A tragic incident at South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park has led to the deaths of at least 124 vultures, who consumed the carcass of an elephant that had been poisoned by poachers using agricultural pesticides.
Authorities at the park reported on Thursday that a quick and coordinated emergency operation spanning nearly a full day rescued 84 vultures.
This response involved helicopters, ambulances, and intensive care. Unfortunately, one of the rescued vultures later succumbed to its injuries.
The discovery of this mass poisoning was prompted by an alert from a remote sensing system used by an environmental group. The system flagged suspicious activity in a remote area of the park, leading to the mobilisation of a joint team of rangers. They quickly identified the incident, marking it as the largest mass vulture poisoning event ever recorded in southern Africa.
The 124 vultures that died included 102 white-backed vultures, 20 Cape vultures, and one lappet-faced vulture. All of these species are classified as either endangered or critically endangered. Experts believe that poachers are increasingly using agricultural toxins on elephant carcasses to target vultures. The toxins kill the birds, which otherwise could alert rangers by circling overhead.
Vultures play an essential role in ecosystems, helping to reduce the spread of disease by consuming the carcasses of deceased animals. However, many vulture species across Africa face a grave threat from poisoning and other dangers, which have led to their endangered status.
South Africa could face disciplinary action after allegedly fielding an ineligible player during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho last Friday.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena was supposed to serve a one-match suspension after accumulating yellow cards in previous games against Benin and Zimbabwe. However, he was included in the squad and played a key role in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory in Polokwane.
Following the incident, Lesotho have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, seeking clarification on the matter. The world football governing body is now expected to review the case and determine if South Africa will face any sanctions.
“We are hoping for them to respect their own regulations and act appropriately,” Lesotho Football Association secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi told BBC Sport Africa.
“Even if they just caution South Africa, it will be okay. If they give us the points, so be it. [It would be] the cherry on top.
“There’s no malice but it’s just that we are looking for the regulations to be adhered to. If it were us who had defeated South Africa, wouldn’t [they] do the same?”
The South African Football Association declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport Africa.
Mokoena was withdrawn from the squad to face Benin in Tuesday’s qualifier and, after the 2-0 win that took his side five points clear at the top of Group C, national team coach Hugo Broos said the matter is “something that will be sorted over the next week”.
Fifa’s competition regulations state that any protest about player eligibility should be lodged within 24 hours of the end of a match.
Should South Africa be punished with a points deduction, their hopes of appearing at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 will be back in the balance.
Instead of the 2-0 win for Bafana Bafana, Lesotho could be awarded a 3-0 technical victory that would move them up to second in the table and one point behind South Africa.
It would also boost Nigeria’s chances of qualification, given the Super Eagles sit six points adrift of top spot with four rounds of fixtures remaining after drawing 1-1 with Zimbabwe.
Only the group winners are assured of a place at next year’s 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The European Union has committed €4.7 billion ($5.1 billion) to South Africa, aiming to enhance the country’s renewable energy transition and vaccine manufacturing.
This investment, announced during the first EU-South Africa bilateral summit in seven years, reflects a renewed focus on economic and political collaboration. A Shared Journey of Reconciliation
At the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the similarities between South Africa and the EU, both of which overcame historical conflicts through reconciliation.
“South Africa remains an emblem of hope for the world,” von der Leyen stated. “Today, we are together announcing an investment package to mobilize €4.7 billion in South Africa.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa reinforced the importance of global partnerships in upholding democracy and international law.
“This is the time to work together in defense of what we believe in—democracy, the rule of law, including the respect for international law and international humanitarian law,” Ramaphosa said.
As South Africa’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, the EU seeks to strengthen economic cooperation. Von der Leyen stressed the importance of reliable partnerships and resilient supply chains.
“We want to strengthen and diversify our supply chains, but we want to do it in cooperation with you,” she said.
A significant portion of the investment is allocated to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a multilateral effort to reduce carbon emissions.
The EU’s commitment comes as the U.S. pulls back from a similar agreement.
“We know that others are withdrawing, so we want to be very clear with our support,” von der Leyen affirmed. “We are doubling down, and we are here to stay.”
Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, the EU reaffirmed its support for South Africa’s leadership in the G20. Ramaphosa aims to use the country’s presidency to push for debt relief and climate financing for developing nations, priorities that have been sidelined by the U.S.
Relations between South Africa and the U.S. have become increasingly strained. Tensions escalated following South Africa’s legal challenge at the UN’s top court, accusing Israel—a key U.S. ally—of genocide in Gaza. In response, Washington imposed sanctions and cut financial aid, citing human rights concerns and alleged ties to groups such as Hamas and Iran.
Adding to the rift, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has avoided key G20 meetings hosted by South Africa and signaled that Washington will provide limited support for international cooperation through the bloc. Trade Disputes Cast a Shadow Over Diplomacy
While the EU-South Africa summit marked a deepening of economic collaboration, transatlantic tensions were also at play. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced plans to impose a 200% tariff on European wine, Champagne, and spirits in retaliation against EU proposals to tax American whiskey.
Von der Leyen responded with a firm stance.
“We will defend our interests. We’ve said it and we’ve shown it, but at the same time, I also want to emphasize that we are open for negotiations.”
Despite global uncertainties, the summit underscored a growing EU-South Africa partnership focused on trade, energy, and governance.
A 19-year-old unemployed woman, Nozuko Majola, from a rural village in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is uncertain whether she can afford the one-hour trip to collect her crucial HIV medication.
The rough, untarred roads in her area often prevent timely delivery to her home.
“Things will be tough around here, and a lot of people will default on their treatment because we really struggle with transport,” she said. “The mobile clinics hardly come here.”
Majola’s situation reflects the wider impact of the U.S. foreign aid freeze imposed under former President Trump. This suspension has raised alarm over potential rises in HIV cases and fatalities, as many patients are now unable to access the vital treatment they need.
A 2024 report from the Human Sciences Research Council revealed that KwaZulu-Natal has the second-highest HIV rate in South Africa, with an estimated 1,300 new infections among young people each week.
The province also has the highest number of people living with HIV—approximately 1.9 million—contributing to South Africa’s position as the country with the most HIV-positive individuals in the world, totaling over 7.5 million.
In total, 5.5 million South Africans depend on antiretroviral medication, partially funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, the suspension of this crucial aid threatens the future of these treatment programs.
PEPFAR’s funding, which amounts to over $400 million annually, accounts for about 17% of South Africa’s HIV-related expenses, according to the Health Ministry. Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has been instrumental in saving over 26 million lives globally.
“People who were doing administration and data capturing, whose salaries were funded by PEPFAR, have left. We are a small facility and we cannot handle such a workload,” said the manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.
A recent federal ruling temporarily lifted the freeze on funding, allowing some PEPFAR projects to resume, but many organizations have already been forced to close, adding pressure on already overburdened public health facilities.
Much of PEPFAR’s funding goes to non-governmental organizations that support the government’s HIV response, particularly in rural areas like Umzimkhulu, where unemployment is widespread and access to healthcare is limited.
With the aid freeze, these services have been significantly disrupted, leaving communities like Majola’s without vital support.
Nozuko Ngcaweni has been receiving HIV treatment for nearly three decades. Tragically, one of her children also contracted the virus and passed away at the age of 17. She shared how the suspension of aid has already taken a toll on her community, with many individuals missing out on their crucial medication.
“Not long ago, we said by 2030, we want to see an HIV-free generation. But if things remain as is, we will not achieve that. We will have to deal with deaths,” she said.
A provincial manager for the Treatment Action Campaign, Mzamo Zondi, which fights for access to HIV care for the impoverished, has been closely tracking the effects of the aid freeze in Umgungudlovu.
“Our response (to HIV) is likely to falter as we struggle to stop newly infected cases,” he said. “This is a matter of life and death.”
Ghana’s Black Queens have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The draw held on Friday also placed Ghana in competition with Mali and Tanzania as they make their long-awaited return to the tournament after missing out on the last two editions.
In other groups, record champions Nigeria will contend with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B, while hosts and 2022 finalists Morocco face Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo in Group A.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, alongside the two best third-placed teams.
The Black Queens are not only aiming for continental glory but also seeking to end an 18-year absence from the FIFA Women’s World Cup. A semifinal finish at WAFCON would secure them a spot at the global tournament.
The 2024 WAFCON will take place from July 5 to 26, offering a competitive platform for Africa’s top women’s football teams.
Ghanaian musician and cultural ambassador,Okyeame Kwame,turned heads at the 2024 Earthshot Prize in South Africa with his striking traditional attire.
On November 6, 2024, the artist showcased Ghanaian heritage through his elegant kente ensemble, paired with regal accessories, as he stood alongside Prince William of Wales.
A Facebook post from Okyeame Kwame highlighted the moment, featuring him proudly representing Ghanaian culture on the global stage.
“Standing Next to Prince William of Wales, I was honoured. When I was invited to the #EarthshotPrize awards, I came to ask you, my wise counsel, whether I should wear a suit or represent as an African prince. 90% of you suggested I wear my kente. So you I listened to advice and threw on my Bonwire kente.
In fact, everybody wanted to take a picture with me. I have come to say thank you for advising me that #madeinghana is the way. Thank you to earthshot prize and multi choice group for organizing the programme. Thank you @princeandprincessofwales for the invitational,” he wrote.
The Earthshot Prize recognizes individuals and organizations tackling climate change and environmental challenges with groundbreaking ideas.
In 2024, the winners were unveiled during a glamorous event in Cape Town, South Africa. The ceremony was hosted by celebrated entertainer Billy Porter, known for his Emmy, Grammy, and Tony wins, alongside renowned television personality Bonang Matheba.
Launched in 2021, theEarthshot Prize drawsinspiration from former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot initiative, which dared scientists to achieve the ambitious goal of sending astronauts to the moon and bringing them back safely.
South Africa has shut down one of its major border crossings with Mozambique due to violent protests that erupted after the country’s recent elections.
The protests, sparked by last month’s controversial presidential election, have resulted in deadly confrontations across several cities in Mozambique, where the ruling Frelimo party claimed victory.
Authorities have received reports of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo port of entry.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” the South African border agency said.
Lebombo, one of the four most heavily trafficked land ports in southern Africa, is located roughly 110 km (68 miles) from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, and about 440 km from Pretoria, the capital of South Africa.
Travelers have been urged to seek alternative border crossings between the two nations.
Violence had spread to Ressano Garcia, a small area in Maputo province, near Lebombo, said Michael Masiapato, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner.
Mr Masiapato said the South African side was not affected, but safety measures needed to be taken.
“Some buildings have been set alight. At the moment we are working on securing the Lebombo border as well as travellers’ safety,” he said in a statement.
“The border will be closed to ensure the safety of travellers.”
Reports say protesters on the Mozambican side of the border have burnt down an immigration office in that country.
