The uMkhonto weSizwe MK party has announced the appointment of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede as its new member and deputy convener for KwaZulu-Natal. This announcement was made during a briefing on Monday, 13 July, where party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu welcomed Gumede, highlighting her political experience in the region and South Africa. Gumede, who was previously a member of the ANC, joins the MK party while facing a corruption case. She and 21 co-accused are charged with multiple offenses related to an irregular Durban Solid Waste tender exceeding R300 million. The charges include conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act and Municipal Systems Act. During the briefing, the MK party also called for the dismissal of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and condemned the Legal Practice Council's application to have former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane struck from the roll of advocates. Additionally, Mahlangu addressed claims that the party was experiencing financial difficulties, refuting a Sunday World article that reported the closure of provincial offices due to unpaid rent, and labeling the journalist a "propagandist running an anti-MK campaign."
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a 45-year-old Zimbabwean national, will remain in custody in South Africa as authorities verify his legal status in the country. Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on July 10, following an operation involving the Saps Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence, and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit. He is wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with the murders of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their two daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5. Their bodies were discovered at their home near Bedford, and police allege Tshuma left the UK two days before the discovery. Tshuma appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday, where he was informed of potential sentences for a charge of illegal firearm possession. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that Tshuma will be extradited to the UK once all necessary paperwork is finalized. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, 2026.
The South African Social Security Agency Sassa has appealed for dialogue with interest groups following calls for national pickets against the agency, which have circulated on social media. Sassa noted videos promoting protests, particularly in the Western Cape, reportedly driven by a TikTok content creator who highlights complaints about Sassa's application and appeals processes, and the cost-of-living challenges for older people. A petition by the Pensioners of South Africa Posa states that the Old Age Grant, while vital, is often insufficient to cover daily needs, forcing many to make difficult choices. Posa has urged the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury, and President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure pensioners live with dignity and security. Sassa CEO Themba Matlou affirmed the agency's respect for the constitutional right to peaceful protest but encouraged direct engagement through appropriate channels. Matlou emphasized that constructive dialogue provides the best platform to explain Sassa's initiatives and legislative frameworks. He also stated that Sassa is open to constructive criticism aimed at improving services and remains committed to strengthening the integrity of the social grant system to combat fraud and corruption, while continuously improving its systems as it marks two decades since its establishment.
A three-day operation in Limpopo, conducted between July 7 and 9, resulted in the seizure of illicit and counterfeit goods valued at nearly R78 million. The crackdown, led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, involved multiple agencies including Public Order Policing, Sars Customs, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that over 162,000 items were confiscated, including fake luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as illicit medicines, agricultural products, alcohol, and electrical goods. The operation, which took place in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, and Mankweng, also led to 37 non-compliance notices issued to businesses. Officials highlighted that counterfeit goods pose significant risks to consumer safety and the economy. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, commended the efforts, and investigations into the source and distribution networks of the seized goods are ongoing.