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The Democratic Alliance's (DA's) motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will go ahead, following the acceptance of the motion by acting Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli.

Mapisa-Nqakula faces allegations of corruption and money laundering, reportedly totalling over R4-million. Political parties, including the DA, are calling for her removal.

Mapisa-Nqakula, who is currently on special leave, called the allegations levelled against her "baseless".

The DA made its submission for a motion of no confidence to the acting Speaker last week, in line with the Constitution, and Tsenoli has written to DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube, advising her of his decision to accept the motion.

"A motion for the removal of the Speaker from office must comply, to the satisfaction of the Deputy Speaker, with the prescripts of any relevant law or rules and orders of the House, including directives and guidelines approved by the Rules Committee. This motion must be placed on the Order Paper and must detail the grounds for the proposed removal," Parliament explained.

The date for the motion will be announced following consultation with African National Congress Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina.

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost a bid to have the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, endorsed by former ANC leader Jacob Zuma, removed from the ballot before the elections in May.

The Electoral Court dismissed the application in a judgment handed down on Tuesday. The ANC had argued that the MK party illegally used a logo similar to one used by the ANC's military wing and should therefore be deregistered.

"There is nothing unlawful about the registration" of the MK party, Judge Leicester Adams said in the ruling in Johannesburg. "The application is dismissed with no order as to costs," fellow Judge Lebogang Modiba said.

The MK Party's participation in the election risks further eroding support for the ANC, which may lose its national majority for the first time since the party came to power at the end of apartheid 30 years ago.

Launched in September 2023, the MK Party gained national attention in December, when Zuma publicly endorsed it and said he wouldn't vote for the ANC.

MK Party leaders have threatened civil unrest should the party be excluded from the election. That warning raised fears of a repeat of violence that erupted in July 2021, when more than 350 people died after Zuma was arrested for contempt of court.

The ANC is scheduled to hold a media briefing later on Monday afternoon to respond to the Electoral Court's decision.

Following a suspension and a disciplinary hearing, the GOOD party has decided to terminate the membership of Peter de Villiers.

The former Springboks coach was accused of sexual assault and harassment in January and suspended by the party before entering into a disciplinary process.

On Monday, the party said it had found De Villiers guilty of breaching its constitution and code of conduct.

"GOOD is a women-led party, with a Constitution containing a set of values to which all members subscribe and account, irrespective of their positions. The GOOD Constitution deals comprehensively and unequivocally with gender rights and sexual misconduct. The party is proud of its record of advocacy for the equal rights of women and girls, and against the plague of gender-based violence in South Africa," the party said.

De Villiers was a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature and is replaced by GOOD deputy secretary-general Suzette Little. She will complete the term which ends with the May 29 election.

President Cyril Ramaphosa averred on Monday that the suggestion that South Africa's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could lead to a deterioration of its relations with the US is unfounded.

South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice, where it argued that the actions of the Israeli military in Gaza violated international law and included actions that are prohibited under the Genocide Convention, to which South Africa, Israel and many other countries are signatories.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that South Africa's application to the court was consistent not only with its obligations as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, but also the call it had always made for an inclusive negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This as US lawmakers are discussing a Bill to review the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the US amid geopolitical differences.

However, Ramaphosa said South Africa's relationship with the US was characterised by "mutual respect" and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue even on issues where countries may differ.

"Even on contentious issues - such as the docking of a Russian ship in Simonstown in late 2022, the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the current conflict in Gaza - the South African and US governments have been able to share views in a frank and open manner," he said.

Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa had strong economic, political and social ties with the US.

"We remember the support from the American people during our struggle for democracy. Over the last 30 years, we have had, and continue to have, a supportive, mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship between our two countries," he said.

He explained that South Africa and the US have firm and expanding trade and investment ties, adding that South Africa was home to more than 600 US companies and the US was the second largest destination for South African exports.

Some of the country's large companies, such as Sasol, had made significant investments in key economic sectors in the US, Ramaphosa pointed out.

An important part of the economic ties between South Africa and the US is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the US market for their exports.

Ramaphosa noted that the recent Agoa Forum, held in South Africa in November last year, confirmed the value of Agoa to Africa's industrialisation and integration and to the diversification of its economies.

