Author: Zimasa Matiwane

As South Africa navigates the complexities of a multiparty government of national unity (GNU), tensions and contradictions are beginning to surface. Transport minister Fikile Mbalula emphasized the importance of each political party maintaining their identity and values within the GNU, despite the inevitable conflicts that may arise. While the executive branch of the GNU initially appeared cohesive, a recent incident involving a statement condemning Israel’s participation in the Olympic Games highlighted the divergent views within the coalition. Minister Gayton McKenzie’s absence allowed for the release of the controversial statement, sparking a debate within the government. Mbalula defended McKenzie’s deputy, Peace…

A series of engagements are set to kick off this month in KwaZulu-Natal, culminating in a provincial crime prevention summit. These gatherings aim to analyze the crime landscape and develop prioritized interventions for combating crime. To address the rising issue of the construction mafia, the construction industry has been urged to collaborate in the fight against this menace. The Premier emphasized the importance of unity in tackling this challenge. Citizens have been encouraged to report fraud and corruption to help achieve clean governance. A toll-free number and email have been provided for reporting any malpractice. The Premier also pledged to…

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini commended KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his tough stance against violent crime, urging the police force to continue protecting the community. In his address to the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, the king expressed concern over the rise in gun crimes, gender-based violence, and widespread lawlessness. He highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on families and the alarming rates of abuse against women in the province. As the custodian of the Zulu nation, the king emphasized the need to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. He called on society to stand…

Focus on Avoiding Humiliating Loss in Next Local Government Elections, Urges Cosatu 23 July 2024 – 22:09 By ZIMASA MATIWANE Cosatu’s KwaZulu-Natal secretary, Edwin Mkhize, emphasizes the need for the ANC to prioritize avoiding another embarrassing defeat in the upcoming local government elections, rather than engaging in internal conflicts. In a statement released by Cosatu in KZN, Mkhize highlights the importance of unity within the party to focus on the upcoming elections. He warns that the energy currently spent on internal disputes and verbal battles within the alliance is diverting attention from the crucial task of securing victory in the…

The KwaZulu-Natal government is taking proactive steps to improve service delivery and accountability. Premier Thami Ntuli emphasized the importance of creating a smart programme of action during the provincial cabinet lekgotla. This detailed plan will help the government address challenges effectively and implement consequences for nonperformance. The lekgotla includes mayors, departmental managers, and executives from public entities. Premier Ntuli highlighted the need for accountability, stating that the government must be held responsible for delivering on its promises to the citizens of the province. The programme of action will outline specific goals, timelines, and measurements for success. By adopting a project…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) anticipates President Cyril Ramaphosa to unveil a reform agenda for the seventh administration, which closely aligns with DA policies. John Steenhuisen, who serves as the agriculture minister, expressed these views during a recent DA media briefing, anticipating Ramaphosa’s address at the opening of parliament. Steenhuisen stated, “We expect that in his opening of parliament address tomorrow, President Cyril Ramaphosa will outline South Africa’s reform agenda, which I am proud to announce, in many cases, is aligned with DA policy when it comes to unlocking investment and economic growth and building a capable state.” Highlighting the DA’s…

The ANC and IFP Aim to Form Local Government Coalitions 16 July 2024 – 19:28 By ZIMASA MATIWANE The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has revealed plans to expand its coalition with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) to all hung municipalities. Following successful bilateral discussions on Monday, both parties expressed their desire to collaborate in forming local government coalitions. This strategic move showcases a commitment to fostering unity and cooperation for the benefit of communities across various municipalities. By joining forces, the ANC and IFP aim to leverage their strengths and resources to effectively address issues and deliver essential…

The ANC and the DA have failed to form a co-governing deal in the metro, despite previous commitments to work together in line with the government of national unity (GNU) principle. The DA requested three conditions for an agreement, with the first being an agreed draft order to address the city’s water and sanitation crisis. This crisis includes sewer spills into the sea due to aging equipment at wastewater treatment plants, leading to beach closures and water provision challenges. According to DA KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Dean Macpherson, the parties could not reach a deal because the ANC did not commit explicitly…

KwaZulu-Natal’s newly elected premier, Thami Ntuli, acknowledges the challenges facing the province and pledges to make them his priority. He expressed gratitude to the voters for giving him the mandate to lead and vowed to confront these challenges head-on. Ntuli’s election was the result of a coalition between the IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP, securing 41 votes against the MK Party’s candidate, Phathisiswe Chiliza, who had the support of the EFF and obtained 39 votes. This coalition enabled Ntuli to form a government in the province. Despite the MK Party winning the most votes in KwaZulu-Natal’s recent elections with 37…

Recently, the alliance partners expressed their concerns regarding the removal of eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and coalition talks with the IFP and the DA. They noted that they had learned about these developments through the media, rather than through direct communication with the ANC. The lack of transparency and communication from the ANC has also extended to decisions regarding the governance of state-owned enterprises, with secretariat meetings coming to a halt. The alliance partners feel excluded from the coalition negotiations and have reservations about a possible IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP coalition government in the province. The alliance partners are…