The 185^th Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, which takes place on the eve of Freedom Day and, unusually for recent times, on a Sunday, has more at stake for the Buccaneers, who are looking for their first league title since 2012.

The showpiece was moved to a Sunday to accommodate a music event at nearby Nasrec on Saturday, and it works well on the eve of Freedom Day on Monday.

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Pirates lead the Betway Premiership with 58 points from 25 games, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns with 57 points and a game in hand. Sundowns dropped crucial points this week when they drew 1-1 with Stellenbosch, just like how Pirates stumbled to a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay earlier this month.

This suggests there will be many twists in the remaining five games before the league is decided.

Chiefs lie third with 46 points from 24 games. This is already an improved points haul and league position from last season, when they finished ninth.

They will be looking to consolidate third position to play in the CAF Confederations Cup and rescue an indifferent season. They will also look to avenge, or rather prevent, the embarrassment of the 3-0 drubbing at the end of February.

Given that Chiefs are also to play Mamelodi Sundowns, the Phefeni Glamour Boys may have a say in the destiny of the title.

Pirates will be looking to the goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to keep Chiefs at bay, but also their star players Relebohile Mofokeng and Aswin Apollis to make magic happen up front.  Mofokeng in particular has been in electric form, with nine goals in the last 11 matches, including a hat trick against TS Galaxy in March.

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He has shown the kind of form that fans hope he can translate to the World Cup later this year. The Derby allows him an opportunity to show he possesses big stage temperament, as he could not rescue Pirates against Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup for example.

He has an opportunity and potential to make his mark on this fixture like Benedict Vilakazi did for Pirates who was at one point, the highest scorer of his generation in the derby.

Chiefs have over the years had great goalkeepers to influence this fixture, mots recently Brian Baloyi and Itumeleng Khune. They no longer possess shot stoppers of similar stature, but Brendan Pertersen can stake his claim as a reliable last line of defence.

Lebohang Maboe, a standout performer in recent outings, will look to dictate terms in midfield, while Flavio da Silva will look to get his name onto the scoresheet and history books.

The City of Johannesburg has laid on extra Rea Vaya Buses to ease congestion and simplify travel for fans and revellers.

South Africa is all set for the Sunday Freedom Day Derby.

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Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula was pepper-sprayed, and several protesters were arrested by police about a kilometre from the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, together with members of anti-illegal immigrant group Operation Dudula, were met by a strong police presence as they picketed outside the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Protesters from both the MK party and Operation Dudula demanded to be allowed to demonstrate within 100 metres of the venue, citing the “immigration crisis”, poor service delivery and high unemployment as their key grievances.

Police responded with tear gas and pepper spray when demonstrators moved away from the designated protest area while still demanding to speak with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

An unhappy Dabula said the show of force from police towards South Africans was concerning.

“The sad thing is that the force that they are showing to us as South Africans, they can’t show it to criminals. That’s why we have the Madlanga Commission. When they are supposed to do the right thing to the criminals, they don’t do it.” Dabula said.

She confirmed that arrests had been made, while insisting the picket had been peaceful.

The protestors said that South Africa should prioritise addressing domestic issues before global ones.

Police have confirmed the arrest of two men aged 46 and 54 during the clash between police and members of Operation Dudula.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a case of public violence, assault of a police officer, and contravention of a court order was registered against the group.

She said Operation Dudula members attempted to forcefully march towards the summit venue and block Baragwanath and Nasrec Roads, critical routes used by foreign heads of state.

Despite repeated warnings from Public Order Policing, Mathe said the demonstrators refused to comply.

A scuffle broke and demonstrators sprayed police with pepper spray, hurled objects, and shoved officers.

One police officer sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, she said.

Mathe said officers acted within the law to restore order.

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On Friday, a conference preparatory committee chaired by Mashatile will table a conference preparatory report on the party’s readiness to hold the 53rd elective in Nasrec in December this year.  

On Saturday, the NEC will receive a report presented by the electoral committee on how nominations for the elective conference are being managed. That will be followed by the delivery of a draft organisational report for national conference for adoption, to be delivered by the deputy president David Mabuza.

Mashatile, who is the Treasurer-General, will present the financial report. 

Various committees will present reports starting with the Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee chaired by Ronald Lamola delivering a report on Constitutional Amendments. 

Head of Elections and Campaigns Fikile Mbalula will deliver a report on Elections. Mbalula’s report will include outcomes of a research conducted by an independent firm. 

The Legislature and Governance Committee led by Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver a progress report on the Electoral Amendment Bill. The Renewal Committee headed by Thoko Didiza will deliver a report followed by a report from the Sub-Committee on Communications led by Nkenke Kekana and Pule Mabe. 

Former Minister Jeff Radebe will deliver a State Capture report. Mashatile said NEC has decided to establish its own committee to follow up on Chief Justice Zondo’s report, adding that Radebe had already identified matters that may require urgent actions including legislative Amendments.

The ANC Integrity Commission Report will be delivered by Mashatile later on Saturday. 

Gwen Ramokgopa will deliver a report Commissioned by the ANC on the cost of living. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will close the meeting on Sunday. 

The ANC also announced that the Tripartite Alliance (ANC, SACP and Cosatu) will host an Alliance Economic and Energy Summit in the first days of December. 

The ANC will host the 53rd Elective conference from December 16 to 20th, 2022. 

– Inside Politics 

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