PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ANC 100DAYS GNU @KASIBCNEWS

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ANC 100DAYS GNU @KASIBCNEWS 

Leadership of the African National Congress, Leadership of the Alliance and broader democratic movement, Comrades, Friends, Fellow South Africans, One hundred days have passed since the members of the Government of National Unity were sworn into office. 

The establishment of the GNU was a historic occasion, bringing together into one administration parties from across the political spectrum. As we mark this milestone, we reflect on the progress that has been made since South Africans went to the polls on the 29th of May this year. 

We reflect on the work that has been done to implement the mandate from the people for transformation, inclusive growth and jobs. 

On this occasion, we commend the people of South Africa for turning out in their millions to vote in conditions of peace, fairness and stability. The elections results sent a clear message to the ANC and the nation. 

The results showed that, while acknowledging the progress made during the first three decades of democracy, citizens are deeply concerned about the state of the country. They are concerned about an economy that is neither growing nor inclusive.

They are concerned about unemployment, poverty and continuing inequality. Through the election, voters expressed their concerns about the delivery of basic services and the quality of governance. Importantly, the people of South Africa also sent a clear message about the state of the African National Congress. They said that our movement needed to give full meaning and effect to renewal and rebuilding. While many recognised that progress has been made, we have not gone far enough. They are not convinced that the advances we have made will not be reversed. Amid these challenges, we thank the 6.5 million voters who placed their confidence and trust in the ANC to continue to lead the fundamental transformation of our society. 

 We thank our volunteers for their tireless campaigning for the ANC under difficult conditions. We thank the members and leaders of the ANC for coordinating the campaign on the ground. We thank our Alliance partners and other progressive formation for their support during the election campaign. As the ANC, we have acknowledged that the outcomes of the 2024 election were a strategic setback for our movement. It was the first time since the event of democracy that the ANC did not achieve an outright majority at national level. 

However, as the party that received the most votes nationally and in seven provinces, we had to show leadership and act in the best interests of our country and its people. We had to explore governance arrangements that would ensure that we can continue to defend the gains of freedom. 

We had to ensure stability, we had to advance transformation and we had to address the concerns of citizens. We agreed that an inclusive government of national unity held the best prospects to move the country forward. We saw this as an opportunity to work with other political parties to address the challenges that confront South Africans. It is an opportunity to mobilise across society and across political difference to build a country that truly belongs to all who live in it, black and white. 

It is an opportunity to take forward the struggle to build a society in which all our people may prosper and thrive. We thank all the political parties who agreed to be part of this journey, who came together, acting in the interests of the country. 

We went into the GNU knowing full well that we have significant ideological and political differences with some of the parties. We knew there were fundamental issues on which we differed and that were bound to be tensions and strains. But we also know, from many decades of experience, that the ANC has the strategic clarity and the political capacity to work alongside a wide range of forces in pursuit of progressive goals. 

Ultimately, the GNU should not be judged by the political orientation of the parties that constitute this administration, but by the impact that it has on the lives of poor and working class South Africans. 

Since the elections, South Africans from all walks of life have rallied behind the objectives, programme and work of the new GNU. Both as individuals and through their various formations, they have made a commitment to work alongside government to build an inclusive economy and a fair and just society. 

The people of South Africa have demonstrated their support for the principles and the minimum programme that is contained in the Statement of Intent signed by all the parties to the GNU. 

This Statement of Intent describes the essential features of our national agenda for the next five years. It provides a platform for the continuation and the intensification of the fundamental transformation of our economy and our society. 

The GNU has identified three strategic priorities: Firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation. Secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. Thirdly, to build a capable and ethical developmental state. These priorities are closely aligned with the six priority areas of ANC 2024 Manifesto. 

The 100 days since the establishment of the GNU have seen a marked improvement in confidence among South Africans. Sentiment among business people and investors is positive. The prospects for the growth of our economy are greatly improved. 

We have entered a new era of promise and hope. V3 This is not just based on wishful thinking, but on real progress that has been made since the election. We have made important progress on the first priority of the ANC manifesto, which is a jobs plan to put South Africans to work. 

During the 100 days of the GNU, government has been working to expand and institutionalise the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Expanded Public Works Programme and other initiatives under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. 

These programmes continue to provide income, job opportunities and skills development for young people. We have signed the Public Procurement Act, which includes set-asides for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Our Manifesto said that we would protect and uphold the hard-won rights of workers. We said we would continually strive to improve working and living conditions. 

During the last 100 days, the Department of Employment and Labour has undertaken a proactive programme of inspection of workplaces. This is to ensure that they comply with labour legislation, the minimum wage and safety conditions, and that all employees have the correct documentation. It is wrong that so many workplaces visited, including large companies, have such a lax approach to the rights of workers and our labour laws. 

 We have done much work in giving effect to the second priority of our manifesto, which is to build an inclusive economy through industrialisation and infrastructure development. 

As part of our response to the devastating impact which COVID 19 had on our economy, we put in place an Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP) during the 6th administration, so as to deal with its impact, as well as some of the other constraints on growth and reconstruction. Working with our social partners, we are beginning to see the green shoots of an economy on the road to recovery. Through the effective implementation of our Energy Action Plan, the country has now had 200 days without loadshedding. 

