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Just a note: The Wrap will go on a three-week break from next week so our writers can reset, rest and return stronger to bring you even better content. We will be back from the 10th of October. 🥳️
Back to this week’s wrap, a viral video has exposed the horrors of public hospitals in Gauteng, a legendary voice falls silent and a coalition in the country’s capital crumbles. Plus, Find out all about dipping into the two-pot system. Also, this week, we saw Donald Trump and Kamala Harris battle it out on the debate podium, and two of Mzansi’s brightest stars, Tyla and Bayanda Walaza, continue to shine bright with their achievements.
So, let’s dive into your weekly update of empowering and easy-to-understand news, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄
Format:
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▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 1. OUR TAKE: Hurt feelings shouldn’t dictate Tshwane politics
Pretoria mayor Cilliers Brink will face his third motion of no confidence in two weeks time, and this time, it may succeed thanks to ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, who is in his flip-flop era.
The ANC lost control in Tshwane in 2016 and failed to regain it in 2021. Recently, it has been trying to oust the DA’s Brink despite cooperating with his party at the national level. They’ve failed previously as they don’t have the numbers—no one does in the hung council. That’s where ActionSA, who is part of the DA-led coalition, comes in.
Mashaba famously referred to the ANC as “the devil” and said he’d never worked with them, but he has since helped the ANC install a new mayor in Johannesburg and may now do the same in Tshwane. As broadcaster Stephen Grootes notes, Mashaba may have realised the limits of his opposition strategy after his party underperformed in the recent national elections and could be desperate to remain relevant in a shifting political landscape. Plus, there have long been tensions between Mashaba and the DA, who he represented as Johannesburg mayor in a previous political life. Mashaba accuses the DA of undermining and “backstabbing” ActionSA, calling EFF a better partner.👀
Yet Mashaba’s party doesn’t seem entirely on board. Just a couple of months ago, his party called the ANC’s no-confidence motions “opportunistic.” Action SA’s Tshwane caucus leader, Jackie Mathabathe, praised the DA-led coalition for reducing corruption and improving service delivery, including a R10 billion reduction in irregular expenditure.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont, too, has taken a more cautious approach to the upcoming vote of no confidence, saying the party is studying polls and audit reports. However, Mashaba tends to dominate the party, which is yet to hold an elective conference that could challenge his leadership.
The DA isn’t waiting for ActionSA to make a final decision, saying they no longer consider them a stable partner. They also allege the ANC’s no-confidence motion is in revenge for the coalition implementing tighter financial controls and cutting off access to illicit income, The South African reported. The DA said ANC Tshwane secretary George Matjila threatened to table the motion over changes to the city’s waste collection tender, which replaced 60% of previous waste removal contractors.
So, is Mashaba giving “the devil”—to use his own words—the keys to the Tshwane house because his feelings have been hurt and he is feeling his declining political power? Perhaps. In the end, residents will suffer.
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 2. BIG STORY: Vigils held for Pravin Gordhan’s recovery
Vigils were held on Wednesday in Johannesburg and Durban for former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s recovery after he was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. Activists, friends, and colleagues gathered to pray for his recovery.
In Durban, around 30 people, many of whom have known Gordhan for decades, gathered at the 1860 Heritage Centre. The event, organised by the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) 130 Organising Committee, saw attendees sharing personal stories of their commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle and democracy.
At Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, activists paid tribute to Gordhan’s unwavering commitment to clean governance. Long-time friends and colleagues like Alf Karrim reflected on his days with the Natal Indian Congress. Peter Richer, a former colleague at South African Revenue Services (SARS), praised his leadership in the fight against corruption.
Catherine Hunter-Shubane from Defend Our Democracy recalled Gordhan’s powerful words during the height of state capture: “Our souls are not for sale. Our country is not for sale.”
Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 and continued through various reshuffles and controversies, including a brief dismissal by Jacob Zumal in 2015. His second term saw him at the forefront of South Africa’s battle against state capture, often drawing criticism from those implicated in corruption. He also faced court cases, notably around the “rogue unit” at SARS. Many charges were eventually dropped and Gordhan vindicated.
Gordhan was praised and vindicated for standing up against state capture. In 2018, Gordhan was appointed Minister of Public Enterprises by Cyril Ramaphosa, where he oversaw troubled state-owned enterprises like Eskom and South African Airways (SAA). Despite his efforts to reform these entities, they continued to struggle under financial strain and governance issues, which became key points of criticism during his tenure and saw his previous reputation as an anti-corruption crusader somewhat tainted.
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3. Tyla’s VMA Win sparks powerful statement
South Africa’s pop star Tyla is continuing to make waves—and not just with her hit song “Water.” The singer recently snagged the Global Force Award at Billboard’s R&B No. 1s 2024 event on Sunday, further solidifying her status as a major player on the global stage.
