"Steenhuisen Wins Hearts of Black South Africans with Calls for Him to Be President"

 "Steenhuisen Wins Hearts of Black South Africans with Calls for Him to Be President"

John Steenhuisen’s latest address in Johannesburg did more than present an economic plan—it ignited a sense of hope and unity among South Africans, crossing racial lines in a way that few leaders have managed to do.

He stood before the nation not as a partisan figure, but as a unifier, earning applause from both black and white communities. His clear and bold plan for economic growth and job creation spoke to the everyday struggles of ordinary South Africans, offering tangible solutions in a time of uncertainty. His delivery exuded calm assurance—his words weren’t just policy; they were a promise that resonated with empathy and a deep appreciation of collective hardship.

Crucially, Steenhuisen didn’t stop at economics. In his Johannesburg briefing, he took a firm stand against hate—specifically condemning Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s recently resurfaced racial slur. Steenhuisen declared such language has “no place in South Africa,” comparing it directly to the divisive chant “Kill the Boer,” and reaffirmed a leader’s duty to uphold respect and unity .

He insisted on accountability across the board:

“There needs to be consistency. … It cannot be all right for one person to say something just because they have a certain skin colour, but it’s not right for another person to say something.” 

Describing McKenzie’s remarks as “totally irresponsible,” Steenhuisen stressed that public office demands a higher standard of conduct.

 “Such behavior is not of the calibre of a minister.” 

This blend of economic clarity and moral courage has clearly struck a chord. Many black South Africans have voiced appreciation for his forthright stance, not just on policy, but on the values that define leadership. On social media, comments flooded in: some framed it as the first time they’ve felt truly heard as black citizens; others openly urged him to pursue the presidency.

By Noko Mabofa Maleka 

Insightjozinews.blogspot.com 

https://www.youtube.com/live/1z12YQNQ2ck?si=YXn_U4kjJ3HlLvFm

SACP’s Solo Bid: A Political Gamble or a Cry for Relevance

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By: Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has made it clear: it intends to contest the 2026 municipal elections independently, breaking away from its historic alliance with the African National Congress (ANC).

In a recent conversation with SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, I put to him the question many political observers have been quietly asking: Isn’t it too late for the Communist Party to carve its own electoral path?

After all, the SACP’s influence is deeply woven into the ANC’s political DNA. Many of its members not only carry ANC membership cards but also occupy influential positions in government, business, and ministerial offices—achievements made possible through their long-standing alignment with the governing party.

Mapaila’s answer was resolute. He argued that the SACP can no longer meaningfully advance its communist vision from within the ANC, signalling a decisive ideological break.

But while the SACP frames this move as a matter of political principle, the ANC views it with concern.

On 6 August 2024, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula told the media that the party has “tried by all means” to convince the SACP to reconsider, warning of “massive repercussions” for both organisations. He pointed to the SACP’s poor performance in recent Seshego by-elections—where the EFF claimed a sweeping victory—as an example of the risks the Communists face outside the alliance’s shelter.

When asked by SABC journalist Samkelo Maseko whether the ANC could ultimately prevent the split, Mbalula conceded that the party may no longer be able to stop the SACP from going it alone.

Pressed further by a News24 reporter on whether the SACP’s decision was influenced by perceived snubs in the Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet allocations, Mbalula gave no definitive answer. Still, the political undercurrents are difficult to ignore.

In the GNU’s formation, the SACP’s allies in the ANC appeared sidelined, with key ministerial posts going instead to the Democratic Alliance and even to smaller, less influential parties like the Patriotic Alliance. For a movement that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the ANC through decades of struggle and governance, this may have felt like a public slight—a diminishment of its political stature.

Some observers see the SACP’s new direction as less about ideological purity and more about a political cry for attention; a warning shot across the bow of its long-time ally that it will not be ignored. Others argue that the Communist Party’s survival now depends on proving it has genuine grassroots support, independent of the ANC brand.

If the SACP is seeking to reassert its identity and reconnect with its working-class base, breaking away may be its only path forward. But if this is a calculated bid for political relevance in the age of coalition politics, the gamble could backfire—especially if it finds itself without enough votes to shape policy or sustain a meaningful parliamentary presence.

For now, the ANC remains publicly diplomatic, but the truth is clear: a formal split will strain the Tripartite Alliance to its core and reshape South Africa’s political landscape in ways both parties may later regret.