He highlighted that the trade and investment ties that had been developed through Agoa, provide a platform for US investors to participate in the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

"We also welcome US participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership alongside a growing number of other countries. South Africa has great opportunities for investment in the green economy and for the supply of critical minerals for the global energy transition," he said.

Ramaphosa explained that there was great potential to further develop South Africa's relationship with the US and to find ways to work together for a more peaceful, stable and just world".

He said South Africa will continue to seek firm and friendly relations with other countries "in pursuit of a better world".

Meanwhile, he highlighted that South Africa has consistently called for the application of international law, condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians on 7 October last year and calling for the release of hostages.

He said South Africa will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and meaningful negotiations towards a lasting solution.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said on Monday that the party's election candidates were not chosen based on their political allegiance or their proximity to senior politicians, but rather on their merit and performance.

The party publicly released its candidates for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, expressing confidence in the party's selection criteria.

Steenhuisen noted that the entire candidate selection process was created to ensure that meritocracy continued to prevail in the party's ranks, offering the best people in the country.

The candidates include senior councillor in JB Marks Jeanne Adriaanse, economist at leading think tank Mlondi Mdluli, public sector built environment specialist Edwin Macrae Bath, Deputy Chief Whip of the DA in Ekurhuleni Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, leading community safety activist Ian Cameron, leader of the DA Students Organisation Liam Jacobs, COO of a major communications firm Kabelo Kgobisa, senior Councillor in Mangaung Dulandi Leech, medical doctor Karl le Roux, former Roads MMC in Nelson Mandela Bay Kabelo Mogatosi and Mark Burke.

They will join the DA's parliamentary and legislative caucuses around the country.

Steenhuisen noted that through the party's Candidate Selection Programme, conceived and executed by DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille, the DA put the candidates through their paces on a number of different metrics.

He said the DA was guided by its values and principles of freedom, fairness, opportunity and diversity, and its belief in a meritocratic system of appointment.

"We are immensely proud of the diversity of candidates we have attracted, and carefully selected to best represent the hopes and dreams of millions of South Africans, and to rescue South Africa from decades of ANC corruption and decay. By ensuring that these candidates are selected based on merit and performance, the DA has ensured that any potential government configuration after [the national elections] will have the very best South Africans working as legislators for the benefit of all citizens. This includes many current members of Parliament who fight on behalf of our country under the DA banner," said Steenhuisen.

He added that he also went through the party's candidate selection process, noting that existing leaders are not exempt from meritocratic process and performance management.

He said as a sign of confidence in the party's process, the Independent Electoral Commission confirmed on Sunday that none of the candidates on the DA's lists appeared on the lists of any other political party.

This, he noted, confirmed the candidates' belief in, and allegiance to the DA, as well as the integrity of the people and the party's systems and processes.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Friday said it will submit a formal motion of no confidence against National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to be debated and voted on before the House rises and the expiration of the current term.

DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube said the party noted the 'special leave' announced by Mapisa-Nqakula, who faces allegations of corruption and money laundering, reportedly totalling over R4-million.

Mapisa-Nqakula has denied the allegations, calling them "baseless".

On Tuesday National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) investigators raided Mapisa-Nqakula home as part of the corruption inquiry, but did not provide further details on the investigation or the corruption allegations. Mapisa-Nqakula has taken special leave from her role as Speaker while the investigation plays out.

On Friday, claims that Mapisa-Nqakula was arrested or handed herself in to police made its way across some news sites and social media. The NPA's Investigating Directorate and Mapisa-Nqakula have both denied this.

Meanwhile, Gwarube said the DA will write to all political parties represented in Parliament urging them to support its motion for the removal of the Speaker.

"The announcement that she has taken 'special leave' not resigned has left us with no choice but to submit a formal motion of no confidence to be debated and voted on before the House rises and the expiration of this term," she said.

She said the rules of Parliament do not make provision for 'special leave' taken by a member by a unilateral decision.

A special leave is only granted by a full sitting of the House; through a formal motion that is adopted in terms of rule 36(2) of the National Assembly rules, she added.

