Latest news with #FikileMbalula
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
National Assembly votes on Appropriation Bill amid budget allocation decisions
On Wednesday, the National Assembly will, following the conclusion of its Budget Vote Debates on departmental budgets, consider and vote on the Appropriation Bill. This marks a critical stage in the national budget process, as the House decides on the allocation of funds to various government departments and programmes. 12m ago Ramaphosa pleads with MPs to vote in support of his budget, defends commissions of inquiries President Cyril Ramaphosa pleaded with members of parliament to vote in support of the budget he presented. Replying to the debate on the presidency budget vote he presented on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said a vote to support the budget was about strengthening the nerve centre of government. On Wednesday, Ramaphosa presented a parliamentary budget and emphasised the presidency's role as a strategic coordination centre rather than a direct service delivery department. He outlined three key government priorities, including driving inclusive growth and job creation, tackling poverty and high living costs, and building a capable, ethical developmental state through the Medium-Term Development Plan. 12m ago Political impasse: ANC says door is not closed as it seeks to speak to all parties to pass Budget The ANC is willing to speak to all parties, within and outside the GNU, to pass the Budget, but the party will not be "submissive" in its approach. This was the response from ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula as the party prepares to face the uphill battle of passing the Budget next month. For the first time since the dawn of democracy, the ANC will have to seek buy-in from other parties to pass a Budget. Several parties have argued that the government should have explored "trimming the fat" by reducing the size of President Cyril Ramaphosa's executive and addressing irregular and wasteful expenditure as opposed to a VAT increase. 12m ago Ramaphosa buckles under DA's demands – fires Nkabane, saves the Budget President Cyril Ramaphosa caved in to pressure from the DA and fired Nobuhle Nkabane as higher education and training minister on Monday - a move that will ensure the passing of the 2025/26 Budget by Parliament. Reacting to Nkabane's dismissal on Monday evening, DA leader John Steenhuisen told News24 his party would support the passing of the Appropriation Bill - one of two critical pieces of legislation that implement the Budget - on Wednesday. 'We welcome this move as a step in the right direction. This will allow us to support the Budget vote on Wednesday,' he said. 'We will continue to use our position in government to ensure corruption and maladministration, which have no place in government, are rooted out,' he added. 12m ago GNU hangs by a thread as DA digs in on budget and ANC heads into crucial NEC The government of national unity (GNU) is hanging by a thread, with the DA poised to sink a critical piece of budget legislation and the ANC facing a crucial national executive committee (NEC) meeting at which the partnership with the DA will come under heavy fire. The two parties have not interacted to discuss the impending crisis. The GNU's dispute resolution mechanisms are defunct, and leaders on both sides are seething over the treatment they have received from one another since the budget crisis began in early April. The Appropriations Bill is one of two critical pieces of legislation that implement the budget. It enables budget allocations to flow from the Treasury to national government departments. If it fails to pass through Parliament, the flow of funds is throttled. In the first four months of the financial year beginning 1 April, departments can continue to spend in line with the previous year's Appropriations Act to a limit of 45% of the total budget. Thereafter, departments can draw 10% of the total budget per month, and may not exceed the total budget for the previous year. The implication is that departments will run out of money to pay basics such as salaries, several months before the end of the financial year.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
WATCH: Mbalula warns of deepfake video falsely claiming he said Senzo Mchunu is guilty
Mbalula suffered from 'lip-syncing and audio overlays', which are sometimes referred to as 'puppeteering'. Fikile Mbalula has warned people about fake video of him stating that Senzo Mchunu as guilty. Picture: @MbalulaFikile/X ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula is the latest public figure to suffer a deepfake impersonation video, which falsely portrays his opinions In the fake video, which appears and sounds normal at first glance, Mbalula states that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is guilty. 'No, let me explain this thing. Senzo is guilty. He will answer to whatever that he needs to answer to, I think, umm, let's allow the processes that have been defined to unfold,' Mbalula is heard saying in the manipulated video. We live in a sensitive period where distortion has become the order of the day. — ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 21, 2025 Deepfake content includes images, videos and audio edited or generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which may depict real or non-existent people. There are different types of deepfakes, and Mbalula was targeted with a 'lip-syncing and audio overlay' deepfake — sometimes referred to as 'puppeteering'— which replaces mouth movements to match synthetic or manipulated audio. In the authentic video, Mbalula clearly says Mchunu is not guilty. 'Let me explain this thing; it's been exaggerated — deliberately so. I think umm…let's allow the processes that have been defined to unfold,' Mbalula says. 'Senzo is not guilty. He will answer to whatever that he needs to answer to; and therefore he has not been found guilty or been charged in any court of law to warrant any steps to be taken against him.' ALSO READ: 'It's deception on another level' – Thami Ngubeni as deepfake video using her face makes the rounds on social media [VIDEO] Rise of deepfakes in SA About a week ago, a video purported to be of Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi circulated on social media. In it, the display shows what appears to be the rugby player encouraging viewers to participate in an investment scheme. What gave it away was the deep Nigerian accent that came with the video. However, those who aren't cautious could easily fall for it being Kolisi. If they had managed to get his actual voice, people would be running around in the streets claiming they've been scammed by Siya Kolisi 😭 July 16, 2025 Late last year, South African broadcaster and actress Thami Ngubeni had to distance herself from a deepfake video purporting to be her encouraging people to invest in dodgy financial schemes. Speaking to The Citizen, Ngubeni said she was first made aware of the video by a former colleague who had an interest in investing in what the video was selling. 