The Democratic Alliance DA has filed an urgent application in the High Court in Pretoria to set aside the Tshwane special council meeting that resulted in the suspension of city manager Johann Mettler. The DA alleges that votes were manipulated during the meeting. DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink stated that 95 councillors voted against the suspension and 92 voted in favor, but council speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana deducted 13 votes. Brink claimed the meeting was called at short notice, lacked an agenda, and the speaker did not conduct a roll call before deducting votes. He further alleged that the speaker deducted 13 votes instead of nine, calling the meeting mismanaged and the votes tampered with. The DA is seeking either to set aside the meeting or to order a new one, instructing the speaker not to "rig the votes." Brink suggested Mettler is being targeted for opposing irregular expenditure and rigged tenders, citing a 50-year lease on the Tshwane showgrounds that Mettler referred back to committee. ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont, however, countered Brink's claims, stating that the DA was 20 votes short of its full complement of councillors and had submitted 13 leaves of absence, making councillors unavailable. Beaumont argued that if DA councillors had not taken leave, Mettler would still be city manager. Republican Conference of Tshwane councillor Lex Middelberg noted that serious allegations he submitted against Gareth Mnisi were dismissed, while Mettler
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.