Authorities have said that an explosion has occurred in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of one person and injuring 48 others. Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, which encompasses Johannesburg, addressed the media on Thursday, revealing that 12 of the injured individuals remain hospitalized.
Emergency services are currently at the scene, assessing the extent of the damage and evacuating people as needed.
Due to the incident’s gravity, several streets in this typically bustling area of South Africa’s commercial hub have been closed to traffic.
While the cause of the massive explosion is yet to be definitively determined, Gauteng officials suspect that it might have been triggered by a rupture of underground gas pipes.
Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake and hearing a loud bang just before a section of Breet street collapsed, causing overturned cars and minibus taxis. Video footage illustrates the significant impact, showing a wide split in the road resulting from the incident.
On July 19, 2023, Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, experienced a massive gas explosion that wreaked havoc similar to that of an earthquake. Streets were torn apart, structures were destroyed, and vehicles were thrown into the air by the force of the blast.
According to a BBC report, one person lost their life, and 48 others sustained injuries in the incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
Authorities in the Gauteng province are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but initial suspicions point to a possible rupture of underground gas pipes.
Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, stated on Thursday that 12 of the injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Several streets in Johannesburg have been closed to traffic, and emergency services remain on-site to assess the damage and evacuate people as needed.
Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake and hearing loud bangs just before a section of Breet Street collapsed, creating a vertical split in the road.
The aftermath of the explosion revealed around 20 vehicles lying on the sides of the street, severely damaged by the force of the blast.
President Vladimir Putin will not attend an upcoming summit in South Africa. This decision comes in response to South Africa’s leader stating that any attempt to arrest Putin would be considered a declaration of war against Russia.
If Putin were to leave Russian territory, he would be subject to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. As a signatory to the ICC, South Africa would be expected to assist in his arrest.
Instead, Russia will be represented by its Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, at the two-day summit. However, Putin will participate in the Brics conference, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, through a video link.
The Brics conference is often viewed as an alternative to the G7 group of advanced economies.
In a statement, South Africa’s presidency described the agreement for Mr Putin not to attend as “mutual” and said it had come about following a “number of consultations” on the summit.
The decision by South Africa not to arrest Vladimir Putin has faced criticism from supporters of Russia, who argue that the country should have asserted its sovereignty and defended its friendship with Russia. The invitation extended to Putin prior to the ICC’s accusations of war crimes in Ukraine has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally.
This move was seen by some as a departure from South Africa’s traditionally neutral stance, aligned with other African nations, in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government faced increasing pressure to arrest Putin, leading to a sense of urgency.
The Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party in South Africa, took the matter to court in an attempt to compel the authorities to arrest Putin if he visited the country. International human rights organization Amnesty International also joined the legal challenge.
Court documents revealed that President Ramaphosa opposed the arrest, citing national security concerns as the primary reason for his stance.
“Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting president would be a declaration of war. It would be inconsistent with our constitution to risk engaging in war with Russia,” he said in an affidavit.
Mr Peskov denied Moscow had told South Africa that arresting its president would mean an act of war, but said it was “clear to everyone what [that kind of] infringement against the head of the Russian state would mean”.
Russia has consistently described the ICC arrest warrant as outrageous and legally void, because the country is not a member of the organisation.
The African continent remains split over the war between Russia and Ukraine, with some countries showing reluctance to back United Nations’ resolutions condemning Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
The reasons for this vary from country to country, but experts say one factor is the economic ties that some, including South Africa, have with Moscow.
A sanctioned Russian oligarch, Viktor Vekselberg, is said to be one of the biggest donors to South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress (ANC).
In a study that examined global digital habits, it was revealed that South Africans have emerged as the most avid internet users, spending an astonishing average of at least 9.5 hours online per day in 2022. This figure exceeded the global average by a significant three hours, as reported by Atlas VPN, a virtual private network (VPN) platform based in Delaware.
The study, which analyzed internet usage patterns among individuals aged 16 to 64 in 46 countries, sourced its data from reputable sources such as social media research firm We Are Social and social media intelligence platform Meltwater.
One of the key factors driving South Africa’s high internet usage is the increasing accessibility of the internet across the country and the African continent. In 2020, approximately 70% of South Africans had internet access, a figure that has likely increased since then.
By 2023, the country had reached 43.48 million internet users, representing an impressive penetration rate of 72.3% among its population of 60.14 million. The South African government aims to achieve universal internet access for all households in the country by 2024, further contributing to the surge in digital activity.
Although South Africa’s internet speed lags behind the global average, the nation has been making progress in improving connectivity. In 2021, the country ranked 68th globally for its digital quality of life. Additionally, South Africa stands out for mobile and broadband internet affordability within Africa, as well as commendable mobile internet stability.
Globally, mobile internet usage has become the primary mode of connectivity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where smartphones have become the primary means of accessing the internet.
The study by Atlas VPN highlighted the top reasons why South Africans spend their time online, including seeking information, staying connected with friends and family, staying updated on news and events, watching videos, and acquiring knowledge on various subjects.
In addition to South Africa, several other countries exhibited significant internet usage. Brazil topped the list, with an average daily internet usage of 9 hours and 32 minutes, followed closely by the Philippines (9 hours and 14 minutes), Argentina, and Colombia, both tied at 9 hours and 1 minute.
