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South Africa on Monday called for the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect civilians in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza from further bombardment as Israel steps up its retaliation for a deadly attack by militant group Hamas.

South Africa has long been an advocate for peace in the region, likening the plight of Palestinians to its own under the apartheid regime that ended in 1994.

In calling for a protection force, South Africa has gone further in its support for the Palestinians than most nations, some of which have called for a ceasefire or the opening of a humanitarian corridor to allow aid into Gaza.

Israel has tightened its blockade and bombardment of Gaza since Hamas gunmen stormed into Israel on October 7 and killed some 1 400 people. Palestinians in Gaza reported fierce air and artillery strikes early on Monday.

"Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

A member of the Palestinian community in Johannesburg had 25 family members killed in an Israeli air strike on Monday morning, the statement said, while family members of a senior Palestinian diplomat in South Africa were killed in their apartment building the day before.

"The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability," the statement said.

Medical authorities in Gaza said on Sunday 8 005 people had been killed in the three-week war. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the figures.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously offered to help mediate in the conflict. South Africa also said earlier this month that its foreign minister held a call with the leader of Hamas about getting aid into Gaza, while underlining that it did not support the group.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that the Springboks' win at the Stade de France on Saturday night has lifted the nation's spirits, and he pointed out the enduring power of sport to unite and build a nation.

The Springboks secured their title as back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions, after beating New Zealand's All Blacks in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This is the first time any country has held four Rugby World Cup titles.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the journey of the Springboks to the historic victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup is as much about the country's journey towards nationhood, as it is about sporting excellence.

"The Springboks go down in history for having won the Rugby World Cup more than any other nation, but this alone is not what makes this an exceptional triumph. The symbolism of this victory is as significant as the great sporting achievement we have witnessed. It has been under democracy that the Springboks racked up these wins and lifted the coveted Webb Ellis Cup a record four times," he said.

He noted that the Springboks' win has united citizens in celebration.

"It is our hope that it must also serve to inspire the younger generation to derive important life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, discipline and leadership," he added.

Ramaphosa highlighted that the interview that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi gave shortly after the team's win on Saturday will be remembered as one of the most poignant and meaningful from a sports person in the country.

Kolisi spoke about the different backgrounds of the team members and the difficulties they had to overcome to reach this sporting achievement.

"You have to be South African to see, feel and experience the things we do," Kolisi had said.

The Parliament, led by the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, expressed its congratulations to the Springboks, saying they have not only displayed supreme athleticism but also the spirit of unity, impeccable team-work and perseverance that defines the nation.

Parliament said this achievement exemplifies the transformative power of sport in South Africa.

"The Springboks' victory embodies the spirit of South Africa: a nation defined by resilience, unity, and a passion for pushing boundaries," it added.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture Beauty Dlulane said that to match what the Springboks have done will require a massive effort from the next generation of players.

"Defending the World Cup was only previously achieved by New Zealand under Richie McCaw's captaincy, a feat skipper Kolisi, has achieved," she said.

"This will remain longer than memory in many minds and generations to come. Many may not realise what it has done for our country as yet, but this was massive," added Dlulane.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape noted that the Springboks' triumph on the international stage not only brings joy to the people of South Africa but also strengthens the bonds of unity and diversity that make the nation unique.

"With determination, teamwork, and a strong sense of national pride, our beloved Springboks have once again proven themselves as world champions in the sport we all hold dear," said DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport Gillion Bosman.

Ramaphosa said that this Springbok squad is one of the best rugby teams in the history of the sport.

"But they are far more than that. They are also great ambassadors for our country and for the values that continue to drive our efforts to build a united, more equal and prosperous nation," he said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed its disapproval of a tender recently issued by Eskom tasking suppliers to provide services for the design of a new logo and the development of a new corporate identity.

The party has labelled this as a "completely unnecessary vanity project" that fails to solve the country's loadshedding crisis, adding that it does nothing to address the woes of consumers who continue to struggle under high electricity tariffs.