What is certain is that in 2026, the SACP will face the ultimate test—not in conference halls or press briefings, but at the ballot box.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to Address Nation on NEC Meeting Outcomes Today

Date: 6 August 2025
By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News
www.insightjozinews.blogspot.com 

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The African National Congress (ANC) is set to host a high-profile media briefing today, Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at 11:00 AM, where Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula will address the media on the outcomes of the recent ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The briefing will take place at the Chief Albert Luthuli House in Johannesburg, the ANC’s headquarters.

This media briefing is of significant national interest as it follows a weekend-long NEC gathering where pressing issues facing both the party and the country were on the agenda. From internal party discipline to economic instability, coalition governance, and the state of service delivery in municipalities, South Africans are eager to hear what decisions were taken by the ANC’s highest decision-making body between conferences.

According to a media advisory issued by the ANC's Department of Communications, Information, and Publicity, the Secretary-General will give a comprehensive update and take questions from accredited media houses. 

The ANC NEC meeting comes at a critical time in South Africa's political landscape, with heightened public scrutiny over corruption scandals, leadership divisions, and policy direction—especially in light of growing public dissatisfaction and the shifting dynamics of coalition politics post-2024 elections.

Fikile Mbalula, known for his candid and bold approach, is expected to outline the party’s stance on recent controversies, internal disciplinary matters, and provide clarity on any leadership or structural changes within the ANC.

Key Event Details:

• Event: ANC NEC Media Briefing
• Speaker: ANC Secretary-General Cde Fikile Mbalula
• Date: Wednesday, 6 August 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Venue: Chief Albert Luthuli House, Johannesburg
• Occasion: Feedback on the outcomes of the ANC NEC Meeting

This  also coincides with the ANC’s 113th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, both of which hold historic and symbolic importance for the ruling party.

Insight Jozi News , will provide key statements, and expert analysis following the briefing.

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For Media Inquiries & Live Updates:
📲 Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @NokoMaleka
📰 Read more: www.insightjozinews.blogspot.com

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#ANCNEC #FikileMbalula #LuthuliHouse #MediaBriefing #SouthAfricaPolitics #InsightJoziNews

"R24 Billion Vanishes in Johannesburg: ActionSA Demands Answers for City's Financial Meltdown"

"R24 Billion Vanishes in Johannesburg: ActionSA Demands Answers for City's Financial Meltdown"

 Insight Jozi News:

Noko Mabofa Maleka

August 5, 2025

The City of Johannesburg is once again at the centre of a financial storm — and this time, it’s not just whispers of maladministration, but a glaring R24 billion black hole in public funds that has ActionSA calling for immediate accountability.

In a fiery press statement released by ActionSA's Johannesburg MPAC Whip, Lebo Modukanene, the party has sounded the alarm on what it describes as “catastrophic levels of financial mismanagement” under the current administration led by Executive Mayor Dada Morero. This follows a damning letter from the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, to Mayor Morero, exposing blatant violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and a complete breakdown in ethical governance.

According to the minister's correspondence, the City’s 2023/24 audited financial statements reveal

R1.45 billion in unauthorised expenditure,

R22.2 billion in irregular expenditure, and

R705 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

To add insult to injury, the Auditor-General found that these expenditures were written off without the legally required investigations — effectively giving those responsible a free pass.

"This is not merely a technical failure; it is a deliberate abdication of fiduciary duty by those entrusted with the public purse," Modukanene said.

Despite numerous interventions and warnings from National Treasury, the City has allegedly failed to act decisively. No credible forensic investigations have been launched. No officials or politicians have been held to account. And no meaningful steps have been taken to recover the billions lost.

ActionSA has now drawn a clear line in the sand, calling for:

The immediate presentation of a comprehensive UIFWE Remedial Action Plan before Council;

Forensic investigations into the R24 billion in irregular and wasteful expenditure;

Firm consequence management, targeting both officials and political office bearers responsible for this mismanagement;

The quarterly tabling of Muni eMonitor reports to restore transparency and reintroduce public oversight.

The party did not support the 2024/25 adjustment budget, citing growing concern over the City's financial recklessness and mounting unauthorised procurement deviations. “This crisis of governance proves what ActionSA has warned all along – that the current coalition of convenience has prioritised political expediency over service delivery and ethical leadership,” Modukanene said.

The consequences could be dire. Should the City fail to act, Minister Godongwana has signaled that Section 216(2) of the Constitution could be invoked — allowing National Treasury to withhold funding from the City.

ActionSA maintains it will not be complicit in what it sees as a cover-up of corruption. The party has reaffirmed its commitment to “restoring ethical governance and financial accountability in Johannesburg.”

The residents of Johannesburg, battered by potholes, power outages, and failing infrastructure, now face a bigger question: Can they afford more leaders who can’t account for billions?

Open Letter to Operation Dudula: You Do Not Represent Me

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Open Letter to Operation Dudula: You Do Not Represent Me

By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News

Dear Operation Dudula,

Let me say this without fear or hesitation: you do not represent me. You do not represent millions of South Africans who still believe in humanity, African unity, and common sense.

Your war is misdirected.

You pour your energy and rage onto poor Africans — fellow Black brothers and sisters — who flee from their homelands not because they want to steal from us, but because they are running from hunger, civil wars, corrupt governments, and desperation.

Illegal immigrants are not illegal humans. Let that sink in.

Crossing borders in search of food, peace, and a better future is not a crime — it is a survival strategy. Illegal immigration is not a criminal activity; it is fear-driven. It is about poverty, trauma, and hope. Only ignorance and stupidity could make anyone believe that victimising the vulnerable is a solution to South Africa’s problems.

We are a nation still healing from the deep wounds of apartheid, where some were once treated as subhuman because of the colour of their skin. Now, some of you are repeating that cruelty — turning on fellow Africans simply because they come from the other side of an imaginary line drawn by colonial rulers.

Let me also say this: I watched the video of the woman spewing vile hatred at foreign nationals. That woman does not represent me, nor the spirit of ubuntu we were raised with. Her words are disgusting, shameful, and criminal. If South Africa was serious about human rights and social cohesion, the government would incriminate such hate speech, not allow it to flourish under banners like Dudula.

Dudula, your mission is not justice. It’s not patriotism. It’s misguided vengeance, fuelled by political opportunists and driven by ignorance. You are distracting people from the real culprits of our suffering: unemployment, poor leadership, corruption, and state failure.

So again, I repeat:

You do not speak for me. You do not speak for the future we are trying to build. You are a stain on the dream of a united Africa.

Insightjozinews.blogspot.com 

Sincerely,
Noko Mabofa Maleka
Journalist, Broadcaster, 
Editor – Insight Jozi News

Ward 63 Councillor Arrested for Assault Amid Community Uproar"

"Hidden Fist of Hillbrow: Ward 63 Councillor Arrested for Assault Amid Community Uproar"

By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News

Hillbrow — a Johannesburg inner-city neighborhood plagued by crime, drug abuse, and urban decay — was thrown into further disarray following the dramatic arrest of Ward 63 ANC Councillor, Xolani Khumalo, for allegedly assaulting a community member during a public registration event.

The June 2025 incident has ignited public outrage and shed light on a deepening leadership crisis in one of the city's most neglected wards. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that Councillor Khumalo abruptly attempted to shut the gate of the registration venue one minute before official closing time, with community members still outside attempting to enter. His actions sparked immediate confrontation from Mzwandile "Ngema" Nzuza, a local activist known for his vocal stance on transparency and justice.

What followed, according to multiple sources, was shocking: Councillor Khumalo allegedly physically assaulted and choked Mr. Nzuza in front of the crowd. A criminal case was subsequently opened, but the councillor proved elusive — having reportedly vanished from Hillbrow in the aftermath.

However, the law caught up with him on August 2nd, during a regional ANC meeting where Mr. Nzuza, backed by law enforcement, arrived to facilitate the councillor’s arrest. Tensions escalated when several ANC members allegedly threatened Nzuza's life, warning him he would not leave the meeting alive. Despite the threats, police swiftly intervened, placing Councillor Khumalo under arrest and transporting him to Hillbrow Police Station.

This confrontation has left the community reeling. Many residents were stunned to learn that Hillbrow even had a sitting councillor. “We didn’t even know we had a councillor. Just look around — the streets are filthy, hijacked buildings everywhere, people sleeping on pavements, drugs, human trafficking... Where has he been all this time?” asked a visibly frustrated local resident.

The South African Police Service has confirmed the arrest, and the matter is currently under investigation. Meanwhile, due to the chaos and violence associated with the incident, voting registrations and upcoming electoral processes in Ward 63 have been postponed until further notice.

Disturbingly, Khumalo’s alleged behavior is not new to many. Multiple residents claim the councillor is known for his “violent approach and intimidation tactics”. “He beats up people who disagree with him,” said another resident. “It’s like we’re living under a shadow government — invisible leadership and visible fear.”