Notably, the United States and Singapore were also recognized for dedicating an above-average amount of time to internet browsing, with a daily average of 419 minutes (6 hours and 59 minutes).
On the other hand, some European countries, such as Denmark, Austria, and Germany, spent less time online compared to the global average. East Asian countries like China and Japan also had lower daily internet usage, with figures of five hours and 25 minutes and three hours and 45 minutes, respectively.
Globally, the overall average time spent online has gradually declined, decreasing by 20 minutes (4.8%) compared to 2021. This shift is likely attributed to the world moving beyond the COVID-19 phase, where internet usage saw a significant surge due to lockdowns and restrictions.
As technology continues to advance and internet infrastructure improves worldwide, the global internet landscape will undergo further transformations, influencing how people interact and engage with the online world.
Tuesday, July 18, marks Nelson MandelaDay, an annual commemoration of the South African leader’s extraordinary achievements on his birth anniversary.
Established by the United Nations in 2009, this day serves as a tribute to Mandela’s life and lasting legacy.
The theme for Nelson Mandela Day 2023 is “It’s in your hands,” emphasizing the connection between food and climate change. The aim is to raise awareness and encourage individuals to contribute by planting trees and cultivating food in their communities.
The organizers have set a goal of planting one million trees globally, highlighting the significance of environmental sustainability.
Nelson Mandela was a renowned global figure who left an indelible impact on the 20th century and continues to shape the 21st century. He dedicated his life to effecting profound change and improving the lives of countless South Africans.
To delve deeper into the inspiring life story of Nelson Mandela, keep reading.
Why was Nelson Mandela important?
WATCH: A look back at Nelson Mandela’s life (December 2013)
Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, but it wasn’t an easy road to get there.
When Nelson Mandela was a young man, white and black people in South Africa were not allowed to do things together and had to live separate lives under a system called apartheid.
White people, who were a small proportion of the population, were in charge of everything in South Africa.
Image caption,Apartheid in South Africa saw black people treated very differently with fewer rights than white people
Black people had fewer rights and couldn’t vote and white people controlled which jobs black people could have, and even where they lived. They also had access to better schools and hospitals.
Nelson Mandela wanted South African apartheid to end and protested against it.
Mandela sent to prison
Image caption,This was Mandela’s prison cell, which is now a museum
During this time, some anti-apartheid demonstrations in South Africa turned violent, prompting Mandela’s detractors to brand him and his supporters as terrorists.
Mandela spent time on Robben Island while serving a life sentence in jail after being found guilty of treason and attempting to undermine the government in 1964.
For 300 years, a jail operated on the island off the South African city of Cape Town. The majority of prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were black men who had committed political crimes.
In spite of this, a large number of individuals supported Nelson Mandela’s cause and worked to secure his release.
2020: Children discuss what Nelson Mandela means to them.
Mandela released from prison
Finally in 1990, after being in prison for 27 years, the South African President FW de Klerk – a white man – allowed Mandela to go free, signalling a new era in the country.
Mandela had become a symbol of resistance against apartheid and his release saw celebrations not only in South Africa but across the world.
Remembering the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison (2020)
Apartheid in South Africa ended a year later in 1991, and three years after that, South Africa held its first fully-democratic elections in which black people, as well as white, were allowed to vote.
Nelson Mandela was elected president and set about trying to bring people of different races together.
In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – the highest honour of its kind – for his work.
YouTuber Caspar Lee speaks to Newsround about South Africa, Rugby and Nelson Mandela
In 1995, South Africa held its first major sports competition – the Rugby World Cup.
Mandela gave his support to the South African rugby team, made up mostly of white men, so that it would unite the country. The team, known as the Springboks went on to lift the trophy.
Mandela has gone down in history as one of the most famous world leaders ever and is remembered by many for promoting a message of forgiveness and equality.
On July 18th, the world celebrates Nelson Mandela Day, honoring the remarkable achievements of the South African leader on the anniversary of his birth. This day, established by the United Nations in 2009, serves as a tribute to Mandela’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy.
Under the theme “It’s in your hands,” Nelson Mandela Day 2023 seeks to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on food and encourages individuals to make a difference in their communities by planting trees and cultivating food. The organizers aim to plant one million trees globally as part of this initiative.
Nelson Mandela, a renowned global statesman, left an indelible mark on the 20th century and continues to shape the 21st. Through his unwavering dedication, he brought about significant changes in the lives of countless South Africans, inspiring generations with his message of peace, reconciliation, and social justice.
Nelson Mandela Day stands as a reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of fostering a better world. It encourages people worldwide to embrace Mandela’s spirit of compassion, equality, and determination to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Nelson Mandela’s journey to becoming the first black president of South Africa in the nation’s inaugural democratic elections in 1994 was a challenging one.
During Mandela’s youth, South Africa was deeply divided by apartheid, a system that enforced racial segregation and discrimination. Under apartheid, white and black individuals were prohibited from engaging in activities together and were forced to lead separate lives.
In this unjust system, the minority white population held absolute power over all aspects of South African society. Black individuals had limited rights, including the denial of voting privileges. White authorities controlled employment opportunities for black citizens, as well as where they could reside. Disparities in education and healthcare were also prevalent, with white individuals having access to superior facilities and resources.
