ANC and SACP to contest local elections separately, alliance strained
via The Citizen3 min read
The African National Congress ANC and the South African Communist Party SACP will not contest the upcoming local government elections as a united force. The SACP has decided to go it alone, despite attempts by the ANC to convince it otherwise. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that any ANC members campaigning for or voting for the SACP will face severe consequences, emphasizing that members must choose between the two parties. Mbalula clarified that while the SACP's decision to contest separately is accepted, the ANC's constitution prohibits members from campaigning for another party. He maintained that the alliance itself remains intact, distinguishing this situation from the formation of Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party. Political analysts suggest this development indicates a deepening strain within the ANC alliance. Dominic Maphaka, a political science and international relations expert from Unisa, believes the SACP is politically irrelevant and unlikely to gain significant electoral support, suggesting its standalone posture could further erode public trust in the ANC. Other analysts have previously indicated that while the SACP's move might fragment the ANC electorate, the SACP itself is unlikely to benefit substantially due to its limited voter support.
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National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday and is set to join Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala and 12 co-accused in May. Masemola faces four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act concerning a R360 million South African Police Service health services tender. The state requested his matter be added to the existing case, and the charge sheet for Matlala's case will be amended to include Masemola. The alleged offenses do not constitute schedule five charges. Masemola appeared via a summons served on March 26, and the case is scheduled to resume on May 13.
Must ReadNational Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday, following processing at the Pretoria Central Police Station. He will be formally charged in connection with a R360 million South African Police Service Saps health services tender awarded to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Masemola faces criminal charges related to alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act PFMA. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe described this as a "defining moment" for Saps, emphasizing the organization's commitment to accountability and the principle that no one is above the law. Mathe acknowledged that public trust in the police has "eroded" and stressed the need for introspection, renewal, and rebuilding trust through consistent ethical conduct. She also highlighted the dedication of many police officers and urged the public not to generalize. Matlala and his co-accused were previously arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption Idac on charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the PFMA concerning the same irregular tender. Masemola was served with a summons to appear in court, leading to speculation and calls for his suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The reception area of the Lower Sabie rest camp in Kruger National Park reportedly caught fire this morning. Social media posts show visuals of the scene. The camp confirmed the incident to The Citizen, stating that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this time. Kruger Park spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli declined to provide a statement of confirmation. This is an ongoing situation.
Must ReadNational Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. He faces formal charges related to alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act in connection with a R360 million South African Police Service SAPS health services tender. This tender was awarded to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who, along with 15 police officers, has already been charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering concerning the same contract. Concerns about the tender emerged shortly after its award in June 2024 to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the instability within the police force and indicated that an announcement regarding Masemola's fate would be made soon, following consultations within the security cluster. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also stated he would meet with Ramaphosa on the matter, noting that Masemola has not been suspended despite calls from the DA for his precautionary suspension.