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In this edition of The Electoral Road Show with Chris Steyn, Elections Analyst Supremo Wayne Sussman describes how the Democratic Alliance (DA) has made history by winning its first ever township ward: “Emfuleni, Evaton is an historic ANC stronghold. And last night the DA achieved something sensational. They are able to win its first ever pure township ward, hundred percent township ward, not just in a by-election, but ever…” However, the African National Congress (ANC) did continue its “very good run” in Northwest where they had “an emphatic victory” in a Mahikeng ward, growing from 58% of the vote to 73%. These by-elections took place against the backdrop of a chilling warning from SCOPA that municipalities across the country are unviable, and the ANC NEC moving to make local government reform its singular focus. Says Sussman: “The ANC, particularly after that Gauteng result, is on the back foot now and needs to find great candidates which can connect with communities, find credible mayoral candidates which can turn the negative sentiment towards the party in Gauteng and in many other parts of the country around. This is a key, key few weeks for them.” Meanwhile, Jo’burg residents are facing more steep tariff hikes.

In today's BizNews Daybreak, we cover mixed signals regarding a US-Iran deal, defensive airstrikes in Bandar Abbas, and escalating Israeli operations against Hezbollah. In corporate news, Snowflake’s stock surges 35% on an AWS partnership, while Fed Governor Lisa Cook warns of potential interest rate hikes.

Locally, political commentator Solly Moeng breaks down the impeachment pressure facing President Ramaphosa, and SAAI CEO Francois Rossouw discusses potential massive damages claims against Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen over livestock vaccines.

Finally, strategist Edward Yardeni breaks down the S&P 500's "fabulous earnings momentum" and the scarcity of buying the dip.

The possible impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa seems one step closer with the composition of a “very diverse, multi-party” Impeachment Committee, but the President is fighting back with a court bid to try and stop the inquiry. In this interview with Chris Steyn, Political Commentator Solly Moeng describes how the President is “kicking the ball down the road” and “trying to buy more time” whilst facing “people who want him to be removed because maybe it'll advance their chances towards power through coalitions”, while “others want him to be removed because what he did is wrong”. As for Deputy President Paul Mashatile waiting in the wings: “I fear that if he were to become president, he might not be friendly towards the criminal justice system. The same way that Zuma came into the Presidency running away from the long arm of the law. And people like that coming there, the first thing they do is to ensure that they will weaken any part of the State that might go after them for stuff they did or they are alleged to have done in the past.” As for how the Democratic Alliance (DA) is likely to emerge from the impeachment process, Moeng says: “Now they have an opportunity to show that they still stand for the principle that they've always promoted themselves to be standing for.” He also comments on anti-immigrant protests that have sparked urgent government talks at the Union Buildings to formulate a national plan to deal with the rising xenophobia in South Africa.

In today's BizNews Daybreak, South African farmers win a massive High Court order against Agriculture Minister John Steinhauser over livestock vaccine restrictions.

Globally, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza target new Hamas military leader Mohammed Odeh, while the US deploys health officers to Kenya to establish an Ebola quarantine facility.

Back home, Alec Hogg emphasizes long-term market conviction for deeply discounted local stocks like Purple Capital, Afrimat, We Buy Cars, and Pick n Pay.

Agricultural Minister John Steenhuisen is facing huge damage claims from livestock farmers following a High Court order against him. In this interview with Chris Steyn, Southern African Afgri Initiative (Saai) CEO Francois Rousseau says the court found that the Minister and his department were “unlawfully prohibiting farmers from vaccinating their own cattle” and ordered that he “cannot interfere in the supply of or in the business transaction relating to the supply of vaccines coming into the country”. Roussouw says he hopes farmers suing the Minister for damages will succeed because “this was an absolute abuse of power”. He further charges: “This is someone who had no expertise whatsoever, appointed people with expertise on these different advisory committees, but he just used them to legitimise his actions…I do think he lied intentionally on a number of occasions and for that, farmers should hold him accountable.”

Roussow outlines all the practical implications of the judgment for livestock farmers with regards to supply, procurement and administration.