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Eyewitness News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ramaphosa establishes 5th commission of inquiry since becoming head of state
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has established his fifth commission of inquiry since becoming head of state, leading to some opposition parties accusing him of indecisive leadership. On Sunday, Ramaphosa announced he was setting up a judicial commission of inquiry to look into corruption allegations within the top brass of the country's law enforcement agencies. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa puts Mchunu on leave of absence, inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations This follows bombshell allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of a criminal syndicate embedded in the country's police, judiciary, business and political class. When Ramaphosa became president in 2018, he established three commissions of inquiry. In 2025, he established two. While the state capture commission was established by President Jacob Zuma, it ran entirely under Ramaphosa's presidency. Reactions from political parties have focused on how these commissions have cost the state a lot of money without much return. GOOD Party secretary general Brett Herron said the government already has in-house institutions like the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), whose mandate is to investigate corruption. 'The appointment of a commission of inquiry, while well-intentioned, is too slow, too cumbersome, and too costly. We've walked this road before, most notably with the Zondo commission, and we have seen a commission of inquiry cannot replace a criminal investigation.' Ramaphosa said the South African Police Service (SAPS) commission will have to provide interim reports on the first three and six months of its work.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
‘Protecting politically connected': Ramaphosa slammed for placing Mchunu on 'paid leave'
Opposition parties have slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa for placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence following explosive allegations levelled against him. Image: IOL Opposition parties have slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa for placing under-fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a special leave rather than firing him following explosive allegations levelled against him. 'This is not good enough,' said GOOD Party secretary general Brett Herron. 'The appointment of a commission, while well-intentioned, is too slow, too cumbersome, and too costly. 'We have walked this road before, most notably with the Zondo Commission and we have seen that a commission of inquiry cannot replace a criminal investigation,' said Herron. He said the Zondo commission produced volumes of prima facie evidence, which the investigating authorities were then required to investigate before any decision to prosecute could be made. 'Thus, despite its extensive findings, the pace of implementation has been glacial. 'South Africans have grown tired of commissions that reveal what we already know, while those implicated continue to operate with impunity.' 'The allegations made by General Mkhwanazi are not vague or speculative. These matters demand urgent and credible criminal investigation, not another year-long process whose outcomes may never be actioned.' 'The judicial commission cannot suspend, charge, or arrest anyone. I can only recommend it. And until it does, those implicated remain in place, leaving the system vulnerable and trust further diminished. Only Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on special leave, likely earning a ministerial salary for sitting at home,' Herron said. In a statement, the EFF said: "This decision is not only illegal, it is also a flagrant abuse of state resources. It allows Senzo Mchunu to continue drawing a full ministerial salary under the guise of 'special leave', while the President unlawfully bloats the Cabinet by appointing someone not lawfully entitled to serve in that role. The South African people are being forced to fund the lavish lifestyle of a criminal, while he consolidates power and undermines whistleblowers from behind the scenes." 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ The EFF's Statement on the Decision to Place Senzo Mchunu on Special Leave -This decision is not only illegal, it is also a flagrant abuse of state resources. It allows Senzo Mchunu to continue drawing a full ministerial salary under the guise of 'special leave', while the… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 13, 2025 The Democratic Alliance (DA) also criticised Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry warning that the move may amount to little more than political window-dressing. While acknowledging the decision to place the Police Minister on leave as a 'necessary step,' DA leader John Steenhuisen said 'South Africans have grown cynical of commissions, task teams and investigations that buy time while protecting the politically connected." The party vowed to push for rigorous parliamentary oversight and pledged to hold Ramaphosa accountable for any recommendations made by the commission. Steenhuisen insisted that Parliament's constitutional role in overseeing the executive must continue 'unabated and undeterred.' In addition to calling for decisive follow-through, the DA expressed scepticism over the reshuffling of certain Cabinet members. While welcoming the replacement of Minister Senzo Mchunu, the party rejected what it described as an 'illusion of reform' and highlighted the continued presence of ministers such as Nkabane and Simelane, who have faced corruption allegations themselves. 'The president has taken a step, but not the leap that this moment demands,' Steenhuisen said. 