AGP Executive Report

Election Security: Political killings are spreading beyond traditional hotspots ahead of the 4 November local elections: a new report counts 43 deaths in 45 attacks from January to September and urges continued support for the Political Killings Task Team. MK Campaign: The MK Party has cancelled its manifesto rally as Jacob Zuma remains in hospital, switching to online manifesto distribution and ward-level campaigning. Public Finances: Correctional Services received a disclaimer audit after the Auditor-General raised concerns about questionable procurement documents, unreliable records and fraud risks. Social Grants: SASSA is awaiting Treasury’s decision on whether to change disability grant payments scheduled for election day. Asylum Policy: Home Affairs is reconsidering its approach after a court ruling and anti-migrant unrest; the department said its previous policy had serious consequences and put officials at risk. Local Services: Nelson Mandela Bay businesses are bearing the cost of unreliable water and electricity as the metro’s electricity service faces mounting losses. Alliance Tensions: Cosatu’s leadership contest reflects divisions over whether to back the ANC or the SACP in the coming elections, though delegates have favoured preserving unity.

Election Security: With local polls set for 4 November, the IEC is using a protest-monitoring tool to track unrest and election-related violence. Army deployments in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal come amid anti-migrant attacks. Migration Tensions: Home Affairs has withdrawn its asylum directive after protests turned violent and says it will develop a new approach to comply with the Constitutional Court ruling. South Africa’s acting consul-general in Lagos says 364 people have been arrested over attacks on migrants. Accountability: Two former Home Affairs officials accused of helping sell South African passports for up to R100,000 each have been granted bail. Separately, #UniteBehind has given the NPA a dossier on alleged corruption in the R3.9-billion PRASA-Swifambo locomotive deal, saying the investigation has stalled for years. International Justice: Nobel laureate Navi Pillay has condemned US sanctions against the ICC and urged Washington to resume defending human rights. Land Policy: President Cyril Ramaphosa says 2.5 million hectares of state land will be released to black farmers, renewing debate over land reform and support for beneficiaries.

Police Turmoil: Deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya resigned while in custody; SAPS classed his departure as a dishonourable discharge. He denies the charges against him, and his criminal case continues. Asylum and Unrest: Government is seeking court guidance on the asylum ruling after anti-migrant protests turned violent. March and March says it will take its campaign online, while an IFP candidate has challenged the KZN premier’s decision to deploy soldiers in Durban. Election Watch: The Constitutional Court questioned the exclusion of 181 ANC candidates as local elections approach on 4 November; parties are also pitching competing land policies. Land Reform: President Cyril Ramaphosa says 2.5 million hectares of state land will be released to black farmers. Justice Under Pressure: Nobel laureate Navi Pillay paid tribute to the ICC as it faces new US sanctions, renewing focus on the global fight over international law.

Police Accountability: Deputy police chief Shadrack Sibiya has resigned while facing a disciplinary case and criminal charges, including rape and human trafficking, which he denies. His departure is classified as a dishonourable discharge; allegations of links to criminal networks have also surfaced at the Madlanga Commission. Election Dispute: The ANC is asking the Constitutional Court to overturn a ruling that excluded 181 candidates from six municipalities after missed filing deadlines. The DA warns that allowing a late submission could disrupt the rules for all parties ahead of November’s local elections. Asylum and Unrest: Home Affairs has suspended an asylum directive after anti-migrant protests turned violent in Durban and Soweto, with vehicles torched and shops looted. President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the pause as necessary, while the government seeks court guidance on implementing the ruling. Land Reform: Ramaphosa says 2.5 million hectares of state land will be transferred to black farmers, arguing that land access must be matched with financing, training and market support. International Justice: Nobel laureate Navi Pillay has condemned US sanctions on the International Criminal Court as unlawful, adding to scrutiny of Washington’s pressure on the court.

Security and Accountability: Police have been warned that arresting six wanted SANDF special-forces members could trigger a confrontation between state agencies. The soldiers face kidnapping and murder charges. Asylum and Unrest: Government plans to seek Constitutional Court guidance on implementing its asylum ruling after anti-migrant protests turned violent; 30 people have been arrested, and Home Affairs is developing a biometric application system. Regional Fallout: Nigeria evacuated 111 more citizens from South Africa, bringing the total returned amid xenophobic attacks to 2,037. Fuel Relief: A parliamentary committee has advanced a R10-billion bill to help stabilise fuel prices, but the proposal still needs National Assembly debate and does not guarantee cheaper petrol. Local Elections: Blind and visually impaired voters in Bloemfontein say they lack information and accessible support ahead of the 4 November municipal elections.

