South Africa News: Julius Malema Conviction and More Updates
South Africa news is headlined today by the recent conviction of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema on gun charges following an incident in 2018, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.
Julius Malema’s Conviction on Gun Charges
On October 1, 2025, Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was convicted on gun charges. The charges stem from an incident in 2018 when Malema was filmed firing a rifle at an EFF rally in the Eastern Cape. Despite Malema’s defense claiming the gun was a toy, the court dismissed this argument. Malema now faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, though no minimum sentence is mandated. Following the ruling, Malema labeled it as racist and announced plans to appeal to the Constitutional Court, highlighting ongoing tensions and divisions within the country (OkayAfrica).
National Tributes and International Engagements
In other South Africa news, tributes flowed this week from President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders for the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa. His contributions and diplomatic efforts have been widely recognized and celebrated (SABC News).
Additionally, South Africa plans to utilize its role at the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit to advocate for debt reduction for developing economies. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza emphasized the importance of this initiative (SABC News).
Government Events and Economic Updates
A slew of major government activities are currently underway. President Cyril Ramaphosa is engaging with Heads of Mission-designate by receiving Letters of Credence. Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will focus on service delivery improvements during his visit to Qunu in the OR Tambo District. The Gauteng e-Government is also hosting a Youth Tech Expo, underscoring the government’s commitment to youth and technology development (South African Government).
In economic news, South Africa is set to implement a 4.7% public sector salary increase starting in October 2025. This comes on the heels of a 7.5% rise last year, reflecting ongoing adjustments in the public sector’s financial landscape (NCER Pune).
Weather Alerts and Energy Initiatives
A cold front is affecting regions across the Cape Provinces, resulting in cooler and windy conditions. Authorities have issued warnings for damaging winds, with extremely high fire danger anticipated in the Northern Cape, Western Cape’s Karoo, and parts of the Eastern Cape. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and cautious (South Africa Today).
Furthermore, the Solar & Storage Live Cape Town event, a leading clean energy conference, is slated for October 15-16, 2025, at the CTICC. Supported by the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town, this event promises to assemble energy professionals and innovators to discuss emerging trends in solar power, energy storage, and smart energy systems (Western Cape Government).
Cultural Highlights: Homecoming Africa 2025
Pretoria is gearing up for Homecoming Africa 2025, an expansive cultural festival taking place throughout October. This festival integrates music, fashion, and immersive experiences, establishing itself not only as a festival but a movement. Attendees can anticipate multi-stage live performances and a vibrant cultural celebration (Webtickets).
These updates from South Africa highlight both challenges and opportunities within the nation, spanning political, social, and economic spheres. As events unfold, they continue to shape the national narrative and influence the country’s path forward.