EFF MP Carl Niehaus Sends Written Questions to Ministers

Why the Questions Matter

Carl Niehaus, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has submitted a set of written questions to several South African government ministers. The questions were lodged in the National Assembly on a Sunday and cover topics that directly affect everyday life: claims about a “white genocide,” municipal service delivery, job creation, undocumented migration, water and electricity supply, and the upcoming local government elections on 4 November.

Addressing the “White Genocide” Claim

Question to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Niehaus asked Minister Ronald Lamola whether the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has taken any diplomatic or public‑communication steps to counter the false claim that a “white genocide” is happening in South Africa. His question references the planting of 3 000 white crosses on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on 26 September, and wonders if the South African Embassy in Washington has responded in any way.

Further Inquiry on Alleged Treason

He also asked Lamola whether he believes the actions of Lex Libertas, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel, and Ernst Roets amount to treason, and whether charges should be considered. Niehaus stressed that the question does not assert that any of these individuals have actually committed treason or are currently facing charges.

Municipal Readiness for the November Elections

Question to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Niehaus turned to Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to get a clear picture of how municipalities are performing before the vote. He wants to know:

• How many municipalities are currently under Section 139 intervention (a provincial takeover when a council fails to fulfil its duties).
• How many have been labelled dysfunctional or are in financial distress.
• What specific actions will be finished before 4 November to restore water, electricity, and refuse‑removal services in those troubled areas.

Jobs and Undocumented Migration

Question to the Minister of Employment and Labour

Minister Nomakhosazana Meth was asked about job creation following the latest unemployment figures. Niehaus wants to know:

• How many sustainable jobs have been generated through public employment programmes since 1 April.
• What extra steps will be taken during the rest of the 2026/27 financial year to tackle youth unemployment.

Statistics South Africa reported in August 2026 that the official unemployment rate rose to 33.6 %, with 8.5 million people out of work.

Question to the Minister of Home Affairs

Niehaus also approached Minister Leon Schreiber for data on undocumented foreigners:

• How many undocumented foreign nationals have been deported since 1 January.
• An estimate of how many undocumented individuals remain in the country.
• What measures have been implemented to stop illegal re‑entry across South Africa’s land borders.

Water and Electricity Concerns

Question to the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Minister Pemmy Majodina was asked about municipal debt to water boards. Niehaus seeks:

• The current total amount owed by municipalities to water boards.
• What enforcement actions the department plans to take against municipalities that default, especially when households still face water cuts.

Question to the Minister of Electricity and Energy

Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa was asked to clarify the difference between “load reduction” and load shedding. Niehaus wants to know:

• Whether load reduction should be seen as a separate concept from load shedding or if they essentially describe the same interruption of power.
• If ongoing load reduction points to weaknesses in the national grid or local distribution networks.
• What safeguards are in place to avoid load shedding or load reduction during the local government elections on 4 November.

The article notes that Eskom is running a programme to limit how many customers experience load reduction, which is usually applied to specific areas where local networks are strained rather than as a nationwide supply cut.

What Happens Next?

IOL has reached out to the mentioned government departments and the individuals named in Niehaus’s questions for comment. The story will be updated as responses arrive.

Conclusion

Carl Niehaus’s written questions touch on a range of pressing issues that affect South Africans daily—from the truth behind controversial claims to the state of basic services, job prospects, immigration controls, and the reliability of power and water supplies. By seeking clear answers from the relevant ministers, he aims to hold the government accountable and provide voters with the information they need ahead of the local elections. The responses (or lack thereof) will shed light on how prepared the country is to tackle these challenges in the coming months.