50 articles published on Baobab Pulse
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.
The Public Investment Corporation PIC Board has placed its Chief Executive, Patrick Dlamini, on precautionary suspension following a whistleblower report submitted last month. This decision, announced on Monday, comes after weeks of internal disagreements and allegations of impropriety. The PIC, which manages the pension savings of 1.3 million civil servants, has faced scrutiny over governance and financial losses from politically connected investments, with approximately R67 billion invested in nearly 150 unlisted entities since 2005, and at least 78 of these experiencing losses. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana reportedly clashed with PIC Chair David Masondo over the handling of a report commissioned by Dlamini and a subsequent whistleblower tip-off. PIC spokesperson Sipho Mofokeng stated that the suspension provides Dlamini space to respond to allegations and ensures a fair investigation, emphasizing it does not imply wrongdoing. Interim arrangements for an Acting CEO are being finalized. Additionally, the Board announced leadership changes in its investment division, with August Van Heerden ceasing to serve as Acting Chief Investment Officer. Leon Smit, Head for Fixed Income in Listed Investments, will be appointed as Acting CIO. Smit, who joined the PIC in 2000, has previously acted as CIO and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Economics from the University of Pretoria, along with advanced qualifications in Treasury Management, Financial Markets, and FAIS. The PIC
The uMkhonto weSizwe MK party has announced the appointment of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede as its new member and deputy convener for KwaZulu-Natal. This announcement was made during a briefing on Monday, 13 July, where party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu welcomed Gumede, highlighting her political experience in the region and South Africa. Gumede, who was previously a member of the ANC, joins the MK party while facing a corruption case. She and 21 co-accused are charged with multiple offenses related to an irregular Durban Solid Waste tender exceeding R300 million. The charges include conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act and Municipal Systems Act. During the briefing, the MK party also called for the dismissal of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and condemned the Legal Practice Council's application to have former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane struck from the roll of advocates. Additionally, Mahlangu addressed claims that the party was experiencing financial difficulties, refuting a Sunday World article that reported the closure of provincial offices due to unpaid rent, and labeling the journalist a "propagandist running an anti-MK campaign."
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a 45-year-old Zimbabwean national, will remain in custody in South Africa as authorities verify his legal status in the country. Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on July 10, following an operation involving the Saps Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence, and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit. He is wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with the murders of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their two daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5. Their bodies were discovered at their home near Bedford, and police allege Tshuma left the UK two days before the discovery. Tshuma appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he was informed of potential sentences for a charge of illegal firearm possession. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that Tshuma will be extradited to the UK once all necessary paperwork is finalized. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, 2026.
The South African Social Security Agency Sassa has appealed for dialogue with interest groups following calls for national pickets against the agency, which have circulated on social media. Sassa noted videos promoting protests, particularly in the Western Cape, reportedly driven by a TikTok content creator who highlights complaints about Sassa's application and appeals processes, and the cost-of-living challenges for older people. A petition by the Pensioners of South Africa Posa states that the Old Age Grant, while vital, is often insufficient to cover daily needs, forcing many to make difficult choices. Posa has urged the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury, and President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure pensioners live with dignity and security. Sassa CEO Themba Matlou affirmed the agency's respect for the constitutional right to peaceful protest but encouraged direct engagement through appropriate channels. Matlou emphasized that constructive dialogue provides the best platform to explain Sassa's initiatives and legislative frameworks. He also stated that Sassa is open to constructive criticism aimed at improving services and remains committed to strengthening the integrity of the social grant system to combat fraud and corruption, while continuously improving its systems as it marks two decades since its establishment.
A three-day operation in Limpopo, conducted between July 7 and 9, resulted in the seizure of illicit and counterfeit goods valued at nearly R78 million. The crackdown, led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, involved multiple agencies including Public Order Policing, Sars Customs, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that over 162,000 items were confiscated, including fake luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as illicit medicines, agricultural products, alcohol, and electrical goods. The operation, which took place in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, and Mankweng, also led to 37 non-compliance notices issued to businesses. Officials highlighted that counterfeit goods pose significant risks to consumer safety and the economy. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, commended the efforts, and investigations into the source and distribution networks of the seized goods are ongoing.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a British-Zimbabwean man wanted in the United Kingdom for the alleged murder of his wife, Zandile, and their two daughters, Natalie 15 and Nala 5, is scheduled to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 July 2026. Tshuma was arrested last Friday in Kensington, Johannesburg, following an intelligence-driven operation by the Saps Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence, and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the arrest was conducted swiftly to prevent Tshuma from using an unlicensed firearm to end his own life. South African authorities have received a provisional extradition request from Interpol Manchester, with the full request, including the UK case docket, expected within 40 days. Tshuma also faces charges in South Africa for illegal possession of a firearm, which investigators allege he purchased shortly after arriving in Johannesburg on 5 July. Mathe clarified that Tshuma was not flagged as a fugitive when he arrived in South Africa, as UK authorities only discovered the bodies on 6 July, after his arrival.
