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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
President Ramaphosa celebrates 30 years of the Constitutional Court's role in safeguarding democracy
. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the Concourt's remarkable contributions to freedom, dignity, and social justice. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers From ensuring same sex marriages, access to HIV/Aids treatment, to ensuring social justice is affirmed, the country's Constitutional Court, which on Friday celebrated 30 years of existence, has been hailed for its contribution to the country's constitutional democracy. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the apex court's contribution to freedom, dignity, and justice during his keynote address at the court's headquarters at Constitution Hill, Braamfontein.. Ramaphosa also extended his gratitude to all the Chief Justices and Senior Justices who have led the highest court in the land over the past three decades. Over the years, the court has handed down some judgments that have had a profound impact on the law in South Africa, including the abolishment of the death penalty in 1995, the 2002 right to health care and access to HIV/Aids treatment, the 2004 right of access to social security by permanent residents, among many others. "When the Constitutional Court was established 30 years ago, it was a bold response to a history that had denied the majority of South Africans basic human rights. The court was tasked with safeguarding the Constitution of 1996. Each role was deeply symbolic, and it acted as a symbol of a bold, immortal legal compass. This court was established and built on the grounds of former president Nelson Mandela to embody and become an instrument of justice," he said. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ The Constitutional Court, led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, commemorates 30 years today since its establishment Image: Kamogelo Moichela Ramaphosa intimated that when the Concourt was established by former statesman Nelson Mandela, it sought to ensure that all South Africans' basic human rights were protected as enshrined in the guiding document called the Constitution. "As we cast our minds back to May 1996, when our Constitution was established, and in my capacity as the chairperson. It became our nation's birth certificate, reflecting a history we have emerged from, built on the values of dignity, equality, and freedom. It sought to affirm the identity and legality of every human being... "Just as a parent would attend to the health of their child, the establishment of the court allowed it to be free, as it was born of struggle and hope. "We believe that never again shall South Africa be governed without equality, dignity, and justice for all. This court has contributed not just judicial validation but has also elevated the consciousness of our people and contributed to building trust in our legal and judicial system. It has also contributed to advancing social cohesion and reconciliation, which has been enhanced by this court through its judgments, ensuring that all people are treated fairly, while promising a sense of belonging to all citizens," he added.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
IMF highlights stabilisation in Zimbabwe's economy amidst ongoing challenges
However, critics of President Emerson Mnangagwa's administration say economic conditions on the ground paint a picture far from stability. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers. Tawanda Karombo The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delivered a cautiously optimistic assessment of Zimbabwe's economy, suggesting that it was stabilising despite ongoing policy and monetary challenges that have historically plagued the nation. South Africa's northern neighbor has long struggled for stability, with consumers and companies hard done by policy inconsistency that has distorted pricing. South African companies in Zimbabwe include platinum group metals producers Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater, Pick 'n Pay and Old Mutual, among others. The IMF this week said Zimbabwe was now 'experiencing a degree of macroeconomic stability despite lingering policy challenges' after emerging out of 'successive bouts of hyperinflation' over the past few years. Zimbabwe yearns to return to a single local currency regime by 2030 and the IMF has been supportive of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) local unit of exchange, saying a tight monetary policy has helped to stabilize the local currency and reduce inflation. 'Growth this year is recovering following a sharp slowdown in 2024. During the first half of 2025, better climate conditions and historically high gold prices have boosted agricultural and mining activity, strengthening the current account and contributing to the recovery, with growth projected at 6% in 2025,' said Wojciech Maliszewski, who led an IMF mission to Zimbabwe this month. 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 ✕ However, critics of President Emerson Mnangagwa's administration say economic conditions on the ground paint a picture far from stability. Global macro-economist Kevin Carey described the evaluation of Zimbabwe's economy by the IMF as a 'detailed readout of a situation where there is underlying growth and some policy reforms, but fiscal dominance remains, in turn affecting the ZiG' currency. With the economy dollarising at a faster pace, the IMF advised that Mnangagwa's administration should shore up the local currency through 'measures to enhance the demand for ZiG in the domestic economy' and reduce 'any uncertainty weighing on financial' intermediation. Even then, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) this week maintained the monetary policy rate at 35%. Other critics argue that the central bank is restricting money supply to contain inflation. The IMF also noted that fiscal pressures intensified in 2024 and in the first months of 2025 as higher revenues proved insufficient to meet growing spending needs from higher public sector wages, capital outlays, debt servicing costs and servicing liabilities related to the acquisition of assets for the Mutapa Investment Fund. 