"Alternatively, a member may be granted 5 days of special leave with approval from their political party. Based on the communication of the African National Congress last night, it would seem this is not the case," said Gwarube.

She highlighted that this special leave is nothing more than a cop out.

She said the DA has repeatedly called for the Speaker to resign as it is "simply not fitting" for the head of the national legislature to be facing allegations of corruption and a possible imminent arrest following a raid at her house this week.

Additionally, Gwarube noted that in light of the fact that the Speaker may face arrest, the DA wants the NPA and all law enforcement agencies to take the necessary steps to prevent her from leaving the country.

"Mapisa- Nqakula must resign or removed through a motion of no confidence. Anything less than that will be a mockery of Parliament and more importantly, South Africa," Gwarube said.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa on Friday said any suggestion of political violence must be dealt with to ensure that it does not mar a free and fair election.

Hlabisa was addressing the media on the KwaCeza incident and ensuing accusations, where he called on KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube to desist from "peddling baseless narratives" about the IFP.

He called for an investigation into the alleged assault of African National Congress (ANC) supporters at KwaCeza in Nongoma, where President Cyril Ramaphosa and the AmaZulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini attended the commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the death King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo.

The ANC Women's League and other ANC members had issued statements claiming that IFP members had attacked ANC members at the event.

In response, Hlabisa said he requested information from the ANC on who the alleged IFP members were and in what way they were identified as IFP members, as this was not an IFP event, but a government event, and attendees were not wearing IFP regalia.

He highlighted that to date the information has still not been provided.

Yet the ANC has pressed on with the narrative of alleged IFP violence against their members, he added.

"It is quite one thing for one political party to accuse another; but it is extremely dangerous and irresponsible when those accusations are echoed by the head of government without substantiation," Hlabisa said.

In contrast, IFP deputy President Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi denied that there are tensions between the IFP and the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.

Speaking exclusively with Polity, Buthelezi said there is no evidence pointing to tensions and violence among the two parties, saying the only thing that many people can begin to refer to is the KwaCeza incident, which he said it has nothing to do with ANC or IFP.

Meanwhile, Hlabisa warned that at this time of "heightened political sensitivity", accusations should not be made lightly.

"If we are to protect the integrity of this election and ensure that it is indeed free and fair, a higher level of political maturity is required. The electorate deserves better than mud-slinging," he said.

Hlabisa pointed out that Ramaphosa himself expressed concern over the incident and made a public statement that the ANC and IFP would meet to discuss this violence, cementing the "unfounded accusation" that the IFP was responsible.

He noted that Ramaphosa did not approach him to request a meeting and that he had received a letter on Wednesday from the Provincial Secretary of the ANC, purporting to seek what he called "peace talks" with the IFP.

"I indicated to him that I would respond once I had given the matter some thought. After careful consideration yesterday, 21 March 2024, I dispatched a letter to the President of the ANC, sharing how best we can deal with the KwaCeza incident as he also commented about it, in public. I requested that our parties nominate three members of our respective NECs and these three aside members will jointly facilitate the engagement of our PECs in KZN, to ensure that we deliver the sustainable and desired result. We are now awaiting the response from the ANC President," said Hlabisa.

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has hit out against United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa for publishing "untruths" about her arrest following allegations of corruption during her tenure as Minister of Defence.

Holomisa, on Friday, published a post on X alleging that Mapisa-Nqakula was arrested.

It is reported that Mapisa-Nqakula is suspected of receiving millions of rand in cash as bribes from a former military contractor when she was defence minister. She has denied the allegations, calling them "baseless".

On Tuesday National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) investigators raided Mapisa-Nqakula home as part of the corruption inquiry, but did not provide further details on the investigation or the corruption allegations. Mapisa-Nqakula has taken special leave from her role as Speaker while the investigation plays out.

On Friday, claims that Mapisa-Nqakula was arrested or handed herself in to police made its way across some news sites and social media.

"These reports are simply not true and a fabrication by Mr. Holomisa, who simply published these untruths without caring to verify the true facts or the harm that it does to the name of others. It is concerning that the media houses running with the story do not apply a better test to determine the veracity of rumours that they receive before publishing. This is a growing trend in South African media and the practice unfortunately not only undermines the rights of the victims of this gossip reporting but makes a mockery of the independence, integrity and professionalism of our media," she said in a statement.

