Thabo Makwakwa

Digital Journalist

IOL Exclusive: Goma airport closure leaves SANDF soldiers trapped in the DRC

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

South African National Defence Force troops are stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the closure of Goma International Airport, raising concerns over ...

Sugar industry in crisis: US tariffs threaten SA's economic stability

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

South African sugar industry faces significant economic challenges as US maintains 10% import tariff with the threat of returning to 30% punitive tariffs, says SA ...

SA Canegrowers CEO warns of economic impact from US sugar tariffs

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

South African sugar industry faces significant economic challenges as US maintains 10% import tariff with the threat of returning to 30% punitive tariffs, says SA ...

DA won't exit Government of National Unity over VAT controversy, Zille confirms

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Helen Zille has confirmed the Democratic Alliance will remain within the Government of National Unity despite opposing the controversial VAT increase.

Carl Niehaus reveals evidence of South African arms in Israel and Ukraine

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Carl Niehaus, the EFF's representative on the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, exposes alarming evidence that South African-manufactured weapons are being exported ...

Carl Niehaus reveals evidence of South African arms in Israel and Ukraine

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Carl Niehaus, the EFF's representative on the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, exposes alarming evidence that South African-manufactured weapons are being exported ...

ANC risks voter backlash over VAT hike ahead of critical 2026 local elections

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Political analysts are sounding the alarm that the ANC's proposed VAT increase could alienate their core voter base, just as the party prepares for crucial 2026 ...

'364 days of amnesia': Political analyst slams ANC-SACP elite for abandoning Chris Hani's principles

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

On the 32nd anniversary of Chris Hani's assassination, political analyst Dr Clyde Ramalaina delivers a scathing critique of the ANC and SACP, accusing party leaders ...

Urgent call for regulation after report shows 60 percent of South African teen vapers are addicted to nicotine

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

A landmark study by UCT researchers reveals nearly 17% of South African teens are vaping, with 60% showing high dependence on nicotine.

MRN demands probe into DA and PA MPs' controversial visit to Israel

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The Media Review Network has condemned an unsanctioned visit to Israel by DA and PA representatives, demanding an investigation into what they call a 'direct affront' ...

Four months and counting, Constitutional Court silent on 'Please Call Me' case

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Four months after hearing the high-profile 'Please Call Me' case between inventor Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, the Constitutional Court has yet to deliver judgment. ...

MK party slams ANC's R500 million spaza shop fund as 'political grandstanding'

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The MK Party has condemned the ANC government's new R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund as a reactive election ploy that fails to address the recent food safety ...

Trade colonialism? How US tariffs are reshaping South Africa's economic future

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

South Africa faces challenging trade conditions with a 32% tariff on exports to the US under Trump's policies. Political analyst Dr Sandile Swana warns that countries ...

DA loses negotiating power in GNU as ANC stands firm on VAT increase

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Political analysts warn that the Democratic Alliance has compromised its negotiating position within the Government of National Unity by taking legal action against ...

GNU coalition endures: ANC refuses to expel DA over VAT increase opposition

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The ANC has decided to maintain its coalition with the DA within the GNU despite significant tensions over the controversial 0. 5% VAT increase.

GNU coalition endures | ANC refuses to expel DA over VAT increase opposition

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The ANC has decided to maintain its coalition with the DA within the GNU despite significant tensions over the controversial 0. 5% VAT increase. Political analysts ...

Capital interests vs public good | Analysing the ANC-DA VAT dispute

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The tensions between South Africa's ANC and DA over the recent VAT increase have exposed ideological divides within the Government of National Unity. As the ANC's ...

South African and African experts voice concerns over US tariff measures

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Economists and trade analysts from South Africa and across the African continent have raised concerns about recently announced US tariffs, warning of potential disruptions ...

IFP defends support for 2025 Fiscal Framework amid GNU division

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The Inkatha Freedom Party has defended its support for the controversial 2025 Fiscal Framework, including a temporary VAT increase, while rejecting criticism from ...

Trump's tariffs on South African exports | Calls grow for trade diversification

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

The United States has imposed 31% tariffs on South African exports, including vehicles, precious metals, and agricultural products. As economic pressure mounts, ...

South Africa's GNU at breaking point | ANC-DA tension escalates over Budget vote

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

South Africa's fragile coalition faces a critical test as the ANC schedules a crucial meeting to discuss its future with the DA following a divisive Budget vote ...

Public Protector clears Ramaphosa of state resource abuse allegations

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Public Protector Advocate Khokeka Gcaleka concluded that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not abuse state resources during a campaign event in the Northern Cape in ...

Public Protector clears Ramaphosa of state resource abuse allegations

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Public Protector Advocate Khokeka Gcaleka has cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of allegations that he misused state resources during an ANC Letsema campaign event ...

'Betrayal demands consequences': US Congress moves to sanction ANC officials over ties to Iran, China and Russia

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Congressman Ronny Jackson has introduced legislation that could fundamentally alter US-South Africa relations by enabling sanctions against South African officials ...

'SA KNEW ABOUT HAMAS ATTACK'

Thabo Makwakwa|Published

UK activist claims SA government plotted to with Hamas to take Israel to ICJ