The Electoral Commission of South Africa IEC has gazetted a new code of disinformation aimed at curbing the spread of falsehoods during election campaigns. This code, part of the Electoral Code of Conduct on Measures to Address Disinformation in Local Government Elections, requires political parties and candidates to acknowledge the importance of information integrity and trustworthy media. They must also recognize the harm disinformation poses to free and fair elections and take steps to counter it. The proposals are open for public comment until July 21. Once finalized, parties and candidates will be required to sign the code. Breaches of the code, which applies to all election-related communications, paid and unpaid content, and campaign activities, could lead to sanctions under the Electoral Act. The rules mandate parties and candidates to refrain from deliberate manipulation of the public, including through digital technologies like artificial intelligence and inauthentic online behavior. They are also required to publicly retract and correct any disinformation disseminated by them or on their behalf and to censure those responsible. The code encourages transparency, requiring parties to proactively disclose key information relevant to the elections or electorate. The Government Gazette states that parties and candidates undertake not to use or encourage technologies that amplify disinformation or manipulate political discourse, including falsified data or targeted false
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Judge Matthew Francis has shown little sympathy for President Cyril Ramaphosa's concerns regarding the Section 89 impeachment process, stating that Ramaphosa was aware of the process before becoming president and that "humiliation is part of the job." This occurred during the Western Cape High Court hearing of Ramaphosa's urgent application to halt the impeachment proceedings pending a review of the Section 89 Independent Panel report. Advocates for the African Transformation Movement ATM and MK party argued that Ramaphosa has fabricated issues concerning the impeachment process. Ramaphosa's lawyer, Advocate Wim Trengove SC, questioned whether the panel applied the correct test in concluding that the president had a case to answer, emphasizing the need for "sufficient evidence." Trengove also reiterated the president's fear of a "humiliation ritual" if the impeachment process proceeds before his review application. However, Judge Francis noted that the review application could lead to further legal processes, potentially delaying a definitive statement on the president's actions and keeping the public waiting. He suggested that accountability mechanisms should continue in parallel with the review. Trengove countered that while people must be protected against "delinquent presidents," they also need protection against impeachment proceedings that could humiliate a president without justification. He also argued that the president should not be blamed for delays in the case, as
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasized the need for government to move beyond policy and address inaccessible schools, stigma, and a lack of resources to ensure quality education for students with disabilities. Speaking at the Recreation Aid Foundation Graduation Ceremony, Chikunga stated that the primary obstacles to inclusive education in South Africa are not disabilities themselves, but rather exclusionary education systems and environments. She highlighted that many schools, particularly in townships, rural areas, and farming communities, remain inaccessible, preventing students from participating with dignity. Chikunga also pointed out that a shortage of assistive devices and insufficient teacher training undermine inclusive education, noting that students with disabilities are often perceived as "problems" or "extra work." She called for special schools to be transformed into resource hubs for mainstream schools, offering specialist expertise and adaptive curricula. Chikunga also advocated for stronger pathways between schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, community projects, and employers to improve employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. She announced initiatives such as a R1 billion Disability Support Fund from the Department of Higher Education's National Skills Fund and a proposal to pair special schools with state-owned enterprises for infrastructure
The start of the second semester at several higher education institutions is approaching, but some students are still awaiting approval from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Nsfas to register. Deputy Higher Education and Training Minister Yusuf Cassim met with Nsfas Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to address concerns including delayed allowances, registration challenges, and appeals. Cassim expressed alarm that Nsfas had not yet committed to funding students for the second semester, with the administrator citing a funding deficit and ongoing finalization of their submission to the ministry. The meeting also highlighted lengthy delays in GAP investigations, which verify student eligibility for funding. Cassim noted it is unacceptable for students to wait up to five months for these investigations to be completed. Nsfas reported that academic data is still pending from institutions for 4,138 students with incomplete GAP investigations, though 2,361 have been completed. Additionally, Cassim questioned the timing of Nsfas allowance payments, which are transferred about a week into each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process payments to students. He specifically requested changes to Unisa's payment schedule for the R316 personal care allowance. Nsfas acknowledged this concern and committed to investigating the matter.