Image: WaterCAN

On April 18, 2024, 3-year-old Unecebo Mboteni, died after falling into a pit latrine at his creche in Mdantsane, East London.

In the third week of March 2023, Langalam Viki, a 4-year-old girl, died after falling into a pit latrine at her pre-school in the Eastern Cape.

On 20 January 2014, 5-year-old Michael Kompe drowned after falling into the pit latrine at his school in Limpopo.

“How many lives need to be lost?” WaterCAN’s executive manager Dr Ferrial Adam asks, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to do away with pit latrines and provide adequate sanitation facilities in schools.

Dr Adam emphasised the responsibility that the South African government has to provide dignified and safe sanitation for school learners and expressed hope that the promises made by the Department of Basic Education and Public Works to eliminate pit latrines will be fulfilled this time.

“We’ve had similar statements last year, where they said they’re going to take out pit latrines by March 2024- this year- and we still have them in our schools. Let’s see if this is going to happen by next year, 2025. The fact that we still have pit latrines in our schools in this day and age is quite sad,” Dr Adam said.

The lack of political will, the scale of the problem, corruption, and the fact that it is not prioritised because it mainly affects those in rural areas, have all contributed to the delay in addressing the crisis. However, the formation of the new GNU has renewed hopes for stricter checks and balances in tackling corruption and accelerating infrastructure projects.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
20 November 2024 | 11:30 CAT
2 min read

The Institute of Chartered Entrepreneurs (IoCE) has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive requiring all spaza shops to register within 21 days, calling it impractical and potentially harmful to the informal economy. The directive, aimed at addressing food safety following child poisoning deaths, risks financial losses and closures for thousands of small businesses, many of which operate with perishable stock and tight budgets.

The IoCE highlighted the government’s failure to engage stakeholders like informal traders and community leaders, as well as the lack of clarity on compliance support. It warned that overstretched municipalities would struggle to implement the directive effectively.

Public Interest SA’s Tebogo Khaas criticised the president’s plan, describing it as ill-conceived. He pointed to capacity issues within local authorities, stating: “Local authorities do not have the requisite manpower to make sure they can enforce good security regulations effectively. Why go this route?”

According to Khaas, the critical issue lies within the supply chain. He noted that even if spaza shops are re-registered and comply with health and safety regulations, informal traders might still supply expired goods. “Compliance at the supply chain is where the government is missing the point,” he added.

Khaas further highlighted the impracticality of the directive, noting the government’s track record of slow processing. “Licenses take a long time, but now, to ask tens of thousands of spaza shops to apply, you are just setting local authorities up for failure. If this was set up using a phased approach, maybe it could work,” he said.

He also warned that the directive could encourage corruption. “It cultivates the possibility of bribing; police themselves take advantage of non-complying businesses. It creates an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals,” he added.

The IoCE proposed alternative measures, including phased registration, education on food safety, and strengthening municipal resources. It urged the government to work with the informal sector to create a balanced plan that protects public health without destabilising livelihoods.

Khaas asserts that the government must reconsider this “hastily announced directive” and instead adopt a phased approach to implementing the re-registration of non-compliant spaza shops. He also emphasised the need to strengthen local municipalities to ensure they have the capacity to effectively implement any directives.

“We ask the president to prioritise public health and economic stability,” he stressed.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA, here.

19 November 2024

3-minute read

The EFF has barred its popular member of parliament and former spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi from attending its 4-day elective conference set to take place in Nasrec in December, as well as barring him from attending all political activities including those in parliament.

Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast, political analyst, indicates the relationship between Ndlozi and EFF leader Julius Malema seems to have broken down after another of the party’s members, Floyd Shivambu, “jumped ship”. Subsequently, when Dali Mpofu left the party, Malema stated that “there are also two more who are on their way out”, a clear reference to Ndlozi. The last report released on the weekend preventing Ndlozi from attending the war council seems to be “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and it is now public knowledge that “all is not well within the EFF”.

