🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
MK party omits Bongani Baloyi from Joburg mayoral campaign team
via The Citizen14 min read
Questions have arisen regarding former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi's potential as the MK party's mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. Despite reports of a faction within the MK party supporting Baloyi for the role, his name was notably absent from the list of individuals announced to lead the party's election campaign in Joburg and other parts of Gauteng. On Wednesday, 6 May, the party's secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, stated that the regional task teams are intended to position the MK party as a viable political alternative for improving local government in South Africa. Political analyst Theo Neethling highlighted concerns about Baloyi's ideological consistency, given his political journey from the DA to forming his own party, Xiluva, and then joining the MK party. Neethling suggested that while Baloyi has a reputation for good governance, the MK party's populist and confrontational style might not align with his image. Another analyst, Andre Duvenhage, expressed little surprise at Baloyi's exclusion, noting that Baloyi might be too moderate for the MK party's radical approach. Duvenhage also indicated that while the MK party is unlikely to secure a majority in Johannesburg, a strong performance could make them a significant player in coalition formations after the elections.
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.
Must ReadThe Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard arguments on May 7, 2026, regarding the broad-based black economic empowerment B-BBEE legal sector code. Lawyers defending B-BBEE implementation argued that the case is crucial for the survival of black professionals in the legal field. The General Council of the Bar of South Africa GCBSA and Advocates for Transformation AFT are opposing an application by four major law firms—Deneys Reitz, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans, and Bowmans Gilfillan—who are challenging regulations aimed at transforming the legal profession. The code, published by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau in September 2024, mandates that law firms increase black ownership to 50% over five years, with half of that stake held by black women. The firms argue these requirements could negatively impact their B-BBEE ratings and competitiveness. Advocate Norman Arendse, representing the GCBSA, stated that decades of voluntary transformation efforts have made "no headway" and that while entry for black practitioners has improved, sustaining careers due to lack of work opportunities and achieving senior counsel status remains difficult. Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, representing the Black Conveyancers Association BCA, urged the court to focus on the lived realities of black legal practitioners, describing the case as a fight for "existence" and "living in dignity" for them.
Must ReadThe Constitutional Court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on May 8 regarding the Phala Phala case, a decision that could renew pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa. This ruling follows a legal challenge by the Economic Freedom Fighters EFF and the African Transformation Movement ATM in November 2024, after parliament declined to adopt a Section 89 independent panel report. The panel had concluded there was sufficient basis for Ramaphosa to address questions about the alleged theft of approximately $580,000 from his Phala Phala game farm in February 2020. The National Assembly voted against referring the report for an impeachment process in December 2022, and a subsequent attempt to establish an ad hoc parliamentary committee in March 2023 also failed. The scandal became public in June 2022 when former State Security Agency SSA boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa and the head of the Presidential Protection Service PPS, Wally Rhoode, alleging concealment of a $4 million theft. Ramaphosa confirmed a burglary, stating the cash was payment for Ankole cattle. Investigations by the Public Protector, the South African Reserve Bank SARB, and the South African Revenue Service Sars cleared the president of wrongdoing, but the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Ipid reported that Rhoode covered up the break-in and interrogated suspects. If the ConCourt rules in favor of the EFF and ATM, parliament might be compelled to reconsider the Section 89 repor
National Coloured Congress NCC party leader and MP Fadiel Adams will remain in custody following his initial appearance in Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. The court ruled on Thursday that Adams will be held at a secret location until his bail application resumes next week. Police stated that Adams was arrested in Cape Town on Tuesday over allegations that he interfered with ongoing investigations into the murder of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa. The state opposed bail, requesting more time to prepare its case, gather evidence related to Adams’ public statements and alleged witness interference, and verify his addresses. The prosecutor highlighted serious allegations of interference with state witnesses. Adams’ lawyer, Bruce Hendricks, accused the state of delaying proceedings and stated that Adams has no pending criminal matters or outstanding warrants. The defence proposed R5,000 bail and strict conditions, including reporting to police. The magistrate postponed the matter, citing the need for further investigation into issues raised by both parties. Adams’ detention location will remain confidential for safety reasons, disclosed only to his lawyers. The defence also informed the court that Adams requires medication and medical attention for a scheduled shoulder operation.
Must ReadThe MK party and the Electoral Commission of South Africa IEC have engaged in discussions to address differences following the 2024 election results. The MK party previously challenged the results in the Electoral Court, alleging vote rigging, but later withdrew the case. Despite ongoing talks with the IEC, the party intends to pursue the matter in the Constitutional Court, seeking to have the 2024 results declared null and void. MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated that the Constitutional Court application is a necessary step to protect the will of the people, as serious allegations about election credibility remain unresolved. The MK party emerged as the third-largest party in the 2024 polls, securing 15% of the national votes, almost a year after its launch in December 2023.