Speaking Tuesday to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, Charles repeatedly highlighted the historical and cultural ties that he said have cemented an enduring bond between the United States and the United Kingdom. But even as he spoke in unifying, optimistic terms, he delivered a series of nuanced warnings encouraging leaders in the U.S. to remain collaborative and engaged in global affairs.

He said the alliance between the U.S. and the U.K., tested anew by President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, “cannot rest on past achievements.” Charles urged “unyielding resolve” in backing Ukraine against Russia and heralded the NATO alliance that Trump has consistently undermined.

The king praised religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue in terms that are rare in Trump’s Washington. As the White House rolls back regulations aimed at denting climate change, the king encouraged those in power to “reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.”

At one point, Charles traced the notion of checks and balances on executive power to the Magna Carta, the foundational legal document sealed by King John in 1215. Trump told The New York Times earlier this year that he was constrained only by “my own morality.”

And acknowledging a scandal that has roiled politics in both the U.S. and U.K., Charles subtly alluded to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender with ties to British officials, including the king’s brother, Andrew.

King celebrates independence and focuses on repairing a frayed relationship

Charles is on a four-day visit to the U.S. intended to both celebrate American independence and to repair the country’s fraying relationship with the U.K. He hardly arrived in Washington as an oppositional figure to Trump. Joined by Queen Camilla, Charles had a warm greeting with the president and first lady Melania Trump at the White House earlier Tuesday.

In his welcome remarks, Trump also highlighted the shared history between the two countries.

“American patriots today can sing, ’My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty,’ only because our colonial ancestors first sang, ‘God save the king,’” Trump said.

The leaders met privately in the Oval Office for a meeting Trump later described as “really good,” adding that Charles is a “fantastic person.”

Trump hosted the royal couple for a jovial state dinner later Tuesday in the East Room of the White House. About 130 guests were seated at two long tables that were decorated with low floral arrangements. The guests included tech leaders such as outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, along with conservative Supreme Court justices and several Fox News journalists and hosts.

Charles and Camilla will continue their U.S. tour this week with stops in New York City and Virginia.

During his roughly 20-minute speech to Congress, the king, who is expressly apolitical, never directly criticized Trump. Still, the contrast was apparent at times and some British commentators described his speech as more political than they had expected.

Just two months earlier, Trump stood at the same lectern and chided Democrats for not standing during part of his State of the Union address. The king, for his part, elicited multiple standing ovations from Democrats and Republicans who listened with rapt attention.

Charles is just the second British monarch to address a joint session of Congress. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered a similar speech in 1991 highlighting the historic ties between both countries and the importance of their democratic values.

Charles acknowledges a ‘more volatile and more dangerous’ world
While the king paid tribute to those remarks, he acknowledged that today’s environment is “more volatile and more dangerous than the world to which my late mother spoke.”

Many of the lawmakers in the room were at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which was disrupted by a shooting that authorities have described as an attempted assassination against Trump.

“Let me say with unshakeable resolve,” Charles said. “Such acts of violence will never succeed.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s up-and-down relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a particularly sour turn over the past several months as the Republican president has sought to rally international support for the war in Iran. Trump criticized Starmer, who has largely resisted his overtures, by saying, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”

Trump has also imposed tariffs on the U.K. and warned of additional levies despite a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that has made such unilateral moves more challenging. Trump threatened just last week to slap a “big tariff” on the U.K. if it doesn’t scrap a digital services tax on U.S. technology companies.

Trump has more broadly challenged the traditional trans-Atlantic alliance with efforts to annex Greenland and threats to walk away from NATO. He has repeatedly imposed tariffs on and taunted Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth.

Ahead of his speech, the king had faced some calls on Capitol Hill to meet with Epstein’s victims while he is in the U.S. He didn’t make a direct mention of the convicted sex offender, but did reference the “collective strength” in the U.S. and the U.K. to “support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.”

If Charles offered low-key criticism of Trump, the president didn’t seem to mind. He said later that the king “made a great speech.”

“I was very jealous,” he said.

AP

Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has entered its final phase, setting 8 May as the target date for completion of its draft report.

Members are expected to take an additional week to review, verify and submit inputs before the document is finalised.

During a virtual meeting on Tuesday evening, the committee received updates from evidence leaders and its technical team on progress made.

Chief evidence leader Norman Arendse said the draft was nearing completion but remained outstanding due to missing transcripts and limited human resources.

While much of the material — including Mkhwanazi’s testimony and issues such as alleged political interference, procurement irregularities and the role of specialised units — has been processed, key transcripts are still being finalised.