Nelson Mandela, driven by his deep conviction for equality and justice, dedicated himself to fighting against the oppressive apartheid regime. He became a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and led numerous protests and demonstrations against the unjust policies.
Mandela’s unwavering determination and commitment to ending apartheid were instrumental in reshaping the course of South African history. His leadership, coupled with the efforts of countless activists, ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a more inclusive and democratic South Africa.
Image caption, This was Mandela’s prison cell, which is now a museum
Amidst the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, certain protests escalated into acts of violence, leading critics to brand Nelson Mandela and his supporters as terrorists.
In 1964, Mandela faced conviction for treason and conspiracy to overthrow the government, resulting in a life sentence. He served a significant portion of his imprisonment on Robben Island, located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. This island had served as a prison for political offenders, predominantly black men, for over three centuries.
However, despite the negative portrayal by some, Mandela garnered widespread international support for his cause. People from around the globe rallied behind him, advocating for his release and standing in solidarity with the fight against apartheid.
Mandela’s resilience and the global solidarity he received played a pivotal role in shedding light on the injustices of apartheid and contributed to the eventual dismantling of the discriminatory system.
In a historic moment in 1990, Nelson Mandela was finally released after spending 27 years in prison. The decision to release Mandela came from South African President FW de Klerk, who, as a white man, played a crucial role in ushering in a new era for the country.
Mandela had emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance against apartheid, capturing the hearts and minds of people around the globe. His long-awaited release sparked widespread celebrations, not only in South Africa but also across the world. Mandela’s freedom marked a significant turning point in South African history, symbolizing the potential for reconciliation, unity, and the dismantling of the oppressive apartheid system.
The release of Nelson Mandela paved the way for his subsequent involvement in negotiations and ultimately his election as South Africa’s first black president in 1994.
Apartheid in South Africa officially ended in 1991, and the following year, the country witnessed its first fully-democratic elections, enabling both black and white citizens to exercise their right to vote. In this historic election, Nelson Mandela was elected as the president of South Africa, embarking on a mission to foster unity and reconciliation among people of different races.
In recognition of his remarkable efforts, Nelson Mandela was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, the highest accolade in its category, for his tireless work in promoting peace and justice.
In 1995, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup, a significant sporting event. Mandela saw an opportunity to use the occasion to bridge racial divides and foster national unity. He offered his support to the South African rugby team, predominantly composed of white players, known as the Springboks. Against the odds, the team went on to win the tournament, symbolizing a triumph that transcended the boundaries of sport and united the nation.
Nelson Mandela’s impact as a world leader has secured his place in history. He is widely revered for advocating messages of forgiveness and equality, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire people across the globe. His unwavering commitment to justice and the pursuit of a more inclusive society has left an enduring mark on the world’s collective memory.
A devastating fire has ravaged a disadvantaged neighborhood in Durban, a port city in South Africa.
The Kennedy Road informal settlement was engulfed in flames early on Sunday morning, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes.
Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead, and there are concerns that additional casualties may be discovered.
Distressing video footage depicts the charred remnants of makeshift shelters, constructed using corrugated iron sheets, amid the smoldering debris. Desperate residents can be seen salvaging what remains of their possessions.
At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown. However, eyewitnesses suggest that it may have originated from an argument between two individuals who were reportedly intoxicated.
This incident has brought immense suffering to the affected community. The South African Red Cross, recognizing the magnitude of the disaster, estimates that approximately 1,000 shacks have been destroyed, leaving around 3,000 people homeless.
Siyabonga Hlatshwayo, a spokesperson for the South African Red Cross, has described the situation as a catastrophe.
The organization has been working tirelessly to provide essential aid to those affected, including the distribution of hot meals, mattresses, and blankets.
Hlatshwayo has issued an appeal to the public for additional donations to support their efforts in assisting the displaced residents during this challenging time.
Former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, who was removed from office in 2018 due to corruption allegations and faced multiple legal cases, is presently in Moscow for medical treatment, according to his spokesperson. This revelation comes just a day after a court ruling that upheld his imprisonment.
Mr. Zuma, 81, “went to Russia last week for health reasons and he will return to the country when his doctors have completed his treatment,” Mzwanele Manyi said in a statement.
This trip, aboard a commercial flight, “is private, but not secret” , defends the spokesperson, in the wake of leaks in the local press on this trip by Mr Zuma, who was still on the 7 July in Zimbabwe , where he represented a group from Belarus at a conference on carbon credits.
On Thursday, South Africa’s highest court reiterated that Mr Zuma should return to prison to finish serving a 15-month sentence for contempt, rejecting an appeal asking that he be spared.
This decision should not have immediate effect: the penitentiary services affirmed that they were going to study this judgment and seek a legal opinion before expressing themselves on this file.
Mr. Zuma was sentenced in June 2021 for stubbornly refusing to respond to a commission investigating corruption under his presidency (2009-2018). His imprisonment a few days later sparked several days of riots, killing more than 350 people.
He had been released on parole after two months for medical reasons, without further details on his state of health.
Mr. Zuma, when he was president, had close ties with Moscow. More generally, relations between South Africa and Russia date back to the apartheid era, with the Kremlin providing support to the ANC in the fight against the racist regime.