We have made important strides in the reform of our electricity sector to make it more competitive and sustainable. Other developments include the agreement between Eskom and Sasol on exploring the country’s gas requirements, ongoing investments in renewable energy and work to mobilise investment in our transmission network. 

We have launched the second phase of the partnership between government and business to undertake focus actions in energy, logistics, crime and corruption, and employment. 

This partnership has already played a key role in reducing the severity of load shedding, in improving the performance of our freight rail and port operations, and in improving the capabilities of our law enforcement agencies going forward. We are also making progress on other economic reforms that were begun during the sixth administration. 

Building on the work of Operation Vulindlela, the Minister of Home Affairs recently gazetted new work visa regulations that will make it easier to attract skills and investment, grow tourism and create jobs. 

The new rules will protect the jobs that South Africans need while attracting skills to those areas of the economy where they are most needed. As we engage with business, we continue to emphasise the need to invest in productive capacity so as to create jobs. 

Our industrial policy is being implemented with renewed vigour. We have increased our focus on export-led industrialisation using the African Continental Free Trade Area and our other global partnerships. We continue to pursue a macroeconomic policy that provides an enabling environment for the economy to grow, while reducing public debt to sustainable levels. 

Over the last 100 days, inflation and interest rates have been on a downward trend. We have recently signed into law legislative amendments that provide improved protection of the rights of communities who are part of communal property associations. As an important of our land reform agenda, the law makes it clear that land will be owned by residents who are members of associations and not by the associations themselves. On the third priority in our Manifesto – to tackle the high cost of living – we are beginning to see some relief for consumers on the prices of basic goods. 

We have seen a reduction in the petrol price, due in part to the strengthening of the Rand. While there has been a decline in some food prices, the Competition Commission has noted that the cost of food for consumers has not fallen at the same rate as the decline in the cost of producing food. 

The school nutrition programme, which provides over 9 million children with a daily meal, remains an important food security intervention. We welcome the measures by the Department of Basic Education to consider an additional breakfast meal, as well as work underway to strengthen delivery of the programme. 

Government continues to provide the SRD grant to around 7 million unemployed people. Alongside other social grants, this provides essential support to those people who need it most. We call on government to expedite work to ensure that the proposals on moving from the SRD grant towards a basic income support grant can be presented to Cabinet. Another area of progress, which has a direct impact on the cost of living, is the restoration of our commuter rail lines. To date, around 80 percent of all passenger rail corridors have been returned to operation. 

By March this year, 40 million passengers were using public trains, nearly three time more than the year before. We have been working on priority four of our Manifesto, to invest in South Africa’s people and provide quality basic services. In the last 100 days, we signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. Among other things, the Act provides for early learning foundations to be strengthened, promotes greater accountability of parents for their children’s learning and promotes inclusivity in the classroom. 

 This new legislation aims to ensure uniformity and fairness in educational standards between schools and across the country. 

We are confident that the two clauses of the Act that further consultations will be resolved soon, so that we can all concentrate on the critical issue of improving schooling. We are pleased with the concerted efforts by the Minister of Higher Education and Training to address the challenges of NSFAS, so that students can concentrate on their studies, rather than worry about their next meal. 

The signing of the National Health Insurance Act is an important step towards universal health coverage. The current focus is on improving the public health facilities and putting in place the requirements for the creation of a National Health Insurance Fund. 

 At the same time, we continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that we achieve equitable health for all sooner, rather than later. Several Ministers have been working with provinces and local government, in the spirit of cooperative governance, to resolve the issues of basic services and debt faced by municipalities. At the same time, we will continue to make efforts to ensure that ANC deployees in local government are responsive to cries of citizens about basic services, and work together to resolve problems. 

On the fifth priority of our Manifesto, we are continuing to defend and advance democracy and freedom. South Africa’s march towards a society that is united, non-sexist, non-racial, democratic and prosperous continues. We continue to protect and advance the rights of the vulnerable in our society, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. 

We are committed to upholding the rights of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. October is Pride Month. We congratulate Soweto on the 20th anniversary of its Pride March and welcome the pride marches across the country that are raising awareness of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ communities and the need for all of us to fight against homophobia. The emancipation of women remains one of the cornerstones of the society we wish to build. 

We celebrate achievements like the appointment of the country’s first female Chief Justice. At the same time, we must intensify our efforts to end gender-based violence and femicide. We must reduce and ultimately remove the gender pay gap. We must work together to reverse the recent dip in the representation of women in Parliament, the Executive and local government. 

 We welcome the vigour and systematic manner with which the Minister of Police, the SAPS and the criminal justice system as a whole are moving to tackle crime and corruption. We welcome the cooperation that is taking place with communities, business and private security companies on effective crime prevention strategies. We are making headway across the criminal justice system in our fight against corruption, from prosecutions to disciplinary action and recovery of monies. 

We continue to implement the recommendations of the Zondo Commission, including through the enactment of legislative reforms.  

We will keep the pressure on. We will leave no quarter for those who seek to steal and divert public resources. We made a commitment to build an accountable, ethical and professional public service. We can see progress through the leadership of institutions like the Public Service Commission, Auditor-General, the Public Protector and the National School of Government. As part of the sixth priority of the Manifesto, we are working to build a better Africa and world. Much of our international engagements over the last 100 days have been about expanding economic diplomacy. 

