POLITRICKING: EFF marks 12 years with growing pains as door to GNU remains closed
This is also a relationship that comes with its own tensions, Tambo himself, has accused the ANC of thinking it can lean on the EFF to come to the rescue when it's met with challenges in its partnership with the DA. The red berets mouthpiece said the ANC shouldn't presume it will always be on hand to support it, claiming the ANC has shown itself to be both manipulative and inconsistent in this regard.
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
South Africa's proactive approach to finding new trade partners as US tariffs loom
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the country was working on minimising the impact of the looming US 30% tariff hike on its exports. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers South Africa is quickly expanding its global trade partners as a solution to the United States of America's 30% tariff on its exports, said Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. Steenhuisen made the statement as the US tariff increase on South Africa is expected to come into effect on August 1. 'The real solution lies not just in playing defence, but in going on the offensive. This is why we are doubling down on market access expansion,' said Steenhuisen, who is the leader of the DA in the Government of National Unity. The tariff deadline will come as the country waits for the outcome of the proposed US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which seeks to impose sanctions against some ANC leaders accused of, among others, supporting China, Russia, and Iran, and mismanaging state resources. Delivering a keynote address at the RSA Group Stakeholder Dinner in Muldersdrift outside Johannesburg on Thursday, Steenhuisen said his department was reaching out to other countries looking for markets to sell the country's agricultural products. He called on the country not to waste time by being overly reliant, but to be productive. He said the country was already strengthening its trade alliances with the likes of Chile, Peru, and New Zealand 'to jointly lobby for fair and stable trade treatment of fresh produce' through the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters. 'Over the past six months alone, we have finalised new phytosanitary protocols for the export of avocados to China; table grapes to Vietnam and the Philippines; and maize to India,' he said. Steenhuisen said there were trade negotiations with Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. 'Our goal is simple — to ensure that no South African fruit producer is ever left dependent on the goodwill of a single trading partner.' He said the country was also strengthening its plant health systems, expanding traceability capabilities, and digitising its export certification platforms to align with the European Union's Green Deal and Asia's growing demand for sustainability-linked imports as part of 'investments that are not just defensive; they are the launchpad for new growth'. He said the country's agriculture has always been one of ingenuity, grit, and partnership. 'We have overcome political transitions, trade embargoes, droughts, pandemics, and port crises. We will overcome these current headwinds (tariff increase) too,' he said. Steenhuisen said that to avert the effects of new tariffs more quickly and effectively, the country must be united and pull together. 'My department is open for business, open for reform, and open for ideas,' he said. Steenhuisen said the tariffs will damage the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in September and is already under threat of not being renewed due to strained relations between South Africa and the US. 'Let me be clear: South African agriculture did not deserve this treatment. We do not dump, we do not distort, and we do not play geopolitical games with food,' he said. He said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) was leading the country's formal engagement with the United States. 'And we continue to work hand in hand with Minister Tau and his team to ensure that the full impact on the agricultural sector is well understood,' he said. Soon after taking over the US presidency for the second time, Donald Trump came down heavy on South Africa by signing an Executive Order alleging that the country was mistreating its Afrikaner community by enabling genocide and passing oppressive policies. He also accused the country of being aggressive towards his country and its allies, 'including accusing Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice, and reinvigorating its relations with Iran to develop commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements'. 'The United States cannot support the government of South Africa's commission of rights violations in its country or its undermining of United States foreign policy, which poses national security threats to our Nation, our allies, our African partners, and our interests,' read the order. In reaction, Ramaphosa led a delegation, which comprised Steenhuisen and influential businessman Johann Rupert, to correct misinformation about Afrikaners' treatment and straighten the relationship with Trump's administration. However, the first phase of passing the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which, according to its author, US Congressman Ronny Jackson, seeks to punish ANC leaders, raised eyebrows. The act, which is now awaiting tabling at the full House of Representatives, accused the ANC's government leaders of undermining human rights by having a military and political relationship with the Russian government, which is at war with Ukraine. It accused the country of having allowed a US-sanctioned Russian cargo ship, the Lady R, to dock and transfer arms at a South African naval base in December 2022. 'The ANC published an article in their newspaper, ANC Today, in October 2024, promoting Russian propaganda about the war in Ukraine,' read the proposed act, which also accused ANC leaders of mismanaging Eskom and Transnet, and enabling the cholera outbreaks. University of South Africa's Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs' international affairs expert, Dr Bongiwe Ngcobo, said the US actions were designed to force South Africa to abandon the International Court of Justice case against Israel on the Gaza conflict. She said South Africa's BRICS membership was also a concern for the US. 'If BRICS strengthen and grow, then it means they will have a challenger, and it means they will have less control over smaller countries like South Africa and other countries from the Global South,' she said. [email protected]
