Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu sticks with MK
Here's your daily news update for Thursday, 19 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, former uMkhonto weSizwe party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has vowed to remain within the Jacob Zuma-led political formation, despite considering forming a new party.
Meanwhile, alarm bells are ringing over the number of Gauteng police vehicles currently in the workshop awaiting repairs.
Furthermore, the EFF has confirmed that Julius Malema was denied entry into the United Kingdom (UK) due to his political views.
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Shivambu says money stolen from MK party – and he won't resign
Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has vowed to remain within the Jacob Zuma-led political formation, despite considering forming a new party.
Shivambu was recently dismissed from his role as secretary-general following a controversial trip to Malawi, where he visited fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri.
Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu at Sandton Sun And Towers on 24 February 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi
Although it was initially announced that he would be redeployed to parliament, this has not yet materialised.
During a press briefing held at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Shivambu claimed that his removal was the result of allegations that he was plotting to unseat Zuma as leader of the MK party.
CONTINUE READING: Shivambu says money stolen from MK party – and he won't resign
Here's how many Gauteng police vehicles are standing idle
Alarm bells are ringing over the number of Gauteng police vehicles currently in the workshop awaiting repairs.
Several stations were found to be operating with more than 20% of their fleet out of service, while tasked with policing more than 200 000 residents in their precincts.
Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock
A report compiled by the provincial government also listed the reasons for the breakdowns, as well as the size and population of each station.
The report showed that 710 out of 5 630 police vehicles were standing idle as of the end of May.
CONTINUE READING: Here's how many Gauteng police vehicles are standing idle
Banned again: Malema's presence not 'conducive to the public good', say UK authorities
The EFF has confirmed that Julius Malema was denied entry into the United Kingdom (UK) due to his political views.
On Thursday, EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party received a letter from the British government indicating that Malema was denied a visa because of his views on the Israeli war in Gaza and his controversial race-centred political views.
EFF leader Julius Malema. Picture: Neil McCartney/The Citizen
'In a correspondence from the UK Home Office Secretary, the country has confirmed that it has effectively banned the president of the EFF due to his position in relation to the genocide of Palestinian people, and his expressed support for the resistance movement fighting against the genocidal Israeli regime. As well as his position and that of the EFF on racial inequality in South Africa,' he said.
Thambo said the letter states that Malema's presence in the UK would not be desirable under the current circumstances.
CONTINUE READING: Banned again: Malema's presence not 'conducive to the public good', say UK authorities
Tobacco Bill bans sale of loose cigarettes – informal traders fear bankruptcy
The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill in South Africa prohibits the sale of single cigarettes (or loose cigarettes), which informal traders say could bankrupt their businesses.
The Portfolio Committee on Health discussed the impact of the Bill on businesses earlier this week. Members have completed public hearings in all provinces and are now taking oral submissions in parliament.
For illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock
Mampapatla Madikoto, Limpopo Small, Medium Enterprises and Hawkers Association general secretary, told members of the portfolio committee that the ban on single cigarettes would cripple their operations, as many of their customers not only buy cigarettes but also other items.
CONTINUE READING: Tobacco Bill bans sale of loose cigarettes – informal traders fear bankruptcy
South Africa's award-winning trio bags another accolade at Monte-Carlo Television Festival
If it's not broke, don't fix it, they say.
And the film trio of actress Leleti Khumalo, producer Anant Singh, and film director and writer Darrell Roodt need not fix anything, as the three scooped another award last night at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
SA film Don't Give Up won at the Monte-Carlo Television festival. Picture: Supplied
'I'd like to thank the Videovision team and the director, Darrell Roodt, who came up with this amazing project. And I thank Anant for always believing in me and for always having faith in me,' Khumalo said in her speech.
South Africa's trio won the Golden Nymph Award in the 'Special Creation' category for the film Don't Give Up.
CONTINUE READING: South Africa's award-winning trio bags another accolade at Monte-Carlo Television Festival
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday's News recap
READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Bavuma: Proteas win sinks in | MaMkhize's luxury cars up for auction | Kyalami nears F1
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IOL News
42 minutes ago
- IOL News
The political gamble of Floyd Shivambu: Is he overestimating his popularity?