 We have been working to open up additional market access for our goods, through AGOA, BRICS+ and through bilateral relations with several other countries. Our commitment to multilateralism and reform of the global governance and rules architecture is unwavering. 

We welcome the adoption of the United Nations Pact for the Future, which sets out a clear path for global peace and development. We continue to place the African Agenda at the centre of our foreign policy. We will continue to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and other initiatives of Agenda 2063. 

Over the last 100 days, we have continued on the path of solidarity and justice for the Palestinian people. 

We will soon present our submission to the International Court of Justice in support of the case we have brought against the State of Israel for the crimes of genocide that it continues to perpetrate against the Palestinians in Gaza. 

We are deeply concerned about the intensification of the onslaught against the people of Gaza and now the people of Lebanon. We call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance, and the start of negotiations towards a just and lasting settlement. Climate change increasingly is more than a future prediction, as we’ve seen with our own experiences of extreme weather. This means that we must do more to mitigate and adapt, but also more effectively coordinate our disaster response, as government and as citizens. One hundred days do not seem like a long time. But it is a significant milestone to gauge whether we are moving in the right direction and whether we are doing things differently and with more purpose. 

Our reflections show, that although our challenges are enormous, there is a collective commitment to work together to tackle these challenges. There is a firm commitment to advance towards a building a better life for all. We should always remind ourselves of the words of the African freedom fighter, Amilcar Cabral, who would have turned 100 this year, when he said: “Always remember that the people are not fighting for ideas... 

The people fight and accept the sacrifices demanded in order to gain material advantages, to live better and in peace, to benefit from progress, and for the better future of their children.”  

Our country has entered a new era, full of challenges, risks and possibilities. As the ANC, we are determined to seize these opportunities to advance the needs and interests of the South African people. We are determined to advance the fundamental social and economic transformation of our society. 

As we mark 100 days of the Government of National Unity, we once again call on all South Africans to join us: Let’s do more, together. 

I thank you. 

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa 

RAMAPHOSA 100 DAYS GNU @KASIBCNEWS

RAMAPHOSA 100 DAYS GNU @KASIBCNEWS

Improved sentiment is rooted in real economic progress

Dear Fellow South African, 

Just over 100 days have passed since the members of the Government of National Unity were sworn into office. In that time, we have witnessed a marked increase in confidence in the direction of our country.

South Africans across society are increasingly rallying around the programme and work of the Government of National Unity. This is reflected in recent opinion polls. 

In one of these polls, conducted by Ipsos, it is said that the proportion of participants who believe that the country is heading in the right direction has doubled since the last surveys were conducted in April and June this year. 

There is also rising confidence in our country’s economic growth prospects by business and local and international investors. This was evident in the engagements I recently had with business leaders in Beijing and New York and that Deputy President Paul Mashatile had with business leaders in London. 

In September, the Bureau of Economic Research and Rand Merchant Bank published their first Business Confidence Index since the formation of the new administration. It points to “cautious optimism” about improving business conditions in key economic sectors. It says that improved electricity supply and political certainty following the elections has likely contributed to this improved business confidence.

So how important is this improved ‘sentiment’ for our economy and country?

Sentiment is more than a ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling. It is made possible by real developments in the economy and the country. Business confidence goes beyond discussion in boardrooms and conference halls. It is about the interest that is shown in our economy by all investors, both local and offshore. Sentiment has a direct impact on people’s lives as it can manifest itself in increased investments that can result in job creation.

Improved investment sentiment will benefit our country’s fiscus. A stronger economic outlook will improve South Africa’s credit rating, which in turn will facilitate greater access to global capital markets and lower our borrowing costs. 

When we spend less money on debt servicing costs, government has more space to increase its expenditure on building public infrastructure and providing education, healthcare, basic services and social support.

Improved sentiment has boosted the value of our currency. This reduces the cost of imports such as oil, which reduces the cost of fuel. This in turn reduces the cost of living for all South Africans.

Increased business confidence attracts higher levels of private investment in the economy. When investors are more optimistic about their business prospects they are more likely to invest more capital and expand their existing operations. Improved confidence also encourages the start-up of new businesses. 

More business activity creates more jobs and opportunities for our people. As businesses grow, they need to hire more employees and are able to increase wages. 

When people are more secure about their jobs and income, they spend more on goods and services, which further stimulates economic activity. Government revenues are further boosted as revenue collection increases.

The improvement in sentiment is informed by the effective transition to a new administration with wide support across society and the continuation of the reform agenda started during the sixth democratic administration.

On the other hand, the sentiment is supported by actual progress in addressing some of the country’s most pressing economic and social challenges.

Nowhere has this been more evident than in the work done to resolve the energy crisis. The country has had more than 200 days without load shedding. This has made a considerable difference to the lives of citizens and the operations of businesses. This work has also unlocked unprecedented levels of investment in the energy sector.

The ongoing reforms in the logistics sector are improving the operational performance of our port and rail networks. This will have a positive effect not only on export industries and broader economic activity, but also on the lives of citizens. 

It is still early days for the Government of National Unity. The growth of our economy is still to pick up pace. However, a firm foundation is being laid, our growth prospects are being revised upwards and we are heading in the right direction. 

It is clear that the improved confidence of the South African people and the positive sentiment among investors are well-founded. Our task now is to work together to further encourage hope and optimism by making a real and substantial difference in the lives of all South Africans.

