24 October 2024

/ The Wrap /

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Joburg Pride is happening this weekend, but is it truly inclusive? Speaking of inclusivity, John Steenhuisen is working hard to ensure conservative YouTubers are comfortably employed in his department. He’s also had some words for Cyril Ramaphosa, who’s in Russia for the BRICS Summit. On the home front, South Africans are heartbroken over Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s split. In Tshwane, the EFF is trying to cancel a deal with Afriforum, and a new survey reveals Gauteng residents aren’t too happy but are staying put. Oh, and Idris Elba’s moving to Africa to revamp the movie industry—Mother Nature, on the other hand, is busy interrupting matric exams in Gqeberha.
 

So, let's dive into your weekly update of empowering and easy-to-understand news, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄

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BIG STORY: Kolisi divorce news leaves South Africans stunned and heartbroken

We were all stunned this week by the news that Springboks captain Siya and his wife Rachel Kolisi, one of the country's most beloved couples, are divorcing. The couple shared on Instagram that they had mutually decided to end their marriage, noting that the decision comes from a place of “love, respect, and understanding” and that they remain committed to raising their four children: Nicholas Siyamthanda and Keziah, along with Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, whom they adopted following his mother’s death.

The Kolisis’ love story has been a fan favourite ever since they met in 2012. In true Siya style, he proposed during an unforgettable helicopter ride over Cape Town, and the couple tied the knot in 2016 with a beautiful Franschhoek wedding. Together, they navigated the highs and lows of life in the public eye—raising their family while Siya took on the captaincy of the Springboks, becoming a global icon.

But Rachel has often spoken openly about the pressures of being married to such a high-profile figure. In one incident, she called out women for publicly flirting with Siya on social media, firing back at one woman who said Siya was “her type.” Rachel responded: “Siya is not ‘a type.’ He’s a married man responsible for four children.” She fiercely defended her family, enduring racial abuse and mocking for calling out women who flirted with her husband. Despite these challenges, the couple always seemed to emerge stronger, which made their divorce announcement even more heartbreaking for fans.

Social media was ablaze with reactions. Businesswoman Farah Fortune hilariously captured the nation's mood in a popular tweet: “Guys, do you think we as a country can contest the divorce, purely on the grounds that we don’t want it? I’m just asking.”

For many, the Kolisis were more than just a couple—they represented South African Ubuntu, inter-racial blended families, and resilience. Their split feels personal to those who have followed their journey. As they navigate this next chapter, South Africa stands behind them, heartbroken but supportive​.

OUR TAKE: Pot, meet kettle: John Steenhuisen's 'pod bro deployment' raises eyebrows

DA leader and agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has raised eyebrows with his latest appointment: Conservative YouTuber Sihle Ngobese, aka Big Daddy Liberty, is his new outreach officer, tasked with reaching special interest groups. Ngobese is also a farmer and vocal activist against farm murders, which aligns him with certain sectors of the agricultural community. He previously served as a spokesperson in the Western Cape Department of Social Development, has an honours degree in industrial and organisational psychology and boasts 46 000 YouTube subscribers. 

However, Steenhuisen handpicking another social media influencer instead of recruiting the best person for the job has raised eyebrows. 

Just two months ago, Steenhuisen hired Roman Cabanac, another YouTuber, as his chief of staff. However, after backlash over previous offensive remarks made on his podcast, MorningShot, Steenhuisen was forced to ask Cabanac to resign. Cabanac, however, is still lingering around while HR tries to remove him.

Another conservative YouTuber, Renaldo Gouws, was made a DA MP this year and later removed after a similar backlash around racist comments made in previous videos. 

Steenhuisen’s recent moves suggest an affinity for “bro culture”—a trend prioritising personality, social media clout, and political theatrics over substance. It’s reminiscent of Trump-era politics in the US, where governance became more about who you know than what you know. By placing individuals like Ngobese and Cabanac in positions of power, Steenhuisen risks embracing this superficial brand of politics.

Critics also accuse the DA of hypocrisy. The party has long slammed the ANC for “cadre deployment,” the practice of appointing loyalists to key positions, often without the necessary qualifications and experience. 

In early October, it was revealed that Steenhuisen had asked for exemptions from qualification requirements for four staff members, including former DA MP Annette Steyn, who holds only a matric certificate. The request was denied. 

Two ANC ministers were also denied similar requests.  

One glaring example of how a lack of qualifications can go wrong is the case of former ANC-backed Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, who was exposed for only having a Grade 10 instead of a diploma in business. 

His tenure was marred by serious allegations of fraud and deception, culminating in his arrest on Friday for a funeral insurance scheme that he allegedly ran between 2011 and 2012. 

Ultimately, cadre deployment weakens institutions by placing loyalty over competence. And it’s wrong, whichever party does it. 

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Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen and partner arriving at Parliament for the 2020 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa.  Photo: GovernmentZA, Flickr

President Cyril Ramaphosa spent the last week in Kazan, Russia, for the 2024 BRICS Summit. If you’re guessing that’s controversial timing given the war on the Ukraine, you’re right. 

