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JUBA, South Sudan - It was yet another turbulent day in South Sudan's quest for stability. On Friday, the people of South Sudan, and indeed the world, were taken aback by the distressing news of a United Nations (UN) helicopter coming under attack. The incident unfolds amidst a backdrop of rising unease in the world's newest nation. President Salva Kiir has been adamant that the one thing this country cannot afford is a return to the horrors of war. But will his calls for peace be enough to quell the storm on the…

Former President Donald Trump recently made waves on his personal social media platform, Truth Social, with a proclamation that left many across the globe pondering its implications. His declaration, designed to appear altruistic, suggested a lifeline to farmers in distress, particularly those he claimed were victims of South Africa’s contentious land reform policies. But is there more to this offer than meets the eye?…

Imagine being in the shoes of a leader during turbulent times. On April 10, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embarked on a pivotal journey. His destination? South Africa—a nation renowned for its steadfast neutrality—a place where he would converse with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The objective seems straightforward: explore potential solutions to the protracted conflict that's been wreaking havoc for over three years. Vincent Magwenya, South Africa's spokesperson, candidly shared this itinerary. You…

Starlink: A Complex Interplay of Progress, Policy, and History Elon Musk is once again making waves, though this time it's not exclusively in the tech world. The billionaire's recent assertion that Starlink—the satellite internet enterprise of his company SpaceX—is being thwarted by South African law because he is "not Black," has stirred a hornet's nest. This provocative statement, delivered on Musk's social media platform X, has reignited debates about South Africa's intricate tapestry of business…

Cape Town Controversy: Police Officers Arrested Amid Accusations of Robbing Somali-Owned Shop Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Imagine standing behind the counter of your modest shop, believing you are safe within the borders of law and order. Suddenly, those who are sworn to protect you become unexpected antagonists. This troubling scenario unfolded in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, where three police officers, once symbols of public safety, have been accused of subverting that very…

Accidental Release of Bombs by South Korea’s Air Force: A Call for Reflection In an alarming turn of events, South Korea's Air Force recently reported an incident during a training exercise that has sent shockwaves through the local community. A fighter jet accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs, which landed far from the intended target and resulted in civilian injuries. The gravity of this incident cannot be understated—such mistakes in military operations can have profound, lasting impacts on innocent…

South Sudan's Political Turmoil: Arrests and Accusations Imagine waking up one morning to find that the pillars of your nation’s oil production are suddenly hauled away, detained by the very forces supposed to protect them. Sound surreal? This is the stark reality currently unfolding in South Sudan, a nation perpetually teetering on the edge, now shaken by the arrest of its Petroleum Minister. This unsettling development fittingly follows the detainment of several military…

Stellenbosch University’s Tataokhona project recently unveiled a compelling report entitled, "The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024," which delves into the evolving dynamics of fatherhood within the family structure. As we navigate an era marked by rapid social, economic, and cultural shifts, understanding the role of fathers has never been more crucial. One striking finding reveals that while 76% of children reside with an adult male, only 35% live with their biological father—a marked decline from 45.3% in 1996. What…

The Cabinet has finalized its contributions to the 2025 Budget, which Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is poised to present to Members of Parliament. This marks a significant moment in our fiscal planning. In a bid to craft a responsible and inclusive financial blueprint, ministers convened for an extraordinary session dedicated to navigating the intricate details of the Budget. This was not merely a routine meeting—it was a second attempt after the Cabinet previously dismissed a revised proposal that notably lacked the…

Over the weekend, KwaZulu-Natal bore the brunt of torrential rains that intensified the devastation from earlier floods, leaving more families displaced and disrupting everyday life. The tragic toll of these floods has reached at least 20 lives lost in the past two months alone. What would you do if your community was suddenly uprooted by nature’s fury? The South African Weather Service has elevated its caution to a level 5 warning, signifying an urgent call to attention. They forecast an impending threat of further…