South Africa

During a significant meeting at the White House, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa addressed the contentious narrative of alleged white genocide in his country. This encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump was more than just an exchange of pleasantries; it represented a pivotal moment in reshaping diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. Trump, showcasing video clips featuring South African opposition leaders using provocative slogans, attempted to bolster his claims. Yet, Ramaphosa was…

Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, made a notable reappearance in Parliament today, seeking to present the revised 2025 Budget Review after several prior attempts. This return to the legislative arena was not just routine; it carried the weight of expectation and anticipation. What led to this repeat moment? One might wonder. The atmosphere was charged as he approached the lectern. Legislators, many of whom had been following the fiscal discussions closely, perched on the edges of their seats. Godongwana’s task was…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it initially opted not to proceed with a prosecution in the deeply troubling case of a seven-year-old girl, widely referred to as Cwecwe, who is alleged to have been raped. This decision was reportedly based on a lack of compelling evidence. Prosecutors highlighted that medical examinations, combined with interviews conducted, failed to establish irrefutable proof of rape or sexual assault. In April, Cwecwe's mother voiced her concerns, revealing that the police…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week. Their agenda? A wide-ranging discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues that matter deeply to both nations. Yet, as the anticipation builds, so does the strain between their administrations. It's crucial to ask: what are the underlying currents driving this tension? The backdrop of this high-stakes meeting is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies. In…

In a recent address at the African CEO Forum 2025 held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked considerable discussion with his remarks regarding those who have fled South Africa. "Those people who have fled are not being persecuted. They are not being hounded. They are not being treated badly," he asserted, presenting a stark view on a deeply complex issue. What could lie beneath the surface of such claims? Perhaps it is worth examining the myriad experiences of those who feel forced to leave seeking…

In a significant development, the inaugural group of white South Africans has been granted refugee status through a program initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Departing from Johannesburg, this U.S.-funded charter flight carried 49 individuals, marking a unique moment in the ongoing conversation about race, privilege, and identity in South Africa. The Afrikaners—comprising a white minority with roots in Dutch, German, and French ancestry—have historically played a pivotal role within South Africa’s segregated…

Koyo Kouoh, the esteemed CEO and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, has sadly passed away at the age of 57 in Switzerland. The museum has confirmed this tragic news, temporarily closing its doors and halting all programming to honor her remarkable contributions. A Cameroonian-born visionary, Kouoh made profound impacts on the realm of contemporary African art. With a keen eye and an unwavering commitment to showcasing diverse narratives, her influence reverberated not…

As the political landscape shifts in the United States, two critical initiatives are at a crossroads, raising pressing concerns. Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has stepped forward with an earnest call to action, urging the administration of President Donald Trump to reconsider the potential cancellation of programs that have dramatically reshaped African lives and economies. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have both played pivotal roles in their…

In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court has deemed a crucial portion of the South African Citizenship Act unconstitutional. This particular clause, which automatically revokes citizenship from South Africans upon acquiring foreign nationality, has now been declared invalid. The court’s decision was unanimous, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s legal landscape. It struck down the offending section of the Citizenship Act, affirming its invalidity from its inception in October 1995. As a result, South…

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…