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Saturday, June 7, 2025

Thabo Makwakwa

IOL Digital Journalist

Ntshavheni's silence on arms exports raises concerns over international obligations

After 51 days without a response from Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni regarding allegations of South African weapons being used in international conflicts, the Joint Standing Committee on Defence raises urgent concerns over the government's compliance with international treaties.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The decline of the NPA under Shamila Batohi

Six years into Adv Shamila Batohi's leadership, the National Prosecuting Authority faces criticism over high-profile failures and a decline in public trust. This article explores the challenges and calls for reform within South Africa's justice system.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Unanswered questions over Markus Jooste's mysterious death

A day before his death, Jooste was under intense scrutiny from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), which had imposed a R475 million administrative fine on him for accounting irregularities linked to his former company, Steinhoff.

Cape Argus News
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Smoke, mirrors, and a dead CEO: Who’s hiding what in the Markus Jooste death mystery?

Over a year after the controversial death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, questions remain unanswered as authorities maintain silence on the investigation, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Ex-Eskom executive Jan Oberholzer’s battery tender win raises concerns of insider advantage

he BBC has condemned the R9. 5 billion battery storage contract awarded to Mulilo Energy, questioning the fairness of the process and the role of ex-Eskom COO Jan Oberholze

Business
Mthobisi Nozulela and Thabo Makwakwa|Published

COMMENT | Shivambu’s exit exposes fragile leadership and factional tensions in MK Party

Floyd Shivambu's removal as Secretary-General of the MK Party highlights ongoing leadership instability and raises questions about the party's future. This article explores the implications of his departure and the broader challenges facing South Africa's political landscape.

Opinion
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Watch VideoThe implications of Floyd Shivambu's demotion from the MK Party

Floyd Shivambu's ousting as Secretary-General of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party ignites fierce debate over the party's governance and stability, echoing the controversial leadership style of former President Jacob Zuma.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Maile tables revised R172. 3bn budget, vowing service delivery and fiscal discipline

Gauteng's Finance MEC, Lebogang Maile, has re-tabled the province's budget for 2025/2026, increasing it to R172. 3 billion. The revised budget aims to enhance service delivery, ensure fiscal discipline, and promote inclusive growth in response to economic challenges.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Watch VideoLIVE | Floyd Shivambu removed as MK Party secretary-general

Amidst rising tensions within the MK Party, speculation mounts over Floyd Shivambu's potential removal as secretary-general following complaints from party members, including Jacob Zuma’s daughter.

News Politics
Hope Ntanzi , Kamogelo Moichela and Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Corruption and Mismanagement | The legacy facing NFVF's next CEO

Industry insiders warn that the next CEO of the National Film & Video Foundation will face significant challenges, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement, as the organisation seeks to restore its credibility within the South African film industry.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

National security at threat as alarm bells rung over SANDF Air Force Engineer shortage

The South African Air Force is grappling with a critical shortage of Flight Engineers, jeopardising national security and operational readiness. Despite government promises of increased funding, urgent action is needed to address personnel issues and ensure the safety of vital missions.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

IOL EXCLUSIVE | KZN councillor and wife implicated in alleged corruption on R29bn N3 highway upgrade

An exclusive investigation by IOL uncovers serious allegations of corruption and financial misconduct involving a local politician and his wife, linked to the R29 billion N3 highway upgrade project, raising concerns about integrity and accountability.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Watch VideoJoburg in decay | From economic hub to urban decline

ohannesburg, South Africa's largest city, faces a dual reality of economic opportunity and urban decay. This article delves into the challenges of unemployment, inequality, and failing infrastructure that threaten the city's future.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Straining to support: South Africa’s social grants are vital but can the state keep up?

With over 25 million South Africans relying on social grants, the sustainability of this welfare system is under scrutiny. Experts warn that without significant reforms, the reliance on grants could hinder economic growth and social stability.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

B-BBEE ICT Sector Council raises alarm over new BEE policy proposals

The B-BBEE ICT Sector Council expresses serious concerns over new government policy proposals that may undermine economic transformation in South Africa's ICT sector, warning of potential risks to local industry and jobs.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

How 'violence' narratives threaten South Africa's tourism industry

Tourism experts urge South Africa's hospitality sector to counter negative global narratives, emphasising the country's positive attributes and the importance of safety for visitors.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Updated

The Bitter Rivalry: MK Party vs EFF and its impact on black political unity

Amidst South Africa's fragile political landscape, the rivalry between the MK Party and the EFF threatens to deepen divisions among black political formations, as leaders clash over influence and ideology.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Updated

Waves of discontent amid Starlink's likely entrance into South Africa's digital space

Elon Musk's Starlink is poised to enter the South African telecommunications market, prompting industry players and regulators to reassess their strategies for digital inclusion and competition.

Daily News News
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Starlink's role in bridging the digital divide in South Africa

"Elon Musk's Starlink is poised to enter the South African telecommunications market, prompting Vodacom and industry regulators to discuss the implications for digital inclusion and competition.

Cape Argus News
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The impact of Starlink on South African digital inclusion

Elon Musk's Starlink is poised to enter the South African telecommunications market, prompting industry players and regulators to reassess their strategies for digital inclusion and competition.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Thabo Mbeki calls for a reassessment of South Africa's national interests in a multipolar world

What does a multipolar world mean for South Africa? Thabo Mbeki shares his insights on foreign policy and the need for African nations to assert their interests.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Thabo Mbeki urges African governments to prioritise history education

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki calls for a renewed focus on teaching African history in schools, emphasising its importance for youth empowerment and unity across the continent.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Johann Rupert's influence on Elon Musk's Starlink in South Africa

What happens when billionaires influence national policy? Following a pivotal White House meeting, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite venture is on the brink of regulatory changes in South Africa.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Navigating US-SA Relations: Perspectives from Former Ambassador Welile Nhlapo

Former South African ambassador Welile Nhlapo shares his insights on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the US, discussing the implications for US-South Africa relations amid shifting political dynamics.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Is Mashatile's visit to France at odds with African unity?

Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to France has ignited a debate on South Africa's foreign policy, as critics question the timing amidst growing anti-French sentiment in the Sahel region.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published