In today’s opinion pages, Stephen Grootes looks at the recent events that have begun to dominate Cyril Ramaphosa’s political life and Financial Mail writes that low-cost airline Mango might just take to the skies yet.
Ramaphosa appears safe and unlikely to be seriously challenged … for now – Daily Maverick
Stephen Grootes theorises that President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing mounting pressure but the head of state will stay put and is likely safe from any targeted removal for now.
The political commentator analyses the various events that have encircled Ramaphosa over recent months and how the president will be able to control them or not. These will include the Phala Phala farm scandal, an impeachment process in parliament, the tenth anniversary of the Marikana massacre, and staying in power as president of the ANC by securing a second term at the national elective conference later this year.
Grootes writes that Ramaphosa is adamant that former spy boss Arthur Fraser is lying about the farm robbery, ANC MP’s will not vote for impeachment of Ramaphosa and without a viable and strong challenger, he will almost certainly win re-election as ANC president. Read more here.
EDITORIAL: Mango not a lemon – Financial Mail
Contrary to popular belief, low-cost airline Mango might still have wings to take flight yet. Financial Mail writes much was made of the suspension of the operating licence for two years but Mango’s business practitioner Sipho Sono has revealed that a consortium not only wants to buy the airline but has already provided proof of funding for the deal.
The consortium has yet to be identified but it would likely be a local player with an international partner. Should the deal be completed, the airline would still have to re-apply for its operating licence but it will have to jump through much fewer hoops than it would have had to as a completely new airline.
If Mango does take the skies again, it will only serve to strengthen the local aviation sector and help to drive down the cost of air tickets. Read more here.
Here’s what else we’re reading:
NATASHA MARRIAN: What the Bain case says about SA – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
TOM EATON | Watch out Cyril, defender of democracy Srini is coming for you – Times LIVE (for subscribers)
ROB ROSE: Vampire bureaucrats come for the kids – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Karyn Maughan | Mpofu’s political defence of Mkhwebane is exposing her incompetence – News24 (for subscribers)
Mbhazima Shilowa | This piecemeal approach to economic policy isn’t doing anyone any good – News24 (for subscribers)
Only tragedy jolts SA government – The Citizen (for subscribers)
Why the taxman considers freelancers high risk – Daily Maverick
Image Credit: GCIS
