President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to support the national football team, Bafana Bafana, as they prepare to face Canada in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32. The match will take place on Sunday evening at Los Angeles Stadium. This marks the first time the national squad has advanced beyond the group stages into the knockout rounds. The government has encouraged all South Africans to wear national colors or symbols to show their support. President Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the team's victory, stating that Bafana Bafana will once again put the country on the global map as one of the top 32 football teams. He also mentioned that he would be speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, asserting that South Africa would win. Bafana Bafana secured their spot in the knockout stage with a 1-0 Group A win over South Korea, a result head coach Hugo Broos described as a "little miracle."
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Bantu Holomisa, the outgoing leader of the United Democratic Movement UDM, stated at the party's national elective congress in East London that the UDM aims to play a more significant role in South African politics after President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes his term. Holomisa noted the changing political landscape and the African National Congress's weakened position. He also addressed the Section 89 Impeachment Committee investigating President Ramaphosa's conduct regarding the Phala-Phala farm incident. Holomisa affirmed the UDM's support for the committee, emphasizing that constitutional processes must proceed and that all implicated individuals, including the President, should present their side to establish facts, uphold accountability, and strengthen constitutional democracy. He stressed that no one is above accountability. The congress also focused on electing new leadership and unveiling the UDM's 2026 local government manifesto, with an eye towards the 2029 elections.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party MKP announced its intention to support a motion of no confidence proposed by the Economic Freedom Fighters EFF to remove Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza from her position. Both parties accuse Didiza of failing to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa鈥檚 alleged attempts to delay the work of parliament鈥檚 impeachment committee. This committee is investigating Ramaphosa鈥檚 conduct regarding the 2020 robbery on his Phala Phala farm. MKP spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu stated that Didiza's decision not to actively oppose proceedings that seek to delay Parliament鈥檚 constitutional obligations creates a perception that partisan political interests are prioritized over Parliament鈥檚 oversight responsibilities. Mahlangu added that the MK Party believes Didiza鈥檚 conduct has undermined public confidence in the impartiality of her office and weakened Parliament鈥檚 ability to hold the Executive accountable. The MK Party has also formally intervened in legal proceedings before the Western Cape High Court to oppose Ramaphosa鈥檚 attempt to interdict the Parliamentary Impeachment Committee. The hearing for this matter is scheduled for July 15 and 16, 2026.
Thousands of Malawian nationals who were camping at Durban鈥檚 Drive-In site have been relocated to a new Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina, Limpopo. The eThekwini Municipality announced this move on Saturday, 27 June 2026, stating it aims to tighten verification, expedite repatriations through the Beitbridge Border Post, and ease pressure on existing facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. This decision follows a resolution by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration on 26 June, as part of the government鈥檚 coordinated response to managing irregular migration and accelerating voluntary repatriation processes. The relocation was prompted by a significant increase in Malawian nationals requiring humanitarian assistance and repatriation. More than 15,000 Malawian nationals have already been processed for deportation and voluntary repatriation, with verification of others ongoing. The eThekwini Municipality will continue to support national departments and stakeholders in implementing the committee's decision. The Durban Drive-In temporary repatriation site will be decommissioned once all operational arrangements are finalized. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi stated that the decision to relocate the main repatriation processing operation from KZN to Limpopo was due to mounting pressure and deteriorating humanitarian conditions at temporary sites in KwaZulu-Natal. Kubayi also assured South Africans that 30 June would be a normal day, with the government ensuring the safety of li