Latest news with #statecapture
News24
3 days ago
- Politics
- News24
State capture: Mchunu says Hawks have achieved high conviction rate
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the Hawks have achieved a high conviction rate for state capture cases. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament
Mail & Guardian
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Race and politics distract us from the issue of inequality
The black middle class in South Africa has grown, but much of the inequality in the country remains the same. (File photo) In a recent conversation on the It sparked the question of whether South Africa is having a class struggle framed as a race one. Exploring the idea of deception and false victories, requires unpacking how the issue might be incorrectly diagnosed. One apparent fact in South Africa is that the memory of apartheid is disappearing for many in the new generation — Born Frees — who only know the country as a democracy in the hands of the ANC. Nelson Mandela is transformed into a myth, taught to young children, a man with a greater dream and vision for South Africa — derailed by ANC factionalism, corruption and state capture. The feel-good moments of hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup and embodying the Rainbow Nation have been shut out. The question is: what has become of South Africa? So-called radical politics returned, initially in the form of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, claiming to want to transform the economy and return the wealth of this country to the black majority — a narrative that intertwined race and the economy in ways the ANC had done before. But what has become known as black economic empowerment (BEE) and broad-based black economic empowerment, is seen to uplift only an elite few. It is a recognition of the potential stagnation of policies many had believed in during the ANC's early years in government. Second, it highlighted South Africa's inability to shake off inequality. Looking forward to the current state of politics, uMkhonto weSizwe party, led by former president and member of the ANC, Jacob Zuma, has styled itself as a strongly 'black party', aiming to unite black 'leftist' forces in the country. It wanted many of the same things as the EFF — nationalisation and pushing for the abolishment of the Constitution and the implementation of a constitution without codified law, according to their manifesto. The aim was to end the system as a whole, as well as implement the same expropriation aims introduced by the EFF. Have these parties muddled the lies of capital and race? At the core of the fight for South Africa, and the question of how to move forward after 30 years of liberation, it raises the question: has race been the distraction the whole time? It is important to highlight that 1994 marked liberation and victory for the ANC. The next task was to govern. Walking with the legacy of Mandela and the power of liberation in South Africa, governance and economic management fell to the wayside. With the implementation of the Growth, Employment and Redistribution policy and BEE in the Mbeki administration, questions were being raised about ways to redress inequality. With a slow system of wealth transfer, it was expanded to broad-based BEE, further widening the social net for beneficiaries and participation in South Africa. The black middle class in South Africa grew but much of the inequality in the country remains the same. Particularly looking at recent data — two ANC presidents after the policies were at the peak of their effectiveness — while black people have outnumbered white people in the richest 10% of the population for about seven years, the gap between South Africa's richest and poorest hasn't narrowed. The decline in racial inequality has been driven almost entirely by a surge in top incomes by black people, rather than increased wealth for the poorest, according to World Inequality Lab data. BEE, according to estimates, benefits about 15% of the black population in South Africa — a small group. Although progress, is it progress enough? Even exploring the land transfers since 1994, academics Wandile Sihlobo and Johann Kirsten, both experts on agriculture, have estimated that about 20% of freehold farmland owned by white farmers in 1994 has passed into black hands, either through government programmes or private purchases. This shows progress, yet not at the rate other constituents would deem necessary. What is true is that progress has been made in South Africa and that there are black South Africans occupying top management positions. There are many who are beneficiaries of BEE schemes but the systemic inequality in South Africa remains the same. Instead of it being a class issue, it has become a race and political issue. Politicians disagreed about the mechanism and speed at which transformation was to take place in the country. No different from the Azanian People's Organisation and the Pan Africanist Congress pre-1994, which argued for reclamation of the land in many of the same ways that are spoken about now. The messaging has been lost in claims and attacks on white capital, arguments over struggle anthems and disagreement about legislation deemed to be race-based, distracting from the core issue — South Africa is an unequal country. Holding the highest Gini coefficient in the world at 0.67, and with unemployment standing at 32.9%, it is apparent that there is a drastic need for a solution. There is no forgetting human suffering. Everyone is quick to cite the Covid-19 pandemic, but quick to forget the shared humanity that was needed to carry a world that was lost, confused and frightened through this dark time. South Africans cannot be oblivious to our growing problem. Soon, politicians face the need for pragmatic solutions. Personal politics undermines the problem on the ground. Similarly, the fights in the government — through legal disagreements and calculated use of the media — continue to throw the country into disillusionment. Politicians fight over a shrinking economy and hone in on race politics and the history of the past; they get distracted. They over-explain themselves time and time again without offering solutions. The issue in South Africa is silently growing under the noise of political infighting and politicians competing for airtime. South Africa's problem lies in the fact that liberation might have been announced but the inequality has gone unaddressed. Remember Morrison's words: 'The very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.' Suddenly, race in South Africa seems more prevalent than ever. What work is being done? Khumo Kumalo is the founder of the website Misunderstood, which unpacks social, identity and economic issues in South Africa, and a student at Morehouse College, studying political science. He is the host of the Born Free podcast. He is also a Mail & Guardian 200 Young
