🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
EFF boycotts budget debate, calls President Ramaphosa a "constitutional delinquent
via The Citizen2 min read
The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF announced its parliamentary caucus will boycott President Cyril Ramaphosa’s budget vote debate, labeling him a "constitutional delinquent." The party stated it refuses to legitimize a president who has allegedly violated his oath of office. This decision comes as President Ramaphosa challenges the Section 89 report, which found prima facie evidence of potential constitutional and legal breaches following the theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in 2020. The EFF argues that President Ramaphosa does not deserve a parliamentary audience until impeachment proceedings against him are concluded, citing his legal challenge to the Section 89 report as an attempt to avoid accountability. The party also criticized the Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, for allegedly failing to act neutrally on the Phala Phala matter, suggesting her loyalty lies with the ANC and President Ramaphosa rather than with parliament and the constitution.
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Must ReadSouth African ministers and officials from Eskom and the South African Local Government Association Salga convened to address the R467 billion debt owed by consumers to municipalities, and the R110 billion municipalities owe Eskom. Electricity and energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa emphasized the need for "innovative and drastic ways" to resolve the debt, warning that municipalities could lose basic functions. He noted that while Distribution Agency Agreements DAA have improved revenue collection and reduced losses in some municipalities, their impact needs to be more widespread. The municipal debt relief program has seen 24 out of 71 participating municipalities have one-third of their historic debt written off, with 27 others receiving partial write-offs. However, 13 municipalities received termination letters for non-payment. Eskom reported success with load reduction in 971 areas, leading to a 42% drop in consumption due to improved payment. Smart meters were highlighted as effective, showing a 26% revenue increase for municipalities and 96% payment recovery for Eskom. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Cogta attributed the crisis to a "culture of non-payment" and systemic breakdown in revenue collection, suggesting DAAs as a tool for recovery in distressed municipalities. Salga, however, expressed concerns that DAAs threaten municipal autonomy and advocated for internal reforms, increased funding, training, and support for municipalities.
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Must ReadMalawi has initiated a voluntary repatriation program for its nationals in South Africa due to increased violent attacks targeting African migrants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that this initiative is for citizens who have formally requested assistance, with logistical details to be finalized. The ministry has been closely monitoring reports of vigilante demonstrations and attacks, and its High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate-General in Johannesburg are in contact with Malawian diaspora leaders to offer support. Diplomatic engagements with South African authorities have been positive, with Malawi commending South Africa for taking steps to address concerns. Consular support is being arranged for affected Malawians. This development follows recent protests in multiple South African provinces where demonstrators threatened foreign nationals and their property. Organizations leading these protests, such as March and March, have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. African ambassadors previously boycotted South Africa's Africa Day celebrations, citing safety concerns for foreign nationals amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Violent anti-immigration protests have occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape, with foreign nationals, including refugees and children, seeking police protection in Durban.
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