BRICS, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was designed to challenge the dominance of wealthier nations in North America and Europe. The bloc now represents 43% of the world’s population and contributes about 35% to global GDP. Last year, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, solidifying its clout—particularly as it now controls 44% of the world’s crude oil production with the inclusion of the Arab countries.

South Africa’s involvement in this summit has not been without controversy. During a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the summit, Ramaphosa referred to Russia as a “valued ally,” citing the country’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. For those who are pro-democracy, it’s a slap in the face, given Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Opposition leader John Steenhuisen slammed Ramaphosa’s comments, labelling Russia an authoritarian regime that violates international law. 

A key summit topic was the move toward de-dollarisation, with Putin urging an alternative payment system to reduce reliance on the US dollar. He argued that the dollar was a “political weapon.” De-dollarisation may have benefits for the global South, but Putin’s comments spoke to his self-interest, aimed at the sanctions and financial restrictions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. These measures were aimed at curbing Russia’s military and economic strength.

Brazil and India remain wary of BRICS becoming too anti-Western or pro-China, highlighting the delicate balance that South Africa, as part of the bloc, must maintain. Ramaphosa’s challenge? Ensuring South Africa positions itself in a way that benefits the economy without becoming entangled in global power struggles​​​.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.  Photo: PresidencyZA, X

As South Africa wraps up Pride Month, Joburg Pride, Africa’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration, is about to turn 34. The event, due to be held in Sandton on Saturday, will be a joyful occasion for many, but it also highlights deep divisions within the local community. Despite South Africa's progressive constitution— the first country to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1996 and the fifth legalising same-sex marriage in 2006—the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people remain vastly unequal.

A quick recap: in the 1980s, South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ activism was split. The Gay Association of South Africa (GASA), founded in 1982, refused to oppose apartheid, leading to its expulsion from the International Gay and Lesbian Association. In response, Black activists like Simon Nkoli and Beverley Ditsie formed the Gay and Lesbian Organisation of the Witwatersrand (GLOW) in 1988. They organised Joburg Pride’s first march on 13 October 1990, where many participants wore masks to avoid being identified under apartheid, which still criminalised being gay. Nkoli famously declared, “I am black and I am gay. I cannot separate the two parts of me into secondary and primary struggles.”

It’s sad then that in recent years, Joburg Pride has been accused of pinkwashing, where LGBTQIA+ rights are promoted while ignoring deeper systemic inequalities. In 2012, activists from the One in Nine campaign staged a "die-in" at Pride, calling for a minute’s silence for those murdered due to their sexual orientation. They were met with hostility and told to “go back to your lokshins (townships).”

Meanwhile, Soweto Pride, founded in 2004, is a more politically driven event. It doesn't attract big sponsorships but garners strong support from diplomats and politicians. This year, speakers at its 20th anniversary reminded attendees of the continued violence against black lesbians. One government official noted, “We still face serious violence against LGBTIQ persons, particularly black lesbian women. Soweto Pride embodies and celebrates the existence of the queer community while also highlighting the social ills rooted in our country.” This sounds like a Pride celebration Nkoli would have loved. 

As Joburg Pride approaches, it clearly means different things to different people. While many will party in Sandton, others from poorer backgrounds will wonder if they can get home safely—a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over​​.

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The annual Joburg Pride festival at Zoo Lake, 2012. Photo: South African Tourism, Flickr

What’s worse than a power cut on exam day? Trying to get to school through flooded streets. 

Only two days into matric final exams, 400 matric pupils in Gqeberha could not sit for their Computer Applications Technology (CAT) exams on Tuesday after a massive storm caused widespread flooding in the Eastern Cape. 

Around 300 pupils from five schools in Kariega (formerly Utienhage, near Gqeberha) were similarly affected, according to MEC Fundile Gade.

The extreme weather conditions also damaged power lines, leaving large parts of the area without electricity. Talk about the ultimate ‘technical difficulty.’

With roads turned into rivers, education officials had to rope in the police to help transport exam papers safely.

The basic education department and Umalusi (the country’s schools accreditation body) assured the public that there was no need for alarm, as contingency measures, including back-up exam papers, had been implemented to ensure students would not be disadvantaged. So pupils will get another chance to write, just not while wading through ankle-deep water.

According to Gade, discussions are underway to find alternative exam venues, with churches and community halls being considered. 

The disruption isn’t just limited to schools. Local businesses have also been hit hard by the floods. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber reports that 81% of surveyed businesses across the metro were affected, with 35% dealing with direct flood damage to their facilities. Commuters and employees alike are left high and dry—or soaked and stranded.

In the meantime, the best students can do is try to stay calm and dry and maybe brush up on their other subjects while they wait for things to settle. After all, nothing says “exam prep” like being stuck indoors during a rainstorm, right?

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Eastern Cape matriculants. Photo: Student 360 website

Guess who’s packing his bags for the Motherland? British actor and all-around heartthrob  Idris Elba has revealed plans to make Africa his home within the next decade.  The star, whose parents hail from Ghana and Sierra Leone, is on a mission to bolster the continent’s film industry.