Seven Mozambican officials have requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection, the authorities said.
BMA officials, the South African police and the army have been engaged to stop the protests from spilling over into South Africa.
Demonstrations started at the end of October in Maputo after Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, was officially declared the winner with more than 71% of the vote.
Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who came second with 20% of the vote, went into hiding before the results were announced.
He cited fears for his safety after his aide and lawyer were killed as they were preparing to challenge the results.
The protests have led to violent clashes with the police and at least 18 people have been killed, according to Human Rights Watch.
The internet and social media have also been restricted.
A general strike called by Mondlane has continued, despite the prime minister’s call for people to return to work.
On Tuesday, Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume threatened to deploy the army ahead of nationwide protests called for Thursday.
Chume said the post-election protests were intended “to change the democratically established power”.
In a tragic incident in the remote town ofLusikisiki, South Africa, a mass shooting has claimed the lives of eighteen individuals, prompting a manhunt for the assailants, according to local police.
Authorities reported that two homes on the same street were targeted during the attack. At one location, 12 women and one man were killed, while a second site saw the deaths of three women and another man.
The South African Police Service confirmed that the 18th victim succumbed to injuries in the hospital on Sunday.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stated that the motive behind the shootings remains unclear. In a press release on Sunday, police indicated that, aside from the confirmation of the 18th victim’s death, there have been no significant updates, and no suspects have been arrested yet.
Officials noted that the victims were all relatives and neighbours from Nyathi village, Ngobozana, in Lusikisiki.
Reports from South African media revealed that the victims were gathered at the homes to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony honouring a mother and daughter who had been murdered a year earlier.
They were in the process of organising goods and presents, including furniture, for the ceremony when the shooting occurred on Friday night.
“We heard gunshots and doors that were kicked,” Nomnikelo Ndlovu, one of the residents who was able to hide during the attack, told state broadcaster SABC.
“We tried to hide, and three people were shot. We are still traumatised.”
In a statement on Saturday, the police minister said that there had been a total of 19 people sleeping in two homes in the same yard at one of the shooting locations.
Mchunu added that there had been six survivors at that homestead – four women, a man, and a two-month-old child. A police spokesperson said earlier that the child was uninjured but had been taken to the hospital as a precaution.
There were no survivors at the other homestead.
Mchunu said a team of detectives and forensic experts, including crime scene managers from Pretoria, had been deployed “to piece all [the] evidence together in a bid to apprehend these brutal criminals.”
Regional cabinet member for community safety Xolile Nqatha told SABC that he hoped the critically injured man would make a “speedy” recovery, as “his recovery can help us shed more light” on the shooting.
He also indicated that the attackers might have had some familiarity with the victims.
According to recent statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, South Africa has one of the highest murder rates globally.
In 2022, the country recorded over 27,000 homicides, translating to 45 murders per 100,000 people within a population nearing 60 million.In contrast, the murder rate in the United States stands at six per 100,000.
In South Africa,an instant porridge product has been pulled from the market following the tragic deaths of three young children, who reportedly consumed it.
According to police spokesperson Lt Col Siphokazi Mawisa, the victims, aged between 18 months and four years, experienced stomach pains after eating Top Score Instant Porridge before passing away on Friday.
The Spar supermarket chain, where the porridge was sold, has ordered all its locations to take the product off their shelves.
The porridge’s manufacturer, Namib Mills, a Namibian company, stated that while there is no current evidence linking their product to these tragic incidents, they are treating the situation with utmost seriousness.
They expressed their condolences to the affected families and confirmed that the product will be removed as investigations are underway.
“We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities and have also initiated our own internal investigation to ensure complete transparency,” it said.
The three deceased children belonged to two different families in the Eastern Cape province. Additionally, a seven-year-old child also experienced illness after consuming the porridge but was released from the hospital over the weekend.
Reports indicate that the children had ingested the vanilla-flavoured variety of the instant porridge, leading to the decision to remove all flavours from circulation.
The exact cause of the children’s deaths remains undetermined. According to Bongani Fuzile, a spokesperson for Buffalo City Municipality, samples of the porridge have been sent to the National Health LaboratoryServices for thorough testing and analysis.
A tragic incident unfolded in Lusikisiki, a rural town in South Africa‘s Eastern Cape province, where 17 individuals were killed, including 15 women, during a shooting that occurred on Friday night.
The police have since launched a search for the suspects involved in this heinous act.
Authorities, including national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, reported that the shootings took place at two nearby houses during what local media described as a family gathering.
In one house, 12 women and one man lost their lives, while in the other, three women and one man were killed.
Fortunately, four women, a man, and a two-month-old baby survived the ordeal.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced that a specialized team of detectives and forensic experts has been deployed to investigate the incident.
He expressed confidence in their ability to apprehend those responsible, emphasizing that they would either turn themselves in or be captured by law enforcement.
National police chief Fannie Masemola stated that the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and it is unknown whether one or multiple suspects are involved.
South Africa, home to 62 million people, has seen alarming crime rates, with over 12,700 homicides reported in just the first half of the year, averaging more than 70 murders daily.
Gun violence is a significant contributor to these statistics.
While firearm regulations are in place, the proliferation of illegal and unregistered weapons poses a major challenge to public safety.
This recent shooting reflects a disturbing trend of mass violence in the country, including a previous incident in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2023, where ten family members were killed in a similar fashion.
South Africa triumphed over Argentina in Nelspruit to secure the Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2019. The Springboks delivered a dominant performance, scoring four tries in the first half.
Aphelele Fassi was instrumental, scoring two tries and assisting Cheslin Kolbe, while Pieter-Steph du Toit also scored his first try of the match. Argentina’s only points in the first half came from fly-half Tomas Albornoz.
A critical moment in the second half occurred when Pumas replacement Pablo Matera received a yellow card that was upgraded to a 20-minute red for head contact while trying to clear out Vincent Koch. This dismissal left Argentina vulnerable, and with full-back Santiago Carreras also sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, Malcolm Marx capitalized on the situation to score from the back of a maul.
Du Toit added another try before centre Jesse Kriel finished the scoring, reacting to Handre Pollard’s clever dink kick. The victory allowed the Springboks to avenge their previous week’s narrow one-point loss to Argentina, which had denied them the title a week earlier.
“It has been a journey and a half. After last week the way we stood up says a lot about our team,” said Springboks captain Siya Kolisi in an interview with Sky Sports.
This championship win marks the Springboks’ first full tournament victory since 2009, following a shortened format in 2019 due to the Rugby World Cup, and is their first since Argentina joined the competition. The achievement adds to Rassie Erasmus’ impressive coaching resume, which now includes two World Cups, two Rugby Championships, and a British and Irish Lions tour victory.
Despite the defeat, this championship marked a milestone for the Pumas, as it was the first time they had defeated all three teams in the Rugby Championship, entering the final round with an outside chance of claiming the title. They finished in third place after New Zealand secured the runners-up position by beating Australia earlier that day.
20-year-old student from North Carolina, Brook Cheuvront, who went missing while hiking on South Africa’s Table Mountain has been found dead, authorities confirmed.
The American woman had been in Cape Town for an internship with a local NGO.
She was reported missing on Saturday after the tracking app she was using during her solo hike stopped updating, and she became unreachable.
On Sunday, her body was discovered in the Devil’s Peak area, a mountainous region near Table Mountain, according to police reports.
South African National Parks (SANParks), which oversees Table Mountain, stated that Cheuvront had left her accommodation around noon to begin the hike. Concerned friends alerted police when there were no further updates from her tracking app, and she could not be reached by phone.
Search teams, including rangers and wilderness crews, initiated a rapid search on Saturday but had to halt operations later that evening. Efforts resumed on Sunday, with a helicopter joining the search and eventually spotting her body on the mountain’s slopes.
“The circumstances around the hiker’s death are still being investigated,” SANParks said in a statement.
Police said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the possible cause of death.
SANParks said an investigation into Cheuvront’s death was ongoing.
In a Facebook post, Cheuvront’s father said the family was “devastated.”
“God help me and us,” Steve Cheuvront wrote.
She was a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, interning with a non-governmental organization (NGO).
While South African officials have refuted claims of a crime issue in Table Mountain National Park, they advised hikers in a separate statement to refrain from trekking alone.
Oil conglomerate Trafigura has petitioned Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, over a judgment debt owed by the government, threatening to seize Ghana’s assets in South Africa if the debt remains unsettled.
In its petition submitted on September 23, the energy firm requested an immediate settlement and warned of further legal action to recover the funds if the government fails to comply.
The petition expresses frustration over the government’s delay in resolving the debt, despite multiple attempts at negotiation.
“We would nevertheless like to reiterate the message of our previous correspondence, that we would prefer not to take any further enforcement action and instead to resolve the matter amicably by fully executing the settlement agreement, as soon as possible, ideally within this week, and receiving payment in accordance with the agreed schedule,” the letter read.
Per the letter in question, it is not public knowledge of the exact assets in South Africa that the company seeks to secure.
Reports indicate that Ghana’s Regina House in London, one of the nation’s key commercial properties, has been taken over by Trafigura’s Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC) due to the government’s failure to settle a $134 million judgment debt.
This development follows a prolonged four-year effort by Trafigura to recover funds after Ghana abruptly terminated a power purchase agreement with the energy firm. Despite repeated attempts to secure payment, Trafigura was forced to obtain a ruling from a U.S. District Court, which added $111.4 million in mandatory interest to the arrears, compounding Ghana’s debt and exacerbating its financial obligations.
Bright Simons, the Vice President of Imani Africa, revealed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Regina House has been placed under receivership by Trafigura, an assertion later confirmed by Joy News. Simons claimed that this information had been concealed by the Ghanaian government, stirring further controversy.
In an interview with Joy News, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, acknowledged that Trafigura will remain in control of Regina House until the full debt is settled.
He urged for renewed negotiations to avoid further financial penalties, stating, “Until we pay in full or come into an arrangement to pay them, Trafigura will remain in control over the receivership of the Regina House and its proceeds.” He also admitted that Ghana is facing severe financial challenges.
The legal dispute began on January 26, 2021, when a UK tribunal awarded GPGC $134.3 million after determining that Ghana had breached its contractual obligations by terminating a power purchase agreement on February 18, 2018.
Although Ghana argued that GPGC failed to meet certain contractual conditions, the tribunal disagreed, awarding GPGC damages based on an Early Termination Payment formula. The tribunal’s award included an interest rate of six-month USD LIBOR plus 6% and reimbursement of GPGC’s arbitration costs amounting to $3.3 million. Although Ghana made partial payments totaling $1.89 million, a significant balance remains unpaid.
In a bid to recover the remaining funds, GPGC filed a case in the U.S. District Court in January 2024 under the New York Convention, seeking to enforce the arbitral award. Ghana failed to respond to the court’s petition and missed the March 29, 2024 deadline, leading to a ruling in GPGC’s favor.