Asylum Ruling and Protests: Government plans to ask courts to supervise implementation of the Constitutional Court’s asylum ruling, with a possible pause to give Home Affairs time to build capacity. The move follows the withdrawal of a disputed directive and violent anti-migrant protests; ministers urged calm and warned against online incitement. Nobel and International Justice: South African jurist Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize has put international law in the spotlight, as the US imposes sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Public Accountability: The SIU says it recovered assets, prevented losses and helped set aside contracts worth R28.5 billion in 2025/26. Government: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has resumed duties after recovering from illness. Education: Nearly one million learners are set to write matric exams, with Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube declaring the system ready.

Anti-migrant Unrest: Fresh violence in Durban saw homes and shops attacked, prompting Home Affairs to withdraw an asylum directive. The unrest is intensifying pressure on government to address immigration and public safety. Election Watch: An ANC branch is challenging its ward candidate over a past assault conviction and withdrawn domestic-abuse cases. The SABC says its election coverage may be scaled back unless it secures R120 million in funding before the November 4 polls. Police Accountability: IPID recorded 116 rape allegations against SAPS officers in 2025/26, up from 95 the year before; the figures are allegations, not convictions. International Justice: South African jurist Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize has put the spotlight on international law, as Washington imposes sanctions on the ICC and Pillay calls the move unacceptable. Local Government: With 174 of 257 municipalities unable to pay creditors, incoming councils face severe financial strain despite campaign promises to improve services.

Anti-Immigration Unrest: Police say the state cannot afford to spend R600 million whenever protests turn violent, after at least 24 vehicles were torched and shops looted in Soweto and Durban. The unrest followed a now-withdrawn Home Affairs directive on asylum applications; the government is deploying reinforcements. International Justice: South African jurist Navi Pillay condemned US sanctions on the International Criminal Court as “unheard of” and “unacceptable,” a day after winning the Nobel Peace Prize for her work advancing peace and international law. Washington announced the sanctions hours after the award, drawing criticism from the court and its supporters. Local Elections: With municipal polls approaching on November 4, the DA used its final Western Cape rally to urge voters to keep rivals out and back its record, as parties compete for control of councils and coalition influence.

Nobel and International Justice: South African jurist Navi Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work defending human rights and international law, dedicating it to survivors of international crimes. President Cyril Ramaphosa praised her achievement. US President Donald Trump attacked the award, and Washington imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court hours after the announcement. Durban Unrest: Anti-migrant protests turned violent after a Constitutional Court ruling opened asylum application centres to refugees and asylum seekers, including those who entered unlawfully. Cars were torched in Durban and Soweto; Ramaphosa said the security cluster was monitoring events. Home Affairs withdrew its directive on asylum applications amid the unrest. Local Government: Lephalale’s Aaron Mokgehle was re-elected mayor despite questions over his eligibility after an ANC deadline for members with dual ANC–SACP membership to choose a party. Election Watch: A court overturned ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula’s decision to remove Andile Lungisa from the party’s Nelson Mandela Bay election candidate list.

Anti-Migrant Unrest: Clashes in Durban and Soweto have left at least 24 vehicles torched and foreign-owned shops looted. Home Affairs withdrew its asylum-processing directive after violence erupted, while President Cyril Ramaphosa said the security cluster was responding. The Constitutional Court ruling behind the directive remains in force. Nobel and International Justice: South African jurist Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting international law. Hours later, the US announced sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court, where Pillay once served as a judge, drawing condemnation from the court and several US allies. Zuma’s Health: Ramaphosa confirmed former president Jacob Zuma is receiving hospital treatment, raising questions about his role in MK Party campaigning ahead of local elections. Local Government: New councils face severe financial strain, as political fragmentation is expected to make coalition-building a key test after the 2026 elections.

Anti-Migrant Violence: At least 24 vehicles were torched and foreign-owned shops looted in Durban and Soweto during protests over asylum access. Police and soldiers deployed as authorities urged calm and investigated the violence. Asylum Ruling: The Constitutional Court ruling reopened applications for people seeking asylum; it does not grant automatic legal status. The government is seeking legal advice as queues grow and migration tensions rise. Election Pressure: Johannesburg’s water and electricity failures are hitting households and businesses ahead of local elections, while analysts warn more hung councils could make stable coalitions harder to achieve. Economic Policy: A court overturned the Black empowerment code for the legal profession, ruling the trade minister had not properly justified it; the judgment does not overturn wider affirmative-action policy. Cost of Living: The AA warns fuel could rise by as much as R4.58 a litre in November and is urging Treasury to cut fuel taxes rather than increase the Road Accident Fund levy.

