South

Diplomatic circles often revolve around unspoken agreements, nuanced gestures, and the silent art of strategy. Yet, once in a while, politics thrusts someone into the limelight not for an anticipated accomplishment but a startling resignation. Consider Dana M. Brown, an accomplished diplomat who, while serving as the acting ambassador from the United States to South Africa, recently stepped down. This was confirmed through an official communiqué from the U.S. government to South Africa’s authorities.…

The Final Stand of South Korea's Ousted President: A Nation in Turmoil In a dramatic and defining moment for South Korea, the nation stands on the precipice of a significant political decision: its ousted president, Yoon Suk Yeol, faces his last impeachment hearing. This moment carries deep implications, as judges prepare to determine whether they will formally remove him from office due to his controversial declaration of martial law. Last December, Mr. Yoon announced a suspension of civilian rule, a move that sent…

In a groundbreaking move, South Africa has taken a definitive stance against some of the world's largest tech giants. It has brought to light what many have suspected: practices that stifle competition and prioritize foreign interests over local ones. This isn't just a bureaucratic tug-of-war; it has real implications for the media landscape, both in South Africa and globally. If we pause for a moment to reflect, isn't it curious how these tech behemoths have seamlessly integrated into our…

Amidst a blazing inferno of a heatwave, South Sudan has decided to shutter all schools for the next fortnight. It's a move prompted by an alarming reality: some children have fainted under the intense sun. How did we get here? For the second year in succession, this nascent nation, already grappling with severe climate oddities that flood its lands in the rainy season, finds itself at odds with the February-March heat spikes. Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi paints a vivid picture of an…

The Protection from Harassment Act in South Africa serves as a crucial legal shield against stalking and harassment, especially for those vulnerable to gender-based violence. Designed with the intent to safeguard victims, the Act has faced scrutiny and debate over its application. Recently, a troubling trend emerged where men accused of serious crimes, such as rape, have attempted to use the Act to silence women courageous enough to name their alleged perpetrators. Bonita Meyersfeld elaborates on this troubling situation in…

“What is politics but the art of pulling wool over the eyes of the people?” mused a seasoned diplomat over coffee once. With these words echoing in my mind, let me delve into a story that adds another layer to the intricate tapestry known as Somali politics. On a balmy Thursday, the air was heavy with anticipation at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The reason? The unexpected arrival of Mohamed Hussein Roble, a man who once steered Somalia from the turbulent raft as its Prime Minister. This, however, was…

In a momentous turn of events, South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol made his way to a Seoul courtroom for the initial hearing of his criminal trial, facing serious insurrection charges. This unprecedented situation marks him as the first sitting president in the nation to stand trial for such serious allegations during his time in office. Local media captured the scene vividly, showing vehicles from the justice ministry departing the Seoul Detention Centre, where Mr. Yoon is currently incarcerated. Upon arrival…

On the horizon looms a pivotal moment for South Africa’s fiscal landscape as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to present the much-anticipated 2025 Budget Speech. This speech is more than just a financial outline; it serves as a reflection of the government's priorities, intricately aligned with President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent State of the Nation Address. The task ahead is daunting: how to strike a balance between fostering economic growth and providing essential social support, all while navigating the…

Muhsin Hendricks, renowned as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically killed in what appears to be an assassination in Gqeberha, South Africa. The circumstances surrounding his death are nothing short of shocking; his vehicle was ambushed, highlighting a dark chapter in the ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. Hendricks was not merely an imam; he was a revolutionary figure passionately advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ people within the Muslim community. His mission was…

In a recent assertion that reverberated through the corridors of Parliament, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola unequivocally dismissed the mounting calls for South Africa to withdraw its military presence from the tumultuous Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). To suggest such a retreat, Lamola stated, is nothing short of “worse than surrender.” His words were steeped in concern, reflecting the gravity of the situation following the tragic loss of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who…