Tag:

limpopo

Police Seek Public Help to Identify News Cafe Shooting Suspects

by Rachel Morgan News Editor June 22, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Western Cape police are seeking public assistance to identify three suspects following the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Vhahangwele Makolana at the News Cafe in Table View on Monday, May 25. According to provincial police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk, the suspects approached the victim at approximately 2:00 p.m., opened fire, and fled the scene with two laptops and a cellular phone.

Investigation into the Table View shooting

Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are analyzing footage of the incident, which has circulated on social media. Captain van Wyk confirmed that the victim, who is believed to be from Venda, Limpopo, was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel. While the gunmen targeted the victim, staff and other patrons present in the restaurant were left unscathed.

Did You Know? The investigation into the incident at Marine Circle involves the review of viral social media footage, which captures the moment the suspects entered the premises before fleeing with the victim’s personal electronics.

Addressing public misinformation

In the wake of the shooting, online speculation incorrectly identified the victim as Joel Booysen, the son of alleged Sexy Boys gang leader Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. Joel Booysen addressed these rumors directly via a social media post, stating he was home and unharmed. Authorities have not established a motive for the attack on Makolana, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Expert Insight: The rapid spread of unverified identities on social media often complicates active criminal investigations. By publicly debunking the rumor regarding Joel Booysen, law enforcement can refocus the public’s attention on the specific, verified persons of interest captured in the restaurant’s security footage.

What happens next in the investigation

The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is currently working to identify the three men seen in the pictures released by the police. A possible next step involves investigators cross-referencing information received from the public with the visual evidence collected from the scene. Individuals with information regarding the suspects’ identities or whereabouts are urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Bradley Davids at 082 778 7345 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the victim of the shooting?
The victim was 33-year-old Vhahangwele Makolana, who is believed to be from Venda, Limpopo.

Were any other patrons injured during the incident?
No. According to police reports, staff and other patrons at the restaurant were left unscathed.

How can members of the public assist the police?
Police are requesting that anyone with information regarding the identities or locations of the suspects contact Detective Warrant Officer Bradley Davids at 082 778 7345 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Are local authorities likely to increase security measures in the Marine Circle area following this incident?

June 22, 2026 0 comments

News

Tragic Taxi Crash Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Student

by Rachel Morgan News Editor June 12, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

A 13-year-old pupil died and 14 others were seriously injured following a collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the R597 near Ngoato Tlou High School on Friday, 12 June. Limpopo transport and community safety spokesperson Mashudu Mabata confirmed the fatality occurred at the scene, noting that the injured include the drivers of both the Toyota Quantum minibus and the Hino truck.

Did You Know? The accident occurred on the R597 along the Lebowakgomo Road, directly impacting traffic flow near a local educational facility, Ngoato Tlou High School.

Circumstances of the collision

Preliminary reports indicate the Toyota Quantum taxi was attempting to change lanes to avoid a pedestrian walking in the road when it collided with the Hino truck. According to Mabata, emergency personnel, police, and traffic officers were dispatched to the site to manage the crash and assist the injured.

Expert Insight: Accidents involving public transport vehicles like the Toyota Quantum often trigger complex investigations due to the high number of passengers involved. The presence of pedestrians on major arterial roads creates significant safety challenges for motorists, particularly in areas near schools where traffic density may fluctuate throughout the day.

Traffic management and ongoing investigations

Authorities have reopened one lane of the R597 to alleviate major traffic disruptions caused by the crash. Mabata has urged motorists to exercise caution, maintain lower speeds, and adhere to all road safety regulations while clearance operations continue.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Depending on the findings of these investigations, authorities may determine if further traffic safety measures are required on the Lebowakgomo Road to protect both pedestrians and motorists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the accident take place?
The crash occurred on the R597 near Ngoato Tlou High School in Sepanapudi, along the Lebowakgomo Road.

How many people were injured in the collision?
A total of 14 people, including the drivers of both involved vehicles, sustained serious injuries.