Chief Judge James E. Boasberg confirmed that the U.S. court had jurisdiction under the New York Convention, which requires member states to recognize and enforce arbitral awards, regardless of location or nationality.
While the U.S. court did not grant pre-judgment interest, it awarded post-judgment interest at a rate specified under U.S. law, further increasing Ghana’s financial burden. As a result, Trafigura now controls Regina House until Ghana can resolve the debt crisis.
The stability of South Africa’s uneasy coalition government is about to face a major test as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to sign new education reforms into law during a public ceremony on Friday.
In the run-up to May’s general election, which led to the African National Congress (ANC) forming a coalition, the two main partners had clashed over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill.
Despite now sharing power, the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) remain at odds over the bill’s provisions.
DA leader John Steenhuisen has warned that if the signing proceeds, the party will “have to consider all of our options on the way forward”.
What is in the Bela bill?
The contested bill, which was passed by the ANC-majority parliament shortly before the election, introduces several significant and controversial changes to current education legislation.
Key reforms include:
– School admissions and the language of instruction will be regulated nationally
– Home schooling will be regulated
– Parents who fail to ensure their child is in school may face jail Grade R, for four and five-year-olds, will be the new compulsory school starting level – a year earlier than currently
– The abolition of corporal punishment will be backed by fines and possibly jail time for those who administer it
The ANC says the changes are necessary in order to transform the education system and address continued inequalities.
Why is there such fierce opposition?
The clause which has caused the most controversy is the one concerning strengthening government oversight over language and admission policies.
This is a sensitive topic relating to racial integration.
The previous ANC government argued that language and other admission criteria were being used to “derail access to schools [for] the majority of learners”.
Although apartheid, a system of legally enforced racism, ended over thirty years ago, its legacy continues to affect certain areas of education.
While the legislation does not explicitly address Afrikaans, the ANC argues that some children are being barred from schools where Afrikaans, the language of the white-minority Afrikaners, is the medium of instruction.
The DA has supported the right of school governing bodies to establish their own language policies, citing constitutional provisions and the importance of learning in one’s native language.
The most vocal opposition has emerged from the Afrikaans-speaking community.
Civil rights group AfriForum has described the bill as an attack against Afrikaans education and has said it remains committed to opposing the legislation as “it poses a threat to the continued existence of Afrikaans schools and quality education”.
The Freedom Front Plus – another one of the 10 parties in the coalition government and seen as representing the interests of Afrikaners – is also opposed to Bela. It called it “ill-conceived”, saying it would “cause needless uncertainty and disputes about clearly established rights and responsibilities related to Basic Education”.
Some are also concerned about the reforms to home schooling. There are currently many unregulated schools popular with the middle classes because of the poor state of government schools.
These are allowed to continue through a loophole in the current law where the students are registered as “home learners” and the teachers offer “tuition”. But through the Bela bill, the government wants to close the loophole and ensure they are regulated like state schools.
Could this threaten the coalition government?
After the ANC lost its outright majority in parliament, it needed coalition partners to remain in power.
It reached a deal with its long-time opponent, the DA, and eight other parties to form the Government of National Unity.
Steenhuisen, who is the agriculture minister, has said that enacting the Bela bill would violate “the letter and spirit” of the coalition agreement as the DA had made it clear that the bill was unacceptable “in its current form”.
But he does not yet appear to be pulling the plug on the coalition.
On Thursday, the DA leader said conflict over policy was not necessarily “an existential threat to the government”, echoing similar comments from the president’s spokesperson.
But Steenhuisen said this did not mean it would never walk away, especially if the ANC was “trashing the constitution”. The DA has said it has some simple amendments to the bill which would make it acceptable and, as it sees it, bring it in line with the constitution. However, these have not been incorporated in the bill signed by President Ramaphosa.
The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Jeanet Grace Mason, has emphasized the beneficial effects of the newly implemented visa-waiver policy.
She revealed that the policy has resulted in a notable rise in the number of Ghanaian tourists visiting South Africa.
“I am thrilled to report that Ghanaian tourist arrivals in South Africa have surged by an impressive 249 percent month-on-month since November 2023.
“Year-to-date, we have seen a remarkable 31 percent increase in tourist arrivals from Ghana. This follows the introduction of a visa-waiver, making it easier for Ghanaians to visit and explore all that South Africa has to offer,” she indicated.
At a recent corporate networking event in Accra, South African High Commissioner Jeanet Grace Mason shared the positive impact of the new visa-waiver policy, which has notably increased Ghanaian tourist visits to South Africa.
The event, organized by the South African High Commission and South African Tourism, aimed to enhance business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Mason emphasized South Africa’s dedication to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Ghana, while also celebrating the recent tourism growth.
Despite these successes, she acknowledged ongoing challenges in further boosting tourism between the nations.
“We are highly aware of the barriers that still exist – such as concerns over accessibility, affordability and perceptions of safety and security,” she said.
She further noted that to tackle these challenges, South African Airways currently operates three weekly flights from Ghana, with plans to expand to four flights per week.
This increase in capacity is intended to lower travel costs and enhance accessibility to South Africa for both Ghanaian tourists and business travelers.
“South Africa is not just a destination but an experience that leaves an indelible mark on visitors,” she emphasised, underscoring the country’s diverse offerings – from world-renowned safaris and pristine beaches to vibrant urban settings and rich cultural heritage.
On his part, Regional Head of South African Tourism in West Africa, Thekiso Rakolojane, emphasized that the visa-waiver has not only streamlined travel procedures but has also fostered increased engagement and exploration between South Africa and Ghana.
“The visa-waiver allows for hassle-free conferences and business events in South Africa. We invite Ghanaian businesses to explore opportunities for training, incentives and conferences in our country.
“The result has been a near-300 percent growth in tourist arrivals from Ghana, showcasing the success of this policy in boosting bilateral tourism,” he reiterated.
He also challenged Ghana to attract more South African visitors, stating: “Ghana tourism is doing some amazing work in South Africa. We believe there is much more that can be done to promote Ghana to South Africans. South Africans love the history behind Ghana, and there are endless opportunities for collaboration”.
South Africa is mourning the loss of William Smith, a cherished educator known for his profound impact on mathematics and science education.
Smith, who passed away at the age of 85 after a brief battle with cancer, was widely admired for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to his students.
For many years, Smith hosted a popular educational program on SABC, South Africa’s national broadcaster, which resonated deeply with countless viewers across the country.
His engaging approach to teaching earned him significant recognition, including a prestigious national award in 2019 from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This accolade celebrated Smith’s remarkable efforts in making complex subjects like mathematics and science accessible and understandable to students.
Smith’s passing has prompted a wave of tributes from those who remember him as a beloved and influential figure in education. His legacy continues to inspire educators and students alike, reflecting his lasting impact on South African education.
President Ramaphosa described the “favourite teacher” as “an education and cultural icon to our nation”.
“William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy and the dawn of a new dispensation of equal education,” he said.
William Smith is celebrated for revolutionizing mathematics and science education with his pioneering 1990s TV show, Learning Channel.
Smith successfully persuaded SABC to broadcast this innovative program, which made high-quality education freely accessible to millions of South African children.
The South African presidency has described Learning Channel as a transformative initiative, akin to an open-access school offering instruction in physical science, mathematics, biology, and English.
For many underprivileged students, this program provided crucial extra lessons and was often their sole source of quality education.
One notable viewer, Johan Ferreira, who is now a professor in the statistics department at the University of Pretoria, was among those who benefited from Smith’s groundbreaking work.
He told the BBC that Mr Smith had an “astounding effect”, adding that “the inspiration that he elicited [showed] that anyone is able to or can understand science”.
He stated that the document is part of an ongoing hate campaign against the Ofori Panin household and Okyeman.
Speaking at a meeting of the Akyem Abuakwa State Council, the Okyenhene urged his people and all Ghanaians to dismiss the document, questioning the motives and sanity of those behind its creation.
The King of Akyem Abuakwa emphasized that the Ofori Panin Fie has always held a prominent position and has not engaged in any recent activities that would justify accusations of self-aggrandizement.
According to the Okyenhene, the Eastern Region had greater representation in former President Kufuor’s cabinet than in President Akufo-Addo’s, suggesting that the controversy aims to incite animosity towards the Akyem people.
He recalled similar tactics used during J.B. Danquah’s era and in 2016 when a document known as the “Akyem Project” was circulated to stir up discord between Okyeman and Asanteman.
The Okyenhene also dismissed rumors about his wealth.
“I have heard things in recent times. The funniest of it is that I am the richest chief in Ghana. I mean how? Anyway, when anyone regards you as a rich person, you must receive it. I receive it.”
About the Agyapadie book
The Agyapadie book is a controversial document that has been circulating in Ghana, sparking debates and concerns among various groups.
The document allegedly outlines a strategy for the Akyem people to dominate Ghana’s economy, politics, and social structures. It’s claimed to contain plans for Akyems to control key sectors, including finance, commerce, and industry.
The book’s origins are unclear, but it’s believed to have been created by unknown individuals or groups.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has rejected the document’s authenticity and discredited its contents. He’s labeled it a fabrication and part of a long-standing hate campaign against the Ofori Panin household and Okyeman.
South African police have arrestedfour individuals, including two Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-dollar drug manufacturing operation on a farm in the country’s northern region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, conducted a raid in Groblersdal after receiving tips about suspicious activities at the site, according to an SAPS statement.
During the raid, authorities searched four buildings on the farm and uncovered large quantities of chemicals used in producing illicit drugs, such as acetone and crystal meth, with an estimated street value of 2 billion South African rand ($109.4 million).
Among those arrested on Friday were the farm owner and two Mexican nationals. The police have indicated that further arrests could be possible as the investigation continues.
“What makes this different from other [seizures] is the involvement of Mexican citizens,” Katlego Mogale, national spokesperson for the Hawks told Reuters, adding: “It means that our task has just become very difficult.”
Police found large quantities of chemicals used to make illicit drugs including acetone and crystal meth
It remains unclear whether the drugs seized were intended for the South African market or for export.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that its embassy in South Africa has “not received the respective consular notification” and is working with local authorities to gather more information about the case and the involvement of the Mexican nationals.
The suspects are set to appear in Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of illicit drugs, according to the police service.
Since 2019, police have reported shutting down approximately 131 drug laboratories nationwide. Last year, more than 19,000 individuals were arrested for drug possession during the festive season.
This year, the Hawks have identified 10 clandestine drug labs and made 34 arrests as part of their ongoing crackdown on drug-related crimes, the statement noted.
South Africa is dubbed as potentially one of the “largest meth consumer markets in the world,” researchers at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlighted in a 2021 report.
