Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 12 December 2025

Citizens urged to engage with municipal demarcation changes and demand accountability from leadership 📸

This week’s ASRI Report highlighted pressing issues in South Africa’s political landscape, governance, and education system. Angelo Fick joined the discussion to dissect developments, including the African National Congress (ANC) National General Council (NGC), municipal demarcation changes, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) leadership, and alarming matric exam leaks.

On the ANC, Fick noted that while the NGC provided a platform for self-reflection, “for a party that lost a third of its electoral support a year and a half ago, it is not enough to talk about policy or ethical renewal for the 10th time in a decade.” He stressed that action must follow words, particularly on corruption and ethical leadership, warning that mere rhetoric could further erode public trust ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Regarding municipal demarcation changes, Fick said, “South Africa has, over the last 30 years, radically changed, not just in terms of its politics, but in where people live and how they live.” He highlighted disputes in KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere, pointing to concerns over gerrymandering, and urged citizens to engage with gazetted information: “It becomes the duty of citizens to pay attention, look at the gazetted information through their civil society organizations and either object to them or educate constituents about the changes.”

Turning to the NPA, Fick reflected on the scrutiny facing NDPP Shamila Bhattoy following allegations around the suspended Deputy Advocate Andrew Chowk. “The NDPP isn’t above the fray,” he remarked, noting slow responses to state capture allegations. Stringent questioning of potential successors, including Hermione Corneille and Menzi Similani, underscores the need for “a very strong NDPP in the decade ahead to scale back criminality that has been rife in our society.” Independence, fairness, and justice without favor remain paramount for the office.

Finally, Fick addressed the ongoing matric exam leaks. Two Department of Basic Education employees and several Pretoria matriculants were implicated after answers closely matched exam memos. He described the situation as “corruption of the individuals and, tragically, of the young people themselves,” highlighting the moral and political consequences. Fick emphasised that these incidents, which recur annually, threaten public trust and compromise the integrity of crucial educational processes.

Concluding the ASRI Report, Fick warned that such systemic issues demand urgent attention. “We must go after people who not only corrupt themselves but corrupt their own children,” he said, calling for rigorous enforcement to protect the integrity of South Africa’s institutions.

This week’s ASRI Report underscores the interconnected challenges of political accountability, governance, and education integrity in South Africa. Citizens and leaders alike are urged to confront these issues with vigilance and action.

Listen to the full ASRI Report on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Angelo Fick.