Mr. Zuma, feared intelligence chief at the time of the ANC in exile, whose middle name Gedleyihlekisa means in Zulu “he who laughs while crushing his enemies”, spent ten years in Robben Island penitentiary alongside Nelson Mandela.
Africa, with its vast coastline spanning 18,950 miles across 54 countries, is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches.
Offering diverse landscapes and a range of activities, these coastal gems cater to romantic getaways, family vacations, and thrilling adventures. Let’s explore ten must-visit beaches in Africa that showcase the continent’s awe-inspiring natural wonders.
1. Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles:
Located on the tranquil southwest coast of Seychelles’ La Digue Island, Anse Source D’Argent stands out as one of the archipelago’s most mesmerizing beaches. Garnering accolades from prestigious travel publications, it has rightfully earned the title of the world’s most photographed beach. With its crystal-clear waters, ideal swimming conditions, and vibrant marine life, this beach is a haven for snorkeling and sunbathing enthusiasts.
Nestled on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula, Camps Bay is not only a beautiful bay but also an affluent suburb of Cape Town. Its stunning white sand, along with breathtaking views of the ocean and Lion’s Head mountains, creates a picturesque setting. Camps Bay Beach offers an ideal backdrop for group activities and romantic strolls during warm summer evenings. The suburb’s luxury beachfront restaurants and boutique hotels attract celebrities and stylish visitors alike.
Situated on Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, Nungwi stands as the second-largest settlement after Stone Town. This beach perfectly blends tradition and modernity, offering warm and sunny weather thanks to its equatorial location. Travelers flock to Nungwi for its exquisite beauty, wide range of activities, and accommodation options to suit every budget.
4. Margarida, Príncipe:
Located in the Mé-Zóchi District of São Tomé and Principe, Santa Margarida village boasts a 550-meter-long stretch of golden sand known as Margarida Beach. Its shallow, clear waters make it ideal for swimming and leisurely walks along the shoreline. This popular tourist destination offers a marina, navigable waterways, dining options, shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
5. Plage d’Agadir, Morocco:
Situated just 2.3 kilometers from Agadir’s city center, Plage d’Agadir is one of the top-rated beaches in the Souss-Massa region. The beach’s length ensures it rarely feels overcrowded, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. With its calm waters, protection from winds, and pleasant ambiance, Plage d’Agadir is perfect for families with young children.
6. Trou aux Biches, Mauritius:
Nestled along Mauritius’ northern coast in the Pamplemousses district, the small settlement of Trou aux Biches boasts one of the island’s most stunning public beaches. Recognized as the World’s Leading Beach Destination at the 2011 World Travel Awards, Trou aux Biches offers a range of resorts and boutique hotels. Its convenient location, just west of Port Louis, makes it easily accessible for visitors.
7. Lamu Archipelago, Kenya Coast:
The Lamu Archipelago, situated near Kenya’s northern coast in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine beaches and rich African-Arabic coastal heritage. Lamu Island, the highlight of the archipelago, offers white sandy beaches, delectable cuisine, friendly locals, and various accommodation options. Visitors can also indulge in dhow sailing, dolphin watching, and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lamu Town.
8. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique:
Bazaruto, meaning the “island of the mist,” is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, a national park since 1971. These picturesque islands in Mozambique boast untouched beauty and diverse ecologies. Snorkeling enthusiasts can marvel at over 2,000 fish species inhabiting the pristine coral reefs, alongside whales and dolphins. Fishing and surfing opportunities add to the allure of this Southern African destination.
9. Naama Bay, Egypt:
Located in the resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay allures tourists with its vibrant ambiance. Boasting cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bazaars, the bay offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, and diving among exotic coral reefs. With year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures, Naama Bay guarantees unforgettable vacations.
10. Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar:
Known as a favored tourist destination, Île Sainte-Marie in Madagascar is a tiny island with a rich historical past as a pirate haven. Its idyllic setting features white sandy beaches, natural pools, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors are captivated by the island’s unique atmosphere and find it difficult to leave.
Africa’s stunning beaches offer an array of natural wonders, making them irresistible to travelers seeking memorable experiences. From the idyllic shores of Seychelles and Zanzibar to the vibrant coasts of Cape Town and Lamu Archipelago, each beach presents its own allure. Whether you crave relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, Africa’s beaches are waiting to provide an unforgettable escape.
A man has confessed to “intentionally” setting the South African Parliament ablaze.
He is currently facing terrorism charges over the fire that badly damaged South Africa‘s Parliament building last year said in a courtroom outburst on Thursday that he “burned it intentionally.”
Shouting and pointing his finger, Zandile Mafe said he was going to “burn it more” if the Parliament was not moved from Cape Town to either the city of Bloemfontein or Pretoria.
The huge blaze badly damaged the historic Parliament complex in January last year as it ripped through various buildings, including the main chamber where lawmakers sit. It hasn’t been fully repaired, with estimates saying it will cost around $120 million and take at least three years.
Mafe was arrested in the Parliament precinct soon after the fire started. He was charged with breaking and entering, arson and terrorism, but his case has been held up after a judge ordered him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
The judge overseeing Thursday’s court appearance allowed Mafe to finish his rant, saying he didn’t want to “exacerbate” his “mental condition,” according to South African media reports.
Judge Nathan Erasmus then said an expert report indicated that Mafe was not able to understand the wrongfulness of the acts he is accused of, although a final decision on whether there will be a criminal trial was postponed until next month.