The DA has called for Eskom CEO Caleb Cassim to rescind the tender, also condemning the 31.4% tariff increase imposed by the power utility earlier this year.

DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises Ghaleb Cachalia has urged Eskom to reorient its strategy towards finding new ways of increasing generation capacity.

"South Africans are currently going through one of the worst cost-of-living crises in recent memory, thanks in part to Eskom's sky-high electricity tariffs. This after taxpayers have spent over R180-billion bailing out Eskom with no corresponding improvement in the supply of electricity. Early this year, R254-billion of Eskom's debt was taken over by government and is now the financial burden of overstretched taxpayers," he said.

A significant decline in petrol and diesel prices is expected for November, according to unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund.

The data suggests that the price of unleaded petrol 95 will decrease by R1.97 a litre, and R1.92 for unleaded 93 diesel is expected to decrease by around 78c cents a litre on Wednesday, 1 November. Paraffin is expected to drop by 74 cents a litre.

"These significant decreases will come at a very critical time for South Africans who have had to dig deeper into their pockets to fill up their vehicles and food trolleys with the previous cycles of fuel increases," the Automobile Association said in a statement.

"The outlook for November will offer some much-needed relief to consumers, especially with the decrease of diesel which is a big input cost in major sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, and an increase here often contributes to increased prices of basic commodities.

"There are still two weeks before the official adjustment for November which could still be negatively affected by the upward trajectory of oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in Israel."

South African fuel prices are largely determined by international oil costs and the rand exchange rate, as oil is priced in dollars.

Petrol (95 unleaded) now retails for R25.68 a litre in Gauteng, from R21.40 at the start of 2023. The wholesale price of diesel in Gauteng is now R25.01 a litre, from R19.31 as recently as June this year.

South Africans are gearing up to watch the much anticipated battle between the Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, taking place in France.

South Africans are backing the Springboks. wishing them success.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, will lead a strong contingent of South African fans joining the team in Paris.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Tsepo Mhlongo said despite a challenging tournament and attempts to derail the team's focus, the Boks have shown "true South African spirit", overcome adversity and are "on the cusp of making history".

"Your journey has already made us proud," Mhlongo said.

He noted that Springboks Coach Jacques Nienaber and South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will be fielding the "most experienced team ever" to go up against New Zealand, and said the hope of an entire nation rests upon them.

"May your show of strength, unity, and resilience continue to inspire South Africans and the world. South Africa unites behind the Boks and we will ensure they feel the roar of every cheer tomorrow night! Bring it home, boys! Go, Bokke!" he said.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa is looking to be invited onto the pitch a second time by Springboks Captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the Cup.

"This will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles," Magwenya pointed out.

Ramaphosa wished the Springboks and the All Blacks well for this showcase which he hopes will be memorable for the in-stadium audience and the global media audience.

Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture chairperson Beauty Dlulane said all 60-million South Africans have been behind the Springboks since day one of the World Cup in France.

"The Springboks have given themselves a realistic opportunity to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Given the recent success of the team, this was hardly surprising, and as the committee we appreciate the unifying effect such success has had in the country," Dlulane stated.

She highlighted that this is further proof that success not only unites but a lot more has been achieved.

"[They have achieved] recognition in the rugby world and beyond; what the Springboks have done is also to etch South Africa's name in the annals of history. All that is left is to win the title for the record fourth time," she urged.

Dlulane noted that the Springboks had a crucifying passage that involved Scotland, Ireland, and the massive fight of having to eliminate the hosts France in the quarterfinals, as well as the "spirited England team" in the semi-finals.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais has extended her best wishes to the Springbok rugby team.

"You have done us proud with your exceptional team spirit, and your never-say-die attitude, You have shown us that South Africa can be the best in the world when we all work together. All of the very best against New Zealand," said Marais.

Parliament's ethics committee has found a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa's executive Dipuo Peters guilty of breaches related to State capture at the troubled Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

Despite the Zondo Commission's findings against her, Ramaphosa appointed Peters as the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development.

She previously served as transport minister in former president Jacob Zuma's Cabinet, when state capture was at its height. Actions committed while she was in that position led to the committee finding against her.

The committee recommended that Peters be suspended from her seat in all parliamentary debates and sittings and from committee meetings and committee-related functions and operations for one term of the parliamentary programme. The committee's report must still be adopted by the National Assembly for the sanctions to take effect.

The complaints against her were laid by activist Zackie Achmat, who intends to run as an independent candidate in next year's elections, Zukiswa Fokazi, and NPO #Unite Behind in September 2022, following the release of the Zondo Commission's report.

Their complaints were as follows:

Peters was neglectful in her previous portfolio as minister of transport by failing to appoint a Group CEO of Prasa.

Peters dismissed the Prasa board chaired by Popo Molefe seemingly because it had uncovered R14 billion of irregular expenditure and instituted investigations into corruption at Prasa. The High Court found that the conduct by the Peters was irrational, unreasonable and unlawful.

Peters also attempted to stop the investigations into corruption at Prasa that were initiated by the Molefe board.

"That the member (Peters) failed to investigate the allegation of the R79 million of Prasa money paid by Swifambo to other people for alleged distribution to the African National Congress. The member was under a duty to ensure that corruption as rooted out from public entities."

Peters used Prasa buses for ANC events in 2014 and 2015 without ensuring payment from the ANC.

Peters is alleged to have influenced procurement proceedings by pressurising the Prasa CEO and Board of Control (BOC) because of the nationality of tender applicants. "The member allegedly demanded a change of the procurement prescript despite a legal opinion that indicated that changes to the procurement prescripts would be in breach of the procurement laws of the country."

Peters, through Majavu Incorporated Attorneys, told the committee the complaints "regurgitate the findings and recommendations [in] the state capture report and in the result demands 'accountability'".

The committee's report, as tabled, read: "The member is taking legal advice on the possible remedies that are open to her. The member intends taking the state capture report on judicial review to the extent that it relates to her. The member is awaiting the president of the RSA to put in place an implementation plan on how these matters are to be dealt with by Parliament. She will deal with the matter in a holistic manner and not in a piecemeal fashion and therefore will await the action plan by the president of the RSA."

"The member requested that any further process by the committee be held in abeyance until the president of the RSA's implementation plan is put in place. The member elects not to engage with the conclusions in the state capture report at this stage."

In their deliberations, the committee took note of the Zondo Commission's report.

Regarding her failure to appoint a CEO, the committee's report stated: "She is on record stating that the reason she did not appoint a Group CEO is because she thought that Prasa was not ready for a new CEO. Later, her testimony changed for the reason for not appointing a Group CEO.

The report indicated that the Prasa board gave the member names to be recommended as Group CEO, but she did nothing.

"Mr Molefe denied that he agreed with the member that Prasa was not ready for a Group CEO."

The...

An election poll conducted in recent weeks predicted a sharp decline in support for the African National Congress (ANC), placing the governing party at 45%.

The Social Research Foundation (SRF) poll, conducted in October, placed the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 31%, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 9% and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at 6%.

The poll was conducted on 1 412 registered voters, with a 5% margin of error in place, and forecast South Africa's electoral mood ahead of the 2024 provincial and national elections.

The SRF conducted two previous polls which tracked electoral support for parties that were noticed by the registered electorate.

The first poll was conducted in July 2022 and involved 3 204 participants. The second was conducted in March 2023 with 1 517 participants.

The survey showed that even with a high voter turnout at 66%, the ANC's support would decline.

The July 2022 survey placed the party at 50% support.

In the March 2023 one, support increased to 52% but then sharply declined in October 2023.

The DA showed growth in all three surveys.

The party, led by John Steenhuisen, polled at 31% in October from 24% in March 2023 and 25% in July 2022.

