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South African rand steady ahead of economic data

The South African rand was little changed on Monday as traders looked to this week's local data releases for further clues on the health of Africa's biggest economy.

Those releases include a leading business cycle indicator, the producer price index and the central bank's quarterly bulletin.

The rand traded at 17.33 against the dollar by 0825 GMT, within touching distance of Friday's close.

The currency has held steady since last week's decision by the South African Reserve Bank to maintain its main lending rate at 7%, taking a cautious stance despite consumer inflation looking under control.

Nedbank economists expect the central bank's quarterly bulletin to report improvement in household finances in the second quarter after they deteriorated in the first three months of the year.

"The boost will come from higher wages and subdued inflation, which will support disposable income, while lower interest rates will ease debt burdens," Nedbank said in a research note.

Economists polled by Reuters expect year-on-year producer inflation of 1.5% for August, unchanged from July.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange's Top-40 index was also little changed on Monday.

The benchmark 2035 government bond strengthened, with the yield down 3.5 basis points at 9.13%.

Rhodes University elects Mbuyiseli Madlanga as chancellor

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will, from October 10, be Rhodes University's new chancellor, succeeding Justice Lex Mpati, who is retiring as the chancellor after 13 years of distinguished service.

Madlanga was elected unanimously, with the Rhodes University Council saying its decision recognises not only his legal expertise and integrity but also his enduring commitment to education and public service.

Madlanga is an alumnus of Rhodes University, where he completed his Bachelor of Laws degree before furthering his studies internationally.

He is a distinguished jurist who recently retired after serving with distinction at the Constitutional Court of South Africa for more than a decade.

"His illustrious career has been marked by a profound dedication to constitutional democracy, human rights and the rule of law," the council said.

Madlanga now chairs the Madlanga Commission, a landmark inquiry into corruption, criminality and political interference in South Africa's justice system.

As chancellor, he will serve as the ceremonial head of Rhodes University, presiding over graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for the university's vision of producing graduates who are critical thinkers, ethical leaders and engaged citizens.

Rhodes University vice-chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela described Madlanga's appointment as "a homecoming to the institution from where he graduated in 1986 and where he received an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2023".

"Justice Madlanga embodies the values and ideals that Rhodes University stands for. His life and career demonstrate the transformative power of education and the pursuit of justice. We are honoured to have him serve as our chancellor and look forward to his guidance as we continue to shape the future of this institution," Mabizela said.

Chair of Rhodes University Council Judge Gerald Bloem expressed confidence in Madlanga's leadership.

"I have no doubt that Justice Madlanga, an exceptional jurist, whose seminal judgments are rooted in the Constitution, will serve Rhodes University with the same enthusiasm with which he served the country through those judgments. I wish him well as he embarks on his new journey," he said.

Ramaphosa urges UN to exercise leadership role

Ahead of his participation in a meeting in New York on a two-State solution in the Middle East, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the UN to actively enforce international law and human rights standards for all, and not the select few.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that if the global, rules-based system is to have practical meaning, the UN must exercise its leadership role in global governance.

The President has arrived in the US, where he is expected to lead a South African delegation during a High-Level Segment of the Eightieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The high-level segment will take place from Tuesday till next Monday.

He acknowledged that the UN is struggling to meet its mandate as contained in the UN Charter.

"It continues to be hampered by competing national interests that impede collective action. There is a lack of political will among member states to address many challenges, including the chronic underfunding of peacekeeping operations.

"But by far the most serious hindrance to the UN fulfilling its mandate is the structure and operation of the UN Security Council," he explained.

He said despite changes in global power relations over more than half a century, the decision-making architecture that has enabled the five permanent members to have veto powers has not changed since the end of World War Two.

He highlighted that these five permanent members effectively make decisions on behalf of more than 85% of the world's population living in countries of the Global South.

"They continue to use their veto powers to effectively paralyse collective action and prevent timely responses to crises, even in the face of clear violations of international law," he explained.

Ramaphosa pointed out that South Africa has been consistent in its calls for UN Security Council reform and for it to better reflect global realities, noting that the current composition of the UN Security Council and its record of decisions seriously undermine the spirit of global cooperation and weaken the UN's commitment to neutrality and its legitimacy.

"Efforts at reform, such as proposals to expand the permanent membership of the Security Council, improving regional representation, and restricting the use of the veto, have stalled and must be reinvigorated with urgency," he highlighted.