Former captain of South Africa’s national football team, Portia Modise, has reached out to her supporters for assistance in recovering her vehicle after a hijacking incident outside her residence in Soweto.
In a video shared on Instagram, Modise recounted being accosted at gunpoint by “individuals “boys” who confiscated her phone, keys, and made off with her car.
The Portia Modise Foundation expressed concern over the trauma endured by the retired Banyana Banyana star.
Modise, who retired from professional football in 2015, holds the distinction of being the first African footballer to score 100 international goals.
“When I arrived home… there were a few guys who pointed firearms at me and hijacked me… I am not OK but I am grateful for life.”
She goes on to give the registration details of her stolen vehicle, urging people to call her if they spot it.
“If anybody has seen this car, it’s a blue Polo Golf – that is my car,” she says.
Despite the widespread support and solidarity shown by fans and supporters in response to the video, Portia Modise’s car has yet to be located.
Modise, who started her international career at the age of 16 in 2000, holds a record number of appearances for Banyana Banyana.
Her achievements include a nomination for the FIFA Player of the Year award in 2005, and a subsequent Player of the Tournament accolade at the African Women’s Championship the following year.
Currently, Modise has transitioned into coaching, continuing to contribute to football beyond her illustrious playing career.
Former gangster and bank robber Gayton McKenzie, who transformed into a nightclub owner and opposition politician, has now been appointed asSouth Africa’s minister of sports, arts, and culture.
President Cyril Ramaphosa selected Mr. McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), for the position in the new multi-party government announced on Sunday, following the African National Congress (ANC) losing its parliamentary majority in the May 29 election.
A prolific tweeter, the 50-year-od relished his appointment, posting a photo of himself putting on football boots and, with a touch of humour, typed: “Thank you for all the well wishing messages, I will reply shortly I’m just busy getting ready, I have work to do 🥅 ⚽️.”
For Mr. McKenzie’s admirers, his appointment is a testament to how he overcame adversity to achieve success. He robbed his first bank before turning 16, became a fully-fledged gangster, and spent seven years in prison.
Following his release, he vowed to change his ways.
However, the nightclub he owned was later shut down, as was a branch in Cape Town registered in his name, following legal action over alleged unpaid rent and electricity, according to the IOL news site.
“I’m not interested in clubbing. I’m busy with other projects. We killed the Zar brand – there are no future plans [for Zar],” Mr McKenzie was quoted as saying at the time.
Nowadays, he is better known as a politician, having launched the Patriotic Alliance (PA) in 2013 with Mr. Kunene as his deputy. More than a decade later, the party secured 2% of the national vote and performed even better in the provincial elections in the Western Cape, achieving 8%.
The party’s support primarily came from the coloured community, as people of mixed race are referred to in South Africa.
The PA’s signature slogan is “Ons baiza nie”, an Afrikaans phrase which loosely translates as “We are not scared”. Afrikaans is widely spoken in the coloured community, which makes up around 8% of South Africa’s population.
“For the first time there is coloured people also going to parliament through the Patriotic Alliance. We are the only party that takes all races to parliament,” Mr McKenzie said, after the results were announced.
Political analyst Kagiso Pooe told the BBC that Mr McKenzie had a “bravado” style, which appeals to his constituency.
“People want to believe and see someone that comes from their type of background and isn’t shy to say: ‘This is who I am.’ You see it with people likePresident Zuma, President Trumpand other such personalities,” he said.
Mr McKenzie’s campaign against undocumented migrants was a vote-winner for him, the analyst added.
“Unfortunately, mainstream politicians and parties have shied away from this and he tackles it directly.”
Critics denounced his campaign as xenophobic. He waged it under the slogan “Abahambe”, which he has translated from the Zulu as “Let them go” – and, in a publicity stunt, he visited the border with Zimbabwe to chase away people trying to enter South Africa.
He faced accusations of hypocrisy, as critics highlighted a 2013 SABC interview where he described immigrants from other parts of Africa, including Zimbabwe, as an “integral” part of South Africa’s economy. In the same interview, he controversially stated, “the problem with us is – black people I’m talking about here – we are lazy.”
As Mr. Ramaphosa began negotiations for a coalition government, Mr. McKenzie publicly expressed his desire for his deputy to run the home affairs ministry, which oversees immigration. He also sought the police ministry for himself, arguing that his previous life as a gangster uniquely positioned him to address South Africa’s high crime rate.
“None of them [other politicians] are equipped to deal with the mafias, with the murder rates we are seeing. South Africa needs me,” he was quoted as saying by the TimesLive news site.
He was unperturbed when he failed to get the post, saying he had in fact asked for the sports ministry in “off-the-record” negotiations with the ANC. “Sport can be used to change children’s lives. A child in sport is a child out of court,” he said.
“There’s one promise I’ve made: I will make spinning [of cars] one of the biggest sports in this country,” he added in a live Facebook post.
Car spinning is a recognised motorsport in South Africa – it involves vehicles being driven in circles and a driver climbing out to perform stunts.
But there are many unregulated events and as IOL sports journalist John Goliath wrote, stigma still surrounds it as a lot of people in the coloured, Indian and black townships often do spinning in the streets, which is viewed as dangerous.
“The spinning of tyres started in the townships as a ritual to honour fallen gangsters during the apartheid era,” he said.
Mr McKenzie has promised to make it possible for car spinning to take place in a safe environment, and to help keep young people away from gangsterism and drugs. “The spinners will be recognised,” he said, adding: “When a boy has an interest in cars, he doesn’t have time for drugs. He just worries about his car.”
But Mr Ramaphosa’s decision to give Mr Mckenzie a seat in his cabinet is politically risky, as he is at the centre of an investigation ordered by the Western Cape government. It is controlled by the Democratic Alliance (DA), a fierce political rival of the PA, although they are now partners in Mr Ramaphosa’s government.
Until last year, Mr McKenzie was the mayor of Central Karoo, and was accused of failing to account for 3m rand ($161,000, £127,000) raised at a glitzy gala dinner in 2022 to improve public services, including repairing swimming pools and replacing bucket toilets.
According to local media, a court ordered him last month – just weeks before his promotion to the cabinet – to declare certain financial records to investigators.
While the PA described the ruling as “flawed”, the DA welcomed it, saying Mr McKenzie would “soon learn that corruption does not pay off”.
The DA kept up the pressure by picketing last week in the small town of Beaufort West, which is part of Central Karoo, to demand answers about the money.
Mr McKenzie said in a post on X that he intended to visit the area to give “feedback”.
“The truth shall come out. I have nothing to hide,” he said, adding: “Lies have short legs.”
“I might have had 12 rand in my pocket but I had billion rand in my mind. And that is what people do not understand – they concentrate on what they lack instead of how to get what they lack,” he said in a 2013 interview with public broadcaster SABC.
He became a highly paid motivational speaker and authored several books about his life, including“A Hustler’s Bible.” He also ventured into various businesses, ranging from mining in Zimbabwe to running nightclubs in South Africa, partnering with Kenny Kunene, his close friend from prison.
Mr. Kunene gained the nickname “Sushi King” after his extravagant 40th birthday party at the Zar Lounge nightclub in a wealthy Johannesburg suburb, where sushi was served on the bodies of women dressed only in their underwear.
Veteran Highlife musician Rex Omar has firmly stated that he would not advise his children to pursue a music career in Ghana, pointing out the numerous challenges and disappointments in the industry.
During an interview with Accra-based 3FM, Omar shared his personal struggles and the systemic obstacles faced by Ghanaian musicians, especially on the global stage.
When asked if he would encourage his children to enter the music industry, he replied decisively, “no.” Despite their musical talents, he has managed to steer them away from a professional music path.
“None of my children are into music. I didn’t impose it on them. I told them the truth. They understand that if you play around with music as a Ghanaian, music will disappoint you,” he stated.
Omar recounted his experiences touring South Africa and other countries, where he observed a lack of support from the Ghanaian government. While other artists were greeted with significant support from their embassies, including branded vehicles, he often found himself without any such backing.
“I realized how exposed I am as an artist. It brought my spirit down,” he shared.
He mentioned an instance where he sought assistance from the Minister of Tourism for a tour, but received minimal aid.
“Today, tomorrow, today, tomorrow, today, tomorrow. He said they could sponsor one person, but even with that, I went on the tour for five months. I came back two months later before I was given something small. And even that something small, with the ups and downs, I nearly left it,” he explained.
Rex Omar believes that the industry has neglected its artists, making it difficult for them to achieve international success without a solid support system.
South Africa has entered a “new era,” announcedPresident Cyril Ramaphosaas he was inaugurated for his second full term.
Despite the African National Congress (ANC) not achieving a parliamentary majority in last month’s election, Ramaphosa remains in power.
The ANC formed a coalition with its long-time rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other parties to govern. In his inauguration speech, Ramaphosa commended this coalition but cautioned that failure to address deep inequalities could lead to instability in the country.
“Through the ballots that they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together,” President Ramaphosa, 71, said solemnly. “They have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.”
Among those in attendance were the leaders of Nigeria, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo-Brazzaville, and Eswatini, who gathered in the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre outside the Union Building in Pretoria. A large crowd assembled outside the government’s official seat, waving national flags.
Under a crisp blue winter sky, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office to President Cyril Ramaphosa. This event marks a significant moment for South Africa, highlighting Ramaphosa’s journey from union leader to mine boss to president, and underscores the unity deal as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
“I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa… I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic,” the president said.
A band performed the national anthem, followed by a 21-gun salute and an army helicopter fly-past. The African National Congress (ANC), which has ruled since the end of apartheid in 1994, lost its majority for the first time after the May 29 election yielded no clear winner.
The ANC secured 40% of the vote, a 17 percentage point drop, losing 70 seats in parliament. Lawmakers re-elected Mr. Ramaphosa after the ANC formed a power-sharing agreement with the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA), which received 22% of the vote, and three smaller parties.
The DA, the ANC’s main new governing partner, holds free-market ideologies that conflict with the ANC’s social welfare traditions and is often perceived as serving the interests of the white minority, an allegation it denies. Despite their differences, both parties are united in their goal to repair the country’s infrastructure, ensure basic services like water and power, and create jobs.
This coalition represents a shift towards the political center, as the ANC’s left-wing and populist breakaway factions declined the invitation to join a national unity government.
In his address, Mr. Ramaphosa assured South Africans that the coalition is dedicated to reducing inequalities and fostering economic growth. He also highlighted the stark divisions between the affluent and the impoverished within the country.
Despite progress, “our society remains deeply unequal and highly polarized,” he said.
“There are toxic cleavages and an incipient social fragmentation that can easily turn into instability.” And he warned against “those who seek to stand in our way, to inflame tensions” and “undermine our institutions.” They will not succeed because South Africans are resolute, he said.
