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Solidarity said on Friday that it will fight what it called the "unconstitutional, unworkable and unaffordable" National Health Insurance (NHI) system in court.

In May, the organisation served court documents on the government.

On Thursday, newly elected Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the NHI Act is imperative and it must be implemented.

The Act was spearheaded by the African National Congress and signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa less than two weeks before May 29 elections.

The Act was signed amid significant criticism from political parties and civil society organisations, with Solidarity saying the NHI Act was "impracticable, unnecessary and totally unaffordable".

Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) economic researcher Theuns du Buisson noted that the organisation would rather see cabinet members in the Government of National Unity moving away from NHI ideas which, he said according to all indications, will result in disaster for all South Africans.

"It is precisely because South Africa is the most unequal country in the world that the NHI won't function here. It will mean that the middle class and the rich - a shrinking group of people - will be further used as the State's cash cow, without any efforts being made to really lift the poor out of poverty," argued Du Buisson.

He highlighted that according to Motsoaledi, such a system can only function in a country where everyone contributes in equal measure, and even then it does not function well.

"In terms of the extended definition of unemployment in South Africa, 42.4% of the population will not be able to contribute to the funding of the NHI at all. If it only pertained to inequality in healthcare outcomes, one might have been able to pay attention to the minister," he explained.

However, he noted that this inequality stems from a mixture of "poverty and the State's inability".

"Contrary to what his proposal says, people getting world-class treatment in private hospitals is exactly what we want," he added.

Solidarity said it would like to see State hospitals also move in that direction as much as possible, rather than private healthcare being dismantled by the NHI in the name of "equal care".

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will refer the South African Police Service's "inaction" on the VBS Mutual Bank saga to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, for oversight.

Deputy Chief Whip of the DA Baxolile Nodada stated that six years after his party laid criminal charges against the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF's) deputy president Floyd Shivambu and leader Julius Malema over allegations of corruption and industrial-scale looting of the now defunct VBS Bank, the Saps has failed to provide any updates on the status of their investigations.

Nodada said the DA had written to the Police Portfolio Committee chair Ian Cameron, requesting that he summon a Saps representative to appear before the committee, to explain why there had been no apparent progress into the charges that were laid against Malema and Shivambu in 2018 over VBS.

He accused the Saps of dragging its feet on the issue and said doing so allowed the "serious allegations" of corruption against Shivambu and Malema to go untested.

"The police service is supposed to conduct itself without fear or favour but its silence on this issue is sending the wrong message in the fight against corruption and embezzlement," he said.

The party explained that the witness statement provided by former VBS Bank board chair Tshifhiwa Matodzi, showed that there was prima facie evidence that Shivambu and Malema took part in a "brazen plot" to defraud VBS Bank and its clients for self-enrichment purposes.

Matodzi on Wednesday made revelations implicating Malema and Shivambu in dealings with the now defunct bank and the receipt of millions from its accounts.

The pair are alleged to have gone out of their way to not only defraud VBS Bank but to use the proceeds obtained to fund their lavish lifestyles including procuring properties.

"This brazen theft left in its wake a trail of destruction as senior citizens lost their pensions and bank clients their savings," said Nodada.

He noted that as public representatives, MPs should conduct themselves with integrity and ethical probity.

"The fact that Shivambu and Malema used their party, the EFF, as leverage for corrupt rent-seeking purposes at VBS has significant bearing on the credibility of Parliament and its standing as a law-making institution," Nodada explained.

He said his party could not allow the trust deficit between South Africans and Parliament to widen because of those who did not conduct themselves with integrity.

He said in light of the serious allegations raised in the VBS matter, it was imperative that the alleged corruption that took place was rigorously investigated and those responsible held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Civil rights organisation AfriForum said should the State fail to prosecute Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his deputy Floyd Shivambu, AfriForum will consider private prosecution as an alternative.

The organisation said on Friday it had instructed its legal team to formulate charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering against Malema and Shivambu, adding that these charges will soon be lodged with the police.

This follows former VBS Mutual Bank board chairperson Tshifhiwa Matodzi's revelation that the EFF received monthly donations and a so-called business loan of millions of rands from VBS since 2017 through a front company, Sgameka Projects.

He alleged that R5-million was originally paid, followed by monthly donations of R1-million and a R4-million loan.

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel stated that Matodzi's statement indicates that this money was paid to the EFF as a bribe but that especially Malema and Shivambu, in their personal capacity, benefitted from these transactions.