Mafe had also challenged the court to give him a sentence of 25 years to life, which is what he could face if his trial goes ahead.
“I’m not afraid of a life sentence,” he shouted.
The fire at the seat of South Africa’s democracy raised criticism of the security procedures in place at the Parliament whose members were on a break and the buildings were largely empty. No one was hurt.
Mafe has said he is angry at various issues in South Africa. He has called the opposition political party that runs the Cape Town municipality racist against Black people and has also accused the government of failing to help the poor.
The South African government is attempting to crack down on the torching of vehicles on busy highways. 21 large trucks have been set on fire so far this week.
The arson occurs on the same day as the second anniversary of deadly countrywide riots that claimed more than 350 lives.
Despite similarities with the methods used, the government claims the lorry attacks are unrelated.
Investigators are closing up on 12 people who have been named as the instigators, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele.
“They’ve been identified by names, some of them by address and some of them by the cars they drive,” Mr Cele said on Wednesday.
Investigations are being conducted into a number of motives, including economic sabotage, robbery, and labor problems.
The police minister stated that soldiers had been sent to key locations where arson attacks had been recorded.
They constituted “economic sabotage,” according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, because the trucks were burned “on the main artery of our country.”
The arrest in 2021 was brought on by the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma for contempt of court, which fueled accusations that Zuma’s loyalists were attempting to topple South Africa’s fledgling democracy.
South African justice ministry, former Mozambique finance minister Manuel Chang has been extradited from South Africa to the United States on Wednesday to face prosecution for his alleged involvement in a $2 billion debt scam.
Chang, who has consistently maintained his innocence, has been held captive in South Africa since 2018 after being seized there at the US government’s request on suspicion of money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Later, Mozambique also asked for his extradition, and the two nations engaged in a legal and political battle over Chang’s ownership. In a final ruling issued in May, the constitutional court of South Africa refused Mozambique permission to appeal.
“The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services confirms that the Republic of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies successfully surrendered Mr Manuel Chang to the United States of America on July 12, 2023,” a ministry statement said.
The U.S. allegations concern loans from Credit Suisse and Russia’s VTB bank that were approved by Chang while he served as Mozambique’s finance minister from 2005 to 2015. The loans were guaranteed by the Mozambique government.
A large portion of the funds disappeared, and the projects for which the loans were purportedly intended never materialized. According to U.S. investigators, the projects, which included shipyard development, maritime security, and tuna fishing, were a front for a complex bribery and kickback operation.
When the true scale of the borrowing was made public in 2016, donors including the International Monetary Fund withdrew their support for Mozambique, which led to the collapse of the local currency and a debt default.
The police has reported that three guys opened fire in a home’s yard in South Africa, killing six people and injuring four more.
The shootings took place on Tuesday night in the Eastern Cape province’s KwaNobuhle settlement, which is close to Kariega.
Police said on Wednesday that a search was ongoing and that no arrests had been made of the accused.
According to official crime figures, South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and at least 2,629 people were shot to death in the first three months of this year. 30 people every day is a sobering pace for the 60 million-person nation.
In South Africa, there has also been an increase in celebrity-targeted killings and kidnappings for ransom.
Authorities said that a woman was among the wounded in the shooting on Tuesday that left five males and a woman dead.
“It is alleged that three unknown males entered the yard and opened fire at people who were in the property or nearby to the house,” said police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu. “Two females were shot at the gate. One female succumbed to her injuries while the other sustained gunshot wounds.”
The security service is still trying to identify the cause of the shooting.
In South Africa, there have been several large-scale shootings recently, including at least three this year.
16 people were killed in Soweto, a slum in Johannesburg, last year as a result of many shooters shooting at patrons at a bar.
At a birthday celebration in the same Eastern Cape area in January, eight people were shot and killed.
Ten members of the same family were killed at a home in April, including a youngster.
The rand gained momentum on Tuesday as a result of increased local industrial output and a weaker dollar brought on by predictions that rate hikes in the U.S. will come to a halt.
At 14:43 GMT, the rand was trading at 18.53 against the dollar, up 1.3% from the previous close.
Eight police officers have been suspended from duty following a disturbing incident in Johannesburg where civilians were allegedly assaulted on the side of a motorway.
The incident, which took place earlier this month, involved officers from the VIP protection unit responsible for Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security.
In a video capturing the incident, the officers can be seen forcibly removing the civilian-clothed military trainees from their vehicle and subjecting them to physical assault.
Make these thugs famous! Allegedly cops of VIP protection unit. This is an atrocity. This is what happens when the police is used as an iron fist for the state. Apparently in Johannesburg today. What will happen to them @SAPoliceService? Whatever happened to serve and protect?! pic.twitter.com/mkImtSNpmw
One of the victims was rendered unconscious after being kicked in the head. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The release of the video sparked widespread outrage in a country where concerns have been raised about the necessity of extensive protection for the political elite while ordinary citizens face the brunt of rampant crime.
South African police have confirmed that Manuel Chang, the former Finance Minister of Mozambique, will be extradited to the United States to face fraud and corruption charges.
Chang has been in custody in South Africa since December 2018.
During his tenure as Mozambique’s finance minister, the country guaranteed over $2 billion in secret loans by state-owned firms, leading to a major corruption scandal and subsequent economic collapse.
