Politics
latest news & developments
Only DA mayor in KwaZulu-Natal to be sworn in
Chris Pappas will be sworn in as KwaZulu-Natal's only DA mayor after the party secured an outright majority in the uMngeni local municipality.
Editorial: Lot more money for the fat cats
As Statistics South Africa reports unemployment climbing to 33.7%, President Cyril Ramaphosa has sparked outrage by approving pay hikes of up to 4% for public office-bearers and…
We are free but belonging is a struggle
Decolonisation cannot belong only to the leaders who negotiated the 1994 transition or the state institutions speaking in its name. It must be lived and shaped in everyday…
More parties; fewer voters
Despite a record surge in political parties contesting South Africa's elections, voter participation continues to decline as citizens confront unfulfilled promises, coalition…
Cosatu decries public office-bearers’ salary increases as excessive
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of up to 4% for politicians, traditional leaders, and judges, drawing sharp criticism from trade union federation Cosatu.
President Ramaphosa approves salary increases for fat cats in public office
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases between 3.5% and 4% for government officials, lawmakers, and members of the judiciary despite growing economic challenges.
When voters start asking questions after the ballot is cast
After local elections, some South African voters experienced regret upon discovering the full context behind social media campaign clips. Examining candidate records is crucial…
IEC Declares 2026 local elections ‘free and fair’ as SA enters coalition era
Following the IEC's declaration of the 2026 local government elections as free and fair, economists and political analysts weigh in on what the shift toward municipal coalitions…
Trust in the IEC remains high, at 81%
President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the IEC's official announcement of the 2026 Local Government Elections final results at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
IEC orders recounts in five wards as election objections mount
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has ordered recounts in five wards across Tshwane and Mangaung as it handles nearly 200 objections ahead of Sunday's final results…
Malema calls for progressive alliance as EFF confronts electoral losses
EFF leader Julius Malema has addressed the party's declining electoral support, urging progressive parties to unite while pledging to direct party resources towards delivering…
Shorter queues, high satisfaction — but voter trust in IEC slips
An HSRC survey reveals South African voters experienced shorter queues and were satisfied with the 2026 municipal elections, even as trust in the IEC continues to slip.
Why voters must put competence before race
South Africa's democracy can only deliver prosperity and better services when citizens move beyond racial and ethnic voting lines to demand accountability and competence.
ANC may need a blue lifeline in Joburg
As election results point to a tight race in Johannesburg, the ANC may be pushed toward an uneasy coalition with the DA despite fierce resistance from local party leaders.
A historic election for South Africa
Fed up with widespread service delivery failures and unstable municipal coalitions, millions of South Africans took to the polls in a pivotal local government election defined by…