What was the initial cause of the crash?
According to preliminary reports, the driver of the Toyota Quantum minibus was attempting to change lanes to avoid a pedestrian walking in the road when the collision with the Hino truck occurred.

How can local infrastructure be improved to better protect both pedestrians and commuters on high-traffic school routes?

June 12, 2026 0 comments

News

Ramaphosa Files Urgent Interdict to Halt Impeachment Process

by Rachel Morgan News Editor June 12, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court seeking to halt Parliament’s impeachment process. According to the court papers filed Friday, the President argues the inquiry should be suspended while he challenges the validity of the Section 89 independent panel report, which alleged he may have committed serious misconduct during the 2020 Phala Phala farm burglary.

Did You Know?
The current impeachment committee, established following a Constitutional Court ruling in May, is comprised of 31 Members of Parliament tasked with determining if there are sufficient grounds to recommend the President’s removal from office.

The Legal Challenge to the Section 89 Report

In his latest court filing, President Ramaphosa contends that the impeachment process should not proceed while the legal review of the underlying panel report remains pending. The President reportedly argues that the independent panel “misconceived its mandate” and improperly interpreted the allegations brought against him by former spy boss Arthur Fraser.

View this post on Instagram about Constitutional Court, Arthur Fraser

From Instagram — related to Constitutional Court, Arthur Fraser

The President has warned that allowing the parliamentary process to continue would result in “irreparable harm” and potentially trigger a constitutional conflict. Mr. Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding the theft of millions of US dollars from his Limpopo property.

Expert Insight:
The significance of this filing lies in the tension between judicial oversight and legislative authority. By seeking to pause the committee’s work, the President is attempting to prevent a potential impeachment recommendation from taking root while the foundational report—the very document that triggered the process—is being contested in the High Court.

Context of the Parliamentary Inquiry

This latest legal maneuver follows a May ruling by the Constitutional Court, which found that Parliament acted unlawfully by blocking impeachment proceedings against the President in 2022. That court decision compelled the National Assembly to form a new committee to investigate the matter further.

Phala Phala Saga | Ramaphosa goes to court over impeachment: ATM's Vuyolwethu Zungula reaction

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza subsequently announced the formation of the 31-member committee. The body is now responsible for evaluating whether the evidence meets the threshold for recommending the removal of the President from office.

What Happens Next?

The immediate future of the impeachment inquiry remains uncertain as it hinges on the judiciary’s response to this new application. If the High Court grants the urgent request, the committee’s work could be delayed indefinitely while the court determines whether the Section 89 panel report was lawful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the President seeking to halt the impeachment process?
According to his court filings, the President argues that the process should not continue while he is challenging the lawfulness of the Section 89 independent panel report in court.

What is the role of the 31-member committee?
The committee, announced by Speaker Thoko Didiza, is tasked with determining whether there are sufficient grounds to recommend the President’s removal from office following allegations linked to the Phala Phala scandal.

What is the origin of the Phala Phala allegations?
The scandal began when former spy boss Arthur Fraser accused the President of concealing the theft of millions of US dollars from his Limpopo farm.

How do you view the balance between parliamentary oversight and the right to judicial review in this matter?

June 12, 2026 0 comments

News

Cyril Ramaphosa’s Arrest: It’s a Matter of When, Says Nqakula

by Rachel Morgan News Editor June 9, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Former Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula has publicly predicted that President Cyril Ramaphosa will face arrest within months regarding the Phala Phala scandal. According to Nqakula, the investigation into the 2020 theft of foreign currency from the President’s Limpopo game farm has produced “overwhelming” evidence that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is currently processing.

The Basis for the Arrest Prediction

Nqakula, a veteran African National Congress (ANC) stalwart, stated during an interview on the African Renaissance Network that the legal exposure facing the President is inevitable. He characterized the evidence as a collection of “endless” alleged crimes, including the failure to declare large sums of foreign currency to the South African Reserve Bank and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The former minister also cited allegations that police were used illegally to investigate the robbery, which was reportedly never officially reported, and that individuals were kidnapped and transported across the border to Namibia. Nqakula argued that these findings provide sufficient grounds for the NPA to act, despite the passage of nearly two years since the incident became public.

