Mbalula explains ANC support for controversial mayors amid coalition politics
via The Citizen12 min read
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that the ANC is not responsible for the election of some controversial mayors in the City of Johannesburg, attributing this to the current era of coalition politics in South Africa. Speaking in Johannesburg, Mbalula highlighted that the ANC sometimes has no alternative but to negotiate with other parties in municipalities, even if it means supporting candidates from smaller parties. He noted the fragility of coalition politics in Johannesburg, which has seen multiple mayors since the 2021 local government elections, including Mpho Moerane, Mpho Phalatse, Thapelo Amad, Kabelo Gwamanda, and current mayor Dada Morero. Mbalula mentioned that the ANC and its partners elected Amad as mayor in 2023, but he was later asked to resign due to allegations of incompetence. He also referenced a similar situation in the City of Ekurhuleni where a mayor from a small party was removed for inefficiency. Mbalula indicated that both the DA and ANC now support new legislation for a threshold in coalition arrangements to reduce the likelihood of small party candidates holding mayoral positions, a proposal smaller parties are rejecting. He added that the ANC aims for an outright majority rather than coalition governance. Regarding the appointment of the EFF's Nkululeko Dunga as Gauteng's Finance MEC, Mbalula asserted that the ANC is not to blame, as coalition partners provide their own candidates.
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EFF leader Julius Malema stated his party will not form alliances with the Democratic Alliance DA or the Freedom Front Plus FF+, describing such a move as undermining a progressive agenda. He made these comments while addressing delegates at a conference of the Botswana National Front BNF. Malema also spoke against anti-illegal immigrant sentiment in South Africa, advocating for the unity of all African states and emphasizing the interconnectedness of SADC countries. He expressed pleasure at being in Botswana, noting that his 13-year travel ban to the country, which stemmed from accusations of attempting to ignite regime change, was lifted in 2024.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called for long-term investment in education initiatives from businesses and civil society, emphasizing that Mandela Day efforts should create lasting benefits for schools beyond symbolic gestures. Speaking at Giyani Primary School in Soweto during a Mandela Day event, Gwarube inspected a new classroom block donated by Absa and facilitated by Ride4Hope, with Aspen also contributing. She highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities to enhance learning environments for South African children. Gwarube stressed that collaborations should address the real needs of schools and complement public investment, ensuring every child has a safe and appropriate learning environment. The Minister encouraged transparent and sustainable education projects, stating that the true measure of Mandela Day lies in the lasting impact of projects, such as new classrooms and support for teachers, rather than just the 67 minutes of volunteering. She concluded that sustained investment and collaboration are crucial for unlocking children's potential and securing South Africa's future.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has arrested a 44-year-old suspect in connection with an attack that resulted in the death of a Police Sergeant and injury to a Police Constable. The incident occurred in Bushbuckridge on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that officers located and apprehended the suspect at his residence on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The suspect allegedly attacked the officers with a sharp object during a domestic violence call-out, striking the 41-year-old police sergeant and pushing the 37-year-old police constable into a hole before fleeing. The sergeant was pronounced dead upon arrival at a medical facility, while the constable was admitted for treatment. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Saps in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift arrest, emphasizing that attacks on police will not be tolerated. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation DPCI – Hawks is handling the case.