Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
13 September 2025 | 11:00 CAT

📸 This week’s ASRI Report unpacks Floyd Shivambu’s new party Maibuye Africa and what splinter politics mean for 2026, the urgent need for an interdisciplinary fight against Cape Town’s gang violence, and Walmart’s entry into South Africa, will it boost jobs or squeeze out small retailers?

South Africa’s political, social, and economic landscape is entering a turbulent phase marked by new splinter parties, rising crime, and shifting business dynamics. Speaking to Radio Islam International, ASRI’s Fazlen Fransman Talib unpacked the implications of these developments.

The emergence of Floyd Shivambu’s new formation Maibuye Africa adds to the growing fragmentation of South Africa’s opposition space. “The question is whether Floyd actually has a base,” Talib cautioned, highlighting that social media dominance does not necessarily translate into votes.

She emphasised the dangers of dilution within the so-called “progressive caucus.” While many joined the MK party under the idea of a unified opposition, splintering disrupts this vision. “The reality is the progressive caucus actually doesn’t benefit with splintering… other political parties end up benefiting,” Talib explained.

The key determinants of Maibuye Africa’s success will lie in its leadership pool, policy differentiation, and whether it can present itself as more than “just noise.”

Talib drew attention to the worsening crime and gangsterism gripping Cape Town and other regions. “We have young people that are jobless, without facilities in their communities, and without positive role models. They are going into these gangs,” she said.

The challenge, she argued, lies in the absence of an interdisciplinary approach. Current responses are heavily reliant on law enforcement, while underlying issues such as unemployment, education, and rehabilitation are overlooked. “Unless we have that interdisciplinary approach, we’re going to sit with this challenge for a very long time to come,” she warned.

Talib called for collaboration across social development, education, and policing, stressing that the pipeline drawing children into gangsterism must be cut off at its roots.

Turning to the economy, Talib assessed Walmart’s decision to open its first branded stores in South Africa. While Walmart already owns Massmart (which includes Game and Makro), the move signals fresh investment.

“This is a new influx of possible employment opportunities across the board in different provinces,” Talib noted, with benefits stretching into infrastructure and supply chains. However, she cautioned against over-reliance on imports, urging Walmart to genuinely empower local suppliers.

Competition, she added, will likely drive down consumer prices but may threaten township spaza shops and small retailers. “Broadly speaking this is a really good thing for South Africa. It shows that South Africa is open for business,” Talib concluded.

Listen to the full ASRI Report on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Hobat and Fazlen Fransman Talib.