Mr Ramaphosa did not say to whom he was referring. But the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party formed six months ago by former President Jacob Zuma didn’t attend what it called the “farcical” inauguration. The party, which won 15% of votes and obtained 58 parliamentary seats, also boycotted parliament’s first sitting last Friday.
It has since joined a counter-coalition of opposition parties, vowing to oppose the policies of what Mr Zuma described as an “unholy alliance” between black and white elites to benefit the markets, not the people. It “must be crushed before it finds its feet,” he said, “in the streets, in the courts and in parliament.”
MK has stated that its protests will be peaceful, though concerns remain that Mr. Zuma’s stance could incite violence among his supporters, who previously instigated deadly riots in July 2021 following his imprisonment for refusing to testify at a public inquiry into corruption during his presidency.
President Ramaphosa is expected to appoint a cabinet in the coming days, incorporating members from the DA and three other smaller parties, collectively holding 68% of the parliamentary seats. Following this, the president is anticipated to outline policies aimed at reviving the struggling economy.
The coalition faces several challenges, including potential ideological clashes within the alliance, dissatisfaction from left-wing elements within the ANC, and the threat of volatile political opposition. Despite these obstacles, many South Africans are hopeful for the coalition’s success.
“This is a moment when we must choose to either move forward together,” Mr Ramaphosa said “or risk losing all we have built.” The former trade unionist and business tycoon first became president in 2018 when his predecessor, Mr Zuma, was forced to resign because of corruption allegations. Mr Zuma has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
South Africa’s health minister,Joe Phaahla, has announced a second death from monkey pox (mpox) less than 24 hours after the country reported its first fatality from the virus.
The deceased men, aged 37 and 38, tested positive for the virus, according to Mr. Phaahla.
Mr. Phaahla further disclosed that South Africa has recorded six cases of mpox this year: two in Gauteng and four in KwaZulu-Natal.
All cases were severe, requiring hospitalisation, and involved men aged between 30 and 39 who had not traveled to countries experiencing outbreaks, indicating local transmission of the disease.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection spread through close contact.
Symptoms typically start with fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, and muscle aches, which may progress to a rash.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency during a 2022 outbreak, reporting has shown continued low levels of cases in certain countries even after the emergency was lifted last year.
“One death is too many, especially from a preventable and manageable disease,” Mr Phaahla said on Wednesday, urging those with suspected symptoms to seek medical attention and help trace contacts.
According to Mr. Phaahla, the six patients diagnosed with mpox since the beginning of May had pre-existing immunodeficiencies.
The virus has been documented in over 100 countries since 2022.
Of those infected, two have been discharged home, while two are still hospitalised. Close contacts of the deceased individuals will undergo a 21-day monitoring period.
The first human case of mpox was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, where the disease continues to be endemic, as stated by theWorld Health Organisation (WHO).
Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to an injury, the Nigeria Football Federation announced on Tuesday.
While the federation did not disclose specifics about the injury, it stated that the 25-year-old Napoli striker will be sidelined for four weeks.
Osimhen will be absent for the matches against South Africa in Uyo on June 7 and Benin in Ivory Coast on June 10.
His absence presents a challenge for recently appointed head coach Finidi George, who is aiming to get the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign back on track following unexpected 1-1 draws with Lesotho at home and Zimbabwe in Rwanda.
The Constitutional Court decided that the rule in the constitution that stops people who have been given a prison sentence of more than 12 months from running for Parliament also applies to the 82-year-old former leader. Zuma was sent to jail for 15 months in 2021 because he didn’t want to answer questions at a trial about corruption in the government.
The court said that Zuma cannot be a lawmaker for five years after he finishes his sentence. They made this decision nine days before the May 29 election.
Zuma used to lead South Africa’s African National Congress party but was told to leave in 2017. He also quit as president in 2018 because people thought he was involved in corruption.
He came back to politics last year with a new party and started criticizing the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa again. Ramaphosa took over as the leader of the party and president after him.
The upcoming election in South Africa is very important, possibly the most important in 30 years. The ANC, the ruling party since the end of apartheid in 1994, is facing a big challenge.
The ANC is having a hard time keeping its majority in parliament, and the election could make it form a government with other political parties. That would be the biggest change in the country’s politics since apartheid was ended and everyone was allowed to vote.
The court decision does not stop Zuma’s party, the MK Party, from participating in the election.
Zuma is on the party’s election posters and is the main person in its campaign. The group in charge of elections in South Africa said Zuma’s picture can stay on the party’s election clothing, but his name won’t be on the list of people they want to run for office.
In South Africa, people don’t choose their president directly. Instead, they vote for political parties. Those political groups will have seats in the government based on how many votes they received. Lawmakers choose the president based on which party has the most members. Since 1994, the ANC has always been in charge, but this time, if it doesn’t get more than 50% of the votes, it will need to work with other political parties to stay in power and reelect Ramaphosa for another term.
Zuma’s MK Party could take away more of the ANC’s votes and make it difficult for the ruling party to stay in power.
Zuma still has a lot of people who support him. The court’s decision has made things more tense politically, especially after some MK Party officials said they would not accept any decision that stops Zuma from running for office.
Ramaphosa told Radio 702 that he did not think the decision would make people angry, but he also said that if there was any chance of violence, the security forces are prepared.
Since 1994, South Africa has been having fair and peaceful elections.
Zuma was not allowed to run for Parliament at first. He won the case at the Electoral Court after challenging their decision. Monday’s decision changed the previous outcome and confirmed that he is disqualified.
Zuma led South Africa for almost 10 years from 2009-18, but he resigned because the ANC wanted him to. There were claims that the government was very corrupt. He was asked to speak at a formal investigation about the claims of corruption, but he said no. That caused him to be punished for disrespect.
The sentence showed that Zuma still has power in some areas of South Africa. This caused a week of stealing and fighting in two provinces. More than 350 people died, making it one of the worst times of violence in the country since the end of apartheid. Zuma got out of prison early because he was sick after only serving two months of his 15-month sentence.
Zuma has been accused of doing something wrong in a different case that is about things he did before he became president. He is supposed to go to court next April for those charges and has said he did not do it.
Rescue operations at the George building collapse site in South Africa have ceased, leaving 19 individuals still missing.
The collapse, which occurred on May 6, claimed the lives of at least 33 construction workers. Fortunately, 29 survivors were rescued from the rubble.
The building is now under investigation to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, after visiting the site on Thursday, promised compensation for the victims and assured accountability once the investigation concludes.
South Africa’s unemployment rate has climbed to 32.9% in the first quarter of this year, according to the national statistics body.
This marks a 0.8% increase from the previous quarter of 2023.
The country is grappling with one of the highest unemployment rates globally, with one in two young South Africans and 60% of the population living below the poverty line.
The rise in unemployment, along with issues of corruption and economic inequalities, are key topics in the upcoming elections.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), in power since the end of apartheid in 1994, faces criticism over its economic policies. Some polls suggest that the ANC might receive less than 50% of the vote for the first time.
South Africa’s primary opposition party, along with several labor and business organizations, has announced their intention to initiate legal proceedings against a bill designed to establish universal health coverage.
Previously, we reported that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was scheduled to sign the controversial proposal into law on Wednesday.
The National Health Insurance (NHI) bill aims to grant all South Africans, regardless of race, wealth, or legal residency status, access to high-quality healthcare. Its implementation is estimated to require billions of dollars.
On Tuesday, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party stated that his party would contest the legislation “up to the Constitutional Court”.
“Our legal team was instructed several months ago and will promptly file our legal challenge against this harmful legislation,” John Steenhuisen remarked.
Additionally, the trade union Solidariteit declared that it had notified Mr. Ramaphosa of its intention to challenge the bill “within an hour” of its signing on Wednesday.
The South African Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC), representing 25,000 healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors, is reported by Reuters to be considering a legal challenge.
According to Reuters, the group expressed concerns that the bill would “retreat, rather than advance, equitable, high-quality healthcare in South Africa”.
Proponents of the bill view it as a transformative measure that will address long-standing disparities.
The South African Medical Association Trade Union, which represents most public sector doctors, called it “a monumental shift towards achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that every South African has access to quality healthcare irrespective of their socio-economic status”.
A recent investigative report by a prominent news portal in South Africa, News24, has raised allegations of bribery involving a local company engaged in projects in Ghana.
According to the report, Tamale South Member of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, is implicated in the scandal, with accusations suggesting he received bribes totaling over US$2.5 million (equivalent to 47 million rands).
The focus of the investigation centers on Rushil and Nishani Singh, siblings who operated the Ghana Infrastructure Company (GIC) from 2017 to 2022.
Details from the report outline various instances where substantial sums of money were allegedly transferred to Haruna through intermediaries, with some funds purportedly used to finance projects associated with him.
“Between 2015 and 2020, Nishani Singh used several methods to pay Idrissu directly, or to others at his request or for his benefit, at least R47 million.
“The majority of the money was paid directly from GIC’s account to various suppliers, or to GIC’s director in Ghana, Asumah Dokurugu,” the report said adding that the amount was exclusive of “amounts paid for several overseas trips to London and at least one trip to Indonesia and South Africa.”
However, Haruna Iddrisu has refuted these claims stating that “To be clear, and for the avoidance of doubt, I have never at any point in time, received personally, directed to be paid to, benefited from, or been aware of, any unlawful, illegal or immoral payments made by either GIC or the Singhs. Also, I have never brokered any deals to benefit GIC and/or the Singhs”.
Read Haruna Iddrisu’s statement:
Re: Murray Murders: The Singhs’ R1bn Ghanaian Empire that the Murrays threatened to destroy
My attention has been drawn to the above-titled publication published on 13 May 2024, by News24, a South African news website on its portal, www.news24.com. In my long public service career, I have grown accustomed to being the subject of false publications that seek to impugn my reputation, or in one way or the other, implicate me in matters that I am clueless about. Generally, I have considered attempts of this nature to be a hazard of the job and have usually ignored them. However, the allegations contained in this particular publication, which has sought to implicate me in bribery allegations, which according to News24, in an attempt to cover up, has led to the death of two persons, are so grave that I cannot help but respond.
In this publication, I have been described as “the Singhs’ closest associate” and described as being responsible for brokering contracts worth over GHS 400 million to their company, Ghana Infrastructure Company (“GIC”), in exchange for money. In making these allegations which I do not take lightly, New24, after its supposedly painstaking investigation, fails to show that I indeed received any monies from the Singhs’ or GIC. All it resorts to are fabrications and colourful storytelling in its attempts to forcefully include me in its publication. I am neither a director nor a shareholder of GIC, neither am I involved in its management.
In all, even though I am alleged to have received Forty-Seven Million Rand (R47 million), the breakdown of the alleged receipts shows the fanciful nature of the allegations made by New24, following its supposedly elaborate investigation.
