Podcasts about economic freedom fighters eff

In the latest edition of the Sunday Show with Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), he speaks about the role of money in the race for the next president of the African National Congress (ANC) just as billionaire Patrice Motsepe emerges as another likely contender. De Beer looks at the continuing “onslaught” from former President Jacob Zuma, whose MKP has taken another ward off the ANC. He points out the big differences in the strategies of MKP and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to the issue of Afrikaner self-determination. Following the latest EFF march on an Afrikaner community, he also warns: “I fear one morning, that when they go to the gates of such a place, they're to meet with arms. The police are going to be in the middle and people are going to get very cross…If one person in that group shoots, we will have a Marikana.” De Beer slams President Cyril Ramaphosa's move to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to establish why Apartheid-era crimes - testified to at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) - have not been prosecuted, saying: “We are still sitting with Zondo. So, we can go dig up old cows, but we can't lock up the present.” He also examines the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of four members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) whose bodies ended up in the Hennops River. And he hails Mr Justice Nathan Erasmus who handed down a guilty verdict last week in the case of the missing Joshlin Smith. “Make this man the Judge President…What a jurist.”

Today on The Midday Report, host Jane Dutton – standing in for Mandy Wiener – unpacks the major stories making headlines. We begin with a major development in the Joshlin Smith case. The long-awaited verdict has been delivered: Judge Nathan Erasmus has found Kelly Smith – the mother of the missing girl – along with her co-accused, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking. Turning to the courts once again, proceedings in the murder case of a young man killed during a student protest at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha have been delayed. A power outage at the courthouse forced the case to be postponed. And in Pretoria, heightened police presence is being reported as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) prepare to march toward a controversial 'Orania-like' settlement. And it's a Friday, so sport and good things too. All this and more. Listen live - The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener is broadcast on weekdays from noon to 1pm on 702 and CapeTalk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng are marching to Kleinfontein today to protest against this Afrikaner-only settlement near Pretoria. The party views the settlement as "a remnant of apartheid's legacy". Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer, Dumisani Baleni...

In the latest edition of The Sunday Show, Neil De Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), slams President Cyril Ramaphosa attempts at “peacemaking” between Russia and Ukraine, saying he “couldn't even keep peace in the GNU” and “can't even keep his NEC together”. As for his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump, De Beer says: “Trump's got balls. Cyril's got none. Hy het rosyntjies. (He has raisins)”. De Beer describes the alleged assasination attempt on Deputy President Paul Mashatile as “shooting a full-grown elephant bull on the backside, on the ass, with a pellet gun”. He also looks at the current state of the GNU; does a post-mortem on the VAT “fiasco; dissects the spin and bluster put out by African National Congress (ANC) SG Fikile Mbalula; and laughs off the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) call for the fall of Oriana, saying “…they couldn't even do the fall of Brackenfell”. De Beer also uses the latest cases of corruption - and “an animalistic attitude towards gluttony” - to rally a taxpayers' revolt: “…can you imagine one morning, a citizens national group of more than 10 million…decide: No more money. No more funding”.

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Economist at Econometrix, as the Western Cape High Court prepares to hear an urgent application from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Filed in April, the application challenges the legality of the VAT increase announced in March as part of the revised fiscal framework. Dr Jammine unpacks the potential economic implications of the case. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/audio-podcasts/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/ Listen live - 702 Breakfast is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Sunday Show with Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), speaks about Budget negotiations threatening the Government of National Unity (GNU) as Deputy President Paul “Slimy” Mashatile is rumoured to be leading talks with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for support that would see the Democratic Alliance (DA) left out in the cold. De Beer laments everything in South South Africa that is “moer toe", including SOEs, municipalities and the SANDF. He talks about the US' latest strike against South Africa, and reveals how he would fix the SANDF; but says SOEs, ‘which there is no more saving of”, should be sold off to the private sector. Meanwhile, he counts on next year's municipal elections to produce new leadership to save bankrupt, non-performing municipalities as the ANC appears incapable of self-correcting. “They have shown themselves not capable and they have had 30 years of trying to be capable and they have absolutely not performed… if the saving of the ANC in the short term has now been the destruction of the country in the long term…That is another debate to be had.” He also gives his take on the Constitutional Court's decision not to hear AfriForum's appeal that chanting “Kill the Boer” is not hate speech - and calls on South Africans to be more sensitive on what is socially acceptable.

Jonathan Fairbairn spoke to Mandisa Mashego the Founder of The Mill Holdings, who is an entrepreneurial high achiever, who holds 28 years of blue-chip exposure, (a former member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), she served as the party's provincial chairperson in Gauteng from 2018 to 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this interview with BizNews, Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman gives BizNews viewers an overview and in-depth analysis of the performances of main political parties in municipal by-elections since last year's national election. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance (PA) emerges as “probably the most consistently improving party”; the Democratic Alliance (DA) has had a rocky road”; the African National Congress (ANC) has recovered “some support…mainly at the expense” of former President Jacob Zuma's MKP which has suffered some “staggering drops”; the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) was “one of the most consistently improving” parties until it “ran into some potholes” towards the end of 2024, but recently won a seat off the ANC - and could be poised to do well in 2026; and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has “typically declined”, but recovered some support in a raft of by-elections in the mining belt of Thabazimbi in Limpopo. 