News24
25-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
Holomisa's battle to clean up defence – the general's one-year scorecard
Holomisa says the department of defence is still reeling from the effects of state capture. He warns that the SANDF is not equipped to handle climate disasters or peacekeeping missions. He calls on Parliament and the UDM to stop being passive and demand real consequences. In a candid and comprehensive year-in-review report, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans General Bantu Holomisa, has laid bare the systemic challenges confronting the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and the department of defence, ranging from the lingering effects of state capture to the country's limited response to natural disasters. Addressed to UDM's parliamentary leader Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, the report, dated 24 June, reflects on the UDM's first year in the government of national unity (GNU), offering an unflinching account of the party's experience within the executive while calling for intensified parliamentary oversight and accountability. Holomisa's reflection noted critical issues, including the SANDF's preparedness and budgetary constraints, and the fallout from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) deployment. The report calls on Parliament, and especially the UDM, to take a stronger stand, drive meaningful reform and ensure accountability where it's long overdue. According to Holomisa, the Auditor-General's report has been instrumental in guiding the new ministry, the joint standing committee on defence and the portfolio committee on defence, providing critical insight into the terrain we are expected to navigate. He wrote: It is clear that the department of defence did not escape the effects of state capture. The ongoing SIU [Special Investigating Unit] investigations initiated through proclamations signed by the president and the fact that the former minister is still before the courts highlight the depth of the challenges we face. Bantu Holomisa Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is facing several counts of corruption and money laundering after being accused of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to R4.5 million from a defence contractor. 'These realities point to a protracted process of restoring the integrity and capacity of the SANDF, a task further complicated by years of chronic underfunding,' Holomisa added. He mentioned the DRC debacle, which placed the department of defence under intense scrutiny, a matter that garnered considerable public and institutional attention. There were concerns about the overall capacity, preparedness and logistical readiness of the SANDF to effectively carry out its continental peacekeeping and combat obligations. He explained how this matter further brought into question the adequacy of the department's planning processes, resource allocation and strategic command structures in high-risk deployments. 'The DRC episode served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to review and strengthen our defence capabilities, particularly in the context of multinational operations under the auspices of Southern African Development Community or the AU,' read the report. Adding to the ongoing concerns is the increasing impact of climate change, which continues to present new and evolving threats to the country's security and humanitarian stability. According to the report, this changing climate landscape is testing the capacity of the SANDF to respond swiftly and effectively, particularly in the deployment of rescue equipment and disaster relief operations. A case in point is the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, which tragically claimed the lives of at least 100 people, though the final death toll is yet to be confirmed. Despite the scale of the disaster, only one Oryx of 12 helicopters was deployed for rescue and relief efforts days after the disaster had occurred, illustrating the severe limitations in the aerial response capabilities during emergencies. In the report, Holomisa outlined how this highlights the urgent need to improve the SANDF's disaster response readiness in alignment with the growing frequency and intensity of climate-related events The report was sent to Kwankwa to provide him, as the UDM's parliamentary leader, with a concise reflection on the oversight and executive work Holomisa has undertaken since taking office. It also aims to urge 'in the strongest terms' the reactivation and strengthening of Parliament's role in holding the executive accountable on several unresolved national issues, particularly those long championed by the UDM. After Holomisa was appointed as the deputy minister of defence and military veterans, he faced criticism for allegedly softening his stance on corruption since his appointment to government. Known for his fierce condemnation of the ANC, often calling them 'amasela (thieves)' in previous administrations, some questioned whether he had lost his edge. However, in an interview with City Press, he explained that his strategy of calling out amasela had been effective, as evidenced by the fact that those who had been governing (the ANC) received only 40% in the recent election results. Now that he is in government, his focus has shifted to addressing corruption from within, particularly in the defence department, which has been deeply affected by corruption – with even the minister facing allegations. 