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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Claims that 'ANC politicians are behind' Zwelinzima Vavi's Standard Bank woes
Sources close to South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi have alleged that ANC politicians are targeting him through Standard Bank. The allegations stem from the bank's failed attempt to foreclose on Vavi's Sandton home, despite him consistently paying off arrears on his home loan. According to insiders, Vavi's vocal criticism of the ANC, particularly regarding corruption and policy direction, has made him a target. "Vavi has been too critical of the ANC in recent years and was outspoken about President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala scandal... He has also been critical of the corruption that has been taking place within the ANC in recent years, making him a target," a source revealed. The High Court in Johannesburg, last week, ruled in favour of Vavi, dismissing Standard Bank's bid to foreclose on his home. Judge Stuart Wilson slammed the bank for its "disproportionate" attempt, stating that Vavi had shown "an apparently perfect adherence" to paying his monthly installments. The judge also criticised the bank for demanding over R160,000 in legal costs, almost double the outstanding arrears. Vavi's history with the ANC and Cosatu has been marked by controversy and criticism. He was previously fired from Cosatu due to escalating tensions and disagreements with the federation's leadership. His criticism of the ANC's corruption and policy direction further strained his relationship with the party. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu did not respond to questions sent to her. Cosatu's spokesperson Matthew Parks said the Federation was aware of the matter but were not buying into claims that there was a political controversy around the issue. "We don't buy the story that he (Vavi) was targeted political party owns a bank or can influenece a bank. "We obviously sympathise with the judge was scathing towards Standard Bank in his ruling. We always say that there should be a better way to resolve these issues, other than going to court," Parks said. The Vavi case is not an isolated incident. Standard Bank has faced criticism for handling mortgage arrears and foreclosure proceedings. A R60-billion class-action lawsuit against major South African banks, including Standard Bank, highlights systemic issues with how banks handle mortgage arrears. Advocate Douglas Shaw, leading the lawsuit, alleges that banks frequently proceed with sales even when foreclosure is not a last resort, and often impose excessive legal costs. "We often see banks act in a manner we consider irresponsible. You cannot trust them to do what most people would see as 'the right thing',' Shaw said. In another case the bank was again accused of using underhanded tactics to short change its clients, claiming that a couple had defaulted in their bond repayments after they were allegedly overcharged by the bank. Shamilla Pather and her husband Roman, of Pinetown, said at the time that they were overcharged by the bank which, they say, has also prolonged court processes intended to resolve the matter. They accused the bank of expecting her and her husband to pay R600,000 or more over a 10-year period in lieu of one month of arrears of R8,800. In another case in 2023, a couple Patrick and Polin Anthony from Gauteng, defaulted on their mortgage payments for their home in Forest Hill, Gauteng. However, Standard Bank debited an amount of R124,047,34 from Anthony's family bank account allegedly after increasing the interest rate from prime -1% to prime +1% from August 1, 2009. This allegedly resulted in an overpayment of R135,301,30, according to financial investigator Emerald van Zyl, who said the overpayment was revealed by an independent actuary as he accused the bank of having allegedly increased the prime rate through internal policy. Standard Bank did not respond to the claims that political interference had led to banking action against Vavi, but responded to other questions. The bank's spokesperson Ron Derby said the bank wished to clarify that on 12 June 2025, Vavi's matter was postponed, and no final court order was granted dismissing the bank's application. 'Regarding this matter, the home loan account has been in arrears since 2015. Over the years, the bank has extended multiple opportunities to the homeowner to get the account up to date. Legal proceedings were only initiated in 2022, after all other avenues to resolve the matter amicably had been exhausted…Legal action is never our first course of action — it is a measure of last resort. 'With regards to the matter of Mark Rowan and Shamilla Pather, Standard Bank has engaged directly with the clients to discuss an amicable resolution. Any resolution arrived at is subject to confidentiality agreements and therefore the details cannot be made publicly available. "We are committed to supporting our clients through financial challenges and strongly encourage clients to engage with us at the earliest signs of financial distress. Early engagement enables us to work collaboratively to find solutions that are sustainable and mutually beneficial,' Derby said. [email protected]
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Claims that 'ANC politicians are behind' Zwelinzima Vavi's Standard Bank woes
Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi prevented the foreclosure of his primary residence by Standard Bank. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Media Sources close to South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi have alleged that ANC politicians are targeting him through Standard Bank. The allegations stem from the bank's failed attempt to foreclose on Vavi's Sandton home, despite him consistently paying off arrears on his home loan. According to insiders, Vavi's vocal criticism of the ANC, particularly regarding corruption and policy direction, has made him a target. "Vavi has been too critical of the ANC in recent years and was outspoken about President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala scandal... He has also been critical of the corruption that has been taking place within the ANC in recent years, making him a target," a source revealed. The High Court in Johannesburg, last week, ruled in favour of Vavi, dismissing Standard Bank's bid to foreclose on his home. Judge Stuart Wilson slammed the bank for its "disproportionate" attempt, stating that Vavi had shown "an apparently perfect adherence" to paying his monthly installments. 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 ✕ Ad loading The judge also criticised the bank for demanding over R160,000 in legal costs, almost double the outstanding arrears. Vavi's history with the ANC and Cosatu has been marked by controversy and criticism. He was previously fired from Cosatu due to escalating tensions and disagreements with the federation's leadership. His criticism of the ANC's corruption and policy direction further strained his relationship with the party. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu did not respond to questions sent to her. Cosatu's spokesperson Matthew Parks said the Federation was aware of the matter but were not buying into claims that there was a political controversy around the issue. "We don't buy the story that he (Vavi) was targeted political party owns a bank or can influenece a bank. "We obviously sympathise with the judge was scathing towards Standard Bank in his ruling. We always say that there should be a better way to resolve these issues, other than going to court," Parks said. The Vavi case is not an isolated incident. Standard Bank has faced criticism for handling mortgage arrears and foreclosure proceedings. A R60-billion class-action lawsuit against major South African banks, including Standard Bank, highlights systemic issues with how banks handle mortgage arrears. Advocate Douglas Shaw, leading the lawsuit, alleges that banks frequently proceed with sales even when foreclosure is not a last resort, and often impose excessive legal costs. "We often see banks act in a manner we consider irresponsible. You cannot trust them to do what most people would see as 'the right thing',' Shaw said. In another case the bank was again accused of using underhanded tactics to short change its clients, claiming that a couple had defaulted in their bond repayments after they were allegedly overcharged by the bank. Shamilla Pather and her husband Roman, of Pinetown, said at the time that they were overcharged by the bank which, they say, has also prolonged court processes intended to resolve the matter. They accused the bank of expecting her and her husband to pay R600,000 or more over a 10-year period in lieu of one month of arrears of R8,800. In another case in 2023, a couple Patrick and Polin Anthony from Gauteng, defaulted on their mortgage payments for their home in Forest Hill, Gauteng. However, Standard Bank debited an amount of R124,047,34 from Anthony's family bank account allegedly after increasing the interest rate from prime -1% to prime +1% from August 1, 2009. This allegedly resulted in an overpayment of R135,301,30, according to financial investigator Emerald van Zyl, who said the overpayment was revealed by an independent actuary as he accused the bank of having allegedly increased the prime rate through internal policy. Standard Bank did not respond to the claims that political interference had led to banking action against Vavi, but responded to other questions. The bank's spokesperson Ron Derby said the bank wished to clarify that on 12 June 2025, Vavi's matter was postponed, and no final court order was granted dismissing the bank's application.
