EFF MP Carl Niehaus has submitted questions to several ministers on various issues, including the "white genocide" claim, undocumented immigration, unemployment, municipal service delivery, and electricity interruptions, ahead of the November local government elections. The questions were submitted to the National Assembly on Sunday. Niehaus asked International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola about diplomatic and public-communication steps taken to rebut the "white genocide" claim.
The "white genocide" claim refers to the reported planting of 3,000 white crosses on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on September 26. Niehaus asked Lamola if the South African Embassy in Washington has taken any action in response. He also inquired if the actions of Lex Libertas, AfriForum chief executive Kallie Kriel, and Ernst Roets should constitute treason and if steps should be taken to bring charges against them.
Niehaus also questioned Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on the state of municipalities ahead of the November 4 local government elections. He asked how many municipalities are currently under Section 139 intervention and how many have been classified as dysfunctional or in financial distress. Niehaus also inquired about specific interventions to restore water, electricity, and refuse-removal services in affected municipalities.
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth was asked about job creation following the latest unemployment figures. Niehaus inquired about the number of sustainable jobs created through public employment programmes since April 1 and what additional measures will be introduced to address youth unemployment. According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate rose to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026.
Niehaus also asked Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber about the number of undocumented foreign nationals deported since January 1 and an estimate of how many remain in South Africa. He also inquired about steps taken to secure the country's land borders against illegal re-entry. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina faces questions about municipal debt to water boards.
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa was asked to clarify the distinction between "load reduction" and load shedding. Niehaus inquired if load reduction should be regarded as distinct from load shedding and if continued load reduction indicates vulnerabilities in the national grid and local distribution networks. The questions come as Eskom continues a programme aimed at reducing the number of customers affected by load reduction.
The opposition EFF's questioning of government ministers reflects concerns about various issues ahead of the local government elections. Key issues include the "white genocide" claim, unemployment, municipal service delivery, and electricity interruptions.
Key points
- The EFF's Carl Niehaus has submitted questions to several ministers on various issues ahead of the local government elections.
- The questions cover topics such as the "white genocide" claim, immigration, unemployment, and municipal services.
- The EFF's questioning reflects concerns about various issues ahead of the local government elections.
