Malema back in court as prosecutors seek 15-year prison sentence

South African opposition politician Julius Malema was back in court on Wednesday, as prosecutors pushed for him to be given the maximum 15-year prison sentence for firing a rifle in the air at a rally.

Malema, one of South Africa's most prominent politicians, was convicted last year of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place over the 2018 incident.

The 45-year-old leader of the fourth-biggest party in parliament, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), had pleaded not guilty, arguing the gun was a toy.

A prison term of more than 12 months, if confirmed after all appeals, would bar Malema from serving as a lawmaker.

That would be a major setback to EFF, which has strong support among young South Africans frustrated by the racial inequality that has persisted since the end of white minority rule in 1994.

MALEMA'S LAWYERS TRY TO KEEP HIM OUT OF JAIL

The state prosecutor told a magistrate's court in KuGompo City, formerly East London, that it would set a bad precedent if Malema were to get off without jail time.

"The accused is a political leader with a huge following ... young people emulate this kind of behaviour," prosecutor Joel Cesar said. "He's a member of parliament, a lawmaker, but he breaks the law."

Malema's lawyers argued he did not intend to cause any harm by firing the gun in a celebratory gesture, and called for a more lenient sentence such as a fine.

The court adjourned to Thursday.

Addressing hundreds of his supporters from a podium set up outside the court building, Malema said he would appeal whatever sentence he was given.

Ramaphosa defends appointment of 'patriotic' Meyer to 'recalibrate' US relations

Despite backlash at his appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa's ambassador to the US, President Cyril Ramaphosa has doubled down on his decision, arguing that Meyer is well qualified to "recalibrate" South Africa's relationship with the US.

Meyer's appointment received significant political backlash, with the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters calling for it to be withdrawn, claiming his appointment reflects a "dangerous" willingness by government to appease US President Donald Trump's "white supremacist whims by presenting a figure it said is 'palatable to white power structures'".

Meanwhile, on the other side of the political spectrum, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel on X described Meyer as an African National Congress cadre, accusing Meyer of being able to "dramatically reposition himself to suit his own personal interests".

Ramaphosa has appointed Meyer as the new ambassador following a vacancy of over a year, after Ebrahim Rasool was expelled in March 2025.

Rasool was declared persona non grata by the Trump administration following tensions related to comments regarding US white supremacist movements and land reform in South Africa.

Ramaphosa described Meyer as a distinguished "loyal and patriotic South African".

He noted that Meyer, who was the chief government negotiator for the National Party during the negotiations to end apartheid, had recently been involved in mediation processes in several countries.

Ramaphosa argued that this had sharpened his diplomatic skills.

"And when we needed to appoint an ambassador to the United States, I found him to be more than qualified to be able to work in the United States, recalibrate our relationship with the United States, interface with a number of stakeholders in the United States," Ramaphosa explained.

Meyer had interfaced with several people in the US, in Capital Hill and in various departments, Ramaphosa revealed.

"… so already, a lot of interactions have taken place. So he is, for me, more than well qualified to execute this task of being South Africa's ambassador to the United States," he stated.

Ramaphosa expressed confidence that Meyer's credentials would be accepted by the Trump administration, the same way that South Africa accepted US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell's credentials.

"He will represent South Africa very well. He has always flown the South African flag, and he will do so like all our ambassadors all over the world. And all we should do is to wish him well and the very best and give him all the support that he needs," Ramaphosa stated.

The President acknowledged that the US remains the world's largest economy and that it plays a vital role in South Africa's economy, emphasising that it is the second largest trading partner to the country.

He added that there is much work to be done at the diplomatic level, to recalibrate the relationship with the US.

Ramaphosa said the recalibration must happen in a "respectful manner", to take the country's interests forward.

Meanwhile, Parliament Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said it was supporting Ramaphosa's decision to appoint Meyer to the role, describing Meyer as a "veteran South African architect of democracy and a versatile politician".

Business Leadership South Africa also welcomed Meyer's appointment, saying he demonstrated the maturity and political acumen needed to enhance and strengthen ties between South Africa and the US.

DA, ActionSA want Qedani Mahlangu prosecuted for Life Esidimeni tragedy

Opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA on Tuesday demanded accountability in the long-drawn-out Life Esidimeni case, calling for former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu's prosecution.

While hailing the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA's) decision to prosecute those responsible for the Life Esidimeni mental health patients' deaths as a necessary step, both parties remarked that justice had been delayed for too long.

In 2016, 144 mental healthcare patients died following the Gauteng Department of Health's decision to terminate its contract with Life Esidimeni to cut costs. The patients were moved to ill-equipped NGOs, leading to widespread neglect.

