US Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, commended South Africa's 1994 democratic transition as the "most remarkable political achievement of the modern era." Speaking at an event in Pretoria celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's independence, Bozell highlighted the transition as a reflection of a diverse people building a common future, where reconciliation triumphed over resentment and hope prevailed over fear. He avoided discussing outstanding issues between Washington and Pretoria, focusing instead on the celebrations. Former president Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency Sindisiwe Chikunga were among the attendees. Bozell praised Nelson Mandela's embodiment of the 1994 vision and acknowledged Mbeki's role in guiding South Africa's democratic reality. Chikunga emphasized the ongoing advancement of shared interests between South Africa and the US through dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, referencing a past engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump as an example of maintaining open channels.
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The EFF has accused ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of misrepresenting their stance on illegal migration and foreign employment in South Africa. Mbalula, on Facebook, described the EFF as flip-floppers who set vigilante trends against foreign nationals, referencing the party's 2022 inspections of restaurants at the Mall of Africa to check employment ratios of South Africans and foreigners. He stated that the Department of Employment and Labour condemned these inspections at the time. In response, EFF elections spokesperson Thembi Msane stated that the EFF has never organized or endorsed campaigns to intimidate or remove foreign nationals, asserting that such actions are inconsistent with their Pan-Africanist principles. Msane clarified that the 2022 Mall of Africa visits, led by EFF president Julius Malema, were parliamentary oversight activities aimed at assessing compliance with labor laws and ensuring fair employment conditions for all workers. The EFF further blamed the ANC for the tensions between immigrants and South Africans, citing the ANC's governance for over three decades, which they claim led to the collapse of immigration systems, deterioration of border management, and selective enforcement of labor laws.
Senior intelligence figures are concerned about a potential major intelligence security breach in South Africa following the public disclosure of information allegedly from Major-General Feroz Khan鈥檚 seized cellphones. A source close to the investigation suggests that years of Crime Intelligence work, including confidential informants, intelligence methodologies, and individuals linked to sensitive police investigations, may have been compromised. These allegations stem from a criminal complaint Khan prepared before being shot, concerning the unlawful dissemination of information extracted from electronic devices seized during a police raid on his home. Khan's affidavit, which he intended to lodge, asks investigators to identify who, within the chain of custody, unlawfully released protected intelligence information into the public domain. He states that his devices contained extensive Crime Intelligence material, and its dissemination could compromise operational structures, ongoing investigations, personnel safety, and national security interests. Khan's complaint specifically requests an investigation into whether offenses under Section 4 of the Protection of Information Act, which criminalizes the unlawful disclosure or negligent handling of protected information, were committed. The alleged breach originated from a police search at Khan鈥檚 residence on May 10, where multiple electronic devices were seized. Khan became aware that information from these devices was used in
The Democratic Alliance has asked the Gauteng provincial government to intervene in the Johannesburg municipality's financial stability, specifically regarding a R10.3 billion Politically Facilitated Agreement with the South African Municipal Workers Union. DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku sent a letter to cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo, requesting an investigation into the actions of municipal officials. The DA argues that engagements between Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, group corporate and shared services MMC Sthembiso Zungu, and Samwu regarding the multi-year payment amount to political interference. Samwu demonstrated outside ANC offices, where Mayor Morero assured members they would be paid before the 2026 local government elections. Kayser-Echeozonjoku's letter suggests these engagements could be construed as placing political pressure on city administrators, raising concerns about potential destabilization and improper influence on administrative processes. The DA requested an investigation into claims of political interference, assurances given to Samwu, and potential breaches of legislation by city officials. National Treasury had previously warned the municipality about its inability to afford the deal, though Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku made provisions for the payment in her budget, citing the need to address historic salary disparities. Samwu has expressed dissatisfaction with the DA's interference, view