Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign and focus on his impeachment process. Malema was speaking to journalists outside the Constitutional Court after its ruling on Friday that parliament’s Phala Phala vote was invalid. “If we had a responsible president, he should be resigning to prepare himself to come and answer the impeachment process,” Malema said. “Remember even if he resigns, he must still come for impeachment.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mail & Guardian (@mailandguardian) After a 14-month delay, the apex court ruled in favour of the EFF and the African Transformation Movement when it found that parliament acted unlawfully when it voted in December 2022 to reject the Section 89 independent panel report on Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal. The panel, which was led by retired Justice Sandile Ngcobo, found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have committed serious constitutional violations, including undisclosed foreign currency of doubtful origin; active involvement in a private business in potential breach of Section 96(2)(a) of the Constitution; failure to report the theft to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation as required by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act; and abuse of office through a secret, unofficial investigation that included requesting assistance from the president of Namibia to apprehend a suspect. The court found that the National Assembly’s 214-to-148 vote to reject the panel’s findings was irrational and inconsistent with the Constitution. Malema said South Africa could not afford to have a president who was occupying office while being clouded by an impeachment process. “You cannot serve the two because one is going to suffer.  “He must go and concentrate on the impeachment process because it has got serious implications on him as an individual. If I were him, I would resign with immediate effect to concentrate on this matter.” To impeach Ramaphosa, parliament would need a two-thirds majority to ensure that he is removed as the first citizen of the country. This would mean that the EFF would need to lobby other parties in parliament to ensure that Ramaphosa is removed. If he is impeached as a president, it would mean his presidential perks would be removed, including a salary for life and his VIP protection. “If he is impeached, he is no longer a former president, he is just Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa; he became an ordinary man,” Malema said. “Then criminal investigations come in, Cyril is going to go to prison, the same way [Jacob] Zuma went to prison. I always tell you these things and they …happen. “We no longer have a president, we have a criminal. There is no criminal that must be treated with respect because that criminal has undermined the Constitution of theRepublic of South Africa.” Malema said his party would, however, not lobby any party in parliament. “We are not going to lobby anyone in the ANC or any other party. Let people use their conscience, like Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and say: I’m for the Constitution and I’m not for an individual.” During the vote in parliament, Dlamini Zuma was the only ANC member who refused to vote with the party to protect Ramaphosa. This was in reference to her voting for the impeachment process to proceed. “Today, Mama Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is vindicated and they should take a lesson from her to say these things they should not be factional and political all the time. We should always look at what is in the interest of the country,” added Malema. To survive the impeachment, Ramaphosa would need the support of the Democratic Alliance (DA) to gain a majority.  During the vote, Ramaphosa relied on the ANC’s majority support to shield him from impeachment. However, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the party would not support corruption and would support the impeachment committee in having Ramaphosa removed if they voted to have him removed. “We will be guided by the facts, by the evidence placed before the committee and by our constitutional duty. We will not prejudge the outcome. But nor will we allow any person, no matter how high their office, to be placed above accountability. “South Africa’s democracy rests on the simple principle that public office is a public trust. Those who hold the highest offices in the land must be held to the highest standards of honesty, transparency and accountability,” he said.

The state has no reasonable grounds to prosecute or keep National Cape Congress (NCC) Fadiel Adams in custody and appears intent on punishing him, his lawyer, Bruce Hendricks, says. Hendricks made the argument during Adams’s first appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Adams, who is an MP and a member of parliament’s portfolio committee on police, was remanded in custody and is expected back in court on Wednesday for a bail application. “Everybody is equal before the law and Mr Adams should be treated the same way,” Hendricks argued. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the state has been sitting with the matter for more than a year but today they are seeking a postponement. What we have here is that the state is upset by the media briefings that Mr Adams has held.” Hendricks, who pushed for the bail application to be heard on the same day, also submitted to magistrate Wendalyn Robinson that the state had claimed Adams’s life was under threat, while seeking to keep him in custody. “The very same state that said it had safety concerns for Mr Adams says he must be kept in custody and further endanger his life. Mr Adams is not accused of murder or war crimes. It cannot be in the interests of justice to keep him in custody,” he said. Hendricks also criticised the manner in which Adams had been transported, saying his client was driven 1 600km from the Western Cape to Durban in the back of a van. He argued that Adams, who is married and has two minor children, needed to be at home with his family. Adams, 49, faces three counts of fraud and two counts relating to the administration of justice. He entered the courtroom appearing relaxed before warmly embracing his mother, who was flanked by NCC members. Nearby, his wife stood quietly in the public gallery. The state fired the opening salvo through prosecutor Zwelethu Mata, who said that while the state had initially not intended to oppose bail, it had since changed its position because of Adams’s conduct. “He openly said that he is a fugitive, someone running from the law. It concerns us,” Mata submitted.  “He goes further to say, among his press briefings, ‘if you want to find me, you can come find me’. This is indicative of a catch-me-if-you-can attitude.” Mata said the state needed time to obtain recordings and other material relating to Adams’s media briefings. He further argued that Adams had used profanity directed at the justice system and had interfered with state witnesses. Robinson granted the remand, saying that although she had questions of her own regarding the state’s request, it was not unreasonable. At the centre of the state’s case are allegations that Adams made unauthorised trips from Cape Town to Durban on 2 November 2024 and 24 January 2025, during which he visited Westville Prison. The state alleges that Adams conducted separate interviews with two awaiting-trial inmates during the visits. One of the inmates was Sibusiso Ncengwa, alleged to be a key figure and hitman in the high-profile assassination of former ANC Youth League secretary Sindiso Magaqa, who at the time of his killing was a councillor at uMzimkhulu Local Municipality. Magaqa died from gunshot wounds on 4 September 2017 at Durban’s Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital. He had been ambushed and critically wounded on 13 July 2017 while travelling in a car with two other councillors, who survived the attack. The state also alleges that Adams abused and misrepresented his status as an MP, misleading the SAPS and eThekwini Metro Police into escorting him in a convoy with blue lights from King Shaka International Airport to Westville Prison.  According to the state, Adams told prison officials he was conducting parliamentary oversight duties. It is further alleged that Adams kept his Durban trips secret because he wanted to persuade Ncengwa to change his confession statement and implicate Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the divisional commissioner of crime intelligence.  Sources claim Adams was working with individuals seeking to discredit Khumalo. Ncengwa, who has since been sentenced for his role in Magaqa’s assassination, allegedly intended to reveal who masterminded the hit.

Azerbaijan commemorates the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, reflecting on his profound impact on the nation and his enduring legacy that continues to shape its future.

In exploring the complexities of professional interactions, we uncover an urgent call for change. This column delves deep into the subtle dynamics that often go unnoticed, emphasising the necessity for accountability and respect in all engagements, particularly within communal fitness spaces.