'If he truly wants to root out criminal syndicates from the state, he must start with his own Cabinet. South Africans deserve action, not more commissions.' His comments comes after Ramaphosa, on Sunday night announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious corruption allegations made by KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ramaphosa's address, delayed by 30 minutes, came a week after Mkhwanazi publicly accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in criminal investigations and protecting corrupt networks within law enforcement. Ramaphosa appointed Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the inquiry, assisted by senior counsels Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo. He said the commission will investigate claims that criminal networks have infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other elements of the justice system. Areas of focus include the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials. Mkhwanazi, during his media briefing last week, presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records that he said demonstrated coordinated efforts to dismantle the KZN task team. He implicated Mchunu's 'comrade' Brown Mogotsi in communicating with businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who had received a R360 million SAPS contract that has since been canceled. According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment was 'a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.' Ramaphosa said the commission will also investigate the possible involvement of current or former senior officials across SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, and metro police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. The commission will assess the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and recommend criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions, and institutional reforms. Ramaphosa said interim reports will be submitted after three and six months, with a final report due thereafter. Madlanga, who retires from the Constitutional Court at the end of July, will be able to dedicate his full attention to the inquiry, Ramaphosa said. In the interim, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Cachalia, currently a law professor and chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, will take up the post officially in August. An acting minister from within the Cabinet will serve until then. Ramaphosa said the commission is part of broader efforts to rebuild law enforcement and restore public trust. ActionSA expressed concern over Ramaphosa's delayed action following allegations made by Mkhwanazi. 'While ActionSA notes that Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on a leave of absence, effectively a paid holiday, the President's announcement, which inexplicably required a week of deliberations, raises serious concerns about the lack of urgency in confronting unprecedented allegations of widespread criminal infiltration and corruption at the highest levels of SAPS, including his own Minister of Police,' said ActionSA MP, Dereleen James. 'This was not enough,' that's how Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane described Ramaphosa's plans to address the matter. 'We have had enough commissions of inquiry. We are still seeing famous names from the Zondo commission galavanting in places of influence and prominence. Some are still doing business with the state.' 'We needed to give the police more ammunition to deal with the issues of the syndicates destroying South Africa with drugs and guns. Bring back the scorpions.' 'I believe that Senzo Mchunu should have been fired, and the other ministers who have lied to parliament. This was a missed opportunity in that respect,' Maimane added. Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi National Assembly caucus chief whip Makashule Gana welcomed the establishment of the commission. 'We appreciate the scope of the inquiry, which will also look into all spheres of policing, the Judiciary, as well as the State's intelligence apparatus. A judicial commission of inquiry is important because the SAPS and the Minister cannot investigate themselves. Gana said placing Mchunu on leave is critical and will leave no space for interference. 'Furthermore, we look forward to working with the incoming Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia. He is a steady hand with a track record of tackling corruption,' Gana said. IOL Politics
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Tributes pour in for David Mabuza, described as a dominant figure in South African politics
Former deputy president David Mabuza has died, aged 64. Image: X Tributes are pouring in for former Deputy President David Mabuza, who served as Deputy President under Cyril Ramaphosa's first term, who died on Thursday afternoon, aged 64. Mabuza was remembered as a dominant politician and a committed and humble cadre who dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula on Thursday confirmed the news and extended his condolences to the Mabuza family. "It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza," Mbalula said. He described Mabuza as a patriot, freedom fighter, and leader who served with humility and conviction. "We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa," he said. Professor Somadoda Fikeni, a former political analyst who worked with Mabuza, described him as a dominant politician who could outwit political opponents. He compared Mabuza to ANC heavyweight Matthews Phosa, who he succeeded as Mpumalanga premier. "Mabuza was a person I followed a lot when I was a political analyst. He could outwit political opponents, and I could say he was the most dominant politician I know and want to compare him to Matthews Phosa," Fikeni said. Political parties have also paid tribute to Mabuza, including the GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi, ActionSA, the African Congress for Transformation (ACT) and Build One SA. The GOOD Party leader and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said: 'He was an exemplary chair of intergovernmental forums, his meetings were marked by punctuality, clarity of purpose, and firm outcomes. I personally admired his respect for time and process, and it is a discipline we can all learn from in public service," Mmusi Maimane, BOSA leader remembered Mabuza as a significant figure in South African politics. "While we often found ourselves on opposing sides of policy and principle, today we pause to honour the life of a man who occupied one of the highest offices in our nation and played a significant role in its political life," Maimane said. RISE Mzansi remembered Mabuza as a freedom fighter. 'Mabuza was a freedom fighter, seasoned politician, unionist and operator. 'The Cat' is no more…We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Mabuza family and the African National Congress.' ActionSA's Herman Mashaba said while varying reflections on his legacy will no doubt unfold in the days to come, he simply wished to extend compassion to Mabuza's family as they begin this difficult mourning journey. 'We pray for their strength, peace and comfort during this time of loss,' Mashaba said. His former friend and comrade Ace Magashule, the president of the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), said he had received the news with deep sadness and heartbreak. Mabuza's legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a power broker and others as a committed cadre. Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks said Mabuza was not perfect but played a major role in the growth of the country. Mabuza was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga, on 25 August 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989. He served as an MEC for Education in Mpumalanga from 1994 to 1998 and as a regional chairperson of the ANC during the same period.
