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Ramaphosa urges G20 leaders to act against inequality ahead of meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that inequality makes the world "less stable, fuels conflict and undermines" democracy, urging G20 leaders to recognise the extent and urgency of the problem of inequality, and to act accordingly.

Ahead of the start of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22, Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that it will be the first time the G20 will focus on inequality and consider an in-depth report of this nature.

He explained that when South Africa took over the Presidency of the G20 nearly a year ago, it identified equality as one of the pillars of its term, alongside solidarity and sustainability.

"We chose to focus on equality because it is essential to a more stable, prosperous and sustainable world. If the G20 is going to live up to its mission to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues, then it needs to significantly and urgently reduce inequality," he said.

He highlighted that global wealth inequality is stark.

"The world's richest 10% account for more than half of total global income. These people account for a staggering 74% of total global wealth. The human cost of these inequalities is severe; one in four people globally face moderate or severe food insecurity," he pointed out.

Ramaphosa pointed out that it is the reason why he appointed an Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality as part of the country's G20 Presidency.

The Committee, chaired by Nobel Laureate and renowned economist Joseph Stiglitz, handed over its findings last week.

Ramaphosa said the report examined the causes and consequences of inequality and makes important recommendations.

He explained that among the committee's recommendations is the establishment of a permanent international body on inequality.

"This would be modelled along the lines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has been vital to global efforts to measure and respond to the climate emergency.

"In a similar way, the proposed International Panel on Inequality would bring focus to bear on inequality and measure, monitor and report on global and national trends in inequality among and within countries. It would be mandated to advise governments, multilateral bodies and institutions and the G20 on effective policy responses," he said.

The report suggests policy levers that governments around the world can use to reduce inequality.

"It is noteworthy that South Africa already has a number of these policies in place. These include progressive taxation, minimum wage legislation, public expenditure on free or subsidised healthcare, zero-rating essential foodstuffs and strong social protection systems," he said.

Another important part of the country's response to inequality is to promote debt sustainability, especially for developing economies, Ramaphosa highlighted.

The interest on sovereign debt repayments, particularly in Africa, is stifling public spending and economic growth. It is widening the gap between countries and within countries, he added.

Ramaphosa said this is one of the reason South Africa is using its G20 Presidency to advocate for the reform of the global financial architecture.

Zuma's daughter pleads not guilty over deadly South African riots as trial begins

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of inciting violence during riots in 2021 in which more than 300 people were killed.

The unrest broke out in July 2021 after Jacob Zuma was arrested for disobeying a court order to testify at a corruption inquiry, and it morphed into widespread looting. The financial damage from the riots was estimated at R50-billion.

Zuma-Sambudla appeared at the high court in Durban for the first day of her trial over the unrest. Prosecutors allege she incited others to commit acts of violence through posts on social media.

Jacob Zuma, who was president from 2009 to 2018 and who still has a loyal following in South Africa, was in court to support his daughter and sat alongside members of his political party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).

MK was a major disruptor in last year's national election, contributing to a sharp drop in support for the African National Congress, which Zuma used to lead.

Environment Minister Dion George set to lose his post

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George looks likely to lose his post after his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), proposed that he be replaced by its spokesperson, Willie Aucamp.

George was asked to become deputy trade minister, "but he didn't see that as an option for himself" and lawmaker Alexandra Abrahams had been recommended for that position, DA leader John Steenhuisen said in an interview on Monday, adding that a final decision will rest with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The DA joined a 10-member coalition government led by the African National Congress after last year's elections failed to produce an outright winner and was allocated six cabinet posts. The DA's federal executive committee had decided on the new appointees to the government, Steenhuisen said.

Ramaphosa fired the DA's Andrew Whitfield as deputy trade minister in June for travelling abroad without permission, and his post has stood vacant since then.

Oppenheimer family scion urges South Africa to cut red tape

Jonathan Oppenheimer, scion of the family that built Anglo American and De Beers into global mining powerhouses, urged the South African government to "get out of the way" of entrepreneurs.

While small and medium-sized companies make up 91% of formal businesses in South Africa and account for more than a third of gross domestic product, weak economic growth and high running and compliance costs threaten their survival. More than half the country's small businesses risk shutting down within a year under current cost-inflation conditions without outside help, an index compiled by Absa Group and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry shows.

"The most powerful thing the government could do is get out of the way, particularly in the entrepreneurial space," Oppenheimer, the executive chairman of investment and philanthropic group Oppenheimer Generations, said in an interview in Johannesburg Wednesday. "I'm not advocating a completely anarchic libertarian approach by any measure, I truly don't believe that. But, the government needs to be very deliberate in understanding that time, particularly for small business, is incredibly precious."

His comments echo those made by the World Bank. The Washington-based lender has urged South African policymakers to cut excessive red tape, which it said weighs heaviest on smaller companies that lack the resources to navigate them and are contributing to the economy's "signs of paralysis." GDP has expanded by an average of less than 1% annually over the past decade.

