News Focus: A widening war, a narrowing margin for error
The war involving Iran, the United States and Israel has entered a more dangerous phase, defined less by decisive victories than by expanding reach, blurred accountability and mounting global costs. Events over the past 48 hours, from the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, suggest a conflict that is no longer contained geographically, militarily or economically.
News Focus: BEE under pressure
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has written to Deputy President Paul Mashatile challenging him to provide concrete evidence for his claim that B-BBEE has proved to be a “great success” and a non-negotiable part of South Africa’s economic progress.
Masemola concedes lack of evidence, cyber breach warning, Lumumba trial revisits colonial past
National police commissioner Fannie Masemola has conceded he has no evidence linking Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to alleged drug cartel activity, despite earlier claims raised during the Madlanga commission. The admission follows mounting political pressure and scrutiny over allegations of organised crime infiltration in law enforcement. The development may weaken claims of direct political involvement as investigations into corruption and criminal networks continue.
SANDF backs police to restore state authority, Ramaphosa criticised over Khampepe stance, US seeks Hormuz security support
General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, says troops will work closely with police to ensure the state retains what he described as a “monopoly of force” in areas affected by organised crime. Troops have been deployed to assist law-enforcement operations targeting gang violence and illegal mining, with the military operating under police command. Authorities say the move is aimed at restoring order in communities where violent crime has surged.
News Focus: Trump presses allies to police Hormuz as Iran escalates
The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified over the weekend as Donald Trump urged allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran vowed to expand retaliatory attacks across the region.
News Focus: Army deployment against illegal mining sparks debate over legality and oversight
The South African government’s decision to deploy soldiers to assist police in tackling illegal mining has triggered debate over both the effectiveness of the operation and the legal basis for the military presence in parts of Johannesburg.
SA’s water woes, signs of Russian hand in Iran’s drone tactics, and spat between Mbalula and Kriel
SA’s municipal water services in “vicious downward spiral” – DG The Director General of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sean Phillips, says increasing private-sector
Provinces must choose: keep BEE premiums or put residents ahead of tenderpreneurs – IRR
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has put provincial finance MECs on the spot, urging them to act on their own promises to maximise value for money as a way of restoring their provinces’ fiscal good health.
SA rebukes US ambassador, army deployed in Joburg, warning that state capture persists
Lamola warns US ambassador not to polarise South Africa International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has warned US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell that his comments must
SA’s economic mood brighter, but fundamentals haven’t caught up – IRR
South Africa’s economic mood may have improved, but the fundamentals have not followed at the same pace, warns Anlu Keeve, Economic Policy Analyst at the Institute of Race Relations (IRR).