As the community demands accountability, a broader question emerges: How many more 'ghost leaders' sit in office while their communities collapse? Hillbrow, a once-thriving hub, continues to sink under the weight of misgovernance and neglect.

For now, the people of Ward 63 wait for justice — not just in the courtroom, but in the long-overdue return of dignity, safety, and leadership.

Vodacom Scores Legal Victory in Longstanding “Please Call Me” Battle Against Makate By Noko Mabofa Maleka

 

Vodacom Scores Legal Victory in Longstanding “Please Call Me” Battle Against Makate

By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News – 1 August 2025

In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa’s highest court has delivered a stinging rebuke to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and offered telecommunications giant Vodacom a crucial procedural win in its long-running legal dispute with Kenneth Nkosana Makate — the man widely credited with inventing the iconic "Please Call Me" service.

On 31 July 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled that the SCA must rehear the case with a different panel of judges, stating that the appellate court failed in its "duty of proper consideration" by accepting Makate’s revenue models without scrutiny and ignoring key evidence presented by Vodacom.

The judgment, authored by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga — who officially retired the same day — sends the landmark case back into legal limbo nearly two decades after the initial idea was born and nine years after the apex court first intervened in Makate’s favour.

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A Legal Odyssey: Makate’s Battle for Recognition and Compensation

Kenneth Makate, a former trainee accountant at Vodacom, submitted a proposal in November 2000 for a service that would allow users without airtime to send a free missed call — essentially a plea for a callback. This became the foundation of the wildly successful "Please Call Me" service, launched by Vodacom in March 2001.

Though the Constitutional Court affirmed in 2016 that a binding verbal agreement existed between Makate and Vodacom, and ordered the company to negotiate fair compensation in good faith — designating the CEO as the deadlock-breaker — the parties failed to reach a consensus.

Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub eventually offered Makate R47 million, a figure Makate publicly rejected as “shocking” and “an insult,” insisting he was owed much more — up to R126 billion.

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The Billion-Rand Dispute Over Numbers

Makate’s legal team successfully argued in the High Court and later at the SCA that he should receive between 5% and 7.5% of the total voice revenue generated by the Please Call Me service over 18 years, with interest.

This would amount to:

• R9.7 billion at a 5% share before interest
• R29 billion with interest at the same rate
• R63 billion if calculated at 7.5% with interest

However, Vodacom challenged the enforceability of the SCA’s order, arguing it was ambiguous and based on flawed calculations. In its submission to the Constitutional Court, Vodacom claimed Makate was attempting to selectively abandon inconvenient parts of the SCA’s judgment to render the order enforceable — essentially rewriting the ruling to suit his claim.

“Mr. Makate does not abandon the SCA’s orders in their entirety nor any particular one of its orders,” Vodacom argued. “What he attempts to do instead is to rewrite the SCA majority’s order by ‘abandoning’ select words within an order in the hope that it reads more sensibly.”

The Constitutional Court agreed that the SCA erred in accepting Makate’s figures without scrutiny and that the case deserved a fresh hearing before a reconstituted SCA panel.

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The Human Cost of Justice Deferred

For Makate, who has waged this legal war since 2008, the ruling represents another delay in receiving compensation for what many believe was a revolutionary idea that reshaped mobile communication in South Africa.

Despite this setback, the Constitutional Court’s judgment does not end his legal claim — it merely hits the reset button, potentially forcing a third round of litigation in a battle already spanning 17 years.

The ruling also reignites broader national conversations around intellectual property, fair compensation, and corporate accountability in post-apartheid South Africa. How does a country committed to transformation and justice balance the interests of innovation with the power of large corporations?

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Final Thoughts

As Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga bows out of public service with a legal bombshell, his final judgment underscores a deeply uncomfortable truth — even South Africa’s highest courts can fail in the execution of justice. It also highlights the importance of judicial integrity and careful adjudication in matters involving billions of rands and the livelihoods of ordinary South Africans.

Whether Kenneth Makate will eventually receive a payout commensurate with the value his idea generated remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the struggle for justice in the “Please Call Me” saga is far from over.

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Follow Insight Jozi News for updates as this story continues to unfold.
📲 WhatsApp Channel: Insight Jozi News
📍 Johannesburg | ✍🏽 Reporting by Noko Mabofa Maleka
💻 www.insightjozinews.blogspot.com

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