“A lot of detail and footnotes are still outstanding. We must ensure that this document, which will form part of the parliamentary record, is a proper and fair reflection of the committee’s deliberations,” Arendse said.

He added that once the draft is submitted, members would need dedicated time to interrogate the content and propose amendments before a consolidated version is produced.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane endorsed the approach, confirming 8 May as the deadline for the draft.

“That is the day on which the draft will be ready. Members must indicate how much time they require to go through it, so that at the next meeting we can consider a final version incorporating all inputs,” Lekganyane said.

ANC MP Khusela Diko supported giving members a week after 8 May to make submissions.

The DA and FF+ backed the revised timeline, while the EFF cautioned that the timeframe may prove tight depending on the report’s length and complexity.

“I don’t know if a week will be sufficient — it will depend on the number of pages — but for now it is a ballpark figure,” said EFF MP Leigh-Anne Mathys.

Parliamentary adviser Christine Silkstone outlined the structure of the preliminary report, which will be divided into three sections: a descriptive account of proceedings and evidence, an analytical assessment, and a final section setting out findings and recommendations.

She noted that while the structure may evolve, it is intended to guide the committee from evidence-gathering to deliberation and decision-making.

Internal briefing documents used during proceedings will inform the report but will not appear as standalone submissions.

The committee also dealt with three outstanding procedural issues raised by parliamentary legal adviser Andile Tetyana.

The first relates to access to a report by the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI).

The committee had requested submissions from suspended IGI Imtiaz Fazel, who declined to testify citing national security concerns.

Tetyana said acting Police Minister Feroz Cachalia had not objected in principle to the committee accessing the report, but procedural complications have delayed the process.

The Secretary to the National Assembly, Masibulele Xaso, indicated the report had been returned to the minister due to a lack of coordination with the Speaker’s office.

As a result, no date or venue has yet been set for the committee to access the classified document, prompting calls for intervention at leadership level.

The second issue concerns representations from the Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation, which claims the committee had undertaken to receive in-camera evidence from a former warrant officer regarding the death of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi.

Lekganyane rejected this claim, stating no formal decision had been taken to hold such a session.

The third matter involves an application by Sarah-Jane Trent, a former witness and employee of Paul O’Sullivan, to have her testimony expunged from the record.

The request, lodged in March, was pending a forensic psychological evaluation report, which has since been submitted.

Lekganyane said he would engage with the report confidentially but expressed reservations about the application.

The committee has agreed to seek an extension of its mandate from the National Assembly, with Lekganyane indicating the inquiry could conclude by late May or early June.

The meeting ended with members endorsing the revised timeline and extending condolences to MKP MP David Skosana following the recent loss of his mother.

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According to the SIU, R1.5 million was improperly awarded to Todi Media Development Foundation, while a further R1.71 million went to Zibsiflo, both non-profit entities linked to beneficiaries of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

The investigations place Sefara, editor of the Sunday Times and chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), and Malatji, former acting editor of the Sunday World, closer to the centre of transactions tied to the misuse of funds.

“Under Proclamation R.32 of 2020, the SIU was mandated to investigate maladministration in the affairs of the National Lotteries Commission,” the unit said.

Sefara was placed on “special leave” on Tuesday afternoon, just hours after it emerged that he was under investigation by the SIU.

Nwabiso Makunga, the managing director for news at Arena Holdings, the owner of the Sunday Times, said in a statement that “Sefara has denied any wrongdoing and has provided the company with his account of the events in question”.

“Having considered the matter, management has resolved to afford Mr Sefara the necessary time and space to address the allegations and to seek to clear his name. Arena Holdings will appoint an independent investigator to undertake a comprehensive review of all relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the matter,” said Makunga.

“The findings of this independent process will guide the company’s decisions going forward. Pending the conclusion of this process, Mr Sefara will take special leave.”

Makunga added that deputy editor, Mike Siluma, will assume the role of Acting Editor of the Sunday Times with immediate effect.

The SIU described a coordinated scheme in which funds intended for community upliftment were diverted for private benefit, including the purchase of property.

In one instance, the NLC awarded Todi Media R1.5 million in 2018 for a media development project covering expenses such as accommodation, transport, catering, equipment rental and marketing.

However, investigators found that R550,000 was channelled to Unscripted Communication, a company directed by Sefara, while a further R900,000 was paid to Black Dungaree, owned by Daniel Matome Malatji.