The application of democratic development within the EFF has been misused due to elitism and the suppression of a democracy. Malema seems to have gravitated towards Godrich Gardee, which is an “antithesis of democracy” for a party that claims to be democratic at its core.

Although popular within the ranks and files of the party, Ndlozi was prevented from attending several meetings to prevent him from attending the upcoming elections. Another reason for him being singled out is that he might have voted against the will of the leadership of the EFF. Despite “constructive dismissal” where the workplace is being made unbearable for him, Ndlozi is holding on. His qualifications, amongst them a PhD, make it easy for Ndlozi to start a career outside of politics, and there are even rumours that he may join Floyd Shivambu, who is “like a brother” to him and not just a mere comrade.

What is happening in the imploding EFF is a “dictatorship of the elite”. Not all is well in the party as members with a national standing walk away one after the other to join other parties. “Denialism” is the main problem as they continue to embed themselves in other socialist parties, says Dr Breakfast, a “self-fulfilling prophecy” by their leader, Julius Malema.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat on Sabahul Muslim.

The Midvaal local municipality (MLM) in the southern region of Gauteng is procuring a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) electricity concession to manage its power supply.

The municipality, which serves Evaton, Meyerton, Randvaal, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Vaal Marina, and Walkerville, says the need for a PPP arose because insufficient funds prevented it from maintaining the vast Midvaal electrical network. With load-shedding having severely affected the Midvaal economy and Eskom’s proposed 40% tariff hike in 2025, the plan to secure a PPP and reduce reliance on the public utility is a feasible solution.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, MMC for Engineering Counsellor Reginald Hubbard said that the partnership aims to secure a stable electricity supply, improve infrastructure, and reduce electricity rates.

“This [PPP] will also reduce the pressure from Midvaal to Eskom. With the energy in our network, this will lead to reduced rates,” Counsellor Hubbard said, adding that a PPP will enable the municipality to better maintain electricity infrastructure.

While MLM has largely been at the helm of its internal electricity network, a few areas are still controlled by Eskom. These areas have experienced challenges in the past, with Eskom having implemented load curtailment measures, which Hubbard described as more disruptive than load reduction and shedding.

The initiative does not signify a complete severance from Eskom but rather a shift towards greater efficiency and innovation through private-sector collaboration.

The MLM requires funding to upgrade the current energy structures to improve its capability to accommodate the excess power generated by industries and businesses that have switched to solar power. The private sector will provide the financial muscle needed to upgrade the system—something the MLM cannot afford to do in the short term.

Counsellor Hubbard said that consumers are unlikely to experience any disruptions during the transition, with the long-term outlook promising improved service delivery.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
19 November 2024 | 22:34 CAT
2-minute read

• SA has maintained a 20-year policy of not supplying arms directly to Israel, a stance confirmed by research from Open Secrets.
• However, SA continues to supply arms to Israel’s allies, such as Germany.
• These weapons might indirectly reach Israel or allow allies to replenish their own stock while arming Israel.
• No mechanisms in place to verify end use of arms; SA government relies on trust and faces financial risk of halting arms trade with Israel’s allies.

An Open Secrets report has drawn attention to the fact that despite South Africa’s 20-year policy that prohibits supplying weapons to Israel, South African arms companies continue to sell arms to Israel’s allies, which include Germany, Hungary, France the United States and Italy.

While South Africa does not export weapons directly to Israel, there are concerns that the arms inadvertently reach the IOF or allow allies to replenish their stock while arming Israel.

South African arms companies sold over R3 billion worth of arms to Israel’s largest suppliers in 2023 with government approval. Open Secrets’ head of investigations, Michael Marchant told Radio Islam that Germany, a close ally of Israel, was supplied with almost R2 billion worth of South African-manufactured arms.

“In 2023, including after October 7^th, we supplied R1,7 billion of weapons to Germany, including bombs, rounds and shells, including 155mm ammunition that’s manufactured in South Africa. During that period, Germany was Israel’s second-largest weapons supplier,” Marchant said.