In this edition of the Sunday Show, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), comments on the crisis in the Government of National Unity (GNU) following President Cyril Ramaphosa's signing of the Land Expropriation Bill and says Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen “can't just now throw toys out of the cot; he has to now go to the table and see if he can save the GNU”. De Beer slams the attacks on Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson from Deputy President Paul Mashatile, ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). “I think he's taking away too many people's fat chow.” De Beer gives a peep into succession “battles” in both the DA and African National Congress (ANC) where word has it that there is “a female under the guiding light of Cyril Ramaphosa, whom he favours”. As for The Hawks raid on the office of DA Deputy Federal Chair JP Smith and another MMC, De Beer says there is “a clear GNU strategy attack…now filtering down to local government level”. De Beer warns that while the GNU is weakening, former President Jacob Zuma's MKP is growing stronger. “MK is sitting and they are waiting for the right moment.” Lastly, he describes the fierce fighting in the eastern DRC in which at least eight SANDF soldiers have been killed.

Today Africa Daily's Mpho Lakaje sits down with firebrand South African politician Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). They discuss a variety of topics ranging from the party's ideology, its policy on immigration to its stance on nation building. The EFF lost its position as South Africa's third biggest political party, following the May 2024 election. “There was a phenomenon that arose in South Africa of MK (Umkhonto Wesizwe Party) which we underestimated and never thought would have the impact it did”, Mr. Malema says of his party's election performance. He also opens up about the recent departures of key EFF leaders, including the party's co-founder and deputy president Floyd Shivambu.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will today open a criminal case against Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, at the Pretoria Central Police Station. The party alleges that Macpherson, in collusion with the Democratic Alliance, is abusing state institutions to serve the interests of white minority capital. Last year Minister Macpherson allegedly pressured a junior staff member at the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to expedite payment to Lonerock Construction. This company was contracted by the IDT to rehabilitate sinkholes at the Waterkloof Airforce Base, a project managed by Macpherson's Department. To get more insight into this development, Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo

On the last Sunday Show of 2024, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), issues a stern warning to Julius Malema, the re-elected President of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), over his latest “derogatory, violent and revolutionary speech”:    “Ons sal jou moer. We will not allow you to destabilise this beautiful country. Law enforcement, Defence Force and Intelligence, they know they have absolutely our support - and we will have their back.” De Beer once again slams President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the BELA Act. However, he has praise for three African National Congress (ANC) Ministers: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. He also hails the work of Democratic Alliance (DA) Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Furthermore, De Beer speaks about the “Green Communists” in the ANC, sketches two options for the future of South Africa's struggling SOEs, and explains why he regards Bitcoin as an “emotional currency”.

At the end of a dramatic election year, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie gives BizNews an insider's view of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its future - and reminds viewers of what an alternative government with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MKP would be like right now. He speaks candidly about his relationships with some of the country's top leaders and politicians, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chair Helen Zille, and African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. His mantra is one of “country first, party second”, but he is hugely proud of his Patriotic Alliance (PA) being the fastest growing party with three by-election wins in a row. The Minister also shares his plans for bringing some of the world's top sporting events to South Africa. Lastly, the former prisoner - who has been voted the third most popular politician in the country and whose army of supporters on social media wants to see him as South Africa's next president - leaves the nation with a deeply inspirational message for the festive season. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here. The seventh BizNews Conference, BNC#7, is to be held in Hermanus from March 11 to 13, 2025. The 2025 BizNews Conference is designed to provide an excellent opportunity for members of the BizNews community to interact directly with the keynote speakers, old (and new) friends from previous BNC events – and to interact with members of the BizNews team. Register for BNC#7 here.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is set to discuss a proposed policy amendment that would require members to have a post-matric qualification to serve in the party's Central Command Team (CCT). This is as the party's third National People's Assembly gets underway at the Nasrec Expo centre in Johannesburg today. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF MP Commissar, Sharon Letlape, to delve into the details of this proposal

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters are expected to march through the streets of Johannesburg this morning as the Constitutional Court is expected to hear the party's case on the Phala Phala scandal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Constitutional Court will today hear an application from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) challenging the National Assembly's decision not to adopt the Independent Panel's Report on the Phala Phala scandal. The EFF argues that the decision was irrational and unlawful, violating constitutional provisions. The case follows the National Assembly's rejection of the Report in December 2022, with the ANC using its majority vote to block the referral to an impeachment inquiry.  For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Andrew Goldberg, legal analyst from Goldberg Attorneys Incorporated

