US signals openness to constructive engagement with South Africa after diplomatic strain
via The Citizen2 min read
The United States is signaling a potential improvement in its relationship with South Africa, following a statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This comes after months of diplomatic tension between the two nations. Rubio extended greetings to South Africa on its Freedom Day, marking the 32nd anniversary of its first democratic elections. He stated that the US remains open to "constructive engagement where our interests align." This outreach follows a period where former President Trump had criticized South Africa on various issues, including debunked claims about the treatment of white Afrikaners. Tensions escalated further when the US boycotted the G20 leaders' Summit hosted in Johannesburg, with Trump citing alleged human rights abuses against descendants of European settlers. Secretary Rubio had also previously indicated an intention to bar South Africa from the G20 and replace it with Poland. More recently, South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was not accredited to attend an upcoming meeting of G20 finance chiefs in Washington, US. The US assumed the G20's annual rotating presidency from South Africa in late 2025.
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The Western Cape High Court dismissed a Zimbabwean man's application to extend the 180-day period for reviewing a Home Affairs decision that declared him a prohibited person. Fidel Isheanesu Mugunzva, 40, entered South Africa on a visitor's visa in 2011. While seeking employment, he was referred to an immigration agent named Wendy. In 2012, Wendy informed him his name was on a Home Affairs list, suggesting his mother might have applied for him under an amnesty program. Mugunzva paid Wendy R12,000 and received a permanent resident permit, which he used for eight years, traveling, opening bank accounts, and gaining employment. In 2018, after losing his permit letter, he applied for proof of permanent residence. On February 26, 2020, Home Affairs informed him the permit number did not exist, the permit was fraudulent, and he was designated a prohibited person. Mugunzva returned to Zimbabwe in August 2022, claiming he received the Minister's decision only on November 23, 2023. He argued he was too poor to pursue legal action earlier and never had an opportunity to make representations before being declared a prohibited person. The court found Home Affairs failed to give him an opportunity to make representations and did not properly investigate whether he knowingly participated in fraud or was a victim. However, the court ruled that Mugunzva's excessive delay in bringing the review application outweighed his prospects of success.
Gauteng police are investigating two Wierdabrug officers after a video circulated on social media allegedly showing them taking a R2,000 bribe during Operation Shanela on June 4. According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the officers reportedly stopped a suspect on a bicycle, seized it, and then drove him to Wierdapark where they allegedly took money for his release. The officers have been identified, and a departmental case has been opened, with an inquiry registered to investigate all allegations. Nevhuhulwi urged the public to formally report corruption to build strong cases, stating that while social media raises awareness, it should not be the final step. Experts like Witness Maluleka from the University of Limpopo and Percy Sithuga from the University of Venda's School of Law expressed concern, noting that such incidents undermine public trust and the integrity of the criminal justice system, despite the presence of ethical officers. Sithuga emphasized that public confidence in policing relies on officers upholding the law and being held accountable for violations.
Must ReadNgwathe Municipality disconnected electricity to various government facilities, including clinics, police stations, courts, and libraries, across its five towns due to over R234 million in outstanding electricity debt owed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. The disconnections, which began last week, followed final notices issued on May 25. Electricity was restored to police stations, courts, and correctional services centers after a payment agreement was reached with the national Department of Public Works. Clinics also had their power restored by Monday, with the Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, clarifying that the provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is responsible for these payments. Mvambi assured the public that clinics remained operational and maintained cold-chain requirements for vaccines. However, as of Tuesday, libraries and provincial traffic offices remained without power, and the municipality stated it had not received any payments for the affected institutions, threatening further action if arrangements or payments were not made by the deadline. The Ngwathe Municipal Manager, Dr F.P. Mothamaha, noted that the municipality does not charge interest on overdue government accounts, contributing to its own nearly R3 billion debt to Eskom since 2009. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure spokesperson, Paul Matlanyane, attributed the interruption to theft. The municipality has previously tak