South

South African ambassador to France found dead in Paris; circumstances unclear What is known South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead outside a Paris hotel on Sept. 30, about 24 hours after his wife reported him missing, according to a brief notice shared with reporters. Beyond the basic facts of the discovery and the missing-person report, few official details have been released and the cause of death has not been made public. The sudden death of a senior diplomat in a major capital raises…

South Africa hold Nigeria to 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein as qualification drama deepens Bloemfontein — Nigeria's Super Eagles left South Africa on a knife edge after a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Saturday, a match that keeps both teams' World Cup qualification hopes very much alive but leaves the path forward markedly different for the two nations. The result means South Africa sit six points clear at the top of their group and can all but seal progression if they pick up a single point from the two…

South Africa’s top court strips a colonial rule from the registry — and opens a conversation about names, identity and equality In a ruling that reaches beyond bureaucratic formality, South Africa’s Constitutional Court has declared unconstitutional a colonial-era provision that barred husbands from taking their wives’ surnames. The decision — prompted by two couples who challenged the Department of Home Affairs after being denied the right to assume or hyphenate their spouses’ names — requires Parliament to amend the…

South Africa at a Crossroads: Donor Cuts Threaten Hard‑Won Gains Against HIV GAUTENG, South Africa — In a conference hall a short drive from Johannesburg’s busy highways, the blunt arithmetic of global aid collided with the realities faced by clinics and families. Scientists, clinicians, activists and people living with HIV spoke in urgent, sometimes angry tones: the era of steady international support that helped turn a tide against HIV may be ebbing, and the consequences could be catastrophic. Stark projections, stark…

Shot dead in a township: how extortion and xenophobia leave Somali shopkeepers exposed in South Africa Late on a Thursday in Booysenpark, a low-rise neighbourhood of Port Elizabeth, the staccato of gunfire ended the life of a shopkeeper who had been trying, like many migrants, to make a modest living in South Africa. Sharmaarke Aadan Mohamed was killed inside his spaza shop — one more body on a long list of Somali traders who say they live under the constant threat of violence, robbery and organized extortion. The killing…

The Hidden Crisis: Understanding Violence Against Women in South Africa In a country that often rings with the vibrancy of its diverse cultures and rich traditions, a dark shadow looms—a shadow that continues to threaten the safety and dignity of women. A recent crime report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) paints a sobering picture of the violence that continues to plague this nation, revealing that a staggering 60% of crimes against women are perpetrated by those closest to them: spouses, friends, acquaintances,…

Confrontation and Compassion: A Tale of Protest and Unity in Johannesburg In a towering city where hope and division often coexist, South Africa's ongoing struggle with immigration has taken on a new chapter. Last week in Johannesburg, the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula marched through the streets, demanding action against undocumented immigrants while clashing with human rights defenders. The protest, marked by heightened emotions and palpable tensions, not only highlights the deep-seated anxieties many South…

The Urgent Call for Unity: South Africa's First National Dialogue As South Africa stands at a crossroads, President Cyril Ramaphosa is championing the country’s first National Dialogue, a crucial event that aims to wrap a wide array of voices and perspectives around the table. Scheduled to host 200 organizations from 33 different sectors, the initiative is framed as a historic opportunity for the nation to forge its path forward amidst myriad challenges. Yet, as anticipation builds, the air is thick with skepticism and…

Baidoa (AX) — On Monday, Ambassador James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, sat down with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and his team. Their chat revolved around some big-ticket items like security, election prep, and the pressing humanitarian concerns. Regional bigwigs filled in the UN envoy on safety measures being beefed up across South West State. They particularly pointed out the recent wins in Sabiid and Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region.…

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),…