Asylum Ruling and Unrest: Anti-migrant protests in Durban and Soweto turned violent, with 16 vehicles set alight amid confusion over a Constitutional Court ruling giving asylum seekers access to the application process. Government is seeking legal advice on the ruling’s impact, while Home Affairs faces pressure from increased arrivals. Ministers say claims will be assessed and asylum seekers cannot vote in local elections. Election Watch: The IEC is auditing its results system ahead of the 4 November local polls, as reports warn of rising hung councils and coalition uncertainty. Political Safety: The SA Human Rights Commission condemned alleged rape and death threats against March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, calling for urgent action to protect political participation. Cost of Living: Record fuel prices are adding pressure on households; the Automobile Association warns petrol could rise by a further R4.58 a litre in November and urges government to cut fuel taxes and the RAF levy.

Asylum Policy: Home Affairs has begun accepting applications from undocumented people under a Constitutional Court ruling, drawing protests and renewed scrutiny of the department’s capacity. The ministry says the ruling does not grant automatic legal status or citizenship; the IEC says asylum seekers cannot vote in the November local elections. Election Readiness: The IEC is auditing its results system ahead of the polls, while a survey found widespread concern about online election misinformation and strong support for requiring influencers to disclose paid political posts. Jobs and Cost of Living: COSATU’s nationwide demonstrations called for action on retrenchments, wages and workers’ rights, warning that workers must not be left behind by AI. Fuel costs are adding pressure, with early projections pointing to another steep increase in November. Local Services: Government is reviewing free basic electricity after finding that only 1.7 million of 2.8 million identified indigent households benefited. A separate R500-million public-private drive will start in Tshwane to tackle water losses, which are estimated at 47% of treated supply.

Energy Policy: South Africa’s power crisis has shifted to managing surplus electricity. Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says government will prioritise battery storage and gas-to-power, with 9,600MW earmarked for the new procurement round; millions still face electricity shortages. Election Watch: Ahead of the 4 November local polls, the IEC warns that AI-generated and ward-specific false claims could mislead voters on registration, ballots and results. Immigration: ActionSA says a directive requiring offices to accept asylum applications from people who entered unlawfully could overwhelm the system; Home Affairs says the move follows a Constitutional Court ruling. Cost of Living: October’s fuel hike is fuelling calls for relief, while early estimates point to another steep increase in November. Rule of Law: Judicial appointments reform is back in focus as the Judicial Service Commission considers revised procedures for assessing candidates. Political Violence: A shooting targeting a senior ANC figure in KwaZulu-Natal has renewed fears of political attacks as elections approach.

Telkom Towers Revival: Government has issued a Request for Information to pull private investment into Pretoria’s troubled Telkom Towers precinct, promising up to R4.5bn in investment and 12,700 construction jobs—but Parliament insists accountability for money already lost. Cost of Living Pressure: Parity Wealth Managers warns South Africans are getting poorer as taxes and essentials rise faster than headline inflation, with transport, fuel and medical aid costs hitting hardest. Death Penalty Debate: Retired Justice Edwin Cameron says there’s no proof capital punishment deters violent crime, urging focus on policing, courts and prosecutors instead. SASSA Scam Warning: In Soshanguve, elderly beneficiaries say they were short-changed or left unpaid after handing over personal and biometric details to people offering “food parcels,” prompting a fresh warning to pensioners. Eastern Cape Judiciary: The JSC has delayed naming a deputy judge president after interviews, as the province continues to face allegations of court capture and governance problems. Foreign Missions Funding: DIRCO says closing underused missions could harm South Africa’s influence and trade, as Parliament scrutinises the R300m-plus annual maintenance bill. US Diplomatic Standoff: Exporters Western Cape warns the growing SA–US dispute is already costing jobs and export value, calling for urgent government intervention. Fuel Shock & Transport Fallout: Matric learner transport in the Western Cape is at risk of suspension as operators cite diesel price spikes and affordability gaps.

Olympics 2036 Bid: The IOC says Qatar, India and South Africa are among seven countries in continuous dialogue to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, with Germany, Hungary, South Korea and Türkiye also in the running; shortlisted hosts are expected after presentations in November and a final decision in 2029. Electricity Relief: Energy Minister Ramokgopa says only 1.7m of 2.8m indigent households received free basic electricity, and government is reviewing the programme—pushing smart meters, front-loading allocations, tightening municipal accountability and exploring direct transfers to Eskom. Local Elections & Democracy: A new report warns low voter turnout could deepen disillusionment, as citizens distrust politicians and disengage from local government ballots. Courtroom Politics: South African courts rejected Kémi Séba’s diplomatic defence, keeping him detained as Benin’s extradition process moves forward, with a key hearing set for November 20. Fuel Price Pressure: With record fuel hikes looming, Cosatu is calling for fuel levy relief while taxi operators warn fares may rise if government doesn’t cushion costs. Farm Violence: Activists and MPs condemned the killing of 55-year-old Hannetjie van Zyl in the North West, demanding arrests and stronger rural protection. Governance Watch: Parliament heard that while local government support bodies report high target achievement, dozens of municipalities remain financially distressed and still struggle with audits, revenue and oversight.