# South African Political Surrealism: Scandals and Administrative Chaos A satirical look at recent controversies involving ANC officials and state institutions. - **Source:** [Daily Maverick](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/72b2b813-238a-4587-9f70-1a8daa4151ae ## Systemic Misuse of Funds Former social development minister Nokuzola Tolashe faces allegations regarding the misuse of public funds for personal household expenses. Reports suggest she allegedly inflated salary grades to facilitate taxpayer-funded groceries. This incident highlights a broader pattern where political figures treat the public purse as a private resource for family-based economic redistribution. ## ANC Leadership Under Scrutiny ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula recently faced intense public scrutiny following a Constitutional Court ruling that saved 181 party candidates from electoral exclusion. His emotional reaction to the administrative failure sparked widespread debate about his leadership capabilities. Critics argue that Mbalula prioritizes political theater over the effective management of party machinery. ## The Zuma Medical Narrative Former president Jacob Zuma’s recent health status became a point of public confusion after an eight-day medical check-up. While his party maintained he was healthy, conflicting reports emerged regarding his condition. The situation culminated in a video showing the former president exercising, further fueling skepticism about the transparency of political narratives. ## Police Leadership Dynamics National police commissioner Fannie Masemola returned to his post after charges against him were withdrawn by the court. His reinstatement followed a 24-day delay, raising questions about potential political interference. The timing of his return coincided with the departure of deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who faced a dishonourable discharge amid allegations. ## Cartel Behavior in Policing The departure of Shadrack Sibiya from the police service has drawn comparisons to cartel-like behavior. Allegations include the destruction of evidence, such as wiping phones and swallowing SIM cards to evade accountability. These actions during disciplinary proceedings reflect deep-seated issues within the institutional integrity of South Africa's law enforcement agencies today. ## Carrim's Airport Arrest Former ANC North West treasurer Suliman Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo airport while allegedly attempting to travel to Dubai. His detention followed his refusal to answer questions posed by the Madlanga Commission. The incident underscores the ongoing legal challenges faced by political figures regarding their testimony and international travel movements. ## Culture of Selective Morality The political establishment is increasingly criticized for practicing selective morality when dealing with internal scandals. Comrades who previously supported figures like Tolashe now distance themselves as evidence of wrongdoing surfaces. This cycle of manufactured outrage suggests that gaming the system is an accepted governing philosophy until a paper trail appears. ## Reflecting on Political Surrealism These disparate events, from administrative failures to high-profile arrests, paint a picture of political surrealism in South Africa. The convergence of these scandals suggests a decline in organizational discipline within the ruling party. Observers remain skeptical that current leadership can effectively address these systemic issues without fundamental changes to governance. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-06-sies-for-sisisis-creative-accounting-and-the-cat-with-crocodile-tears/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._