South Africa

The South African Parliament recently witnessed the unveiling of the 2025 Budget by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. This moment was particularly significant, especially after an intensive round of deliberations among Cabinet ministers. In a surprising twist, the ministers decided to convene once more to evaluate a reworked budget, ultimately rejecting it due to its contentious proposal for a 2% increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT). The discussions were fraught, bringing to mind the age-old adage: "two heads are better than…

A significant setback has recently impacted an innovative initiative spearheaded by a team of dedicated researchers—individuals who have already made remarkable strides in deepening our comprehension of HIV. This project, uniting experts from eight diverse African nations under the banner of the BRILLIANT Consortium, finds itself in jeopardy due to a controversial shift in U.S. government aid policies. Why does funding for such essential research fluctuate with political currents? The plight of scientific inquiry often seems…

The world of theater has lost one of its luminaries. Athol Fugard, the internationally celebrated South African playwright, novelist, director, and actor, passed away at the remarkable age of 92, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work has penetrated hearts and minds across the globe, delving deep into the complex tapestry of human experience and social justice. Fugard’s body of work is nothing short of monumental. His plays, rich with emotion and insight, reflect the…

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…

In a significant move to honor the historical legacy and contributions of marginalized groups, a new inscription in the lxam language has been etched into the façade of Rhodes House at Oxford University. This endeavor acknowledges the tribulations and relentless labor of those whose hardships ultimately contributed to Cecil Rhodes’ immense wealth. The lxam inscription was skillfully crafted by Fergus Wessel, a stone mason hailing from the UK, whose work is steeped in the traditions of the English Arts and Crafts movement.…

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…

Tracking elephant populations across the vast landscapes of Africa has long been a complex endeavor. Logistical hurdles, civil conflicts, and funding limitations have posed significant obstacles. Yet, a recent study, expertly collated by George Wittemyer for The Conversation Africa, has pulled together data from a staggering 1,325 surveys conducted over 50 years, shedding light on a stark reality: a dramatic decline in elephant numbers. To put it into perspective, the African savanna elephant population has decreased by a…

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…

In a pointed discussion during the recent G20 gathering in South Africa, a coalition of former African heads of state convened to spotlight an urgent crisis: the escalating debt burden on the continent. United under the African Leaders' Debt Initiative, these seasoned leaders articulated a clarion call for "intensified international cooperation." But what does this cooperation truly entail? It begs the question: can the global financial structure be adjusted to genuinely uplift developing nations? The atmosphere during this…