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South Africa says it is not anti-American after Trump's Brics tariff threat

South Africa is not anti-American and still wants to negotiate a trade deal with the United States, a trade ministry spokesperson said, after US President Donald Trump threatened an extra 10% tariff on countries aligned with the Brics grouping.

Trump accused the Brics group of developing nations, of which South Africa is a member, of "anti-American" policies on Sunday as Brics leaders were holding a summit in Brazil.

South Africa has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with Trump's administration since May, when Trump hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa for talks in the White House.

"We still await formal communication from the US in respect of our trade deal but our conversations remain constructive and fruitful," trade ministry spokesperson Kaamil Alli told Reuters.

"As we have communicated previously, we are not anti-American," Alli said.

DA's criminal case against Nkabane under Hawks investigation

The Democratic Alliance (DA) confirmed on Monday that the criminal complaint it laid against African National Congress (ANC) Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is now under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, the Hawks.

Last week, the party laid criminal charges against Higher Education and Training Minister Nkabane, for allegedly lying to Parliament about ANC cadre appointments.

The party promised to vote against her department's budget and other budgets of departments led by what it calls "corrupt" ANC Ministers.

DA Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training member Karabo Khakhau said Nkabane faces allegations of manufacturing a scheme that saw senior ANC personalities deployed to high-paying sector education and training authority board jobs, benefiting the family of Gwede Mantashe, the former ANC Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, former ANC MECs in KwaZulu-Natal, a former ANC Deputy Minister in national government, and the ANC's provincial coordinator in KwaZulu-Natal - until she was forced to overturn this cadre deployment.

"Nkabane allegedly headed up a scheme to make ANC cadres rich, and rolled out a sequence of lies and deception to cover it up. For that gross abuse of power, she has suffered zero consequences from President Ramaphosa," Khakhau said.

The DA said it was looking forward to ongoing cooperation with the Hawks, as the investigation got underway.

Khakhau accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of taking zero action against ANC corruption.

"It is unfathomable that President Ramaphosa remains idle and silent about allegations of egregious ANC corruption and law-breaking in the National Executive. Why will Ramaphosa not fire Nkabane, Simelane and other corruption-implicated ANC Ministers?" she asked.

Police committee wants investigation into Mkhwanazi's Saps allegations

The chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to outline a process to investigate the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to restore the credibility of the South African Police Service (Saps).

During a media briefing over the weekend, Mkhwanazi made allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance, 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.

Chairperson of the portfolio committee Ian Cameron viewed these allegations as serious, noting that they required urgent attention from the President.

"The allegations, if correct, have far-reaching implications on the effectiveness of the South African Police Service and require immediate attention. The chairperson highlighted that the allegations are noteworthy because they have been made by such a senior-ranking officer within the Saps," he said.

Ramaphosa has said the matter is of "grave national security concern" and that it is receiving the highest priority attention.

"It is vital that the integrity of the country's security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed," he said.

He called for discipline and restraint among those involved, pointing out that trading accusations and counter-accusations threatened to undermine public confidence and sow confusion.

Furthermore, he said these actions damaged the unity and focus of the police.

Ramaphosa will outline the actions to be taken on this matter on his return from the BRICS Leaders' Summit currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cameron said the committee had long highlighted concerns over the "rot" within the Saps, which he said had impacted the police's ability to investigate crime and improve crime statistics.

He said the allegations were also worrying because it showed the "strained" working relationship among senior officers within the Saps.

"If those saddled with the responsibility to drive strategies to combat crime are not working in tandem, then the entire organisation will not achieve shared goals," Cameron warned.

The committee said it would meet to decide on the best process to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability.

"This might include calling an urgent meeting with all relevant stakeholders to account for the allegations. What is clear is that Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has taken great personal risk to make these allegations, and the committee, Parliament, and the people in general must demand answers," said Cameron.

Meanwhile, the GOOD Party said South Africa did not have the luxury of time for another "drawn-out" commission of inquiry.

