Also known as: Ramaphosa · president Cyril Ramaphosa · President Ramaphosa · South African president Cyril Ramaphosa · South Africa's President Ramaphosa · South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa · the SADC chairperson · the South Africa president · South African President
President of South Africa and SADC chairperson, dealing with military deployment, FMD vaccination strategy, and diplomatic tensions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa must decide whether to suspend or place on leave National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who faces criminal charges tied to a dubiously awarded police tender worth R360-million. The decision comes as SAPS fractures over rival claims of cartel infiltration and corruption among senior officers.
19 hours ago · The Namibian →
President Cyril Ramaphosa must decide whether to suspend or place on leave National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who faces criminal charges tied to a dubiously awarded police tender worth R360-million. The decision comes as SAPS fractures over rival claims of cartel infiltration and corruption among senior officers.
19 hours ago · The Namibian →
The ANC has given its members who also belong to the SACP a 10-day deadline to declare which party they will campaign for in local elections, after the SACP announced it would contest independently. The move highlights tensions within the historically intertwined alliance and poses practical complications for senior figures like SACP chairperson Blade Nzimande and ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe, both of whom hold ministerial positions.
19 hours ago · The Namibian →
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator and longtime friend of Ramaphosa, as ambassador to the United States. The appointment comes after the country's previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled last year following his criticism of President Trump, leaving the post vacant amid strained diplomatic relations.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, is set to be sentenced today in South Africa for firing an assault rifle at a rally in 2018, with the state seeking the maximum 15-year jail term. Hundreds of supporters gathered ahead of his sentencing in East London, as the case—brought by far-right group AfriForum—continues amid broader controversy over Malema's use of anti-apartheid slogans.
16 April 2026 · New Era →
Geordin Hill-Lewis, 39, has become leader of South Africa's second-largest Democratic Alliance party, tasked with extending its support beyond its predominantly white and minority voter base to the black majority who make up about 80% of the population. Hill-Lewis has acknowledged a "trust deficit" and says winning the trust of more black South Africans will be his main focus, supported by a more diverse and younger senior leadership team than his predecessors.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A South African Police Service (SAPS) captain attached to the Protection and Security Services has been suspended for allegedly manipulating the police financial system to pocket millions of rands while falsely claiming the money was for transport expenses related to President Ramaphosa's protection detail. The investigation found the funds were not received by the close protectors but were withdrawn in lump sum cash amounts by the officer.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's military has been deployed to five provinces to help police combat gang violence and illicit mining. Security experts warn that military deployment rarely delivers lasting results without addressing root causes of crime, and residents express mixed views on whether soldiers will improve safety.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Auditor-General has found that the Department of Defence cannot locate portions of its R68.95-billion military asset base, raising concerns about resource management as the country deploys 2,200 troops to crime-affected areas at an estimated cost of R823 million. The department has received recurring qualified audit opinions for nine years and overspent its budget by R2.51 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
SADC chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement on Southern Africa Liberation Day (23 March) emphasizing Namibia's 1990 independence as a decisive turning point in the region's liberation struggle, linked to the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. He called for the region to preserve liberation history, remain united against emerging challenges, and continue supporting self-determination efforts across the continent.
26 March 2026 · New Era →
General Fannie Masemola, head of South Africa's police force, has been served with a notice to appear in court over his alleged role in awarding a controversial $21 million health services tender to a company owned by businessman Vusimuzi Matlala in 2024. A dozen senior police officers have been formally charged with corruption and fraud in connection with the tender, which has since been cancelled.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →