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/ 17 September 2004
Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff is facing a legal challenge to her authority by the heads of two key provincial government departments — who are believed to have the support of the African National Congress in the province. In July she announced a reshuffle of the provincial Cabinet, shifting four provincial directors general to different departments — in what was seen as a bid to consolidate her grip.
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/ 17 September 2004
The national public service strike did not succeed in shutting down South Africa on Thursday. But the government was wrong-footed by the strike turnout and the extent of public sympathy for the action, according to a strategically placed observer. While the strike call appears to have drawn a patchy response, the government was caught on the hop by the extent of public sympathy for teachers, nurses and other civil servants.
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/ 9 September 2004
It is a demanding time to be a Cabinet minister. With President Thabo Mbeki pressing hard for progress on major initiatives in economic development, service delivery and social welfare, departments are working to a rigorous, and very public, timetable. Tough deadlines and public exposure keep Cabinet hopping.
The South African Communist Party will from next month pressure both the government and commercial agriculture to accelerate land and agrarian reform. The announcement coincides with Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs Thoko Didiza’s appointment this week of a panel of experts to study the extent and impact of foreign land ownership in the country.
”I am starting to push myself into influential positions. That is the only way left. Most of the guys on the local youth league are weak intellectually and I can convince them. Based on other people’s experiences, it should enhance my prospects of getting a job in the government,” said Bonolo, a 24-year-old graduate. Naked opportunism or practicality?
The African National Congress has taken all six wards and emerged as the dominant party on the proportional representation ballot in this week’s by-elections for the troubled Mamusa Town Council, which covers the semi-rural town of Schweizer-Reinecke in the North West province. The council has a bank balance of R115 000, debtors amount to R27-million and creditors R3,6-million.
African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) president-elect has warned that ”there is no room for careerists and opportunists who merely seek to advance their own interests and disregard the collective” in the lead-up to the league congress next week. Fikile Mbalula is standing unopposed for the position of president of the league at its national congress, to be held in Johannesburg from Wednesday.
Though no longer in office, former housing minister Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele used public funds to fight her appeal court battle. Her case, decided by the Supreme Court of Appeals this week, was fought by the state attorneys’ office and may have cost R500 000, legal experts say.
Though no longer in office, former housing minister Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele used public funds to fight her appeal court battle. Her case, decided by the Supreme Court of Appeals this week, was fought by the state attorneys’ office and may have cost R500 000, legal experts say.
Young South African politicians are rebelling against the established leadership of their parties as they struggle to revive organisations that, in some cases, seem to be on their last legs after suffering serious setbacks in the last general election. And political youth groups have a patchy record when it comes to protecting their members’ interest. We take a closer look at some of the bigger players.