Flash Briefing: UN resolution condemns Russian invasion; Mantashe to challenge Zondo finding; SANRAL

The United Nations General Assembly voted to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine in a two-day long emergency session this week, where nations worldwide debated the conflict. The GA adopted a resolution that condemns Russia for the invasion and demands that it immediately withdraw from Ukraine. The resolution – which is not enforceable but serves as a strong political statement – was supported by 141 out of 193 member states. Five countries, including Russia, opposed and 35 countries, including South Africa, abstained.
ANC chair and energy and mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe says that he will challenge the findings of the latest Zondo Commission report that implicates him in a corruption scandal surrounding government tenders and favours with a security company. Mantashe’s stance goes against the party’s public comments about the commission and even his own views of “renewal” within the party. The minister previously expressed support for the commission and its findings and the clampdown on corruption happening inside the ANC and its structures.
R16bn in Sanral tenders have been formally announced but not yet awarded, some even after a year, and major contractors don’t know why. Analysts estimate the total value of delayed Sanral contracts could be up to R25bn. JSE-listed construction companies said the delays are occurring despite president Cyril Ramaphosa’s repeated assurances that infrastructure is central to the government’s economic reconstruction and recovery. Some companies have said that the delays might be due to Sanral’s board not having the correct experience to determine whether a bid is competitive or not and whether the contractor will be able to complete the work.

Cyril Ramaphosa: The Audio Biography