'I hadn't seen the video at that point. The next day a journalist called me, her mother had seen the video and wanted to invest. She knew immediately it was false and sent the video to me,' she said. Cybercrime Unit Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis previously told The Citizen that in recent years, there has been a significant rise in these types of cybercrimes in South Africa. Warning & Disclaimer: I categorically distance myself from any video currently circulating that encourages individuals to invest in specific financial schemes. This broadcast never happened. It's deepfake. It's a scam. Please exercise caution with any video featuring my likeness… — Thami Ngubeni (@LifeWithThami) November 28, 2024 'This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing number of techniques and tools available, the growing popularity of social media platforms, and the public's heightened trust in celebrities. 'It goes without saying that people often fall for 'get-rich-quick' schemes, especially when a 'celebrity' is encouraging them to get involved,' he said. NOW READ: WATCH: 'A scammer trying to scam me as me' – Fake Connie Ferguson calls the real one
Russia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Former South African leader criticized for supporting Morocco in regional dispute
The secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, has branded Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma a 'sellout' for his support of Morocco, stating that the party is not surprised by Zuma's actions. The Western Sahara, a sparsely populated desert region on Africa's northwest coast, was a Spanish colony before its annexation by Morocco in 1975. This has led to a protracted territorial dispute between Morocco and the indigenous Saharawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. The ANC criticism comes after Zuma visited Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Zuma shared his support for the Kingdom of Morocco, which considers the Western Sahara territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which seeks an independent state in the desert territory. The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MK Party's identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. 'Morocco's efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,' the policy states. On Saturday, the party lambasted the use of the national flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials. 'This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. 'The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,' the ANC said. 'The ANC urges the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. 'We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity. 'We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anticolonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,' the party said. 'The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels. 'It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world,' the ANC said. On Sunday, Mbalula said that Zuma's actions are not a surprise as 'Jacob Zuma represents everything that is... pursued by sellouts'. Mbalula came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,' Mbalula said. 'The very decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress, for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. He will be remembered for that by history.' The MK Party was contacted for comment, but indicated that they will respond to Mbalula's comment at a future published by IOL
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC criticises Jacob Zuma for supporting Morocco in Western Sahara dispute
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has said that the party is not surprised by the move from the leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Jacob Zuma, to show support for the Kingdom of Morocco. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspaper ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has branded Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma a "sellout" for his support of the Kingdom of Morocco, stating that the party is not surprised by Zuma's actions. The Western Sahara, a sparsely populated desert region on Africa's northwest coast, was a Spanish colony before its annexation by Morocco in 1975. This has led to a protracted territorial dispute between Morocco and the indigenous Saharawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. The ANC criticism comes after Zuma visited Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Zuma shared his support for the Kingdom of Morocco, which considers the Western Sahara territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which seeks an independent state in the desert territory. The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MK Party's identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. 'Morocco's efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,' the policy states. On Saturday, the party lambasted the use of the national flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials. 'This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. 'The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,' the ANC said. 'The ANC urges the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. 'We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity. 'We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anticolonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,' the party said. 'The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels. 'It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world,' the ANC said. Former president and current leader of uMkhonto weSizwe Party are seeking to overturn President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent reforms to the police ministry. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers On Sunday, Mbalula said that Zuma's actions are not a surprise as 'Jacob Zuma represents everything that is... pursued by sellouts'. Mbalula came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,' Mbalula said. 'The very decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress, for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. He will be remembered for that by history.' The MK Party was contacted for comment, but indicated that they will respond to Mbalula's comment at a future briefing.
eNCA
5 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Zuma is a sellout
CAPE TOWN - ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is still furious at Jacob Zuma. He's called the former president a sellout. Mbalula is accusing Zuma of stealing Umkhonto We Sizwe.