A formal inquest into the death of 22-year-old Anele Tembe is set to begin on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court. Tembe died five years ago after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town on 11 April 2021. At the time, she was engaged to rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes. The inquest aims to examine the circumstances of her death and determine if anyone is responsible. The National Prosecuting Authority NPA previously concluded that Tembe took her own life, a finding consistently disputed by her family. Following AKA's assassination in 2024, the NPA referred the matter to an inquest. Six witnesses are expected to testify. New text messages have emerged, including an exchange between AKA and a Tembe family lawyer regarding an earlier incident where Anele allegedly threatened to jump, and another chat between Anele and Forbes where she reportedly spoke of attempting to take her own life. The Tembe family hopes these messages will prompt the NPA to investigate alleged discrepancies. Tony Forbes, AKA's father, publicly stated his son was not a murderer. Former police minister Bheki Cele had previously criticized the NPA for not enrolling the case, suggesting investigators had not ruled out murder. The ambiguity surrounding Tembe's death has led to speculation that Forbes's murder in 2024 might be linked to unresolved questions about her fall. The Tembe family views the inquest as an opportunity to find answers, believing new evidence could
The race for the City of Johannesburg's mayoral position is intensifying, with ANC veteran Frank Chikane reportedly a top contender for the party's nomination. Chikane is said to be at the top of the ANC's shortlist, following internal interviews that included current Joburg mayor Dada Morero and his deputy, Loyiso Masuku. This development comes after former ANC MP Jabu Moleketi declined nomination. Party insiders suggest Chikane is seen as a unifying figure amidst factional battles. While Chikane has not commented, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula is expected to announce the candidate on July 20. Meanwhile, the DA's Helen Zille has initiated legal action against the city's financial decisions. Zille is challenging a two-year R10.3 billion wage deal between the metro and the South African Municipal Workers Union Samwu, seeking to have it declared unlawful by the Gauteng High Court. She is also calling for the city’s 2026/2027 budget to be reviewed and set aside, arguing that the municipality acted inconsistently by implementing cost-cutting measures while expanding its senior management structure with hundreds of allegedly unauthorized positions. This leadership battle and legal challenge occur amid concerns over governance and deteriorating service delivery in Johannesburg, with the National Treasury having withheld funding from several municipalities, including Joburg, due to failures in financial oversight.
The Supreme Court of Appeal SCA has invalidated the Judicial Service Commission's JSC 2021 decision to recommend Johannes Hendriks Roelofse for a permanent judicial appointment. The SCA found that the JSC failed to consider crucial issues, including Roelofse's temperament and his undisclosed debts for school fees and to the Mpumulanga Society of Advocates MSA. Roelofse, an advocate since 2003, had served as an acting judge from 2008 and was interviewed three times for a permanent position. The MSA had previously objected to his appointment, citing outstanding Bar fees, his alleged dishonesty in obtaining a letter of good standing, and a lack of judicial temperament, describing him as disruptive and abrasive. During a 2021 interview, Roelofse made a remark about it being "time" for a white man to be appointed and interrupted a commissioner. The SCA, in a ruling by Justice Tati Makgoka, overturned a Johannesburg High Court decision that had dismissed the MSA's application. Justice Makgoka stated that the high court had misconstrued facts and that Roelofse's conduct during the interview confirmed the MSA's concerns about his temperament. The SCA emphasized that judicial temperament is a central attribute for a judge and that the JSC's failure to consider this, along with the undisclosed debts, rendered its decision unlawful, invalid, and unconstitutional. The matter has been sent back to the JSC for reconsideration.