A viral dance trend may have garnered likes, but for one influencer, it backfired when the camera captured alleged animal cruelty, with a skeletal dog named Bobby seen suffering in the background. The legal battle for justice following the alleged neglect of Bobby has now moved to the trial stage, after the dog’s owner, Elliot Tshigo, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday. Tshigo, who arrived at court wearing a surgical mask, formally indicated his intention to plead not guilty to animal cruelty charges. The magistrate postponed the matter until 18 June, when the trial is expected to start. From viral alleged neglect to rescue and recovery The case first sparked national outrage when Bobby, nicknamed by online users, appeared in the background of a viral TikTok video. While social media influencer Tshiamo Sasha Kgasago danced for the camera in June 2025, viewers spotted Bobby, visibly emaciated and lethargic, in distress in the background. After receiving hundreds of reports, the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit tracked the dog down and discovered she had been reduced to eating plastic to survive. Inspectors found her suffering from severe malnourishment, painful flystrike and heavy tick and flea infestations. In a series of dismissive Instagram Story posts, Kgasago distanced herself from the controversy, claiming she did not own the animal. “I don’t know if I must laugh or cry, guys. That’s not my dog,” she told her followers. As public outrage grew, she doubled down on her stance, openly mocking the dog’s emaciated condition and laughing at the viral “Justice for Bobby” campaign. She further deflected blame by insisting she carried no responsibility for the animal’s feeding or care, stating the dog belonged to her neighbour, Tshigo. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) spokesperson, Jacques Peacock, said that despite her initial condition and the mocking responses from the influencer involved, Bobby underwent a “transformation that moved a nation” at the Nigel and Boksburg SPCAs. Picture: National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) Now fully rehabilitated, with a healthy coat and a loving temperament, Bobby has officially been adopted into a new home, the organisation confirmed. Picture: National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) Accountability in court Peacock clarified early in the proceedings that the accused is Bobby’s owner, Mr Tshigo, rather than the influencer seen in the video. The legal process faced initial delays in March when the case was omitted from the court roll and postponed to check for Tshigo’s prior criminal record and to secure legal aid. The NSPCA remains steadfast in its role as Bobby’s advocate. “The NSPCA will continue to monitor proceedings and be ready to testify for Bobby when the trial commences,” the organisation stated. The animal welfare group is now calling on the public to support its ongoing legal efforts, noting that Bobby’s rescue was only possible because ordinary citizens refused to “scroll past” animal cruelty. @nspca_rsa One sad video. One brave dog. One second chance. Bobby’s story didn’t end in the background – it’s only just begun! From a shadow of herself to a brave and beautiful girl, turns out that all Bobby needed was a little love and some treats. Hit follow and share and help us rescue the next Bobby #NSPCA #SPCA #SecondChance #Bobby #AnimalWelfare #ReelLove #DogsOfInstagram ♬ original sound – NSPCA South Africa – NSPCA South Africa

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote says winning the U20 Rugby Championship would mean a lot to the team, as they head into their final match of the competition against the Junior All Blacks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday (kick-off 4:10pm). Foote has already led the Junior Boks to the Junior World Rugby Championship title, in Italy last year, and his charges are now on the verge of picking up another piece of major silverware. The Junior Boks finished runners-up in the first edition of the U20 Rugby Championship in Australia in 2024, and third last year on home soil, so are eager to finally lift the trophy over their Southern Hemisphere rivals. ‘Mean a lot’ “It would mean a lot to us. Last year Riley (Norton, Junior Bok captain) and I came into this tournament and we remember leaving feeling quite disappointed in not making the country proud,” said Foote at Thursday’s team announcement. “So we really want to play well come Saturday. It’s a big game, we are playing against the All Blacks. They are a very good side, there is a strong tradition between the two countries, and we know we want to finish the tournament really well.” The Junior All Blacks are double defending champions and could still spoil the party, if they were to clinch a bonus point win and not allow the Junior Boks a losing bonus point, while Argentina U20s lose or beat Australia U20s without a bonus point, they would retain the title. The Junior Boks themselves were subject to a bit of points confusion after it was announced that they had won the tournament after their big win over Australia, only for it to be clarified a day later that the bonus point structure for this year’s edition had changed, which kept the competition alive. Handled well “After the game the media told us we had won the tournament and I thought Riley handled that really well. He said that (winning the title) wasn’t really our focus, which has been to play well here for three games,” explained Foote. “So I think the guys have responded really well. We didn’t make a big thing about the points, it isn’t something that is in our control, we were told New Zealand were on five and we are on 10. “We have prepared really well for this tournament, so we just want to keep getting better in our game. I think the guys have already shown in the games against Argentina and Australia that we are on the right track and we just want to take it a step further against New Zealand.” Although the weather for Saturday is predicted to be sunny, conditions could also be tricky, with a lot of rain having fallen in Gqeberha over the week. “We actually trained in the rain on Wednesday. We just want to play in any conditions and control what we can. Obviously the field is sand based and even in the last game it gets quite sticky at times and the ball with that sand can get quite slippery on the ground,” said Foote. “So there are a couple of things that we brought to our attention. But we are not too concerned about the weather. We are just going to go out there and play the style of rugby that we want to play and control the things that we can.”

