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This week, we’re looking at Stilfontein’s escalating illegal mining crisis, a spaza shop food safety scare, and why Martha Stewart may have tested our national patience by almost claiming our beloved milk tart. 🍮 Meanwhile, there’s plenty of political drama as Jacob Zuma’s new MK Party is pulling in EFF heavyweights. Plus, we’ve got all your weekend sports highlights, from the Proteas’ T20 battle with India to the Bok Women’s Sevens clinching another victory in Accra.
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: Power shuffles and leadership shifts: What’s going on with Zuma’s MK Party?
First, it was erstwhile EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, and now another EFF heavyweight has jumped Julius Malema’s listing ship for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
In case you missed it, Advocate Dali Mpofu, who was once the EFF’s chairperson, is the latest to leave. Yup, the man who’s made a career out of representing Jacob Zuma in court is now officially part of Zuma’s political home.
The MK Party disrupted SA politics in its first run at the national elections earlier this year, nabbing over 14% of the vote. Meanwhile the 11-old EFF has struggled to grow beyond 10%.
Mpofu’s defection dealt yet another psychological blow to Malema, who tweeted: “Only two more of your favourites remain,” referencing those who “sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures”, leaving some to wonder whether he was aiming at EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, who often sings at party’s events.
The red berets now donning the MK Party green have assumed high-ranking roles.
Shivambu was recently appointed to one of the top leadership roles, Secretary-General, a big step up from his original role as the MKP’s National Organiser.
Another former EFF MP (and possibly SA’s worst public protector ever), Busisiwe Mkhwebane, initially quit the EFF in October, saying she was done with politics. That decision was short-lived, as she joined the MK Party about a week later as its Mpumalanga convener.
But it’s anyone’s guess why these former red berets want to join Zuma’s party. It’s not exactly the most stable environment. Take Shivambu’s position: there’s been a revolving door of secretaries-general at the barely one-year-old party.
Then, there are the legal battles within the party. Ten disgruntled MKP MPs are dragging Zuma to the Gauteng High Court, accusing him of pocketing party funds. According to court papers, these MPs allege they were required to pay up to R10,000 each into Zuma’s personal Capitec account as a show of loyalty. 😲
Plus, just a few months ago, 18 MPs were ousted from Parliament to make room for Zuma’s handpicked replacements, making for further legal drama.
Things must have been pretty bad at the EFF for its best to be choosing… this. All eyes are on both parties come the next major test at the polls: The local government elections in about two years. 👀
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 2. BIG STORY: ‘Smoke them out’: Police refuse aid to 4,000 trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein
Stilfontein, a mining town in North West province, is on the brink of a humanitarian and security crisis as our government refuses aid to approximately 4000 illegal miners trapped in a disused mineshaft. The miners, part of a network known as “zama-zamas,” are reportedly running low on food and water after police closed off entry points as part of “Vala Umgodi” (Close the Hole), an operation aimed at eradicating illegal mining by cutting off underground supply routes.
Since the operation began, some 1,000 miners have emerged, many of them weak and malnourished after days without basic necessities. Police have maintained a strong presence around the mine, arresting anyone who surfaces, while officials make it clear they won’t be sending assistance. “We are not sending help to criminals,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni at a recent briefing. “Criminals are not to be helped; criminals are to be prosecuted.”
Residents, who mostly consist of retrenched miners, helped pull out miners attempting to surface, as police refused to enter the shaft to retrieve those underground, the Sowetan reported.
Illegal mining is a longstanding issue in South Africa, where miners target old shafts for remaining gold deposits, often under the employ of syndicates involved in organised crime. The zama-zamas, many of whom are migrants, frequently clash with rival groups in violent confrontations.
Joseph Mathunjwa, the president of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), told Radio 702 today that while he doesn’t condone illegal activity, the blame lies with mining houses that have not properly sealed their mothballed mines. He also noted these companies have left retrenched workers high and dry with no other options.
The issue has divided South Africans as xenophobic sentiments have predictably risen to the fore over the predicament. For now, thousands of lives are at risk.
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ BRIEFS
3. Did Martha Stewart just ‘steal’ our milk tart?
South Africans are feeling a bit territorial after Martha Stewart shared a recipe that closely resembles melktert (milk tart) but called it something else entirely. Known for her American culinary creations, Stewart posted a recipe for “Desperation Pie” on social media—a custard-based dessert with a buttery crust, which sounds and looks suspiciously like South Africa’s iconic milk tart.
The resemblance didn’t go unnoticed. South Africans took to TikTok and other platforms to express their dismay, playfully suggesting that Stewart’s “Desperation Pie” had borrowed heavily from the milk tart they know and love. The video quickly made its way to South African TikTok, where local radio personality Thabo Baloyi, armed with a sharp tongue and a lot of patriotism, called it out. “The Americans have stolen milk tart! We’ve gladly given away Elon Musk, Charlize Theron, and even nearly Nelson Mandela’s hearing aid… but it’s never enough for some people”.
