South Africa

In a world increasingly obsessed with instant gratification and flashy blockbusters, it’s refreshing to see a film that digs deeper, shedding light on issues that truly matter. Enter "The Last Ranger," a poignant South African film helmed by the talented Cindy Lee, which has garnered a prestigious nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. This powerful 28-minute cinematic gem draws viewers into the heart-wrenching reality of rhino poaching—a topic that resonates painfully with current environmental…

In a bold move that’s sending ripples across the political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the much-debated Expropriation Bill. The controversial law paves the way for government entities to seize land in the public interest, but it comes with a set of stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those affected. With this step, the new legislation effectively dismantles the archaic Expropriation Act of 1975—a remnant of the apartheid era that many saw as outdated and unjust.…

In a poignant ceremony held in Cape Town, the memories of hundreds of South African soldiers, predominantly black men, who valiantly fought and died during World War One have been brought back to light with the unveiling of a striking new memorial. Surprisingly, after returning from the front lines in a world torn apart by war, these brave souls were largely forgotten, lost in the shadows cast by British colonialism's discriminatory policies and the later oppressive apartheid regime that stained South Africa’s history. The…

In a shocking development that has gripped the nation, police are on the hunt for a man dubbed the "kingpin" of illegal mining operations, who mysteriously vanished from custody following a harrowing ordeal that saw the recovery of 78 bodies from a clandestine mine. The unfolding drama presents a grim portrait of an underground world where danger is a daily companion and human life is often worth less than a sack of minerals. Meet James Neo Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national better known by his nickname "Tiger." This is not the…

In a dramatic turn of events, rescuers have successfully brought to light over 100 illegal miners who have been ensnared underground for several months at the Stilfontein mine, just outside Johannesburg. The operation, however, was not without its somber moments; it also resulted in the recovery of numerous bodies, a grim reminder of the perilous life many lead in search of precious metals. These miners, colloquially referred to as "zama zamas," embody a harrowing reality for countless individuals in South Africa. They have…

In a somber turn of events, tens of thousands of Mozambicans have sought refuge in Malawi, fleeing the turmoil following a contentious presidential election held on October 9. Authorities anticipate that this number will continue to climb. To accommodate the influx of asylum seekers, the Malawian government is gearing up to transfer individuals to a more spacious facility, a necessary step given the escalating humanitarian situation. The chaos erupted after the Mozambican Constitutional Council announced Daniel Chapo as…

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the outgoing president of Ghana, has just given the green light for visa-free travel for all African citizens. This landmark decision stands to reshape the way Africans connect and explore one another’s countries. Historically, Ghana had already extended a warm welcome to travelers from 26 African nations, allowing them to enter without the hassle of a visa. However, citizens from another 25 countries had to jump through hoops to secure a visa upon arrival. Only a select few, specifically…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…

In a bold move, Eskom has put forth a proposal to raise electricity tariffs by a staggering 36%, set to launch in April 2025. This ambitious plan, pending approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), includes further hikes: an 11.81% increase for the 2026/27 fiscal year, followed by another 9.10% jump in 2027/28. These proposed increases threaten to significantly tighten the grip on household budgets and overall living expenses. Reactions have been swift and severe. The Democratic Alliance (DA),…

In a groundbreaking move, South Africa has stepped into the G20 presidency, marking a historic milestone as the first African nation to take the helm of this influential assembly of countries. The upcoming term is set to officially kick off on December 1, 2024, and will extend for a full calendar year. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound gratitude upon receiving the presidency from Brazil during the G20 summit held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. “I stand here humbled and honored to accept the G20…