The EFF showed an increase and a decline. The party polled at 12% in July 2022, 6% in March 2022 and 9% in the latest poll.

The IFP appeared in the survey, with the party polling at 2% in July 2022, 6% in March and 6% in October.

With a slightly lower electoral turnout of 56%, the ANC polled marginally higher at 46%, the DA at 31%, and the EFF at 10% and 6% in the October 2023 survey.

The SRF poll shows that the DA, with a lower turnout, would receive the same results at 31%, the EFF slightly higher at 10% and the IFP at 6%.

"The data reveals that ANC support levels have slipped somewhat relative to July 2022 and March 2023. DA support levels have lifted over that same period, as has support for the IFP. EFF support appears to be pinned near the 10% mark. All other parties have support levels near or under the margin of error," the SRF said.

A similar poll by the Brenthurst Foundation showed a similar decline in support and placed the ANC at 37% in Gauteng and 32% in KwaZulu-Natal.

September's annual producer price index accelerated for a second consecutive month to 5.1% from 4.3% in August. This was hotter than economists expected.

The main contributor was food products, beverages and tobacco products, which increased by 4.4% year-on-year and contributed 1.1 percentage points, according to Stats SA. That was followed by metals, machinery, equipment and computing equipment, then paper and printed products and finally transport equipment.

SA Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, warned at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting last month that food prices may increase further and put pressure on inflation. The reasons behind climbing food costs include volatile oil prices, a depreciating rand and weather events that have damaged crops.

The gauge rose 1.5% month-on-month.

With PPI showing that domestic producers are receiving higher prices for their goods, a knock-on effect typically follows for consumer prices. Earlier this month data from Stats SA showed annual consumer price inflation accelerate to 5.4% in September from 4.8% in August - this was also the second consecutive increase. It was in line with economists' expectations.

Neither measure bodes well for the interest rate decision at the end of November. In sub-Saharan countries with still rising inflation, "further monetary tightening may be required until there are clear signs that inflation is cooling", the International Monetary Fund said in a recent report.

The country's benchmark rate, at 8.25%, is already at a 14-year high, but so far data is signalling that the MPC may have to hike it further in order to try quell inflation, which eats away at the value of the rand.

Political parties attending launch of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC's) 2024 national and provincial elections campaign have expressed their readiness for what is touted to be South Africa's wastershed election since democracy in 1994.

ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont tells Polity that the upcoming elections will be the first elections in which South Africans can voice their opinions on the country since loadshedding became a permanent feature as well as amid the ongoing controversies of Phala Phala, the ongoing degradation of the economy and the loss of jobs.

Beaumont says his party is "ready to take its campaign to the corners of South Africa. We have spent a great deal of time building structures on the ground across South Africa because contrary to popular belief it is those structures on the ground, talking with people directly, that wins elections more than social media or anything else."

The IEC announced that young persons between the ages of 20 and 29 account for 3.7-million voters on the roll.

Beaumont shares that his party seems to be attracting young people and unregistered people, with the average age of the ActionSA member being under 38, which he said is very young "when we talk about political parties across the South African spectrum".

"We have enormous responsibility ahead of all other political parties in this election to get [first-time voters] out to register to vote on the registration weekend of the 18th and 19th of November because we must be clear, people who haven't registered up until now are not going to do so for a political party that they have had the option to register for for some time and who they feel let down by," highlights Beaumont.

Touching on the Multi-Party Charter, which recently welcomed the African Christian Democratic Party as an eighth member, Beaumont says that all members of the alliance are working together in a unified way to create momentum.

Meanwhile, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says his party is more than ready for the elections as it prepares for its policy conference in December which will inform the party manifesto.

Hlabisa urges the 13-million South Africans who are not registered to vote to use the voter registration weekend to be part of the election process because "we know our people are saying what is the point of registering because the government is not doing what we want it to do. The message is simple, if you want a change in the government you must be part of the election process. Use your vote to remove a government that is not delivering on your mandate. If you abstain, the status-quo will remain but if you participate, you will change things to what you want it to be."