Did You Know?
The Phala Phala investigation was triggered by a criminal complaint filed in June 2022 by former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser, who alleged that President Ramaphosa concealed the theft of millions of dollars from his game farm.

Why Investigations Take Time

Responding to concerns regarding the slow pace of the prosecution, Nqakula maintained that investigators are being methodical to ensure their case is “airtight.” He noted that cases involving a sitting president carry high professional stakes for law enforcement officers, who must “dot the i’s and cross the t’s” to avoid career-ending failures.

Nqakula drew on his historical experience, referencing a 1992 exchange with a senior police intelligence official who emphasized that professional officers prioritize their own legal standing and pensions over political loyalty. He suggested that contemporary police officers are similarly motivated by self-preservation and are unlikely to risk jail time to protect a politician if the evidence of wrongdoing is clear.

Expert Insight:
The significance of Nqakula’s assessment lies in his background as a former Minister of Safety and Security. His commentary suggests a shift in how political allies view the institutional independence of the NPA. While the President survived a December 2022 impeachment vote in the National Assembly, the ongoing legal pressure highlights the persistent tension between executive power and the criminal justice system’s investigative mandate.

Political and Legal Pressure

Beyond the legal mechanics, Nqakula highlighted a convergence of factors that he believes are narrowing the President’s options. He pointed to rising public anger, pressure from opposition parties, and internal divisions within the ANC as evidence that the political environment is becoming increasingly difficult for the President.

Ramaphosa will be ARRESTED says Charles Nqakula for something other than Phala Phala (ALLEGEDLY)

Nqakula stated that if he were acting as legal counsel for the President, he would advise him to prepare for a formal legal challenge. He concluded that the law is moving toward a resolution, and that the President faces a situation where he has limited room to maneuver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Phala Phala scandal?
The scandal involves the 2020 theft of undisclosed foreign currency from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala Wildlife game farm, and subsequent allegations that the incident was covered up.

Has the President faced previous legal challenges regarding this?
Yes. A Section 89 parliamentary panel previously found prima facie evidence that the President violated the Constitution, though he survived an impeachment vote in the National Assembly in December 2022.

Why does Nqakula believe an arrest is imminent?
Nqakula points to the “sheer weight” of documented evidence and argues that the NPA cannot delay action indefinitely, as police officers are increasingly concerned about their own professional futures and potential liability.

Do you believe the legal process regarding the Phala Phala case is moving at an appropriate speed given the complexity of the allegations?

June 9, 2026 0 comments

News

Nhlamulo Sambo Murder: Police Dismiss Xenophobic Motive

by Rachel Morgan News Editor June 2, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The death of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo, who was stabbed on May 31 in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, has sparked a sharp divide between family accounts and police findings regarding the motive behind the killing.

Conflicting Narratives Over Motive

Family members of the Giyani-born teenager have publicly alleged that his death was the result of xenophobic violence. His sister, Nonhlanhla Sambo, stated on social media that her brother was removed from a friend’s house and killed due to his Tsonga background, asserting that his “only fault was being Tsonga in a Xhosa community.”

His mother, Nkateko Sambo, reinforced these claims in a video, stating that her son was targeted by individuals who mistook him for a foreigner. The family maintains that the incident occurred amidst broader unrest and protests in the region.

Did You Know? Nhlamulo Sambo was a South African citizen originally from Giyani in Limpopo, though family members claim he was targeted during local unrest under the mistaken belief that he was a foreign national.

Police Investigation Findings

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has dismissed the claims of a xenophobic motive, citing preliminary investigations that suggest a criminal altercation. According to Patekile, a 15-year-old witness who was with the deceased reported that the two entered a shack with the intention of taking goods.

Patekile stated that the owner of the shack returned, accosted the pair and subsequently chased and stabbed the teenager to death. Authorities are currently searching for the suspect involved in the stabbing.

Expert Insight: The tension between the family’s testimony and the official police narrative highlights the volatile nature of community unrest. When such tragedies occur, the gap between personal accounts and forensic evidence can complicate the pursuit of justice and deepen community trauma.