The funds were allegedly used for various purposes, including the purchase of a large tuna factory, earning the scandal the nickname “tuna bond” scandal.
Last year, 11 individuals, including the son of Mozambique’s former president, were convicted of embezzlement and money laundering in connection with the same scheme. However, Chang maintains his innocence.
It is now understood that Chang will be escorted by FBI officials from Lanseria airport in Johannesburg to New York, where he will stand trial. The Mozambican authorities had sought to have Chang returned to Mozambique for trial rather than being extradited to the US.
According to South African authorities, Chang is expected to face charges in the US related to loans acquired from Credit Suisse and Russia’s VTB bank, which were guaranteed by the Mozambican government.
Some of these loans were not properly disclosed and were authorized by Chang during his tenure as finance minister from 2005 to 2015.
The US has indicted Chang, alleging his involvement in the misappropriation of funds that were invested by American investors.
In a statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office, it has been announced that Essop Pahad, a revered anti-apartheid veteran and former Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, has passed away at the age of 84.
“We mourn the passing of a veteran of our struggle,” President Ramaphosa said, citing Mr Pahad’s contribution to South African democracy.
“Security crackdowns, banning and exile shaped Essop Pahad’s contribution over decades to our struggle and, as Parliamentary Counsellor to President Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency, to the early design and impact of our democratic state.”
Described as a visionary and strategist, Essop Pahad embarked on his remarkable political journey 65 years ago when he joined the Transvaal Indian Congress, an organization that actively opposed white-minority rule during apartheid in South Africa.
He subsequently became a member of the African National Congress (ANC), the party led by President Ramaphosa. Pahad’s activism led to his arrest and subsequent exile in the 1960s, but even in exile, he continued to contribute to the cause of the banned ANC.
In 1990, coinciding with the lifting of the ban on the ANC and the dawn of a new era for South Africa, Pahad returned to his homeland. This pivotal year marked the end of apartheid and the birth of a democratic government.
Later, during the presidency of Thabo Mbeki from 1999 to 2008, Mr. Pahad served as Minister in the Presidency, further solidifying his dedication and service to the nation.
The president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), Patrice Motsepe, has stepped in to resolve a salary dispute between the South Africa women’s football team and the national federation.
The team’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s World Cup were thrown into disarray ahead of their final warm-up game against Botswana. In protest, the Banyana Banyana team boycotted the match and refused to sign contracts due to concerns over bonuses.
While FIFA had guaranteed each player $30,000 (£24,000) for their participation in the tournament, this amount was not included in the contracts provided to the players.
Patrice Motsepe, a wealthy South African businessman who also serves as the president of Caf, and his wife Precious Moloi, played a pivotal role in mediating an agreement between the two parties. Their foundation made a donation towards the players’ bonuses, helping to resolve the issue.
The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to commence later this month, with Australia and New Zealand as the host countries.
Seventeen people have tragically lost their lives due to a suspected nitrate oxide gas leak in South Africa, according to local authorities.
The victims, including women and children, succumbed to gas inhalation in an informal settlement located in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, is believed to be connected to illegal gold mining activities in the area.
Illegal gold miners, known as “zama zamas,” often utilize nitrate oxide gas to extract gold from soil obtained from abandoned mine shafts.
Authorities discovered a leaking gas cylinder in the densely populated Angelo shanty town of Boksburg.
The victims were found within a 100-meter radius of the leak site.
Rescue teams continue their search, and there are concerns that additional bodies may be discovered.
Fifteen individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, with three in critical condition.
A devastated woman from Mozambique, residing in South Africa, shared with the BBC that her husband lost his life in the gas leak. She received a distressing call from a neighbor informing her of her husband’s collapse.
Tearfully, she expressed worries about repatriating her husband’s body to Mozambique since she is unemployed, and her husband worked part-time as a handyman.
This tragedy occurred only six months after a gas tanker explosion claimed 41 lives in the same town on Christmas Eve.
In South Africa, a suspected deadly gas leak from a cylinder at an illicit gold mining operation claimed the lives of at least 16 persons, three of whom were children.
Rescuers are conducting searches within a 100-meter radius of the scene in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, where they suspect that up to 24 people may be dead.
While police, ambulance, and fire brigade search for more victims, the youngest victims are thought to be 1, 6, and 15 years old.
Zama-zamas, or illegal gold miners, had been utilising nitric oxide in a sizable shanty where they lived and worked.
This was to separate gold they extracted from dirt and earth.
Spokesman William Ntladi said: ‘The search and recovery team is searching the shacks in and around the area where the cylinder leaked to verify if there are other casualties nearby.
‘The bodies we have found had already died but others could have tried to escape and collapsed elsewhere so we won’t have a final toll until the whole scene has been fully examined.
‘We do not know when the gas started leaking but when the emergency teams arrived at around 8pm on Wednesday night the cylinder which had leaked into the shack was already empty.’
Another Ekurhuleni EMS officer spoke to TimesLIVE and said women and children were among the dead, with their bodies scattered in different parts of the settlement near the leak.
He said: ‘The zama-zama guys live amongst the community and clean and refine their gold here using gas cylinders but sadly this time the gas leaked resulting in sleeping people suffocating.