Milk Tart and Desperation Pie are custard-based desserts that emerged during times of scarcity. Milk Tart hails from the 17th century when Dutch settlers in South Africa adapted European custard recipes to suit what they had on hand—milk, eggs, and a lot of love.
On the other hand, Desperation Pie made its debut in the United States during the Great Depression when folks had to get creative with what was left in the pantry. It’s a simpler version, often made with vinegar or buttermilk. Now, call us biassed, but vinegar in a custard pie? We’ll stick to our Milk Tart, thanks!
So, did Martha Stewart really “steal” our Milk Tart? Well, it depends on how you look at it. The ingredients might be similar, and the concept isn’t far off, but the Milk Tart’s legacy is purely South African. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of history. It’s what your ouma makes when you visit and what you crave on a Sunday afternoon.
4. Minister Gayton McKenzie, making waves and stirring the pot
Gayton McKenzie, the Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister, is no stranger to controversy, but his recent high-profile pledge to establish the Joshlin Smith Foundation has been slow to materialise. McKenzie committed his entire ministerial salary to this cause upon taking office, but nearly a year later, the foundation remains unregistered.
Despite delays, McKenzie insists he’s sticking to his promise. “I haven’t kept a cent for myself,” he claimed in a statement released on Sunday. “I’m simply making sure it’s done right.” In the interim, McKenzie claims he’s been donating his salary to support various causes, funding everything from local projects to the search for missing children, including Joshlin Smith, whose disappearance in Saldanha Bay shocked the nation. He was quick to point out that the absence of a registered foundation doesn’t mean he’s abandoned his pledge.
This hasn’t stopped critics from questioning the delay. DA MP Liam Jacobs recently challenged McKenzie, sparking renewed scrutiny.
McKenzie’s time as minister has been marked by other headline-grabbing moments. In October, his R800,000 trip to the Paris Olympics sparked outrage, with the EFF’s Leigh-Ann Mathys slamming the cost as “excessive” and “puzzling.” McKenzie, true to his outspoken style, hit back, accusing the EFF of being “obsessed” with him instead of focusing on real issues.
For now, McKenzie’s commitment to the Joshlin Smith Foundation remains a promise without a timeline.
5. Sports round-up: Proteas, Bok Women’s Sevens, and the Springboks
South African sports fans were in for a treat this past week with nail-biting encounters from our national teams. Here’s a quick catch-up on the highlights, from cricket to rugby, as the Proteas, Bok Women’s Sevens, and Springboks gave us plenty to cheer about.
The Proteas kept the T20 series against India alive, bringing joy back to South African cricket with a close win in Gqeberha on Sunday, in the second of four T20 matches. Chasing down a target of 125 in a low-scoring thriller at St George’s Park, South Africa held their nerve to win by three wickets. However, India bounced back in the third T20 at SuperSport Park, setting an imposing 219 for 6 and defeating South Africa by 11 runs after a fierce chase that saw Tristan Stubbs lead a final push. Now trailing 2-1 in the series, the Proteas face a do-or-die clash on Friday to force a decider.
Meanwhile, in Accra, Ghana, the Springbok Women’s Sevens proved their dominance once again, retaining the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title after a thrilling 19-10 victory over Kenya. Despite twice trailing, South Africa rallied with Ayanda Malinga’s first-half try and overcame two yellow cards that left them outnumbered. Felicia Jacobs stole the show, coming off the bench to score two late tries, including a match-winning try on the buzzer that clinched the championship. With this win, the Bok Women are set to compete in the World Rugby Challenger Series next year, a significant step for South Africa’s women’s rugby.
The Springboks fought through a rough 32-15 win against Scotland in chilly Edinburgh. The Boks’ performance wasn’t flawless, with the Scottish crowd and a few errors keeping them on edge. But they held firm, thanks to the Bomb Squad’s resilient defence and Makazole Mapimpi’s two tries. Thomas du Toit and Jasper Wiese also crossed the line, but Man of the Match Eben Etzebeth admitted the team fell short of their high standards. Their attention now turns to Twickenham this weekend, where they face an England team reeling from a recent loss to Australia. With England desperate to bounce back and the Boks keen to maintain their winning streak, this one promises to be a cracker.
6. Spaza shop food poisonings: Tragic deaths, new regulations, and xenophobic backlash
South Africa is facing a heartbreaking food safety crisis after more than 20 children, mostly from Gauteng, died following food poisoning from products allegedly bought at local spaza shops. These informal township stores, vital to many communities, are now under scrutiny for potentially unsafe practices, prompting calls for stricter oversight and new regulations.