 The latter funds were used to acquire property in Bassonia Rock Extension, Johannesburg.
“Khutso Daniel Makwela, the director of Todi Media Development Foundation NPC, admitted misuse, signed an Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD), and repaid the full R1.5 million on 30 March 2026,” the SIU said.

A separate probe into Zibsiflo revealed that the NLC allocated R1.71 million between 2019 and 2020 for women’s soccer clinics in the Free State.

Instead, R1.36 million was paid to Black Dungaree, with an additional R200,000 going to Charles Malatji.

About R900,000 of these funds was used to purchase property registered in the names of Matlala Martha Malatji and Ngwako Moses Malatji.

The SIU said the project was never implemented.

Khutso Daniel Makwela, the director of Zibsiflo NPC, admitted misuse, signed an Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD), and repaid the full R1.71 million,” the unit said.

The SIU emphasised that while funds have been recovered, this does not preclude further legal consequences.

Under the SIU and Special Tribunals Act, the unit will refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and may institute civil proceedings to recover additional losses.

“This recovery demonstrates the SIU’s commitment to protecting public funds. Money meant to empower communities was instead diverted into private enrichment schemes,” the SIU said.

On Tuesday night, Sefara stepped aside as chairperson of SANEF pending the outcome of an investigation.

In a statement on Tuesday, SANEF said it convened an urgent meeting at which Sefara was given an opportunity to present his version of events and denied the allegations against him.

He subsequently offered to step aside while responding to the claims.

The organisation confirmed that deputy chairperson Tshamano Makhadi has been appointed acting chairperson.

“SANEF has also resolved to appoint an independent legal team to evaluate the evidence and report back as soon as possible,” the body said.

Meanwhile, Toby Chance, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition, said the gravity of the allegations demands urgent and transparent scrutiny, warning that public confidence in the media hinges on accountability and strict adherence to ethical standards.

“Public trust in the media requires the highest ethical standards. The editor of the Sunday Times and the chairperson of SANEF occupy pivotal roles in the country’s press landscape,” Chance said.

He added that the DA has noted the independent investigation launched by Arena Holdings into the Lottery funding scandal involving Sefara, as revealed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

“The probe must be conducted with absolute transparency, and its findings must be made public to safeguard the integrity of the free press,” Chance said.

INSIDE POLITICS

Suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini came under intense scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, with both the evidence leader and commissioners questioning the credibility of his explanation for a controversial WhatsApp message linking suspended Organised Crime Sergeant Fannie Nkosi and City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi.

Proceedings resumed after lunch on Tuesday, where the commission heard that Dhlamini had commented on a photo and video showing Nkosi and Mnisi at the funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza

In the WhatsApp message, evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson questioned Dhlamini on the comments which seemed to suggest a celebration.

“Morning Captain. I can see ukuthi you have captured uMfowethu and he wouldn’t want you to leave him. You should gear yourself to do so for ever my brother. Umfowethu is the best person to be with. uJuda wethu who will do great things for us compared to uBaba wakho ongasekho,” the message read.

Chaskalson asked Dhlamini on the meaning of the word “captured”, but he maintained no malicious intent behind them.

“I was referring to the attention which I think he has taken. The attention of the CFO and he wouldn’t want to be far from him,” Dhlamini said.

But Chaskalson rejected that explanation, putting a far more serious interpretation to him.

“What I want to put to you is that the capture of the CFO was a process that was designed to put the CFO in a position to do great things for you,” he said.

Commissioner Sesi Baloyi was equally unconvinced, repeatedly challenging Dhlamini to justify how a simple video of two men walking together could support such a loaded conclusion.

“To me, that clip depicts people at a funeral. Your message says more than just looking at people. You say you have captured Ufowethu What are you talking about? Do you happen to know how it is they are walking next to each other? For you to say, you have captured him, it means you know something. What do you know?” she asked.

But Dhlamini insisted that he merely meant to express happiness at them being together.

Baloyi then turned to the phrase “uJuda wethu will do great things for us”, asking the deputy chief who the “us” referred to.

Dhlamini said that “us” referred to Nkosi, whom he described as “like a brother”, and that the “great things” were not material.

“Great things comes in many forms, looking after someone’s welfare, giving advice, taking interest into a particular person’s welfare,” he said.

The commission also examined Dhlamini’s broader interactions with Nkosi, including claims that Nkosi routinely sent him applications from individuals seeking trainee positions within the TMPD.

Dhlamini said that such requests were common and denied any improper influence, saying he would only advise that candidates follow formal recruitment processes.