'The fiscal deficit was financed by T-bills issuance and direct borrowing from the RBZ's overdraft facility to service debt, contributing to the expansion of domestic liquidity and an overnight drop in the value of the ZiG in September 2024, and a significant buildup of expenditure arrears that continued into 2025,' noted the IMF. The IMF has now recommended that Zimbabwe improve the foreign currency willing buyer, willing seller market through a more transparent price-setting mechanism and by gradually replacing surrender requirements with a requirement to convert export proceeds directly into the market. Exporters in Zimbabwe are required to give up a portion of their earnings in hard currency in return for the local currency equivalent. Regarding Zimbabwe's plan to transition to a single currency from the currency multiple currency system in which US dollars, South African rand and other regional and global currencies are legal tender, the IMF emphasized the need to continue strengthening the monetary and foreign exchange market framework, complemented by efforts to reduce uncertainty weighing on financial intermediation. It said the Zimbabwe government 'should provide more clarity on the operational implications of the transition plan, including clarifying that the use of a mono-currency will be limited to domestic transactions, allowing for bank deposits to remain denominated' in both currencies' currently in use. 'There must be confidence in the local currency and it must be seen to hold value otherwise the economy will continue to shun it,' a local bank manager told Business Report on Thursday. 'The government must walk the talk and show that they have contained expenditure and are dealing with corruption which erodes confidence.' BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Who is Robert Polievka? The Slovak 'goal machine' on Nasreddine Nabi's transfer wishlist at Kaizer Chiefs
Nabi looks to Europe Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is looking towards Europe as the club look to bring in a new striker to solve their scoring woes. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs' hunt for a new striker has taken them to Europe. According to reports, Amakhosi have been tracking 29-year-old Robert Polievka in a bid to sort out their goalscoring woes. During the recently completed campaign, Chiefs often outplayed teams. They controlled ball possession and created more scoring opportunities. But they struggled to put the ball in the net. As a result, the club finished in a disappointing ninth place in the league. To deal with those issues up front, Polievka has been identified as the man to make their attack deadly. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 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 ✕ So, who is the man who has been tasked with making Kaizer Chiefs great again? As it turns out, he's not new on Chiefs' radar. Chiefs had a chance to sign him back in 2020, when Gavin Hunt was still in charge. However, the deal collapsed as the Soweto giants were under a transfer ban handed to them by FIFA over the signing of Malagasy player Andriamirado Aro Hasina Andrianamimanana, also known as Dax. While the forward's goalscoring numbers for Hungary's MTK Budapest are not anything to write home about – 4 goals in 28 games – his form in his native Slovakia makes for better reading. In 149 games for previous club Dukla Banská Bystrica, he found the back of the net an impressive 79 times. He was a goal machine. Chiefs will, however, be worried that he couldn't take his goalscoring form from his time at home to Hungary. Signing Polievka wouldn't be the first time Chiefs dipped their toes in Eastern Europe. Back in 2019, the club signed Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic from Hungarian club Komarno, and he played a key role as they mounted a serious challenge for the league title. The club will be hoping Polievka can have the same impact. Polievka is not the only player Chiefs are tracking as they build for next season. According to reports, the club are also keeping tabs on Pyramids FC's Fiston Mayele. However, with Mamelodi Sundowns also entering the race for the DR Congo hitman's signature, the chances he'll end up at Naturena are looking slim. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Gayton McKenzie hints at bonuses for Proteas as Temba Bavuma's men get heroes welcome
The Proteas received a heroes welcome at OR Tambo International airport after winning the World Test Championship final against Australia. Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers Sports minister Gayton McKenzie says the Proteas are set for big bonuses following their historic victory in the ICC World Test Championship final. The Proteas arrived at OR Tambo International from London to a heroes welcome after defeating Australia by five wickets in the final at Lord's on Saturday. They were accompanied by the ICC Test Mace, the first piece of silverware South Africa's cricket team has won since claiming the 1998 Champions Trophy title. McKenzie greeted the team at the airport and hinted to the media that there will be an announcement about bonuses for the team at a main press conference at Cricket South Africa's headquarters in Johannesburg later today. 'We will talk about that later,' McKenzie said. 