New Joburg mayor to be elected and PRASA CEO fired again

Here’s what is happening and affecting South Africa today:

• New Joburg mayor to be elected: The Johannesburg City Council is set to elect a new mayor today following the resignation of Kabelo Gwamanda earlier this week. The ANC’s regional chairperson and current MMC of Finance, Dada Morero, is tipped to be Gwamanda’s successor. The ANC says Johannesburg will be governed by “a broad coalition.” [Daily Maverick]

• PRASA fires group executive: The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has terminated group executive Zolani Matthews for the second time, citing contract terms and the entity’s interests. Matthews had previously been dismissed in December 2021 for not disclosing his British citizenship but was reinstated after arbitration. PRASA’s recent attempt to settle with Matthews failed, and he will be paid for the rest of his contract. [EWN]

• Limpopo municipality risks dissolution: The Thabazimbi municipality in Limpopo faces potential dissolution by the provincial government due to ongoing governance issues. Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has given the council seven days to justify why Section 139(1) of the constitution should not be invoked. The DA – which jointly runs the council with the ANC – plans to resist any move to transfer control. The threat follows a report detailing persistent dysfunction in the municipality. [The Citizen]

• ‘Progressive forces’ shake-up: The resignation of former EFF deputy president and co-founder founder of the party Floyd Shivambu is seen as a big shake-up in the current South African political landscape. His move to Jacob Zuma’s MK Party is seen by some experts as part of a bigger plan of an amalgamation strategy by the progressive caucus in its effort to topple the GNU ahead of the local government elections in 2026 and general elections in 2029, leaning on the strong support base of MK. [News24]

• Markets: The rand was not deterred by dollar gains on Thursday, firming after stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data. On Friday (16 August), the rand was trading at R17.99 to the dollar, R23.15 to the pound, and R19.76 to the euro. Oil is trading at $80.78 a barrel. [Reuters]