This included a request from Nkosi to assist the daughter of suspended Organised Crime head Major-General Richard Shibiri, which Dhlamini said he handled appropriately.

However, Chaskalson highlighted that Dhlamini’s own version placed him in proximity to internal employment processes, raising further concerns about the extent of his involvement and whether those interactions overlapped with the alleged tender-related communications under scrutiny.

The commission also heard the announcement by controversial businessman and political fixer Brown Mogotsi for a recusal application against Chaskalson, following lodging a complaint against the senior counsel.

Mogotsi’s legal team is expected to submit their formal application on Wednesday, with Chaskalson given a week to reply.

The commission will determine both the application and the continuation of Mogotsi’s testimony on 15 May.

Meanwhile, the commission will continue proceedings on Thursday, following confirmation that Suliman Carrim who was expected back on Wednesday, had submitted a medical certificate stating that he remains confined to bed.

The date of his return is yet to be determined.

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The South African government has committed R12.5 billion to redesign and redevelop six of the country’s busiest land ports of entry, in a major push to strengthen border security, improve compliance and curb the illicit movement of goods and people.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the project on Tuesday, describing it as the largest single infrastructure investment in border management.

The initiative aims to modernise South Africa’s immigration and border systems to meet growing security and trade demands.

The six targeted ports — Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg — handle about 80% of cross-border trade and passenger traffic.

Speaking at a media briefing in Hatfield, Pretoria, Schreiber said their efficiency and security are critical to both economic growth and national stability.

“Their performance has a direct impact on economic growth, revenue collection and national security. For many years, these high-volume corridors have been under significant strain, with congestion, outdated infrastructure and fragmented systems slowing trade and raising the cost of doing business,” he said.

He added that these weaknesses have enabled illegal immigration, illicit trade and fraud, undermining revenue collection and the rule of law.

The redevelopment programme, unveiled jointly with the Border Management Authority (BMA), will introduce advanced surveillance and integrated technology systems to strengthen enforcement and improve the movement of legitimate travellers and goods.

Schreiber said the upgraded infrastructure would not only enhance detection capabilities but also act as a deterrent.

“As enforcement becomes more effective and more visible, illegal activity is not only intercepted — it is deterred,” he said.

He stressed that the government’s approach is grounded in the rule of law, not populism.

“Our commitment is to fix problems in a rational and dispassionate manner. We are not interested in inflaming tensions or scapegoating,” he said, adding that calls for stricter immigration controls should not be mischaracterised.

Meanwhile, BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato confirmed that concessionaires and consortia have been appointed to carry out the upgrades, with construction expected to begin later this year or early next year. Projects are scheduled for completion within two to three years.

The Baobab Concession will handle Beitbridge and Oshoek, while the Ralux Consortium will redevelop Lebombo.

The Kgorong Consortium has been appointed for Maseru Bridge, the Kopfontein Consortium for Kopfontein, and the Imbani Consortium for Ficksburg.

Masiapato said the BMA is confident the appointed groups have the expertise to deliver.

“We have full confidence that they will deliver these critical national infrastructure projects within the required timeframes. We are committed to working closely with them,” he said.

INSIDE POLITICS

The three men accused of the kidnapping and brutal murder of a family of seven in Newark, KwaZulu-Natal, have abandoned their bail application in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court, as public anger over the killings continues to intensify.

The accused, Bongumenzi Mpungose, Linda Mthiyane, and Mthandeni Mthiyane, appeared briefly in court on Tuesday, where their legal representatives indicated they would no longer pursue bail at this stage.

ALSO READ: Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla granted bail in fraud, corruption case

The men face 17 charges, including housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, rape, premeditated murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Outside court, scores of community members, political party supporters, and officials from the Community Safety and Liaison department gathered in protest, demanding justice for the victims and opposing any possibility of bail.

Among those present in court were Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and the province’s acting deputy police commissioner for crime detection, Major General Anthony Gopaul.

The victims, Alan and Sandy Monswamy, their children Kraidon and Shamarie, and relatives Cliffy Padayachee, Mooniamma Padayachee and Mariamma Appanah, were abducted from their home in Newark last Tuesday.

ALSO READ: DA lays second ethics complaint against Tolashe

The suspects allegedly broke into the family home, subjected them to prolonged terror before transporting them to Melmoth.

It was further alleged that one of the suspects, Mpungose, raped 20-year-old Shamarie Monswamy at the house and again at a second location.

Investigators further state that the suspects forced at least three victims to hand over banking details and personal identification numbers.