GOOD secretary-general Brett Herron said the allegations demanded independent investigation by senior officials within the Saps and National Prosecuting Authority, highlighting the protection of the Commissioner as a whistleblower.

Th party said South Africans already had little confidence in the police and growing scepticism towards prosecutors and the courts, and added that these new allegations confirmed the veracity of that bias.

"Nearly two decades after the end of apartheid, the President has finally established a commission of inquiry into allegations of political interference in prosecutorial decisions related to apartheid-era crimes. This is ostensibly because prosecuting decisions should not be decided with political influence or political interference," said Herron, adding that the same principle must apply to police work.

Allegations of criminal offences and criminal investigations by police officers, including special task teams, should be free from influence and interference from...

Ramaphosa welcomes Austrian President, cites economic opportunities

President Cyril Ramaphosa said that as South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and other clean energy, it looks forward to expanding its cooperation with Austria.

On Friday, Ramaphosa hosted Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, on his first State Visit, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Van der Bellen's visit to South Africa was postponed twice owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ramaphosa said the long-awaited visit presents an opportunity to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria, in areas of arts and culture, higher education, renewable energy, trade and investment, and waste management.

The South Africa government has noted the launch of Austria's first green hydrogen production facility in 2023, and is eager to explore the Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and avenues for cooperation.

Austria's comprehensive national Africa Strategy is also intended to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, environmental and climate technologies.

"The momentum of South Africa's structural reform process and our efforts to boost economic growth present unique opportunities for Austrian firms wishing to invest here," Ramaphosa stated.

He recalled Austria's role in the anti-apartheid movement, in supporting South Africa's struggle for democracy.

Ramaphosa described Austria as a valued partner of South Africa and added that Van der Bellen's visit marked a new chapter in relations.

"Through the Bilateral Consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries," he said.

South Africa is Austria's largest economic and trade partner in Africa, accounting for almost a third of Austria's total exports to the continent.

There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

Ramaphosa pointed out that there was significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism.

"We share a common commitment to transition our respective economies along a low-carbon, inclusive, climate resilient path," he said.

MULTILATERALISM

Meanwhile, he noted that the meeting took place at a time of heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world.

Ramaphosa said the events reinforced the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs, underscoring the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

He said South Africa and Austria shared a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war.

Turning to its anti-apartheid movement in supporting South Africa's struggle for democracy, Van der Bellen applauded South Africa for its non-violent inclusive transition to democracy, noting South Africa's nickname - the Rainbow Nation.

"…South Africa has come a long way, overcoming the dark times of apartheid, but that was certainly a difficult journey. I think a beautiful name, personally which today is a role model for peace and stability everywhere," he said.

He acknowledged that Austria and South Africa enjoyed long-standing cordial relations in business, science and culture.

Politicians mourn David Mabuza's passing

South African politicians have expressed sadness on the passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza, with many remembering his leadership.

Mabuza passed away in hospital on Thursday, following a short illness. He was 65 years of age.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to Mabuza's wife, and his children.

"I extend my condolences to Deputy President Mabuza's friends and the people of Mpumalanga whom he served as Premier from 2009 to 2018, and previously as a Member of the Executive Council of Mpumalanga across a range of portfolios.

"My thoughts are also with Deputy President Mabuza's comrades in his political home, the African National Congress, where he was elected as the organisation's Deputy President in December 2017," he said.

Ramaphosa noted that during Mabuza's service as Deputy President, he used his leadership and mobilisation skills in his role as the leader of Government Business in Parliament. Mabuza led the South African National Aids Council and coordinated anti-poverty initiatives in the form of public employment programmes, and integrated service delivery and enterprise development.

Mabuza also represented South Africa on global platforms and consolidated relations between South Africa and its closest partners.

As Deputy President, he also chaired the governance, state capacity and institutional development as well as justice, crime prevention and security Cabinet committees.

"We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa's engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President," Ramaphosa stated.

He said Mabuza deserved the country's appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation's development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic State.