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Nomusa Dube-Ncube: a journey from KZN premier to deputy minister amid controversy and challenges
From holding MEC positions to becoming the first female premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube is now the new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training after Cyril Ramaphosa axed Nobuhle Nkabane and promoted Buti Manamela as Minister of Higher Education. KwaZulu-Natal's first female premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, takes over as new Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training – despite her name appearing on the controversial list of Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairs that led to the removal of Nobuhle Nkabane as Higher Education and Training Minister. President Cyril Ramaphosa swore in Dube-Ncube as deputy minister and Buti Manamela as minister in Parliament on 22 July. Just a day before Dube-Ncube's appointment was announced on 21 July, her home in the suburb of Kloof in Durban was gutted by a fire. The Sunday World reported that the fire also damaged three cars belonging to her. Her family was unharmed. KZN born and bred Dube-Ncube was born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN); her political career bloomed in the province, and she holds a doctorate in administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Before achieving her PhD – with a doctoral thesis titled 'Legislative and institutional arrangements for poverty alleviation in iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa' – Dube-Ncube was actively involved in politics. She served as the mayor of the North Central council before it was merged into the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in 2000. She then served as chief whip of the eThekwini council until she was appointed ambassador to the Czech Republic. During her rise through the ranks, she was supported by the ANC Women's League. She was elected to the KZN legislature in May 2009 and appointed by former premier Zweli Mkhize as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). During this period, Dube-Ncube was very involved in governance matters; and encouraged councillors in KZN to use every budgeted cent, bearing in mind that accountability was the ultimate goal. Rotating through departments, she was appointed MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in May 2019 by the newly elected premier, Sihle Zikalala. On 17 November 2020, Dube-Ncube was appointed MEC for Finance, replacing Ravi Pillay. Issues with the DA When she was still Cogta MEC, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded that Dube-Ncube be suspended, alleging Dube-Ncube awarded Brand Partners a communications tender at the Nkandla municipality in December 2017. The letter issued by the DA's Zwakele Mncwango said the contract was worth more than R7.5-million. In a Timeslive article, it was mentioned that Sibusiso Justin Ncube, her deceased husband, was a director of the Brand Partners and had allegedly raked in millions in contracts and tenders. Dube‑Ncube sued Mncwango for R1.5-million for defamation, over his allegation that the Brand Partners tender constituted 'massive corruption'. Then the EFF wasted no time firing shots at Dube-Ncube when she was appointed as KZN premier following Zikalala's resignation after he lost the contest for provincial ANC chair. The EFF's Vusi Khoza reminded Dube-Ncube that under her leadership as Cogta MEC, municipalities collapsed and traditional leaders went unpaid. He also criticised her stint as economic development MEC, pointing out that youth unemployment remained high. Khoza demanded answers about R250-million in drought-relief funds that went missing under her watch. The Hawks and NPA have been probing the matter since 2019, with Dube-Ncube reportedly under investigation. She has, however, dismissed these allegations. When she was premier, Dube-Ncube faced backlash over a collapsing R2.1-billion programme meant to feed more than 2.4 million learners in KZN. Supply delivery was so poor that it triggered a special inquiry into provider accountability and distribution processes. In 2023, Mail & Guardian reported that former ANC KZN chair Siboniso Duma upstaged Dube-Ncube by lifting the Rugby World Cup trophy during the Springboks' victory tour. After her appointment as premier, Duma frequently appeared on government platforms, subtly reminding everyone that he, not Dube-Ncube, was elected as ANC provincial chair. The ANC Women's League stepped in, criticising Duma and triggering a tense clash with the provincial ANC leadership – a conflict many saw as inevitable. Dube-Ncube appeared unfazed. Dube-Ncube was succeeded as premier by Thami Ntuli of the Inkatha Freedom Party following the 2024 provincial election. The Seta list The controversial Seta board chair appointments included the likes of Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo and former ANC KZN deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu. Dube-Ncube was listed as the chair for the banking sector Seta (BankSeta). Former minister Nkabane was pressured to withdraw the appointments after MPs labelled them 'corrupt' and amid a public outcry. Spokesman for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, told Newzroom Afrika that Dube-Ncube could not 'be held responsible for being proposed and suggested to be appointed to the Seta board. The fact that she is a member of the ANC does not necessarily disqualify her in terms of her leadership experience and the prerequisite qualifications that are required. She has a long government experience, having served in various provisional executive portfolios and having been the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, and so the President does have a great deal of confidence in her ability to discharge her duties.' ANC Chief Whip Sedukanelo Louw said the party welcomed Dube's appointment, recognising her as a committed servant of the people. 'It is important for us to refrain from criticising her appointment, as we must acknowledge that she possesses the necessary skills and experience to perform her duties effectively. […] Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of our community members, advocating for their needs, and addressing the challenges they face,' Louw said. DM
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Zuma's endorsement of Moroccan occupation sparks renewed debate on Western Sahara's future
