Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
10 November 2023 | 14:37 CAT
2-min read

• The appointment of Floyd Brink as municipal manager for the City of Johannesburg was found unconstitutional and invalid;
• Mayor of Kannaland, Jeffrey Donson was expelled from his position;
• A SARB Report on the Phala Phala matter found on technicality that the money did not belong to Mr Ramaphosa because it was an incomplete transaction, and
• South Africa withdraws diplomats from Israel.

In the ASRI Report on Radio Islam International, Angelo Fick discusses the recent high court judgment that declared the appointment process of Floyd Brink as municipal manager for Johannesburg unconstitutional. Fick notes that Brink’s public appearances gives an impression of his effective crisis management. However, the focus shifts to the flawed process that led to Brink’s appointment, now deemed inconsistent with the law, constitution, and processes of council.

The interview emphasises the importance of adherence to legal processes, especially in a law-bound state. Fick criticises the coalition government of Johannesburg for not consistently following outlined processes in municipal legislation. The governance challenges unveiled suggest a need for revisiting Brink’s appointment process to ensure transparency and adherence to the law.

The conversation further touches upon Brink’s historical association with Julius Malema and his acquittal of charges in a previous legal encounter. Fick raises concerns about these ties, emphasising the impact of such relationships on governance in the city. The overarching theme remains the necessity of procedural integrity to effectively manage a city already grappling with crises exacerbated by deviations from established processes.

In a related issue, the interview outlines the expulsion of Jeffrey Donson, mayor of Kannaland and leader of ECOSA, along with his son, the deputy mayor in Oudtshoorn. The expulsion is based on accusations of bringing the party into disrepute, particularly concerning Donson Sr.’s criminal conviction predating his appointment. Fick draws parallels between local issues and national politics, asserting that ethical compromises in political appointments pose challenges to South Africa’s moral fabric.

“I think South Africa is going to ask themselves very hard questions ahead of next year’s general election about what kinds of people they want to vote for and which kinds of organisations reflect their values and ideas and don’t just go for the politically popular idea and vote for somebody regardless of what they’ve done, regardless of what they’ve been convicted of,” Fick said.

Shifting gears, Fick analyses the South African Reserve Bank’s recent report on the Phala Phala matter. The report, published quietly earlier this week, found technical issues surrounding President Ramaphosa’s foreign currency dealings. Fick points out the precedent set by the report, highlighting the intricate regulations governing foreign currency transactions in South Africa.

The interview underscores the political consequences for President Ramaphosa and the ANC, noting that the technicality may be used as a victory within the party. Fick suggests that the findings could become a focal point in the power struggle between Ramaphosa and his deputy, Mr. Mashatile, regarding the future leadership of the ANC.

In the final segment, the interview touches on South Africa’s diplomatic decision to withdraw diplomats from Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Fick analyses the timing of this move, attributing it to the recent events in Gaza and the international call for a ceasefire. He anticipates the issue becoming a feature in South African domestic politics, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

As Fick concludes the Asri Report, he emphasises that the parties’ positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict will likely play a significant role in local communities’ support or lack thereof in the upcoming elections, with parties like the DA already under scrutiny on their stance regarding the war on Palestine.

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