Matodzi pleaded guilty to 33 charges, of among others, corruption, theft and money laundering. He was given a 15-year sentence for each of the charges.

Kriel argued that Matodzi's statement provides sufficient grounds for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to obtain a preservation order on Malema and Shivambu's assets.

AfriForum said it had requested Gerrie Nel and his team at AfriForum's Private Prosecutions Unit to monitor the case and to put pressure on the prosecution process should it appear that the NPA is dragging its feet.

"The State's failure to prosecute Malema for his part in the [past] On Point Engineering corruption case has apparently given him the impression that he is untouchable and that he can simply continue with his involvement in alleged corrupt activities," Kriel said.

South Africa's new health minister backed a recent law that will lay the groundwork for universal national health insurance, an indication of his party's resolve to follow through with the controversial programme despite having lost its parliamentary majority.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, which was spearheaded by the African National Congress and signed into law less than two weeks before May 29 elections after years of wrangling, is imperative and must be implemented, Aaron Motsoaledi said in an address to lawmakers on his department's budget allocation in Cape Town on Thursday.

While some believe South Africa isn't ready for NHI and others consider it unaffordable, it is in fact "a health-financing system which is meant to be an equaliser between the rich and the poor," the minister said.

"If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa," he said. "We can no longer, with our eyes open, sustain such gross inequality."

The country's overburdened public facilities currently serve about 84% of the population, while the remaining 16% who can afford private insurance have access to world-class treatment. The NHI legislation provides a framework for citizens to secure universal access to health care through a centrally managed government fund that buys services from public and private providers. It also bans the private sector from offering cover for treatment available under NHI.

Opponents say it won't remedy the healthcare system's shortcomings, is unconstitutional and that the government hasn't spelled out how much the revamped system will cost or how it will be funded. The Solidarity labour union has filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of the legislation.

Suzan Thembekwayo from the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters said in the debate on the health budget that NHI as currently envisioned would be insufficient to improve health care. As a first step, public clinics should be opened 24 hours a day to assist those that have no other way to access care, she said.

The government must ensure money allocated isn't misspent or stolen, that bureaucratic processes don't take precedence over patient care and that when crises in the public health sector occur there is accountability, according to Karl du Pré le Roux from the centrist Democratic Alliance (DA). The party doesn't support NHI in its current form, he said.

The DA joined an 11-party unity government that President Cyril Ramaphosa forged after the elections failed to produce an outright winner.

In his first stint as International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola stressed the need for government to intensify efforts to help South African companies and State-owned enterprises engage in meaningful opportunities in Africa, to stimulate economic growth.

Lamola was speaking on Thursday at the South African Institute of International Affairs' symposium on South Africa's foreign policy, where he said government was looking to strengthen its partnerships in Africa to address business challenges and create a favourable environment for conducting business.

He pointed out that South Africa had maintained its strong position as an investor in Africa over the past year, with over 450 projects in various countries.

He noted that this achievement was the result of a coordinated approach and investment initiatives and commended the efforts of the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation.

Lamola said government would continue working closely with its neighbours in the Southern Africa region to expand and strengthen collaboration in oil and gas, green hydrogen, and water resources, as well as improved movements of goods and services.

"These initiatives are important to bolster our economy and improve the livelihoods of our people while contributing towards the full attainment of the regional integration agenda," he said.

PEACE AND SECURITY

Lamola highlighted that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine had underscored the critical need for immediate global cooperation to end conflicts and address their current economic impact.

He said the impact of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine had been felt globally, most notably on the African continent, and added that it had led to significantly increased consumer prices, particularly of food and energy.

"In the emerging world order, we are more cognisant than ever that economic prosperity largely depends on stability, peace, and respect for the rule of law. There can be no peace in any part of the world where people are being oppressed or struggling under the yoke of colonialism and occupation," he said.

He noted that the "evolving international world order" necessitated the strengthening of the Non-Aligned Movement, highlighting that South Africa's "non-alignment" and "universality" posture would remain sacrosanct.

He said South Africa, with its policy of active non-alignment, wa not reactive but proactive in its pursuit of peace.

"This approach is not about being neutral or abstaining from world affairs, but about leading a unifying agenda through dialogue to achieve peace for developing countries that do not wish to take sides in great power rivalry," he said.

South Africa coordinated the first-ever Africa Peace Initiative beyond the continent's borders when President Cyril Ramaphosa led a delegation of six African Heads of State to Ukraine and Russia last year.