The DA is calling those identified by the inquest to be prosecuted on the full range of possible charges including culpable homicide.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Dr Jack Bloom said politicians should not escape accountability for gross negligence that leads to suffering and death.

"Successful prosecutions will serve as a deterrent by showing real consequences for those who abuse vulnerable patients," he said.

ActionSA Member of Parliament Dr Kgosi Letlape described the tragedy as a catastrophic failure of leadership, ethics and governance.

The party pointed out that the 2021 inquest already identified Mahlangu and former Mental Health director Dr Makgabo Manamela as accountable for the deaths.

Letlape highlighted that prosecutions must mark the beginning of accountability.

"South Africans deserve a healthcare system that protects the most vulnerable, not one that exposes them to harm through negligence and mismanagement and those who enabled this tragedy should be charged for criminal negligence," he stated.

ActionSA reiterated its call for stringent consequence management for all those responsible and institutional reform in public healthcare to prevent a recurrence, as well as improved oversight mechanisms to ensure similar incidents do not occur.

Gwarube flags 'misinformation' as deadline for comments on new history curriculum looms

Ahead of the deadline for public comment on the draft history curriculum, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has cautioned against misinformation, noting that some claims circulating about the draft curriculum are inaccurate.

The Department of Basic Education has invited public comments on the draft History Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements by April 19.

The draft document, Gwarube explained, aims to overhaul how history is taught, with a stronger focus on pre-colonial African history.

In 2019, former Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, appointed a Task Team to develop a new history curriculum for Grades 4 to 12. That work resulted in the current proposed draft curriculum document.

Gwarube said she noted the public debate regarding the draft history curriculum and the concerns raised, urging stakeholders to engage with the document.

"The more inclusive this process is, the more inclusive our history curriculum will be. I therefore encourage as many people as possible to indicate where they believe the draft should be strengthened, corrected, expanded or refined," she said.

Gwarube also set out her view on the principles that should guide the development of the history curriculum.

"Our history curriculum should not exclude key events or perspectives on political grounds, nor should it impose any ideology on learners. I am committed to ensuring that the curriculum equips learners to think critically about our past, so that they may form their own opinions," she said.

South Africa wins record investment pledges, but delivery gap persists

South Africa's latest investment conference secured record commitments, but official data show that less than half of past pledges have materialised and turned into economic activity.

The sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) held in Johannesburg in late March secured 81 confirmed investments totalling R889.8-billion - part of a five-year drive targeting R3-trillion by 2030.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the outcome as evidence of renewed confidence in Africa's most industrialised nation, especially given global headwinds such as rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions notably the Middle East conflict and economic uncertainty.

PLEDGES AND CONVERSION INTO PROJECTS

However, data from the Presidency and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition show that of the roughly R1.5-trillion pledged since the first SAIC in 2018, only R634-billion - just under 42% — had flowed into the economy by March 2026.

While investment announcements rarely translate fully into projects, South Africa's conversion rates are low by international standards. Consultancy McKinsey found that 60%-80% of foreign direct investments announced globally are typically realised.

South Africa's economy has grown at only 1%–2% a year for decades, far short of the pace needed to reduce unemployment, which is stuck above 30%. Growth has been weighed down by policy uncertainty, years of systemic graft confirmed by a corruption inquiry in 2022, and dilapidated energy and transport infrastructure.

Investment levels remain subdued. Gross fixed capital formation - a key measure of spending on machinery, buildings and infrastructure - has hovered around 15%, Alistair Ruiters, special adviser to the president on investment promotion, told Reuters. This is well below the 20–25% threshold typically associated with sustained growth in emerging markets, according to World Bank and IMF benchmarks.

FOCUS ON TOURISM AND DIGITAL ECONOMY AMONG OTHERS

Commitments announced at the March conference span tourism, property, the green economy, chemicals, with the ICT and digital economy receiving the largest share of commitments. They include new FDI as well as reinvestment and expansion plans by both local and multinational firms.

Of the R415-billion confirmed company-led pledges, about two thirds came from firms headquartered in South Africa — including R60-billion from petrochemical company Sasol, R24-billion from the V&A Waterfront development company and R21.8-billion from telecoms operator MTN.

International companies including UAE logistics firm DP World, Green Minerals & Metals from China and US firms Visa and riding-hailing firm Uber as well as companies from Britain, India and France also made commitments.

"The green shoots are beginning to emerge", said Ruiters. "But not enough."

Despite government optimism, global sentiment toward South Africa has cooled amid growing concerns over political uncertainty, infrastructure bottlenecks, rising costs and global trade tensions. The country dropped to 12th from 7th in the 2026 Kearney FDI Confidence Index, which surveys over 500 senior executives from multinational firms.

