South Africa

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…

On the horizon, South Africans face yet another financial challenge. With already precarious economic conditions, the impending electricity price increase of 12.7% slated for April 1, 2025—dubbed "Fossil Fools' Day" by the environmental group Earthlife Africa—has sent shockwaves through households already struggling to make ends meet. When combined with the anticipated 0.5% hike in VAT, families will be forced to grapple with excruciating choices: Should they pay for electricity or for essentials like food and medicine?…

Winnie Byanyima, the head of UNAIDS, has issued a stark warning: substantial funding cuts from the United States for global HIV initiatives could precipitate a catastrophic outcome. She estimates that, if the current trend persists, we could witness a staggering 6.3 million deaths and 8.7 million new infections within the next four years. This trajectory threatens to erase decades of hard-won progress in combating the epidemic. Since the funding freeze took effect in January, the ramifications have been immediate and dire.…

In the wake of Ebrahim Rasool's recent expulsion, President Cyril Ramaphosa finds himself at a pivotal crossroads, contemplating the appointment of South Africa's next ambassador to the United States. This decision carries significant weight in a time when diplomatic relations between the two nations remain fraught. President Ramaphosa is not rushing this choice. The stakes are high, and his deliberations reflect a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. As Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the…

In recent events, the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from the United States has ignited a robust response among South African analysts and politicians. Rasool’s remarks, highlighting what he perceives as Donald Trump’s alignment with a white supremacist agenda both domestically and internationally, have not only broadened the diplomatic discourse but also revealed deep fissures in international relations. This incident raises crucial questions: Are the well-established diplomatic protocols universally applicable, or…

In a significant triumph for conservation efforts, BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have successfully garnered a court-ordered settlement dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered African Penguin. The settlement emphasizes the establishment of no-take fishing zones, a decisive step towards safeguarding not just a species, but an entire ecosystem. What does this order entail, you might wonder? It mandates the creation of no-take zones…

A revealing study published in The Lancet has illuminated a staggering surge in type 2 diabetes rates across sub-Saharan Africa, far beyond what was earlier anticipated. This research is not merely a collection of statistics; it highlights a troubling trend that poses significant health risks for millions. What drives this epidemic? The answer lies in a confluence of poor dietary choices, inadequate access to health care, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Tracking over 10,000 participants from…

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…