The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Limpopo has accused newly-appointed Premier Phophi Ramathuba of sidelining leaders of the ANC-led tripartite Alliance during the composition of her provincial cabinet. On Tuesday, Ramathuba unveiled her new executive, wielding an axe on more than half of the previous MECs and demoting others including prominent ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) members. Most marginalised MECs are allies of former ANC provincial treasurer Danny Msiza, whose faction dominated provincial politics for over a…

At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on 19-20 June. This is reported by the official website of the President of Russia. It is expected to hold a series of meetings with high-ranking officials of Vietnam. The parties will discuss the state and prospects for further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between…

African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has been inaugurated as head of the Republic of South Africa, which enables him to officially kick-off his second term at the helm of the nation. Ramaphosa took his oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Gauteng, witnessed by South Africans from all walks of life, as well as dignitaries from various countries across the continent and beyond. The event marked a significant milestone in the country’s democracy following the elections…

Mpumalanga ANC chairperson Mandla Ndlovu has been elected premier, marking a new era for the province after the 2024 general elections. He replaces embattled former Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, who was forced to relinquish the top job after ANC top brass confirmed Ndlovu’s candidacy in a statement released on Thursday, June 13. The Mpumalanga Legislature elected Ndlovu at its first sitting on Friday.  His election came hours after it emerged that the ANC and the Democratic Alliance had agreed to…

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says his department has completed or made notable progress on most critical infrastructure projects nationwide, but communities are either getting water already or are set to get it early next year.  In an exclusive interview with African Times on Friday last week (May 17) – shortly after inspecting projects in Giyani and other parts of Limpopo – Mchunu said he was satisfied with service delivery strides made by his department, especially in the latter…

African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the governing party has listened to ordinary South Africans’ issues and will deliver on the mandate after securing a decisive vote on Wednesday. Ramaphosa spoke over the weekend at the ANC’s Siyanqoba rally at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This was the ANC leader’s final pre-election campaign rally before the country’s hotly contested elections since democratic rule in 1994.  Ahead of the May 29 polls, various surveys have indicated that…

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema took a public oath days before the May 29 general elections, declaring his allegiance to the South African Constitution, promising to eradicate poverty and toning down on his immigration policy to allay the fears of concerned voters. Malema’s oath was taken at the party’s final pre-election rally, known as “Tshela Thupa”, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, over the weekend. Tshela Thupa rally, a victory lap event that loosely means “whip…

LIMPOPO ANC Youth League (ANCYL) chairperson Tonny Rachuene, who has won praise from traditional leaders for championing their cause, has vowed to “narrow the gap” between the governing party and traditional leaders and restore the latter’s dignity.  Rachuene has won the hearts and minds of many, including Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, after leading a campaign that has seen the youth league visiting more than 20 tribal authorities and lavishing them with gifts…

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been cleared to run as a candidate and appear on the ballot for his party, uMkhonto We Sizwe (MKP), in the upcoming general elections.  The Electoral Court in Johannesburg has upheld his appeal and set aside the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) decision to disqualify his candidacy due to his previous contempt of court conviction.  The ruling paves the way for Zuma to go to Parliament. It marks a dramatic political…

Kwazulu-Natal water utility Umgeni-Uthukela Water says it has expedited a R26 billion water project to alleviate crippling water shortages in the eThekwini Municipality and other parts of the province.  Spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo says the Umkhomazi Dam project will solve the water crisis that has left millions of residents without the precious liquid for many years.  Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu visited the Lower Umkhomazi Water Scheme project on Saturday, April 6, during his whirlwind tour of key infrastructure projects,…