Payments that were made to one Asumah Dokurugu, GIC’s director in Ghana, various suppliers, and political campaigns are for some reason being attributed to me without any basis. New24 also seeks to forcefully implicate me on an irrational basis regarding the association of my name to the Haruna Institute. For the record, the Haruna Institute does not operate a bank account and only survives on members’ contributions.
Finally, in its desperation, News24, further states that GIC paid for the construction of my house and funded several foreign trips for me. Conspicuously missing in all these claims, is any suggestion or claim that there is any proof that I received these alleged payments, betraying the bad faith intent of the publication, which has sought to put square pegs in round holes just to use my name to create traction for its portal.
To be clear, and for the avoidance of doubt, I have never at any point in time, received personally, directed to be paid to, benefited from, or been aware of, any unlawful, illegal or immoral payments made by either GIC or the Singhs. Also, I have never brokered any deals to benefit GIC and/or the Singhs.
Curiously, News24 in trying to create the impression that it reached out to me for comments, indicates that I ignored posts on my active social media pages. This further shows the bad faith approach, and honestly, puts in question the supposedly in-depth nature of its investigation. I have had occasion in the past to publicly indicate that I have no social media accounts and that the general public should disregard any accounts associated with my name. A simple Google search on my social media presence leads you to several posts by media outlets on this. It is therefore questionable that a supposedly reputable media outlet would after using its hallowed investigative skills, seek to reach me through social media accounts unrelated to me.
I vehemently deny these allegations and categorically refute any implication of wrongdoing. This unfounded allegation not only seeks to tarnish my reputation but also undermines the trust and integrity of my office as the Member of Parliament for the people of Tamale South. As a responsible member of parliament, I am committed to upholding the highest standard of ethics and transparency. I have always conducted myself with integrity and have never engaged in any form of corrupt behaviour. In light of these unfounded claims, I demand that the accuser provide concrete evidence to support their accusations. Any allegation of corruption must be backed by factual evidence rather than mere speculation or hearsay.
I do not know what may have motivated this false and unjustified attempt to denigrate my image, but rest assured that I do not intend to treat these false allegations lightly. I have promptly referred this matter to my lawyers and eagerly await their advice on the next steps to be taken. It is time that we held media outlets to high journalistic standards and quell the abuse of journalistic privileges. I will not succumb to cheap blackmail.
A prominent news portal in South Africa, News24, has released a report alleging that an indigenous company involved in projects in Ghana paid bribes to high-ranking politicians.
Specifically, the report implicates Tamale South Member of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, who is alleged to have received bribes exceeding US$2.5 million (47 million rands).
The investigative report by News24 focuses on the activities of siblings Rushil and Nishani Singh, who operated the Ghana Infrastructure Company (GIC) from 2017 to 2022.
Segments of the report detail how various sums of money were transferred to Haruna through intermediaries and, in some instances, provided financial backing for projects associated with him.
“Between 2015 and 2020, Nishani Singh used several methods to pay Idrissu directly, or to others at his request or for his benefit, at least R47 million.
“The majority of the money was paid directly from GIC’s account to various suppliers, or to GIC’s director in Ghana, Asumah Dokurugu,” the report said adding that the amount was exclusive of “amounts paid for several overseas trips to London and at least one trip to Indonesia and South Africa.”
The report also referenced a former MP for Ejisu, although it did not delve into specifics regarding how he gained from the alleged bribes.
Kwabena Owusu Aduomi’s connection was primarily associated with certain road subcontracts awarded to GIC.
“Aduomi is not a signatory to the contracts but in his capacity as deputy roads minister, he was in charge of the departments responsible for the administration of the bids — most of the deals were awarded on a sole source basis.
“But it appears that Haruna was their main go-to person to secure contracts in the Ashanti Region, from where Aduomi hails, and in Tamale, Haruna’s constituency,” the report added.
GhanaWeb is endeavoring to obtain a response to the allegation from the Tamale South lawmaker, who formerly served as Minority Leader in Parliament.
Wednesday saw rescue teams employing underground cameras and sniffer dogs to locate nearly 40 construction workers still missing in the rubble, two days after the collapse of an apartment building under construction in coastal South Africa.
Seven workers have been confirmed dead, while 16 of the 29 people rescued from the debris were in critical condition in hospitals, with an additional six facing life-threatening injuries, authorities reported. They stated that 39 workers remained unaccounted for and buried in the rubble of concrete and mangled metal scaffolding.
The collapse of the unfinished five-story apartment complex on Monday in George, a city on South Africa’s south coast, prompted a desperate rescue effort, drawing disaster response teams from other towns and cities. A total of 75 construction workers were present at the building site during the collapse, according to the George municipality.
More than 200 rescue personnel continued to search for survivors, using cranes and heavy lifting equipment to lift concrete slabs while forming lines to remove smaller rubble by hand.
Some survivors trapped under the debris managed to use their cell phones to contact family members, aiding emergency responders in locating them. Cheers and applause erupted when several survivors were rescued on Tuesday night.
Colin Deiner, head of the rescue effort, described Tuesday night as “very successful,” but noted less progress on Wednesday. The operation has now transitioned into a phase where rescuers rely more on heavy equipment to access deeper areas of the collapsed structure in search of potential survivors.
The George municipality appealed for donations of water, energy drinks, and food for the exhausted rescue personnel, who had been working in shifts for over 48 hours. The rescue effort, involving emergency response teams from across the region, is expected to continue until at least Friday.
George, a city known for its scenic coastal views and golfing opportunities, is the site of multiple investigations into the cause of the building collapse, including probes by police, the provincial government, and the national department of labor.
“There will be consequences,” said Anton Bredell, the Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
Amazon has at last debuted its eagerly awaited online store in South Africa.
The online retail titan unveiled its virtual storefront on Tuesday.
“We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za, along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa,” said Robert Koen, managing director of Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon.
Customers can benefit from both same-day and next-day delivery options.
Additionally, individuals will have the opportunity to support small local businesses while shopping.
“Building a strong relationship with South African brands and businesses—small or large—is incredibly important to us,” Mr Koen said.
The South African electoral commission declined a request to oust former President Jacob Zuma as the head of the newly established Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
The commission’s decision came in response to a letter from MK founder Jabulani Khumalo, who sought Zuma’s removal as the party’s figurehead and from its potential list of parliamentary members.
Khumalo, recently ousted from the party, alleged fraudulent occupation of leadership by Zuma within the new party and placed him on a precautionary suspension for what he termed “several acts of misconduct.”
However, in a Tuesday statement, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) asserted its non-interference in political parties’ internal affairs and affirmed Zuma’s status as a registered leader of the MK party.
“The commission only acts on the instruction of the registered leader of the party,” the poll agency said, adding that Mr Zuma has remained MK party leader since last month.
The 82-year-old has successfully resisted efforts to prevent him or his new party from participating in the general election on May 29th.
On Friday, the Constitutional Court will review an appeal by the IEC regarding Mr. Zuma’s disqualification from running for a parliamentary seat.
In March, the electoral commission made an unsuccessful attempt to disqualify him due to a contempt of court conviction.
Efforts are ongoing in South Africato locate approximately 50 individuals who disappeared following the collapse of a five-story apartment building on Monday.
Since the incident occurred in the coastal city of George, at least six fatalities have been confirmed.
Rescuers made contact with 11 additional survivors amidst the wreckage of the building under construction on Tuesday.
Among them are four individuals trapped in the basement. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse.
At the site on Tuesday, emergency responders took turns working on the small area, manually removing concrete blocks and debris.
Periodically, the team leader raised his fist, signaling for silence. Everyone halted, hopeful that someone had been found. Some instances turned out to be false alarms, and the noise resumed.
The majority of the workers believed to be on the construction site, estimated to be at least 75 individuals, remain unaccounted for. Bringing survivors to safety has been a slow and challenging process.
“They will then begin a process of lifting the different floors off each other,” said Colin Deiner, chief director for disaster management.
“There is a possibility people could still be alive,” he added.
The entire rescue operation is expected to take between four and five days.
Video footage taken nearby showed a huge cloud of dust as the building fell.
The site has been cordoned off from the public. But there were still many people standing around the perimeter in shock and disbelief.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his thoughts were with the families of people who died in the incident and called for the investigation to “bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster”.
The city’s mayor, Ald Van Wyk, sent his condolences to the families “and all those affected who continue to wait for word of their loved ones”.
Overnight, more than 100 rescuers with sniffer dogs worked to locate those trapped in the building. Heavy lifting equipment was used to assist the operation.
Photos of the area now show a completely flattened construction site, with parts of the building’s roof lying atop the rubble.
“I saw one guy was working and then ‘boom’ and I saw the whole building collapsed… I’m also traumatised. It is very sad,” local councillor Theresa Jeyi said.
An extra 20 workers were rescued from the destroyed building and are getting medical help at different hospitals, according to the city officials.
The building fell down at about 2 pm in George city, which is about 400 kilometers east of Cape Town on South Africa’s south coast.
More than 100 rescue workers were at the site for many hours. They will work through the night with sniffer dogs to find survivors, who might be trapped under big pieces of concrete.
The building site collapsed while 75 workers were there. The workers’ families and friends were at the municipal offices nearby, waiting to hear what happened.
The police were trying to figure out why the building fell down. They didn’t know the reason yet.
Marco Ferreira, who works for a group called Gift of the Givers, was helping the rescue team by giving them food and drinks. Gift of the Givers is a charity that often provides assistance during emergencies in South Africa. Ferreira said they gave three sniffer dogs and handlers to help find things.
“The situation is still in the rescue stage,” Ferreira said on eNCA TV news channel. “We don’t know. It will probably continue for days. ” There are some big machines there to help pick up heavy blocks of concrete. “But it doesn’t look good. ”
Officials did not right away give information about the injuries the workers got, but the news in South Africa said that several of them got really hurt. Two workers died after they were taken to hospitals, the George municipality said.
George’s Mayor, Leon Van Wyk, said that we are thinking about the families and everyone who is waiting to hear about their loved ones.
The government in Western Cape is watching the situation closely and has sent help to deal with the emergency.
“We have provided emergency workers with all the help they need to respond as quickly as possible. ” Right now, the officials are working to save lives. “This is the most important thing for us right now,” said Alan Winde, the leader of the Western Cape government.
The government was learning about the rescue operation, Winde said.
There was a big fire at a tall building in downtown Johannesburg on August 31 was one of the biggest tragedies in South Africa. At least 12 kids died and 86 people got hurt. Some had to jump out of windows to get away from the fire.
Some people said they dropped little kids out of the windows, hoping that someone below would catch them. A lot of the people who died were badly burned and couldn’t be recognized because they were stuck in a building with too many people. It took the police a long time to figure out who the bodies were using DNA tests.
