ANC asks Constitutional Court to allow local election candidates to stand
The ANC has filed an application with the Constitutional Court to allow candidates not included on its final lists to be allowed to stand in the upcoming elections. It has blamed problems with the IEC’s submission system for their exclusion. Its application rests on the meaning of the term “submit”, and whether a button on the interface can count as a part of the conditions of compliance. The UDM intends to join as a friend of the court, as other parties claim to have been affected by the same issue.
Mass killing in KwaMakhutha
Eleven people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a mass shooting in Iziko, KwaMakhutha, Durban, on Tuesday night. The victims were reportedly among 14 people at a house party when gunmen forced them into one room and opened fire. Ten died at the scene and another in hospital, while three survived. Police are hunting the attackers and investigating possible gang links, with some victims reportedly being known to crime intelligence for alleged illegal activities. There are fears the attack will prompt retaliatory violence.
Falling voter trust endangers democracy – IEC
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has warned that declining voter confidence is a major challenge confronting the country, and that political parties need to work towards restoring trust in the democratic process. Speaking at the signing of the code of electoral conduct, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the 2025/26 Voter Participation Survey showed that only 17% of adults were satisfied with democracy, while 68% were actively dissatisfied with it.
Another Madlanga Commission “sick note” saga
Taxi boss Bafana “King of the Sky” Sindane is seeking a postponement of his appearance before the Madlanga Commission after submitting a medical certificate. This is the latest instance of someone called to appear before the commission pleading ill health to avoid or delay doing so. Sindane’s legal team also want him to testify only after an urgent High Court application on October 6 challenging the commission’s use of evidence seized from his cellphone. The application seeks to block access to his WhatsApp messages, including exchanges with taxi figure Joe Sibanyoni allegedly involving discussions about hitmen. The commission is opposing the postponement.
Britain to review Chagos deal over US concerns
The UK is reviewing its agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after US President Donald Trump criticised the deal as “terrible”. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the review was necessary because Washington had indicated strong opposition to the agreement. The existing deal would see Britain pay Mauritius to lease the Diego Garcia military base, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham said securing the base’s future remained a critical security interest and pledged to work with the US and Mauritius to resolve the dispute.
Reserve Bank ups repo rate
The South African Reserve Bank has raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%, citing persistent inflation and risks from higher global interest rates. August headline inflation increased to 4.4%, remaining above the Bank’s 3% target. Governor Lesetja Kganyago said inflation could exceed 5% later this year before easing towards 3% by the end of 2027. Economist Bheki Mahlobo said pressure on the rand could prompt another 25-basis-point increase, potentially taking the repo rate to 7.50%.
Iran defiant at the UN, rejects US “bullying”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone towards the United States, saying Iran will “never bow our head or bend at the knee”. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian criticised what he called US “bullying” and said pressure and sanctions would strengthen his country’s resistance. He warned against replacing diplomacy with military power and called for international cooperation to achieve peace and stability. Pezeshkian said Iran was open to engaging with the world, and that regional security could only be achieved through cooperation, fairness, justice and human dignity.
Sources: CNN, The Common Sense, News24, BBC, IOL, Mail & Guardian