Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Afrobarometer editor Rihan Frisier said committed Democrats have fallen from 42% 15 years ago to 14%, while more than half of South Africans would accept armed intervention.

Frisier reported that only one in four citizens believe their councillor performs well, while 95% perceive local-government corruption and poorer residents feel especially unheard.

Professor Joseph Sekambu argued BEE should shift from scorecard compliance towards measurable economic progression, including supplier graduation, sustained jobs, capability and broader ownership outcomes.

Peter Bruce proposed giving Parliament, rather than the president alone, a decisive role in appointing NPA and anti-corruption heads, potentially requiring a two-thirds majority.

The National Gambling Board warned that 77% of surveyed respondents accounted for 55% of identified problem gamblers, with online sports betting increasingly used as hoped-for income.