Floyd Shivambu's political maneuvers raise questions about his future in MK and the potential for a new party. As he navigates a treacherous political landscape, will he succeed or face expulsion?" Image: X/floydshivambu Call South African politics and politicians many things but predictable is not one of them. Fresh from Liam Jacobs crossing over from the Democratic Alliance to his political nemesis, The Patriotic Alliance, South Africans were treated to another bombshell this week. Former EFF founder turned former uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu announced he was mulling the idea of forming a new party of his own - but not yet. He will remain a member of MK for now. Confused? Don't be. Its the chess game of politics. Shivambu is pulling off the same stunt as that of former president Jacob Zuma, now MK leader. Remember how Zuma made the shocking announcement he was leading MK while still a member of the ANC in 2023? He was later expelled from the ANC and returned leading the pack with MK's spectacular victory at the last general elections. Malema did the same when he too was expelled from the ANC in 2012 - and went on to form the EFF together with Shivambu. The EFF too, drew massive support away from the ANC, which was the catalyst of the party's subsequent decline. Shivambu is playing the same game. Mudding the political waters. Daring the MK to expel him. Except he is not Zuma. Or Malema. South Africans don't take well to political chameleons. Party hopping does not work unless you are a huge political figure. Shivambu is a well known figure - but not a powerful leader in his own right. He was given wings by parties led by powerful public figures who command support. Shivambu was the think-tank behind the EFF and later MK strategist and national organiser. Less than a year after joining MK, Shivambu's wings were clipped before he could fly. Was that the issue? Was Shivambu seen as a threat within MK by Zuma's inner circle? His feud with Zuma's daughter Duduzile played out on social media as she unleashed her fury at his character, calling him the 'worst thing to happen to MK'. And, despite her apology, its well known the animosity between them persisted. The tussle for Zuma's ear and ultimately control of the party. Shivambu certainly hinted at that. His axing as MK Secretary General was the final clipping of his wings and clearly ruffled his feathers enough for him to make the decision to go out on his own - at some point. Shivambu no doubt has the backing of funders who call the tune. That's just how it works. Those who pay the piper, call the tune. But is Shivambu overestimating his popularity in taking on MK and the EFF? Calling the EFF a 'cult' and Zuma 'gullible' is hardly a recipe for success when those leaders still command a massive following, especially on the ground. And more critically, Shivambu lacks the charm - crucial when mobilising support at grass roots level. Both Malema and Zuma use their personal populism which appeals to their support base. Malema, a political demagogue, uses his kill the boer song to rile African support while Zuma's identity in Zulu tribalism is his draw card. Both the EFF and MK have leaders as their brand identities. Shivambu taking them on is brave but a huge miscalculation. Already, the response to him potentially forming his own party is being shot down by most South Africans. Social media is abuzz as South Africans weigh in. Shivambu is being called out as not trust worthy for visiting fraud accused fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. He is also being taken to task for remaining within MK while talking of forming a new party. His bold announcement may have backfired. During his media briefing, a confident Shivambu threw several salvos at MK - a party he still remains a member of. He accused Zuma of being surrounded by 'political scoundrels' who he said 'take drugs and tweet at night' - a thinly veiled reference to Duduzile, the only one who has openly criticised Shivambu with her late night tweets previously. Clearly Shivambu is being led to believe the time is right for another political party. Its a path many before him have followed, some popular, others simply overestimating their popularity. And, despite the misguided reference to Zuma as 'gullible,' Shivambu knows too well his days with MK are numbered. He will be expelled. Others before him faced the same fate for far less transgressions within the party. Zuma will not tolerate Shivambu campaigning for another party while within the MK. And Shivambu's expulsion is not a question of if - but when. And, given Zuma's fury at Shivambu, that expulsion is likely to be fast and furious. Until then, Shivambu is a man on the ledge. ** Zohra Teke is an independent writer and journalist. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL IOL Opinion Zohra Teke Image: Independent Newspapers
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
UCT should not cave into pressure over Gaza stance, say alumni group