The corruption case involving former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba and former Transnet executives has been postponed again by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg until October 23. Gigaba, along with former Transnet chief financial officer Anoj Singh, former chief executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, and former Transnet Freight Rail chief procurement officer Thamsanqa Jiyane, remains out on R50,000 bail. The postponement allows the defense more time to review the extensive case docket, which includes a significant volume of documentation and digital evidence. Ongoing procedural and administrative issues, such as uncertainty over Gigaba's legal funding and the verification of disclosed docket contents, are contributing to the delays. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated the postponement ensures fairness, noting that some accused were unable to complete the docket comparison process. The state aims for a trial start in 2027, with Mamothame expressing optimism that administrative matters will be resolved by March. The charges relate to alleged irregularities in Transnet's locomotive program, where procurement processes were reportedly bypassed, leading to inflated contracts for Chinese firms CSR and CNR, costing Transnet billions. Gigaba is accused of receiving cash payments from the Gupta family while serving as public enterprises minister. In a related case, Singh, Molefe, and Gama face charges linked to a locomotive transa
The South African Police Service Saps has arrested two suspects, aged 28 and 38, in connection with the murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe, who was killed on May 20, 2026, at his home in Lomanyaneng. Molosankwe, a Mahikeng community activist and traditional healer, was known for speaking out against crime, gender-based violence, corruption, and social decay. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. North West acting police commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo stated that the murder sent shockwaves throughout the province and the country. The police briefed Molosankwe's family on the developments before releasing the information publicly. The provincial murder and robbery unit launched an intensive investigation, leading to the arrest of the first suspect on May 23, who was initially apprehended for the murders of Mahikeng business owners Sergio and Marlene Gomez and has now been linked to Molosankwe's murder. The second suspect was traced and arrested at an apartment in Mmabatho Extension 39. Evidence suggests these suspects were part of the group responsible for the attack. Major General Naidoo indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to recover firearms and a getaway vehicle. The Saps believes they have disrupted a broader criminal network involved in murders, business robberies, and illegal drug dealing. While the motive for Molosankwe's murder is still under investigation, police are exploring the possibility that his activ
The East London Regional Court has found former Enyobeni Tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu liable for the deaths of 21 young people in June 2022. Magistrate Mkhululi Malindi delivered the judgment, stating that the owner and manager failed to enforce liquor laws. The court also cited South African Police Service officer Sergeant Thabisa Kondile for gross negligence and failure to follow up on complaints, along with bouncer Thembisa Diko and Eastern Cape liquor board inspector Zuko Lizani. The record of proceedings will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The tragedy, which occurred in June 2022, involved victims aged 13 to 21. A toxicology report from the Eastern Cape Department of Health indicated that overcrowding caused the deaths. Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu were arrested in 2024 on charges under the Eastern Cape Liquor Act. In October 2024, the East London High Court ordered the demolition of the tavern structure. The South African Human Rights Commission also issued a report in April, calling for stricter regulations at taverns and making findings against several government entities.
Over 93,000 University of South Africa students experienced delays in receiving their National Student Financial Aid Scheme Personal Care Allowance, prompting Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim to intervene. Cassim met with Unisa management, student leaders, and NSFAS representatives after receiving complaints regarding delayed July allowance payments and reduced data allowances for distance learners. It was confirmed that NSFAS transferred funds to Unisa on July 2, 2026, but a system glitch at the university delayed payments. Unisa stated the technical issue was resolved on July 6, and outstanding payments are being processed. Cassim highlighted the inadequacy of the R316 monthly allowance and announced he would request a comprehensive briefing from NSFAS administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to review payment schedules. He noted that the NSFAS payment schedule, which transfers funds about a week into each month, needs review. NSFAS will send its finance department to Unisa to reconcile funds. Cassim also urged the Unisa Council to reconsider discontinuing the monthly data allowance and addressed allegations that some students received less than the full R316 allowance, which Unisa denied. He emphasized the importance of the Deputy Minister’s Help Desk for student grievances.