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Government's dialogue plan, costing R700 million, is facing public backlash
The exclusion of the Mbeki, Mandela, and Kathrada foundations from the National Dialogue has sparked backlash, with analysts suggesting it's because they've been openly critical of Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership. The South African government's plan to spend R700 million on a national dialogue, labelled 'Codesa 2.0,' has sparked intense public criticism and deepened concerns over the country's leadership priorities. Announced as a nation-building platform to address South Africa's social and political divisions, the initiative promises community dialogues, a national convention, and a 30-year action plan. Yet for many South Africans facing poverty, unemployment, and a failing public service system, the plan feels disconnected from everyday realities. 'Dialogue is important, yes, but R700 million for what?' asked political analyst Sibongile Mafu. 'To talk while people are unemployed, hungry, and living without basic services?' The programme includes a National Convention in August 2025 involving over 1 000 delegates, followed by six to nine months of public engagements. An Eminent Persons Group will also be appointed to serve as ambassadors, and the process aims to produce a long-term plan focused on jobs, inequality, education, health care, and land reform. However, critics argue that the plan is light on measurable outcomes and heavy on cost. Civil society leaders and analysts warn that the initiative risks becoming another bloated government project that benefits consultants and politically connected insiders, without delivering meaningful change. 'This is another elite circle pretending to solve problems while enriching themselves,' said Vuyo Dlamini of the Civic Accountability Forum. 'We have seen this before — commissions with big budgets, catchy slogans, but no real accountability or results.' The plan has also drawn comparisons to the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture, which cost over R1 billion. While it exposed widespread corruption, few prosecutions have followed, leading many to doubt whether high-cost state-led initiatives can achieve real reform. A key concern raised by the public is the apparent silence around unresolved political scandals, especially the Phala Phala affair involving President Cyril Ramaphosa. Social media users have warned that unless the dialogue directly addresses such issues, it will be seen as lacking credibility. 'If this dialogue avoids Phala Phala, it fails before it starts,' one post read. 'It will be another expensive distraction from real accountability.' Economist Lindiwe Radebe echoed these concerns: 'We do not need another national conversation, we need delivery. People are desperate, not for more speeches, but for working water systems, electricity, and jobs.' Amid growing anger, hashtags like #TalkShopForFriends and #R700MillionForWhat have gained traction online, reflecting frustration with a political establishment that many see as out of touch. As the project prepares to launch, trust in the process remains fragile. Far from uniting the nation, the dialogue may be highlighting just how wide the gap between citizens and their government has become.
IOL News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The EFF's Political Strategy: Is it Time for a Change?
EFF leader Julius Malema engaging President Cyril Ramaphosa in a recent parliamentary debate. Is it advisable for the EFF to be fixated on micro issues or has the time come for the party to redirect its focus on macro politics?, asks the writer. Image: Phando Jikelo/Parliament of SA Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu ON 26 July 2013, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was established as a new political party. It promised to reshape South African politics by breathing life into parliament. This was not a voluntary decision. The party was formed following the expulsion of Julius Malema by the ANC and the subsequent exodus of other then and former ANC Youth League members who sympathized with Malema. Some of the youth who did not belong to any political party at the time saw the EFF as their political home thus giving hope about the future of this party. After the 2014 general election, the EFF emerged as one of the high performers with 25 seats in the National Assembly. It came third following the ANC and the DA which obtained 249 and 89 seats respectively. This enviable upward trajectory continued in the subsequent election in 2019 where the EFF obtained 44 seats. There was optimism that the party would continue to grow until the newly formed MKP emerged on 16 December 2023 and participated in the 2024 general election. The MKP caused an upset to the EFF which was moved to position four and to the ANC which was reduced to 159 seats or 40.18%. But one of the characteristic features of the EFF which gave it popularity was how it changed parliament through its radical stance. Soon after the EFF joined parliament, many South Africans got interested in following parliamentary proceedings. The EFF was also clear that it was going to ensure that politicians did not go to parliament to sleep. It kept its promise. Something unprecedented was when it confronted a sitting president directly and even flouted parliamentary rules. This is what happened with former President Jacob Zuma with its popular slogan 'pay back the money!' President Cyril Ramaphosa had a taste of the EFF's radical stance. Firstly, it blamed him for the Marikana massacre. Later, it took him head-on following the Phala Phala saga. Recently, the EFF was one of the political parties that successfully challenged the 2% VAT hike proposed by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana. Following the tabling of Budget 3.0 on 21 May 2025, the EFF approached the High Court challenging the increase of the petrol levy. Although the court dismissed the application, the EFF made its views public. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ While all these actions by the EFF should be understood in context, and while it is true that they have acted in this manner on behalf of the public, critical questions must be asked now, especially following the EFF's declined performance in the 2024 general election. Firstly, should the EFF change its tactics to rebrand itself? In life, there is no strategy that is good and effective for all times and situations. As times change, so should the strategies. With so many political parties emerging and the electorate having more options on election day, some political party strategies could easily be deemed obsolete. Secondly, is it advisable for the EFF to be fixated on micro issues or has the time come for the party to redirect its focus on macro politics? It is true that some micro issues still matter. But given what is happening in the geopolitics it would serve the EFF well to look at how it can contribute to the country's broad agenda of responding to these global issues. Thirdly, following the outcome of the 2024 general election, and given the mishaps in the current coalition government, is it still advisable for the EFF to take a firm stance that it will never work with the MKP with which it shares opposition benches? The DA swallowed its pride and is working with the ANC, which it had been publicly accusing of corruption, inefficiency, theft, and related matters. What would prevent the EFF from working with the MKP which is a new political party? Fourthly, as the EFF continues to lose some of its influential leaders such as Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Adv. Dali Mpofu, and Adv. Busisiwe Mhkwebane, is it still wise to maintain a radical stance and refuse to work with like-minded political parties? Politics is a numbers game. When party support declines, and when votes go down, the party leadership must revisit its stance. The EFF can draw lessons from COPE which dropped from 30 seats to 3 seats, and then literally dissipated. Fifthly and lastly, should Malema change his leadership style? One of the concerns about the EFF in the public eye has been that his leadership style is making others uncomfortable, which results in other members leaving the organisation. Whether this accusation is true or not is neither here nor there. Perceptions matter in politics. If he were to change his leadership style, that would be good for his party. After all, Malema has done well with his leadership collective to grow the EFF to where it is today. It would be regrettable if he were to contribute to its untimely demise. The significant decline in ANC support coupled with the DA's dismal failure to capitalise on the ANC's mistakes means that chances of one political party winning with an outright majority are very slim at best and non-existent at worst. With the MKP coming into the picture and performing in the manner it did even the so-called 'tried and tested strategies' must be revisited to keep the party relevant, focused and growing. Any party which overlooks or disregards these facts would be doing so for its peril. I don't think that this is the route the EFF would like to go, especially after having worked so hard since its formation in 2013. In a nutshell, it is time for the EFF to grow. The party has made its presence felt in South African politics. It has taken bold decisions and left indelible footprints. But at times political strategies must be changed. This includes the tone, language, actions, focal points, and political alliances. * Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu is Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The South African
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Shamila Batohi 'in hot water' over infiltration claims at NPA
ActionSA has called for the immediate removal of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Shamila Batohi over 'prosecutorial failures'. The call comes as Batohi, the outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), admitted this week that there is political interference in the work of the NPA and that it has been infiltrated. Apart from that, the NPA has been in the spotlight for prosecutorial failures in major cases, especially the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and the extradition of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule's assistant Moroadi Cholota. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika , Batohi said the NPA has been infiltrated and captured by people who do not have the rule of law at heart. Batohi said they are having internal challenges; some prosecutors may not be aligned with the vision of really fighting for the rule of law in this country. However, she refused to divulge who had captured the institution, how it was captured, and the extent of the interference. Regarding failure to extradite the Gupta brothers, fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri, and possibly Timothy Omotoso, Shamila Batohi said none of the extradition challenges in these cases are because of the NPA. ActionSA has since demanded a full parliamentary inquiry into the NPA's ongoing prosecutorial failures and the extent to which political interference has affected its operations. The party said the NPA has once again exposed its deep dysfunction, either through incompetence or wilful neglect, with the latest disgrace being the collapse of the asbestos corruption case involving former Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, due to the unlawful and irregular handling of the extradition of his former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota. 'This is not an isolated blunder, but part of a disturbing and entrenched pattern. The NPA has become a refuge for the politically connected, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity,' ActionSA leader in Parliament, Atholl Trollip, said. 'Under Shamila Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next. South Africans are left wondering if these failures are merely a result of incompetence or if there is a deliberate agenda to protect the corrupt. Let us be clear that this is not just about one failed case. 'The pattern is undeniable. From the Phala Phala saga to the collapse of high-profile cases like Timothy Omotoso, Shepherd Bushiri, and the Estina Dairy Project, the list of prosecutorial disasters grows longer by the day. Most damning is the NPA's failure to secure the extradition of the Gupta brothers, nearly a decade after the Gupta Leaks shook the nation,' Trollip added. Following Batohi's interviews, the EFF said it has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, demanding a debate on Batohi's claims. The party said the crisis at the NPA is not only one of infiltration, it is one of denial, incompetence and weak leadership. 'No transformation of the criminal justice system will be possible if its leadership refuses to acknowledge its own failures while hiding behind platitudes of institutional rebuilding. 'It is clear that Batohi has never had a coherent plan, no control over her institution, and no political will to confront the forces undermining the rule of law in South Africa. Her tenure has been marked by delays, deflections, deterioration, and disappointment,' the EFF said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