South Africa placed Africa at the centre of its foreign policy and was steadfastly committed to Agenda 2063, aiming to ensure the peace, development and security of the continent, aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, Lamola noted.

He stressed the need for South Africa to work towards fostering sustainable peace in northern Mozambique following the conclusion of the Southern African Development Community Mission in July 2024.

He said government would maintain its engagement in peace and security efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to support the country in achieving its development objectives, expressing his condolences to the soldiers who died while on duty in Mozambique and, most recently, the DRC.

Also, he said government would continue to act through global institutions to protect the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, while ensuring fair application of international law for all.

He said South Africa needed to redouble its efforts to work in solidarity with those who were resisting occupation, oppr...

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has announced that its secretary-general Arthur Zwane is back at work with immediate effect, saying maintaining strong capacity, unity and continuity within the party's ranks is more important than ever.

Reports of interference by party leader Jacob Zuma apparently led to Zwane's immediate resignation earlier this month.

Zuma then appointed Menzi Magubane and Dr Sifiso Maseko as the new treasurer-general and secretary-general, respectively.

The party confirmed that Zuma has decided not to accept the resignation of Zwane.

"After receiving and carefully considering Comrade Zwane's resignation letter dated July 1, 2024, in which he cited an excessive workload from MKP and a desire to focus on private business, President Zuma has nonetheless decided not to accept the resignation," the MKP said.

The party highlighted that the primary reason is that the MKP's founding HUVO (strategic workshop) in Bela Bela outlined pivotal tasks essential for preparing the party for future challenges, particularly strengthening its organisational structures in preparation for the upcoming 2026 local government elections and beyond.

The MKP noted that its president and secretary-general met recently to finalise the details of Zwane's return to office.

It highlighted that to further strengthen its internal human capital, Maseko would be transferred to the human resources department within the party, "a key component in our efforts to enhance the operations of the organisation, particularly in establishing structures and offices throughout the country".

The party said it looked forward to Zwane's continued contributions to building a "strong, vibrant, and resilient" MKP, and to Maseko's vital role in reinforcing the human resource arm of the party.

"Given the turbulent times our country is experiencing under the current Democratic Alliance-African National Congress coalition [DANC], and with all South Africans looking to the MKP for leadership, maintaining strong capacity, unity and continuity within our ranks is more important than ever," it said.

The MKP called on all leaders, members and structures of the MKP, and South Africans to rally behind the party as it builds a "strong and resilient organisation, capable of protecting and enhancing" the gains made, which it believes the DANC coalition is working hard to reverse.

"As the official opposition party, we face an unprecedented task. Unlike any other official opposition party since 1994, we must, on behalf of the poor and downtrodden, ensure that this unholy and anti-black DANC coalition is held accountable for its aim to reverse the gains made thus far and its failures to address rampant unemployment, poverty, homelessness and landlessness, which continue to negatively affect the black people of this country," MKP noted.

Former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and mental health director Makgabo Manemela have been blamed for the tragic deaths of nine mental health patients in 2016.

Judge Mmonoa Teffo found that Mahlangu terminated the Life Esidimeni contract despite warnings by experts, and "created the circumstances in which the deaths were inevitable".

The inquest probed the deaths of 141 patients, who were moved to non-governmental facilities after the Life Esidimeni contract was ended by the Gauteng health department.

The Democratic Alliance welcomed the findings and said it was a severe indictment that should lead to culpable homicide charges being filed.

"It is a pity that the lack of autopsies for the other Esidimeni deaths precluded a firm negligence finding for the other deaths. Other charges should also be laid against all those who can be identified in causing the suffering of the Esidimeni patients," the party said.

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has welcomed the unopposed election of Cyril Xaba to the position of mayor of eThekwini municipality, expressing confidence in his election.

Xaba was elected as the new mayor during a special council meeting on Wednesday at the Durban Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

The mayor's seat became vacant in June after the ANC in KZN removed former mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and redeployed him to the National Council of Provinces.

The party stated that Xaba is the right leader to lead the reconfiguration of the city to ensure that it responds to the needs of residents and businesses.

The party believes Xaba has enough experience to deliver good and clean governance, while putting a strong focus on "caring and responsive" service delivery.

"He understands that all political parties in the city represent the aspirations of the people. He will, therefore, ensure the cooperation of all political parties to ensure the reconfiguration of the municipal committees. This will strengthen the oversight role over the city's administration to usher in efficiency and speed in service," the party highlighted.