On this Sunday Show with BizNews, United Independent Movement (UIM) President Neil De Beer describes how Libya's late dictatorial despot, Muammar al-Gaddafi, propped up the African National Congress (ANC) government - and predicts - now that it has been confirmed by former Treasurer-General Matthews Phosa - the current Libyan government will not get back millions still “missing” because “there's too much money that has to be paid back by too many people”. De Beer lambasts “gutless” President Cyril Ramaphosa's delayed response to the deaths of many children from contaminated snacks bought at Spaza shops - and warns that residents are taking the law into their own hands because of the “shortfall” of government action. De Beer tells CR: “You won't inspire me to lead an International Pillow Fighting team against Zimbabwe”. De Beer also slams Justice Minister Thembi Simelane for “seemingly dodging her own justice” over her VBS links. Meanwhile, he urges citizens to take advantage of a judgment that city officials can now be charged with dereliction of duty if their municipal areas are not kept up to standard. He also comments on the latest drama in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), as well as the Zama-Zama humanitarian crisis.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo are staging a protest march today to the office of Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, demanding urgent attention to severe water shortages in Polokwane. The party is also highlighting concerns over high electricity costs and rampant unemployment in the province. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to the EFF Limpopo Chairpreson, Lawrence Mapoulo

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has responded to the recent resignation of former Chairperson Advocate Dali Mpofu, who has announced his departure from the party to join Umkhonto We Sizwe. Speaking on the social media platform X, Malema hinted that at least two more senior EFF leaders are likely to leave soon. Despite this, Malema confidently declared that the EFF remains resilient and unshaken. Mpofu's resignation could signal further shifts within the party as it prepares for its upcoming elective conference in December, as the party grapples with an ongoing wave of resignations among its senior members. For more on this we joined by Professor Sethulego Matebesi Political analyst from the University of the Free State

In this week's episode of the Sunday Show, United Independent Movement (UIM) President Neil de Beer talks about the possibility of the African National Congress (ANC) regaining a majority in 2028 by taking credit for the good work being done in the Government of National Unity (GNU) by ministers, mostly of other parties. However, he also warns the ANC that it risks a “palace revolution” unless it deals with the corruption in its ranks. He referees the latest spat between Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen and President Cyril Ramaphosa who now has Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie jumping to his defence. De Beer talks about the high profile defections of people with “sensitive information” to the MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma, as well as the arrest of his benefactor, the diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg. And he describes the “dismantling” of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as “the once rising revolutionary replacement of the ANC to something that will just be folding directly into the MK”.

The judge dismissed the application of the 10 MK party members to return to the National Assembly, losing the bid to return to the National Assembly. This comes after the expelled members went to court because they believed to have been expelled to make space for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members who were joining the party. Lindsey Dentlinger, EWN Reporter will further explain what the judgement means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political activist and commentator Phapano Phasha worked on the election communication strategy for MKP after resigning from the African National Congress (ANC), but didn't join the party. In this interview with BizNews, she says many of the people who have joined MK ”are wounded…are running to the next best thing”. However, it is a “formidable force because unfortunately those who control the politics of this country haven't learned anything. They haven't learned anything from funding the president of the ANC. The ANC is as rotten and as bankrupt as before.” As for the Government of National Unity (GNU), she charges that it's not “premised on any morality”. On the power held in MKP by former President Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile, she says: “…you cannot touch her, neither can you question her”. As for why Floyd Shivambu left the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to join MKP, she comments: “…he's just saving his political skin. Whether he will survive, that's another thing”. Ultimately she believes that if capital invested in black talent, “we will see a different type of voter who does not run to a new party every season, but a voter who looks at the philosophy of a party, who looks at the meritocracy; if the party has the right people who can serve”.

In his weekly Sunday show with BizNews, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), gives his analysis of a wide range of controversies: the VBS Bank scandal that has spread from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - and by extension MK - to the African National Congress (ANC) Minister of Justice; the “Walking Dead” like Shabir Shaik who was released from prison for being terminally ill 15 years ago; the latest gun battles between the police and wanted suspects; leaked info on the Mpumalanga military training camp - and the discovery of one in the Western Cape; the increasing crackdown on illegal immigrants; the battle of Tshwane's Democratric Alliance (DA) Mayor to hold on to his job while there is dissent in the ranks of ActionSA and a huge backlash against the party for wanting to oust him; the silence over SA's “moer toe” SOE's; and how old political foes - who used so much “vile and poison” against each other before the election - are now cozying up...