Ruiters said Ramaphosa has tried to counter negative perceptions by engaging directly with business leaders during overseas trips to New York, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jakarta, Sao Paulo and Brasilia.

Foreign investment remains critical for scale and confidence, with the presence of companies like Toyota, Uber, and Meta's undersea cable project aimed at enhancing connectivity on the continent, sending a strong signal, Ruiters said. "You want to have the big brands coming in."

PURSUING REFORMS

South African Reserve Bank data show inward foreign direct investment has declined each year since 2022. In 2025 the country recorded a net outflow of R41.4-billion, meaning more capital left than entered.

Average annual inw...

Ramaphosa: Local investment dominates as economic momentum builds

Hot off the success of R890-billion in investment pledges made at the South Africa Investment Conference last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that most of the pledges were made by local firms, which he says signals to international investors that the South African economy is stable and strengthening.

South Africa's new target seeks R3-trillion in new investments over the next five years, which Ramaphosa said was called "unrealistic" by some.

"Yet, building on the momentum that has been created, drawing on the efforts of all South Africans, there is no reason why we cannot achieve it," he assured.

With global uncertainty and increasing competitiveness, Ramaphosa expressed confidence that the pledges made at the conference reflected renewed confidence in South Africa's economy, particularly after years of stagnant growth, State capture and electricity instability.

"That we have been able to realise a record value in investment pledges despite this difficult climate is an indication of how far we have come. It is significant that a substantial share of the investment pledges announced at the 2026 conference were domestic in origin, and encompass a mix of new commitments and capital investments that had already been planned. Each of these investments – whether newly announced or in the pipeline for some time – is significant, because each required a deliberate choice. Each investment decision is shaped by the credibility and stability of the economic environment and expectations of return on investment," he stated.

Local investment was important, the President said, as it displayed confidence from investors who understand South Africa's conditions.

He also noted the importance of commitments made in industries that have been prioritised for faster economic growth and increased employment, such as mining, beneficiation, agro-processing, tourism, renewables and the digital economy.

Policy certainty, structural reform and transformation form part of government's plan to increase investment.

"The reform and transformation processes will continue apace to resolve longstanding challenges not only in areas such as electricity, water and logistics. We will continue to foster transformation and reforms in various areas that will improve the lives of our people and continue to create a conducive environment for investment. We will continue to take decisive steps to root out corruption, to prevent extortion at construction sites and to break the back of the illicit economy," Ramaphosa said.

In addition to investment drives, government is also looking to new markets and seeking to strengthen existing trade relations with one-on-one engagements.

Ramaphosa noted "valuable engagement" with US companies in South Africa, as well as an upcoming meeting with Spanish companies.

"As we reflect on the progress made over the last few years, and as we tally up the investment pledges that have been made to date, we must always look ahead. Our economy is starting to pick up pace, more jobs are being created and confidence is improving. Our economy is increasingly better positioned to take advantage of the technological shifts underway in the world. This bodes well for faster growth and greater investment," he said.

NPA gives the go-ahead for prosecutions in Life Esidimeni tragedy

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Monday that implicated individuals in the drawn-out Life Esidimeni investigation and legal proceedings will be prosecuted, giving families a ray of hope after the events of 2015 and 2016.0

One-hundred and forty-one vulnerable psychiatric patients died after they were unlawfully removed from licensed care facilities to unregistered and ill-equipped NGOs.

"The matter has since stood as one of the most serious human rights violations in democratic South Africa. For nearly a decade, families of the deceased have endured prolonged delays in the pursuit of justice. These delays were occasioned by the complexity of the case, the scale of the evidence, and the necessity of ensuring a thorough and legally sound process. The NPA acknowledges the pain and frustration experienced by affected families during this period," the NPA said.

It revealed that the delay in the NPA's prosecutions announcement was owing to the retirement of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Bathoi, and the need to brief incoming NDPP Andy Mothibi about the case.

The inquest into the tragedy found that the Gaunteng Department of Health was negligent resulting in the deaths of patients and it identified individuals for prosecution.

"After careful consideration of the inquest findings, supporting evidence, and applicable legal standards, the NPA has resolved that there is sufficient basis to institute criminal prosecutions. The charges are expected to include culpable homicide, among others, against those deemed responsible for the unlawful and negligent actions that led to the deaths," the NPA revealed.

New DA leader Hill-Lewis to address 'trust deficit' with Black voters

South Africa's newly elected Democratic Alliance (DA) party leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, said on Monday he will focus on addressing a "trust deficit" among Black voters as he seeks to grow the DA into the biggest party in the country.