GOOD Party leader Patricia de Lille remembered Mabuza an exemplary chair of intergovernmental forums, noting that his meetings were marked by "punctuality, clarity of purpose, and firm outcomes".

"I personally admired his respect for time and process, and it is a discipline we can all learn from in public service," she said.

De Lille served alongside Mabuza between 2018 and 2023, during the sixth administration.

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said Mabuza was a leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of others.

"…from humble beginnings, he rose to occupy one of the highest offices in the land, carrying with him the hopes of many and a profound sense of duty to his country. He served with quiet resolve and a deep commitment to the people of South Africa," he eulogised.

Hlabisa said South Africa had lost a leader who was both pragmatic and driven by purpose.

"In this time of sorrow, we honour his contribution to our democratic journey and to the cause of justice, dignity, and development for all South Africans. His legacy will live on in the lives he impacted, and, in the work, he undertook with humility and purpose," Hlabisa said.

While he acknowledged that he and Mabuza had differed politically, he said the IFP acknowledged and honoured Mabuza's contribution to the country's democratic cause.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba described Mabuza as a significant figure in South African politics, noting his contributions and influence, which spanned decades, saying they will leave a lasting mark on the country's democratic journey.

"While varying reflections on his legacy will no doubt unfold in the days to come, ActionSA simply wishes to extend compassion to his family as they begin this difficult mourning journey. We pray for their strength, peace and comfort during this time of loss," said Mashaba.

Ramaphosa said further announcements would be made on memorial arrangements and the honours which the country would pay in its final respects to Mabuza.

In memory of Mabuza, the...

Mbeki hits back at Steenhuisen for DA's withdrawal from National Dialogue

Former President Thabo Mbeki has sharply criticised Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen over the party's decision to withdraw from the upcoming National Dialogue, calling the move "misplaced" and "very strange indeed".

In an open letter addressed to the DA leader, Mbeki accused the party of undermining an inclusive, citizen-led initiative that intends to create a new national consensus. He argued that the DA's continued participation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), while refusing to engage in dialogue, meant to shape the country's political future, represented a contradictory and ill-considered stance.

The DA made the decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue following President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to remove DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield from his position.

The DA gave Ramaphosa an ultimatum, demanding that he fire Cabinet Ministers embroiled in corruption scandals, saying his failure to do so would result in grave consequences for South Africa.

This called into question the stability of the GNU, but the DA has since asserted that it will stay in the governing coalition.

"I consider the decision of the DA not to participate in the National Dialogue as both misplaced and very strange indeed, as well as even being against its own very direct interests," Mbeki wrote.

The National Dialogue, scheduled to take place on August 15, is the culmination of nearly a decade of planning by civil society and political foundations. Initiated in 2016 by a partnership among the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the FW de Klerk Foundation, the Helen Suzman Foundation, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, the process aims to address deep-rooted national challenges through broad-based consensus.

Mbeki, who has served as one of the key conveners of the process, stated that the DA's decision to abstain from the process was not only misguided but also disrespected the South African public.

"And as you know, Ms Helen Zille's, and therefore presumably the DA's, view is that the absence of the latter from the 'Parliament of the People' will make the Parliament 'a sham' and ' a hollow exercise'. It is very good that, at last, Ms Helen Zille has openly expressed her eminently arrogant and contemptuous view of the masses of the people, that these cannot think and plan their future correctly, without the DA!" Mbeki said.

Anticipating the DA's criticism about government involvement, Mbeki clarified to Steenhuisen that the Dialogue would be funded through the national budget, with the process firmly rooted in civil society.

He said the Dialogue would have nothing to do with what the DA sees as an ANC election campaign or an ANC-run dialogue.

Mbeki warned that by absenting itself from the Dialogue, the DA risked marginalising its own supporters and missing a vital opportunity to shape South Africa's future.

He urged Steenhuisen to reconsider the boycott and to instead "engage honestly and openly" in a national effort to rebuild trust, tackle inequality and strengthen constitutional democracy.

