For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: ANC calls for disciplinary action in ballot paper scandal; SIU probes alleged corruption in uMzinyathi municipality; And, South Sudan government says rebel advance poses 'serious threat to peace'

ANC calls for disciplinary action in ballot paper scandal

The African National Congress today called for disciplinary action and possibly the laying of criminal charges, following allegations of serious misconduct.

Controversy erupted within the party following the discovery of ballot papers linked to the party’s Greater Johannesburg regional elective conference. The ballot papers were allegedly discovered at a private residence in Pretoria.

On Sunday, members of the South African Police Service, and the party’s security personnel conducted an onsite inspection at premisses where alleged misconduct was taking place, and which involved the service provider appointed to assist in the administration of the recent regional conference of the ANC Johannesburg region.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the investigation confirmed prima facie misconduct.

The ANC said it regarded the allegations as extremely serious.

SIU probes alleged corruption in uMzinyathi municipality

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the uMzinyathi district municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 305 of 2026, with the aim of recovering financial losses relating to procurement and contracting by the municipality, including the supply, installation and maintenance of ground dual static tanks and fuel, as well as the lease and eventual purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift water treatment plant in Nquthu.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation would determine whether these contracts and related payments were conducted fairly, competitively, transparently, equitably and cost-effectively.

The SIU will also probe any potential violations of applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, and the municipality’s own policies and procedures.

The Proclamation will cover allegations that took place between 2020 and 2026.

And, South Sudan government says rebel advance poses 'serious threat to peace'

South Sudan's government urged opposition forces to halt fighting today, saying a rebel advance and ongoing clashes that have already caused mass displacement in Jonglei State threatened to reignite civil war.

The clashes pitting government forces against fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army‑in‑Opposition are occurring at a scale not seen since 2017, according to the United Nations.

The government said its forces had repelled rebel advances in Jonglei, which stretches from the border with Ethiopia to central South Sudan.

The Government calls upon the SPLM/A in Opposition to immediately cease hostilities, saying any actions that undermine the (2018) Agreement pose a serious threat to peace and jeopardise the ongoing transitional process.

South Sudan's military on Sunday ordered all civilians and personnel from the UN Mission in South Sudan and other charities to evacuate three counties in Jonglei ahead of its operation against opposition forces.

A spokesman for the UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres said the mission had shared concerns that the fighting could put hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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