‘Others who were awake died as they tried to run but the fumes were too much to bear. The scene is horrific with bodies lying everywhere waiting for the forensic teams to arrive,’ he said.
A township elder, fearful of the zama-zamas added: ‘There is nothing we can do about them. They are too powerful and too dangerous. They live amongst us in the Angelo area.
‘What has happened has destroyed Angelo – there are bodies wherever you look.’
A South African Police source said: ‘They are a law onto themselves and are always heavily armed and wherever they set up camp rape and murder and violence follows behind them.’
It is not the first time an incident like this has happened, after 41 suspected miners were killed when a lorry carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded under a bridge at the same township on Christmas Eve.
And at least 31 illegal miners were killed in a gas explosion while underground illegally excavating a disused mine in Welkom, in the Free State Province in June.
“I am not poisoned, I am well,” he said on a video released on Monday evening.
In the video released, the king, looking well, explained that he had travelled to Eswatini for a regular medical health check – something that Chief Buthelezi continues to dispute saying that the king crossed the border to “urgently seek medical attention”.
“I’m happy, everything is well-functioning, there is no poison whatsoever. So please people, mostly to the Zulu people, the Zulu royal family also to remind everyone to please don’t listen to everything that people say,” the king said.
🟥WATCH🟥 In a recent video recorded in eSwatini and shared with the SABC by his spokesperson Prince Africa Zulu, AmaZulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini assured his followers that he is in good health and vehemently denied allegations of poisoning. pic.twitter.com/L6T7gq4t0I
Over the weekend, the traditional prime minister of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini stated that the king had traveled to neighboring Eswatini for medical treatment.
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi also mentioned that this decision came in the wake of the sudden passing of one of the king’s senior advisers, who was also suspected to have been a victim of poisoning.
But in response, the king’s spokesperson, Prince Africa Zulu alleged there was “an orchestrated agenda and a desperate narrative to communicate defamatory and baseless claims of His Majesty’s ill-health”.
South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has refuted reports that he was poisoned, insisting in a video that he was in good condition.
It comes amid contradictory worries after the Zulu traditional prime minister announced over the weekend that the king was being hospitalized for possible poisoning in neighboring Eswatini.
According to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the King was in hospital after the untimely death of one of his senior aides, who died of suspected poisoning. But the king’s official spokesman, says he is in “perfect health.”
However, in the video released to South African media, the monarch stated that he was due to go for his regular medical check-ups, which he chose to undertake in Eswatini.
“[It’s] not because I have been poisoned, I am not poisoned. I am well. I feel 100%.
“I’m happy, everything is well functioning, there is no poison whatsoever. So please people, mostly to the Zulu people, the Zulu royal family also to remind everyone to please don’t listen to everything that people say,” he said.
King Misuzulu is also quoted as telling the AFP news agency over the phone from Eswatini that he was “very fit and sound.”
The 48-year-old monarch succeeded to the throne last year after his father, monarch Goodwill Zwelithini, died in a royal succession dispute.
South Africa’s primary opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), along with six other political parties, has announced their intention to engage in discussions to establish a pact aimed at removing the ANC from government in the upcoming elections next year.
Notably absent from this group is the Economic Freedom Fighters, the country’s third largest political party, which holds a more progressive position compared to the ANC.
The ANC, which played a pivotal role in the fight against apartheid and has held power for nearly three decades, has experienced a gradual decline in its level of support in recent years.
In the last municipal elections held in 2021, which is the most recent nationwide vote, the ANC secured a vote share of less than 50%.
The seven opposition parties hoping to agree on a pact have said in a joint statement that “the incumbent governing party is set to lose its majority when voters go to the polls next year”.
Taking this into consideration, their objective is to present a cohesive and robust alliance that is characterized by stability, viability, and effectiveness. To achieve this, they have scheduled a two-day meeting next month to negotiate and finalize an agreement.
However, the absence of the EFF, which garnered a 10% share in the 2019 general election, poses a significant challenge in their quest to secure over 50% of the votes in the upcoming elections.
South Africa’s Zulu King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, is reportedly undergoing treatment in a hospital for suspected poisoning, according to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister.
Chief Buthelezi stated that the king sought medical attention in Eswatini as he felt uncomfortable receiving treatment in South Africa. The suspicion of poisoning arose following the sudden death of one of the king’s senior advisers.
In his statement, Chief Buthelezi said King Misuzulu’s senior aide, Douglas Xaba who stayed with him, “passed on quite suddenly and that there are suspicions that he was poisoned”.
“When His Majesty began to feel unwell, he suspected that he too may have been poisoned.
“He immediately sought out medical treatment in Eswatini. I am informed that His Majesty felt uncomfortable seeking treatment in South Africa, as his parents had both received treatment in South Africa and subsequently died,” Chief Buthelezi said.
However, the king’s official spokesman, Prince Africa Zulu, refuted the claims and stated that the king was in “perfect health.”
Prince Africa Zulu clarified that the king was not currently hospitalized and urged against creating unnecessary panic, indirectly referring to Chief Buthelezi’s statement.
In his subsequent statement, Prince Africa said there appeared to be an “orchestrated agenda and a desperate narrative to communicate defamatory and baseless claims” about the king’s health.
“Ultimately, this creates unnecessary panic and perceptions of instability in the Royal Crown,” he added.