In a rare move, Burkina Faso's military-led government has acknowledged that a deadly attack has taken place in which at least 200 security officers and villagers were killed. Some reports say it could be one of the worst ever in the country. So who was behind the attack and why is the military government unable to contain the violence?Zambia faces a maize contamination crisis as aflatoxins – produced by certain mould and fungi - kill dozens of dogs, sparking health concerns. How can communities keep their food safe? And what sparked the massive fallout at at the top of South Africa's opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) that has led to the departure and defection of the party's deputy leader.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

With the Government of National Unity having been in power for over two months already, BizNews asked Dr. Ina Gouws of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at Free State University for her impressions. She dissects the early achievements of the GNU as well as the coalition chaos at provincial and municipal level. She doesn't think there's “a better strategist” than Vice President Paul Mashatile “in terms of moving himself and maneuvering himself into certain positions and being able to find himself in the right place at the right time for his own sake.” Analysing the defection of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu to MK were he is now the National Organiser, she says” “His hatred that he displayed in Parliament of Jacob Zuma and what he's done seemingly disappeared at a moment where opportunity was given to him to maybe take up that position. And maybe he has ambitions to one day lead MK or lead this grand leftist progressive coalition to challenge the Government of National Unity…” Meanwhile, she feels it is just a matter of time before the African National Congress (ANC) “reigns in” the GNU-defiant Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. As for Herman Mashaba's ActionSA getting into bed with the ANC in Joburg, she comments: “What they are willing to do on local level and willing to tolerate and willing to protect even for seemingly the sake of just keeping the DA out…”

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Political Analyst Prince Mashele about Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema informing his members that if they want to leave the party, they should do so now, the chaos in both the EFF and the MK Party as members are being removed or leaving to make way for others, and whether we can expect more executive members to leave the EFF.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has instructed the party's supporters to stop sulking over the departure of Floyd Shivambu from the organisation. Malema shared his views on the departure of his former deputy Floyd Shivambu's decision to abandon the movement, describing it as a betrayal of the organisation. Alpha Ramushwana, EWN reporter.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his weekly take on political developments, United Independent Movement (UIM) President Neil de Beer slams the “cabal of people now cohorting into a public political party (MK) in Parliament”. He describes Jacob Zuma, Brian Molefe, Andile Mngxitama, Siyabonga Gama, Floyd Shivambu, Dr. John Hlope, Lucky Montana, and Mzwanele Manyi as among “the most unscrupulous accused people that harm this country on all levels of State Capture, SOE collapse, and debatably the country's collapse”. “That's your 10 Most Wanted poster right there.” As for the defection of Shivambu to MK from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), De Beer says: “This was orchestrated, is orchestrated and planned.” Describing the battle to prosecute those fingered by the Zondo Commission, he points out: “We spent billions on the Zondo Commission, three years, more than 16 volumes and…some of them are sitting in MK.” De Beer also dissects the latest coalition dramas between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties in metros and municipalities. He further gives his take on what Elon Musk might have gained from his X interview with former US President Donald Trump. And he analyses the bold moves to self-sufficiency by Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré who has turned down help from both the West and the East.

The reckless spending of money and the waste and corruption is not going to stop because ActionSA is getting into bed with the African National Congress (ANC). That is the warning of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor and former Citizen Editor Martin Williams. “There's absolutely no way ActionSA can put a spoke in that wheel,” he says. In fact, says Williams, any party that gets into an alliance with the “divided and corrupt” ANC in the province will end up in an “unstable relationship because you don't know who to trust within the ANC”. He adds that the ANC doesn't even need ActionSA “to do anything” if the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is on board. “So they could be playing off each other forever, at least until 2026 when the next election happens”. He also dissects the different factions in the ANC and describes how the connection of the “Alex Mafia” weaves through it all. While Williams believes that a working relationship between a “reasonable” ANC and the DA is the only way to start turning the City around, “we cannot get into bed with the ANC as currently constituted”. Instead, the DA will work toward gaining a commanding position in the 2026 municipal elections.

