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ANC calls for arrests after two campaign volunteers killed in shooting
ZA🏛️ PoliticsCenter11 hr. ago

ANC calls for arrests after two campaign volunteers killed in shooting

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for a fatal shooting that occurred during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. The incident resulted in the deaths of two ANC volunteers and injuries to others. According to police reports, the victims were targeted by occupants of a white Isuzu bakkie who fired upon them with rifles and pistols. This event adds to a growing pattern of political violence in the region, where multiple political figures have been killed since the 2021 local government elections. In response, the ANC has condemned the attack as a 'barbaric and cowardly' act against unarmed civilians engaged in democratic processes and has called for specialized law enforcement resources to investigate the case. The MK Party has also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated task force to address political killings.

Cape Town’s future must belong to all its residents, according to a journalist who has extensively covered the city’s challenges over the past two years. The writer, Faiez Jacobs, has focused on issues such as the city’s budget, housing crisis, skewed priorities, unaffordable municipal bills, allegations of corruption, and the disparity between the city’s celebrated successes and the struggles of its citizens. With local government elections approaching, Jacobs reflects on the need for a city that works for everyone, where children can build their futures, the elderly can live with dignity, and working families can afford their municipal accounts. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the city’s wealth and opportunities more fairly. Jacobs acknowledges that the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its way in several respects and has openly criticized the party’s failures, including corruption, cartels, criminal networks, and the lack of renewal within the movement. He argues that the ANC’s issues should not overshadow the scrutiny of local governance in Cape Town, particularly regarding allegations involving the black books, JP Smith, the tender trail, and housing-related scandals. Jacobs insists that there should be no double standard in holding leaders accountable, regardless of their political affiliations. The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a shooting that killed two party volunteers during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. Police have opened two counts of murder and three of attempted murder following the incident. According to police, two women and a man affiliated with a political party, along with two bodyguards, were campaigning when a white Isuzu bakkie approached them from behind. The occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire using rifles and pistols, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman, while another woman sustained a leg injury as she fled. A third volunteer was critically injured in the attack. The ANC described the shooting as a “barbaric and cowardly attack” and condemned the killing of individuals engaged in political activities. The party emphasized that the attack was an assault on constitutional rights and called for law enforcement to deploy specialized resources to track down the perpetrators. The MK Party also called for a dedicated Political Killings Task Team to investigate the incident and ensure justice for the victims and their families. Two ANC members were shot dead and another person was wounded during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. The motive for the attack remains unknown. The incident adds to a series of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, where 18 councillors have been assassinated since the 2021 local government elections. Recent attacks include the killing of three Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor candidates in separate incidents. Loyiso Masuku, Johannesburg’s deputy mayor and MMC for finance, is advocating for a cultural shift in the city’s administration, emphasizing greater accountability among municipal officials and councillors. As a contender to lead the city, Masuku highlights the need for improved service delivery, stronger political oversight, and the use of technology. She acknowledges the ANC’s shortcomings in governance and stresses the importance of a full mandate to implement the party’s five-year plan without coalition constraints. The ANC faces challenges in securing an outright majority in the upcoming local government elections, with polls suggesting the Democratic Alliance (DA) could surpass the ANC. Masuku argues that the ANC needs a sole mandate to address Johannesburg’s financial and service delivery crises effectively. The party currently governs in a coalition with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Patriotic Alliance, and other smaller parties, facing internal friction and political instability. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula expressed relief after the Constitutional Court upheld the party’s appeal, allowing 181 of its candidates to return to the ballot. Mbalula acknowledged the emotional toll of the legal battle and emphasized the need to review the ANC’s relationship with the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA responded by respecting the court’s decision but warned that the ruling does not alter the ANC’s declining electoral fortunes. The DA also cautioned against complacency regarding compliance with electoral deadlines and requirements.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

6 reports

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedProgressive11 hr. ago
Cape Town’s future must belong to all its residents

Faiez Jacobs, an ANC ward candidate in Cape Town, is advocating for greater accountability within the city's governance, more affordable municipal services, and a fairer distribution of opportunities. These proposals come as part of his campaign leading up to the 2026 local government elections. Jacobs emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that benefit all residents of Cape Town, suggesting that the city's future should be shaped collectively by its people rather than being dictated by a select few. His stance reflects broader discussions around equitable resource allocation and transparency in local governance.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights advocacy for increased accountability, affordable services, and equitable opportunity distribution, common themes associated with progressive or leftist political agendas. The focus on inclusivity and collective shaping of the city's future aligns with left-leaning priorities.

