The week that was:Dangerous GNU spat, Zuma: Mbalula’s ‘intimidating messages’ Springboks/Barbarians

Summary

This week’s news wrap covers several key issues in South Africa and abroad. It includes political tensions within the DA over the firing of MP Andrew Whitfield, the devastating Eastern Cape floods and their ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as the controversy surrounding the expulsion of Jacob Zuma from the ANC. Other major stories include the return of South African peacekeepers from the DRC, Iran's defiant stance against the U.S. and Israel, and the delayed repatriation of Zambian President Edgar Lungu's body. The Springboks also prepare for their exhibition match against the Barbarians in Cape Town.

Takeaways

• 😀 The DA is demanding President Ramaphosa act consistently against corruption, issuing him a 48-hour ultimatum to show clear action, especially against corrupt ministers.
• 😀 MP Andrew Whitfield was fired for insubordination after he traveled abroad without approval, raising questions about political consistency within the ruling party.
• 😀 The Eastern Cape continues to deal with a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 100 confirmed deaths and over 4,700 displaced individuals due to devastating floods.
• 😀 The South African government has declared the Eastern Cape floods a national disaster, opening access to greater support and funding, with reconstruction costs estimated at 5.1 billion rand.
• 😀 Jacob Zuma has filed a high court application challenging his expulsion from the ANC, claiming procedural flaws and accusing ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula of sending intimidating messages to his representative.
• 😀 The ANC's internal disciplinary processes and expulsion decisions are under scrutiny, especially regarding Zuma's affiliation with a rival political party.
• 😀 South African peacekeeping troops have returned home after a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a ceasefire between rebel groups and the DRC's military.
• 😀 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Iran has delivered a 'hand slap' to the U.S. and vowed never to surrender to the United States after tensions with Israel.
• 😀 The ongoing legal battle over the funeral of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu sees the Zambian government and Lungu's family at odds over burial rights, delaying the repatriation of his body.
• 😀 Anna Wintour announced her departure after 37 years as the editor-in-chief of Vogue, with a search for her successor beginning as she refocuses on global strategy for Condé Nast.
• 😀 The Springboks are preparing for their exhibition match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on June 28, 2025, with Jesse Krill captaining the side in place of Sia Pisi.

Q & A

Why did the Democratic Alliance (DA) criticize President Ramaphosa over Andrew Whitfield's dismissal?

The DA criticized President Ramaphosa for firing MP Andrew Whitfield for insubordination, questioning why corrupt politicians in his own party remain untouched. They called for the president to take consistent action against all political wrongdoers, regardless of party affiliation.

What was the 48-hour ultimatum issued by DA leader John Steenhuisen?

John Steenhuisen gave President Ramaphosa a 48-hour ultimatum to take action against ministers accused of corruption, demanding consistency in his approach to wrongdoing after Whitfield's dismissal.

What is the current situation in the Eastern Cape following the floods?

The Eastern Cape is facing a humanitarian crisis after devastating floods, with over 100 deaths and around 4,700 people displaced. The provincial government is working on rehousing survivors, but many may have to wait up to three months before finding shelter.

What are the government's challenges in responding to the Eastern Cape flood disaster?

The government faces significant financial challenges, including a 5.1 billion rand estimate for rebuilding infrastructure, including roads. There's also a pressing need for temporary housing, with many survivors seeking refuge in churches.

How has Jacob Zuma responded to his expulsion from the ANC?

Jacob Zuma has filed a high court application against his expulsion from the ANC, arguing that it was procedurally flawed. He also claimed that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula sent intimidating messages to his representative before the disciplinary hearing.

What was the situation regarding South African peacekeeping troops returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

South African peacekeeping troops, who had been deployed to the DRC, returned home after a ceasefire was broken between rebel group M23 and the DRC military. The return of the 233 soldiers marked the conclusion of the mission in the region.

What statement did Iran’s Supreme Leader make regarding the conflict with Israel?

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed his country had delivered a 'hand slap' to the United States and hailed Iran's victory over Israel, while vowing never to surrender to the US.

How has Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to recent events with Iran?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Israel's resilience in the face of Iran’s actions and described the situation as a historic victory for Israel.

What dispute arose over the burial rights of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu?

There was a legal battle over the repatriation and burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s body. The Zambian government sought to bring his remains back to Zambia, but his family opposed this, leading to delays and court hearings.

What major change is taking place at Vogue with Anna Wintour's departure?

After 37 years, Anna Wintour is stepping down as editor-in-chief of *Vogue*. She will focus on the magazine's global strategy, and a search for her replacement is underway.

Who will captain the Springbok team for their match against the Barbarians on June 28?

Jesse Krill will captain the Springboks in place of Siya Kolisi, who will miss the match. Marco van Staden will also start in Kolisi's position.

What is the expected weather for the Springboks' match against the Barbarians, and how does it affect the game?

The weather in Cape Town for the match is expected to be cold and gloomy, but the Springboks are determined to bring intensity to their 2025 season opener against the Barbarians.