This week on The Sound Kitchen you'll hear the answer to the question about the possible alliances for South Africa's ANC political party. There's some poetry as a starter dish, “The Listener's Corner” with Paul Myers, and “Music from Erwan” from Erwan Rome. All that and the new quiz and bonus questions too, so click on the “Play” button above and enjoy!  Hello everyone! Welcome to The Sound Kitchen weekly podcast, published every Saturday – here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll hear the winner's names announced and the week's quiz question, along with all the other ingredients you've grown accustomed to: your letters and essays, “On This Day”, quirky facts and news, interviews, and great music … so be sure and listen every week.Erwan and I are busy cooking up special shows with your music requests, so get them in! Send your music requests to thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr  Tell us why you like the piece of music, too – it makes it more interesting for us all!The ePOP video competition is open! The ePOP video competition is sponsored by the RFI department “Planète Radio”, whose mission is to give a voice to the voiceless. ePOP focuses on the environment, and how climate change has affected “ordinary” people. You are to create a three-minute video about climate change, the environment, pollution - told by the people it affects.You do not need expensive video equipment to enter the competition. Your phone is fine.  And you do not need to be a member of the RFI Clubs to enter – everyone is welcome. And by the way – the prizes are incredibly generous!Go to the ePOP page to read about past competitions, watch past videos, and read the regulations for your entry.  You can also write to us at thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr, and we'll forward your mail to Planète Radio.The competition closes on 12 September, but you know how "time flies”, so get to work now! We expect to be bombarded with entries from the English speakers!Facebook: Be sure to send your photos for the RFI English Listeners Forum banner to thesoundkitchen@rfi.frMore tech news: Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Just go to YouTube and write RFI English in the search bar, and there we are! Be sure to subscribe to see all our videos.Would you like to learn French? RFI is here to help you!Our website “Le Français facile avec RFI”  has news broadcasts in slow, simple French, as well as bi-lingual radio dramas (with real actors!) and exercises to practice what you have heard.Go to our website and get started! At the top of the page, click on “Test level”. According to your score, you'll be counselled to the best-suited activities for your level.Do not give up! As Lidwien van Dixhoorn, the head of “Le Français facile” service told me: “Bathe your ears in the sound of the language, and eventually, you'll get it." She should know – Lidwien is Dutch and came to France hardly able to say “bonjour” and now she heads this key RFI department – so stick with it!Be sure you check out our wonderful podcasts!In addition to the breaking news articles on our site with in-depth analysis of current affairs in France and across the globe, we have several podcasts that will leave you hungry for more.There's Paris Perspective, Spotlight on France, Spotlight on Africa, and of course, The Sound Kitchen. We have an award-winning bilingual series – an old-time radio show, with actors (!) to help you learn French, called Les voisins du 12 bis. And there is the excellent International Report, too.As you see, sound is still quite present in the RFI English service. Keep checking our website for updates on the latest from our staff of journalists. You never know what we'll surprise you with!To listen to our podcasts from your PC, go to our website; you'll see “Podcasts” at the top of the page. You can either listen directly or subscribe and receive them directly on your mobile phone.To listen to our podcasts from your mobile phone, slide through the tabs just under the lead article (the first tab is “Headline News”) until you see “Podcasts”, and choose your show. Teachers take note! I save postcards and stamps from all over the world to send to you for your students. If you would like stamps and postcards for your students, just write and let me know. The address is english.service@rfi.fr  If you would like to donate stamps and postcards, feel free! Our address is listed below. Another idea for your students: Br. Gerald Muller, my beloved music teacher from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, has been writing books for young adults in his retirement – and they are free! There is a volume of biographies of painters and musicians called Gentle Giants, and an excellent biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, too. They are also a good way to help you improve your English – that's how I worked on my French, reading books that were meant for young readers – and I guarantee you, it's a good method for improving your language skills. To get Br. Gerald's free books, click here.Independent RFI English Clubs: Be sure to always include Audrey Iattoni (audrey.iattoni@rfi.fr) from our Listener Relations department in your RFI Club correspondence. Remember to copy me (thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr) when you write to her so that I know what is going on, too. NB: You do not need to send her your quiz answers! Email overload!This week's quiz: On 18 May, I asked you a question about the South African legislative elections that were, at the time, on the horizon (they took place on 29 May). RFI English journalist Melissa Chemam was there; one of the articles she sent us was about the possible alliances if the African National Congress – Nelson Mandela's party - did not win a majority. As she wrote: “Polls are predicting the party will lose its majority with many voters disgruntled by its failure to address inequality.”The question was: If the ANC no longer has the majority, what are the names of the two parties that the ruling ANC could pick as coalition partners?The answer is: The centre-right, business-friendly Democratic Alliance (DA), or the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).Here's what happened, as Melissa noted in her recent article “Ramaphosa re-elected as South African leader after historic coalition deal”.That “historic coalition deal” was made between the governing ANC and the centre-right DA party.The ANC has been in power since the end of apartheid in 1994 but lost its majority for the first time in the 29 May vote. It keeps 159 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly, and the DA now has 87 seats. The EFF has 39 seats.The new coalition voted to keep ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa as president – this will be his second term – by a 283 vote.In addition to the quiz question, there was the bonus question: “What is your idea of a great weekend?” It was suggested by Radhakrishna Pillai from Kerala State in India.Do you have a bonus question idea? Send it to us!The winners are: RFI Listeners Club member Helmut Matt from Herbolzheim, Germany. Helmut is also this week's bonus question winner. Congratulations on your double win, Helmut.Also on the list of lucky winners this week are RFI Listeners Club members Mohammad Mustansar Billah from Sunamganj, Bangladesh; also hailing from Bangladesh, this time from Rangpur, is Ataur Rahman Ranju, who's the president of the Alokito Manush Cai International Radio Listeners Club. From West Bengal, India, there's the faithful listener and correspondent Bidhan Chandra Sanyal – who extended his sincere love and greetings to all Muslims for Eid al-Hada last weekend  … and added, “No, I am not a Muslim.  I am a Hindu.  But I respect all religions of the world.” Last but not least, there's RFI English listener Tara Regmi from Biratnagar, Nepal.Here's the music you heard on this week's program: The prelude to Bach's Cello Suite no 1 in G major, performed by Yo-Yo Ma; the South African National Anthem; “The Flight of the Bumblebee” by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov; “The Cakewalk” from Children's Corner by Claude Debussy, performed by the composer, and “Pay Me” by Christian Gates, performed by Gates and The Philharmonik.Do you have a music request? Send it to thesoundkitchen@rfi.frThis week's question ... you must listen to the show to participate. After you've listened to the show, re-read Jan van der Made's article “Israel and Russia barred as world's largest arms show opens in Paris”, which will help you with the answer.You have until 15 July to enter this week's quiz. The winners will be announced on the 20 July podcast. When you enter, be sure you send your postal address with your answer, and if you have one, your RFI Listeners Club membership number.Send your answers to:english.service@rfi.frorSusan OwensbyRFI – The Sound Kitchen80, rue Camille Desmoulins92130 Issy-les-MoulineauxFranceorBy text … You can also send your quiz answers to The Sound Kitchen mobile phone. Dial your country's international access code, or “ + ”, then  33 6 31 12 96 82. Don't forget to include your mailing address in your text – and if you have one, your RFI Listeners Club membership number.To find out how you can win a special Sound Kitchen prize, click here.To find out how you can become a member of the RFI Listeners Club, or form your own official RFI Club, click here. 