And now, she’s made history again by winning the Best Afrobeats Award at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) last night. But that wasn’t her only recognition, Tyla was nominated for not one but three awards: Best New Artist, Best R&B for her hit “Water,” and the prestigious Best Afrobeats Award, further recognising her impact on the international music scene.
This makes Tyla the first African female artist and South African to win a VMA. In her acceptance speech, Tyla celebrated African music’s diversity, specifically calling out the tendency to lump all African artists under the “Afrobeats” label. “This is so special but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats,” she said. “Afrobeats has opened so many doors for us, but African music is so diverse—it’s more than just Afrobeats. I come from South Africa, I represent Amapiano, I represent my culture,” she added.
It was a moment that highlighted her growing influence—not just as a musical force but as a powerful advocate for African culture on the global stage.
And people are listening. Earlier this year, Tyla became the youngest African artist to win a Grammy, taking home the Best African Music Performance award for her record-smashing track “Water.” The song not only marked the first time a South African soloist entered the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years but also spent a whopping 46 weeks at number one on the US Afrobeats Songs chart.
Tyla’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. Dubbed the ‘Queen of Popiano,’ her unique style now inspires artists globally, showcasing the limitless potential of South African creativity.
So here’s to Tyla – the pop sensation who’s making waves and creating a whole new ocean.
4. Viral video lays bare state of Gauteng’s state hospitals
Former 702 talk show host Tom London has posted a series of Facebook Live videos that reveal the concerning state of public hospitals in Gauteng. The videos, starting from 4 September when he was a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, have caused a stir on social media.
A video on 7 September accused hospital staff of mistreating patients, which quickly went viral. In addition, London disclosed that a patient, now known as Nicholas Johannes van Burick, had passed away in the ward and remained there for hours. Van Burick’s mother, Cicilia, learned about her son’s death through the widely circulated video.
After spending 14 days at HJH, London moved to a private hospital, thanks to donations from the public and help from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. London later clarified on Kaya FM that his issue wasn’t with the doctors’ medical skills but with the lack of dignity and kindness shown to patients. He said, “You don’t need an MEC or Premier to fix that.”
The Gauteng Department of Health responded quickly, stating that they were investigating. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, however, defended the care London received and mentioned that “known infrastructure issues” were being addressed through an ongoing refurbishment program.
This viral video is just the latest reminder of the many problems facing South Africa’s public hospitals, particularly in Gauteng.
Some key issues:
- In July, civil society organisation Cancer Alliance took the Gauteng Department of Health to court for not spending millions allocated for cancer treatment.
- HJH’s new boss, Arnold Lesiba Malotana, is under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit for allegedly sharing an R8 million bribe with two other officials.
- Rahima Moosa Hospital, South Africa’s only mother-and-child hospital, is grappling with water shortages and crumbling infrastructure. Nurses are left hauling water from trucks while patients are neglected.
Critics have pointed out that if the controversial National Health Insurance is implemented, these situations could become even more common. Thankfully the NHI is unlikely to see the light of day any time soon.
5. South Africa’s Two-Pot retirement system takes effect
South Africa’s new two-pot retirement system kicked off this month, and it’s since become a feeding frenzy. Retirement fund administrators were swamped with withdrawal requests. Sanlam’s WhatsApp line blew up with over 84,000 messages in just two days (usually, it’s 18,000 daily). Insurer Alexander Forbes processed R1.5 billion in withdrawals in the first week. 🤑
It’s clear that South Africans are feeling the pinch and looking to their retirement funds for relief.
The new system was proposed by the National Treasury in 2022 and became effective on 1 September this year. It was created to help struggling South Africans access a portion of their retirement savings during financial hardships without compromising their entire retirement nest egg. Unlike the previous system, where all retirement funds could only be withdrawn all at once, and at any time, the two-pot system divides contributions into a savings pot (accessible anytime before retirement) and a retirement pot (protected until retirement).
You can withdraw up to R30,000 as a once-off “seeding” amount from your savings pot. After that, you can take out any amount over R2000 once every year.
But note: It’s not as simple as sending a WhatsApp and getting your cash. Old Mutual customers can check their balance and tax estimates via WhatsApp until 22 September, but withdrawals only begin on 23 September. Discovery, meanwhile, will only start processing retail withdrawals from 8 September and corporate withdrawals from 16 September.
A word of caution: while it might be tempting to grab that cash, financial experts are urging people to think long-term. Nzwananai Shoniwa of Sanlam says many plan to use the funds for living expenses or debt, but it’s essential to consider how this will impact your future retirement. In addition, the money you withdraw adds to your taxable income, so you could end up with a more enormous tax bill than expected. Also, the taxman will first subtract any previous tax debt you owe before paying out.
So, while the two-pot system offers short-term relief, careful planning is crucial to ensure you don’t shortchange your future self.
