South

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…

The diplomatic ties between South Africa and the United States have recently taken a sharp turn toward tension. Central to this escalating strain is a dramatic clash between two notable figures: Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur and advisor to former President Trump, and Julius Malema, the fiery leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Tensions came to a head when Musk, calling Malema an "international criminal," demanded sanctions against him for incendiary remarks during a rally. These remarks included the…

In a pivotal moment for South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA), an annual address that sets the tone for the country's political and economic landscape. This year, his speech centered on the pressing themes of economic rejuvenation, job creation, and infrastructural development, all while aiming to alleviate the burden of rising household expenses. Notably, Ramaphosa's remarks also included a diplomatic rebuttal to recent statements from the U.S., emphasizing the importance…

Vaccination Against Mpox South Sudan has encountered its inaugural case of mpox, as confirmed last Friday—a grim milestone that has placed the nation on high alert. The discovery was made when a patient succumbed to the clutches of this rare virus, following a gauntlet of diagnostic tests. James Hoth Mai, serving as Acting Health Minister, illuminated the details during a press briefing held in the pulsating heart of Juba. On January 22, a patient first displayed harrowing symptoms, including fever, a…

In a recent outcry, civil society organizations have expressed their profound concern regarding statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, which they label as "dangerous lies and threats." Their statement articulates a robust rejection of Trump's assertions that South Africa is engaging in land confiscation and systematically mistreating select groups of people. To many, the very notion seems not only unfounded but absurd, particularly when such claims emerge from high echelons of the U.S. government. This backlash…