Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
NO COALITIONS – ANC CALLS FOR A GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY
After hours of anticipation, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the party’s National Executive Committee has decided to invite political parties to form a government of national unity. This decision, disclosed during a briefing on the outcomes of the NEC meeting in Boksburg on Thursday night, aims to ensure stable governance and foster collaboration and inclusivity in addressing the country’s challenges.
Ramaphosa emphasized the ANC’s commitment to stable governance through this inclusive approach.
A Government of National Unity (GNU) is a coalition government that typically forms during times of national crisis or political deadlock, bringing together parties from across the political spectrum. The aim is to provide a united front to address significant challenges, often transcending usual partisan divisions to ensure stability and continuity of governance.
South Africa (1994-1999): After the end of apartheid, Nelson Mandela led a Government of National Unity that included the African National Congress (ANC), the National Party, and the Inkatha Freedom Party. This government was instrumental in transitioning the country to a democratic system.
ZIZI KODWA AND CO-ACCUSED JEHAN MACKAY RELEASED ON BAIL
In light of allegations of corruption, including purported bribes and luxury benefits exceeding R1.6 million, Zizi Kodwa, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, has stepped down from his position with immediate effect.
This comes and his arrest and appearance in court on Wednesday (05 June 2024).
Zizi Kodwa and his co-accused, Jehan Mackay, were each released on R30,000 bail by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Wednesday.
Kodwa notified the President of his decision to step down from his roles as Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, as well as Member of Cabinet, following formal charges against him.
AFRIFORUM ADVANCES PRIVATE PROSECUTION AGAINST ANC’S MBALULA

A significant development has occurred in the private prosecution of ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula on corruption charges linked to his 2016 Dubai family holiday. AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit retrieved the case docket from SAPS headquarters after a successful PAIA application.
The unit, convinced of Mbalula’s culpability, found evidence suggesting irrational decision-making in not prosecuting him. The inspection revealed collusion between witnesses and SAPS, missing statements from key witnesses, uncollected vital records, and poor SAPS-prosecutor cooperation.
Barry Bateman, AfriForum’s spokesperson, noted the team will scrutinize the docket further. “Evidence indicates Mbalula’s benefactors fund his lifestyle. Why weren’t these leads pursued? Affidavit claims were accepted without scrutiny,” he stated.
HEAVY RAINS AND WINDS WREAK HAVOC IN ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY
Strong winds and heavy rains have caused significant damage to both formal and informal houses in the eThekwini Municipality. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 4 warning for disruptive rains, with the worst impacts felt in Tongaat and Verulam. Seatides Combined School suffered extensive damage, while broken trees and debris have blocked roads, causing traffic congestion.
IPSS medical rescue teams are deployed to assist in the worst-hit areas. Additionally, the Weather Service has warned of disruptive rain in the Western Cape on Tuesday, potentially leading to localized flooding.
FLOODS CLAIM 10 LIVES IN EASTERN CAPE
The death toll from floods in the Eastern Cape has climbed to ten, with the discovery of a missing female’s body in the Rocklands area. Police have identified seven other victims in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, with two additional fatalities in East London and one person still missing.
In Kwa Nobuhle, victims include Alutha Brown (4), Ndumiso Booysen (41), Tamsanqa Plaatjies (62), and Thandixolo Jonas (46). Abronita Adams (18) drowned in Kamesh, while Clive Noah (72) from Kariega succumbed to excessive flooding. The search by SAPS K9 and rescue units continues, with inquest dockets opened.
THABO BESTER PLEADS FOR DEATH SENTENCE PETITION, CLAIMS UNFAIR TREATMENT IN PRISON

