Youth Day is an important reminder of the work that lies ahead for the government we just voted in, that many young people are yet to experience the gains of post-1994, writes Siphokuhle Mkancu for the CW Voices blog.
South Africa has scored 33 out of 40 in terms of political rights, and 46 out of 60 for civil liberties, on the Freedom in the World 2024 index, published annually by Freedom House. However, the country, which successfully navigated a free and fair general election in recent weeks, fared less impressively in sub-categories concerning governance and corruption, rule of law, and personal autonomy and individual rights.
Tomorrow and Saturday, 14 and 15 June, are the first sittings of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces, respectively. Parly secretary Xolile George, briefing the media and the nation on the preparations for this important event, said the parliamentary teams have been hard at work to ensure a seamless transition from the sixth to the seventh term of the national legislature.
Deputy minister of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, John Jeffery, has confirmed that government is currently developing a draft bill in response to recommendations made by the public to the department’s discussion paper on improving whistle-blower protection, which was released in June last year. Jeffery was speaking at the second Thulani Maseko memorial lecture, held on 12 June in Pretoria.
The long-delayed corruption trial of former police crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli has been set to begin on 7 October 2024 in the North Gauteng High Court. Mdluli will appear in the dock with two co-accused, former SAPS head of supply chain management Heine Barnard and former SAPS crime intelligence chief financial officer Solomon Lazarus.
Former sports, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa faces corruption charges, and has stepped aside from both his public and party duties as a result. The charges stem from an allegedly corrupt relationship Kodwa had with EOH senior executive Jehan Mackay, while he (Kodwa) was ANC spokesperson.
GroundUp reports on a march to Parliament on 4 June by farm women, in response to government’s decision not to phase out pesticides, though it had promised two years ago to do so. Instead the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has gazetted guidelines for exemptions on pesticide use. Stun grenades were thrown at the women outside Parliament when they breached the police line.
Banking giant’s role in Transnet locomotives deal may go public if legal action by Transnet materialises, while a Cabinet minister may be the latest senior public official to face the music over dubious favours allegedly paid for his influence in lucrative state contracts.
African governments are not doing nearly enough to act against the criminals within their own ranks, writes Susan Russell for Africa In Fact. A genuine commitment from African leaders is needed, to uphold the rule of law, promote transparency, and strengthen democratic institutions. “This means enacting and enforcing anti-corruption laws, ensuring judicial independence, and fostering accountability among public officials.”