Latest news with #Thambo
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Banned again: Malema's presence not ‘conducive to the public good', say UK authorities
Malema says he will not change his political views despite being pressured to do so. The EFF has confirmed that Julius Malema was denied entry into the United Kingdom (UK) due to his political views. On Thursday, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party received a letter from the British government indicating that Malema was denied a visa because of his views on the Israeli war in Gaza and his controversial race-centred political views. 'In a correspondence from the UK Home Office Secretary, the country has confirmed that it has effectively banned the president of the EFF due to his position in relation to the genocide of Palestinian people, and his expressed support for the resistance movement fighting against the genocidal Israeli regime. As well as his position and that of the EFF on racial inequality in South Africa,' he said. Thambo said the letter states that Malema's presence in the UK would not be desirable under the current circumstances. In May this year, Malema was invited to Cambridge University to speak to students. However, he was told his visa was not approved due to administrative reasons. 'The UK has declared the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF an 'extremist' whose presence in the UK would not be conducive for the public good. 'This country, which has a long history of imperialism, and still has the blood of Africans dripping from its hands as its wealth was built on the back of African people, has suggested that all further applications by our president are likely to be denied unless he changes his posture on the issues which characterise him as a revolutionary,' he said. 'A bully that seeks to impose its views' Thambo said banning Malema from the UK is undemocratic and shows intolerance of differing views. 'This is not only cowardice by the UK but also stifling of democratic debate and a pathetic expression of intolerance for those who hold different views from the UK administration, including its monarchy. ALSO READ: Is EFF trying to sneak into GNU as tension builds over ANC's VAT proposal? 'For a nation that preaches its commitment to democracy, the UK has revealed itself as an intolerant bully that seeks to impose its beliefs on the world without challenge, while denying democratically elected leaders of other nations the opportunity to express themselves in their country,' he said. Where else has Malema been banned? In 2011, Malema was banned from Botswana for proposing regime change in that country. The ban was only lifted last year. He was also banned in Zambia for allegedly interfering in the country's internal affairs. This ban has also been lifted. Recently, US President Donald Trump called for his arrest for allegedly fuelling racial tension in the country. Videos of the leader of the Red Berets chanting kill the boer in front of large crowds were played in front of international media at the White House during a meeting to reset relations between South Africa and the US. In February, EFF leader Julius Malema said he was 'happy to be an international criminal.' He was responding to tech billionaire Elon Musk, who had called for Malema to be declared an 'international criminal' for his views. However, Malema said nothing would deter him from his political work. 'I am so happy to be an international criminal. Do you know why? Because Nelson Mandela was an international criminal – that's what they declared him for fighting for the rights of our people,' said Malema at the time. 'If it means I'm joining the ranks of Nelson Mandela by being declared an international criminal for fighting for the rights of my people, I'm a proud international criminal.' NOW READ: WATCH: 'Even Donald Trump is scared of the EFF' – Malema
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: Mobile network operators grilled by MP's over data costs
MP's grilled mobile network operators relating to the cost and expiration of data. Mobile network operators (MNO) Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom and Rain have come under fire over poor connectivity and their pricing and expiration for services such as data. The mobile network operators appeared before the Communications Committee on Friday to provide an update on the challenges and progress made in achieving universal connectivity. Members of Parliament (MPs) grilled the MNOs relating to the cost of data and called for them to consider measures to further reduce the cost of communication and prioritise rural connectivity. While the CEOs of the MNOs told the committee that they've made major strides in expanding coverage, especially in the 5G network space, MPs questioned their data pricing and the issue of expiring data. Data costs EFF MP and national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo riaised concerns about data and airtime expiry. Thambo challenged the logic behind data and airtime expiry, questioning whether it was a purely capitalist scheme designed to exploit consumers. He argued that since data and airtime are not perishable goods, their expiry policies are unjust and violate consumer rights by allowing mobile operators to profit unfairly. 'I don't doubt there is a logical financial explanation for the expiring mandates of data and airtime…Which may be logical to you, but continues to undermine access to information for ordinary South Africans and their ability to live in this country.' WATCH Colleen Makhubele in Parliament This week at a glance: 'You have become loan sharks to the poor. Instead of cutting data costs, you are advancing it – loaning them.' – Chief Whip Hon. Colleen Makhubele raising concerns about network service providers and their exhorbitant pricing for products such as data and… — MK Party in Parliament (@MKParliament) June 14, 2025 ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA 'Loan sharks' MK party MP Colleen Makhubele accused the operators of preying on the poor. 