While Open Secrets has found no concrete evidence of South African weapons being used by the IOF, there is evidence that  155mm artillery ammunition that is manufactured by German companies operating in South Africa are being used in two of the largest current global conflicts.

“In times of conflict like this, it can be incredibly difficult to ascertain where explosive munitions can be very difficult to trace,” Marchant emphasised.

The organisation is calling for more rigorous oversight from the South African government. The National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), responsible for monitoring arms exports, was non-operational for six months this year due to delays in reconstitution following the national elections. In response to concerns raised by Open Secrets, the NCACC stated that it trusts its international partners to respect their legal obligations.

Tightening restrictions could result in significant financial losses for South Africa’s arms industry, particularly if exports to major buyers like Germany were curtailed. However, some analysts argue that a country so vocal in its support for Palestinian liberation cannot afford to compromise its principles for profit.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

3-minute read
19 November 2024 | 12:23 CAT

DA members were picketing outside Nersa offices in Arcadia, opposing the electricity tariff increase. (Raymond Morare/ Daily Sun)

Public outrage continues to grow as Eskom faces sharp criticism for its proposed 36% electricity tariff hike for 2025. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) began public hearings on the matter, sparking protests led by Cape Town Mayor Gordon Hill Lewis and the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Protesters, including DA’s Kevin Mileham, handed over a petition with 200,000 signatures to NERSA last week, opposing the increase. “It’s unfair to burden consumers with the cost of Eskom’s inefficiencies, wasteful expenditure, and historic mismanagement,” Mileham told Radio Islam International. He highlighted the 250-billion-rand bailouts Eskom has received over the last decade, questioning why South Africans must now pay more for electricity while the utility’s finances remain in disarray.

The protest shows deep-seated concerns, including Eskom’s debt from projects like Medupi and Kusile, which Mileham described as “a legacy of state capture, corruption, and mismanagement.” Municipalities’ unpaid debts, totalling around 90 billion rand, further exacerbate the crisis.

Civil society and political groups have rallied behind the protests, with many arguing that the tariff hike will stifle economic growth. “We need competition in the energy sector and alternative power solutions,” Mileham asserted, adding that independent power producers have played a significant role in mitigating load shedding.

The proposed hike comes as many South Africans are still reeling from the economic impact of load shedding, which Mileham described as “the single biggest handbrake on our economy over the last 15 years.”

Citizens are encouraged to participate in NERSA’s public hearings or sign the DA’s petition at stoppowergrab.da.org.za to oppose the increase. “The voices of ordinary South Africans must be heard,” Mileham urged.

The debate over Eskom’s proposed tariff hike is far from over, with public participation and protests set to continue. The outcome of NERSA’s hearings will determine whether South Africans face another financial burden or if public outcry will lead to a more sustainable solution.

Listen here to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Kevin Mlieham.

3-minute read
18 November 2024 | 17:30 CAT

The Gauteng MEC for Education has removed food vendors from all schools amid the increasing cases of often fatal food poisoning incidents affecting pupils. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi)

A controversial ban on food sales near schools has stirred public outcry, prompting swift action from civic groups and vendors. The ban, introduced by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chilaone, sought to curb food poisoning cases linked to spaza shops but has been criticized for targeting longstanding school vendors.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of stringent regulations on spaza shops, particularly those allegedly linked to child deaths, amplified tensions. However, critics argue that the decision to suspend school vendors unfairly penalized a group unconnected to the crisis.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, ActionSA Gauteng Caucus Leader Funzi Ngobeni emphasized this concern: “It was surprising to see vendors, many of whom have supported schools for decades, suddenly blamed for something unrelated. This decision lacks evidence and undermines livelihoods.”

In response to the ban, ActionSA collaborated with over 16 civic organizations, school governing body leaders, and affected vendors to address the issue. A memorandum was submitted during a protest march to the MEC’s office, demanding a retraction of the decision. The efforts appear to have succeeded, as the ban is now set to be lifted.

