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Mail & Guardian
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
The ANC has lost power, yet is still committed to constitutionalism
When the Madiba party lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 it formed a government of national unity. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy If there were to be anything to credit the ANC for, what that thing might be or look like? In some circles, there is a consensus that this thing might be its commitment to the ideals of constitutional democracy and the rule of law, albeit working within the constrained space of the government of national unity (GNU). The Madiba party must have felt deeply hurt and hamstrung to have lost their absolute parliamentary majority on 29 May 2024 but, thank goodness, they did not usurp power by military force, using unconventional means, such as setting the army on the people to keep political power intact, almost tongue in cheek, contradicting former president Jacob Zuma's infamous assertion that the ANC would rule the country until the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is historically true that many former liberation movements have faced a decline in popularity due to a number of factors, including unfulfilled promises of changing people's lives for the better, widespread corruption, poor governance and incompetence. In the case of Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF's loss of political power caused a great rift between the ruling party and the populace — a factor that led to state violence and the hounding of perceived 'political enemies'. There were new challenges in the political landscape, including, as happened in Matabeleland, mass killings in which dissidents — those opposed to Robert Mugabe's rule, were executed. They were chillingly butchered in what would be known as Gukurahundi — a series of mass killings of political dissidents in Zimbabwe committed in the 1980s — on the orders of former president Mugabe. Mugabe faced significant challenges in maintaining his party's popularity and power as Zimbabwe experienced economic decline and political repression. Instead of addressing the underlying issues, he and his party employed a range of tactics to suppress dissent and cling to power, including manipulating the electoral system, restricting the media and engaging in violence against opponents. Ultimately, these tactics were ineffective in the long run and contributed to the 2017 coup that led to Mugabe's resignation. Swapo, Namibia's ruling party, has faced declining popularity due to economic challenges, corruption scandals and internal divisions, leading to a shift in political dynamics. While still the dominant force, the party's dominance has weakened and opposition parties are gaining ground, particularly among younger voters. Swapo has responded to these challenges by addressing the root causes of the decline, such as economic issues and corruption, but also by attempting to solidify its support base through various strategies. In essence, Swapo's handling of its declining popularity involves acknowledging and addressing the problems it faces while also employing tactics to maintain its dominance in Namibian politics. Despite the loss of their outright majority in the national elections of 2024, the ANC continues to remain a significant player in the country's political landscape, committed to constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law. Although disappointed with the loss of the unfettered power it enjoyed between 1994 and 2024, today the ANC has skilfully stitched together 'dependable' partners to run the country. The partnership includes the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), whose president, Mzwanele Nyhontso, enjoys less than 1% parliamentary representation, yet President Cyril Ramaphosa has graciously offered him a cabinet position. What can be read into this gesture? The ANC has been walking a political tightrope. In its political calculations it did not think either the Economic Freedom Fighters or the uMkhonto weSizwe party would be a dependable partner in the GNU. The PAC, which was once led by one of the most revered Africanist struggle icons, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, remains a credible liberation struggle movement, even with its small parliamentary representation. Nyhontso, whose party is a proponent of land restoration, which the PAC insists must be accompanied by the return of land to the indigenous people — the African people — was given the position of minister of land reform in the GNU. He has committed to fight tooth and nail to have the land returned to the indigenous people. But, with the decline in electoral support, the ANC joins other liberation movements in Africa which, like them, had previously enjoyed strong support as champions of national independence and liberation from colonial rule. This can be attributed to various factors, according to political analysts and other experts, including a change in