The Gauteng Health Department reported over 200 food poisoning cases last month, largely among children. The most severe case was in Soweto, where six children under 10 died after consuming snacks from a spaza shop. Toxicology reports confirmed that the children ingested terbufos, a deadly organophosphate pesticide, prompting Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to announce urgent regulatory responses.
In response to the tragedies, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has rolled out tough new by-laws aimed at spaza shop safety. Key measures include weekly health inspections and re-registration to weed out businesses that fail to meet health standards.
The tragedy has also sparked a troubling wave of xenophobia, with some blaming foreign-owned spaza shops for the food poisonings. As the investigation continues, claims linking the poisonings to foreign shop owners have intensified, adding tension to an already sensitive topic in South Africa— the role of foreign nationals in the informal retail sector.
Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie added fuel to the fire, suggesting foreign-owned spaza shops be shut down, implying a direct link between shop ownership nationality and food safety. However, many argue that this approach is dangerously simplistic, sidestepping the core issue: the lack of clear health standards and enforcement in the informal sector.
While the deaths have underscored an urgent need for better regulation, the xenophobic rhetoric will only distract from the necessary focus on food safety and risk overshadowing meaningful reform.
7. Do the Grammys get African music?
In case you missed it, the 2025 Grammy nominations were announced this past week, and they’ve sparked a conversation, especially around the “Best African Music Performance” category – which was introduced last year. Once again, the nominees seem to be heavily dominated by Nigerian Afrobeats artists, which has left many wondering if the Grammys are missing the full richness of African music, as culture publication Okay Africa pointed out.
Seven of the eight nominees are Nigerian artists. At the same time, the only non-Nigerian is American singer Chris Brown, who landed a nomination through his collaboration with Nigerian musos Davido and Lojay. Do the Grammys think African music starts and ends with Afrobeats?
Tyla’s absence from the Grammy nominations has stunned and disappointed fans. She won the African Music Performance last year but didn’t receive a single Grammy nod despite an incredible year, including racking up accolades at other major Western awards and releasing a debut album packed with catchy tracks.
There’s no doubt that Afrobeats has made a global impact, but it’s far from the only sound Africa has to offer. South Africa’s amapiano, for example, is a genre that’s made massive waves worldwide. Tracks like Uncle Waffles’ “Wadibusa” and Kabza De Small’s “Imithandazo” have left an undeniable mark this year yet were notably absent from the Grammy nominations. By narrowing the “African” category to primarily Afrobeats, the Grammys seem to be squeezing the continent’s music into a single, simplified genre.
However, Tyla made a big splash at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards held in Manchester, England, on Sunday, winning three prestigious awards in Best Afrobeats Act, Best African Act, and Best R&B Act, beating out international stars like Kehlani, SZA, and Usher. It’s a consolation prize we’ll take.
8. From mayor to backbencher: Kabelo Gwamanda out, Tebogo Nkonkou steps in as new MMC
Out with the old, in with the new: Kabelo Gwamanda, former mayor and MMC for Community Development, has finally been removed from Johannesburg’s mayoral committee following corruption allegations.
We’ve told you before about Gwamanda’s controversies. Last year, in May, he became the sixth mayor of Joburg in less than two years, despite Al Jama-ah only having three seats in the municipal council. Still, Gwamanda received the backing of the ANC, EFF and minority parties, putting him in the top spot. This was all part of Joburg’s ongoing political instability, dating back to the 2021 local government elections, where no party won an outright majority.
But Gwamanda’s tenure was a rollercoaster of corruption allegations, service delivery woes, and a controversial R200 electricity surcharge.
He finally resigned as mayor in August but remained part of the mayoral committee until this week’s removal. Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero announced Gwamanda’s ouster on Saturday night, citing the need for stability in community services. The announcement follows Gwamanda’s recent fraud-related arrest, stemming from a 2011 scam allegedly targeting Soweto residents.
In his place, Patriotic Alliance councillor Tebogo Nkonkou has stepped in as the new MMC for Community Development. However, we’re not holding our breath for much by way of improved service delivery, given the slow collapse of Johannesburg under the current lot.
The DA has welcomed Gwamanda’s removal but is calling for a full investigation into his time in office. DA caucus leader Belinda Keyser Echeozonjoku demanded that all agreements and MOUs he signed as mayor and MMC be scrutinised, particularly those related to the controversial renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.
As for Gwamanda, he’ll now sit in the back benches as a regular Al Jama-ah council member. Good riddance.
That’s it from us at The Wrap, an award-winning product of explain.co.za – simple news summaries for busy people. 💁🏾♀
The Wrap is sponsored by explain’s agency division. We specialise in content marketing for purpose-driven organisations, often with a pan-African reach. Mail info@explain.co.za for a quote.
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