South Africa

South African President Pledges Resilience Amid U.S. Criticism In a climate of rising geopolitical tension and simmering national issues, President Cyril Ramaphosa has drawn a line in the sand. On Thursday, he resolutely declared that South Africa would not be intimidated, as his administration faced mounting critique from top U.S. representatives, notably President Donald Trump. In a poignant national address, Ramaphosa asserted, "We are witnessing the rise of nationalism, protectionism, and the pursuit of narrow…

G-20 Foreign Ministers Convene in South Africa Amid Mounting Global Tensions The picturesque landscape of South Africa is preparing to host a tumultuous gathering as the G-20 foreign ministers convene this Thursday and Friday. These meetings, routinely marked by ambitious discussions and lofty ideals, are clouded by underlying tensions, primarily fueled by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and lingering trade disagreements. But there's a significant twist this time around—the conspicuous absence of the top U.S. diplomat.…

In a significant move to invigorate local economies, the South African government has initiated applications for the R500-million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability and growth of spaza shops—those familiar neighborhood convenience stores that serve as lifelines for township and rural communities. During a recent announcement, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, highlighted the transformative potential of this fund. “We are committed to empowering our…

In the world of football, where passion and national pride intertwine, the football governing body, FIFA, has recently received a formal complaint from Liberia. The issue at hand involves what Liberia perceives as questionable officiating during their qualifying match against Tunisia on March 19. The match, which had everyone on the edge of their seats, ultimately ended in disappointment for Liberia. Referee Clement Franklin Kpan hails from Ivory Coast, and now, his decisions during the match are under scrutiny. FIFA has…

On the morning of April 2, Judge Irma Schoeman delivered a pivotal ruling that reverberated through the South African judicial system. She articulated a stark reality: prosecutors had not met the burden of providing evidence that could withstand rigorous scrutiny. This verdict has left many questioning the integrity of the prosecution's strategy and the implications of such a decision. The Timothy Omotoso trial, a case that has captured national attention, delves into the troubling underbelly of religious manipulation and…

Across South Africa, an outpouring of voices rose in unison as thousands of students, activists, and concerned citizens took to the streets. Their rallying cry? Justice for a seven-year-old girl from the Eastern Cape, who suffered the unimaginable—a rape committed within the supposed safety of her school in October 2024. It’s a moment that has sparked outrage and galvanized a nation. The protesters weren’t merely expressing anger; they delivered heartfelt memoranda to education officials, demanding immediate action. Calls…

In a notable gathering that promised to shape the future of global tourism, Mister Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, the Director General of the South African Department of Tourism, recently presided over the inaugural meeting of the Tourism Working Group. This assembly brought together senior officials and experts from the G20 nations, all driven by a common ambition: to propel the tourism sector into a new era of resilience and innovation. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, underscoring the profound impact that tourism can…

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Health, recently urged nations to rethink their health resource allocations, strengthen collaborative global initiatives, and investigate innovative financial frameworks. As daunting as the post-pandemic landscape is, his call for action resonates deeply amidst unraveling healthcare systems worldwide. During the G20 Health Working Group convened in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, Motsoaledi articulated a vision not just for South Africa but for the global community. He…

Mr. Zane Dangor, South Africa's G20 Sherpa and Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, recently found himself amidst the bustling halls of the United Nations in New York. His presence there was prompted by an invitation from the President of the General Assembly, offering him a platform to delineate South Africa’s priorities as it assumes the G20 Presidency. With earnest conviction, Mr. Dangor spoke of a theme deeply rooted in South Africa’s ethos—“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”…

As South Africa prepares to step onto the world stage, it has officially assumed the Presidency of the G20, paving the way for the highly anticipated Johannesburg Summit, set for November 22-23, 2025. This event promises to be pivotal, not just for the nation, but for the broader global community as well. President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the inaugural gathering of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, eloquently articulated a vision for progress: "For nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to…