Ramaphosa said that at a time of widespread poverty and underdevelopment, when human rights are under threat worldwide and where geopolitical tensions are creating instability across the globe, advancing multilateralism is more critical than ever.

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Meanwhile, on Monday Ramaphosa is due to participate in a two-State solution high-level meeting, which will reaffirm international commitments to the two-State solution in Israel/Palestine and seek to mobilize support for its implementation.

The meeting will be convened and co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Al Saud.

In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, Ramaphosa will address the general debate on Tuesday.

Ramaphosa will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa's current role as Chair of the G20.

"These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions.

"South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord," explained Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.

Magwenya said on Wednesday, the President will also participate in the Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaire...

Ramaphosa tries to defuse backlash after praising rival party

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa moved to defuse tensions sparked by his warning that the African National Congress risks losing voter support unless it learns from a key political rival.

"Maybe you can say it got lost in translation. In the end we must all learn from each other," he told the South African Broadcasting Corporation in an interview on Thursday. "I should have talked about the full equation."

Ramaphosa earlier in the week suggested that his colleagues learn lessons from better-run municipalities led by the Democratic Alliance, the second largest party in a coalition government formed by the ANC after it lost its outright majority in last year's elections.

He is navigating mounting challenges, including growing public frustration over poor service delivery, which he cautioned could cost the ANC in the 2026 municipal elections, and urged his colleagues to do better.

"We need to ask ourselves what is it that they are doing that is better than what we are doing. And there is nothing wrong with us saying we want to go and see what Cape Town is doing," he said Monday, referring to the municipality run by the DA. "We need to be moving up the ladder at being good at what we do. We cannot stay forever at the bottom. It hurts me deeply."

That unusual public candor drew widespread criticism, including from quarters of the ANC, for providing ammunition to the party's chief rival.

DA leader John Steenhuisen was quick to seek political capital from the concession, claiming in a statement earlier on Thursday that "Ramaphosa in his capacity as ANC president, acknowledged publicly that where the DA governs, it delivers."

The President, in his interview on Thursday, said he should have pointed to the progress made in transformation that is visible in municipalities run by the ANC, while clean audits of DA-run councils "does not mean clean streets."

"There must be compliance," he said. "There must also be transformation, improvement of the lives of our people."

Parly committee calls for public input regarding the Saps allegations it is investigating

Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption, political interference and malfeasance in the South African Police Service has invited individuals and interested organisations to make written submissions on matters pertinent to the scope of the enquiry, as detailed in the terms of reference, that may assist it in fulfilling its mandate.

Individuals and organisations have until October 17 to make such submissions.

"Only submissions which relate to the scope of the enquiry will be considered by the committee. Written submissions, including supporting documentation, intended to place evidence before the committee, must be provided under oath or affirmation. Individuals or organisations requiring assistance in preparing a sworn statement or submitting evidence are encouraged to notify the committee so that appropriate support can be arranged," it said.

The committee is conducting an enquiry to assess the veracity, extent, and implications of wide-ranging allegations regarding security matters made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The committee has agreed to conduct the enquiry in accordance with the provisions of the ToR, which may be varied or amended in line with its objectives.

Meanwhile, the parallel-running Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, began with public hearings on Wednesday, after its start was delayed owing to procurement challenges.

The commission was originally scheduled to begin on September 1.

Mkhwanazi was the first person to appear before it, since his public statements prompted the formation of the committee.

In July, Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations of corruption, specifically accusing Police Minister Senzo 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 and Sibiya have since been placed on leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

DA criticises Joburg mayor of incompetency in handling JHB water crisis

The Democratic Alliance on Friday criticised Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero of incompetence, expressing that the need for new leadership was immediate.

Morero appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation to account for the growing water crisis across the City of Johannesburg.

"After failing on his promise to restore water in seven days, Dada Morero's presentation before the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation unequivocally proves he is unfit to be mayor," said DA spokesperson on Water and Sanitation Stephen Moore.

Moore noted that Morero did not have a ready plan for residents of Johannesburg, even while taps run dry, declaring that Johannesburg's water crisis will not be fixed under his administration.

Moore said Morero did not have answers to important DA questions.

The DA wanted Morero to explain why he had let the water issues deteriorate and whether he would support Johannesburg Water in adopting a workable plan.