"As I have said, I have no doubt that the DA acts against its own direct interests when it decides to isolate itself from this sovereign authority when the latter decides to engage in a National Dialogue to determine our country's future," Mbeki said.

AfriForum wants limited powers for institutions like SAHRC

Lobby group AfriForum has argued in its submissions to the Constitutional Court that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) does not have the power to make legally binding decisions, as per South Africa's Constitution and in line with international trends.

The organisation has submitted court documents to be admitted as a Friend of the Court (amicus curiae) in a case that will determine whether the findings and recommendations made by the SAHRC are legally binding or not.

Last year, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled that the SAHRC's findings were not enforceable in themselves and could only be enforced by a court.

The SCA's judgment was delivered in a case between the SAHRC and agricultural company AgroData, in which the SAHRC argued that their findings and directives in a dispute regarding borehole access were binding.

AfriForum was also a Friend of the Court in this case, despite the SAHRC's protests.

AfriForum head of public relations Ernst van Zyl said his organisation's involvement as a Friend of the Court in this case was to present the constitutionality, relevant considerations and international customs before the court and assist the court in making a "fair and constitutional" finding.

"It's exciting to be able to contribute to such a landmark case with such far-reaching implications. Institutions should not have more power than they are constitutionally allocated, especially not institutions with as many controversies and instances of double standards on their track record as the SAHRC," he said.

Van Zyl advocated for a debate on the separation of powers and the limits of such power for institutions like the SAHRC.

Opposition parties reject Higher Education Dept budget

Opposition parties on Thursday rejected the Department of Higher Education and Training's budget, citing corruption and incompetence in the department.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) vowed to oppose the Department's budget while it is led by African National Congress (ANC) Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who the party described as "dishonest and incompetent".

"Until she is removed, the DA will oppose her budget and demand accountability," the DA said.

On Tuesday, the DA laid criminal charges against Nkabane for allegedly lying to Parliament about ANC cadre appointments, promising to vote against her department's budget and other budgets led by what it calls "corrupt" ANC Ministers.

Last week the party gave President Cyril Ramaphosa an ultimatum to fire Nkabane, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, and Member of National Assembly David Mahlobo, following the sudden removal of its own Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield.

DA Deputy Spokesperson on Higher Education Desiree van der Walt said Nkabane cannot be trusted to manage R142-billion meant for students, adding that National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) wastes millions on luxury offices while students sleep in libraries and go without support.

"Over 212 000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training students had delayed allowances due to preventable technical failures. R1.3- billion in payment contracts went to unqualified companies with no financial experience. A disabled student has waited two years for her certificate, showing how the department fails the most vulnerable," said van der Walt.

DA Spokesperson on Higher Education Matlhodi Maseko claimed that Nkabane has not acted against officials implicated in fraud or maladministration.

Maseko criticised the current state of higher education in South Africa, highlighting incompetence and corruption in leadership.

She emphasised the need for ethical leadership to ensure proper use of the budget.

MORE FUNDING AND BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE

ActionSA Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe also pointed to a crisis in Higher Education department, noting that each year, over 337 000 learners achieve a Bachelor's pass, yet there are only 202 000 university spaces available.

"…this is a slammed door in the face of achievement. And for those who do make it through that door, they often find themselves with nowhere to sleep. The student housing backlog stands at over 500 000 beds. At the start of each academic year, we see students sleeping in hallways, on floors and on the streets," said Kobe.

She also stated that the NSFAS is a bureaucracy of despair, saying the system itself is broken.

ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called for more funding for NSFAS, with ActionSA suggesting a raise of up to R500 000, and low-interest loans with repayments be deferred until two years of employment capped at 10% of income.

"TVET colleges are also hit with funding cuts, and universities suffer from poor infrastructure. The EFF's Student Debt Relief Bill aims to cancel outstanding student debt and help those unable to graduate. We call for more NSFAS funding, better infrastructure, and real support for students. Until students can focus on education, not survival, we fail them and the country," said EFF Member Leatitia Arries.

