Reports of deaths linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have sparked renewed debate around immigration enforcement, accountability, and human rights in 2026. Concerns have been raised by civil society groups over detention conditions, use of force, and oversight mechanisms. We unpack these developments and their broader political implications with political analyst Professor Patrick Bond.

Reports of deaths linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have sparked renewed debate around immigration enforcement, accountability, and human rights in 2026. Concerns have been raised by civil society groups over detention conditions, use of force, and oversight mechanisms. We unpack these developments and their broader political implications with political analyst Professor Patrick Bond.

POWER Perspective is a talkback that typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of “Perspectivians” and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

POWER Perspective is a talkback that typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of &ldquo;Perspectivians&rdquo; and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

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US witnessed many ICE-related deaths in 2026

South Africa’s informal economy continues to absorb thousands of people locked out of formal employment, yet many economists argue that national and municipal policy still treats informal trade as a peripheral issue rather than a central part of economic life. A recent article co-authored by Siphelele Ngidi argues that while informal traders provide essential goods, services and income in communities across the country, economic policy remains largely designed around formal businesses and overlooks the realities facing street traders, market vendors and small survivalist enterprises.

South Africa&rsquo;s informal economy continues to absorb thousands of people locked out of formal employment, yet many economists argue that national and municipal policy still treats informal trade as a peripheral issue rather than a central part of economic life. A recent article co-authored by Siphelele Ngidi argues that while informal traders provide essential goods, services and income in communities across the country, economic policy remains largely designed around formal businesses and overlooks the realities facing street traders, market vendors and small survivalist enterprises.

Informal Economy and Economic Policy: Does South Africa Still Undervalue Informal Traders

Political attention in Gauteng has turned sharply to Premier Panyaza Lesufi following a major cabinet reshuffle announced last week, in which senior Economic Freedom Fighters leader Nkululeko Dunga was appointed as Gauteng MEC for Finance — one of the most influential portfolios in provincial government. The move came immediately after the EFF supported the Gauteng provincial budget in the legislature, and it now marks the first time the EFF formally enters the Gauteng provincial executive. Finance is a powerful post because it oversees a budget of roughly R179 billion and directly influences provincial spending priorities, service delivery planning and political leverage.

Political attention in Gauteng has turned sharply to Premier Panyaza Lesufi following a major cabinet reshuffle announced last week, in which senior Economic Freedom Fighters leader Nkululeko Dunga was appointed as Gauteng MEC for Finance &mdash; one of the most influential portfolios in provincial government. The move came immediately after the EFF supported the Gauteng provincial budget in the legislature, and it now marks the first time the EFF formally enters the Gauteng provincial executive. Finance is a powerful post because it oversees a budget of roughly R179 billion and directly influences provincial spending priorities, service delivery planning and political leverage.

Panyaza / EFF Tensions: Provincial Politics  Under Pressure

We’re joined by Marshall Mzingisi Dlamini, Secretary-General of the Economic Freedom Fighters, at a time when South Africa’s opposition politics is being reshaped by coalition pressures, questions around leadership, and preparations for the 2026 local government elections. The EFF remains sharply critical of the Government of National Unity, continues to position itself as a radical alternative to the African National Congress, and is navigating a changing opposition landscape that now includes stronger competition from uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

We&rsquo;re joined by Marshall Mzingisi Dlamini, Secretary-General of the Economic Freedom Fighters, at a time when South Africa&rsquo;s opposition politics is being reshaped by coalition pressures, questions around leadership, and preparations for the 2026 local government elections. The EFF remains sharply critical of the Government of National Unity, continues to position itself as a radical alternative to the African National Congress, and is navigating a changing opposition landscape that now includes stronger competition from uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

US witnessed many ICE-related deaths in 2026

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