After obtaining the information, the attackers killed the family, with three victims being shot, and four stabbed to death.

The arrests followed a swift, multi-unit police operation launched after a domestic worker discovered the home ransacked and the family missing.

Two suspects were apprehended in the Hlomendlini area on Wednesday afternoon, one found in possession of a victim’s cellphone.

A third suspect was later arrested in Sundumbili, where police recovered a firearm, and eleven cellphones in total.

Police have confirmed that one of the accused had previously been employed by the family.

The suspects later led investigators to a remote area in Melmoth where the bodies were found.

A joint funeral service was held for the family at Stanger High School on Sunday.

Speaking outside the court, Premier Ntuli expressed his disappointment at the young ages of the accused (21, 26, and 28), stressing the need to find ways to dissuade the youth from crime.

The case was postponed for further investigations, with a date to be determined.

INSIDE POLITICS

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla have been granted bail of R30,000 each.

The ruling was handed down in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, where the pair face charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice.

The case stems from a 2019 matter allegedly committed by Lerutla, in which prosecutors claim the two arranged for another individual to impersonate him in court in exchange for R400,000.

The State had opposed bail, arguing that the accused might interfere with witnesses.

The matter will continue as the accused prepares to face trial.

The legal team representing Lerutla on Tuesday insisted their client was a strong candidate for bail, posed no flight risk, and had presented compelling reasons for release on bail.

The two officials have been in custody since their arrests. They spent the long weekend behind bars after judgment was reserved last week.

“We have the strong view that indeed he is a good candidate for bail. It doesn’t get better than this one,” the defence said outside court before proceedings started.

ALSO READ: In Pictures: EFF Freedom Day Commemoration

Lerutla, who earns over R200,000 per month, is the sole breadwinner for his family, according to an affidavit in which he argued for bail following his arrest.

His attorney argued that justice would best be served by granting bail, considering Lerutla’s high-profile position.

The charges stem from two major incidents. Prosecutors allege that after being arrested for speeding in March 2019, Lerutla failed to appear in court.

Instead, he and Mkhwanazi allegedly arranged for an associate to impersonate Lerutla in court. It is alleged that Lerutla paid R400,000 in cash, split between the impersonator and Mkhwanazi.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa condemns corruption, xenophobia in Freedom Day address

The state further alleges that Lerutla was involved in a fatal collision on the N12 highway in May 2021 while driving a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. At the scene, he allegedly offered a tow-truck driver R10,000 to remove the deceased victim’s body before authorities arrived.

The original police docket for the case later went missing from SAPS storage.

Despite the allegations, Lerutla has built a reputation as a rising figure in municipal governance. A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with over 13 years of experience in public finance.

He joined the City of Ekurhuleni in 2014 and became Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) in 2019.

Under his leadership, the city achieved three consecutive clean audits from the Auditor-General.

INSIDE POLITICS

The DA has escalated its campaign against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, who is also the president of the ANC Women’s League, filing a second ethics complaint in Parliament over the allegations linked to luxury vehicles reportedly donated by the Chinese Embassy.

DA national spokesperson Jan de Villiers said the latest complaint had been lodged with Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, following an earlier complaint last year.

ALSO READ: Lerutla’s legal team argues strong bail case amid fraud, corruption allegations

The second complaint comes in the wake of the recent controversy over two vehicles allegedly donated by the Chinese Embassy, which the DA claims the minister attempted to conceal or misrepresent.

De Villiers raised two scenarios, which he described as “deeply troubling”.

“The first is that the vehicles in question were donated to the Minister personally, and that she failed to disclose this in the Parliamentary Register of Members’ Interests, and subsequently misled Parliament regarding that non-disclosure,” he said.

“The second is that the vehicles were donated to the ANC Women’s League, and that the Minister fraudulently registered these vehicles in the names of her children to shield the assets from potential attachment by creditors linked to the ANC,” De Villiers added.

He stressed that the allegations cut against the core principles expected of public representatives, and that the code of ethical conduct requires parliamentarians to “uphold principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, openness, honesty and leadership”.

The DA confirmed it has also approached President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Public Protector, and law enforcement authorities as part of a broader push for accountability.

The latest move follows an earlier ethics complaint lodged in October 2025, which centred on governance issues within the Department of Social Development.

ALSO READ: In Pictures: EFF Freedom Day Commemoration

That complaint accused Tolashe of misleading Parliament over the appointment of Director-General Peter Netshipale, improperly handling disciplinary processes, shielding a special adviser facing misconduct allegations, and appointing an unqualified individual to her office.