It also wanted him to answer on how he justifies, as mayor, cutting billions from water infrastructure when people can't even rely on a working tap.

Moore said Morero had no answer to the R4-billion defunded from Joburg Water, which he said brought maintenance projects to a halt, causing the current crisis.

"When asked whether he would ring-fence funding to Joburg Water, to fix the mess his government has caused, he also had no answers," explained Moore.

He highlighted that the crisis in Joburg would only worsen owing to Morero's "incompetence."

"For months the DA has exposed the City's failing water system. From leaks that run for years without repair, to Rand Water reservoirs plunging, and most recently, the R4-billion that Mayor Morero quietly shifted away from Johannesburg Water while residents were left queuing at tankers," he explained.

The party claimed that the current allocated budget by Morero was insufficient to resolve the crisis.

". . . the City of Johannesburg is unwilling to give Joburg Water the resources it needs to fix the crisis in the City. Joburg Water has concrete plans - but lacks support and resources from the City.

"It is clear that Johannesburg's water crisis will not be fixed under this administration. Johannesburg needs a new government as soon as possible, or residents will continue to remain in the lurch," he noted.

The party also warned Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina that if she did not intervene, she risked being complicit in Morero's failing millions of Johannesburg residents.

"Johannesburg needs strong, dedicated, experienced leadership, that will not sit on its hands while residents suffer. Dada Morero and this administration are not that. Change must come immediately," the DA said.

Joburg mayor to appear before Parly committee over water issues

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero will appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation on Friday to account for the growing water problems across the City of Johannesburg.

Morero will also appear with the Joburg Water MD to discuss the issues in Joburg.

Ahead of the briefing, the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA are seeking answers and transparency.

"For months the DA has exposed the City's failing water system. From leaks that run for years without repair, to Rand Water reservoir levels plunging, and most recently, the R4-billion that Mayor Morero quietly shifted away from Johannesburg Water while residents were left queuing at tankers," said DA spokesperson on Water & Sanitation Stephen Moore.

Last week, the party called for a full overhaul of the City's entities and requested that National Treasury investigate Joburg's water tanker contracts.

DA Johannesburg Caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said water tankers had long been suspected of being used as "cash cows" for politically connected cadres, claiming that the enabling force behind this was the sabotage of water towers.

The party had since called on Morero to dissolve what it said was the "cadre-filled board" of Joburg Water and to also appoint fit-for -purpose engineers and experienced individuals to run the entity.

The DA also wants Morero to fast-track the repair of Hursthill and Brixton reservoirs that supply Westbury and Coronationville and to put measures in place that enable private investors to construct water towers and distribution systems.

Moore said that during Friday's briefing, the DA wanted Morero to explain why he had let the water issues deteriorate and whether he would support Johannesburg Water in adopting a workable plan.

He must also answer on how he justifies, as mayor, cutting billions from water infrastructure when people can't even rely on a working tap, Moore said.

TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Meanwhile, ActionSA demands that Morero fulfil his promise of a sustainable water supply in Ward 82, in Johannesburg.

The party has urged Morero to prioritise transparency and community involvement in finding a sustainable solution.

"We condemn corrupt practices, such as water tanker mafias, and demand equitable water distribution that restores trust between residents and authorities. Residents have endured nearly a decade of inconsistent water supply from Joburg Water, often without warning or a clear timeframe for restoration," said ActionSA Joburg's Councillor Edwin Ntshidi.

The situation in Johannesburg is exacerbated by frequent power outages, which need urgent attention," he said.

"…failed promises and baseless excuses from Joburg Water have pushed residents to a breaking point, resulting in violent protests," he highlighted.

ActionSA welcomed the provision of 15 water tankers as a temporary measure but emphasised the need for a long-term solution.

With the self-imposed deadline for resolving the water crisis expiring on Thursday, the party cautioned against further delays, which Ntshidi said may lead to more protests and potential destruction of public property.

Residents in Johannesburg have taken to the streets since the beginning of the month, owing to water supply issues.

ActionSA called on the City of Johannesburg to provide a sustainable water supply and to also address power outages.

More by-election wins for the ANC in Limpopo, KZN

The African National Congress said on Thursday by-elections results in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that renewal is not an idea in theory, but a living practice "embraced by the masses".