Hlabisa also appeals to the dormant 14-million voters who are registered but do not want to vote and reminds them their vote is the power in their hands.

He adds that protesting and abstaining from voting will not remove a government that is failing.

The IFP leader says the KwaZulu-Natal province is the party's first target, as it wants to reclaim the province. It also wants to be part of a Gauteng coalition government.

Habisa told Polity that his party wants to cut the ruling African National Congress's (ANC's) electoral support below 50% nationally "so that the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, as a coalition government, becomes an alternative government to save our country from crime, unemployment, loadshedding, poor education and poor health system."

Hlabisa says the 2024 election is a turning point in South Africa and must be a watershed moment just as when the apartheid government was removed in 1994. He says the ANC must also be removed as it has failed South Africans.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says the upcoming elections are crucial as no party will win with an outright majority and every vote will count.

Steenhuisen says the IEC election campaign launch is vital as there are 13.8-millio...

Bulk water supplier Rand Water noted on Wednesday that while it continues to pump at maximum capacity, storage capacity continues to drop, all this amid raising concerns about huge amounts of outstanding debts by municipalities.

Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai gave an update on its water provision in areas of supply where he revealed that the entity has added additional storage and purification infrastructure.

He noted that with Rand Water's current challenges, it won't be able to pull off its infrastructure development if it is not paid on time. Municipal debts are currently sitting just under R6-biilion as of September.

Mosai said as a result Rand Water's net trade receivable on the balance sheet will reduce from about R6-billion to R3-billion.

"So we are seeing an expected credit loss that is increasing to a 35% jump from 2022 to 2023, to more than R5-billion. We are concerned because we are expected and we have an obligation to supply bulk water, upgrade, refurbish, operate our infrastructure but we need to be paid," he said.

While he acknowledged the challenges facing municipalities he said Rand Water is self-reliant and self-sufficient, with no assistance from the fiscus.

". so it is important that we get paid on time to continue to maintain the system," he explained.

He highlighted that the City of Tshwane and City of Ekurhuleni are municipalities with biggest outstanding debts. Tshwane has an outstanding amount of about R690-million and Ekurhuleni's debt is sitting at R440-million.

While both municipalities are making payments they ae not being made on time, Mosai said,

"We have received payment for this month, we are hopeful that between the 25th and end of the month, the current accounts will have been at least been settled," he said.

He added that Mogale City has debts of about R43-miilion, the Madibeng municipality has over R7-miilion in debts and Royal Bafokeng's debts are over R5-million.

Mosai explained that seven municipalities are under the category of non-performing municipalities with debts of about 90 days and beyond.

Lesedi local municipality has outstanding debts of more than R48-million and Ngwathe local municipality, in the Free State has more than R58-milion in debt.

Victor Khanye local municipality owes more than R300-million and Rand West municipality owes about R400-million.

Merafong city local municipality, Govan Mbeki municipality and Emfuleni local municipality each owe more than R700-million.

Mosai noted that Rand Water's biggest customer, Joburg Water, is making payments on time.

"We remain internally grateful to the mayor, the MMCs, finance and water and sanitation infrastructure provision, MD and the Board, for paying us on time. We thank Midvaal, Metsimaholo, Rustenburg and Thembisele Hani for being the best performing municipalities in our value chain," he said.

GROWING WATER DEMAND

Meanwhile, he explained that through Rand Water's augmentation plans for ensuring a sustainable water supply and meeting current and growing demands, Rand Water has embarked on building a completely new water purification plant station 5 at the existing Zuikerbosch Station.

Zuikerbosch Station 5A was launched in August with the main objective of providing an additional 1 200 ML/day of potable water to the current supply capacity of Rand Water.

Mosai added that construction of the scheme commenced in 2015, adding that the

additional supply of 150 ML is now complete.