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

Making headlines: ActionSA files perjury, fraud charges against Ramaphosa; Treasury report shows continued decline in municipal governance; And, Ghana to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks

ActionSA files perjury, fraud charges against Ramaphosa

ActionSA has officially laid criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa in the ongoing Phala Phala farm saga, alleging a deep-seated cover-up and the under-reporting of stolen funds.

The criminal charges, filed at the Bela-Bela Police Station, in Limpopo, are of perjury and fraud and allege that Section 34(1)(b) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act was contravened.

The charges arise from reports indicating that at least R15-million of Ramaphosa’s money was stolen from his Phala Phala farm, rather than the widely reported $580 000 (roughly R8.75-million at the time of the burglary).

Last week, the Constitutional Court revived the Phala Phala saga by declaring that the previous parliamentary process used to shield the President was unconstitutional.

ActionSA asserted that Ramaphosa deliberately failed to disclose the true, higher amount of money that was stolen and added that cash flow analyses conducted by the National Prosecuting Authority on one of the accused have raised further questions regarding the true extent of the funds.

Treasury report shows continued decline in municipal governance

The financial health of South Africa’s local government sphere has deteriorated further, according to the National Treasury, with the national Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure balance rising from R264-billion in 2023/24 to more than R268-billion in 2024/25.

The National Treasury officially released the Strengthening Municipal Financial Management Compliance Report for the 2024/25 financial year, covering the period July 01, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Overall, the report revealed a mix of marginal improvements and persistent challenges, with irregular expenditure remaining the dominant contributor to the staggering R268-billion balance.

Non-compliance with supply chain management and procurement regulations remains rampant, while municipalities are increasingly opting to "write off" massive sums rather than pursue recoveries or hold individuals accountable, indicating a lack of robust systems to process UIFWE.

Treasury said this trend highlighted a culture where financial misconduct was normalised, hindering the ability to hold officials accountable for financial misconduct, as noted in the UIFWE of various municipalities.

Frequent turnover in senior management positions also continued to affect governance and audit outcomes, it said.

And, Ghana to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks

Ghana will evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting migrants from other sub-Saharan African countries, a post by the foreign minister said on X.

Foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the citizens had registered for assistance with the Ghana High Commission.

Some South Africans are protesting against illegal immigration from other sub-Saharan African countries.

South African authorities have said illegal immigration is a problem while condemning the violence and vowing in April to crack down on xenophobic attacks.

Ghana has protested over videos of violent incidents circulating on social media and promised to look after its citizens at home and abroad.

Other African countries including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have warned their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution and stay indoors amid attacks targeting foreigners.

Nigeria has said at least 130 citizens have asked to be flown home.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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