'Now, we are trying to clean from within. There are people who have been on suspension for a long time, some are in court, so we are busy addressing that set-up, as well as the procurement problems that were affected by corruption,' said Holomisa. No, I won't be making a lot of noise now. I need to focus on my task. The amasela within the defence department – I'll deal with them, but action will be seen publicly, not through shouting. Bantu Holomisa He also explained that Kwankwa was the one who could continue to say amasela. If the GNU is not doing well, Kwankwa can call it out. In the report, Holomisa said he believed that the UDM's 'principled, consistent and people-centred voice' must now take a more assertive role in ensuring that findings, commissions and legislative frameworks lead to real consequences and reform. He detailed the scope of his official engagements since his appointment in July 2024. The report outlines a demanding schedule spanning parliamentary oversight, departmental coordination, Cabinet involvement and international diplomacy. According to Holomisa, the meetings serve as a record of the work he has undertaken in the execution of his duties. They include: 63 Department of defence-related meetings with entities such as Armscor, Denel and the Defence Secretariat, covering strategic areas such as Auditor-General compliance briefings, logistics planning, HR and command and management information systems oversight, and force design sessions. 42 engagements with SANDF service formations, including operational visits to SA Army HQ, Navy HQ, AFB Waterkloof, Military Police, Defence Intelligence, SA Military Health Service, Logistics HQ and the SF Brigade. 12 meetings with the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, focusing on oversight briefings, acquisition performance reviews, and coordination with Treasury and Armscor. 58 sessions with the portfolio committee on defence and military veterans, centred on oversight of military veterans, departmental annual reports and policy matters. 33 Cabinet and cluster meetings, including engagements in JCPS and ICTS Cabinet clusters, deputy minister forums, Cabinet lekgotla and executive caucuses. 51 international and diplomatic engagements involving countries such as Turkey, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, China, Cuba, India, the US, Japan, France and Russia. These included multilateral platforms such as Brics, AU Peace & Security Council sessions, arms control dialogues, and various conferences. 6 bilateral missions abroad, to Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Cuba, Japan and France. 19 community and civic engagements, including veteran forums, traditional leadership sessions, Youth Day and Women's Month events, rural civic visits and meetings with local councillors. Holomisa described these engagements as more than a schedule. 'Each meeting represented a deliberate effort to advance the priorities of our defence mandate, strengthen operational efficiency, and respond to the needs of our servicemen and women, veterans and broader society,' he wrote. He emphasised that public office must be anchored in accountability and purpose-driven action and reiterated his commitment to upholding the integrity of the portfolio in a way that is informed, inclusive, and responsive to both national and global contexts. Holomisa outlined how military diplomacy was prioritised to deepen international defence cooperation and open training opportunities for SANDF officers. Holomisa also advocated greater collaboration between South Africa's defence industry and global partners in manufacturing and technology exchange. Far from ceremonial, some of these engagements helped defuse tensions and avoid diplomatic fallout. On the home front, he confirmed that the department of defence had met its deadline to submit the reviewed 2015 Defence Review to the presidency, which includes new strategic frameworks and long-term planning up to 2055. However, the release of the document to Parliament now rests with the president, pending formal clearance.
The Herald
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
A walk through the Gupta's properties before auction day
Three properties formerly owned by the controversial Gupta family in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, are set to be auctioned individually on July 24. Located within a single estate, the homes include a three-storey mansion, a single-storey house with three bedrooms, and a 17-bedroom luxury dwelling. The properties once served as the Gupta family's South African residence during their rise to political influence. During a recent media tour hosted by the auctioneers tasked with selling the properties, remnants of their lifestyle, from unused furniture to private prayer rooms and locked safes, offered a rare glimpse into the spaces they left behind when they departed the country in 2018 under a cloud of state capture allegations. The Saxonwold compound was where the Gupta family wined and dined politicians in what was widely viewed as part of a strategy to capture state influence and secure government contracts. The Guptas fled South Africa and are being pursued by the government to face criminal charges. First on the tour is house number five, a three-storey compound known among staff and auctioneers as 'the white house'. From the outside, it appears as if the façade is weeping, the white paint peeling and curling off the walls like old wallpaper, revealing the brick beneath. You are not welcomed by grandeur. Instead, it's the blue park village auction posters pasted on pillars that meet your eye first, declaring the property's impending fate. Inside, the house feels cold. Not just in temperature but in spirit. There is a faint scent of abandonment and stale air that clings to the corridors. Light filters through thick curtains and dust dancing in the rays. The house has eight bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Some rooms still cradle remnants of life, dusty bed sheets, half-burnt candles, unopened shower gels and forgotten toys. It's like time hit pause, but only for some things. In one room, a prayer space is preserved with uncanny stillness. Two red chairs, incense, salts, candles and a picture of their deity remain, untouched. It feels sacred almost off-limits even now. All the electronics have been ripped from the walls. Wires dangle where televisions used to hang. Yet old-school telephones remain beside each bed. There is mould in corners of the bedrooms, fed by roof leaks and disuse. Portraits signed by artist June Tuckett, hang slightly skew on the walls. According to Art Market Tuckett is an 'artist born in South Africa in 1944. The artist's works have gone up for sale at public auction 75 times, mostly in the painting category.' The indoor swimming pool still holds water, stagnant, cloudy and green. At the back, the garden remains lush with trees and flowers, but the grass is beginning to die. Nature is trying to reclaim what power it has left behind.