Ngobeni stressed the importance of consultation in policymaking, noting that “taking steps like these without engaging affected communities is not just immoral—it’s illegal. Vendors deserve a platform to voice their concerns, especially when their livelihoods are at stake.”

The initiative also highlighted the broader need for regulatory clarity. While supporting lawful operations, Ngobeni urged vendors to comply with licensing and accreditation requirements. “As a nation, we must uphold the rule of law. That includes ensuring vendors operate within guidelines while preserving their ability to earn a living,” he said.

The incident underscores the delicate balance between public health and economic livelihoods. As vendors prepare to resume work, civic groups call on the MEC to adopt a more inclusive approach moving forward, ensuring that no policy deprives law-abiding citizens of their livelihoods without due process.

You can listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and ActionSA Gauteng Caucus Leader Funzi Ngobeni here.

3-minute read
15 November 2024 | 18:23 CAT

Selemani_Dainfern-Golf-Estate-Facebook – NPA has to investigate looted Congolese funds stashed in South African properties. (Open Secrets)

Civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, and Senegal are urging the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to act decisively on allegations of international money laundering. A criminal complaint filed 19 months ago regarding stolen Congolese funds allegedly used to buy South African properties has yet to yield action, raising concerns about accountability.

Open Secrets,  the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) and Le Congo N’est Pas Á Vendre (The Congo Is Not for Sale), and other advocacy groups highlight evidence that former Congolese President Joseph Kabila’s family funnelled public funds through the BGFI Bank. Central to this scandal is Kabila’s adopted brother, Francis Selemani, who allegedly laundered funds through shell companies to purchase South African properties, including 13 in Gauteng, worth R15 million.

Speaking to Radio Islam International on the matter, Ra’eesa Pather of Open Secrets noted, “The real estate agents and lawyers involved essentially enabled Selemani to legitimize stolen funds, violating South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre Act.” Pather also emphasized that politically exposed persons like Selemani should face additional scrutiny under the law.

Despite robust anti-money laundering regulations, civil society argues South Africa remains a prime destination for illicit funds. Pather added, “When lawyers and estate agents facilitate such transactions, they’re obligated to file suspicious transaction reports, but no significant action has followed.”

The organizations are calling for an urgent investigation into the matter to address Congolese grievances and help South Africa shed its graylisted status under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Raeesa Pather stressed the human cost of these crimes: “Public funds stolen from the Congo diminish citizens’ access to essential services. By taking action, South Africa can play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable communities and upholding international financial integrity.”

With civil society groups forming a united bloc, pressure mounts on the NPA to act swiftly. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for justice in Africa and South Africa’s global reputation.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Ra’eesa Pather of Open Secrets here.

Ebrahim Rasool, who served as South Africa’s ambassador to the US under Obama’s administration, will be returning to Washington as ambassador for the second Trump presidency. His return, which has been hailed as a proud moment for Muslim South Africans, will be focused on repairing South Africa’s relationship with the states.

Born in the 70s in District Six, Rasool’s involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle began during his high school years and included leadership in the United Democratic Front. During the apartheid era, he was detained without trial for 16 months and banned and restricted for 18 months from 1985-88. During his time in prison, he pursued Quranic studies and in 1984, Rasool was involved in founding the Call of Islam, an organisation committed to drawing Muslims into the political struggle.

In this week’s ASRI Report, Dr Imraan Buccus, senior research associate at ASRI, acknowledged Rasool as a seasoned and skilled diplomat well-suited for the appointment to repair tense ties with the US.

The context within which Rasool will return to office as ambassador to the US under the “Trump 2.0” administration differs from his previous tenure during the Obama era. South Africa’s foreign policy on Palestine, Russia and China has strained its relationship with the US.