'We have got so many winners, all these bonuses can bankrupt the country!' 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading A triumphant reception awaited the Proteas at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where crowds gathered to give the national team a hero's welcome after they were victorious at the World Test Championship. 📷: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers#Proteas #cricket… — IOL News (@IOL) June 18, 2025 The Proteas are the latest South African sports team to win on the world stage, following on from many other great achievements over the last few years. The Springboks won back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, while Bafana Bafana won the bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and have qualified for the next edition in Morocco, which will be played from December 26. During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, South Africa won six medals, including gold for star swimmer Tatjana Smith and a silver for the 4x100 men's relay team anchored by Akani Simbine. Recently, Upington-born Rayno Nel won the 2025 World's Strongest Man competition, while Brendali Theron was crowned the World's Strongest Woman in Dubai last month. 'We are the best sports nation in the world, nobody can argue that. We have the best cricket team, the best rugby team and Bafana Bafana have gone 20 games without defeat,' McKenzie said. 'We have the world's strongest man, the world's strongest woman. We have the fastest runners, the best surfers in the world. We are a bunch of winners!' McKenzie heaped praise on Proteas coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma for guiding the Proteas to the title, saying they instilled an unshakable confidence in the team over the last few years leading into the WTC final. 'You know the difference with this team … Shukri Conrad is the best coach in the world, but one thing he did with this team is make them believe,' McKenzie said. 'They don't need motivation. We believed they were going to win. Conrad believed they were going to win and they believed they were going to win. It's the recipe for where we are today. 'They say cometh the hour, cometh the man. Temba Bavuma, he rose at the right time. Temba means hope, and he brought hope to the nation.' McKenzie also hailed the team's diversity, drawing comparisons with the Springboks, who are loved by all people from all walks of life in the country.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Cabinet's crucial decision on Israeli Embassy closure looms
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola says consultations have taken place within the relevant government cluster system to prepare a memorandum for submission to Cabinet for the closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The Cabinet is expected to decide by the end of the year on the potential closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria. This was revealed by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. Responding to a question from EFF MP Virgill Gericke about the steps he has taken in honouring and executing the November 2023 resolution of the National Assembly to close down the Israeli embassy, Lamola said consultations have taken place within the relevant government cluster system to prepare a memorandum for submission to the Cabinet. 'In accordance with the constitutional principle of the separation of powers, the authority to decide on the possible closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa rests solely with the Cabinet. 'Once Cabinet has deliberated and reached a final destination, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will act in accordance with these directives,' he said. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Lamola indicated that the Israeli embassy remained downgraded. 'The downgraded embassy only just facilitates the normal processes of visa and travelling of civilians between the two countries, with no full operation of a full embassy in terms of liaising on political, diplomatic, and also economic relations between the two countries.' He also said since the matter was processed through the Cabinet process, he was unable to specify the date it will be resolved. 'But I can state that before the end of the year, Cabinet will have processed the matter.' Asked what outside forces were exerting pressure on the Cabinet or the government to relent on its initial resolve to close the Israeli embassy, Lamola said the authority to decide on the possible closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa rests solely with the Cabinet. 'Cabinet has to undergo its internal processes, which it will be undergoing to deal with this matter, and it is being processed. 'It will be processed objectively, in line with the South African constitution, with no external pressure to be exerted on the South African government by any forces or anyone. The South African government will act within its sovereignty to make decisions informed by facts, policies, the Constitution, the National Development Plan, and national interests,' he said. Asked whether his department has considered other measures like economic sanctions against Israel as part of intensifying pressure against the continued Israeli attacks and aggression against Palestine, Lamola said the matter will require the Cabinet to deliberate on whether to exert economic sanctions and any other pressures that may need to be executed. 'But the South African government will continue to support the work that has been done by other countries. The European Union, its member states, have also begun to sanction some of the leaders of the Israeli regime in terms of economic sanctions, and also some countries like those in the G-7 have announced this type of measures.'