After two weeks of tense negotiations, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen announced today (Friday) that an agreement has been signed by his party, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) to enter into national government, as well as provincial government in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. In this interview with BizNews, Ray Hartley of The Brenthurst Foundation calls it “a day of tremendous hope”. He describes it as “the good scenario…where there is a gravitation towards the centre and parties that support the Constitution, the rule of law, and boosting economic growth, come together to try and take the country forward”. However, he describes the volatile situation in KwaZulu-Natal as “very worrying” and says: “There is the question of what will MK do finding itself out in the cold in KZN where I think it expected, after getting 45%, to be in government”. As for the future of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Hartley comments: “They haven't played it well and…I just sense that they're in somewhat of disarray.” Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

In this pivotal episode of "What's the Chat," we delve into the South African elections, offering our final thoughts on how we are likely to cast our votes. Join us as we explore the criteria and key metrics essential for choosing the right political party. We provide an in-depth analysis of major parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the African National Congress (ANC), and the Democratic Alliance (DA), among others. Whether you're undecided or just curious about different perspectives, this episode aims to help you make an informed decision in this crucial election. Tune in to hear our insights and discussions on the factors that truly matter when it comes to voting.

With only a week to go before the most important election since 1994, many South Africans are still not sure which party to vote for. BizNews asked Dr. Ina Gouws of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State to give viewers an objective and unbiased overview of the manifestos of five parties that are currently dominating the headlines: the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, the MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma, and Gayton McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance (PA). Dr Gouws details how each party wants to tackle the issues that most concern South Africans: crime, corruption, the economy, job creation, and power generation.

In this pre-election interview with BizNews, United Independent Movement (UIM) President Neil de Beer says his party will deal “harshly” with the matter of its youth leader, Devon Hofmeyr, attending a gala fundraiser for former President Jacob Zuma's MK Party. He vows the UIM will not form any alliances with the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), MK or any cabal. De Beer talks about the fear that MK - on a “massive march” - and the ANC might “become family again” - and that South Africa might have an ANC government again “by hook or by crook”. He speaks frankly about the “rocky affair” of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC), of which his party is a member, but gives the assurance that the MPC is still together - and going into the election “as a team”. He also describes the faultless strategy followed by Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie in the war for the Western Cape. And he warns that the "continual slapping" of smaller parties by bigger parties at the dawn of coalitions, is “dangerous” because “it's a smaller party that's part of a bigger party's probable win of 50 plus one”. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

In a wide-ranging, pre-election preview, United Independent Movement (UIM) President Neil de Beer torpedoes rumours of a Multi-Party Charter (MPC) collapse; gives his take on the daggers flying in former President Jacob Zuma's MK party; and hails Patriotic Alliance (PA) President Gayton McKenzie's combat strategy, saying the “Green Machine” is moving down to the Cape like an “oil slick” and has left the Democratic Alliance (DA) overwhelmed by the Brown Child Revolution. He discusses a post-election three-faction scenario comprising the MPC, the RET (Radical Economic Transformation), and the African National Congress (ANC). “And the question is, whom of those three are going to have coffee with whom, except I know they already having coffee.” However, De Beer vows that his UIM party would never form a government with the ANC or the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). “Then we go it alone. We cannot sit with this country's fiscal, economical enemy.” Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.