'You have become loan sharks to the poor. Instead of cutting data costs, you are advancing it – loaning them.' Political parties also noted the high salaries paid to some of the CEOs of the network operators, calling on them to help contribute to uplifting poor and rural communities. Engagements Chairperson of the committee, Khusela Sangoni Diko, stated that all the information received will be useful when the committee meets to deliberate on the budget of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in the coming weeks. Diko said the committee also called for increased engagement on the issue of prepaid data expiration. 'I think we may have to engage more on this topic, especially because people buy this data, and it cannot simply disappear on the basis of MNO-determined timelines.' ♦️Must Watch♦️ EFF MP @Sinawo_Thambo delivers a scathing critique in the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, calling out the 'revolving door' culture between regulators and mobile network operators. Commissar Thambo questions the ethics of former… — Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 13, 2025 Competition In the interest of national security and technology sovereignty, the Committee called on the MNOs to consider mobilising their own resources to build the country's own satellite for communication. MTN SA CEO Charles Molapisi told the committee that outside South Africa, the operator has partnerships with non-terrestrial and satellite players such as Starlink. Molapisi said he welcomed Starlink to South Africa, as MTN would welcome all competition. 'I always say we are not fixated on one key player, Molapisi said. 'We see satellite players as one bundle. I'm sure the committee is aware that in some of our markets outside South Africa, we've already done partnerships with the likes of Starlink.' ALSO READ: Fibre, cheaper data and weaver birds: Ramaphosa promises innovation Regulatory requirements Vodacom CEO Sitholizwe Mdlalose told the committee that the MNO was guided by President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent remarks, which stated that Starlink had not been discussed in meetings with the US government, and by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola's remarks that the government's commitment to attracting foreign direct investment did not refer to Starlink. 'Vodacom recognises satellite networks as complementary to mobile and fixed networks/ We believe they play a role in accelerating digital inclusion and bridging the connectivity divide, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 'Our position has consistently been that there must be a level playing field for all market participants. This is not specific to Starlink, but a matter of principle. Any new entrant to the South African telecommunications sector should be subject to the same regulatory requirements that govern licensed operators,' Mdlalose said. Starlink In May, South Africa took a step closer to obtaining Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service after Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi published a policy direction to provide alternatives, paving the way for the service in the country. The proposed policy direction was published in the Government Gazette. 'It provides applicants with a workaround to rules on who can acquire a licence to provide electronic communications services or to operate an electronic communications network in the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) that require a minimum of 30% shares to be in the hands of historically disadvantaged individuals. 'These regulations currently prevent companies, regardless of whether they are large international firms that typically do not sell shares to local partners, from qualifying for individual licences under the ECA, even if they can contribute to South Africa's transformation goals through means other than traditional ownership. Musk not black Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after South African-born Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump ramped up public rhetoric against policies such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, which mandate that foreign-owned telecoms companies allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans. Musk claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. ALSO READ: WATCH: Starlink not debated with Trump, Ramaphosa says
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
EFF raises concerns over Gold Rush Consortium's mooted National Lottery takeover
IOL The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses grave concerns over the selection of the Gold Rush Consortium as the preferred bidder for South Africa's National Lottery, citing political interference and conflicts of interest that threaten the integrity of the process. Image: File The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed deep concerns over reports that the Gold Rush Consortium has been selected as the preferred bidder to operate the National Lottery for the next eight years, under a contract valued at R180 billion. The consortium is led by KwaZulu-Natal businessmen Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu. This lottery bidding process has been marred by allegations of political interference, conflicts of interest, and a flagrant disregard for principles of ethical governance. Durban businessman Moses Tembe. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives Image: Independent Newspapers Archives 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 ✕ This is according to Sinawo Thambo, the EFF's National Spokesperson. Serious questions have arisen over the integrity of the evaluation process, particularly due to the involvement of individuals with direct financial and social ties to the Gold Rush Consortium, Thambo said. Thambo specifically noted that Thiran Marimuthu, a member of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) bid evaluation committee, has close professional and personal connections to Gold Rush. Another committee member, Anne-Marie Pooley, is listed as the sole director of Route 515 Pub and Grill in Pretoria, a venue that hosts Gold Rush gaming machines. These relationships undermine the impartiality of the bidding process and create the risk of collusion and procedural manipulation, he added. "The EFF strongly