Wednesday, 19 August 2026

SRF polls put the ANC at 34% nationally and 18% in Johannesburg, the DA at 27% nationally and 42% in Johannesburg, while MK sat at 15%; guests argued the numbers reflect service-delivery decline rather than polling bias.

Analysts said Johannesburg is unlikely to be won outright by any party, with coalitions almost certain; the DA said it needs 50% plus for stable governance, while critics called the 42% Johannesburg projection unrealistic.

SANDF leaders and experts described the military as effectively in collapse: only 27% deployment-ready, equipment grounded, morale low, and funding cut to about 0.8% of GDP instead of the 1.5% Ramaphosa wants.

Carl Niehaus rejected using PIC pension money for defence recapitalisation, backed public-private partnerships only under strict state নেতৃত্ব, and warned that the SANDF has been underfunded, mismanaged and corrupted for years.

SAPU said police are working in broken conditions: some stations are so overcrowded members assist the public under a tree, uniforms are worn and repaired privately, and vehicles are shared because of shortages and disrepair.