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the central role of education in achieving sustainable development during his three-day working visit to France. He participated in high-level diplomatic engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and co-chaired a meeting of the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education at the invitation of UNESCO director-general Khaled El-Enany. Ramaphosa stated that education is the "bedrock and the enabler of the other Sustainable Development Goals," especially given global challenges like conflict, pandemics, poverty, inequality, and climate change. He outlined three key pillars for action: foundational and lifelong learning, strengthening the teaching profession, and inclusive digital transformation. The President highlighted the importance of strong literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills, and stressed that teachers need to be capacitated and supported. He also noted that digital transformation is essential for preparing learners for future workplaces. Ramaphosa reminded delegates that education is a universal human right and a public good that requires proper financing, referencing innovations like debt-for-education swaps. He also warned against mismanagement and corruption, urging support for initiatives to strengthen public financial management. Looking beyond 2030, Ramaphosa mentioned that young people are demanding greater access, mental health support, flexible learning, and a role
The Democratic Alliance DA in Tshwane is challenging the disciplinary action taken against deputy mayor and MMC for finance Eugene Modise, calling it a "slap on the wrist." Modise was fined two months' salary after a forensic report found he breached the councillor's code of conduct by benefiting from a security company, Triotic Protection Services, contracted to the city. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink has approached the courts, arguing that the penalty is irrational and undermines constitutional accountability. Brink stated that the DA is asking the court to refer the issue back to the Tshwane council for a proper decision and will argue for a penalty commensurate with the breach. He warned that a lenient punishment could encourage other politicians to engage in similar conduct. Modise, however, told forensic investigators that he sold his shares in Triotic to an employee via an installment sale agreement and resigned from the company upon becoming a councillor, a claim he says was verified by investigators. He also stated that his only involvement was purchasing property for Triotic in 2010 and that there was no financial benefit to him from that transaction. The Freedom Front Plus FF+ Tshwane caucus leader, Grandi Theunissen, has also requested intervention from the Gauteng MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs and infrastructure development, believing the punitive action does not meet municipal legislation requirements.
Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler has been suspended following a council vote on a complaint lodged by the EFF. The suspension occurred after a closed vote during a council meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026. City of Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya stated that the Council considered Mettler's representations before resolving to place him on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending an independent investigation. Mettler is expected to challenge his suspension in court. DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink condemned the suspension, calling it an action by a "coalition of corruption" and claiming the report was baseless. Brink also alleged that the council Speaker arbitrarily deducted 13 votes from those opposing an amendment, citing that the councillors were on leave, and stated there is no legal basis to deny a democratically elected councillor their right to vote. Meanwhile, suspended Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi will face disciplinary proceedings after the Council considered a final forensic investigation report into misconduct allegations. Mayor Moya assured residents that the city's administration remains stable and focused on service delivery, financial stability, infrastructure investment, and improving quality of life.
The Democratic Alliance DA in the City of Ekurhuleni is advocating for an extensive investigation into alleged corruption within the municipality, following the arrest of former city manager Imogen Mashazi and three other senior officials. Mashazi appeared in Germiston Magistrate's Court on Thursday, facing corruption-related charges. She was accompanied by suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, suspended head of legal services Kemi Behari, and suspended head of human resources Linda Gxasheka. DA mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane stated that a network of corruption in Ekurhuleni needs to be uncovered, emphasizing that all officials with credible evidence of wrongdoing should be thoroughly investigated. Rasilingwane attributed the governance crisis to systemic problems developed over many years under ANC-led administrations, suggesting that Mashazi's case is part of a broader culture of poor governance. The DA believes the focus should be on dismantling the entire system that enabled corruption. Reports have also surfaced regarding Mashazi's opulent lifestyle, including a controversial trip to London and residence in a R60 million house. Rasilingwane stressed that assets acquired through unlawful conduct should be recovered, and expressed hope that these developments will be a turning point for accountability and rebuilding public trust among frustrated residents.