In a chat with the BBC, the 52-year-old star of The Wire and Long Walk to Freedom shared his vision for moving to Africa to contribute to local filmmaking. He’s got big plans: building film studios in Zanzibar and Accra, living in multiple locations (because why not?), and changing how the world sees Africa.

The Hollywood star wants to shift the global perspective of Africa to showcase the richness of African culture, languages, and traditions. "If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonised, how it’s just war and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it’s not true”, he says. 

He envisions making Africa’s unique culture known globally, such as how people can differentiate between New York and Los Angeles without visiting.

Elba’s timing couldn’t be better. The world is waking up to the power of African storytelling, with major players like Netflix investing heavily in African content. Beasts of No Nation, the Netflix hit in which Elba starred, was one of its first major global successes featuring African narratives. And now, more productions are coming our way, with Netflix announcing a push to develop African talent through training and scholarships.

With Nollywood already crushing it, Elba believes there’s even more potential to unlock across the continent. By living in Africa, he hopes to help build the infrastructure needed to bring more African stories to the global stage. And let’s be honest: if Idris Elba’s in charge, we’re in for a blockbuster​​.

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USAID Administrator Samantha Power met with Idris Elba in 2022  and spoke about his work to spur economic growth in Sierra Leone. Photo: USAID U.S. Agency for International Development, Flickr

Can the City of Tshwane catch a break? The newly appointed MMC for environmental affairs and agriculture, Obakeng Ramabodu, is against the Afrikaans rights organisation Afriforum, helping deliver services to Tshwane residents.

Last week, Ramabodu announced plans to cancel a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Afriforum and the city. Signed in March under now ousted mayor Cilliers Brink, the MoU focuses on waste removal, grass cutting, alien plant species removal, and community safety projects.

EFF Tshwane chief whip Godwin Ratikwane added fuel to the fire, claiming Afriforum uses the MoU to “undermine the state” and accusing Afriforum of only servicing white communities and sustaining white privilege, adding that the EFF “can’t coexist with racist organisations.”

Afriforum CEO Kallie Kriel countered, noting that the MoU does not contain a cancellation clause and would continue improving communities “with or without you.”

Tshwane, already plagued by financial woes, workers’ strikes, and unstable leadership, recently saw Dr Nasiphi Moya become the metro’s fourth mayor in three years. The city's residents, particularly in less-affluent areas, continue to demand better service delivery amidst the chaos.

Ramabodu, no stranger to controversy, was accused of racism in July after exclaiming he wanted “the blood of an Afrikaner” during a council meeting. Ramabodu was reported to the South African Human Rights Commission for his comments and has since apologised, saying his remarks were “hurtful and inappropriate.”

Back to the current fight, As the EFF pushes ahead with its attempt to cancel the MoU, one can only hope that, amidst the drama, Tshwane residents finally get the services they deserve​​​.

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Afriforum CEO Kallie Kriel and former Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink signing the MoU in March 2024. Photo: Afriforum website

According to the latest Quality of Life survey by the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, residents of Mzansi's richest province believe they are hungrier and poorer than before. 

Think of the survey as Gauteng’s version of the Happiness Index run in other countries. Started in 2009 and running every second year, it’s one of the longest-running and second-largest surveys in South Africa, with nearly 14,000 face-to-face interviews this year. 

The overall wellness score has declined to 60, its lowest point since the survey started in 2009.

It’s worth noting this decline in perceptions aligns with global trends, like the 2021 World Happiness Report. That report painted a grim picture, showing how COVID-19 deaths, rising economic insecurity, and disruptions to daily life significantly impacted mental and physical health across the globe. 

Here are some of the most concerning findings.

• A fifth of households reported increased food insecurity. Children had to skip meals during the eight-month survey period. 

• Participants mentioned that finding jobs has become harder, and although some residents earn more, their salaries haven’t kept pace with rising food costs. 

• Satisfaction with water access dropped from 86% in 2017/18 to 75% in 2023/24. 

• Over a quarter of people reported experiencing psychological violence. 

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Here are the positive shifts:

• Participatory/local governance engagement has increased by six percentage points from the previous survey to 57%. 

• The percentage of Gauteng residents generating a portion of their own electricity increased significantly from 2017/18 to 15%.

• Half of the adults surveyed reported at least one member of their household received a social grant, meaning SA’s incredible social net programme is working. 

• Younger people reported lower levels of physical and sexual abuse compared to older ones. 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi acknowledged the government's failures, saying that residents would have more income if they had better service delivery. “It is correct; we've abandoned what the government should do," he said. Now, do something about it, Panyaza. 🙄

Still, Gautengers love their province despite the challenges. When asked whether they would migrate tomorrow if they could, 70% of Gauteng residents said they would not. We feel you, guys. This is still the province of gold!

Disclaimer: Note that our partner communications agency assisted with media training for the GCRO before releasing this survey.

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 Gauteng Road Sign. Photo: South African Tourism, Flickr

That’s it from us at The Wrap, a product of explain.co.za – simple news summaries for busy people.

The Wrap is sponsored by explain’s agency division. We specialise in content marketing for purpose-driven organisations, often with a pan-African reach. Mail info@explain.co.za for a quote. 

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