The ANC's election committee, chaired by Kgalema Motlanthe, has taken over the handling of disputes and appeals from aggrieved members in the Eastern Cape, bypassing the party's national dispute resolution committee NDRC. Motlanthe issued revised instructions, directing all disputes and appeals to be lodged directly with his committee within 48 hours. The reason for this change was not provided, but it is understood that some ANC branches in the Eastern Cape distrust the NDRC and provincial structures to handle the process fairly. This intervention follows previous issues where disputes were lodged with the provincial list committee, and provincial dispute resolution structures were perceived as compromised. The Motlanthe committee was responsible for drafting ANC guidelines for various party meetings and conferences. Tensions in the Eastern Cape have been fueled by recent court battles where grassroots structures successfully challenged unprocedural and unconstitutional processes, including the hurried appointment of the ANC provincial task team. Members are concerned about a repeat of the 2021 local election candidate disputes, where legitimately nominated candidates were allegedly replaced by politically connected individuals. Aggrieved branches in the Eastern Cape are planning a protest to demand an end to provincial interference in branch activities, manipulation of meetings and nominations, and the disbanding of elected branches. They also seek the reinstatement of the
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The Government Communication and Information System GCIS has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the South African National Editors’ Forum Sanef, including chairperson Katy Katopodis. GCIS expressed confidence in Sanef's role in defending press freedom and ethical journalism, highlighting its importance in South Africa's democracy. This commendation follows a public dispute between Sanef and the Special Investigating Unit SIU regarding Sanef's former chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, and an investigation into National Lotteries Commission NLC funds. The SIU criticized Sanef for allegedly misrepresenting facts concerning its investigation into Todi Media, which failed to account for a R1.5 million NLC grant. The SIU stated that while its investigation found no direct finding against Sefara's company, Unscripted Communication, it traced NLC funds to both his company and personal bank accounts from Todi Media. The SIU clarified that it did not exonerate Sefara from benefiting from the funds, despite Todi Media repaying the full grant. The SIU maintained that Sanef's statement misled the public and undermined its work, emphasizing its commitment to recovering misused state funds.
The Zimbabwean government is encouraging its citizens to embrace the return of nearly 60,000 Zimbabweans from South Africa. President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the nation, stating that 11,065 individuals were repatriated through inter-governmental efforts, while an additional 47,703 returned voluntarily. Among those repatriated by the South African and Zimbabwean governments, 2,449 were adult men, 2,407 were adult females, and 4,955 were minors. Mnangagwa appealed to families and communities to welcome the returnees with compassion and love, highlighting government programs designed for their seamless reintegration. Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet George Charamba emphasized the value these returnees bring, noting their unique skills, particularly in horticulture, which are needed to help Zimbabwe meet its export quotas. A temporary repatriation facility, including a processing office, sleeping quarters, and ablutions, was established at the Beitbridge border post in approximately 96 hours. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson stated that the facility aims to ensure the dignity of migrants leaving South Africa, while Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber affirmed readiness to handle repatriations in a lawful, orderly, and dignified manner.
Reports suggest that Tony Leon's public relations firm, Resolve Communications, attempted to influence administrations in Democratic Alliance-led municipalities. Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane, now leader of Build One South Africa, and ActionSA's national chairperson Michael Beaumont have questioned the firm's director, Tony Leon. Maimane stated he tried to limit Leon's access to party members in leadership positions after former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba allegedly informed him of similar approaches by the firm. Maimane criticized the firm's access to DA ministers, calling it a "very dangerous practice." Leon denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his dealings with government entities were legitimate and involved strategic communications and crisis management. ActionSA has filed a complaint with the Public Protector, requesting an investigation into Resolve Communications and the ministers and deputies it interacts with. The party also plans to ask parliament to summon DA ministers and deputy ministers, and potentially representatives of Resolve Communications, to investigate the extent of their collaboration, citing concerns about potential "state capture."