Potential Developments

As the police investigation continues, the search for the suspect remains the primary focus for authorities. This proves likely that further details regarding the incident will emerge as the 15-year-old witness provides additional testimony. The family may continue to seek further clarification from authorities as the case progresses through the legal system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the incident involving Nhlamulo Sambo take place?
The incident occurred in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, on May 31.

What is the official police stance on the motive for the killing?
Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile stated that preliminary investigations indicate the teenager was stabbed after being caught attempting to take goods from a shack.

What did the victim’s family claim regarding the cause of death?
The family claimed that Sambo was targeted during xenophobic unrest and killed because of his Tsonga ethnicity, after being mistaken for a foreigner.

How can local authorities best bridge the trust gap between community perceptions of violence and official criminal investigations?

June 2, 2026 0 comments

News

Police Hunt Killer After Mossel Bay Teen Stabbed to Death

by Rachel Morgan News Editor June 2, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Police in the Western Cape are currently searching for a suspect following the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 31, in the KwaNonqaba area of Mossel Bay.

According to Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, the victim was found with a stab wound to the chest after an altercation with another man. Paramedics declared Sambo dead at the scene, and the suspect fled the area before an arrest could be made.

Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

While police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing, the victim’s family has provided a different context. They claim the teenager was killed during riots that were reportedly linked to protests against foreign nationals.

Nonhlanhla Sambo, the victim’s sister, alleged that her brother was forcibly removed from a house and killed for speaking Xitsonga. She described the act as inhumane, stating that his fault was being Tsonga within a Xhosa community.

The victim’s mother, Nkateko Sambo, emphasized that her son was a South African citizen from Giyani, Limpopo. She expressed deep pain over the loss and noted that he was targeted under the false assumption that he was a foreigner.

Did You Know? Nhlamulo Sambo was a South African citizen from Giyani, Limpopo, and his family intends to bury him there this coming Saturday.

Expert Insight: The discrepancy between the official police report of a personal altercation and the family’s allegations of xenophobic violence underscores the profound social complexities and tensions that can emerge during periods of civil unrest.

Investigation and Next Steps

As the investigation into the killing continues, police may eventually identify and apprehend the suspect. The outcome of the investigation will likely depend on the ability of authorities to reconcile the reported altercation with the family’s claims of targeted violence.

In the immediate term, the victim’s mother is seeking donations to cover the costs of transporting her son back to Limpopo. This is necessary to ensure he can be buried in his home province as planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the police investigation?

Warrant Officer Christopher Spies confirmed that police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and are actively searching for the suspect, who fled the scene.

What are the family’s claims regarding the motive for the killing?

The family claims the teen was killed during xenophobic riots and protests against foreign nationals, alleging he was targeted for speaking Xitsonga.

Where was Nhlamulo Sambo from?

According to his mother, he was a South African citizen from Giyani in the Limpopo province.

How do conflicting narratives between official reports and family accounts impact the pursuit of justice in such cases?

June 2, 2026 0 comments

News

Mkhwebane Foundation Seeks US Probe into Ramaphosa

by Rachel Morgan News Editor May 31, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation (BM Foundation) has formally requested that United States authorities investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala scandal. The foundation, a South African justice advocacy group, alleges that violations of U.S. Federal law occurred concerning the receipt, transportation, and concealment of a significant amount of American currency at the president’s private game farm in Bela-Bela, Limpopo.

Allegations of Currency Violations

In its submission, the foundation identifies specific provisions within Title 18 and Title 31 of the United States Code, which govern criminal conduct and currency reporting requirements. The organization contends that the volume of cash involved in the 2020 incident exceeds the statutory threshold of $10,000, triggering requirements for customs and tax reporting that they claim were never met.

The foundation points to conflicting accounts regarding the exact amount of money involved. Representations made to the Section 89 Independent Panel—chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo—suggested that $580,000 was stolen, a sum the president previously stated originated from a cash sale of game to a Sudanese national, Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim Hazim.

