South Africa

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…

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a powerful global campaign held every year from November 25 to December 10. During this time, people and organizations worldwide unite to advocate for the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls. So, what exactly do we mean by “gender-based violence”? It encompasses harmful actions directed at someone because of their gender identity. Although men and boys can certainly be victims, the stark reality is that women and girls bear the brunt of this…

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called on G20 leaders to tackle the pressing crisis of global hunger, a plight afflicting one out of every eleven individuals around the globe last year. This plea comes amid alarm over rising food insecurity, worsened by a medley of conflicts, climate change, and economic inequalities. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has also chimed in, pushing global leaders to ramp up efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. "Achieving gender equality is vital.…

The task force known as Operation Vala Umgodi, part of the South African Police Service operating in the North West province, has reiterated its plea for illegal miners who remain underground to resurface. Currently, law enforcement is engaged in a tense standoff with a significant number of illegal miners who find themselves stuck in an abandoned mining shaft. In response to the situation, police have effectively sealed off the entry points that these miners use to bring in supplies. As a result, these individuals are now…

Mia le Roux, South Africa's representative, has decided to withdraw from the Miss Universe finals taking place in Mexico due to health issues, as announced by the pageant organizers. This sudden decision means South Africa will not have a contestant at the 73rd Miss Universe event. In a public statement, the Miss South Africa organization emphasized that le Roux's health is their "number one priority." They pledged unwavering support until she makes a full recovery. It’s worth noting that le Roux made history by becoming…

South African sensation Tyla has made waves at the MTV Europe Music Awards, securing not just one, but three prestigious titles: Best Afrobeat, Best African Act, and Best R&B. This is a monumental achievement, as she’s now the first African artist to snag three MTV EMA awards in a single evening. What a phenomenal feat! Dressed to impress, Tyla paid homage to the legendary Aaliyah by donning a striking replica of the iconic Roberto Cavalli dress the late star wore during the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. A heartfelt…

In a noteworthy political shift, several members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have jumped ship to the newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party) over the past six months. High-profile figures like Floyd Shivambu, Mzwanele Manyi, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and more recently, advocate Dali Mpofu, have all made the switch, stirring quite the buzz in South Africa's political landscape. Julius Malema, the charismatic leader of the EFF, has brought attention to a rather intriguing proposal made by…

Even with a rising tide of awareness regarding children’s rights, the latest findings from UNICEF unveil some serious educational hurdles faced by kids in Eastern and Southern Africa. The figures are eye-opening and provoke serious thought. Research has shown that a staggering 87% of children recognize their rights. Yet, awareness doesn’t equate to adequate support or access. Take Tanzania, for instance, where youngsters are vocal about their need for better digital literacy and vocational training opportunities. They see…