA) once they joined the African National Congress (ANC) and "became beneficiaries of these very perks".

He said this would amend the remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998 to "drastically reduce" excessive Ministerial allowances, housing perks, travel expenses and "superfluous" VIP protection.

"The extent of this waste continues to be exposed in our Government of National Unity Performance Tracker, which reveals that, in the first few months since their appointment in July 2024, just over half of the Ministers have cumulatively blown R143.5-million on travel alone," he added.

Trollip highlighted that in strengthening deterrence and accountability, ActionSA's Zero-Tolerance Corruption Bill will legislate "stricter penalties," by increasing the minimum sentence for corruption involving transactions exceeding R500 000 to 15 years' imprisonment, with no option of a fine or parole.

The Bill will hold individuals and corporations accountable through mandatory repayment of corruptly acquired funds and additional punitive penalties, and will also bar anyone convicted of corruption from holding public office, serving as an accounting officer, working for the State or registered non-profits, or holding elected positions within political parties.

Trollip noted that the Bill was aimed at addressing the "glaring limitations" of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), specifically in its definition of corruption and accountability.

"In tackling these failures, exposed most notably during the most egregious era of State capture, ActionSA's legislative action focuses on strengthening PRECCA to effectively combat corruption and punish those who perpetrate it," he explained.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that better educational outcomes in basic education are linked to broader social and economic development, and pointed out that investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is key to economic growth, job creation, productivity and economic competitiveness.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, to uplift individuals and communities, and to bring about a more equitable society.

He said the country's basic education system must produce learners that are able to find work in an ever-changing knowledge- and technology-based global economy.

He highlighted that the efforts of the Department of Basic Education to strengthen the provision of technical and vocational pathways to learners in high school are therefore to be welcomed.

"…such education prepares young people for a diverse range of occupations that are most needed by a growing economy," he said.

Ramaphosa explained that even in more industrialised economies than South Africa's, technical and vocational training is recognised as a solid pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.

He pointed to the World Bank's recent South Africa Economic Update, which highlighted basic education as a key enabler of inclusive growth in South Africa and recommended a set of potential reforms, including prioritising foundational years and focusing on building numeracy and literacy capabilities.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa also pointed to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) provision, which he said promotes social equality.

"Children from poor families benefit most from access to ECD. As the learning journey progresses, quality ECD is also linked to better transitions into high school, lower repetition and dropout rates, and better academic performance overall," he explained.

Last week, Ramaphosa attended the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, where discussions on how best to realign the existing education curriculum to strengthen foundational learning, including through ongoing assessments, scaling up teacher training and development, and expanding the provision of ECD learning and teacher support material were discussed.

He explained that South Africa has spent 30 years trying to correct the effects of Bantu Education.

"…this effort has now received greater impetus with the passage of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. This Act makes Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, compulsory," he said.

Through an enhanced focus on ECD, Ramaphosa noted that the Act will help ensure that young children are better prepared for formal schooling.

He explained that ECD plays a critical role in developing early literacy, early numeracy and social-emotional skills during an important time in a child's cognitive development.

"Children who attend quality pre-primary programmes tend to have larger vocabularies, better number awareness, stronger perceptual skills, improved social skills and greater curiosity," he said.

The African National Congress (ANC) has appointed Zuko Godlimpi as head of its economic transformation committee (ETC) in an overhaul of its internal structures.

The youngest member of the ANC's top decision-making body, Godlimpi previously served as deputy on the panel to Mmamoloko Kubayi, who's been removed as chairperson. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri confirmed the change by phone.

Godlimpi, who serves as deputy minister of trade and industry in Cyril Ramaphosa's administration, has been touted as a possible future finance minister. Enoch Godongwana, the current minister, previously served as chairperson of the economic transformation committee.

Kubayi was among ANC officials who last month opposed the National Treasury's proposal to increase the value-added tax rate by two percentage points. That objection, along with opposition by the Democratic Alliance - the second-largest party in the nation's ruling coalition - led to the postponement of the budget for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994.

Kubayi asked to be "moved out of the ETC" after her appointment to the justice department in December, her spokesman Terrence Manase said by phone on Monday.