In recent weeks, the DA and other parties have raised concerns about the origin and ownership of the vehicles.

Reports suggest the cars, valued at around R1 million, were allegedly given to Tolashe and later registered in the names of her children, raising questions about compliance with the Executive Ethics Code, which requires presidential approval for gifts exceeding R1,000.

DA spokesperson on Social Development Nazley Sharif previously said the party has intensified its efforts across multiple fronts, including laying criminal charges and calling for a parliamentary inquiry.

“We call on President Ramaphosa to remove Minister Tolashe from office, failing which the DA will continue to use all mechanisms we have launched to hold her to account for this scandal and her irregular office appointments and overreach of powers,” Sharif said.

The DA has also written to Parliament’s Social Development committee demanding a full inquiry, saying that the scale and number of allegations point to a broader pattern of misconduct.

ALSO READ: Zandile Dabula to leave Operation Dudula Movement, citing internal strife

ActionSA, earlier, opened a criminal case and filed complaints with oversight bodies, and it has criticised the DA for duplicating processes already under investigation.

Meanwhile, Tolashe has indicated she is willing to step down, inviting the president to remove her from office.

Her department previously said the minister remains committed to cooperating with all official processes.

INSIDE POLITICS

The Feather Market Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay was filled to capacity on Freedom Day as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members sang revolutionary songs ahead of the arrival of Secretary‑General Marshall Dlamini.

Convenor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Sinawo Thambo, led the crowd in a prayerful rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, setting a solemn yet spirited tone for the commemoration.

“We gather here not only to celebrate freedom, but to remind ourselves of the sacrifices that brought us here,” Thambo said.

Reverend Matshawandile Bacela of the Church of Africa delivered a reflective sermon, urging unity and vigilance.

The packed venue erupted in song and applause as Fighters awaited Dlamini’s keynote address, which is expected to focus on the party’s vision for economic justice and the unfinished work of liberation.

INSIDE POLITICS

President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed the Government of National Unity to decisively deal with corruption and vowed that those who have looted and crippled government institutions will be dealt with.

Delivering the keynote address to celebrate Freedom Day in the Free State on Monday, Ramaphosa appealed to the nation to rally around defeating corruption in government, saying there were companies who get tenders, take the money, and leave projects unfinished.

These will be dealt with, promised Ramaphosa.

“These people are given money to conduct certain projects and they run away without finishing such projects. There are many of those here in the Free State where such projects are not finished,” said Ramaphosa.

ALSO READ: Newark family murder barbaric, ruthless, and heartless, says KZN Premier

The president in a reconciliatory tone also appealed to the nation to be tolerant of the fellow Africans who he said helped the country by accommodating the freedom fighters during the struggle days.

“We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans. We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia, directed towards people from other African countries or other any parts of the world,” he said.

The president reminded the nation that 32 years ago on this day, the country went to the polls to elect its first democratic president and ushered in a new era.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Morolong closes North West media Summit with call for collaboration and sustainability

“It was a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity. It is an honour to mark this occasion here in Bloemfontein, where the flame of freedom was lit.

“It was here in Mangaung that the African National Congress was born in 1912, bringing together for the first time people from across our country to stand against oppression and dispossession,” he said.

Ramaphosa said out of the country’s struggle came freedom through the Constitution that had an unshakable foundation.
“Out of struggle came freedom; through our Constitution we have entrenched it as the unshakable foundation of our nation.”

ALSO READ: Deputy Minister Gungubele strengthens digital partnerships

“There was a time in this country when freedom was not a right but a dream. It was a time when voices were silenced, dignity was denied to millions who were excluded from the life of the country they called home. But our people refused to accept that fate.” Ramaphosa said.

“They organised. They resisted. They endured. And they won their freedom.
And in that struggle, they made a simple but powerful declaration. The people of South Africa shall be free and that South Africa belongs to all who live in it,” he said.

The president called on the nation to unite and to build communities, homes, schools, and workplaces that were safe and secure as he called for the country to reflect, renew, and reaffirm the country’s social contract.

“Let us protect it. Let us uphold it. Let us live by it.

And so, as we reflect on how far we have come, and as we look to the future, we must still build, let us remember this:

“The freedom we enjoy today was not handed to us – it was fought for by our people and secured forever by our Constitution,” he said.

The president’s commitment comes in the wake of revelations of widespread corruption in the South African Police Service in the Madlanga Commission which has led to the nabbing of and court appearance of suspended National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola, among others.

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