With best regards,

President Cyri Ramaphosa 

EFF ALL SYSTEMS GO NPA 2024 @KASIBCNEWS

EFF ALL SYSTEMS GO NPA 2024 KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is going to the 3rd National People's Assembly (NPA), which will be held between the 12th and 15th of December 2024 at Johannesburg NASREC Expo Centre, under the theme,

 “DEFEND, REBUILD, AND ADVANCE THE STRUGGLE FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM.” 

The NPA is the highest decision-making body of the EFF, convened by the democratically elected Central Command Team (CCT) every five years. This gathering is attended by 90% of delegates from branches of the EFF. Since we released guidelines on the 30th of July 2024, out of 2,123 branches that meet the requirements to convene a Branch People's Assembly/Branch General Assembly, a total of 1,100 branches met, elected new leadership and programmes of action and delegates to the NPA. 

A branch that meets the requirements is a branch that has 100 paid-up members who are registered to vote in their branch and received a minimum of 10% of the votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. Additionally, 1,023 branches are currently preparing to convene their meetings in order to meet the deadline of the 30th of October 2024. 

The leadership collective is satisfied that the majority of EFF members have conducted themselves with maximum discipline and in line with the guidelines, which demonstrates a sign of political maturity and the growth of the organisation, with the exception of minor incidents and disputes, which were all positively resolved. We want to commend all delegates and encourage all of them to continue with maximum discipline to defend the movement because there will be temptations to provoke us; there will be information peddlers and spies. We must remain vigilant. 

LOGISTICS AND STATE OF READINESS

 Registration of all delegates will take place at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus, on the 12th of December, starting from 10 a.m. All delegates from branches, regions, and provinces will be transported to the registration venue and accommodated in various hotels around Johannesburg, with daily shuttles to NASREC Expo Centre. 

Once registration is complete, all delegates will be allocated to their accommodation, which will be different hotels across Johannesburg. Transportation to and from the Assembly venue will strictly be through the provided shuttles to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion and to prevent fatigued drivers, since some of the sessions might take longer than anticipated. 

The registration of all Assembly workers, including staff, media, local and international guests, and security, will take place at the same venue, University of Johannesburg Soweto, on the same date of the 12th of December. We have invited embassies, and they have until the 30th of October to confirm their attendance. They will also register for accreditation on the same date and at the same venue. 

ELECTION OF NEW LEADERSHIP 

Part of what the Assembly must do, in addition to the consideration of constitutional amendments, reviewing the work of the currently elected leadership against the adopted program of action by the 2nd National People's Assembly, and adopting a new program of action for the next five years, is to elect new leadership, as the term of the current leadership will come to an end. We will appoint an independent, reputable electoral commission, which, as stated in the guidelines, will facilitate nominations and voting for leadership. All nominations and voting for leadership will take place at the Assembly in a transparent and orderly manner, as we have done in the past. 

DISCUSSION DOCUMENTS 

Delegates, both voting and non-voting, will have an opportunity to participate in commissions. We will have a total of 12 commissions: a commission on organisational character and re-design; a commission on land and agrarian reform; on gender struggles; media, communications and battle of ideas; health and social development; education; Pan-Africanism and Progressive Internationalism; the economy and stateled industrialisation; state capacity; governance; justice, peace and security; and sports, arts and culture. 

These documents are a product of engagements, guided by the EFF Founding Manifesto adopted in July 2013, intended to stimulate and encourage engagements both internal and external. We do not convene the Assembly only to elect leadership, but we must come back with a clear, well-articulated and practical plan of action. 

While we appreciate their intended purpose, we also want to remind those outside that these are not resolutions, but merely serve to facilitate discussions. The key highlights of the discussion documents include the following: Organisational Character and Re-design The Organisational Character and Re-design perspective is an update to previous organic perspectives, with a stronger emphasis on how the organisation can defend, rebuild, and advance the struggle for economic freedom. Central to these proposals is a focus on building strong, sustainable, and viable organisational structures starting with increasing the membership requirement for a branch from 100 to 200 members with a presence in voting districts. The perspective also advances that every member must be an activist with direct influence on potential voters. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of a robust membership system that can account for each mFurthermore, it suggests devolving an EFF region into sub-regions to better reflect the realities of South Africa’s political and social landscape. 

Finally, the perspective proposes doing away with the student command and reorganising it into a youth command that unifies all young people into a single structure, encompassing those in schools, universities, at work, and unemployed. Land and Agrarian Reform 

This discussion document reaffirms the EFF’s ideological foundation concerning land reform, particularly the first cardinal pillar: “Expropriation of land without compensation for equal redistribution and use.” It explains the failure to amend the property clause in Parliament and offers a vision of state custodianship of land, proposing legislation within the current constitutional framework. The document critiques the post-1994 land restitution program as a failure, calling for its replacement with a redistribution-focused program. Agrarian reform is also highlighted, reaffirming the need for small-scale agriculture to drive the country’s future. On Gender Struggles The On Gender Struggles perspective links gender inequality with broader socioeconomic oppression, rooted in South Africa’s patriarchal and capitalist system. 