Regardless of the outcome of the 29 May 2024 Election, a “federal push is going to be more and more urgent”. So says David Ansara, the CEO of the Free Market Foundation (FMF) . Speaking to BizNews after the launch of the FMF's campaign for Home Rule, he points out that the capacity of the State has been so fundamentally broken that it's going to take a “very, very long time” to fix. He also calls on the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) to “recognise its bargaining power” and adopt an “aggresive posture” - in the same way the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) would - before entering into a possible coalition. “And the campaign for Home Rule is suggesting that those demands should be aggressive spreading of political power and authority down to the provincial and local level”. As part of the campaign, the FMF has published a paper, ‘Ask Forgiveness, Not Permission: Practical Steps Towards Home Rule in South Africa,' in which it sets out the legal allowance of a fully-realised federal dispensation.

Anele Mdoda chats to Julius Sello Malema (born 3 March 1981) is a South African politician who is the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a populist far-left political party known for the red berets and military-style outfits worn by its membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A “reverse take-over” of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) by former President Jacob Zuma's increasingly popular MK party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is “emerging as a possibility”. So says Ray Hartley, the Research Director of The Brenthurst Foundation. He speaks to BizNews following the release of the foundation's Survey of South African Voter Opinion. According to that survey, MK will rake in 13% of the vote in the upcoming National Election and the EFF will get 10%, while the ANC will be down to 39%, and the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) up to 27%. In this Interview, Hartley looks at the possible coalition formations that could result, and describes how that would determine the trajectory of the country. He also points out that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) faces a “really difficult situation” - and warns that if it excludes the MK Party, “there's going to be chaos, certainly in KwaZulu-Natal, and possibly elsewhere”. - Chris Steyn

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) was in Russia “fighting” against neo-colonialism when Kremlin opposition politician Alexei Navalny died last week. This has emerged from a BizNews interview with Russian historian Professor Irina Filatova who says: “Just at the time when Navalny was killed, the ANC delegation was in Moscow. It was in Moscow at the meeting of the powers of the representatives of the parties which are fighting against neocolonialism…which is the influence of the Western world, economic, political, cultural, etc.” She also comments on the allegation made to BizNews that it was the Russian oligarch Viktor Velkselberg who once again bailed out the ANC and paid its debts. And she explains why an ANC election victory is so important to Russia. However, she adds that Russia would also work with former President's Jacob Zuma's MK and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Analysis: Should the South African troops working with the SADC have been deployed to the conflict-ridden DRC? The DA held its “True State of the Province Address”, delivered by the opposition party leader in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga. The SCA in Bloemfontein will rule on AfriForum's application for the recusal of one of the five judges hearing the “Kill the Boer” case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). EFF leader Julius Malema will brief the media tomorrow following the party's election manifesto in KZN. EFF leader Julius Malema will brief the media tomorrow following the party's election manifesto in KZN. Mandy's book of the week: Catch Me a Killer: A Profiler's True Story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

rWotD Episode 2457: 2019 Gauteng provincial election Welcome to random Wiki of the Day where we read the summary of a random Wikipedia page every day.The random article for Thursday, 25 January 2024 is 2019 Gauteng provincial election.The 2019 Gauteng provincial election was held on 8 May 2019, concurrently with the 2019 South African general election, to elect the 73 members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.Incumbent Premier David Makhura led the ruling African National Congress (ANC), with the party attempting to retain its majority status and secure Makhura a second full term in office as premier. The media and political analysts widely expected that the ANC would lose its majority in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, therefore it was considered to be the most hotly-contested province in this election cycle.The Official Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) nominated Mayor of Tshwane Solly Msimanga to be its premier candidate. Msimanga was elected Tshwane Mayor in the aftermath of the 2016 South African municipal elections as the ANC had lost its majority in the Tshwane City Council. The DA did also manage to gain control of the City of Johannesburg and Mogale City. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which won 8 seats and clinched the title of the third largest party in 2014, was expected to grow in this election, possibly holding the balance of power, if the ANC had lost its majority. The fourth largest party in the provincial legislature, the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), saw Gauteng as a province of significant importance for its election campaign. The party nominated Member of Parliament and advocate Anton Alberts as its premier candidate. The provincial election was won by the ruling ANC, but with a reduced seat total of only 37 seats, the threshold for a majority. The DA underperformed and lost support in this election, losing a total of three seats, which only gave the party 20 seats in the provincial legislature. The EFF grew its support and won three additional seats. The FF+ gained two seats, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) retained its sole seat. The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) returned to the provincial legislature by winning one seat.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:13 UTC on Thursday, 25 January 2024.For the full current version of the article, see 2019 Gauteng provincial election on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm Gregory Neural.