Former Judge Sisi Khampepe was chosen to lead the investigation, which started in October. She gave the first part of her report on Sunday and said that the City of Johannesburg, which owns the building, did not care about its very bad condition.
After the fire, many people were discovered living in the building without permission. Some of them had built homes in the hallways, bathrooms and basement, which was supposed to be a place for cars to park. Emergency services said that the fire extinguishers were removed from the walls and the main fire escape was locked on the night of the fire.
In 2019, government and police officials looked through the building and found that the bad living conditions there made the fire worse, according to Khampepe.
She thinks the boss of the Johannesburg Property Company should be punished because he oversees the city’s buildings. She also said that the building should be torn down and a plaque put up in memory of the many people who were hurt.
The sad event showed how some areas of South Africa’s largest city and main business center have become run-down. Many buildings have been taken over by landlords who are renting out space to people who are in desperate need of a place to live. The buildings are very full and safety rules are not followed.
In January, something surprising happened at the investigation. A man who was supposed to speak there said he set the fire to burn the body of a man he had killed for a drug dealer.
The man who admitted to committing a terrible crime was taken into custody and accused of 76 counts of murder and starting fires.
In a bustling primary school classroom nestled within the coastal enclave of Saldanha Bay, South Africa, an empty chair silently bears witness to the absence of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to cease operations in South Africa by April 30
Once a familiar presence, her sudden disappearance in February has captured the rapt attention of the nation.
A massive search operation, mobilizing both naval forces and local volunteers, alongside the allure of a substantial reward and the subsequent arrest of her mother, has propelled this tale into the forefront of public consciousness.
Yet, amidst the fervor of the search effort, the underlying fear pervading the community remains palpable.
Despite its serene reputation as a tranquil haven for fishing enthusiasts and watersport aficionados, Saldanha Bay grapples with the enduring legacy of apartheid-era spatial planning, characterized by stark socio-economic disparities.
While opulent residences dot the coastline, the inland areas of Diazville and Middelpos paint a contrasting picture, featuring a patchwork of government-subsidized structures and makeshift dwellings.
In these marginalized communities, anxiety and mistrust loom large, especially towards unfamiliar faces or vehicles venturing into their midst.
The anxiety is compounded by the notable uptick in parental vigilance, evidenced by the throngs of guardians gathered outside Diazville’s humble primary school at dismissal time.
Yet, coaxing these anxious adults to share their perspectives proves to be a daunting task, exacerbated by the relentless deluge of sensationalized media coverage and the proliferation of unverified rumors on social media platforms.
Among the few willing to break the silence is Faeeza Ecksteen, a concerned parent awaiting her son’s return outside the school gates. Reflecting on the ordeal, she underscores the profound impact of Joshlin’s disappearance, particularly on the community’s youngest members.
“It’s a very sad story. All parents are now worried about the wellbeing of their children and are taking extra care to ensure their safety.”
“It’s traumatising for the children in the area because they no longer want to play outside,” adds community activist Carmelite Ross.
“My 11-year-old daughter, Keayondre, didn’t want to go to school for the first few days after Joshlin’s disappearance because she was scared, even though the school is just a few minutes away. She now walks to school every day with six other children.
“At the end of the day everyone in Saldanha, even our children, has been dragged into this matter.”
Authorities report that in South Africa, a devastating incident has claimed the lives of forty-five individuals as a bus they were traveling in careened approximately 50 meters (165 feet) off a bridge into a ravine.
Among the tragic outcome, there is a glimmer of hope as an eight-year-old girl emerged as the sole survivor. Despite sustaining severe injuries, she is now in stable condition.
The bus’s descent was catastrophic, as it smashed through a barrier upon impact with the ground in the northeastern province of Limpopo, igniting into flames.
While thirty-four body bags have been retrieved from the crash site, only nine of the deceased can be positively identified, according to authorities.
The passengers aboard the ill-fated journey were pilgrims en route from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to attend an Easter service in the town of Moria.
The catastrophic turn of events unfolded when the vehicle lost control and veered off a bridge along the Mmamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken, approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles) north of Johannesburg, as reported by South African public broadcaster SABC.
Colin Msibi, spokesperson for the Department of Transport, conveyed to the BBC’s Newsday program that the surviving eight-year-old girl is presently hospitalized and reportedly in stable condition.
“What we suspect is that when the bus hit the barrier of the bridge, the child was ejected out of the bus, and that is how the child was able to survive,” Mr Msibi said.
Rescue efforts persisted well into Thursday night and resumed the following morning.
According to Limpopo health official Phophi Ramathuba, the intensity of the fire may have caused body parts from different victims to merge, leading to the identification of only nine bodies thus far.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who visited the site of the accident, offered her sincere condolences to the families impacted by the devastating bus crash.
Assuring support, she stated that the South African government would facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and initiate a comprehensive investigation into the crash’s cause.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” she added. “We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend.”
Ms. Chikunga informed eNCA that the road from which the bus plummeted is characterized by “winding with sharp bends, hairpin bends, a road that I’d never advise any person who is driving a heavy vehicle such as a bus, such as a truck, to use.”
In response to the tragic incident, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conveyed his “deepest condolences” to the relatives of the pilgrims and the church they were affiliated with, describing the crash as “heartbreaking,” as stated in a release from his party.
The office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also issued a statement on Thursday evening, expressing sympathy for Botswana and the families of the victims.
In an Easter message released prior to the accident, Mr. Ramaphosa had encouraged citizens to “do our best to make this a safe Easter.”
It should “not be a time where we sit back and wait to see statistics on tragedy or injuries on our roads,” he added.
According to a recent report by environmental NGO Greenpeace, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are experiencing the highest levels of air pollution in Africa.
These countries have also recorded a significant number of the continent’s nearly one million annual air pollution-related deaths.
The report highlights that exposure to air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death in Africa.
South Africa, in particular, has been identified as a major air polluter on the continent, with high associated health risks.
The country is home to two of the world’s largest and six of Africa’s biggest nitrogen dioxide emission hotspots.
Of particular concern are the thermal power stations in South Africa, operated by state power provider Eskom, which are among the world’s 10 largest sulphur dioxide emission points.
This contributes significantly to the country’s air pollution levels.
“The pollution from coal plants like those operated by Sasol in our region has not only tarnished our health, leading to failed health assessments and chronic diseases… but it has also clouded our future, leaving us jobless as companies opt to hire from outside, citing our unfitness for work, ” Fana Sibanyoni, an activist from the coal-rich Mpumalanga province.
The region’s multiple coal mines and coal-fired power stations have been linked to extreme air pollution levels.
The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has suffered a setback in its attempt to block a newly established party, supported by former President Jacob Zuma, from participating in the upcoming general election in May.
The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, named after the disbanded armed wing of the ANC, has garnered attention due to Mr. Zuma’s endorsement, potentially impacting the ANC’s electoral fortunes.
The ANC’s legal challenge, arguing that the MK party failed to meet official registration criteria, was dismissed by the electoral court.
Following the ruling, jubilant supporters of the MK party, adorned in green attire, celebrated outside the court premises.
The ANC has expressed its acceptance of the court’s decision and pledged to adhere to it. A party spokesperson clarified that their legal action was not intended to suppress the MK party but rather to ensure compliance with registration laws.
However, the ANC has initiated separate legal proceedings against the MK party, alleging copyright infringement.
Amidst the electoral landscape, opinion polls suggest a decline in the ANC’s vote share, potentially dipping below 50% for the first time in thirty years in the upcoming election.
Mr. Zuma’s support base, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, poses a challenge to the ANC’s dominance. Despite not founding the MK party, Zuma endorsed it in December, leading to his suspension from the ANC.
Zuma’s political trajectory from serving in the ANC’s MK to presidency, marred by corruption allegations, underscores the shifting dynamics within South African politics.
South Africa has opted to withdraw both its men’s and women’s hockey teams from the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra.
This decision aligns with recommendations and guidelines set forth by the International Hockey Federation.
The withdrawal comes due to concerns regarding the readiness of the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch to host the competition adequately.
Team SA has communicated this decision to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the African Hockey Federation.
According to South Africa’s Olympic governing body, SASOC, “despite repeated assurances that the pitches would be ready for international-standard competition, the pitches are unsuitable.”
Additionally, a statement from the organization issued on Monday indicates that it has communicated its reasons for departing from Ghana to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
“In correspondence sent to the LOC, Team SA team leader Ms. Patience Shikwambana states: “Over and above making this decision, our SA Hockey Federation consulted with Sports Flooring Warehouse, a South African-based specialist in carpet laying, and an FIH recognised service provider. They have also advised us – having analysed the images we shared with them – that the field is not satisfactory and may cause harm to the athletes.”
Ms. Shikwambana also noted: “The rescheduling of the hockey competition, on three numerous occasions has, in addition, caused an inconvenience to us logistically, as a team, where we had to arrange for both the teams to fly to Ghana in time for the commencement of the competition.
“In the first Chef De Missions’ site visit meeting at the end of October 2023, we were advised that there would be test events to ensure readiness of venues before the start of each competition. This, unfortunately, has not been the case for Hockey. In addition, according to the FIH field certification guideline, ‘If a field that is not certified is being considered as a tournament venue, it should be tested at the earliest convenience to demonstrate compliance with this specification’.
“These tests should be conducted months in advance before a competition – which, in this case, have not taken place. Furthermore, ‘The FIH has a number of accredited test institutes, and these have accredited engineers located around the world’, which we are not certain if they have been involved and provided the necessary certification.”
South Africa has already secured qualification for both its men’s and women’s hockey teams for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Given the proximity of the African Games to the Paris Olympics and the concerns surrounding the conditions in Accra, it was deemed a potential injury risk for Team SA to compete under these circumstances.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo have hailed the recent visa waiver pact between their nations, citing a notable surge in air travel and trade activity.
The agreement, effective November 1, 2023, permits citizens of both countries to visit for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
At the Bi-National Committee meeting in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa lauded the visa waiver’s positive influence on bilateral ties.
He highlighted its role in boosting tourism, fostering business connections, facilitating educational and scientific collaborations, and strengthening interpersonal relationships.
“We welcome you to the second session of the Bi-National Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Ghana, we welcome you with warm hearts. One of the recent highlights in our bilateral relations was the signing of the reciprocal visa exemption for ordinary passport holders for a period of 90 days per annum, which entered into force on November 1, 2023.
The surge in travellers between our nations has not only benefited tourism but has also strengthened our business connections, educational collaborations, and interpersonal relationships,” President Akufo-Addo echoed President Ramaphosa’s sentiments, underscoring the deepening of Ghana’s ties with South Africa due to the visa waiver.
He emphasised the importance of the partnership and its potential for both countries and their citizens. The Bi-National Committee meeting, attended by representatives from both nations, aims to enhance cooperation and mutual respect between Ghana and South Africa.