The document argues that the fight for gender justice cannot be separated from racial and economic struggles, as Black women and gender-nonconforming individuals face intersecting forms of oppression. It calls for legislative reforms, education against patriarchy, and initiatives to address gender-based violence while promoting women’s economic participation. The document champions the creation of a non-sexist, inclusive society that rejects patriarchal norms and fosters equality across all sectors of life. Media, Communications, and the Battle of Ideas The perspective on Media, Communications, and the Battle of Ideas reflects on the media and ICT landscape in South Africa, focusing on the dominance of certain players like MultiChoice and the duopoly of MTN and Vodacom in the telecommunications sector, which drives up data costs. 

The document critiques the journalistic sphere and highlights how ideological propaganda against the EFF intensified ahead of the 2024 elections. It underscores the need to break the monopoly on media narratives to foster a more inclusive and fair public discourse. Health and Social Development 

The Health and Social Development perspective critiques the current National Health Insurance (NHI), arguing that it fails to provide universal coverage and address systemic inequalities in the healthcare system. 

The document calls for strengthening primary healthcare services and ensuring every ward has at least one clinic or polyclinic. Additionally, it proposes reintroducing 24-hour clinic services and increasing provincial healthcare training facilities. On social development, the document advocates for the doubling of social grants, the introduction of youth grants, and other protective social measures to uplift marginalised communities. Education The Education perspective addresses systemic inequalities rooted in apartheid-era policies, which continue to plague South Africa’s education system. It calls for a decolonised, free, and quality education system that provides equal opportunities to all learners, particularly the black majority. 

The EFF’s vision for education includes expanding Early Childhood Development (ECD), improving infrastructure, and aligning higher education with South Africa’s industrial and developmental needs. By addressing these systemic challenges, the document envisions education as a tool for economic emancipation and social justice. Pan-Africanism and Progressive Internationalism The Pan-Africanism and Progressive Internationalism perspective envisions Africa’s liberation from imperialism through unity, economic self-reliance, and sovereignty. It emphasises the dismantling of neo-colonial structures and advocates for African unity and the nationalisation of key industries to benefit the continent’s people. Additionally, it calls for solidarity with global leftist movements to resist capitalist exploitation, while promoting Africa’s leadership in a progressive, multipolar world order. 

The Economy: State-Led Industrialisation 

This perspective addresses the crises of unemployment and poor economic growth, with a focus on transferring wealth to the black working class and African majority. The discussion document rejects privatisation and advocates for a state-led industrialisation agenda that prioritises infrastructure development, the nationalisation of strategic sectors, and a transition to state-led energy production. Central to this vision is the call for the nationalisation of the South African Reserve Bank and finalisation of the EFF private member bill before Parliament to transfer the ownership of the central bank from the hands of a small minority into the custody of the state. This is to ensure that monetary policy is aligned with the developmental needs of the majority and address the abnormality of private ownership of the central bank in the world, when an overwhelming majority of banks are owned by governments on behalf of the people. Furthermore, the appointment of the Governor and Deputy Governors of the Reserve Bank must be made by Parliament through a transparent process, with interviews held publicly, similar to the process for appointing judges, ensuring that the leadership of the central bank is accountable to the people and reflects the democratic will of the nation.

It also emphasises the strengthening of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to combat illicit financial flows, which deprive the country of much-needed resources for transformation. Furthermore, the perspective emphasises the importance of transformation of the National Treasury as critical, as in the hands of reactionary forces this institution has been used to undermine efforts to transfer wealth to the African majority. 

The document also calls for the increasing of corporate tax to ensure that big businesses  contribute fairly to the development of the country and for reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) back to 14%, relieving the burden on ordinary South Africans. State Capacity 

The State Capacity perspective stresses the importance of a capable state in driving economic transformation and delivering essential services. The document advocates for building a developmental state that manages infrastructure, maintains public assets, and directs strategic sectors through state-owned enterprises. 

Insourcing essential services and abolishing tenders are key proposals to ensure that public procurement stimulates local industries and creates jobs, making the state the primary driver of national development. 

Governance 

The Governance perspective focuses on the EFF’s goal of capturing political power to transform the economy and emancipate the black majority. It highlights the party’s experiences with coalition politics and the failures of post-apartheid governance, particularly in addressing economic inequalities. 

The EFF remains committed to revolutionary principles while grappling with practical governance challenges, proposing strategic power-sharing, effective service delivery, and structural reforms to uplift marginalised communities. Justice, Peace, and Security Grounded in a Marxist analysis of the state, this perspective critiques the postapartheid justice system as serving bourgeois interests. The document highlights the tension between constitutional supremacy and parliamentary sovereignty, suggesting that the judiciary’s strong review powers hinder transformative change. Proposals include strengthening the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and its directorates, such as the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Specialised Commercial Crimes, Sexual Offences, and Community Affairs, as well as all other essential directorates. contribute fairly to the development of the country and for reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) back to 14%, relieving the burden on ordinary South Africans. 

State Capacity The State Capacity perspective stresses the importance of a capable state in driving economic transformation and delivering essential services. 

The document advocates for building a developmental state that manages infrastructure, maintains public assets, and directs strategic sectors through state-owned enterprises. Insourcing essential services and abolishing tenders are key proposals to ensure that public procurement stimulates local industries and creates jobs, making the state the primary driver of national development. 

Governance 

The document highlights the tension between constitutional supremacy and parliamentary sovereignty, suggesting that the judiciary’s strong review powers hinder transformative change. Proposals include strengthening the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and its directorates, such as the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Specialised Commercial Crimes, Sexual Offences, and Community Affairs, as well as all other essential directorates.  

