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馃嚳馃嚘The Citizen路3 hours ago
South African voting patterns show a shift from loyalty to fluidity, experts say
At a seminar hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission IEC in Pretoria, Dr. Ben Roberts from the Human Sciences Research Council HSRC stated that South Africans have historically voted based on loyalty rather than issues, despite corruption being a significant concern. However, he noted a growing fluidity in voting patterns, with a degree of swing voting emerging, which the IEC should monitor. Former statistician-general Pali Lehohla emphasized the importance of ongoing national conversations about South Africa's future, supported by data, to empower citizens in shaping their political manifestos. The IEC is also implementing new strategies, including a show on SABC, music, and engaging influencers, to encourage young people to register and vote. As of the end of June, over 28.6 million South Africans, approximately 60% of the adult population, have registered to vote.
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馃嚳馃嚘The Citizen路23 hours ago
Trial of 62 accused in July 2021 KwaZulu-Natal unrest stalls due to attorney withdrawals
The trial of 62 individuals accused in connection with the deadly July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal KZN has been postponed after several defendants were left without legal representation. The case resumed in the Durban High Court on Monday, July 20, 2026, but proceedings could not begin as attorneys for some accused withdrew. The court ordered the affected accused to apply for legal aid immediately. The National Prosecuting Authority NPA spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, stated that the State was ready to proceed with five witnesses available to testify. The matter has been postponed to July 27, 2026, for Legal Aid to provide an update on appointing legal representatives. The accused face charges including incitement to commit public violence, incitement to commit terrorism, conspiracy to commit public violence, conspiracy to commit murder, terrorism, sedition, and public violence. The July 2021 riots, which resulted in over 350 deaths in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, were triggered by the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court. The unrest led to the closure of shops and factories, with an estimated economic cost exceeding R50 billion. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, also faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and public violence, to which she has pleaded not guilty. The State alleges she used her X account to incite violence and looting. A social media law expert testified in November that Zuma-Sambudla's posts w
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馃嚳馃嚘The Citizen路1 day ago
DA criticizes Gauteng Department of Transport and Emfuleni Municipality over R400 million 'bridge to nowhere
The Democratic Alliance DA has condemned the Gauteng Department of Transport and Logistics and the Emfuleni Local Municipality ELM for spending over R400 million on a bridge in Emfuleni that the DA claims "leads to nowhere." According to DA's ELM Mayor elect, Kingsol Chabalala, the new Flyover Bridge on the R42 was intended to link the northern developed area to the R42 and the future Vaal River City development. Chabalala stated that the project has been delayed and remains incomplete, while Emfuleni residents face a severe service delivery crisis. He argued that the R400 million could have been used to address issues like inoperable rubbish dumps and raw sewage. The DA submitted questions to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to understand the bridge's purpose and construction logistics, concluding that its construction was an "exercise in futility." Chabalala highlighted that the ANC-led municipality's failure to plan resulted in a bridge that is effectively a dead end, with two connecting bridges also leading to dead ends. The estimated cost to complete the connecting roads is R55 million, dependent on private funding for the Vaal River City development with no determined timeframe. These connecting roads were not part of the original provincial road project and are on private land, indicating a lack of strategic foresight from the ANC-led administration.