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.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba affirmed that the ANC is undergoing renewal and is capable of resolving local government issues, stating the party has not betrayed former President Nelson Mandela's legacy. Speaking at the Limpopo ANC鈥檚 Mandela Legacy Rally in Thohoyandou, Ramathuba referenced Mandela's 1993 warning that voters should abandon the ANC if it failed the people. She argued that infrastructure projects, such as a water purification project completed ahead of schedule and under budget in Ga-Phasha, demonstrate the ANC has not met the criteria for Mandela's warning. Ramathuba emphasized the party's commitment to addressing poverty, student fees, youth unemployment, and economic transformation to create jobs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, also present, urged the provincial executive to prioritize economic growth and infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in municipalities for service delivery. Ramathuba concluded by noting the ANC's 114-year history, asserting its resilience and ongoing efforts to fix challenges.
The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF have announced their mayoral candidates for the upcoming 2026 local government elections. Leader Julius Malema made the announcement on Saturday at the party's manifesto launch and 13th birthday celebration at Thohoyandou stadium. Among the candidates, former Ekurhuleni Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivenga will run for Ekurhuleni, and parliamentarian Omphile Maotwe will contest Tshwane. Malema also named candidates for other municipalities, including Lawrence Mapoulo for Polokwane, Godrich Gardee for Mbombela, Israel Monaise for Rustenburg, and Lerato Tito for Sol Plaatjie. Malema emphasized the need for more funding for local government and highlighted what he described as the EFF's successes in municipalities, such as providing sanitation, water, and stabilizing finances in Ekurhuleni, and improving cleanliness in Tshwane.
South Africa is facing a growing crisis of missing persons, with organizations like Missing Children South Africa and ACT Africa reporting a significant increase in disappearances. Families across the country are using social media to search for loved ones, from children vanishing on their way to school to adults disappearing without explanation. This situation highlights the country's vulnerability to organized crime, human trafficking, online grooming, and violent crime. The large number of cases has also raised concerns about the South African Police Service's Saps ability to respond quickly during the critical initial hours after a disappearance. While many missing persons are eventually found, a substantial number of families endure prolonged uncertainty. Missing Children South Africa estimates that about 77% of missing children are located, but nearly one in four are not immediately reunited with their families. Criminologist Bianca van Aswegen, national co-ordinator for Missing Children South Africa, noted that official statistics do not capture the full extent of the problem as many cases go unreported, and she observed an increase in child disappearances due to escalating kidnappings and human trafficking. Van Aswegen also highlighted social media as a major danger for children, especially teenagers vulnerable to grooming. Poor supervision and a lack of basic safety precautions also contribute to children disappearing. ACT Africa co-founder and chief executive Hilary