More and more countries — and former SA president Jacob Zuma — are backing Rabat's plan for autonomy for Western Sahara. Former South African president Jacob Zuma's visit to Morocco and endorsement of its continued occupation of Western Sahara as an autonomous region, have rekindled debate about this contentious and ongoing issue. Zuma, who now heads the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat last week. Zuma formed MK just before South Africa's national elections last year, as the then-governing ANC was moving to expel him. MK raked in 15% of the vote, contributing to the ANC losing its majority for the first time since 1994. MK cited a long list of explanations for abandoning the cause of Sahrawi independence, which Zuma espoused as president and the ANC still vigorously champions. MK's reasons included pan-Africanism, anti-colonialist solidarity, traditional leadership, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The anti-colonial argument was ironic given that the ANC views Morocco's claim over Western Sahara as colonialism and supports UN efforts to hold a referendum on the issue. Despite the rhetoric, most of Zuma and Morocco's critics — including MK's former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula — suspect Zuma and MK sold out for money or other material gain. That is certainly credible given Zuma's history of corruption and State Capture while president. Those same critics believe material interests are the main reason Rabat has been making steady progress in switching the allegiance of international and African states. 'With Morocco's typical use of money, I am not surprised by Zuma's move,' a retired South African diplomat told ISS Today. 'He has fallen into Morocco's strategic campaign to get African countries to endorse its plan. 'In effect, Zuma's endorsement changes nothing but causes confusion, which I guess is part of Morocco's intention.' The retired diplomat didn't see the South African government or ANC shifting their positions 'any time soon'. And didn't think this represented new thinking. It was noteworthy, however, that Morocco treated Zuma almost as a foreign minister. This was possibly to embarrass Pretoria, which is among Africa's most ardent supporters of independence for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Or perhaps the aim was to shift South Africa's position. But Chrispin Phiri, the spokesperson of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, told ISS Today: 'Our foreign policy is fundamentally shaped by our constitutional values and enduring national interests, not by the transient political manoeuvrings of any single figure or party. 'It's crucial to distinguish between the particular agenda of former president Zuma and his political faction, and the broader, more permanent aspirations of the nation itself. To conflate the two would be an error of the highest order. Mr Zuma and his party, like any political entity, operate as non-state actors.' It is difficult to assess how many states back Morocco's autonomy position. But support is growing internationally with the US, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE — and, just this week — Portugal backing Morocco. In Africa the tally is murkier, though experts and media reports suggest Morocco is gaining ground. They indicate it now has around 23 supporters — most in West Africa, versus about 18 countries — mainly in southern Africa, backing Western Sahara independence or at least the right to a referendum on the issue. Significant victory Morocco was reported to have scored a significant victory in May when Kenya, which had hitherto firmly supported the SADR's right to self-determination, expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Ghana did the same in June. However, the Polisario Front that governs the SADR has also won a few points. This year, its major champion Algeria twice defeated Morocco for African Union (AU) positions, both as AU deputy chair and in retaining North Africa's seat on the Peace and Security Council. Nonetheless, the former South African diplomat said he was surprised by Kenya and Ghana's recent switch. He added that 'countries would have to think deeply and decide whether they would want to undermine African unity, which is one of the foundational principles of the AU'. Liesl Louw-Vaudran, AU expert at the International Crisis Group, says Morocco has made gradual progress in its campaign for recognition of its autonomy position, globally and in Africa. 'And I think Kenya is a very important country, continentally, at the UN and in the AU.' She also believes Rabat has succeeded in neutralising the issue in Africa. In 2018, shortly after Morocco rejoined the AU, Louw-Vaudran and Christian Ani wrote that the AU's decision to largely leave the Western Sahara issue to the UN had been 'a big win for Morocco, which believes the AU-led efforts are biased'. Louw-Vaudran told ISS Today this week that since then, Western Sahara was no longer discussed as a crisis within the AU, including in its Peace and Security Council. 'South Africa… and some other countries are still trying to support Western Sahara, but it's no longer such a huge emotional, explosive issue, because Morocco really is, apart from South Africa, achieving its goal to stifle any debate about the Western Sahara within the AU. It has got more and more countries siding with it, like Kenya now.' Louw-Vaudran said that despite rumours that Morocco would launch a campaign to get the SADR expelled from the AU, it hasn't happened. With strong opposition from the likes of South Africa and Algeria, 'it would be very, very difficult'. Sceptical SADR Foreign Minister Mohamed Beisat is sceptical about claims that Morocco is gaining support for its autonomy plan. He told ISS Today that Kenya and Ghana's reported switches had only been announced in joint statements with Morocco — not in their own statements. He added that it was irrelevant what any other country or leader thought. 'They want the world to vote in the referendum instead of the Sahrawis themselves,' he said, referring to the UN decision that the Sahrawis must hold a referendum to decide on independence, autonomy or integration with Morocco. Morocco now insists that the option of independence is off the table. 'I don't see the point of Mr Zuma to choose for the Sahrawis or Mr Marco Rubio or Mr Macron or Mr Netanyahu or anyone else. The choice is for the Sahrawis.' That is true. But in Zuma's case, it appears that in an increasingly transactional, self-interested world, many countries and others are backing Morocco's plan because it has something concrete to offer — from fertilisers to tourism, fisheries and renewable energies. SADR by comparison, sadly, does not. DM
