South Africa

The recent passing of Edgar Lungu, former president of Zambia, at the age of 68, has ignited a tumult of emotions and disagreements regarding his funeral arrangements. This multifaceted situation has left many baffled, particularly as it highlights a broader narrative of division between his family, political party—the Patriotic Front (PF)—and the current government. At the core of the controversy is the location and nature of Lungu's final send-off. The government, seeking to honor his legacy with a state funeral at an…

The recent tumultuous weather has wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, leaving behind a trail of destruction that no one anticipated. Over 80 homes have been obliterated, and more than 500 families are grappling with the aftermath. The chilling scenes painted by heavy snowfall, fierce winds, and violent hailstorms in KZN speak volumes about nature's unpredictable fury and its impact on fragile infrastructure. Power outages ripple through communities, leaving them in darkness and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the…

The landscape of South African politics underwent a seismic shift one year ago. In the wake of the national and provincial elections, no single party emerged with the definitive majority that has long characterized the nation's governance. The year 2024 will be remembered as a historic turning point; for the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) found itself without its traditional parliamentary dominance. This unprecedented scenario paved the way for a coalition government,…

The Western Cape High Court delivered a harrowing verdict recently, sentencing Kelly Smith, the mother of six-year-old Joshlin, to life imprisonment. Alongside her, co-defendants Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn also received the same sentence. This chilling case took a tragic turn when Joshlin went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024. In a poignant moment, the presiding judge ordered the names of all three convicts to be entered into the national Child Protection Register. This measure serves as a…

When South Africa assumed the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) last year, it marked a pivotal moment for both the nation and the continent at large. The government initiated an ambitious year-long campaign, aiming not only to showcase South Africa's unique attributes but also to advocate for an African agenda on the global stage. As the world prepares for the G20 summit on November 22nd and 23rd, Johannesburg will host leaders from 19 of the largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union and the…

In a poignant moment for South Africa’s artistic community, the nation is collectively mourning the loss of actor Presley Chweneyagae, who tragically passed away at the young age of 40. His untimely departure leaves a palpable void, both onscreen and off. Chweneyagae first captured global attention in 2005 with his compelling portrayal in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi. This gripping narrative not only showcased his exceptional talent but also served as a stark reflection of the social disparities and hardships faced in…

South Africa Reacts To Controversial Remarks by President Trump Amid swirling debates and high expectations, South Africans expressed strong discontent on Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump's repetition of discredited claims about a so-called "white genocide" targeting farmers. This occurred during a pivotal meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The discussions, which aimed at mending the delicate fabric of bilateral relations, took an unexpected turn when Trump reiterated accusations of land seizures from…

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…