EFF leader Julius Malema has formally responded to allegations linking him to senior Crime Intelligence official Feroz Khan, though the Madlanga commission has not yet indicated if he will be summoned to testify. The inquiry resumed on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, focusing on WhatsApp exchanges between Khan and alleged tobacco smuggler Mohammedh Sayed, which suggest a relationship involving Malema. Evidence presented indicates the trio allegedly worked together to remove former Inspector General of Intelligence Selumanthuro Dintwe. The messages also suggest Malema may have received sensitive information from Khan, including the identity of a VBS Mutual Bank curator, and supported Khan in avoiding disciplinary action for financial misconduct. Malema's potential involvement in procurement matters, such as a South African Police Service fleet management tender, was also raised, with a company named Bertobrite referenced in connection to "Juju." Malema submitted an affidavit addressing these claims and questions about his relationship with Carnilinx CEO Adriano Mazzotti. He acknowledged Mazzotti donated R600,000 to the EFF for party registration and clarified that his wife resided in the same complex precinct as Mazzotti under a lease agreement, denying media reports of gratuitous stays. Malema distanced himself from the WhatsApp conversations, stating he cannot confirm their authenticity and that his response is limited to claims within his personal knowledge. He explained that as an
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo as South Africa's ambassador to France, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Ramaphosa is facing scrutiny for not delivering on the "New Dawn" promises made in his 2018 inaugural speech, which aimed to address state capture and corruption prevalent during Jacob Zuma's presidency. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage stated that Ramaphosa's promises were "empty" and that corruption remains a significant concern under his leadership. Duvenhage suggested that while Zuma's corruption was "controlled," under Ramaphosa, the situation is spiraling into a "Mafia State." He also noted that critical issues like state capture, corruption, unemployment, economic growth, and cadre deployment have worsened during Ramaphosa's tenure. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula claimed that Ramaphosa's decisions are influenced by senior party members who helped him secure the presidency, suggesting he is a "hostage of people" rather than acting on his own will. Zungula expressed doubt about Ramaphosa's commitment to reforming the ANC and improving the conduct of its members in government.
The Zimbabwe exemption permit coordinating committee has appealed to the South African and Zimbabwean governments to address a looming education crisis. This crisis affects thousands of Zimbabwean children whose families are being deported or are leaving South Africa. Edward Muchatuta, the organization's national coordinator, stated that children across several school grades risk losing years of education as they relocate to Zimbabwe and face difficulties transitioning into its education system. Grade 12 pupils, who have spent their entire schooling in South Africa and are preparing for the National Senior Certificate examinations, are particularly vulnerable. Pupils in Grades 10 and 11, who have followed South Africa's curriculum for over a decade, would struggle to adapt to Zimbabwe's system, potentially delaying their schooling by several years. Primary school pupils also face obstacles, with many unable to register for Grade 7 national examinations in Zimbabwe due to early registration closures. Most affected families are from low-income households, making it harder to support their children's education upon returning to Zimbabwe. The organization proposes emergency arrangements for affected pupils to continue the South African curriculum while in Zimbabwe, and the establishment of joint examination centers in Beitbridge and the Musina Repatriation Centre for matric pupils. Qualified teachers among returning Zimbabweans are willing to volunteer academic support if a frame
The Democratic Alliance DA is considering disciplinary action against its former leader, John Steenhuisen, for allegedly bringing the party into disrepute. This follows Steenhuisen's accusations that former leader Tony Leon used his influence to facilitate deals between private companies, including Elon Musk's Starlink, and DA ministers. Leon has denied these claims. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage suggested that Steenhuisen's public spats and allegations of state capture have negatively impacted the DA, especially ahead of local government elections. Duvenhage believes Steenhuisen's actions stem from criticism regarding his handling of the agriculture portfolio. However, DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau stated that no formal charges have been laid against Steenhuisen and there is no evidence of wrongdoing by any DA public representative. Meanwhile, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the DA, likening the allegations against Leon to state capture, despite the DA's previous stance against it. Duvenhage, however, views Leon's actions as lobbying rather than state capture, suggesting that any corruption claims should be pursued through legal channels.