Latest news with #Wits
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
ConCourt sets date for MK party's case against Ramaphosa over Mchunu
Former President Jacob Zuma and the MK party are seeking to invalidate Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave. The Constitutional Court has set down a date to hear the MK party's urgent application against President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave. Former President Jacob Zuma and the MK party are seeking to invalidate Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave of absence and appoint Wits law Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister. They are also challenging Ramaphosa's establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption in the police. 'Applicants must file heads of argument by Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 14h00. Respondents must file heads of argument by Monday, 28 July 2025, at 14h00,' the court directed. The matter has been set down for Wednesday, 30 July at 11am. ALSO READ: Zuma says Ramaphosa has no constitutional power to suspend Mchunu Allegations KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations during a media briefing this month, accusing Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, of political interference in police operations. In Ramaphosa's answering affidavit on Wednesday, the president argued that the constitution gives him 'a wide berth as to how to deal with ministers' 'It is clear that I am empowered to place a minister on special leave when there are serious allegations… so that those allegations can be properly investigated,' said Ramaphosa. However, Zuma argues there's no express constitutional power allowing Ramaphosa to impose special leave on Mchunu. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa motion of no confidence: MK party requests secret ballot Zuma challenge Zuma said there are details in Ramaphosa's affidavit that Mchunu will not return as minister of police after the commission of inquiry. 'There is nothing said in the president's affidavit which justified placing Minister Mchunu on 'special leave' and thereby causing him to retain his ministerial title, salary and other perks or privileges at the expense of the long-suffering taxpayer'. Feroz Cacahlia Zuma said Ramaphosa 'openly dodges' the clear distinction between the power to appoint a minister and the different power to appoint an acting minister. 'The two are plainly not the same. The obfuscatory reference to the credentials of Prof Cachalia is nothing but deflection. For the record, no issue is taken against the professor's credentials… The issue is whether he was constitutionally qualified to be appointed by the president. The answer is that he was not.' Zuma also challenged Mchunu's version of events, portraying it as 'evasive and legally flawed', saying the minister's affidavit is a 'masterclass in evasion – it skirts the core allegations and offers no constitutional basis for the executive's conduct.' ALSO READ: Here's why Zuma's MK party wants Ramaphosa removed in 'urgent' motion of no confidence
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Zuma and MK party contest Ramaphosa's decision to suspend Mchunu
Zuma and the MK party filed an urgent application seeking to invalidate the police minister's leave of absence. Former President Jacob Zuma and the MK party have responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa's answering affidavit, which claims that the MK party is attempting to score political points against him through its Constitutional Court challenge to his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave. Zuma and the MK party filed an urgent application on 18 July seeking to invalidate Mchunu's leave of absence and Wits law Professor Firoz Cachalia's appointment as acting police minister. Challenge They is also challenging Ramaphosa's establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate corruption allegations in the police. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations during a media briefing this month, accusing Minister Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, of political interference in police operations. ALSO READ: Here's why Zuma's MK party wants Ramaphosa removed in 'urgent' motion of no confidence Dealing with ministers In Ramaphosa's answering affidavit on Wednesday, the president argued that the constitution gives him 'a wide berth as to how to deal with ministers'. 'It is clear that I am empowered to place a minister on special leave when there are serious allegations… so that those allegations can be properly investigated,' said Ramaphosa. 'Where I was not empowered to suspend a minister pending the outcome of an investigation … I would be compelled in all cases, regardless of the circumstances, to dismiss the minister simply on the basis of the allegations … even if they may, on investigation, turn out to be unfounded,' Ramaphosa said. 'Constitutional power' In response to Ramaphosa's answering affidavit, which missed the initial deadlines set by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, Zuma argues there's no express constitutional power allowing Ramaphosa to impose 'special leave on Mchunu. Zuma said there are details in Ramaphosa's affidavit that Mchunu will return as minister of police after the commission of inquiry. 'There is nothing said in the president's affidavit which justified placing Minister Mchunu on 'special leave' and thereby cause him to retain his ministerial title, salary and other perks or privileges at the expense of the long-suffering taxpayer. 'There is simply no potential that he will ever return to the portfolio of Minister of Police, irrespective of the outcome of the commission of inquiry. That unlikely eventuality may also be subject to the ongoing criminal investigations against him, as well as the outcomes of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee. The ends do not justify the means. All we are left with are ex post facto and Illegal rationalisations,' Zuma said. ALSO READ: 'Ramaphosa will go down in history as one of the most useless presidents' – analyst Whitfield and Mchunu Zuma argues that while DA's Andrew Whitfield did not admit guilt, contrary to the president's claim, the allegations against Whitfield were also untested. 'For a police minister or any minister to collude with criminals is objectively more serious than travelling abroad without permission.' 'It is also plainly false to state that Mr Whitfield ever admitted the allegations against him. The president has produced no evidence of this, Zuma argued. Cachalia In the affidavit, Zuma said Ramaphosa 'openly dodges' the clear distinction between the power to appoint a 'minister' and the different power to appoint an 'acting minister'. 'The two are plainly not the same. The obfuscatory reference to the credentials of Prof Cachalia is nothing but deflection. For the record, no issue is taken against the Professor's credentials… The issue is whether he was constitutionally qualified to be appointed by the president. The answer is that he was not.' Mchunu Zuma's affidavit also takes direct aim at Mchunu's version of events, portraying it as 'evasive and legally flawed.' 'The minister's affidavit is a masterclass in evasion — it skirts the core allegations and offers no constitutional basis for the executive's conduct. The minister's affidavit is riddled with deflection and fails to confront the gravity of the allegations raised by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.' Judicial commission Zuma's argument about the Judicial Commission of Inquiry is sharply focused on its judicial nature and the risk of bias. While Zuma does not oppose the idea of a commission itself — and agrees it may be necessary — what he challenges is the appointment of a judge (Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga) to chair it, given that the judiciary is among the institutions implicated by Mkhwanazi. 'It is irrational and unconstitutional to appoint a judge to chair a commission that is mandated to investigate allegations implicating members of the judiciary. This violates the principle that no one should be a judge in their own cause.' Impartiality Zuma wraps up his argument by framing the challenge not as defiance, but as a constitutional safeguard — emphasising fairness and legality in the mechanisms of oversight. 'I make this application not to avoid accountability, but to ensure that the process by which accountability is demanded is itself lawful, impartial, and consistent with the constitution.' Zuma argued that appointing a judge to lead a commission investigating the judiciary violates the constitutional principle of impartiality — specifically, that 'no one should be a judge in their own cause.' ALSO READ: MK party slams Ramaphosa over missed Mandela Day deadline
Time Out
17-07-2025
- Time Out
Why should you consider furthering your education in Johannesburg?