Univeristy of Cape Town. Image: File UCT Alumni for Palestine have described the legal challenge action against the institution over its stance on the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza as yet another attempt to pressure the university into rescinding its resolutions condemning state-sponsored violence and the systematic destruction of education and healthcare in Gaza. The university has been hauled before the courts to defend two resolutions that it passed in 2024. The resolutions aimed to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. They include a 'call, again, for an immediate ceasefire, the passage of humanitarian aid and the return of all captives as contained in the Senate's resolution of 17 November 2023; condemn the destruction of the education sector in Gaza and the massive scale of killing of teachers and university staff in the current war'. The resolutions also express concern and opposition to any attempts to curtail academic freedom by labelling criticism of Israel or Zionist policies as antisemitism. The alumni group said those who have been engaged in institutional discourse at UCT over the past year will have heard the objectives of academic freedom, funding and collegiality have been repeatedly emphasised by the Vice-Chancellor. 'We agree that all three are of critical importance to the university and its functioning. In our understanding, academic freedom is first and foremost protected by valuing truth over power, which in the present instance would suggest standing firm with UCT's academics in their legitimate stand against Israel's assault on Gaza. While the IDF resolution limits certain academic collaborations, this is an ordinary ethical consequence where academic freedom is abused to engage in human rights violations. Before 1994, our right to freedom in South Africa necessitated an academic boycott as a weapon against those in power." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ They called on the university to publicly denounce the withdrawal of funding intended to 'coerce or distract' from UCT's commitment to ethical leadership and academic freedom. UCT did not directly respond to the calls and instead referred to several statements on its position on Gaza. In March, a motion for the Gaza resolutions and the university's opposition to the pending Western Cape High Court case be rescinded was tabled. The Council vote was tied. 'However, as a result of the Chair's casting vote, a further vote on the merits of the motion was permitted. By narrow majority, the motion was not carried,' the university council said at the time. UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said UCT Alumni for Palestine was not a formally recognised or affiliated university structure, but rather a group of nine alumni and needed to address council to raise its concerns. 'The university also notes that the statement is incorrectly addressed to and requests a response from the executive. The university's Gaza resolutions were not passed by either the management nor the Vice-Chancellor, but by the UCT Council. Therefore, any concerns around the resolutions would have to be directed at Council, via the appropriate existing channels. "UCT's position on the Gaza matter has been communicated on several occasions: first through a statement issued in December 2023; and then through Council's resolutions in June 2024; and through an updated statement issued in October 2024. UCT has also issued statements by Council in March 2025 and by the executive in May 2025 on the US federal funding matter,' said Moholola. CAPE TIMES
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Shivambu remains with Zuma's party despite plans for new political formation
Floyd Shivambu. Image: Tumi Pakkies FORMER uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu will remain a member of the Jacob Zuma-led party despite his intention of forming a new political party. "I'm saying that we are going to consult with the people of South Africa and if uMkhonto weSizwe believes that going to listen to people violates that constitution then it will tell me that." His stance appears to mirror Zuma's move when he refused to terminate his ANC membership after he had announced that he would be leading the MK Party. Shivambu told a media briefing in Johannesburg that his removal from his position was due to a fake intelligence report claiming he wanted to overthrow Zuma. According to Shivambu, the fake intelligence report alleged that he was accumulating supernatural powers to make people disappear and was plotting to dethrone Zuma. "It was extremely bizarre and a fake intelligence report that I was about to overthrow Zuma and that I had supernatural powers to make people disappear." Shivambu claimed that Zuma is surrounded by "political scoundrels" who are taking advantage of his age and kindness to influence him to make decisions that favour their agendas. He further alleged that these individuals are siphoning off millions from the party and that his leadership was being undermined. Shivambu's demotion was announced by the party on June 3, with the reason cited as his visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church in Malawi over the Easter weekend. However, Shivambu said Zuma had initially agreed to his trip to Malawi, but later reversed his decision after being influenced by those around him. Shivambu's future in the party has been uncertain since his removal as secretary-general. In response, he announced that he would consult with various communities and groups to gauge whether he should launch his own political party. Shivambu said he would never join the ANC because it was disorganised and the EFF a cult.