Did You Know? In March 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) publicly confirmed that the stolen U.S. Dollars in question had not been declared upon entry into South Africa, despite regulations requiring compliance with exchange control and tax reporting for such transactions.

Context and Implications

The foundation’s request for a U.S. Investigation follows the findings of the Section 89 Independent Panel, which previously concluded on a prima facie basis that President Ramaphosa may have committed a serious violation of the law. A 2023 report by Mkhwebane had previously deferred investigations into foreign exchange and tax compliance to other regulatory bodies, none of which have reached a final determination to date.

Expert Insight: The involvement of international jurisdictions in domestic political scandals marks a significant escalation in the pressure applied to the executive. By invoking U.S. Federal statutes, the foundation is attempting to shift the accountability mechanism beyond local institutions, potentially complicating the legal landscape for the president as he faces ongoing scrutiny regarding the origin and handling of these funds.

Potential Next Steps

Shirley Willemse, chairperson of the BM Foundation, confirmed that the foundation has submitted its request to various whistle-blowing agencies, including Crime Intelligence. The group’s stated goal is for these agencies to facilitate a referral to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as there is no direct channel for such a complaint between the foundation and U.S. Law enforcement.

Phala Phala Dollars | Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation seeks FBI probe

Should the relevant U.S. Agencies initiate a formal investigation, it could lead to proceedings involving criminal prosecution or civil and criminal forfeiture, depending on the evidence uncovered. However, whether such an investigation will be launched remains subject to the discretion of U.S. Authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basis for the foundation’s request to the U.S. Government?
The foundation claims there are reasonable grounds to believe that violations of Title 18 and Title 31 of the U.S. Code occurred regarding the transportation, receipt, and concealment of U.S. Currency at the Phala Phala farm.

Why is the $10,000 threshold significant?
Under U.S. Law, the knowing concealment of more than $10,000 in currency while transporting it into or out of the country without reporting it constitutes a currency smuggling offense.

What has been the official stance on the origin of the funds?
President Ramaphosa has previously claimed the funds were the proceeds of a cash sale of game to a Sudanese national, Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim Hazim, though the foundation maintains that no lawful account of the origin, transportation, or tax treatment of the money has been provided.

How do you believe the use of international legal frameworks impacts the accountability process in domestic scandals?

May 31, 2026 0 comments

News

Arrest Warrant Issued for Businessman Howard Mashaba After Unauthorized China Trip

by Rachel Morgan News Editor May 30, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has issued an immediate warrant of arrest for prominent businessman Howard Mashaba after he failed to appear for his scheduled trial. Mashaba, who faces serious charges including fraud, theft, and money laundering, reportedly departed South Africa for China on a business trip without obtaining the mandatory judicial authorisation.

The Alleged Fraudulent Scheme

The legal proceedings center on alleged fraudulent deeds of sale involving the National Government and the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure. Prosecutors allege that transactions were concluded for properties in Giyani, specifically identified as Erf 2B, Erf 58B, Erf 64B, and Erf 227B, with individual sale amounts ranging from R290,000 to R450,000.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), these transactions were allegedly conducted through Mbangwa Trading and Projects, involving Howard Alex Mashaba, Magezi Ben Mashaba, and the late Fourie Willem Jakobus. Despite these purported sales, the land remained state-owned. notably, one site saw a government building demolished to make way for a hotel.

Did You Know? The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has already secured forfeiture orders against properties linked to this investigation that are valued at more than R22 million.

Implications and Judicial Response

The failure of the accused to appear has forced the court to postpone the trial, which includes three co-accused, until June 29, 2026. Regional NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that the warrant issued for Mashaba is for “immediate execution” as law enforcement agencies attempt to locate him.

Cobb Police issue arrest warrant for Bleckley County Sheriff

Expert Insight: The issuance of an immediate warrant following unauthorised international travel signals a hardening stance from the judiciary regarding flight risks in high-value commercial crime cases. With the Asset Forfeiture Unit having already secured R22 million in assets, the state is clearly prioritising the recovery of proceeds of crime alongside the prosecution of the individuals involved.