6. James Earl Jones: A legendary voice falls silent at 93
The iconic voice behind Star Wars’ Darth Vader and The Lion King’s Mufasa has fallen silent. James Earl Jones, the man whose deep, resonant tones brought to life some of the most memorable characters in cinema, passed away at 93 at his home in Dutchess County, New York. His death, on 9 September, marks the end of an era for fans of film, theatre, and, of course, the galaxy far, far away.🌌
Jones, born in Mississippi in 1931 and raised in Michigan, overcame a childhood stammer to become a towering figure in entertainment. He earned a Tony Award for “The Great White Hope” and became a Hollywood pioneer, especially for Black actors.
As Mufasa, the wise and noble lion in Disney’s “The Lion King,” his powerful and comforting voice became synonymous with wisdom, authority, and love.
Star Wars creator George Lucas paid tribute to Jones, calling him “an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit.” Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, expressed his loss simply on social media: “RIP dad.” Kevin Costner, Jones’s co-star in “Field of Dreams,” remembered him as a man whose “booming voice” and “quiet strength” were only matched by his kindness.
Fellow Star Wars actor Samuel L. Jackson said: “If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor… one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones.”
His was a career filled with accolades—including three Tonys, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar. Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. May your legacy continue to inspire, and your voice forever echo across the galaxy.
7. Pets, guns and war: Five takeaways from the Harris, Trump debate
The world watched Tuesday as former US President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris duked it out in their first (and possibly only) presidential debate. The consensus is that Trump was the poorer performer. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Trump on the defensive:
Harris wasted no time getting under Trump’s skin. She mocked his rallies, claiming people left due to “boredom,” sparking a defensive Trump to tout his events as “the biggest rallies in history.” A typical Trumpian response, clearly showing that Harris’ jabs got to him.🤭
2. Immigration drama:
Immigration was a hot topic. Trump, playing to his Republican audience, trotted out a bizarre and false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Harris (running on the Democratic ticket) called him out, focusing on the human cost of his policies. Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric wasn’t backed by facts, but it’s his signature play to rile up his base.
3. Abortion rights:
The topic of abortion saw Trump rehashing his tired claim that abortions are happening in the ninth month, a total fabrication. Harris, meanwhile, highlighted the real-life consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade, describing how women have been denied critical care in emergencies. Harris pledged to restore some of Roe’s protections if she wins.
4. The Israel-Gaza conflict:
Neither candidate offered groundbreaking solutions, but Harris reiterated her support for Israel, while also backing a two-state solution for Palestinians. Trump, sticking to his bold promises, claimed he would “settle it fast.” We’ve heard that one before, but action? Not so much.
5. Gun control showdown:
Trump accused Harris of wanting to confiscate guns, a classic line from the right. Harris, herself a gun owner, firmly denied it. She assured viewers that neither she nor her running mate, Tim Walz, planned to take away guns but would push for stricter gun laws. With gun violence a hot-button issue, this one’s sure to keep coming up.
As the race heats up, Harris leads in the polls, but Trump isn’t far behind. Election day is looming on 5 November and it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top!
8. Bayanda Walaza: South Africa’s rising sprinting star
We’ve told you about him before, and we thought we’d take a deeper dive for this week’s Wrap.
At just 18, Bayanda Walaza is making waves as one of South Africa’s most exciting young sprinters. His journey from schoolboy star to global champion is inspiring not just for his achievements but also for what it means for South African athletics on the world stage.
Walaza’s big break came in 2023 when he snagged a bronze medal in the 100m at the African U18 Championships. But 2024 was his year to shine. He bagged two golds at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, for the 100m and 200m races, making history as the first South African to win the coveted 100m title at that level. Not to mention, this was hot on the heels of his Olympic silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 🥇
The Lima wins were special for Walaza, not only because of the medals but also because they were his personal victory. “This is about me! It feels special,” he said, reflecting on his triumph. He’s now a household name, with young athletes across South Africa looking up to him.
What sets Walaza apart isn’t just his speed and distinctive running style. Dubbed “Wobble Wobble” for his unconventional technique, his unique arm movements have become his signature. His coach, Thabo Matebedi, insists that messing with this could throw off the delicate balance that makes Walaza a formidable sprinter.
Personal tragedy has also shaped his journey. At age 10, he witnessed his father’s violent death, a trauma that could have derailed his future. Instead, with the support of his mother, Tholiwe, and counselling, Walaza channelled his grief into his passion for athletics.
He’s preparing for his matric exams at Curro Hazeldean High School between winning medals.
He’s staying in South Africa to train at Tuks, choosing home over prestigious US offers. His ultimate goal? To inspire future athletes and elevate South African sprinting to new heights. 🙌🏾
That’s it from us at The Wrap, an award-winning product of explain.co.za – simple news summaries for busy people. 💁🏾♀
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