South Africa recorded a trade surplus of R24.23-billion in June, revenue service figures showed on Wednesday.

The African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday rejected a news report which claimed that senior ANC members have complained that Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) are making the ANC "look bad" as DA Ministers supposedly outperform them.

The ANC said the report is completely without basis in fact nor is it even a narrative for the ANC national working committee (NWC) meeting.

"Several DA ministers, as well as Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie of the Patriotic Alliance, have been mopping the floor with the ANC, making its ministers appear "incompetent," the report stated.

It further claimed that concerns were raised at a recent ANC NWC meeting in which party leaders heard some Ministers were fearful of engaging with the media.

The ANC explained that there was no such discussion about anybody outperforming the ANC in government.

"There was no such a discussion precisely because there is no such outperformance of the ANC by anybody," the ANC noted.

All the initiatives announced by various departments in the past month are a continuation of the sixth administration policy programme, the party stated.

The ANC said it rejected the claims as "fabrications and a veiled attempt by the journalist, the so-called 'insider' and possibly the newspaper" itself to promote "falsehoods that cast another political party in better light."

The ANC explained that the NWC worked only to prepare reports for the upcoming regular National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for August 1 to 3.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane said on Tuesday it has filed a case with the South African Police Service (Saps) against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Tshwane Councillor Obakeng Ramabodu for his alleged racist remarks during July's Ordinary Council Meeting.

The party has also submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission to investigate him for hate speech and incitement of violence.

A council meeting, which included a Motion of No Confidence against Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink, quickly descended into chaos when the African National Congress (ANC) and EFF realised they lacked sufficient votes to remove the mayor.

DA Tshwane spokesperson Kwena Moloto explained that both parties chose to disrupt the meeting through violence and intimidation.

Moloto pointed out that during these disruptions, Ramabodu stated, "I would be happy to moer a boere. I want the blood of an Afrikaner."

Ramabodu has since apologised unconditionally.

"These appalling words constitute hate speech, and the DA condemns these racist remarks by the EFF leader. Councillors are leaders of society, and such irresponsible remarks by Councillor Ramabodu can have serious real-world consequences," he said.

Moloto added that racism had no place in Tshwane.

He said the party had referred Ramabodu to the Rules & Ethics Committee and requested that the Chief Whip refer Ramabodu to the Gauteng Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC.

Moloto pointed out that this was not the first time the party had had to open cases against the EFF in Tshwane.

In September 2023, cases were filed against EFF councillors for the assault of DA councillors in Chambers.

Moloto explained that under the leadership of Ramabodu, the EFF had "proven to be a divisive and destabilising force in Tshwane".

"There is no place for racism in our politics or our society. The DA will continue to fight against hate, violence, and division, ensuring that Tshwane is a city where all are respected and valued," he said.

Parliament welcomed the High Court's dismissal of the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF's) legal challenge, saying the latest ruling upheld the decisions taken by the Presiding Officers and affirmed the processes followed by Parliament in maintaining order and decorum within the legislative body.

The case relates to incidents during the February 2023 State of the Nation Address, where members of the EFF, including Julius Malema, Floyd Shivambu, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Marshall Dlamini, Vuyani Pambo, and Sinawo Tambo raised points of order and engaged in disruptive behaviour.

Parliament noted that despite the Speaker ordering them to cease their conduct and leave the Chamber, the members persisted, leading to their removal by the Serjeant at Arms and the Parliamentary Protection Services.

They were then charged with contempt of Parliament for their actions which were deemed "seriously detrimental to the dignity and orderly procedure of the House". The EFF challenged this.

Parliament explained that in its judgment, the court "meticulously" examined the events and the corresponding actions taken by Parliament, and found that the disciplinary measures imposed were consistent with the parliamentary rules and were necessary to preserve the integrity and functionality of Parliament.

In dismissing the EFF members' case, the court affirmed the correctness of the procedures and decisions implemented by the Presiding Officers, it added.

Parliament said it remained committed to upholding principles and ensuring that the parliamentary processes were not disrupted by "unparliamentary behaviour".

"The judgment serves as a reminder of the necessity for all Members of Parliament to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles and to contribute positively to the democratic process," Parliament added.

South Africa's trade minister said on Tuesday he is confident his country will maintain preferential trade status with the US despite concerns in Washington over its foreign policy including a strong pro-Palestinian stance.

Parks Tau was in Washington last week to lobby for renewal of the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and South Africa's continued participation in the programme, which provides duty-free access to the US.

South Africa has come under fire by some US lawmakers for its relationship with Russia and its criticism of Israel in the Gaza conflict. It could lose eligibility for Agoa if it were determined to be undermining US foreign policy interests.

"I am confident that Agoa will continue and that South Africa will stay in Agoa," Tau told a press briefing.

"We will keep a close eye on the process and will continue to lobby," he said, adding that further engagements were needed even though they had received a "relatively warm reception".

US trade officials said on Monday that they had positive discussions with the South African delegation.

"I think it was clear that our partners in South Africa have heard the concerns that were raised and there has been close engagement on multiple levels," said the US State Department's Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Joy Basu.

Agoa is due to expire next year and President Joe Biden supports its renewal, but the US election in November and possibility of a Donald Trump presidency introduces uncertainty.

Tau said that ideally the legislation would be renewed before the vote though US officials have said that is unlikely. An annual review of each country's eligibility is underway.

Separately, the US House of Representatives last month voted in favour of a bill that would require a full review of the US relationship with South Africa, citing concerns about ties to Russia and China and accusing it of supporting Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The bill would still need to pass the Senate and be signed by the president to become law.

South Africa says that supporting Palestinians does not equate to supporting Hamas.

Western nations are also unhappy with South Africa for failing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It has sought to position itself as a neutral mediator.

With the passing of the Public Procurement Act into law last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa is confident that the State will now get the best value from public procurement.

The Act aims to create a single framework for the procurement of goods and services by all organs of State in a manner that facilitates preferential procurement and reduces the risk of corruption.

The Public Procurement Act will be administered by the Minister of Finance and applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.

Ramaphosa said the State Capture Commission of Inquiry revealed the weaknesses in the country's public procurement system, with Chief Justice Raymond Zondo describing it as "the centrepiece of State capture".

"He consequently made a number of recommendations on how to prevent corruption in the procurement of goods and services by government. We are now fixing the problems the Commission identified and are making public procurement a more effective instrument for social and economic change," Ramaphosa said.

He said the Act formed part of government's commitment to prevent corruption and leave State capture in the past, while eliminating fragmentation in procurement laws, which was identified as a concern by Zondo.

"No government official may be directed, either verbally or in writing, to violate the required procurement processes. And no official can be victimised or suffer 'occupational detriment' for reporting any unlawful instruction. This is an important provision because many of the abuses that took place during the State capture era involved political office bearers, business people and others putting pressure on managers to flout procurement regulations," Ramaphosa stated.

A debarment order will ensure that anybody found guilty of influencing tender bids will be prevented from taking part in procurement processes for a period, while the law becomes much stricter on government officials submitting bids to the State, by barring them from doing so.

Ramaphosa highlighted that the Act ensures that procurement is more transparent with the use of technology to disclose information.

"Public procurement is about getting the best value for the State. It is also an opportunity to promote transformation of the economy and society. The new law therefore provides for set-asides in the allocation of contracts to advance companies owned by people historically disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. These include black South Africans, women, youth, persons with disabilities and military veterans," Ramaphosa noted.

The Act also aims to promote local procurement of goods and services and to create jobs.

"As we intensify our collective efforts to build an inclusive economy that creates jobs, the Public Procurement Act allows us to make best use of public funds to support transformation and local development. At the same time, by implementing measures to prevent the abuse of public procurement, the Act will help to ensure that public funds are put to the uses for which they are intended," said Ramaphosa.

Former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) on Monday accused the African National Congress (ANC) of using apartheid-era tactics following his expulsion from the former ruling party over the weekend.

The MKP hit back against a supposed leaked ruling from the ANC's National Disciplinary Committee that the former ANC leader had been expelled as a party member following his hearing last week.

Zuma founded the MKP in December 2023, while still a member of the ANC. The former ruling party then charged Zuma, ahead of the 2024 elections, for his support of the MKP, in violation of the party's constitution.

The MKP said, on behalf of Zuma, it was shocked and dismayed to learn from the media of Zuma's expulsion. It claimed the alleged leak of the ANC's report was a deliberate attempt by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa to undermine Zuma.

"Alarmingly, neither President Zuma nor his designated representative, Comrade Tony Yengeni, were informed of this ruling - a stark violation of both the ANC Constitution and the Constitution of South Africa. It is a foundational legal principle that no individual, not even those accused of serious crimes, should be punished or sentenced in their absence. This principle is designed to protect against miscarriages of justice, which sadly, this scenario closely mirrors, resembling a trial conducted through the media," the MKP said in a statement.

It said the ANC's disciplinary process was flawed and that the party exhibited "contradictory behaviour".

It accused ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of intimidating Yengeni, which it said tainted the procedural integrity of the disciplinary process.

"This leak is not an isolated incident but the climax of a series of repressive actions that disturbingly echo tactics once used during apartheid - an era from which the current ANC leadership under Ramaphosa and its coalition partners, the [Democratic Alliance], seem to have drawn inspiration," the MKP said.

According to the party, Zuma will consult with his lawyers on a way forward.

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after backing a rival party in May's parliamentary election, the party said on Monday.

Zuma was suspended from his long-time party in January after announcing he would support the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in the general election. He later became the leader and face of MK.

MK did better than expected in the poll and won about 15% of the vote, a major factor in the ANC's loss of its majority for the first time since the apartheid era.

