SA entered 2021 on stricter lockdown restrictions in the midst of a second wave of the coronavirus.
While the government scrambles to procure a vaccine for the country, it is facing a court challenge to what has been described as its monopoly on the buying and distribution of the vaccine.
The government also continues to face a number of legal challenges on some lockdown regulations, such as the decision in December to ban the sale of alcohol.
In 2020, political activity was almost brought to a standstill because of the nationwide lockdown, which was implemented almost a year ago.
The ANC cancelled its birthday celebrations which were meant to be held in Limpopo, opting instead for a digital January 8 address by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The governing party is hoping to hold its national general council meeting in April or May. The council, which is the party’s midterm review conference, was postponed in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
SA is due to hold local government elections later in 2021. Political parties will have to find ways to campaign ahead of the elections during the pandemic.
The 2021 local government elections have to take place between August and the beginning of November. The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) has already had to facilitate by-elections during the pandemic and ensure health protocols were followed.
All eyes will be on the ANC in the early part of 2021, as it continues to grapple with how to implement its decision that party members and leaders facing criminal charges must step aside.
Senior party leader secretary-general Ace Magashule is facing corruption charges in court. The party’s integrity commission recommended in December that he step down from his position pending the outcome of his court case.
The ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) is yet to deal with the integrity commission report. This will be a huge test for the party which is trying to restore its image after years of corruption allegations against a number of its leaders.
The party’s top officials have been tasked with drafting guidelines on how to implement the decision and the NEC will meet later in January to discuss this and the integrity commission report on Magashule.
In his January 8 address, Ramaphosa said the ANC will suspend members who fail to give an acceptable explanation or to voluntarily step down while they face disciplinary, investigative or prosecutorial procedures.
The ANC secretary-general is due to appear in court again in Bloemfontein on February 19 on charges linked to a R255m asbestos contract signed during his tenure as Free State premier. He is on R200,000 bail.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue on their trajectory of last year when they took action in a number of high-profile cases.
The Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture is expected to wrap up its work by midyear. The commission, chaired by deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, was due to complete its work by March, but is eyeing another three-month extension
Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is facing perjury charges, as well as a possible inquiry into her fitness to hold office by parliament.
Former president Jacob Zuma is expected to continue trying to avoid appearing before the Zondo commission. His corruption case, relating to the multibillion-rand arms deal, is set to continue.
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