News24
20-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
Edgar Lungu funeral feud; State lottery alarm: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Saxonwold shebeen on sale: Opulence, neglect and the bitter legacy of the Guptas - The Gupta's Saxonwold compound, once a symbol of state capture and lavish wealth, now stands abandoned and decaying, revealing remnants of luxury and hasty departure. - The properties, featuring opulent amenities like spas and cinemas, are up for auction after years of legal battles, with proceeds going to creditors. - The state of the compound reflects the Guptas' fall from power and serves as a reminder of the authorities' failure to bring them to justice for their role in state capture. ALS Paramedics/Supplied Missing Comrades Marathon runner was among dozens hospitalised after race - Moira Harding, a Comrades Marathon runner who went missing for 15 hours after the race, was among 37 runners hospitalised. - Harding has been discharged from the hospital but has no memory of getting lost and is undergoing treatment for a chest infection and occupational therapy. - Race organisers and doctors noted an above-average number of runners requiring medical assistance, potentially due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, exhaustion, and a disorganised finish area. NSFAS advised to scrap deals worth R1.3bn with IT firms amid student housing crisis - NSFAS paid more than R1.3 billion to four unaccredited IT companies to disburse student accommodation payments, leading to a student housing crisis. - A legal opinion advises NSFAS to cancel the contracts due to irregularities, including the IT companies' lack of financial service provider status and failure to properly manage the online portal. - The student housing crisis has resulted in unsafe living conditions, non-payment issues, and students allegedly trading sex for accommodation, prompting Rental Housing Tribunal hearings. Philippe Wojazer/pool/AFP Zambia's Hichilema apologises to Ramaphosa for drama over return of Lungu's body - Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema apologised to President Cyril Ramaphosa for delays in repatriating former president Edgar Lungu's body, caused by tensions between Lungu's family and the Zambian government over funeral arrangements. - Lungu's family halted the repatriation, accusing the government of sidelining them in decision-making, despite earlier agreements and preparations for a state funeral in Zambia. - Hichilema declared the national mourning period over, urging unity and calm, while the South African government will continue to hold Lungu's remains until the dispute is resolved. Alarm raised over plans for state-run lottery - The South African government plans to nationalise the lottery when the current operator's licence expires in 2034, requiring the new Sizekhaya Consortium to help develop state skills and infrastructure. - Critics warn that a state-run lottery could increase corruption, citing past financial mismanagement in parastatals and government entities. - The Request for Proposals for the new licence mandates that bidders support the state in developing the capacity to operate the lottery, including transferring technology rights. Paul Harding/Gallo Images Proteas Test captain Bavuma ruled out of Zimbabwe series - Temba Bavuma is out of the Test series against Zimbabwe due to a hamstring injury sustained in the World Test Championship final. - Keshav Maharaj will captain the Proteas in Bavuma's absence for the two matches in Bulawayo. - Several key players are being rested, while Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane received their first Test call-ups. DRIVEN | Hyundai enters new energy vehicle tango in SA with fresh Sante Fe Hybrid SUV - Hyundai SA has introduced its first hybrid vehicle, the Sante Fe Hybrid seven-seater SUV, despite having successful electric cars in global markets. - The Sante Fe Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, offering a total output of 175kW and 367Nm, along with various safety and convenience technologies. - Priced at R1 249 900, the Sante Fe Hybrid Elite AWD comes with a seven-year/200 000km warranty and an eight-year/160 000km warranty for the hybrid battery pack.
