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Thando Maeko

Thando is an award-winning journalist covering policy, power and the people.

An IEC banner in Dlamini, Soweto. Picture:

Electoral Court rejects UDF bid to extend candidate deadline

Court rules the Electoral Commission SA lacks the power to exempt individual parties

  • Thando Maeko
Ayanda Dlodlo. File photo.

Ramaphosa names Ayanda Dlodlo as ambassador to France

Dlodlo confirmed as South Africa’s new ambassador-designate to France ahead of visit

  • Thando Maeko
  • Hajra Omarjee
The proposals come before what is expected to be South Africa’s most competitive local government election since the end of apartheid. Picture:

How SA is trying to deepfake-proof November election

Parties would have to monitor online platforms, label AI-generated content and report suspected disinformation

  • Thando Maeko
The secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Wamkele Mene. Picture: FREDDY MAVUNDA

Anti-migrant attacks threaten Africa’s integration drives: AfCFTA head

AfCFTA secretary-general says violence contradicts continental trade pact which aims for greater integration

  • Thando Maeko
Former president Thabo Mbeki says South Africa’s liberation movement drew inspiration from the principles contained in the US Declaration of Independence. File picture:

Mbeki makes plea for friendship between South Africa and US

SA and US officials emphasise co-operation amid tension about tariffs, Agoa and diplomacy

  • Thando Maeko
The AU’s headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. The AU’s African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights says it is deeply alarmed by reports of mounting anxiety among foreign nationals prompted by the threat of expulsion issued by vigilante groups. Picture:

AU piles pressure on SA over anti-immigrant threats

Operation 30 June enters full phase with focus on preventing vigilante violence

  • Thando Maeko
The container terminal in Durban. The state-owned port operator has introduced a driver-truck management system, with phase two starting in July. Picture:

Port driver rules ‘not linked to illegal immigration crackdown’

New driver documentation rules at Durban port terminals take effect in July

  • Thando Maeko
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has called for calm amid a surge in xenophobic sentiment. Picture:

Four days before June 30 protests, Ramaphosa is asking royals for help

The Presidency has confirmed planned engagements on Friday but King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's attendance is not guaranteed

  • Thando Maeko
King Misuzulu uses an address at an International Yoga Day event in Durban on Sunday to appeal directly for restraint. Picture:

‘We’re not looking good in Africa’: Zulu king urges end to attacks on illegal immigrants

'They are here because of poverty. That does not mean we must beat them,' says King Misuzulu kaZwelithini

  • Thando Maeko
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa seeking changes to the DA’s ministerial and deputy ministerial appointments.

Ramaphosa ‘positively considering’ Hill-Lewis’ cabinet reshuffle request

Cabinet reshuffle only likely to affect DA members of the national executive

  • Thando Maeko
Mineral & petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe. Picture:
PETROL PRICE

Mantashe aims for 60-day strategic fuel reserve buffer against shocks

Government seeks larger petroleum stockpile as geopolitical risks intensify

  • Thando Maeko
Activists from civil organisations and political parties marched in the streets of Durban to demand the deportation of illegal immigrants.

Immigration law reform gives courts greater role in deportations

Detention safeguards take shape alongside plans for specialised immigration courts

  • Thando Maeko
Justice & constitutional development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi in Tshwane on May 25 2026. Picture: Business Day/

New immigration court near OR Tambo to fast-track cases

Kubayi says specialised Kempton Park facility is part of a system overhaul

  • Thando Maeko
US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Brussels, Belgium, November 24 2025. Picture: Reuters/Piroschka van de Wouw

SA among 60 countries facing new 12.5% tariff from US

Proposed tariff on SA is subject to public hearings scheduled for July 7

  • Thando Maeko
AN secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. File photo.

Mbalula gives ANC regional secretaries 30 days to resign from municipal jobs

Positions cannot be treated as part-time roles while officials are employed elsewhere

  • Thando Maeko