FlySafair has extended the temporary surcharge on its ticket prices as airlines continue to feel the impact of rising global fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East. The fuel surcharge, first introduced in March, will now remain in place until at least August, although the airline says the timeline could still change depending on developments in global oil markets. FlySafair says outlook remains uncertain FlySafair chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon told Moneyweb that the airline initially believed the disruption might be short-lived. However, as tensions and supply pressures continued, the carrier decided to extend the surcharge to flights operating in the foreseeable future. “The biggest shift since the outset of the conflict has really been the timeline,” Gordon said. He added that the surcharge is reviewed weekly and is not fixed permanently. “There have already been some periods where we’ve been able to reduce it marginally as market conditions eased slightly,” he said. Expansion plans affected The volatile fuel environment is also influencing broader airline planning. According to Gordon, conditions are currently not ideal for launching aggressive expansion strategies or any new routes. Instead, FlySafair’s focus has shifted toward maintaining core connectivity while managing costs as efficiently as possible. Schedules and operational plans are always being adjusted to improve efficiency, but fluctuating fuel prices and uncertain consumer demand are making planning more difficult than usual. FlySafair said it has modelled several possible scenarios, ranging from a relatively quick stabilisation in fuel markets to a prolonged period of higher prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

Siya Kolisi will soon leave the Sharks to return to the Stormers, although his comeback game for the Cape side will only take place next season as the Springboks’ 2026 campaign will soon get underway. When making the announcement earlier this year that Kolisi would be coming back to the Cape, the Stormers made it clear that it was also motivated by family and a desire to serve as a mentor for the younger generation. Stormers coach John Dobson has now revealed how Kolisi was willing to take a pay cut to fulfil his dream move. “Siya was desperate to come back and made a massive financial sacrifice to be here,” he said while hosting a Stormers TV Q&A. “That gesture is appreciated. He said all I want to do is play for the Stormers and come back to Cape Town. “When you have a Springbok captain who has made a great contribution to the country, make that gesture; it would be unfair to him to reveal the numbers, but that showed where his heart is. There is not one element of financial gain.” Full understanding of role for Siya Kolisi at the Stormers Dobson also explained that talented openside flank Paul de Villiers would benefit rather than battle when Kolisi is available for selection. “Siya told us he is not here to take the place of Paul de Villiers or for a pay cheque. He wants to help bring youngsters through and when he is needed by the Stormers, he will put his body on the line as he does for the Springboks.” Farewell to the Sharks Kolisi will make his return to the Stormers after this season in what will be a full circle moment as the iconic leader’s professional rugby journey started in Cape Town after he left school, and he is now poised to add to his 118 Stormers caps. “On a personal note, this is a difficult time as I prepare to say goodbye to the Sharks,” he commented. “This has been such a special place for me. I want to sincerely thank the people of KZN for the way you have welcomed my family and me. “My children love it here; they love the team, the city, and the community. Thank you for making us feel like part of the family. We will return as often as we can and will always support the boys from afar. “I am immensely grateful to the Sharks for everything they have done for me – not just in my career, but in supporting my family and helping me stay close to my children. I am going to enjoy these final two weeks in this wonderful city and look forward to seeing the supporters one last time so I can say a proper goodbye.”

Airtel Africa has delayed its mobile money initial public offering to late 2026, citing war-driven margin pressures.

Stability is needed as Sita looks to re-establish itself as a trusted service provider for government IT services.