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenter12 hr. ago
ANC calls for arrests after two campaign volunteers killed in shooting

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for a fatal shooting that occurred during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban. The incident resulted in the deaths of two ANC volunteers and injuries to others. According to police reports, the victims were targeted by occupants of a white Isuzu bakkie who fired upon them with rifles and pistols. This event adds to a growing pattern of political violence in the region, where multiple political figures have been killed since the 2021 local government elections. In response, the ANC has condemned the attack as a 'barbaric and cowardly' act against unarmed civilians engaged in democratic processes and has called for specialized law enforcement resources to investigate the case. The MK Party has also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated task force to address political killings.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the shooting and includes direct quotes from the ANC regarding the incident. It does not exhibit overt bias toward any particular political side but rather focuses on the event itself and the ANC's response. There is no indication of loaded language or one-sidedness

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenter14 hr. ago
Two ANC members killed while campaigning in Umgababa

Two members of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, were fatally shot during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, a town located south of Durban. Another individual was injured in the incident. The attackers' motives have not been disclosed, and there is currently no indication of who carried out the shooting. This event occurred amid ongoing political activities ahead of upcoming elections. The ANC is a major political force in South Africa, and such attacks could potentially impact the electoral process.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward account of the incident without apparent ideological framing. It does not take a stance on the political implications or assign blame, focusing solely on the reported facts. There is no evidence of biased language, selective sourcing, or omission of context.

Daily Maverick logoDaily MaverickIndependentCenter22 hr. ago
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Loyiso Masuku promises culture shift in Joburg, says ANC could have done better

Loyiso Masuku, Johannesburg's deputy mayor and a potential mayoral candidate, has called for a cultural transformation within the African National Congress (ANC), emphasizing the need for greater accountability among councillors, improved revenue collection, and prompt action on deteriorating public services. He suggests that while the ANC has made efforts, there is still room for improvement in rebuilding public trust. The question remains whether voters will respond positively to these proposals ahead of the 2026 local elections.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Loyiso Masuku's statements without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It outlines his criticisms and proposed reforms within the ANC but does not exhibit clear bias toward either supporting or opposing his views. The framing appears balanced, focusing on the need

News24 logoNews24IndependentCenteryesterday
Two ANC members gunned down during door-to-door campaign in Durban

Two members of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, were shot dead while conducting a door-to-door campaign in Durban. The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns in the region, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The victims were reportedly engaged in grassroots outreach efforts ahead of upcoming local elections. The attack has raised fears of increased violence in politically sensitive areas and could impact voter turnout and campaign strategies. Authorities have launched an investigation into the killings.

Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual event involving political figures and does not exhibit clear bias in framing, language, or sourcing. It presents the incident as a crime without attributing blame or taking a stance on the broader political implications.

Daily Maverick logoDaily MaverickIndependentCenteryesterday
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Mbalula fires DA warning after ANC’s ConCourt victory — ‘Nothing binds us forever’

In the lead-up to the 2026 local elections in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) successfully secured the reinstatement of its 181 candidates on the ballot through a court victory. Following this development, Fikile Mbalula, a senior ANC figure, addressed the Democratic Alliance (DA), which had opposed the ANC's legal challenge. Mbalula expressed concerns over the current governing alliance (GNU) between the ANC and DA, suggesting that the ANC might seek alternative partnerships within Parliament. This statement comes amid growing tensions over the future of the coalition government.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the ANC's legal success and Mbalula's subsequent remarks to the DA. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the factual sequence of events and the political implications.

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