The party celebrated its victory in Ward 9 of the Ephraim Mogale sub region, in Sekhukhune region, in the by-election held on Wednesday.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the win was even more significant as it was accompanied by a higher voter turnout than in 2021, which she said affirmed the growing confidence of voters in the party's renewal and service delivery agenda.

"We congratulate Collins Nkwane Maleswene on his election as councillor. He must lead with humility, accountability, and an unshakable commitment to improving the daily lives of our people," she said.

The party also thanked the Ward 56 residents in eThekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal, who voted for the ANC.

"The people's support is a reminder that the ANC continues to be the people's movement, trusted to deliver transformation in every part of the country," she noted.

Last week, the party also celebrated victories in in Gauteng, Free State and Eastern Cape.

Solidarity Movement off to the US again

The Solidarity Movement has officially begun what it says is an extensive visit to the US, where the Movement will visit members of the US government, at the federal and state levels, in the coming weeks.

Solidarity Movement chairperson Flip Buys said the purpose of the visit was to advocate for South Africa, the economy "and the people who are working".

Relations between South Africa and US President Donald Trump's administration came to a head earlier this year, after the signing of the Expropriation Act, tensions which many believe were exacerbated by the Solidarity Movement and its members AfriForum and Solidarity lobbying the US.

However, the Solidarity Movement and its organisations have instead blamed the South African government, and particularly the African National Congress (ANC), for alienating the US and increasing tensions.

The Solidarity Movement and its sister organisation, AfriForum, made a trip to the US earlier this year, to discuss concerns regarding South Africa's policies, such as its land policies.

The organisation was criticised for this move, with many blaming AfriForum, Solidarity and the Solidarity Movement for creating a campaign of misinformation that led to Trump cutting funding to South Africa.

The Solidarity Movement said it had sent several letters to the South African government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, attempting to engage in discussions about the "diplomatic crisis", its consequences and possible solutions before the visit. However, this was unsuccessful.

"The ANC is responsible for the poor diplomatic relations. They can no longer be trusted to repair them alone. The private sector and civil society must play a much greater role. Where government ruins relations and endangers the country's economic future, the Solidarity Movement builds bridges, creates solutions, and restores hope," Buys said. He said ordinary South Africans were feeling the effects of a weakening economy, citing "great concern" about South Africa's diplomatic infrastructure.

"Like many other infrastructures in the country, the government's diplomatic infrastructure has imploded. Previously, South Africa had diplomatic infrastructure down to state level, but now there is not even an ambassador, and the special envoy does not even have a visa. The question is not what the Solidarity Movement is doing in the USA, but where is the government?" he said.

Electricity has reached 'unaffordable proportions' - ANC on Nersa tariff blunder

The African National Congress (ANC) has welcomed Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa's intervention and his demand for consequence management over the National Energy Regulator of South Africa's (Nersa's) R54-billion tariff blunder.

Nersa agreed to a court order that Eskom can collect an extra R54-billion in tariffs over the next few years, as a result of errors made by the regulator in its sixth multiyear price determination revenue decision.

The ANC expressed concerns over the tariff blunder to consumers, who are already battling an inflationary economy.

"This blunder comes at a time when electricity is exorbitant, having reached unaffordable proportions," said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

She said the ANC welcomed the Electricity and Energy Department's plan to address the surging electricity costs and the plan to mitigate the high electricity costs which erode household incomes.

Further, she said the ANC would resist and reject any attempt to pass the cost on to consumers.

"The ANC promotes clean governance and prudence in the administration of State entities including government departments. As an organisation acting in the best interests of the people, to improve the quality of life and reduce the high cost of living we will monitor and interact with those at the helm of government and the electricity sector to address this issue. This includes illegal connections, incorrect billing and the challenges faced by the municipalities in their inability to service the Eskom debt as part of our Action Plan post the ANC Roll Call as a call to action to improve the lives of the people," she said.

Meanwhile, last week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) referred Nersa to the Public Protector for investigation.

The party also wants a reconstitution of the Nersa board with "competent professionals".

Earlier this month, the party wrote to Nersa chairperson Thembani Bukula demanding public accountability and answers.

In a letter to the DA, Bukula conceded to errors in Nersa's calculations, citing a "clerical error" and a "version control issue".

The letter to the DA also said a remedial process to find the origin of the errors was underway, and that consequence management would also take place to ensure accountability.