“South Africa and the US have had a trying relationship in the recent past. The US was upset by South Africa’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice. The whole Lady R fiasco about allegations that South Africa was supplying weapons to Russia…” Dr Buccus said, and added, “Our relationship with Russia and China unsettled the US.”

Trump’s administration is marked by right-wing, pro-Israel appointments and a transactional approach to diplomacy. Trump treats his role as president like a business, and Rasool will need to navigate this with a pragmatic approach.

While Rasool will have his work cut out for him, many analysts remain confident that he will do well in his role.

Analysts believe that South Africa’s foreign policy is deeply misunderstood, particularly in the global north, as anti-west, pro-Russia and pro-China. However, South Africa values collaboration and fostering international ties with all global players.

“No doubt South Africa has a commitment to South-South solidarity,” Dr Buccus explained. “But at the same time, South Africa is genuinely committed to non-alignment; to working with all of the major powers, including the US, and South Africa understands we live in a multipolar world,” he added.

While many South Africans hold the view that the government should break all ties with the United States for its intolerable support for Israel, the nature of international relations requires that countries must act in their national interest.

With over 70% of all South African exports to the US in the form of manufactured goods, the US plays an important role in our country’s employment.

“There are thousands of US companies in SA, and hundreds of thousands of people benefit from employment linked to that US investment, as opposed to China, where simply raw materials go to China. South Africa is reliant on the US in terms of trade [and] job creation” Dr Buccus said.

The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), critical to South African trade, hangs in the balance under the Trump administration. This underscores the importance of a pragmatic approach to maintaining the US as a key partner while ensuring South Africa retains its independence in foreign policy.

Rasool’s return also highlights South Africa’s unwavering support for Palestine, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. While many Middle Eastern countries have faltered in their solidarity, South Africa has upheld its anti-imperialist stance. However, as Dr Buccus noted, this is a “practical anti-imperialism” that balances advocacy with the need to engage major powers like the US.

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

3-minute read
14 November 2024 | 18:46 CAT

SAFA president and two other accused appear at the Palm Ridge magistrate court on Wednesday. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)

In a dramatic turn of events, South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan and two co-accused representatives have appeared in Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on fraud charges. Allegations against Jordaan centre on the misappropriation of R1.3 million, reportedly utilized for personal gain without SAFA’s authorization. The charges have raised significant concerns about accountability within SAFA, igniting a response from the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has welcomed the arrest and called for an independent probe.

“We have to follow the money,” DA representative Joe McGluwa told Radio Islam International. “What we’re witnessing here is likely only the tip of the iceberg. This situation highlights deeply embedded issues within SAFA’s leadership. The Sport, Arts, and Culture Portfolio Committee is committed to transforming sport in South Africa, but that can’t happen when those in power are accused of misusing funds.”

Jordaan’s tenure has not been without controversy. Previously criticized for his leadership approach, this latest accusation underscores the mounting frustration with SAFA’s governance. McGluwa highlighted that the call for Jordaan to step down is more than symbolic; it is necessary. “We want Jordaan to withdraw from his position until the investigation concludes. SAFA needs to act decisively to rebuild trust,” he asserted.

The allegations against Jordaan come amid renewed promises from the Sport, Arts, and Culture Ministry, led by Gayton McKenzie, to address corruption in sports. McKenzie has pledged to restore transparency and redirect resources to foster development—however, many question whether SAFA will respond appropriately without external pressure.

McGluwa further criticized the lack of accountability, warning that systemic issues extend beyond SAFA. “South African sports have suffered due to absent leadership and ethical lapses across various disciplines. Action must be taken to ensure responsible management,” he said, urging the Portfolio Committee to summon SAFA for a public hearing.

The broader sports community, including rugby and cricket, has faced similar controversies. McGluwa emphasized the importance of transparency and leadership integrity for sports to unite and uplift South Africans. Addressing leadership in every sporting code is crucial for progress,” he noted, urging South Africa to foster a sporting culture rooted in social cohesion and equity.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and DA representative Joe McGluwa here.