"Former President Jacob Zuma has actively impugned the integrity of the ANC and campaigned to dislodge the ANC from power, while claiming that he had not severed his membership," ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula told the media.

"This conduct is irreconcilable with the spirit of organisational discipline and letter of the ANC Constitution."

The ANC won 40.18% of the vote in the election, down from 57.50% it gathered in 2019, forcing it into a coalition government for the first time since it took power at the end of white minority rule in 1994. MK is now the official opposition.

MK responded to media reports that Zuma had been expelled in a statement earlier on Monday, criticizing the ANC's process and condemning "grave injustices" against Zuma.

"President Zuma will engage his legal team to urgently determine the course of action," it said.

Zuma will have 21 days to appeal the decision, the ANC said.

Zuma, whose nine years in office from 2009 were marked by corruption scandals and sluggish economic growth, has been at odds with the ANC's leadership since he was forced to quit as party leader in 2018. He has repeatedly lashed out against his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

After declaring itself the "constructive opposition", Action SA says the African National Congress's (ANC's) "mealy-mouthed" acceptance of Zizi Kodwa's resignation as ANC MP is an indication of their lack of commitment to fighting corruption.

Kodwa, a former Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, was implicated in the State Capture Commission of Inquiry for allegedly receiving a R1.7-million bribe from an executive of a local technology company, which received government tenders.

On Tuesday, Kodwa and his co-accused, businessman Jehan Mackay, briefly appeared in court. Their case was postponed to August 21.

On Thursday, Kodwa tendered his immediate resignation to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.

"ActionSA argued from the outset that it is unthinkable for a member of Parliament to simultaneously juggle courtroom appearances for breaking corruption laws while also serving in Parliament and shaping the country's laws," said party parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip.

He said the ANC's integrity committee and step-aside policy did not prevent Kodwa being sworn in as an MP, despite the allegations of corruption against him.

"ActionSA believes that, in the interest of the integrity of Parliament, it is imperative to forgo the status quo where individuals accused of corruption continue to walk the corridors of Parliament in flagrant disregard of the ethical standards demanded of all representatives," Trollip said.

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that he had decided to name Mandisa Maya as the country's new Chief Justice, from September 1, there has been an overwhelmingly positive reception to her appointment, particularly as she is set to become the first female Chief Justice in South Africa.

Raymond Zondo will step down as Chief Justice when his term expires on August 31, and after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political parties, Ramaphosa decided Deputy Chief Justice Maya would be suitable to lead the judiciary.

"The Commission subsequently assured the President of Justice Maya's suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Justice Maya's qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal and her role as Deputy Chief Justice in the period leading to her nomination by the President," the Presidency said.

The African National Congress (ANC) expressed its support for Maya and pointed to her qualifications and judicial record in being able to lead South Africa's judiciary.

"Justice Maya exemplifies the belief that access should hold both jurisprudential and practical significance, her principles are built on a dedication to serving the people. Justice Maya will be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice, affirming the ANC's commitment to gender equality and advancing women's leadership across all sectors and societal leadership structures," the party said.

ActionSA said Maya's appointment was historic and a landmark moment for South Africa's judicial system and the country's commitment to gender equality and women empowerment.

"Justice Mandisa Maya's appointment represents a breakthrough in the traditionally male-dominated judiciary, serving as a beacon of progress and inspiration to women across South Africa. Her exemplary career, marked by dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice, sets a powerful example for aspiring female legal professionals. ActionSA believes that her presence on the bench will contribute significantly to a more balanced and representative judiciary, enhancing the perspectives and insights that shape our legal landscape," the party said.

It added that her appointment was in accordance with ActionSA values such as the advancement of women in leadership roles, as well as diversity.

It also pointed to Maya's track record and past judgments which it believed would ensure that the rights of all South Africans were protected.

"We look forward to working with Justice Maya on the JSC to ensure we find and appoint the best possible jurists to the bench to ensure that our judiciary upholds the Constitution and all its provisions and maintains its integrity by eschewing any political overreach," the party said.

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development chairperson Xola Nqola also applauded Maya's "milestone" appointment for the advancement of gender equality and the emancipation of women.

"She follows in the footsteps of great legal minds as she becomes the seventh Chief Justice in the democratic South Africa. The committee wishes her well on her appointment and knows she will make the country proud," said Nqola.

The Democratic Alliance also congratulated Maya on her appointment and wished her well in her role.

"As a party whose key principle is the rule of law, we wish her well as she takes up this vigorous task. While we look forward to Justice Maya's appointment, we also extend our deepest thanks to Justice Raymond Zondo, who will be stepping down as Chief Justice. His contributions to upholding the Constitution and the Rule of Law will not be forgotten," it said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) described Maya as a beacon of justice and an advocate for the marginalised. It noted that it had consistently supported her candidacy for Chief Justice.

The EFF said May...