“I come with warm greetings from the people and government of Ghana to you, your Excellency, Matamela, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the good people of the Republic of South Africa. As we gather at this Binational Commission meeting, I’m reminded of the profound significance of our partnership and the boundless potential it holds for our two nations and peoples.
“Our current deliberations mark yet another chapter in our shared commitment towards nurturing a relationship built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Under the bi-national committee arrangements, the two countries have also eliminated the visa barriers through the visa waiver agreement, which came into effect on November 1, 2023, to encourage people to engage with the two countries for business as well as tourism. And like you, Mr. President, I’m impressed by the increase in the number of exchanges that are taking place between our two countries.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has condemned the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s primary opposition party, for its call to the United States and European nations to oversee the forthcoming elections.
The DA forwarded this appeal in a letter dispatched last week to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and several European foreign affairs ministers.
“The DA’s letter to the United States government is quite disingenuous and it is almost trying to sell our country to other powers in the world,” President Ramaphosa was quoted as saying by state broadcaster SABC.
“And we have regional organisations in the world like Sadc, AU and have the UN as well. They always come to monitor our elections and now for a non-state entity to sell our democracy.”
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party also slammed DA for the letter on Saturday, accusing the opposition party of offering “South Africa’s sovereignty on a silver platter”.
South Africa’s elections are planned for 29 May.
Polls by research firms suggest that ANC’s share of the vote could fall below 50% for the first time since it came to power in 1994, fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, public services and c
South Africa asked the United Nations to make Israel give food and supplies to the people in Gaza who are starving. They believe Israel’s military actions in Gaza are breaking the Genocide Convention. Israel is saying that they did not break the agreement.
South Africa asked for more help from the International Court of Justice because the situation in Gaza, where many people are suffering from hunger, has gotten worse due to Israel breaking the rules.
In January, lawyers for Israel said that the war in Gaza was to protect its people. They also said that Hamas militants were the ones responsible for killing a large number of people. The Israeli foreign ministry did not respond right away on Wednesday night to South Africa’s new request.
Aid groups say that Gaza is facing a big problem, and the situation is especially bad in the isolated north. Many of the around 300,000 people who still live there have to eat food that is usually given to animals in order to survive. The United Nations It is said that one out of every six children under two years old in the north is suffering from severe malnutrition.
“South Africa is asking the Court to act quickly to help save the Palestinians in Gaza from starving to death. ” This was stated in a written request from South Africa.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Wednesday that even though aid workers had a lot of problems, they were able to do a lot more to help people in February. The report said there was a 48 per cent increase in helping missions compared to the month before.
However, the office also said that they are having trouble helping people because they had to stop working in the northern areas and the safety of civilians and aid workers has been getting worse.
South Africa said Israel broke rules set by the court on Jan. When judges told Israel to stop people from dying or being hurt in Gaza, but didn’t say they had to stop using their military in the area.
On Wednesday, South Africa asked the court to tell Israel to quickly provide help for hunger and other problems. It asked the judges to make decisions quickly without having a meeting first because the situation was very urgent.
The fighting started when Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. In 2007, Palestinian fighters killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Over 100 of them were set free during a week of peace in November.
The attack led to Israel sending troops into the area where 2. 3 million people live. Yesterday, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 30,717 Palestinians have died in the war. The ministry is a part of the government run by Hamas and keeps careful records of people who have been hurt or killed. It doesn’t count separately the number of civilians and soldiers killed. Instead, it says that about two-thirds of the people killed are women and children.
The number of people who have died has kept going up since January.
Health officials in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province have raised concerns about a pinkeye outbreak, urging individuals showing symptoms to seek immediate treatment.
Nomagugu Simelane, the provincial health official, reported 161 confirmed cases in various areas of the eThekwini district since last week.
Simelane emphasized the importance of personal hygiene to prevent contracting the highly contagious eye infection and halt its transmission.
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is characterized by inflammation of the eyelid and eyeball tissues, often caused by viral infections. Bacterial infections or allergic reactions can also trigger this condition.
Symptoms include redness or pinkness in the eyes, conjunctival swelling, and increased tear production.
Three suspects are set to appear in court in South Africa facing multiple charges, including murder, linked to the death of a 74-year-old German tourist on Saturday.
According to South African police, the trio is accused of brutally assaulting the tourist, resulting in his death, and then abandoning his body in the town of Northam in Limpopo province.
The tourist had offered a lift to a hitchhiker while driving from Botswana. The hitchhiker subsequently contacted two others, who joined the tourist in his vehicle and proceeded to his accommodation. There, they tied him up, assaulted him, and stole his money and other belongings, as reported by the police.
The suspects, identified as foreign nationals, allegedly disposed of the body in a bush near a farm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) stated.
“We are committed to building a strong case that will lead to significant convictions for these individuals,” stated Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the police commissioner of Limpopo province.
Kenya has waived the entry fee for passport holders from South Africa and six other countries, following a backlash against the unpopular fee introduced last month.
The fee exemption applies to visitors from countries that previously did not require visas to enter Kenya.
Last month, the Kenyan government abolished visa requirements for all foreign passport holders in an effort to boost tourism and attract business travelers.
However, a $30 entry fee was introduced, causing widespread criticism.
The exemption from the entry fee now extends to passport holders from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Mozambique, and San Marino, in addition to South Africa. These countries have either entered visa abolition agreements or signed bilateral visa waiver agreements with Kenya.
Despite the fee waiver, travelers from these countries will still need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) document in advance. The ETA is valid for single entry and lasts for 90 days. Applicants must provide details such as flight information and proof of accommodation.
A study uncovered that John Hlophe, the top judge in Western Cape province, tried to pressure judges at the country’s highest court in a case involving former President Jacob Zuma.
In 2008, he asked two judges if they would help Mr. Zuma in a corruption case.
Mr Hlophe always said he didn’t do it.
The long time it took to impeach him was because there were many appeals and investigations.
Another judge, Nkola Motata, was removed from his job because he acted badly and made racist comments after a car accident in 2007.
Mr Motata, who is now retired, was a judge in Gauteng province when the incident happened.
He also said that the accusation was not true.
President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to approve the decision and choose a date for their official removal.
The judges will no longer get any special benefits, like a monthly salary of over 1 million rand, a car allowance, and full medical care.
Mr Hlophe was removed from his job on Wednesday evening because most of the MPs voted for it.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), and some other smaller parties all supported the decision.
Mr Hlophe tried one more time to stop being removed, but the court said no.
He was removed from his position, and then Mr. Motata was also removed.
A group called the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) found that in 2008, Mr Hlophe tried to influence two out of eleven judges of the Constitutional Court to make a decision in Mr Zuma’s favor for his arms-deal corruption case.
Mr Zuma said he did not do anything wrong and it is not implied that he was involved in Mr. Hlophe’s actions
Both judges who were impeached didn’t answer the MPs’ choices. However, Mr Hlophe said in court documents that parliament’s job was not just to approve findings by the JSC, but to investigate on its own.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party is happy about parliament’s decision, while the DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach said her party feels justified after “years of the ANC government delaying the judges’ removal. ”
It’s been 15 years since we’ve waited for this moment, but the impeachment of Judge Hlophe, or any judge, has big effects on how trustworthy the courts are in South Africa. It shows how important it is for judges to follow the highest moral rules, obey the law, and respect the constitution.
Ms Breytenbach said it shows that everyone, no matter how important they are, has to follow the law.
The Economic Freedom Fighters party voted against the impeachments. MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane said the judges were sorry and should be allowed to live in peace for the rest of their lives.
“Can we just let Judge Motata, who made a mistake, retire at home and enjoy his retirement. ” We know that Hlophe was very experienced and did his work with respect. “Let’s punish the ANC government,” she said in parliament, and her party’s supporters cheered.
Lawyer Alison Tilley from the group Judges Matter said the removals were a big moment in the country’s history.
“It took a while, but it proves that the systems to hold the judiciary accountable do work. ” We now have systems in place that make us feel sure that the same process won’t take as much time.
An investigation revealed that John Hlophe, the chief judge in Western Cape province, attempted to sway justices at the nation’s highest court in a case involving former President Jacob Zuma. In 2008, he approached two justices to gauge their support for Mr. Zuma in a corruption case.
Despite Mr. Hlophe’s persistent denial of the allegations, the lengthy process of appeals and investigations contributed to the significant delay between the alleged offence and his impeachment.
This removal of a judge marks an unprecedented event since the inception of South Africa’s democratic era in 1994.
Additionally, a second judge, Nkola Motata, faced impeachment for disorderly conduct and racial remarks stemming from a 2007 drunk-driving incident. Mr. Motata, now retired, served as a High Court judge in Gauteng province at the time of the incident and also refuted the accusations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is now tasked with approving the decision and determining a date for the formal removal of the judges.
Upon their removal, the judges will forfeit all benefits, including a lifetime monthly salary exceeding 1 million rand ($53,000; £42,000), a car allowance, and comprehensive medical coverage.
Mr. Hlophe’s impeachment was the first to occur on Wednesday evening, with MPs voting by the required two-thirds majority. The decision garnered support from the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), and other minor parties.
Despite a last-minute attempt by Mr. Hlophe to halt his potential removal, which was rejected by a court just hours earlier, his impeachment proceeded swiftly, followed by that of Mr. Motata.
An investigation conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) found that in 2008, Mr. Hlophe had contacted two of the eleven judges of the Constitutional Court in an effort to influence a ruling in favor of Mr. Zuma regarding a matter related to his arms-deal corruption case.
It’s important to note that Mr. Zuma has denied the corruption allegations, and there is no indication that he was involved in Mr. Hlophe’s actions.
Neither of the impeached judges has responded to the MPs’ decisions, but Mr. Hlophe had argued in court documents that parliament’s role was not merely to endorse findings by the JSC but to conduct its own investigation.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party welcomed parliament’s decision, while the DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach said her party felt vindicated after “years of the ANC government dragging its feet” on the judges’ removal.
“We may have waited 15 years for this moment, but the impeachment of Judge Hlophe, or any judge, has profound implications for judicial integrity in South Africa. It underscores the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards, the rule of law, and the constitution among judicial officers.
“It also sends a clear message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law,” Ms Breytenbach said.
Opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, voted against the impeachments, with MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane arguing that the judges were remorseful and should be allowed to live the rest of their lives in peace.
“Can we let Judge Motata, in his misjudgement, be left to enjoy his retirement at home. We know that Hlophe was highly qualified and did his work with dignity. Punish this ANC government,” she told parliament, to cheers from her party’s benches.
Lawyer and the co-ordinator of advocacy group Judges Matter, Alison Tilley, told the BBC the removals were an important moment in the country’s history.
“It has taken time but it shows the systems to hold the judiciary accountable for its work. There are mechanisms that are now in place that give us confidence that a similar process would not take as long.”