Additionally, it calls for the appointment of the Head of the NPA to be made by a democratically elected Parliament rather than the President, who the NPA may still need to decide on whether to prosecute or not, ensuring accountability and impartiality. 

The document also advocates for the strengthening of Chapter 9 institutions, including the Public Protector, South African Human Rights Commission, and the Commission for Gender Equality, to safeguard democracy and ensure justice.

The proposals further recognise the urgent need to address the rampant crime crisis that has gone out of control, with daily mass killings, high levels of murder, rape, and other serious offenses. It calls for the strengthening of intelligence services and overall security measures to combat these crimes decisively. 

Moreover, the document proposes that the Judicial Services Commission's recommendations be sent to the National Assembly for finalisation and appointment, instead of leaving these decisions in the hands of the President. The broader aim is to shift South Africa’s legal system towards one rooted in equality, justice, and the empowerment of democratic institutions to better serve the people. 

Sports, Arts, and Culture 

The Sports, Arts, and Culture perspective emphasises the need for transformation in these sectors to overcome apartheid’s legacy. The document outlines the EFF’s vision of sports and arts as drivers of economic emancipation and social cohesion, calling for investment in infrastructure, promotion of women’s participation, and support for local industries. 

The aim is to empower black practitioners in these fields, ensuring their inclusion and economic liberation. All the discussion documents for the Assembly will be circulated publicly in all our social media accounts and will be sent to all members of the EFF. 

CITY OF TSHWANE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY 

We welcome the election of the new mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr. Nasiphi Moya of Action SA, who was elected by an overwhelming majority of democratically elected councillors in Tshwane. The people of Hammanskraal, Soshanguve, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and Garankuwa have been neglected, left to live alongside illegal dumpsites, without clean and dependable water, while white suburbs were given maximum attention. 

Many of the suburbs dominated by white people are well maintained, with working streetlights, painted roads, and road signs that are well maintained. We call on the newly elected mayor to hit the ground running, consult the collective, and deliver services to all the people of the City of Tshwane and avoid prioritising areas on the basis of race like the former mayor.

 THABAZIMBI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

We welcome the dissolution of the dysfunctional municipal council of Thabazimbi, and we view this development as necessary. The whole municipality is dissolved and is expected to hold elections in all 12 wards on the 4th of December 2024. It is the people of Thabazimbi who suffer from poor service delivery because of dysfunctional municipal council. 

OVERSIGHT OF EFF PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES 

We also want to commend EFF Public Representatives, particularly EFF Members of Parliament, who are visible in communities tackling issues of service delivery. The EFF is the most effective and constructive opposition in the 7th Parliament, providing necessary oversight and holding the executive to account. The EFF Members of Parliament were the only ones visible doing oversight work during the constituency period, which began on the 23rd of September and will run until the 7th of October 2024. All issues observed during the constituency period will be brought to Parliament in the form of questions, motions, member statements, and participation in committees. 

EFF PARLIAMENTARY WORK 

The EFF Parliamentary caucus has been hard at work, with all members diligently attending to their constitutional duty of holding the Executive accountable through questions, motions, member statements, and robust engagements in portfolio committees. Since the beginning of the term of the 7th Administration of the Parliament of South Africa, the EFF has been making progressive proposals in Parliament that are in the interests of ordinary South Africans and ensure that the Executive is held accountable. 

These include, but are not limited to: (a) The re-introduction of the motion to nationalise the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). (b) The motion to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate extortion in South Africa, with a specific focus on the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. (c) The motion to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the use of balaclavas by private security guards, following the murder of EFF Councillor Honorary Commissar Moshe Mphahlele. (d) The motion to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the theft of pension funds from workers by private security companies and local government municipalities. (e) The referral of the Minister of Agriculture to the Ethics and Members' Interests Committee for the appointment of unqualified DA members into positions in government. The EFF will continue with this work and encourages society to reach out to EFF Public Representatives, whose contact details are publicly available, to raise issues confronting them so that they can be given a platform in Parliament. 

MASS KILLINGS IN THE EASTERN CAPE 

We want to send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the 18 people killed in the Eastern Cape in Lusikisiki and call on the police to be decisive in dealing with criminals who do not value life, particularly the lives of women and children. Lusikisiki Police Station is among the top 10 police stations that record the highest reported murder rates, and this has been the case for some time. This is a clear sign that unless decisive action is taken, our people will continue to be subjected to lawlessness. Soon after the memorial service of the 18, we were informed that arrests had been made; however, on the very same Monday, another six people were killed in Qumbu, which falls under a neighbouring police station. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the Qumbu victims as well. These continuous killings are an indication that serious and urgent intervention is required. Law enforcement agencies must intensify efforts to bring an end to this senseless violence and restore safety and peace in our communities. 

DEATH OF CHILDREN IN SOWETO 

We also want to send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families in Soweto who have lost five children, allegedly due to food poisoning. We once again call on the authorities, including our own deployees to the City of Johannesburg as the MMC of Public Safety, to ensure that such things do not happen, but also that there are consequences. We expect a detailed report to be submitted to the office. 

