The Democratic Alliance has asked the Gauteng provincial government to intervene in the Johannesburg municipality's financial stability, specifically regarding a R10.3 billion Politically Facilitated Agreement with the South African Municipal Workers Union. DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku sent a letter to cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo, requesting an investigation into the actions of municipal officials. The DA argues that engagements between Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, group corporate and shared services MMC Sthembiso Zungu, and Samwu regarding the multi-year payment amount to political interference. Samwu demonstrated outside ANC offices, where Mayor Morero assured members they would be paid before the 2026 local government elections. Kayser-Echeozonjoku's letter suggests these engagements could be construed as placing political pressure on city administrators, raising concerns about potential destabilization and improper influence on administrative processes. The DA requested an investigation into claims of political interference, assurances given to Samwu, and potential breaches of legislation by city officials. National Treasury had previously warned the municipality about its inability to afford the deal, though Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku made provisions for the payment in her budget, citing the need to address historic salary disparities. Samwu has expressed dissatisfaction with the DA's interference, view
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DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, in his first major speech, stated that the ANC's political reign is finished, accusing it of treating South Africans as subjects. He emphasized his loyalty to the people of South Africa, not individuals, following a complaint from his predecessor, John Steenhuisen, about being unfairly treated after Hill-Lewis requested his removal as agriculture minister. Hill-Lewis indicated that Steenhuisen's demotion might be linked to his handling of foot-and-mouth disease. He also told party members in Johannesburg that he expects high standards, stating that the DA under his leadership will not tolerate poor performance, as his primary loyalty is to the constitution and citizens. Hill-Lewis explained that the DA joined the government with the ANC to improve lives and prevent "populist" parties from gaining power, but expressed agitation with the ANC's arrogance within the Government of National Unity GNU. He asserted that the DA will no longer remain silent when the ANC refuses to consult or compromise and will publicize decisions made within the GNU. Hill-Lewis chose to remain outside national government to maintain an objective view of the GNU. He criticized the ANC's three decades in government, citing cadre deployment, state capture, patronage politics, and failed economic policies, declaring that the "party is over" and a "second transition" for South Africa is needed. He argued that black economic empowerment, as implemented, benefited a politically
Former President Jacob Zuma recently visited India, where he met with Ajay Gupta, who faces corruption accusations. Zuma stated that he believes he now has the "power" and inspiration to win the upcoming local government elections after visiting a Hindu temple with Gupta. Zuma described Gupta as a "friend" and "brother," and mentioned that Gupta introduced him to a "man of God" in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Zuma expressed happiness about the encounter, feeling it has given him inspiration to lead his people. He also defended the Gupta family to Indian media, suggesting that South African authorities pursued them because they disapproved of their work with him. Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast suggested Zuma's trip might have been to seek financial support from the Gupta brothers for his uMkhonto weSizwe Party MK party. Another political analyst, Theo Neethling, noted that the visit indicates Zuma's continued relationship with the Guptas, though there is no publicly verified evidence of a resumption of the type of relationship that led to state capture allegations.
The March and March movement has announced weekly protests against undocumented immigration, giving the government six months to address the issue. Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma stated that marches will occur every Thursday until undocumented migrants are gone. The movement demands an increased budget for the Border Management Authority BMA and 10,000 BMA officials to secure borders. Recent nationwide protests, while starting peacefully, escalated into violence, looting, intimidation, and clashes with police in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The Siyafana Sonke Campaign reported a deterioration in the situation, with protests turning violent in areas like Joburg's inner city, where there were reports of window smashing, threats, and attempts to storm flats. A vehicle was set alight, and belongings of homeless people were reportedly burned. In Yeoville, shops and cars were targeted. In Berea, protesters allegedly threw stones and attempted to loot a bottle store. The South African National Defence Force was deployed to Kliptown. In Alexandra, foreign nationals were reportedly harassed. Protesters in Daveyton demanded documentation from migrants, while in Germiston, alleged citizen's arrests of suspected undocumented immigrants occurred. In Tembisa, hawker businesses owned by foreign nationals were forced to close, and in Cosmo City and Mamelodi, Somali-owned businesses were targeted by looters. In Durban and Pietermaritzburg, large-scale marches took place, with reports of intimidati