NFP Chief Threatens to Suspend Mayor and Deputy Mayor The National Freedom Party (NFP) has threatened to suspend the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality after the party’s provincial chairman, Vikizitha Mlotshwa, accused them of misconduct. Mlotshwa alleged that Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and Deputy Mayor Belinda Scott had failed to address the grievances raised by the NFP regarding the allocation of tenders and the hiring of senior officials. He claimed that the NFP had been sideline in the decision-making process and that the ANC-led municipality had been biased against the party. “We have given them an ultimatum of 24 hours to respond to our demands. If they fail to do so, we will have no choice but to suspend them,” Mlotshwa said. Kaunda and Scott have denied the allegations and have vowed to fight the suspension. “We have always been transparent and fair in our dealings, and we will not be intimidated by these threats,” Kaunda said. The NFP is a coalition partner in the eThekwini Municipality, but tensions have been rising between the party and the ANC in recent months. The suspension of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor would be a major escalation of the conflict and could destabilize the municipality. The eThekwini Municipality is the largest metropolitan municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, with a population of over 3 million people. It is also a major economic hub for the province. The suspension of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor would send a negative message to investors and could damage the city’s economy.South Sudan’s Lingering Displacement Crisis and Humanitarian CrisisSouth Sudan’s Lingering Displacement Crisis and Humanitarian Crisis South Sudan faces a dire displacement crisis, with over 2 million internally displaced people, placing it among the world’s most neglected crises. The Jonglei Protection of Civilians (POC) center hosts around 2,300 displaced individuals, many of whom have endured displacement for over a decade. Elizabeth Joseph, a displaced person, heartbreakingly recounts the challenges faced in the camp. Children lack adequate nutrition, resorting to theft or begging for survival. The inhumane conditions have claimed the lives of 35 people. Medical care and medication are scarce, leaving residents in despair. Residents rely on firewood and charcoal sales for meager income, but they often face harassment and violence. The camp’s lack of drainage amplifies the threat posed by floods. Sanitation is deplorable, with a single water tap for the entire camp, creating conflicts among those seeking water. “People here are tired. No help is coming,” Joseph laments. Humanitarian aid has been suspended for nearly a year. The number of people facing catastrophic food insecurity is projected to double by July, reaching 79,000. Humanitarian organizations and the government plan to relocate displaced people to permanent locations with better support, but funding remains a significant obstacle. Over 7 million South Sudanese face food insecurity, while 8.9 million suffer from health crises due to conflicts, floods, and population movements. The country’s healthcare system, heavily dependent on international aid, lacks staff and resources. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, have limited access to healthcare, resulting in higher risks of illness and death. Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and mortality in South Sudan. “We don’t have enough medicines,” says Philip Chule, Clinical Director of Pariak Primary Health Care Centre. “We only have one room for patients.” South Sudan also braces for impending severe flooding, potentially displacing over 3 million people. The humanitarian community aims to provide assistance to 2.4 million affected individuals. The situation in South Sudan highlights the urgent need for international support to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and protect the lives and well-being of its vulnerable population.NFP Chief Threatens Suspensions The National Federation Party (NFP) has threatened to suspend the mayor and deputy mayor of a municipality for allegedly violating the Local Government Act. NFP President Pio Tikoduadua said the party had received complaints against the officials and had issued them with show-cause notices. “The complaints against the mayor and deputy mayor include misuse of council funds, nepotism, and abuse of authority,” Tikoduadua said. “The NFP will not tolerate any form of corruption or mismanagement within our municipalities.” The NFP has given the officials 14 days to respond to the allegations. If they fail to provide satisfactory explanations, they will be suspended from their positions. The mayor and deputy mayor have denied the allegations and have vowed to cooperate with the investigation. The suspension of the officials would be a major development in the NFP’s campaign against corruption and mismanagement in local government. The NFP has been critical of the government’s handling of local government issues, and the suspensions would send a strong message that the party is serious about accountability and transparency.