Arries said the budget reflects the failure of Nkabane and her department, noting that NSFAS is underfunded, leaving students with delays, debt, and inadequate support.

ActionSA also wants hijacked buildings in the CBDs to be converted into student accommodation, and said "broken" Sector Education and Training Authoritys must be scrapped and their budgets channelled into an innovative Opportunity Fund.

Treasury warns against changing Sarb ownership

Changing the ownership structure of the South African Reserve Bank could generate fears among investors about expropriation and create more uncertainty about property rights, according to the National Treasury.

While full ownership of the central bank by the State may be desirable, "it will potentially have huge cost implications and require significant trade-offs, including a negative impact on investment and on economic growth," Chris Axelson, the Treasury's deputy director-general for tax and the financial sector, told lawmakers in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Parliament's standing committee on finance is holding hearings on the South African Reserve Bank Bill, which proposes amending legislation to make the state the sole shareholder of the central bank and give minister of finance the power to appoint directors to its board.

South Africa's central bank is one a handful globally with private shareholders. While the African National Congress (ANC) ratified a proposal in 2017 for the State to own the central bank, the bill to effect that change was tabled by Julius Malema, leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, in 2018. It lapsed twice and was revived by the finance committee last year, but is unlikely to secure sufficient votes to pass, with the ANC having shifted its stance.

Potential concerns "could be perception that these changes may lead to operational interference and undermine good governance," Axelson said.

DA to oppose Simelane's Human Settlements budget amid investigation into minister

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to act decisively against corruption in his Cabinet, threatening to oppose the Department of Human Settlements' budget.

"…we will not support a budget that risks becoming yet another tool for looting instead of delivering dignity to the people of South Africa," it said.

The party highlighted said it cannot support allocating R33-billion in taxpayer funds to a department led by a Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who is implicated in corruption.

In March, the DA laid criminal charges against Simelane, after allegations emerged that she earned more than R700 000 while working for consulting company Vitrovian to crush protests at Eskom's Kusile power plant.

Vitrovian's charges were outrageously inflated, and the utility billed Eskom for work done by employees that did not exist. Simelane's signature appears on the very first of these inflated invoices.

This allegation follows hot on the heels of reports that implicated Simelane in the VBS looting scandal.

"Thembi Simelane, now responsible for housing the most vulnerable South Africans, is directly linked to the looting of VBS Bank and is currently under police investigation for defrauding Eskom through fake invoices during her time at Vitrovian," the party said.

The DA further pointed out that despite receiving a report on her involvement in the VBS scandal, Ramaphosa has refused to release it or take any action.

"…instead of removing Simelane, he simply moved her from the Department of Justice to Human Settlements - a clear sign that he prioritises ANC cadre protection over accountability and service delivery," the DA stated.

"Since President Ramaphosa refuses to act, the DA will - by taking every possible step to hold Minister Thembi Simelane accountable and prevent further misuse of public funds," it said.

The DA claimed that under the African National Congress (ANC), the housing crisis has worsened, with millions still living in "unsafe, undignified" conditions.

"There is a catastrophic collapse of governance across housing entities, with multiple CEOs suspended, fired, or under investigation. Millions still live without housing dignity - from collapsed homes to flooded informal settlements," said DA Spokesperson on Human Settlements Luyolo Mphithi.

He said the DA supports funding for housing but rejects this budget because it enables corruption and cadre deployment.

Member of National Assembly Conrad Poole pointed to chronic failures in project planning, coordination, and accountability, which he said have led to stalled housing delivery and wasted funds.

He said the number of fully subsidised houses to be delivered has dropped by nearly 30%, while the title deed backlog remains unresolved.

"Key entities like NHBRC, NHFC, SHRA, and HDA are in disrepair, with weak enforcement, falling approvals, and poor governance. While aspects like emergency housing funding are welcomed, the DA cannot support a budget overseen by a compromised Minister," Poole stated.

DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development Glynnis Breytenbach revealed that a South African Police Service officer has been assigned to investigate the criminal charges the party brought against Simelane.