The DA is South Africa's second-biggest party with about 22% of seats in parliament, but it has a reputation as the party of white privilege in a majority Black country and has struggled to grow in recent years.

Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis is its second white leader in a row, succeeding Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

"I really want to focus the party on communicating, on conveying and on, most importantly, demonstrating that we genuinely care about the advancement of every South African," he told reporters.

This would mean being more present in communities and vocal about the issues that are worrying voters, he said.

"You can't blame the voters... you have to look internally at why that trust deficit still exists," he added, in response to a question about mistrust from Black voters.

DA MAINTAINS OPPOSITION TO BLACK EMPOWERMENT LAW

The DA entered into a coalition government in 2024 with the long-ruling African National Congress, which has been steadily losing support due to corruption scandals and dysfunctional basic services.

Hill-Lewis said he was committed to making the coalition work but also said his mission was for the DA to surpass the ANC, which has almost twice as many seats in parliament, and to be president someday.

One of the DA's most prominent policy positions is its opposition to Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), the ANC's affirmative action framework which gives companies incentives to hire and promote Black people, who remain deeply disadvantaged three decades after the end of apartheid.

Hill-Lewis said this does not mean the party is against Black advancement, although he acknowledged that some people see it that way.

"We have to make it clear to Black South Africans that we are genuinely invested in and care about their advancement, but we do not support the current model," he said.

ActionSA wants probe into Phala Phala misconduct findings

ActionSA's parliamentary team is writing to the Portfolio Committees on the Presidency and on Police to institute an urgent inquiry into reported misconduct by Major General Wally Rhoode and members of the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) during the Phala Phala investigation.

The party has obtained an Independent Police Investigations Directorate (IPID) report detailing serious misconduct including the unlawful use of State resources, falsifying documents, and abuse of the President's name.

ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont pointed out that despite the report, which was finalised in 2023, making serious findings against Rhoode and Constable HH Rekhoto, no accountability measures have been taken.

Beaumont highlighted that the report, which ActionSA has now published, finds that Rhoode and Rekhoto, despite their positions within the South African Police Service (Saps), both refused to participate in the IPID's official probe.

They conducted an "off-the-books" investigation into the farm theft without opening a formal police case or notifying the National Police Commissioner.

Beaumont noted that both Rhoode and Rekhoto allegedly falsified documentation to secure State funding for the investigation by disguising it as legitimate PPU operations.

The pair also incurred irregular costs by flying in drivers from Pretoria to Cape Town for the investigation, ignoring the fact that local resources were already available.

Beaumont pointed out that they seemed to have used the President's name to intimidate and pressure other law enforcement officials into following irregular orders.

"They interrogated suspects without informing them of their constitutional rights, leading to allegations of unlawful apprehension and kidnapping. They arranged an unauthorised meeting with Namibian government officials in a 'no-man's-land' near Upington and improperly involved the Presidential Envoy for Africa, Dr Bejani Chauke," he added.

Beaumont said despite these findings being public for almost two years, the Saps leadership and the President are accountable for failing to act against Rhoode, Rekhoto, and Chauke.

He argued that the President's inaction is even more concerning given reports that his name was used to prevent an investigation into the case's irregularities.

The document was only declassified by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia after ActionSA prepared legal action, Beaumont said, adding that despite the declassification in early February, subsequent requests for the report were ignored until its release.

"ActionSA pursued the release of this report because, at the heart of our democracy, is the principle that every South African must be equal before the law. This principle has been undermined by successive African National Congress (ANC) governments and is now further compromised by a Government of National Unity that has been co-opted to protect the ANC," he noted.

Ramaphosa makes new ConCourt appointments

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday announced the appointment of Justice Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Justice Katharine Mary Savage as Judges of the Constitutional Court with effect from May 1.

The appointments were made following recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission, and after consultations with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Ramaphosa lauded Judges Dambuza-Mayosi and Savage for their "unwavering dedication" to the rule of law.

"Judge Dambuza-Mayosi and Judge Savage have for decades served the cause and practice of justice with great diligence, foresight and, most importantly, clear commitment to our Constitution," he said.

Dambuza-Mayosi has served as a Supreme Court of Appeal judge since 2015 and did a stint acting as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal for an extended period.

Justice Dambuza-Mayosi holds more than three decades of experience in legal practice, academia and the judiciary.

Savage became a Judge of the Western Cape High Court in 2015 and has served as a Judge of the Labour Appeal Court since 2024.

Ramaphosa wished the new judges well in their new roles, noting that their appointments take place as the country marks 30 years since the adoption of its Constitution.

"… this anniversary is a significant moment for our nation and serves as an inspiration for our Constitutional Court to sustain the entrenchment of our national values and the supreme law that underpins them," he said.