voter demographics. The younger generations, who didn't experience the harshness of colonialism or apartheid, bring a new dynamic to the political scene, which relates to economic inequality and the need for job creation. For example, the high rate of youth unemployment has become a concern to young prospective voters. In the first quarter of this year, the youth unemployment rate peaked at 46.1%. The youth are not going to put up with this. Politicians' promise that things might look better tomorrow do nothing to calm the anxieties of unemployed young voters. This is exacerbated by allegations of corruption, something that erodes public trust. The ANC, in the past decade, through the leadership of Zuma, experienced a phenomenon in which the country's economic wealth was mortgaged to the Gupta brothers, who are fugitives from justice. Despite the fact that the Zondo commission established in its investigation that multiple incidents of state capture took place in government departments and state-owned enterprises during his presidency, Zuma has stubbornly sought to distance himself from the malfeasance that took place under his watch. Attempting to make sense of the ANC's electoral decline, chief executive officer of the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflections, Joel Netshitenzhe, wrote in a report: 'Virtually all analyses of the elections converge at the self-evident conclusion that a fundamental shift has occurred in South Africa's body politic. 'But, in large measure, that is where the consensus ends. Among the questions that need further interrogation is whether the plummeting of the ANC's support implies the death of the liberation idea.' The ANC has for a long time been seen as the 'glorious movement of the people'. As the oldest liberation movement in Africa, it is recognised for the pivotal role it played in dismantling apartheid and for leading the country's transition to democracy. Yet, it may not escape criticism for harbouring in its midst leaders such as Zuma, whose presidency allowed corruption to thrive. The ANC is facing new realities. It is no longer the dominant political force. It has to adapt to a more competitive political environment with the renewal project revamped, the decibels of internal wrangles lowered — all of this for the sake of regaining public trust. But, more encouraging, is that it seems the ANC can be trusted as a political party committed to ensuring the country remains a constitutional democracy, despite its own setbacks and the loss of its outright parliamentary majority. Jo-Mangaliso Mdhlela is an independent journalist, a social justice activist, an ex-trade unionist and an Anglican priest.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mashatile bodyguards: Do we really have a rule of law?
The internal exoneration of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's bodyguards raises disturbing questions about power, impunity and the rule of law in South Africa. In the 1960s, the corrupt and tyrannical president of Haiti, François 'Papa Doc' Duvalier, was so paranoid about any opposition that he created a force of thugs, known as the Tonton Macoute, as his bodyguards and they embarked on a reign of terror on the island which was to last decades. Anybody suspected of challenging 'Papa Doc' was liable to be assaulted, kidnapped – or just murdered. Closer to home, the various thugs running the ZanuPF government in Zimbabwe have been doing similar things for years. But we, here in South Africa, we are civilised, we have a constitution and the rule of law – and that wouldn't happen here. ALSO READ: Mashatile's VIP protection officers acquitted of assault by police Or would it? That's the question we have to be asking ourselves in the wake of reports that eight South African Police Service (Saps) members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP presidential protection unit have been cleared by an internal police disciplinary process, following their brutal assault on the driver and passengers in a car on a Joburg highway in 2023. The attack was captured on video, showing the VIP officers – brandishing rifles and pistols – jumping out of a BMW X5 and attacking the occupants of a VW Polo. The men are still out on bail waiting for the finalisation of a criminal case against them, but DA MP and chair of the portfolio committee on police Ian Cameron is right to ask: 'If police officers can beat civilians on camera and walk free, if unions can obstruct justice with no consequence, and if Saps can sign off on it all – what is left of public accountability?' Cameron claimed police unions had helped protect the VIP cops and delay and frustrate the disciplinary process. Our politicians must learn they are not gods and they are accountable to us. We are not a banana republic… yet. NOW READ: 'Not clearly defined' — What ANC leaders are saying about Mashatile's 'assassination' attempt
The South African
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Is Bulelani Khumalo's crown dividing Zimbabwe or uniting a forgotten nation?
