South Africa's first Conference of the Left calls for nationalization and constitutional overhaul
via The Citizen2 min read
South Africa's first Conference of the Left, held in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, has adopted a socialist stance, advocating for nationalization, land expropriation without compensation, and a review of the constitution. The gathering, which included 13 organizations such as the South African Communist Party SACP, Azapo, the EFF, the uMkhonto weSizwe party, trade unions, and civil society groups, resolved that the economy's commanding heights should be controlled by the working class. Delegates demanded the nationalization of the Reserve Bank and a reorientation of monetary policy to prioritize employment and industrialization. They also called for a comprehensive review of the 1996 constitution to address unfinished democratic and socialist objectives, including land, property relations, public ownership, social rights, and the state's role in the economy. Land reform was emphasized as central to the struggle, with delegates insisting on restitution and redistribution for dignity, equality, and democratic access. The conference endorsed expropriation without compensation and security of tenure. The conference, held without the ANC, which boycotted the event despite an invitation, signaled the left's intention to take the strategic initiative, with the SACP leading. Delegates declared that working-class power must lead the struggle for popular power in South Africa. The conference also resolved that the left should be broad enough to unite all who stand with the working class, inclu
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South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture has thanked the United States Embassy in South Africa for expediting travel documents for the Bafana Bafana team. All players secured their US visas and departed for the 2026 Fifa World Cup training base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Monday, a day later than initially scheduled. The delay was due to an administrative lapse that left several players without the required paperwork. Minister McKenzie stated that the fault was entirely on the South African side, rejecting criticism directed at the US Consulate. The Iranian Embassy in South Africa commented on the situation, claiming the US failed to issue visas, a claim rejected by the US Embassy in South Africa. The South African Football Association Safa apologized for the unexpected travel delays and thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Dirco and the US Consulate in Johannesburg for their assistance. Much of the blame for the delays was directed at Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka. President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to unite behind the national football team as it prepares to face Mexico in the Fifa World Cup opener on June 11, 2026. The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
A 13-year-old child died and over 200 shacks were destroyed in two separate fires at the Plastic View informal settlement in Pretoria East in less than a week. On May 24, approximately 150 shacks were razed, followed by another fire on Thursday that destroyed about 100 shacks. City of Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson and deputy chief Nana Radebe-Kgiba stated that preliminary information suggests the Thursday night fire may have originated from a leaking gas cylinder in a shack where the deceased child was found. The child's parents and a younger sibling sustained burn injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Disaster Risk Management is assessing the situation to assist displaced families. City of Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya noted ongoing plans to relocate South African citizens from Plastic View, but the presence of foreign nationals has complicated these efforts. The settlement has experienced multiple fires over the years, including one in May 2023 that left 250 people homeless.
The Democratic Alliance in Tshwane has stated it will oppose any attempts to reverse disciplinary actions related to misconduct, violence, and criminality. This comes after the city's mayoral committee announced its intention to rehire 43 former employees who were dismissed during a violent, unprotected strike in 2023. DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink highlighted the significant damage caused by the illegal strike and emphasized that the DA-led government at the time took a firm stance against such actions. Brink confirmed that the DA has formally warned the city manager that legal action will be considered if reports of unlawful reinstatements prove true and proceed. Conversely, ANC regional secretary George Matjila has welcomed the decision to reinstate the 43 workers.
Must ReadSouth Africa is under increasing pressure to pass the Employment Services Amendment Bill and the Draft National Labour Migration Policy. This comes amid protests concerning foreign nationals, both documented and undocumented, allegedly taking jobs from local citizens. The Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, officially introduced the Bill in the National Assembly. A civil society group, March and March, has given undocumented migrants until June 30 to leave the country voluntarily, escalating street actions. While Ghana has begun repatriating its citizens and Nigeria plans to do the same, some Nigerian parliamentarians have opposed these removals. The issue has become a priority for the government and is expected to be a campaign topic in the November 4 local government elections. The Bill aims to tighten regulations for foreign nationals in the labor market, empowering the minister to set quotas for foreign workers by sector, occupation, or region. Employers would be required to prioritize South African citizens and permanent residents and implement skills transfer plans for local employees when hiring foreigners. Exemptions apply to small businesses, critical skills, ministerial waivers, and scarce skills. The policy complements the Bill by addressing perceptions that foreign nationals are favored in certain industries and will impose quotas on documented foreign nationals with work visas. It also seeks to restrict foreign nationals from obtaining business vi