The ANC reiterated that it had no doubt that Xaba would usher in a new era of accelerated service delivery.

"As we pointed out weeks ago, the people of eThekwini have a right to shape their socioeconomic development trajectory. And more importantly, as voters, it is within your right to determine the pace of service delivery," the ANC said.

Over the years, Xaba had displayed exceptional administration skills and a deep understanding of policy formulation and implementation, the party said.

"It is for these reasons that in 2009 he was entrusted with the responsibility of being the Head of Secretariat of the first Planning Commission in any province in South Africa," the ANC noted.

Modelled alongside the National Planning Commission, Xaba spearheaded the development of Vision 2030, a long-term growth and development strategy, effectively making KZN the first province to have such a planning commission and a long-term vision for the province and its people, the party said.

Freedom Under Law (FUL) noted on Wednesday that Umkhonto weSizwe Party's (MKP's) caucus leader in Parliament Dr John Hlophe's election to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is an early test of all the parties forming the Government of National Unity (GNU) to take a position which would ultimately strengthen the credibility of the JSC and the rule of law.

On Tuesday the National Assembly elected Hlophe to the JSC, together with Molapi Lekganyane, Fasiha Hassan, Glynnis Breytenbach, Julius Malema and Athol Trollip, to represent Parliament.

Hlophe was removed from his office as a judge for gross misconduct after it was found that he tried to influence Constitutional Court justices to decide a politically sensitive case in favour of former President and present MK leader Jacob Zuma.

The finding of gross misconduct was made by the JSC and the courts, and Parliament impeached him.

FUL said it would be challenging Hlophe's designation as a member of the JSC on rationality and rule of law grounds.

FUL noted that all parties that did not object to the nomination of Hlophe are, by their silence, implicated in this "egregious" decision.

FUL said it was hard to reconcile the contradictory position of political parties that voted for Hlophe to be removed from judicial office but now voted in favour of his appointment to the JSC.

It argued that an individual who was found to have committed gross misconduct and was removed from judicial office, and who was now in a position to decide on the suitability of other candidates for judicial appointment was "wholly inappropriate, irrational, and susceptible" to legal challenge.

FUL highlighted that the designation of members of the National Assembly to the JSC was not equivalent to assigning members to portfolio committees within the assembly.

"The Constitution requires organs of State to assist and protect the courts to ensure their independence, impartiality, dignity, accessibility, and effectiveness. By designating an individual who has been found unfit to be a judge to the body responsible for the selection of judges, the National Assembly has fallen short of this duty," it explained.

FW de Klerk Foundation constitutional programmes manager Daniela Ellerbeck said appointing someone found guilty of gross misconduct that led to them being removed as a judge, to the same institution that found them guilty and is responsible for disciplinary proceedings against judges, raises serious questions about whether this crucial institution will be compromised.

"Although Dr Hlophe swore to uphold and respect the law and Constitution as an MP, his impeachment for previous conduct stands in stark contrast to this oath of office. Impeachment is a serious issue," Ellerbeck said.

She highlighted that Hlophe was also a controversial MP, because he was not on the MKP's pre-election candidate list submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission.

Constitutional law experts assert that, because Hlophe was not on the list, his later inclusion and swearing-in as an MP was "illegal and unconstitutional," said Ellerbeck.

"Appointing someone shrouded in controversy to an institution where ethical conduct and integrity should be the plumb line will only weaken that institution and wreck the public's confidence in the courts," she added.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) said it holds no brief for Hlophe or any member of other political parties appointed to the JSC.

"The discontent about John Hlophe's nomination is valid and the ANC position on the JSC discussion in the House was not to say there is no basis for concern," said ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.

Mbalula explained that the real issue, which the Chief Whip expressed, was that the rules governing eligibility for membership of the House were moot on impeachment, saying once an impeached person was allowed to be a member of Parliament, it was difficult to prevent their political party from nominating them.

"What we need is clarification of...

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed sadness at the deaths of four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members who passed away on Friday while on duty to combat illegal mining.

The troops were part of Operation Vala Umgodi which is directed at combating illegal mining.

Ramaphosa said while police are investigating the deaths of SANDF members, the deceased troops, who showed no injuries and were fully kitted and armed, are believed by the police and the SANDF to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a fire they made to keep warm.

Spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya said the President's thoughts were with the team of soldiers who discovered their deceased colleagues in a container at a disused mine shaft at Orkney in the North West province.

"As Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the families of the victims as well as to their commanders and colleagues," Magwenya noted.