Thabo Bester, convicted rapist and murderer, appealed to the public to sign a petition for his death sentence to prove his co-accused’s innocence in his escape plot. Addressing the Free State High Court, Bester cited a statement suggesting a former president orchestrated his escape. He claimed unfair treatment in prison, including restricted defense access and isolation impacting his mental health.
Bester accused high-profile authorities of contributing to his suffering and being subjected to apartheid-era treatment with limited visitation rights and consultations.
TWO MORE MPOX CASES CONFIRMED IN KWAZULU-NATAL
The Department of Health has urged vigilance after the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed two additional Mpox cases in KwaZulu-Natal this week. This brings South Africa’s total to four confirmed cases: three in KwaZulu-Natal and one in Gauteng.
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale emphasized the importance of public awareness and caution as the situation develops.
TWO CHILDREN KILLED IN HORRIFIC ATTACK IN SOSHANGUVE
A tragic incident unfolded in Soshanguve, Gauteng, where two children, aged four and seven, lost their lives in a brutal attack. Gunmen, allegedly targeting their father, set fire to the shack where the children were sleeping. Prior to this, the suspects had already shot six people at a nearby shebeen, resulting in two fatalities.
Gauteng police have deployed a team of experienced detectives to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the shootings and arson. The community mourns the loss of innocent lives as authorities work tirelessly to bring the culprits to justice.
SA GDP DECREASES BY 0.1%
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported a 0.1% decline in South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2024. Manufacturing suffered a 1.4% downturn, primarily affecting GDP negatively. The motor vehicles, parts, and accessories industry, alongside basic iron and steel, were the major contributors to this decline. Mining and quarrying decreased by 2.3%, with reduced activities in platinum group metals, coal, gold, and manganese ore.
However, agriculture, forestry, and fishing increased by 13.5%, driven by horticulture. Household consumption expenditure and gross fixed capital formation decreased, with notable declines in machinery and residential buildings. Exports declined by 2.3%, impacting GDP negatively.
BIG PETROL PRICE CUTS FOR JUNE
Petrol prices for all grades dropped this June, bringing consumers relief.
Per the announcement by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), petrol prices went down on Wednesday, 05 June 2024
The decreases are as follows:
- Petrol 93 and 95 (ULP and LRP): R1,24 decrease.
- Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R1,18c decrease.
- Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R1,08c decrease.
- Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 80c decrease.
- Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: R1,07 decrease.
- Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: R1,35 decrease.
- The department explained the factors influencing the adjustments in prices.
The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are due to:
- Crude oil prices: Brent Crude oil dropped from $88.10 to $82.98 per barrel because of increased production in the US and other non-OPEC countries amidst a slow global economy.
- International petroleum product prices: Lower Brent crude oil prices and the release of US inventories before Memorial Day led to a drop in international product prices, decreasing the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) for petrol by 76.16 c/l, diesel by 60.00–71.00 c/l, and paraffin by 50.20 c/l.
- Rand/US Dollar exchange rate: The Rand strengthened against the Dollar, reducing Basic Fuel Prices by about 30.00 c/l for all products.
- Implementation of the Slate Levy: Due to a negative balance of R696.3 million for petrol and diesel, a slate levy of 4.38 c/l will apply from June 5, 2024, lowering prices by 17.54 c/l for both diesel and petrol.
WORLD RUGBY U20 CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA: JUNE TILL JULY

The World Rugby U20 Championship is set to return to South Africa in June and July, featuring the top 12 U20 teams vying for global supremacy. Defending champions France will compete alongside the Junior Springboks, who aim to improve on their bronze medal from 2023. The tournament begins on 29 June in Cape Town at DHL Stadium and Athlone Stadium, with subsequent pool matches on 4 and 9 July. Playoffs and semi-finals are on 14 July, and the final and placing matches on 19 July.
Matches will be held at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, Athlone Stadium, and DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Tickets, priced at R35 for children and R75 for adults, will be available from Ticketmaster starting 31 May. Each ticket covers three matches per venue.
The Junior Boks are in Pool C with England, Argentina, and Fiji. Pool A includes France, Wales, New Zealand, and Spain, while Pool B features Ireland, Australia, Georgia, and Italy.
DISCOVERY BANK LAUNCHES HOME LOANS
Discovery Bank has introduced a new home loan with competitive rates tailored to clients’ risk profiles.
The company said clients will be able to reduce their interest rate further by up to 1% if they use Vitality Money and take out homeowner’s and household contents insurance with Discovery.
“This will be done by managing their money well with Vitality Money and protecting their home loan and home with the relevant insurance products Discovery offers,” the company said.
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