What Happens Next

As the trial is delayed until mid-2026, the immediate priority for law enforcement is the execution of the arrest warrant. If Mashaba is located, he may face an intensified bail review process due to his unauthorised departure. The prosecution is likely to continue its efforts to hold the remaining co-accused accountable, while the long-term impact on the disputed properties—including the hotel erected on state land—remains a central point of the ongoing legal battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was a warrant issued for Howard Mashaba?
The warrant was issued because Mashaba failed to appear for his scheduled trial and reportedly left the country for China without the necessary judicial authorisation.

What are the primary charges against the accused?
Mashaba is facing charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering related to alleged fraudulent deeds of sale involving state-owned properties in Giyani.

When will the trial proceed?
The trial has been postponed to June 29, 2026, to allow law enforcement agencies time to track down the absconded accused.

Given the scale of the alleged financial irregularities and the complexity of the property disputes, how do you believe the state should proceed with the assets currently under forfeiture?

May 30, 2026 0 comments

News

Didiza rejects motion of no confidence by ATM against Ramaphosa over Phala Phala inquiry

by Rachel Morgan News Editor May 20, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has declined a request from African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula to table a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The request, which stemmed from the ongoing Phala Phala scandal, was rejected following similar efforts by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party to invoke Section 102 of the Constitution.

Legal Grounds for the Decision

In her formal response, Speaker Didiza cited Assembly Rule 129(2), which requires the Speaker to prioritize motions of no confidence while consulting with the Chief Whip and the Leader of Government Business. She further noted that under Rule 129(3), such motions must comply with House rules, relevant laws, and directives from the Rules Committee.

View this post on Instagram about Constitutional Court, President Ramaphosa

From Instagram — related to Constitutional Court, President Ramaphosa

The Speaker determined that the motion’s grounds were already being addressed by the Assembly. This follows the Constitutional Court judgment in Economic Freedom Fighters and Another v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others (2026) ZACC 17.

Didiza emphasized that the theft at the Phala Phala farm has already been referred to an impeachment committee for further inquiry. Under Rule 90, she stated that discussion of the matter should not be anticipated through other mechanisms while this process is underway.

Did You Know? The Phala Phala scandal involves the theft of $580,000 that was allegedly hidden inside a sofa at President Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo in February 2020.

Opposition Demands and Constitutional Rulings

The ATM and MK Party argued that recent events have undermined public trust in the president. The ATM specifically submitted a motion targeting both Ramaphosa and his Cabinet, claiming his continued tenure damages the integrity of the Office of the President.

The MK Party requested that any potential vote of no confidence be conducted via secret ballot to protect Members of Parliament from internal intimidation.

These requests followed a Constitutional Court ruling that found Parliament’s previous handling of the Phala Phala report was invalid and unconstitutional. The court overturned a December 2022 decision not to refer the matter to an impeachment committee and ruled that Assembly Rule 129I was unconstitutional.

Expert Insight: This situation highlights a complex procedural tension. While opposition parties are attempting to use motions of no confidence to force immediate accountability, the Speaker is relying on the strict sequence of parliamentary rules and the specific mandates of the Constitutional Court to channel the inquiry through a formal impeachment committee instead.

Current Status and Potential Next Steps

President Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing, describing the Section 89 Independent Panel report—chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo—as “flawed.” He has consistently rejected calls from opposition parties to resign.

Didiza rejects ATM's motion of no confidence

Moving forward, the President may seek to overturn the findings of the panel, as he has confirmed he will take the report on judicial review following legal advice. Meanwhile, Parliament is expected to establish the impeachment committee to conduct a full inquiry as ordered by the apex court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Speaker Thoko Didiza decline the motion of no confidence?
She declined the submission because the grounds for the motion are already being handled by the Assembly via an impeachment committee, as directed by the Constitutional Court. She also cited Rule 90, which prevents the anticipation of a matter already under inquiry.

