The Brief

Steenhuisen Faces Demotion in DA Cabinet Shake-Up

New Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced his first Cabinet reshuffle proposals, which include the removal of former party leader John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture.

Steenhuisen is expected to be replaced by Willie Aucamp, who currently serves in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. If approved, Steenhuisen will move to the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The proposed changes still require the approval of President , who holds the authority to make official Cabinet appointments.

Hill-Lewis said the adjustments are aimed at strengthening the DA’s role in government and ensuring the party delivers on the mandate it received from its 3.5 million supporters during the last election.

According to Hill-Lewis, Aucamp’s top priority will be addressing the ongoing legal challenges linked to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

South Africa has secured a loan of up to $1 billion from the New Development Bank (NDB) to fund infrastructure upgrades across eight metropolitan municipalities.

The funding will be used to improve essential municipal services, including water and sanitation, electricity distribution, and solid waste management.

The NDB, established by the BRICS nations in 2015, provides financing for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging and developing economies.

According to the bank, the loan will support a South African programme aimed at increasing investment in critical urban infrastructure while promoting economic growth and sustainability.

The metros expected to benefit from the funding are Johannesburg, Cape Town, Buffalo City, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane.

Malawians Awaiting Evacuation Clash With Police in Durban

Malawian nationals waiting to be repatriated to their home country clashed with police in Sherwood, Durban, on Wednesday after being informed that some migrants would be moved to Durban Drive on the beachfront.

The confrontation escalated when frustrated migrants hurled stones, bricks and pieces of wood at law enforcement officers, while others armed themselves with sticks as tensions flared.

The unrest was reportedly triggered by growing dissatisfaction over delays in the repatriation process, as well as opposition to plans to relocate some of the migrants to another processing site.

Police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd and regain control of the situation.

Ward councillor Warren Burne said the incident reflected rising frustration among the estimated 7,000 Malawian nationals gathered outside Sherwood Hall while awaiting transport back to Malawi.

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Shivambu, Ngobese-Zuma collaborate on initiative to fight Illegal Immigrantion

Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu and March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma have announced that they will work together on initiatives aimed at tackling undocumented and illegal immigration in South Africa.
Their cooperation follows a bilateral meeting held in Johannesburg on Monday, 15 June, where the two leaders discussed shared concerns around immigration challenges.
An immigration expert has since called on authorities to further examine the ongoing disputes and issues linked to immigration in the country.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of intensified political debate on immigration, with some analysts suggesting that parties are increasingly prioritising the issue ahead of the upcoming local government elections in an effort to attract voter support.
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SA Artists lose Gigs Across Africa Amid Anti Illegal Immigrants Protests

Recent reports indicate that some South African artists are experiencing cancellations of performances in other African countries amid backlash linked to anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa. According to South Africa's Justice Minister Mamoloko kubayi, many artists who rely on bookings across the continent have seen gigs withdrawn as relations have become strained.

The minister warned that the impact extends beyond entertainment, affecting businesses and South Africa's reputation abroad. Countries including Malawi, Ghana and Mozambique have expressed concerns about the safety of their citizens in South Africa, while some artists have reportedly faced event cancellations in response.
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Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating after human bones and skulls were discovered at an informal dumping site in eZimbokodweni near Adams, south of Durban.
The remains, found in refuse bags and wrapped in blankets, were discovered by community members and waste pickers, who alerted authorities.

Investigators are working to establish the origin of the remains. Sources close to the investigation suspect the bones may have been exhumed from a private cemetery to make way for new burial plots.
The remains appeared to be old, with some bones still covered in sand.
Police investigations are continuing.