South Africa welcomes US-Iran agreement to end Middle East military operations
via The Citizen2 min read
South Africa has praised the US-Iran agreement, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to permanently cease military operations in the Middle East. The deal, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iran鈥檚 President Masoud Pezeshkian, includes Iran agreeing to dilute its enriched uranium in exchange for significant economic relief and a $300 billion reconstruction fund. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed the agreement's immediate effect. Pretoria welcomed the termination of military operations, including in Lebanon, and the commitment to refrain from initiating war or using force. South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola expressed optimism, stating the agreement could end the unlawful use of force and violations of the UN Charter, emphasizing South Africa's consistent call for dispute resolution through negotiation. The agreement is expected to stabilize global oil markets by reopening the Strait of Hormuz and alleviate energy and food security challenges for developing countries. The termination of sanctions against Iran is also welcomed, aiming to provide relief to the Iranian people. South Africa also acknowledged Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, and other nations for their role in facilitating dialogue. The international relations department encourages all parties to work towards lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
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The ANC's Eastern Cape branch is currently without leadership after the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda declared the appointment of the interim ANC provincial task team PTT invalid and set it aside. This ruling effectively leaves the party's Eastern Cape branch leaderless, as the previous provincial executive committee PEC was dissolved last month in favor of the now-nullified PTT. The party's decision to install the PTT was challenged by three aggrieved members, including Lwazi Rotya, a Ward 24 branch member, who argued that the appointment violated the ANC's constitution and infringed on their contractual rights. Judge Vuyokazi Pamella Noncembu criticized the ANC's conduct, stating that their behavior "strongly suggests a lack of bona fides" and that the issues could have been resolved without costly litigation if the ANC had been transparent with its members. The court also censured the ANC for presenting a contradictory version and a belated resolution to oppose the matter.
Must ReadJulius Malema, leader of the EFF, has expressed support for Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, following her immediate expulsion from the MK party. The MK party also expelled its former national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela. According to MK party spokesperson Sibonelo Nomvalo, the expulsions were due to conduct inconsistent with the party's constitution, with Zuma-Sambudla's public statements and social media posts cited for undermining organizational unity and promoting factional narratives. Malema commended Zuma-Sambudla's strength, stating she has always been strong. Zuma-Sambudla reacted to her expulsion by asserting that while she can be expelled as an ordinary member, she remains a founding member of MK. She criticized what she called a "Libertarian agenda" being hijacked by "rejected politicians" pursuing "narrow-minded capitalist agendas." She also posted on X, referencing a biblical verse and suggesting that some leaders want President Zuma "to eat his own children." Zuma-Sambudla further claimed that those who join the MK movement to undermine or sideline her are not committed to liberation but are pursuing personal gain, attacking accounting officers, and betraying loyalty to Zuma, indicating they are not in MK "for the good of the movement."
A multidisciplinary police team in Mpumalanga removed four toddlers from their mothers after the two women, Swazi nationals aged 29 and 33, were arrested as undocumented migrants during an operation targeting alleged brothels in eMbalenhle and Leandra. The operation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Hawks in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, Department of Home Affairs, and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, followed intelligence about alleged brothel operations. The two sisters were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. Their four children, aged between two and four years, were found residing in unsuitable conditions and were placed in safe care following an assessment by social workers. During the investigation, electronic devices were seized from the residence of the alleged employer of the sisters, who was not located at the time. Company registers were also seized from a premises allegedly managed by a 29-year-old South African woman and suspected of being used for commercial sexual activities. In Leandra, a 40-year-old South African woman was fined R1,500 for contravening the Liquor Act, as liquor was allegedly being sold without a valid license at a premises where she managed activities. All arrested individuals were expected to appear before the Evander Magistrate鈥檚 Court. Major General Nico Gerber, provincial head of the Hawks, stated that this is the beginning of the investigation, ai