She added that she has not interacted with the NPA since the home search on Tuesday and that she is taking court action against the operation and the way in which the search and seizure warrant was obtained.

She is asking the NPA for material information relating to her case, including the docket so that she can begin her defence.

"In her papers the Speaker urges the NPA to provide to her the details of the case against her as this seems to have already been given to the media, subjecting her to a trial by the media, without any means to defend herself against these public allegations," the Office of the Speaker said in a statement.

Three key Bills will be sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for assent, as required by the Constitution, after the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) passed them during its plenary on Tuesday.

The National Council of Gender-based Violence (GBV) and Femicide Bill, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Amendment Bill and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill were passed by the NCOP.

The National Assembly (NA) passed all three Bills last year and sent them to the NCOP for concurrence.

Parliament noted that the National Council on GBV Bill seeks to establish the National Council on GBV and Femicide and aims to set up a multi-sectoral, independent, and non-partisan statutory body that provides strategic leadership to address GBV and femicide in South Africa.

It further provides for the objects and functions of the council, the appointment of the board of the council and its members, and it determines the board's term.

The NYDA Amendment Bill seeks to amend the NYDA Act of 2008 to address various issues related to the functions and governance of the NYDA.

Parliament highlighted that the Bill provides for additional NYDA board members and sets term limits for their tenure, also requiring that board members submit financial disclosures. The Bill also seeks to amend matters about board meetings and the funding of the agency.

"The passing of this Bill by the NCOP plenary today is an important step towards strengthening the NYDA and ensuring its effectiveness in addressing the needs of the country's youth," it added.

Meanwhile, the IPID Amendment Bill, which was introduced in Parliament by the Minister of Police in July last year, proposes amendments to the IPID Act.

The Bill emanates from the 2016 Constitutional Court ruling involving the suspension of then-IPID executive director Robert McBride.

"The Constitutional Court found that the IPID Act contained provisions that gave the Minister of Police excessive political powers, allowing undue influence over the executive director of IPID. The court found that the existing IPID Act contravened South Africa's constitutional principles, which call for the establishment of an independent police complaints body to investigate alleged misconduct or offences committed by members of the South African Police Service," explained Parliament.

It noted that the Act essentially allowed the Minister to suspend, discipline, or remove the executive director without parliamentary oversight, eroding the independence of IPID.

Meanwhile, the NCOP has considered the Expropriation Bill and resolved to send it back to the National Assembly with proposed amendments.

The Bill seeks to repeal the existing Expropriation Act of 1975 to provide a common framework to guide the processes and procedures for the expropriation of property by organs of State.

It further seeks to provide for certain instances where expropriation with no compensation may be appropriate in the public interest.

After some deliberation, the House resolved to send the Bill back to the National Assembly with proposed amendments for reconsideration.

South Africa's consumer inflation ticked up for the second month in a row in February, moving closer to the central bank's upper target, which economists say could mean a longer wait for rate cuts this year.

Headline consumer inflation rose to 5.6% year on year from 5.3% in January, Statistics South Africa data showed.

Key contributors to the annual inflation rate included food, housing, transport and miscellaneous goods and services, which include medical insurance, according to its report.

The South African Reserve Bank, which targets inflation of between 3% and 6%, will announce a monetary policy decision next week.

The higher inflation print was considered a surprise by some analysts, who said this could further delay interest rate cuts by the central bank.

"The news doesn't bode well for expectations of rate cuts in our local economy for the first half of 2024," said Shaun Murison, senior market analyst at IG.

A February poll showed the central bank is expected to wait until at least the third quarter of this year before announcing any rate cuts.

David Omojomolo, Africa Economist at Capital Economics, said the stronger-than-expected inflation number gave impetus to the central bank to hold until after the national elections on May 29.

"Officials will want to see some clarity in the make-up of the next government and the direction of fiscal policy before feeling comfortable lowering interest rates," Omojomolo said.

Core inflation, which excludes food and fuel prices, accelerated in February to 5.0% in annual terms from 4.6% in January.