Higher education institutions in South Africa are now accepting registrations for those who want to pursue their studies for the 2026 academic year. Matrics are expected to start with their exams on 21 October until 27 November 2025. If you are a learner thinking about where to pursue your studies next year, here are reasons to consider studying at an institution in Johannesburg. Top world-class education Johannesburg has two universities, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), both of which offer world-class education. In June, UJ ranked # 23 in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings globally, and #1 on the African continent. Wits is ranked #291 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and it is #265 in Best Global Universities. The city also has several good colleges. The vibe Johannesburg is a buzzing city. It has a friendly vibe. It is diverse, energetic, and lively, therefore offering great opportunities for academic, social, and personal growth. The province is full of opportunities Gauteng is famous for being a place where dreams are realised. Many people from all over the world come to the city to find opportunities. Studying in the city puts you at a greater likelihood of you getting a job in the city of gold. Affordable student city One of the things to consider before choosing a place to check out the cost of living as a student in that area. Johannesburg made it onto the top 100 QS Best Student Cities 2026 list. There are plenty of free or discounted deals for students. There is also a lot of affordable student accomodations and transportation. Access to diverse cultures Johannesburg is called the New York of Africa. It is a top tourist attraction and home to multiple races and cultures. This is the best place to mingle with people from all over the world and learn their cultures and languages. It offers great networking opportunities which you can use even after college.
TimesLIVE
17-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Ramaphosa must step down 'in honour of Mandela Day' – or else: MK Party
The MK Party has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign by Friday, 'in honour of Mandela Day'. Ramaphosa has placed police minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave of absence pending a commission of inquiry into allegations of political interference in police investigations, a move the party opposed. 'The MK Party calls on Ramaphosa and the government of national unity to respect the voice of the people before irreparable damage is done to South Africa's democratic institutions,' spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. 'The time for accountability and ethical leadership is now.' On Sunday Ramaphosa announced a commission of inquiry, chaired by acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, would be established to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, alleging political interference in police investigations. Wits law professor Firoz Cachalia was appointed acting police minister.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs boss Motaung warns: No room in the PSL for 'Tata ma chance, tata ma millions'
KAIZER chiefs owner Kaizer Motaung Snr. speaking at Wits University has suggested the PSL become more stringent with issuing of PSL statuses. | KaizerChiefs Image: @KaizerChiefs KAIZER Motaung, the revered founder of Kaizer Chiefs FC, has urged the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to implement stringent regulations surrounding the buying and selling of club statuses. As the architect of one of Africa's most iconic football clubs, Motaung's insights carry weight, especially in an era where financial instability has led to the untimely demise of several teams within the league. In a bold statement that resonates with both the challenges and potential of South African football, Motaung said in an interview with City Press newspaper that the volatility of club status transactions is detrimental to the integrity and sustainability of the game. 'The problem in our football might be a question of this thing of changing ownership… becoming a problem.' #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media 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 This directly references the fate of clubs like Wits, which faced financial hardships that eventually led to their sale and subsequent disappearance from the league structure. 'Maybe Wits would not have been sold had they not had financial challenges,' Motaung said, stressing the need for clubs to be financially viable before ownership changes hands. Drawing from his extensive experience, Motaung indicated that the PSL must create a framework that prevents individuals with sudden wealth from making impulsive decisions that could destabilise the league. 'We probably have to bring stringent rules that make it difficult for people just to come in, just because they have acquired some money somewhere (like winning the Lotto), then they buy a club status,' he urged. Such measures could protect the identity and legacy of longstanding clubs that have played pivotal roles in South African football history. As Motaung expressed, the ideal regulations would discourage opportunistic buyers and establish a more robust and sustainable football landscape. He suggested a need for systemic changes that ensure any owner who wishes to enter the league possesses both the financial acumen and a lasting commitment to uphold the sport's traditions. 'Football has to come up with something that will make it stronger and stable so that we don't have these loopholes where any Tom, Dick and Harry... buys a club status and then comes into the league,' he explained. Interestingly, Motaung's connection to the game runs deep, with his son, Kaizer Junior, having progressed through the ranks of the Wits Academy before embarking on a career abroad. This family legacy underscores the importance of nurturing talent and loyalty within football, contrasting sharply with the fate of clubs that vanish after being hastily bought. As Motaung poignantly concluded, maintaining the dual challenges of performance on the pitch while ensuring sound business practices is imperative for the future of South African football. 'It should be difficult, not only on the field but also off the field on the business side of things,' he remarked. His call to action stands not just as a plea for reform but as a vision for a healthier, more stable footballing environment where clubs can thrive and honour their legacies.
