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ANC members face suspension after challenging party leadership in Eastern Cape
via The Citizen3 min read
Three ANC members, Lwazi Rotya, Sinethemba Mpande, and Nompumelelo Mzothwa, are facing suspension and disciplinary action after twice taking the party to court, including interdicting the Eastern Cape elective conference in March. Their lawyers are challenging these pending suspensions, which they view as vindictive. The trio recently sought to nullify the party鈥檚 interim provincial task team PTT in the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda, arguing its appointment undermined a court order and attacked the judiciary. The PTT was established by Luthuli House to replace the expired provincial executive committee and address internal disputes. The lawyers have written to PTT coordinator Helen Sauls-August, demanding the withdrawal of the suspension notices, dated June 4, or face legal action. They argue the suspensions violate the ANC constitution's Rules 25.56 and 25.57.5, which require a reasonable opportunity for response. The lawyers also reminded Sauls-August of pending contempt of court proceedings against the ANC and its officials for violating court orders and failing to disclose raw data. They contend that the PTT's existence undermines their clients' rights as ANC members and that the ANC is in contempt of court for refusing to honor an undertaking to disclose data. The lawyers also accuse the ANC of perjury and forgery, alleging the party manufactured fake executive committee meeting minutes to justify its case. They assert that the ANC's actions constitute multiple bre
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Four academics and activists have launched Vuka Azania, a new advocacy group calling for a discussion on changing South Africa's name. The group proposes "Azania" as an alternative, reviving a name associated with liberation movements during apartheid. Reverend Dr Allan Boesak, senior counsel Dr Muzi Sikhakhane, Professor Isaac Shai, and Arthur Fraser launched the movement in Sandton. Sikhakhane clarified that Vuka Azania is not a political party. Boesak argued that the country's colonial history has led to a "spiritual degradation of the African people" and that the colonial name "South Africa" cannot encompass the memory, pain, struggle, and destiny of indigenous people. He stated that a liberated people must name themselves to restore dignity and that Vuka Azania will advocate for a decolonized post-colonial constitution. Sikhakhane emphasized the need for a "grand discussion" on the country's future, aiming for a black people's convention to discuss their condition and destiny.
Western Cape police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance DA councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe. Dyokwe was shot dead near Dunoon on June 20 after campaigning for voter registration. The Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit and Special Task Force made the arrest on Saturday in Parklands. The South African Police Service Saps stated that Dyokwe was followed out of Dunoon by two armed suspects, with the arrested individual allegedly orchestrating the attack. Investigations revealed Dyokwe was being extorted for protection money and was targeted after refusing to comply. Police seized the vehicle allegedly used in the crime and seven cellular phones. The 37-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday to face charges of murder and extortion. Saps indicated that further arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues. In a separate incident, a 38-year-old foreign national was arrested in the Free State for the fatal stabbing of a woman at a tavern near Stilte Park. The suspect is expected in the Virginia Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday, facing charges of murder, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The African Transformation Movement ATM and Vuyo Zungula have filed an urgent direct appeal to the Constitutional Court, requesting a review of a Western Cape High Court ruling. The High Court had granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim order to pause his impeachment inquiry, stemming from the Section 89 panel's report on the Phala Phala matter, until his challenge to the report is decided. Ramaphosa's review aims to overturn the report's conclusion that he has questions to answer regarding funds stolen from his farm in 2020. Zungula argues that the High Court's decision creates uncertainty regarding the Constitutional Court's authority, particularly whether a lower court can suspend the implementation of a Constitutional Court order. He emphasized the need for clarity on the constitutional relationship between the judiciary and Parliament, the separation of powers, and the supremacy of the Constitution. Zungula also noted that the High Court's decision was not unanimous and that the ruling does not exonerate the President. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, speaking at an ANC rally, urged critics to respect judicial decisions, regardless of whether they are favorable. The Presidency welcomed the High Court's judgment, reiterating Ramaphosa's commitment to due process and respect for judicial independence.