Portia Anyamba, a 59-year-old former South African Air Force brigadier-general, has been sentenced by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee to six months' imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $9,500 fine. She pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of South Africa and making false statements in her security clearance application. An investigation by the FBI and the US Department of Energy Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence revealed Anyamba was operating in the US under South Africa's direction and control. While working as a program management operational specialist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a US Department of Energy facility, Anyamba regularly communicated with an intelligence officer from South Africa's State Security Agency. She met with this individual and another South African affiliate in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was later intercepted by FBI personnel with a laptop prior to another planned meeting. During her application for a US government security clearance, which would have granted her access to classified information, Anyamba falsely stated she had no contact with foreign nationals or representatives of a foreign government in the past seven years. She also instructed her references not to mention anything about the embassy due to sensitivity regarding foreign connections. Terence G Reilly, special agent in charge of the FBI Nashville field office, stated that Anyamba knowi
Johannesburg's electricity debt problem extends beyond impoverished areas, with City Power's latest figures indicating that significant unpaid bills are concentrated in affluent suburbs, businesses, and commercial hubs. Service delivery areas like Randburg, Roodepoort, and Hurst Hill each owe over R1 billion, while the inner city alone accounts for R3.67 billion of the utility's R13.3 billion debt. Alexandra township's outstanding debt of R718.7 million is considerably lower than several other supply areas. The debt is spread across residential customers, businesses, and large power users. Reuven follows with R2.37 billion in total debt, and Hurst Hill with R2.2 billion. Other major debt hotspots include Roodepoort at R1.28 billion, Randburg at R1.23 billion, and Lenasia at R1.2 billion, with Midrand recording the lowest at R634.7 million. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated that debt reporting is based on service delivery center boundaries, which include a mix of residential, business, and industrial customers. Electricity theft significantly impacts City Power's finances and infrastructure, with overall electricity losses estimated at 29.87%. These losses, comprising technical and non-technical factors, mean City Power still pays Eskom for the lost electricity. Technical losses are due to aging infrastructure and network inefficiencies, while non-technical losses are largely caused by illegal connections, theft, and meter bypassing. These activities cost the utilit
Hundreds of Malawians have been sleeping at the Malawi high commission in Pretoria, South Africa, since the beginning of the week, awaiting buses to transport them home. Approximately 500 stranded individuals were at the embassy, with many expressing frustration over the limited bus capacity. One woman, traveling with her baby, shared her mixed feelings of excitement to return home and disappointment when buses fill up before she can board. She mentioned arriving in South Africa by bus earlier this year and was told to return home following recent protests, despite not being in immediate danger. Yusuf Mustafa from the Institute for Islamic Services, who has been providing food to foreigners at various embassies, noted a significant increase in people at the Malawi embassy, particularly children and pregnant women. He reported that out of about 500 people, only 300 received food on a recent morning. DA ward councillor Shimmy Mashamaite stated that Malawians, including mothers with young babies, arrived from different provinces after being instructed by landlords to leave their homes, sometimes with only 30 minutes' notice.
Johannesburg's Mayor Dada Morero and his mayoral committee have assured residents that the city's financial situation will not lead to a widespread service delivery collapse. This comes after National Treasury announced that Johannesburg would not receive its almost R4 billion equitable share grant this month. Morero stated that funds are available to pay essential debts, including R1.4 billion to Eskom by mid-July and approximately R960 million to Rand Water this month. He also mentioned that the municipality has regularized R1.8 billion in irregular and wasteful expenditure, with a further R6.4 billion under consideration. While acknowledging that financial management is "okay" and not in a crisis state, Morero noted that more needs to be done to manage cash flow and revenue performance. Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku attributed the city's challenges to previous administrations, stating problems began "from 2016." However, former mayor Herman Mashaba dismissed these accusations, blaming both the ANC and the DA for years of neglect and political instability. Morero also addressed the Pikitup backlog, attributing it to a cash flow issue that has since been resolved, and discussed a R3.2 million debt issue at Thuso House, which he said was due to a two-year administrative delay. He highlighted a positive Moody's review and a R3.8 billion loan from the German Development Bank, while also engaging with Treasury for more lenient recovery methods.
Former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi recently addressed a crowd in Tehran, Iran, while attending the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ndlozi offered condolences and thanked Iranians for their alleged support during South Africa's apartheid era, stating, "When South Africa was under the yoke of the oppressive apartheid, you the people of Iran helped us to defeat apartheid." He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine. His presence and speech have generated varied reactions among South Africans on X. Some users, like @PKamupingene and @Mangethe__, suggested his relationship with Iran could be an asset or that he would make a suitable ambassador. Mayibuye Mandela clarified that Ndlozi attended in a personal political capacity, not representing the South African government. Conversely, @DrLimukaniMathe questioned his focus on resistance abroad given domestic issues like xenophobia. The DA's spokesperson on international affairs, Ryan Smith, refuted Ndlozi's claims about Iran's anti-apartheid support. Smith stated that after the Iranian revolution, Iran imprisoned ANC's socialist allies and sold oil to the apartheid state in exchange for weapons during the 1980s sanctions, arguing that Iran helped sustain the apartheid regime. Smith acknowledged Ndlozi's freedom to express his views despite disagreeing with them.