The Constitutional Court has ruled that the Electoral Amendment Act is in accordance with the Constitution. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is expected to head to court on Monday to interdict the suspension of six MPs from Parliament for disrupting the State of the Nation Address (SONA). South Africa's Nuclear Regulator briefs the media on the status of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station's Long-Term Operation License Agreement. The current license runs out in July 2024. 10:00 – 12:00. SPORTS WRAP!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A survey conducted by the Brenthurst Foundation has found that support for the ruling ANC party has dropped from 48% in 2022 to 41%. The poll also showed that the gap between the ANC and opposition parties has shrunk and that the Multi-party Coalitions (MPC) - which combines the votes of DA, IFP, Action SA, FF+, and United Independent Movement - could get 36% of the vote. Additionally, 24% of voters said that the launch of MPC made them more likely to vote for an opposition party. The survey also indicates a rise in support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - up from 11% a year ago to 17%. South African voters' attitude towards BRICS was also polled, with 40% of people indicating that they prefer an association with the West and other democracies to an alignment with BRICS. It also indicated South Africans were keen to vote in 2024 with 80% saying that they would almost certainly go to the polls. In an interview with Biznews Ray Hartley, Director of Research at the Brenthurst Foundation said the survey was conducted through in-depth interviews with a random sample of 1,500 voters. Hartley said that the survey indicates a substantial erosion of the ANC's political base and it is clear that Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal will join Western Cape as provinces ruled by the opposition. He added that the growing support for opposition parties is linked to a widespread desire to see politicians come together to address the country's challenges, rather than engage in divisive bickering.

South Africa's capital city, Tshwane, has been gripped by violence amid ongoing strike action by some municipal workers over a 0% salary increase. Community Safety MMC Grandi Theunissen of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) tells BizNews that there have been cases of attempted murder, torching of vehicles, arson, stone-throwing, tyre-slashing, and intimidation.  He says it has gone “beyond” a normal labour protest and turned into “a violent, orchestrated criminal onslaught against the City and the people of the City as well as co-workers”. Theunissen charges that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have played a “disruptive” role - and are even “participating in criminal activities”. On how close Tshwane is to collapse, he says:  “…if we are allowed to work on our recovery plan and our funding plan, then I see that we can survive. If we are going to be forced into something that we do not want to do, there is a chance that this is going to happen.” On a positive note, seven new senior managers have been appointed, two of whom have already started work.

Solidarity is gearing up the fight the African National Congress (ANC) government in court to stop it from “capturing” South Africa's schools - and stripping parents of a say in the education of their children. BizNews speaks to Solidarity's Johnell van Vollenhoven after a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee - in which the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) “used their numbers to obtain a majority” - accepted the BELA Amendment Bill this week. The Amendment Bill was therefore accepted for submission to the National Assembly (NA). This is the next step in the process of making it into law. Van Vollenhoven says such as law would mean “that we as parents and our governing bodies that we choose to govern our schools will be stripped of their powers”. The Bill was accepted despite widespread objection from the public with nearly 9 000 of the 11 000 inputs against the amendment of existing laws. “…they are not interested in looking at what the people are saying, they are only interested in pushing through their own ideology in this regard,” Van Vollenhoven charges. - Chris Steyn

Guest: EWN Contributor Ntuthuzelo Nene joins John to describe the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) council members demonstration about taxi impoundments on the council floor that interrupted Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis' Thursday address.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“All the pursuits of capitalism in Africa have dismally failed” Exactly ten years ago, firebrand South African politician Julius Malema and his allies, established the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). It came after he was expelled from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for “fomenting divisions and bringing the party into disrepute”. At its first national election in 2014, the EFF received over 6% of the vote and went on to get nearly 11%, five years later. It's popular among young Black South Africans for its pro-poor Marxist-Leninist brand of Socialism. As it turns ten, it will be celebrating this milestone at the iconic 94, 000 seater FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Africa Daily's Mpho Lakaje sits down with the party's deputy president and co-founder, Floyd Shivambu for a wide ranging discussion.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is in the strongest position to enter into a coalition government with the African National Congress (ANC) after next year's general election. But a coalition with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) would be a feared outcome. That is the view of Professor Stig Jensen from the Centre of African Studies at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. He speaks to BizNews about governance crises in Africa; how resistance movement-based governments are being increasingly challenged; how liberation movements fail to successfully transition to government; and how some governments became more authoritarian in the time of COVID. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a potentially watershed interview, Patriotic Alliance president Gayton McKenzie acknowledges his own mistakes and says South Africa's opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the PA, need to mature fast or they'll hand the African National Congress (ANC) another five years after the national election in May 2024. McKenzie says his leadership team is heading off on a learning visit to Israel, a country which has had a coalition government ever since its founding 75 years ago - and is hopeful this will teach his party the importance of maturity and unity among opposition parties, as their infighting undermines their credibility. In this wide-ranging discussion, McKenzie also touches on how the Moonshot Pact could work, but predicts that if the opposition doesn't sort themselves out, the ANC will be able to retain power in 2024 by choosing between his PA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as potential coalition partners. If this doesn't energise the opposition parties, you have to wonder what will. He spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Clement speaks to former executive mayor in the City of Joburg, Mpho Phalatse on the DA's executive rejecting her proposal for the party to work with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to regain control of the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.