South African-born Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo's recent visit to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe was seen by many as a cultural homecoming. However, not everyone shared the sentiment. Some Zimbabwean government officials lashed out after the city's mayor, David Coltart, recognised him as king of the Ndebele people. The 41-year-old Bulelani Khumalo was born in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in South Africa. In September 2018, traditional leaders in Matabeleland and the Khumalo family crowned him as the new King of the Northern Ndebele nation. The Zimbabwe local government minister, Daniel Garwe, expressed his disapproval of the Ndebele Kingdom. He wrote a letter to Coltart stating that the country's constitution does not recognise a Ndebele Kingdom. Garwe clarified that the constitution recognises only chiefs, headmen, and village heads. 'As you may be aware, the government of Zimbabwe has over the years incessantly denounced and dissociated itself from a self-proclaimed 'King' Bulelani who illegally claims to be the legitimate heir to the now defunct throne of King Lobengula,' reads the letter. 'The ministry would like to advise you, as the mayor of the City of Bulawayo and any other functionary of the City of Bulawayo, to desist from entertaining this charlatan self-styled 'King' Bulelani, as such behaviour is not only criminal but has the negative effect of misleading the general public.' The controversy also saw Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa critising the Bulawayo mayor for meeting Khumalo. He stated that Coltart is part of 'a plot to create a separate Matabeleland state.' 'His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa is committed to providing working capital for the people of Zimbabwe,' Mutsvangwa stated. 'But the mayor is too busy playing politics to notice the industrial revival already underway.' Civil society group Ibhetshu LikaZulu has clarified that Khumalo's presence has nothing to do with politics. The Ibhetshu likaZulu secretary general, Mbuso Fuzwayo, said Khumalo's presence is rather a cultural and historical matter. 'Mr Mutsvangwa's statement that this meeting is part of a plot to create a separate Matabeleland state is not only malicious, but also a dangerous distortion of both historical truth and present reality,' he said. The Office of King Bulelani Lobengula Mzilikazi, which is based in South Africa, has issued a public statement in response to Khumalo's visit. 'We respectfully urge public officials to exercise caution, decorum, and cultural sensitivity when speaking on matters of heritage and traditional leadership,' reads part of the press release. 'Dismissive language or threats of arrest directed at a traditional and cultural figure, whose mission is reconciliation, unity, and empowerment, does not reflect the spirit of Ubuntu or the values enshrined in Pan-Africanism.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Zimbabwe police ramp up security as war veteran Blessed Geza calls for indefinite stay-away
Police in Zimbabwe say they are providing 'maximum security' on Tuesday and Wednesday following calls for a national stay-away made by expelled Zanu PF member Blessed Runesu Geza. Last month, IOL reported that Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu PF party insisted that protests that were previously announced by Geza for March 31 had not made much impact. 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 ✕ At the time, Zanu PF argued that the protests dubbed the "national shutdown" were being hyped on social media platforms. On March 31, many Zimbabweans elected to stay at home, amid a massive deployment of security forces. In a fresh address from an unknown location, Geza, who insists he remains a senior member of Zanu PF, used social media platforms including X and YouTube to call for stay-aways on Tuesday and Wednesday. In another address, Geza later called for 'indefinite' stay-aways, insisting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was incapacitated and must leave office. The president of Zanu PF, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the incumbent President of Zimbabwe. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issued a statement on Monday, saying 'enough' officers have been deployed. 'The Zimbabwe Republic Police is ready to ensure that the public is free to engage in all socio-economic activities without fear, intimidation, threats, or harassment on 22 and 23 April 2025. The ZRP has deployed enough officers throughout the country to effectively maintain law and order including in central business districts, residential areas, industrial areas and all areas frequented by the public,' said Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement. 'In this regard, police will arrest anyone who interferes with the smooth flow of traffic and movement of the public.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Nyathi warned that Zimbabweans are cautioned against abuse of social media and urged to totally disregard social media postings meant to cause chaos and alarm in the country. The latest calls for stay-away happen at a time when the southern African nation is hosting the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which kicked off in the second largest city of Bulawayo on Monday. The trade fair this year is expected to be attended by numerous foreign and diplomatic leaders, including a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo. The police in Zimbabwe said all visitors and exhibitors will be safe. 'All local and foreign exhibitors attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition forum are assured of their security and safety,' said Nyathi. 'The ZRP reiterates that it is ready to conduct its constitutional mandate without fear or favour. Any instigators of violence and disruption of the normal operation of the economy will be severely dealt with.' The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned against "abuse" of social media platforms, amid calls for stay-aways in the country. Last month, IOL reported that on several occasions, one of Zimbabwe's most wanted fugitives and outspoken war veteran Geza has been conducting live broadcasts on social media, calling on Zimbabwean communities to descend on the streets in protest against Mnangagwa's rule. Geza, a vociferous critic of Mnangagwa, was dismissed from Zanu PF for "undermining the authority of the president" and remains in hiding. Clad in camouflage regalia, Geza, in all his virtual addresses, has warned several people in government and Zanu PF positions that they would be 'dealt with'. Geza and a group of war veterans have been calling for Mnangagwa to step down, citing endemic corruption and mismanagement of the country's affairs.