The Oppenheimer family donated R1-billion in 2020 to set up the South African Future Trust, which supported small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. The public-benefit organisation extended those funds as concessionary loans to about 10,000 companies in 34 working days, Oppenheimer said. The trust plans to use all recovered funds to further stimulate small businesses, including through training programs, he added.

Nicky Oppenheimer, Jonathan's father, has a net worth of $13.5-billion, mainly from the 2012 sale of his family's stake in De Beers for $5.2-billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

SIU launches GBVF programme to act 'swiftly'

Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head Advocate Andy Mothibi said on Friday that corruption and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) are inter-connected, as he announced the launch of the unit's GBVF first responder programme.

Speaking during the National Dialogue on GBVF, in Pretoria, he stated that GBVF was not only a crime but a betrayal of the promise of the country's democracy.

"…the promise that every person, regardless of gender, or circumstance, deserves to live free from fear and free in dignity," he added.

Mothibi said through the SIU Anti-Corruption and Cyber Academy, the programme marks a "decisive shift" from reaction to readiness.

It will train and accredit GBVF first responders across communities, workplaces and institutions to act within the first 24 hours of a crisis.

"When a survivor calls for help, when a child trembles, when silence hangs heavy, South Africa must be ready to respond with competence, compassion, and care," he said.

Mothibi called for the capacitation and strengthening of teachers, nurses, HR officers, social workers, NGOs', traditional leaders, police officers and prosecutors, all of whom meet with survivors in their most vulnerable states.

He stated that the work of the SIU was anchored in "justice, accountability, and integrity".

"Yet our mission extends beyond investigation, it is about ethical leadership and the protection of the vulnerable," he said.

He expressed concern that corruption poached resources meant for survivor care, shelters and justice support, adding that it undermined service delivery and created violent and exploitative environments.

"When corruption takes root, it is women, children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who suffer the most, often unseen, unheard, and unprotected," he stated.

Mchunu maintains innocence, as he hands over electronic devices to Saps

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he remains confident that due process will confirm that his actions have been "ethical, lawful, and consistent" with his duties as a member of the Executive.

On Thursday, Mchunu voluntarily handed over his electronic devices to South African Police Service (Saps) investigators as part of the ongoing investigation.

In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

This after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance, specifically accusing Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, where they have allegedly been neutralised.

Mchunu reiterated his full cooperation with all processes and reaffirmed his commitment to "transparency, accountability, and respect" for the rule of law.

He maintained that he had "nothing to hide" and that he welcomed any lawful investigation.

Mchunu said his focus was on serving South Africans and safeguarding the integrity of the country's democratic institutions.

Last month, during his appearance at the Commission investigating allegations made by Mkhwanazi, Mchunu defended his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal, informing the committee that he had the approval of Ramaphosa to proceed with the decision.

Mchunu stated that he had briefed Ramaphosa on his intention to dissolve the task team and that the President had supported his reasoning.

Parly committee wants action against no-show ambassador Stone Sizani

The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation expressed disappointment with Ambassador Stone Sizani's nonattendance at the committee's oversight session in Brussels, recommending that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola initiate an investigation.

The committee was engaged with the European High Commission during its "unprecedented" week-long oversight mission in Europe.

Committee chairperson Supra Mahumapelo expressed concern that Sizani did not send an apology, saying it was a missed opportunity for him to engage constructively with Parliament and to demonstrate how his work in Germany contributed to advancing South Africa's foreign policy objectives, particularly in addressing the country's pressing socioeconomic challenges and promoting redress.

Considering these developments, Mahumapelo said the committee had resolved to formally report its concerns to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.

Mahumapelo pointed to previous "limited cooperation" from Sizani.

"…during its oversight visit to Germany in October 2023, the committee sought to assess two vacant State-owned properties in Bonn. Despite the significance of this engagement, the ambassador did not attend, without tendering a formal apology to the committee for his absence," he explained.

The committee will also engage with the Presidency to express its view that Sizani's conduct does not meet the standards "expected of a representative of South Africa's national interests abroad".

MKP suspends John Hlophe, reverses Des van Rooyen's appointment

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has issued a precautionary suspension to the party's deputy president and leader of the MKP parliamentary caucus Dr John Hlophe, which effectively, nullifies Des Van Rooyen's appointment as the parliamentary chief whip.

On Wednesday, the party announced that van Rooyen will replace Collen Makhubele with immediate effect.

The party said in a statement that Hlophe will be suspended from both his leadership roles with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into his conduct.

The party clarified that MKP president Jacob Zuma arrived back from Burkina Faso, met with the MKP's national officials and received a briefing about changes effected at the National Assembly "without a collective consultation".

MKP head of presidency Magasela Mzobe said the suspension was meant to "affirm and send a strong message" on the principle of collective leadership across all structures within the party.

He assured that the party's leadership remained "firmly united and committed" to upholding MKP principles.