Eyewitness News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
'DA's frequent tantrums quite frankly embarrassing,' says GOOD Party
JOHANNESBURG - The GOOD Party says the Democratic Alliance's (DA) decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue demonstrates that it is participating in the Government of National Unity (GNU) for its own interests, rather than those of South Africans. At a media briefing on Saturday, the party announced it would boycott the dialogue until ministers facing corruption allegations are removed from office. READ: DA won't participate in National Dialogue if Ramaphosa doesn't fire corruption-accused ministers - Steenhuisen The latest dispute was sparked by President Cyril Ramaphosa's dismissal of the DA's Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, over an unauthorised international trip. GOOD Party's Brett Herron said the DA was choosing to walk away instead of working towards solutions. "This latest tantrum, triggered by the president's refusal to yield to an artificial 48-hour ultimatum, is not a principled stand - it is political theatre. The DA's ultimatum was exposed as inconsequential, and their frequent tantrums are quite frankly embarrassing. "South Africa does not need parties walking away from dialogue. It needs leadership that can engage with complexity, manage disagreement maturely, and stay the course. The DA's decision to abandon the national dialogue, while clinging to its GNU positions, exposes the contradiction in its stance." ALSO READ: Whitfield's axing disproportionate when compared to transgressions of ANC ministers - DA leader John Steenhuisen
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Drakenstein Municipality denies illegal firearms possession claims
The Drakenstein Municipality has denied allegations that it is illegally in possession of 64 firearms in violation of the Firearms Control Act. Image: File THE DA-led Drakenstein Municipality has dismissed as misinformation claims that it was illegally in possession of 64 firearms in violation of the Firearms Control Act. The GOOD Party had sounded the alarm that the municipality had allegedly never applied for recognition as an official institution after the Firearms Control Act came into force on 1 July 2004. GOOD councillor Keagen Gertse said the municipality was in breach of Schedule 1 of the Act, which 'required non-recognised institutions to surrender such firearms to SAPS'. 'Drakenstein is not authorised to own, store, or use firearms. Yet, it continues to do all three, with full knowledge of the law and in blatant defiance of it. This revelation raises serious concerns about the safety of residents and the credibility of the DA's governance. How can the same party summon SAPS to Parliament over gun crime when its own municipality is hoarding illegal weapons and potentially using them for training or operational purposes? 'The GOOD Party can confirm that Drakenstein Municipality never applied for recognition as an official institution after the Firearms Control Act came into force on 1 July 2004. Instead, it has continued to unlawfully possess an arsenal of weapons, for 21 years, in breach of Schedule 1 of the Act, which required non-recognised institutions to surrender such firearms to SAPS,' said Gertse. He said GOOD will be 'tabling this matter in the relevant oversight forums and demanding that SAPS act swiftly to seize these illegal firearms'. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ However, according to the municipality they had been authorised by police to be in possession of firearms and ammunition. 'The allegation that Drakenstein Municipality is in possession of illegal firearms is deprived of any truth and aims to bring the Municipality in disrepute, which is regrettable. Misinformation spread in this regard is not only reckless but also very irresponsible. The Municipality is authorised by the South African Police Service or SAPS (the delegated authority of the National Commissioner) to be in possession of firearms and ammunition in terms of the law, and firearms are kept and managed in line with prevailing rules and legislation. Regular firearms inspections are carried out by SAPS, of which the latest one was done by the SAPS Provincial Office on 7 June 2025,' the municipality said. Gertse said the visit from SAPS was not a regular firearms inspection, 'it was as part of the Municipality's application to become an official institution in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000'. 'There exists no alternative legal framework in which a Municipality can own or be in possession of firearms or ammunition, outside of being an official institution and registered in the national Registrar or by authorisation from the National Commissioner. It was admitted in a Portfolio Committee that they did opt to apply for recognition when the Firearms Control Act came into effect and are only exploring this avenue now as they want to procure new firearms,' he said. Western Cape police were unable to answer questions seeking confirmation of the inspection and what authorisation the municipality did have and when it was obtained. They also asked to be provided with a case number and where it was registered to source correct information. DA Western Cape leader, Tertuis Simmers said the issue was a governance matter which the Drakenstein Municipality had responded to. 'On 7 June 2025 SAPS inspected and gave the Drakenstein Municipality and its Law Enforcement, who use firearms, a thumbs up,' he said. Cape Times