Voice of America
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Voice of America
Zimbabwe journalist still in custody after case adjourned
A High Court judge in Zimbabwe on Wednesday adjourned the case of a journalist arrested over his interviews with a war veteran-turned-politician who criticized the country's president. Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist with NewsDay and Heart and Soul Television, has been in custody since Feb. 24 over accusations of incitement. Lawyers for the journalist had requested that he be bailed out, but at a hearing in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, Justice Gibson Mandaza requested more time to examine the case. Chris Mhike, who represents Mhlanga, told VOA he was waiting for the High Court to announce when the case would resume. Mhike said it would be "improper" to go into the arguments because the case was active but said the judge "indicated that it was necessary for him to consider the issues that are at stake." Speaking ahead of Wednesday's hearing, Mhike said the arrest of Mhlanga sent a chilling message. The arrest is related to his interviews with war veteran and politician Blessed Geza in November and January, in which Geza said that he would mobilize public protests to push President Emmerson Mnangagwa out of office, citing economic issues and what he called the president's failure to govern. On Friday, Geza was expelled from the Zanu PF party for what the party described as violating regulations in public comments about the president. Mhike said he believed his client's arrest served as a warning to others to refrain from discussing political topics, such as whether Mnangagwa should seek a third term. Zimbabwean presidents serve five-year terms, which are renewable once. Mhlanga's arrest "has had a chilling effect on the practice of journalism, as is always the case when journalists are either harassed, or put through the legal process, really for activities that are directly linked to their work," Mhike told VOA. It is "worrisome to many in the journalistic fraternity," he added. "This has been the impact, and this has been my client's position: that he is being tormented purely on grounds of him carrying out his work as a journalist." Mhlanga, who faces two charges relating to "transmitting of data messages inciting violence or damage to property," denies the charges against him. Mhike said his client's arrest also could be unconstitutional. Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to seek, receive and communicate ideas and other information, and entitles citizens to freedom of the press. Farai Marapira, the Zanu PF information director, said he expected courts to preside fairly over the case. "I believe people should allow the court process to pursue this matter as it is designed to find out what are the material facts of the matter, and I'm sure the courts will deal fairly with this issue," Marapira said. Marapira also said Mhlanga's arrest was not a reflection of the state of press freedom in the country. "People write about Zanu PF every day — people write positively, people write negatively, some even write and insult Zanu PF," he said. Marapira then rhetorically asked aloud: "Who is dead? No one is dead. So, what are they fearing for their lives from? Where is the example? Where are the examples of killed journalists? So, like I said, this is all overexcitement." The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said that conditions for journalists have improved since the end of longtime leader Robert Mugabe's rule. But, it noted in its press freedom index, media have faced greater persecution since the 2023 election. In the past two years, journalists have been blocked or harassed while covering events and briefly detained and assaulted, media groups said. Mhlanga himself has had a previous brush with the law. In 2022, he and his colleague Chengeto Chidi were arrested for taking photos of the police during the arrest of an opposition lawmaker. In his latest case, international and local media rights organizations have condemned Mhlanga's arrest and urged the Zimbabwean government to drop all charges against him. Tobias Mudzingwa contributed to this report.
