The race for the City of Johannesburg's mayoral position is intensifying, with ANC veteran Frank Chikane reportedly a top contender for the party's nomination. Chikane is said to be at the top of the ANC's shortlist, following internal interviews that included current Joburg mayor Dada Morero and his deputy, Loyiso Masuku. This development comes after former ANC MP Jabu Moleketi declined nomination. Party insiders suggest Chikane is seen as a unifying figure amidst factional battles. While Chikane has not commented, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula is expected to announce the candidate on July 20. Meanwhile, the DA's Helen Zille has initiated legal action against the city's financial decisions. Zille is challenging a two-year R10.3 billion wage deal between the metro and the South African Municipal Workers Union Samwu, seeking to have it declared unlawful by the Gauteng High Court. She is also calling for the city鈥檚 2026/2027 budget to be reviewed and set aside, arguing that the municipality acted inconsistently by implementing cost-cutting measures while expanding its senior management structure with hundreds of allegedly unauthorized positions. This leadership battle and legal challenge occur amid concerns over governance and deteriorating service delivery in Johannesburg, with the National Treasury having withheld funding from several municipalities, including Joburg, due to failures in financial oversight.
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The Supreme Court of Appeal SCA has invalidated the Judicial Service Commission's JSC 2021 decision to recommend Johannes Hendriks Roelofse for a permanent judicial appointment. The SCA found that the JSC failed to consider crucial issues, including Roelofse's temperament and his undisclosed debts for school fees and to the Mpumulanga Society of Advocates MSA. Roelofse, an advocate since 2003, had served as an acting judge from 2008 and was interviewed three times for a permanent position. The MSA had previously objected to his appointment, citing outstanding Bar fees, his alleged dishonesty in obtaining a letter of good standing, and a lack of judicial temperament, describing him as disruptive and abrasive. During a 2021 interview, Roelofse made a remark about it being "time" for a white man to be appointed and interrupted a commissioner. The SCA, in a ruling by Justice Tati Makgoka, overturned a Johannesburg High Court decision that had dismissed the MSA's application. Justice Makgoka stated that the high court had misconstrued facts and that Roelofse's conduct during the interview confirmed the MSA's concerns about his temperament. The SCA emphasized that judicial temperament is a central attribute for a judge and that the JSC's failure to consider this, along with the undisclosed debts, rendered its decision unlawful, invalid, and unconstitutional. The matter has been sent back to the JSC for reconsideration.
The corruption case involving former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba and former Transnet executives has been postponed again by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg until October 23. Gigaba, along with former Transnet chief financial officer Anoj Singh, former chief executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, and former Transnet Freight Rail chief procurement officer Thamsanqa Jiyane, remains out on R50,000 bail. The postponement allows the defense more time to review the extensive case docket, which includes a significant volume of documentation and digital evidence. Ongoing procedural and administrative issues, such as uncertainty over Gigaba's legal funding and the verification of disclosed docket contents, are contributing to the delays. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated the postponement ensures fairness, noting that some accused were unable to complete the docket comparison process. The state aims for a trial start in 2027, with Mamothame expressing optimism that administrative matters will be resolved by March. The charges relate to alleged irregularities in Transnet's locomotive program, where procurement processes were reportedly bypassed, leading to inflated contracts for Chinese firms CSR and CNR, costing Transnet billions. Gigaba is accused of receiving cash payments from the Gupta family while serving as public enterprises minister. In a related case, Singh, Molefe, and Gama face charges linked to a locomotive transa
The South African Police Service Saps has arrested two suspects, aged 28 and 38, in connection with the murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe, who was killed on May 20, 2026, at his home in Lomanyaneng. Molosankwe, a Mahikeng community activist and traditional healer, was known for speaking out against crime, gender-based violence, corruption, and social decay. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. North West acting police commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo stated that the murder sent shockwaves throughout the province and the country. The police briefed Molosankwe's family on the developments before releasing the information publicly. The provincial murder and robbery unit launched an intensive investigation, leading to the arrest of the first suspect on May 23, who was initially apprehended for the murders of Mahikeng business owners Sergio and Marlene Gomez and has now been linked to Molosankwe's murder. The second suspect was traced and arrested at an apartment in Mmabatho Extension 39. Evidence suggests these suspects were part of the group responsible for the attack. Major General Naidoo indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to recover firearms and a getaway vehicle. The Saps believes they have disrupted a broader criminal network involved in murders, business robberies, and illegal drug dealing. While the motive for Molosankwe's murder is still under investigation, police are exploring the possibility that his activ