South Africa’s political sphere has been marked by unsettling events during the course of the year.
In April, the country braced for a Value Added Tax (VAT) increase that many feared would squeeze households, however, government reversed the proposed VAT hike following criticism from the public and political parties. The VAT withdrawal revealed gaps within the Government of National Unity.
On July 6, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s media briefing placed improved focus on corruption, crime and governance within the police ministry and the South African Police Service, which led to the suspension Police Minister Senzo Mchunu by President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In addition, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that R2 billion has been lost to tender irregularities and fraud at Tembisa Hospital, thus further raised concerns of state corruption.
Video| The year that was in politics:
