🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
MK Party strengthens election teams in Mpumalanga and North West ahead of local government polls
via The Citizen2 min read
The MK party has reinforced its leadership structures in Mpumalanga and the North West province in preparation for the local government elections on November 4. Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced that Deputy President Tony Yengeni will serve as the provincial election convener in Mpumalanga, supported by Lindi Mtshali, Qiniso Cibane, Bonginkosi Khumalo, and 15 other regional leaders. In the North West, national organiser Aleck Nkuna, Nomsa Diamil Nkateko Mkhabela, and 17 regional leaders have been deployed. Nomvalo addressed concerns raised by the March and March movement on immigration, stating that while the party is not formally aligned with the movement, it supports citizens' constitutional right to peaceful protest. He emphasized that immigration to South Africa must adhere to legal parameters and that illegal immigrants should seek voluntary repatriation. The party's national officials also discussed parliamentary processes regarding accountability and oversight concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the impeachment committee on the Phala Phala saga, reaffirming that no public office bearer is above accountability and calling for Ramaphosa to vacate office. The MK party expressed reservations about the appointment of Makashule Gana as Chairperson of the impeachment committee. Additionally, the party voiced support for Iran's call for peace in Gaza, demanding an immediate end to violence and protection for civilians, and urged Israel to declare a ceasefire. I
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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.
Dozens of Nigerians remaining in South Africa are appealing to their government for evacuation, stating they were left behind after Abuja declared its voluntary repatriation program complete. Nigeria concluded its repatriation efforts last Thursday, with the final flight bringing 305 returnees home from Johannesburg, totaling nearly 1,490 citizens returned. The evacuation began on June 10, 2026, following increased pressure on undocumented foreign nationals by anti-immigrant groups. Other African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, have also evacuated their citizens. Stranded Nigerians outside the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria found their hopes dashed by a notice indicating the suspension of repatriation. One Nigerian reported not being included in the evacuation flights, while another expressed concern over the lack of assistance from the high commission. Individuals described their stress and pleaded for their government to rescue them, with one man traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria for assistance only to find the program had ended.
Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has affirmed the safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the continuation of South Africa's nuclear build program, following public concern over radioactive contamination during maintenance. The minister, joined by Eskom executives, addressed three airborne contamination events at Unit Two between June 30 and July 7, which occurred due to a power outage affecting ventilation units. Officials stated that no radioactive material was released into the environment, and there was no risk to nearby communities or the public. Eskom chairperson Mteto Nyati confirmed that while elevated airborne radioactive contamination was detected, it was contained within the facility, with exposure levels for workers being very low, comparable to a dental X-ray. Chief Nuclear Officer Velaphi Ntuli explained that such localized radioactivity is common during steam generator testing, a routine process, and that strict safety protocols, including worker evacuation and monitoring, were followed. The government emphasized transparency to counter misinformation and highlighted Koeberg's 40-year safe operation, with plans for an additional 20 years of life and the introduction of 5 gigawatts of new nuclear build capacity.