ONE YEAR: 9TH OCTOBER 2023 – ISRAEL’S ETHNIC CLEANSING 

We reject the imperial forces marking the 7th of October 2023 as the day the IsraeliPalestinian war began. It was, in fact, yesterday, the 9th of October, that marked one year since the racist apartheid state of Israel embarked on a genocidal cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza, which began on the 9th of October 2023. In the past year, Israel has deployed high-grade weapons, including internationally banned white phosphorus, to target civilians and destroy schools, hospitals, and even centuries-old Palestinian heritage sites. 

Over 900 Palestinian family lines have been erased, with the death toll suspected to exceed 100,000, most of whom are women and children. Journalists and aid workers have also been ruthlessly targeted, while Israeli leaders openly declare their intentions to obliterate Palestinian life. 

The complicity of the international community, particularly Western powers like the U.S. and U.K., has been disgraceful. Despite the International Court of Justice issuing an advisory opinion to not be complacent in genocidal acts, billions in military aid have been channelled to Israel, perpetuating its war machine in what amounts to a proxy war. The EFF will continue to put pressure on South Africa to cut all diplomatic ties with Israel. The EFF is engaging the Speaker of the National Assembly to ensure that the EFF motion adopted in the 6th Parliament for South Africa to cut all diplomatic ties is implemented. 

The EFF calls on all sectors to cancel or suspend economic relationships, trade agreements, and academic relations with Israel. We support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. We reject the marking of the 7th of October as the day the war and genocide against Palestinians began. Under the illegal occupation by Israel, Hamas legitimately resisted Israel's occupation of Palestine on that day. It was not an act of war; it was a battle for the freedom of Palestinians. The creation of the largest open-air prison was a signal of the conditions for genocide. It has been one year of genocide, and 76 years of occupation, apartheid, and imperial oppression. We demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to the genocide. 

IRAN’S MISSILE RESPONSE TO ISRAELI AGGRESSION 

We once more condemn Israel’s ongoing expansion of violence and illegal occupation in the Middle East. The Iranian missile response to Israel’s aggression against Lebanon, Syria, and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is a just and necessary defence. CHINA We send our well wishes to the People’s Republic of China, which observed the 70th anniversary of the founding of the republic on the 1st of October, and we wish the People’s Republic of China well in the future as they remain committed to the peace, stability, and progress of the world. 

ELECTIONS IN MOZAMBIQUE 

We wish the people of Mozambique well in the elections that took place yesterday and wish them peace as they continue with the counting. The people of Mozambique must respect the wishes of the electorate. CONDOLENCES We want to send our deepest condolences to Ray McCauley, the senior pastor and founder of Rhema Bible Church; renowned gospel artist and cultural icon Solly Moholo; revolutionary poet James Matthews; EFF Eswatini President Commissar Nombulelo Motsa; and award-winning kwaito artist Sandile Ngwenya, known as Mapaputsi. We pray their spirits rest in revolutionary peace. 

CITY OF TSHWANE NEW MAYOR @KASIBCNEWS

CITY OF TSHWANE NEW MAYOR @KASIBCNEWS

The National Working Committee of the African National Congress gave a final go-ahead to the team led by the Secretary General to conclude negotiations on the election of a new Mayor of the City of Tshwane. 

The election of the Executive Mayor will take place today, Wednesday 9 October 2024. This process follows a successful motion of no-confidence against the then Mayor, Celliers Brink. The motion of no-confidence was brought by the ANC with the support of seven other parties on the basis of high levels of dissatisfaction with the state of the City. Since the DA took over Tshwane in 2016, the Capital City has experienced a dramatic and sustained deterioration with regard to governance and service delivery to communities. 

Eight years of DA-led coalitions and five Mayors have achieved nothing other than driving the Capital City to the brink of administrative collapse. The City of Tshwane is a shadow of its former self. Across the Capital City, service delivery has ground to a standstill. 

The people in the townships are left to fend for themselves as if there no local government. In the spirit of the Government of National Unity, the ANC initiated engagements with all parties represented in the City of Tshwane on how we can collaborate to create political and administrative stability and focus on re-igniting service delivery and inclusive socioeconomic development in the Capital City. 

The ANC National Working Committee emphasised that, as the largest party in the metro, the ANC bears the greatest responsibility to bring together all parties that are both willing and able to contribute to restoring Tshwane into a clean, functioning and thriving Capital City that works for all residents and businesses, including providing efficient services to the many foreign diplomatic missions, national government departments and universities located in Tshwane. 

The National Working Committee is deeply concerned about the financial position of the City and further directed that national and provincial government should take the necessary steps to work with the leadership of the City to stabilise finances and address pressing service delivery issues and stimulate the local economy. A financial and service delivery recovery plan should be adopted within four weeks. 

The ANC has extensively discussed the calibre of the team that should be drawn from different parties to take the Capital City on a new path of financial recovery and inclusive service delivery that leaves no community behind. There should be no doubt that the ANC would have wanted to provide a candidate for the Mayor, as the largest party. 

We made it clear to all parties, as we did during the setting of the Government of National Unity, we will not allow any party to make unreasonable demands or dictate terms on the matter of setting up of the new coalition government in the Capital City. The ANC has tried to bring on board all the parties to co-operate in forming a functional viable and inclusive government of local unity in Tshwane. But a “Brink-or-nothing” approach will never work. 

Most parties expressed willingness to be flexible in negotiations and move beyond narrow party-political interests. Action SA leadership painstakingly explained to the ANC that their proposal was not a “Nasiphi Moya-or-nothing”. After extensive engagement on the calibre of the candidate and the tight timeframes we have to sort out the problems, the ANC agreed to support the candidature of the current Acting Mayor, Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya. 

