For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.

Making headlines: Steenhuisen resists coalition with ANC; SACP wants an investigation into Steenhuisen’s alleged racist remarks; And, Ramaphosa congratulates Senegal’s Faye on Presidential win

Steenhuisen resists coalition with ANC

The leader of South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance said his party opposes forming a coalition with the ruling African National Congress in order to govern the country should it need to.

He said he does not think that the coalition will solve the country’s problems by having the same people who are responsible for the economic crisis, the social crisis, and the infrastructure crisis sitting around the table.

South Africa is on the cusp of an era of national coalition politics after elections scheduled for May 29. Opinion polls suggest the ruling ANC will lose its overall majority for the first time since it came to power at the end of apartheid 30 years ago.

John Steenhuisen has spearheaded the formation of a bloc of 11 opposition parties that aims to form a coalition government after the vote. Members of the Multi Party Charter have ruled out working with the ANC or the populist Economic Freedom Fighters, currently the third-biggest party, and polls show they’ll collectively struggle to obtain even 40% support.

A survey by the Social Research Foundation indicates that an ANC-DA tie-up would be the one favoured by most South Africans.

A survey released by the SRF this month shows support for the DA is slipping in the Western Cape, and it may be forced into a coalition in the province, though it's likely to remain by far the biggest party in the region.

SACP wants an investigation into Steenhuisen’s alleged racist remarks

The South African Communist Party in Gauteng is calling for an investigation into Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen’s conduct and wants appropriate remedial action on alleged racist remarks directed at Gauteng Crime Wardens.

The SACP has formally lodged a complaint with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the South African Human Rights Commission.

The SACP is of the view that Steenhuisen's comments, particularly his characterisation of Gauteng crime wardens, are not only “derogatory but also undermine the inherent dignity and rights of individuals”, as outlined in the Constitution.

The SACP added that as a leader of a major political party, Steenhuisen's words carry weight and influence.

And, Ramaphosa congratulates Senegal’s Faye on Presidential win

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal.

The highly anticipated presidential election were held on Sunday, revealing Diomaye Faye as the winner with 54.28% of the votes.

Ramaphosa noted that the outcome of the election bears testimony to the “resilient spirit of the Senegalese people who preferred the democratic course of change of government, through voting”.

The President applauded the other contestants for displaying maturity in accepting the election outcome.

He said that South Africa and Senegal enjoy close political, trade and social relations deepened by strong historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Ramaphosa has committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Senegal.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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