"…this decision should be viewed as a demonstration of the party's unwavering commitment to internal party discipline and collective leadership. The MK Party wishes to assure all its members, supporters and the broader South African public that the organization remains stable, focused and steadfast in pursuing its mission to bring about genuine transformation and justice for the people of South Africa," he said.

South Africa to investigate how 17 citizens were lured into fighting in Ukraine

South Africa's government said on Thursday it will investigate how 17 of its citizens joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict after the men sent distress calls for help to return home.

The men were lured into fighting under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts, a statement issued by South Africa's presidency said. All are between the ages of 20 and 39 years and are trapped in Ukraine's Donbas region, it said, adding that the government was working to bring them home.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into these seemingly mercenary activities," said the statement.

The presidency statement did not say which side the men were fighting on, and presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwengya said: "We don't know yet, hence the investigation".

Most of Ukraine's Donbas region, where the 17 were said to be trapped, is under Russian military control, and Moscow has been accused in the past by developing countries of recruiting their citizens to fight on its behalf under false pretences.

SOUTH AFRICA NON-ALIGNED OVER WAR

A spokesperson for Ukraine's foreign ministry said it was looking into the reports. Russia's embassy in South Africa did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

South Africa seeks to project itself as non-aligned on the war, while maintaining warm relations with Moscow as a fellow member of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Ramaphosa has met leaders of both countries.

Under South African law, it is illegal for citizens to provide military assistance to foreign governments or participate in foreign armies unless authorised by South Africa.

AFRICANS CAUGHT IN THE CONFLICT UNDER FALSE PRETENCES

Kenya said last month that some of its citizens were detained in military camps across Russia after unknowingly getting caught up in the conflict.

"Agents who masquerade as working with the Russian government... use unscrupulous methods including falsified information to lure innocent Kenyans into the battlefield," the country's foreign ministry said in a statement on October 27.

India, Nepal and Sri Lanka are among other countries that have said scores of their citizens were recruited under false pretences to join Russia's war effort.

In August, South Africa's government warned young people to be wary of fake job offers in Russia, which were circulating on social media, after reports that some South African women had been tricked into making drones.

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime said in a May report that women from more than 20 African countries had been recruited under false pretences to make drones for Russia's war.

NA passes Bill to implement shared border control zones with neighbouring States

The National Assembly (NA) has passed the One Stop Border Post Bill, with strong support from the Democratic Alliance (DA), with the aim of streamlining cross-border trade and improving State capability at the country's points of entry.

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs recommended that the NA adopt the Bill without amendments and it will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

Parliament explained that the Bill aims to establish a legal framework for creating shared border posts between South Africa and its neighbouring countries.

"It provides for the development of common control zones where officials from both countries can enforce their respective national laws in a coordinated and efficient manner. These zones are intended to improve the facilitation of trade and the movement of people, while strengthening security and cooperation at ports of entry," it said.

The One Stop Border Post Bill aligns with the objectives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, which promotes economic cooperation, regional integration and sustainable development within the SADC region, Parliament explained.

Tabled in Parliament in September 2024, the Bill defines a one stop border post as a port of entry jointly operated by two countries at a single location, based on mutual legal and administrative agreements.

"It outlines procedures for enhanced cooperation, shared risk and information management, and reduced border crossing times. Each country's laws will apply equally within the common control zones, ensuring that any violations are addressed through existing bilateral and trade agreements," Parliament stated.

The Bill empowers the Minister of Home Affairs to conclude agreements with neighbouring States on the development and management of points of entry.

The framework also allows officials from either country to enforce border control regulations within the common control zones.

Parliament explained that once enacted, the One Stop Border Post Bill was expected to "significantly enhance" intra-African trade and investment by improving border efficiency, facilitating easier movement of goods and people and strengthening economic cooperation.

"It supports the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area by promoting streamlined, modernised border management systems that can boost local economies and create employment opportunities across the continent," it added.

The DA welcomed the passing of the Bill, saying it would help transform border management from the "legacy" of porous borders and fragmentation to a system of coordination, efficiency and integrity.

The party noted that the Bill was a "tested and globally recognised" model that reduces waiting times, limits opportunities for corruption and smuggling and enhances trade competitiveness.

DA spokesperson on Home Affairs Adrian Roos claimed that under Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber's leadership, the Department of Home Affairs had worked "tirelessly" to professionalise border management, strengthen biometric verification, and integrate Home Affairs systems with those of the Border Management Authority (BMA).

"Already we are seeing the impact of the Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is being rolled out for G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico and is proving to dramatically speed up processing at border posts.

"What we are seeing is not just better infrastructure, but a new border governance philosophy - one that prioritises accountability and service excellence. For too long, inefficiencies at our borders have cost South Africa billions in lost trade, delayed exports, and reputational damage. This Bill responds directly to those challenges," said Roos.

However, the party reiterated that for the BMA to succeed, the South African Police Services Border Police transfer must be comple...