This is based on the strength of her experience and qualifications. We appeal to the people of Tshwane to support Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya and the new leadership team that is putting the Capital City on a new path of better governance, service delivery and inclusive growth. As the largest party in the Council, the ANC remains the Leader of the multi-party coalition government that will be established in Tshwane over the next few days. Once the Mayor is elected and the new Mayoral Committee is appointed, work will immediately begin with the Executive Mayor, in expediting service delivery and turning the fortunes of the City around, which includes improving governance.   

President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley @KASIBCNEWS

President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley @KASIBCNEWS

President Cyril Ramaphosa has learned with sadness of the passing of Pastor Raynor “Ray” McCauley, founder of the Rhema Bible Church and former Co-Chair of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa.

The President offers his deep condolences to Mrs Zelda McCauley, Pastor Ray’s children, the extended family and the large community of the Rhema Bible Church.

Pastor McCauley has passed away at the age of 75 years.

President Ramaphosa said: “Pastor Ray’s passing leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader whose impressive legacy lives on in the faith of hundreds of thousands of believers within and beyond the Rhema community.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

SOWETO UPRISING AGAINST FOREIGNERS SPAZA SHOPS @KASIBCNEWS

 

SOWETO UPRISING AGAINST FOREIGNERS SPAZA SHOPS @KASIBCNEWS 

MEC MAILE CALLS FOR CALM IN SOWETO  MEC of Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile will visit Soweto this weekend to interact with spaza shop owners and informal traders.  MEC Maile has received disturbing reports to the effect that the residents of Naledi / Tladi, in Soweto, are destroying, shutting down and looting foreign-owned spaza shops .  "I will visit the affected areas (Soweto) this coming weekend to interact with spaza shop owners and informal traders", said MEC Maile.  MEC Maile has urged the community to remain calm and desist from taking the law into their own hands, in response to the tragedy that befell school learners who died after allegedly consuming contaminated snacks. 

"We don't want lawlessness in Gauteng and people should not take the law into their own hands. We will intensify the Qondis' Ishishini Lakho – Fix Your Business campaign, as a powerful instrument to crack down on non-complaint businesses across the province, especially in Townships ", continued MEC Maile.  The MEC launched the compliance campaign in Thembisa last month to encourage businesses to comply with consumer laws and regulations. 

This ongoing multi-stakeholder compliance campaign ensures that all possible areas of non-compliance are monitored and flagged in our communities. Compliance notices are issued and fines are levied against businesses that are found to be violating consumer laws and health regulations. MEC Maile has reaffirmed ANC-led provincial government of local unity will continue to support township-based SMMEs, as part of the government’s plan of transforming the ownership and control patterns of Gauteng's economy, and of restoring the dignity of our historically marginalised and excluded Black majority. 

LIMPOPO AND GAUTENG HIGHSPEED RAIL LINK @KASIBCNEWS

LIMPOPO AND GAUTENG HIGHSPEED RAIL LINK @KASIBCNEWS

The Limpopo and Gauteng Provincial Governments, led by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Premier Mr Panyaza Lesufi, convened a strategic meeting today to advance plans for the proposed high-speed rail network linking Limpopo and Gauteng. 

The meeting took place at the Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro in Mookgophong, Waterberg, on 09 October 2024. A key outcome of the meeting was the approval of the implementation protocol document by both Premiers, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development. 

The meeting also initiated the process for the nomination and appointment of a Joint Project Manager, confirmed the cost-sharing mechanism and proposed the budget for the prefeasibility study. Additionally, both provinces agreed to engage in joint consultations with the Ministries of Finance, Transport, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Presidency to secure buy-in for the project. 

A Political Oversight Committee will also be appointed to ensure effective governance and oversight. Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating: “We are of the view that the economies of the two provinces are beginning to merge, and we must find ways of harnessing this growth. 

This is not a vision of one province; it is a joint vision that is driven from all angles. Together, we can create a seamless transport network that will benefit our citizens and businesses alike.” 

The Gauteng-Limpopo Rail Link Project is set to be incorporated into the Medium-Term Development Plan, marking a crucial step toward enhancing inter-provincial connectivity and economic collaboration. The high-speed train promises substantial commercial and economic benefits, including reduced travel times, improved trade routes, and accelerated regional development. 

It will position both Limpopo and Gauteng as pivotal economic hubs, facilitating seamless travel for businesses, commuters, and tourists. By making travel between cities more efficient and accessible, this project is expected to attract investment, open new markets, and support the growth of businesses across various sectors. 

Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba remarked: “This meeting is a pivotal moment, where we have reached consensus on key principles and practical steps. The realisation of this project will not only create jobs but will transform our cities with high-speed rail stations that will become dynamic hubs of economic activity, stimulating urban development, and increasing property values. 

We are committed to making this vision a reality for the benefit of all our people.” As part of the way forward, especially after meetings with national departments, the project managers will schedule meetings with stakeholders like traditional leaders, taxi industry and other critical stakeholders to make the project people centred. 

The delegation from both provinces included Members of the Executive Council, Directors General, Heads of Departments, Chief Executive Officers, and other senior government officials, all dedicated to the successful implementation of this transformative project.