condemns Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau's decision to move forward with negotiations behind closed doors. His refusal to provide clear answers to direct questions, while holding private consultations with the NLC, casts serious doubt on the transparency and legality of the process," Thambo said in a statement. Businessman Sandile Zungu Image: Independent Media Archives The EFF argued that the promotion of the Gold Rush Consortium, despite the evident conflicts of interest reflects a broader pattern of patronage and elite capture that has come to define the ANC-led government. Thambo said that such politically driven appointments threaten the effective functioning of the National Lottery. With the current licence held by Ithuba set to expire in May 2025, the incoming operator must begin work at least six months in advance to establish critical infrastructure. This includes implementing secure and sophisticated technological systems, securing retail and digital platforms, and ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards. Any delays in this transition period will disrupt the Lottery's essential contributions to social development, such as funding charitable organisations, supporting youth empowerment, bolstering educational efforts, and sustaining vital community upliftment projects. Thambo argued that by favouring politically connected individuals over a fair and transparent process, this decision undermines the developmental mission of the National Lottery and endangers the well-being of countless South Africans who rely on its resources. The EFF has demanded that Minister Tau be held accountable before Parliament for the tainted manner in which this licence is being awarded. "We will not remain silent while a critical public institution is captured through cronyism, conflict of interest, and political favouritism. The National Lottery must serve the people, not the interests of the politically connected," Thambo said. IOL NEWS
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
EFF reshuffles leadership to boost organisational strength ahead of 2026 elections
The EFF reshuffles provincial leadership to sharpen internal capacity and prepare for intensified electoral engagement ahead of 2026, strengthening its presence in key provinces across South Africa. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have announced a series of significant leadership appointments across several provinces, aimed at reinforcing discipline, sharpening leadership capacity, and deepening grassroots organisational presence. The party said the shake-up is intended to "refine the EFF's leadership machinery, deepen accountability," and ensure its structures are "well-coordinated, administratively sound, and financially efficient" in preparation for intensified electoral engagement. The changes, were effected in strict accordance with Section 14 of the EFF Constitution, following resolutions taken at the 2nd Central Command Team (CCT) Meeting of the 3rd National People's Assembly (NPA), held in Bela Bela earlier this month. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the appointments are part of 'decisive organisational interventions to reinforce, consolidate, and sharpen leadership capacity,' and a reflection of the party's continued commitment to building a mass-based, ideologically coherent movement grounded in the struggles of the working class and the poor. ''The EFF remains steady in its revolutionary mission: to build a mass-based, militant, and disciplined organisation that is firmly rooted in the struggles of the working class and the poor, and that will deliver true economic freedom in our lifetime,'' said Thambo.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Godongwana must resign, says EFF as Treasury scraps VAT hike
Finance Enoch Godongwana was forced to postpone his initial Budget Speech, which was meant to take place in February, with members of parliament taking issue with the proposed 2% Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. The Economic Freedom Fighters have called for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to fall on his sword and resign after Treasury announced it was scrapping the 0.5 percentage point VAT increase. The announcement was made on Wednesday night after weeks of political jostling over the issue which has caused huge fractures in the Government of National Unity. In a statement, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo described the ploy of a VAT hike as 'misguided, ill-conceived, and reckless'. 'The EFF calls for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Finance and the Director-General of the National Treasury. 'This entire budget fiasco should be a reflection for the Minister of Finance and his Director General that they are out of depth and pose a threat to the economic stability of the country and, by consequence, are a threat to the livelihoods of South Africans,' said Thambo. The EFF has called on Speaker Thoko Didiza to release all correspondence from the Minister of Finance and demands that she convenes a meeting of all leaders of political parties in Parliament. 'Effectively, the country does not have a budget, and the Finance Minister failed to table a lawful budget by the 31st of March 2025, as required by Section 27 of the Public Finance Management Act. 'We call for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to convene and adopt resolutions to withdraw the adopted 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals on the basis that they were adopted following an unprocedural meeting which approved the reports,' said Thambo. Meanwhile, the ANC, Bosa, Rise Mzansi, Good, the PAC and other GNU partners - except the DA and the FF+, who voted to approved the budget, are hosting a media conference reacting to the latest developments on the VAT hike. It is expected that the finance minister will table a revised budget. Regarding the VAT hike, the EFF said they would consider only a written out-of-court settlement proposed by Godongwana. 'However, we maintain that without a full withdrawal and reset of the budget process, whatever follows will remain illegal and unconstitutional,' said Thambo. IOL