What did the Constitutional Court rule regarding the Phala Phala report?
The court ruled that Parliament’s handling of the report was unconstitutional and invalid, specifically overturning the December 2022 decision not to refer the report to an impeachment committee. It also declared Rule 129I of the Assembly’s rules to be unconstitutional.

What is President Ramaphosa’s legal strategy regarding the panel report?
President Ramaphosa intends to take the Section 89 Independent Panel report on judicial review after receiving advice from his legal team.

Do you believe parliamentary committees or motions of no confidence are the more effective tool for ensuring executive accountability?

May 20, 2026 0 comments

News

Papa Penny joins Floyd Shivambu’s Afrika Mayibuye Movement

by Rachel Morgan News Editor May 20, 2026

written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Gezane Eric Kobane, widely recognized as “Papa Penny,” has joined the Afrika Mayibuye Movement following his resignation from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and Parliament. The announcement was made by Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Shivambu confirmed that the movement has accepted the membership of the “Shangaan Disco King,” noting that Kobane will occupy a key leadership position within the organization.

Strategic Leadership in Limpopo

Papa Penny is tasked with leading the movement’s campaign efforts within the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in Limpopo, as well as other reachable areas. Shivambu highlighted Kobane’s experience as a dependable political figure, citing his tenure as a councillor in the Greater Giyani Municipality for more than 10 years.

View this post on Instagram about Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Greater Giyani Municipality

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According to Shivambu, Kobane was the best-performing councillor for Ward 5 in the Greater Giyani Municipality, making him a strategic choice to head the campaign programme in that region.

Did You Know? Papa Penny served as a councillor in the Greater Giyani Municipality for over a decade and was recognized as the best-performing councillor for Ward 5.

Internal Conflict and Resignation

Kobane’s transition follows his resignation from the MK Party and Parliament last week. In a resignation letter addressed to former President Jacob Zuma, Kobane cited internal conflicts, including vilification and attacks from the party’s Limpopo provincial leadership.

Kobane stated that while he accepted that the struggle for emancipation could come at a personal cost, he did not expect challenges to arise from within his own organization. He described the internal behavior as a “betrayal” that was impossible to overlook.

He further expressed concern over media statements he claimed were intended to damage his dignity and the reputation he spent decades building. Despite these conflicts, Kobane thanked President Zuma for the opportunity to serve in the National Parliament.

Expert Insight: The recruitment of a known regional figure like Papa Penny, paired with a wave of specialized appointments, suggests a calculated effort by the Afrika Mayibuye Movement to convert individual popularity into structured organizational capacity ahead of the 2026 polls.

Preparations for 2026 Elections

The addition of Papa Penny is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the organization before the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026.

FORMER MK PARTY MP PAPA PENNY JOINS AFRIKA MAYIBUYE MOVEMENT

Shivambu announced several other key appointments to build this capacity, including:

Dr Moselene Du Plessis: Deputy national organiser
Themba Nzimande (Skeem GP): Head of mobilisation
Precious Mthiyane: Head of membership
Nweti Bila: Head of business development
Molatelo Mahladisa: Head of elections
Lufuno Buda: Coordinator of the religious desk
Grace Dlamini: National coordinator of transport
Blessing Ramoba: Head of the Mayibuye Agricultural Support Programme

Shivambu called upon capable South Africans to engage with the movement’s policies, asserting that those free from class, ethnic, or racial prejudices would find their positions correct.

Future Outlook

With these new appointments and the addition of Kobane, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement may see an increase in its organizational reach. The movement’s focus on the Greater Giyani Local Municipality could potentially shift the political dynamics in Limpopo as the November 4 election approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Papa Penny resign from the MK Party?
He cited internal attacks, vilification, and reputational damage allegedly caused by the party’s Limpopo provincial leadership.

What is Papa Penny’s new role in the Afrika Mayibuye Movement?
He will play a key leadership role and lead the movement’s campaign in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality and surrounding areas.

When are the next local government elections?
The local government elections will be held on November 4, 2026.

Do you believe high-profile individual appointments are the most effective way for new political movements to build organizational capacity?

May 20, 2026 0 comments

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