Author: makinanaa@sundaytimes.co.za (Andisiwe Makinana)

Ramaphosa’s Political Maneuverings in Allocating Portfolios President Ramaphosa made strategic decisions in allocating portfolios in the new government, keeping the DA away from the coveted Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). Instead, he appointed Parks Tau to head the DTIC, praising his role in the GNU deal negotiations. Key areas overseen by the DTIC include industrial development, trade export, investment, and professional standards. The DA secured positions in other portfolios, with John Steenhuisen appointed as Minister of Agriculture. Steenhuisen emphasized the party’s influence in pursuing economic growth and job creation. Other parties also gained significant positions in the cabinet,…

Former judge Hlophe, now preferring to be called Dr. Hlophe, has launched the MKP as the official opposition party in parliament. He emphasized the party’s commitment to working closely with other progressive parties like the EFF and ATM. The party’s main focus will be on transformation, specifically regarding access to land for the impoverished. Dr. Hlophe made it clear that the party would conduct itself in a professional and law-abiding manner, without engaging in petty politics. He stressed that their advocacy for Africanization of the law and the call for state ownership of land stems from the disparity in land…

President Cyril Ramaphosa clinched victory once again as South Africa’s president, securing the support of 283 MPs in the election, surpassing EFF leader Julius Malema who received 44 votes. He received a standing ovation from ANC and DA MPs after being announced as the duly elected president by chief justice Raymond Zondo. Ramaphosa, the first ANC president to rely on support from other parties due to the ANC’s reduced seats in the recent general elections, accepted the nomination with grace. The so-called progressive caucus, including parties outside the government of national unity, fielded Malema as a contender for the position,…

South African voters are making their voices heard, but some are encountering issues with the voting process. While ballots may take longer to sort due to discrepancies, they remain valid with proper markings. It is crucial for residents to register and vote in their designated districts to ensure a smooth process. However, the new Electoral Amendment Act allows for voting outside of the district with prior notification to the IEC. The Western Cape is bustling with 1,572 voting stations and a plethora of political parties vying for seats at the national and provincial levels. With 52 parties on the national…

James Selfe, a political stalwart in South Africa, devoted nearly 30 years to parliamentary service, particularly in combating apartheid laws and overseeing the judiciary system. His work for the Democratic Alliance (DA) earned him a legacy as a true democratic advocate, instrumental in solidifying the party as a formidable opposition. Selfe played a key role in refining the DA’s systems and processes, enhancing its constitution, and spearheading the party’s lawfare program, which led to groundbreaking legal judgments against corruption and maladministration. His dedication to transparency and accountability in governance set a standard for political integrity in South Africa. Described as…

DA leader John Steenhuisen is confident that the Democratic Alliance can bring about significant change in the Northern Cape in just one five-year term. Speaking at a rally in Kimberley, Steenhuisen highlighted the DA’s commitment to defending democracy and combating corruption. Steenhuisen criticized the ANC government in the province for neglecting communities and failing to address their issues. He promised that under a new DA government led by Izak Fritz, problems such as water shortages and infrastructure decay would be swiftly tackled. The DA’s plan includes improving education, healthcare, and security in the province. Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of prioritizing…

Crime intelligence’s efforts to fight crime have been hindered by their inability to effectively utilize grabbers and drones that were purchased for this purpose. Despite having the necessary equipment, the department has struggled to maximize its potential impact on crime prevention and investigation. The failure to deploy these resources efficiently has limited the effectiveness of crime intelligence operations and has likely contributed to an increase in criminal activities. By not fully utilizing these advanced technologies, law enforcement agencies are missing out on valuable tools that could help them combat crime more effectively. It is essential for crime intelligence to address…