However, Prince Africa confirmed the monarch had undergone a thorough medical examination in Eswatini while visiting his uncle, King Mswati III.
The checks were carried out because of “our current times of pandemics such as Covid-19 and other dangerous ailments”, and also “to mitigate against any untimely eventuality, given the reports of Mr Xaba’s sudden passing”.
King Misuzulu was crowned in a grand ceremony in October last year. However, a fierce power struggle has unfolded within the royal family over his ascension, and tensions have also emerged between the monarch and Chief Buthelezi.
A suspected poisoning is being treated in a hospital for South Africa‘s Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, according to his traditional prime minister.
According to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the monarch chose Eswatini for his medical care because he feels uncomfortable receiving care in South Africa.
This comes after the untimely passing of one of his top advisers who also died of suspected poisoning, according to Chief Buthelezi.
Thousands of his subjects witnessed the coronation of King Misuzulu in October.
But a vicious power struggle has been raging within the royal family over the 48-year-old’s accession.
The Zulu king does not have formal political power and the monarch’s role within broader South African society is largely ceremonial, but he remains hugely influential with a yearly government-funded budget of several million dollars.
A faction within the family is challenging his claim to the throne in court, insisting that he is not the rightful heir of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini.
They insist that another son of the late king, Prince Simakade, should be the monarch.
King Zwelithini had six wives and at least 26 children.
King Zwelithini’s will has also been challenged in court by his first wife, Queen Sibongile Dlamini-Zulu, and her two daughters.
A court dismissed their case last year, but they said they would appeal against the ruling.
There is no suggestion that any members of the royal family are behind King Misuzulu’s suspected poisoning.
The South African police have not yet commented on the claims.
In his statement, Chief Buthelezi said a senior aide of King Misuzulu, who stayed with him, “passed on quite suddenly and that there are suspicions that he was poisoned”.
“When His Majesty began to feel unwell, he suspected that he too may have been poisoned.
“He immediately sought out medical treatment in Eswatini. I am informed that His Majesty felt uncomfortable seeking treatment in South Africa, as his parents had both received treatment in South Africa and subsequently died,” Chief Buthelezi said.
Chief Buthelezi added that while the king had recently appointed a head of communications in his office, he, as the traditional prime minister, had an obligation to inform the Zulu nation of “this worrying situation”.
“Our immediate concern is the King’s wellbeing. We as the Zulu nation pray for His Majesty’s full and swift recovery.
“Should there be any reason for further investigations, that will be attended to by the authorities,” Chief Buthelezi said.
King Misuzulu’s accession was sudden and unexpected.
His father died during the Covid pandemic in March 2021 of diabetes-related complications.
He was the Zulu nation’s longest-reigning monarch, having served on the throne for almost 50 years.
King Misuzulu’s mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, then became the regent, but she died a month later.
She was the sister of Eswatini’s King Mswati III – Africa’s only absolute monarch.
At the time, Chief Buthelezi dismissed rumours that she had been poisoned.
He had backed King Misuzulu’s accession to the throne, but recent reports suggested that differences had emerged between the two.
It followed a dispute over the chairmanship of the Ingonyama Trust Board, which manages vast tracts of land controlled by the monarch.
The king appointed Chief Thanduyise Mzimela as its chairman, but this was opposed by Chief Buthelezi who felt he was inexperienced for the post, according to local media.
Uganda and South Sudan have come together to strengthen their energy ties and promote socioeconomic development in the border towns of Oraba, Elegu, Kaya, and Nimule through the signing of a crucial power sales agreement (PSA).
The power sales agreement aims to boost electrical commerce between the two neighboring nations and foster economic growth in the region. The Olwiyo substation in northern Uganda, which is already operational at 132kV, will serve as the electricity source for the 400kV Olwiyo-Juba transmission line, facilitating the distribution of power to Juba, the capital city of South Sudan.
The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in December 2015, focusing on developing transmission and distribution infrastructure to connect Uganda and South Sudan under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Plan (Nelsap). To ensure effective implementation, a joint technical committee has been set up to plan and coordinate the project’s development.
As per the agreement, the priority lies in the construction of the 308 km power transmission line, with 138 km located in South Sudan and 170 km in Uganda. Additionally, the substations at Juba, Olwiyo, and Bibia (near the Elegu border post in Uganda) will undergo expansion to facilitate smooth electricity flow.
The momentous power sales agreement was officially signed in Juba on Tuesday by Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ugandan Energy Ministry, and Beck Awan Deng, the General Manager of the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC). This collaboration represents a significant step forward in strengthening energy ties and promoting socioeconomic progress between Uganda and South Sudan.
“Today’s signing ceremony marks the beginning of serious cooperation in power trade between Uganda and South Sudan,” energy minister Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, who led the Ugandan delegation said.
Peter Marcello Jelenge, South Sudan representative, added, “We would like to see projects that benefit both the people of Uganda and South Sudan…We will take power from small towns in Uganda, such as Elegu and Oraba.”
The feasibility study, which started in March 2023 and is anticipated to be finished in February of the following year, is being carried out by a consortium made up of the Italian companies CESI S.p.A., ELC Electro Consult S.p.A., Colenco Consulting Ltd., and Colenco Consulting Ltd. of Nigeria.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has decided to donate money to South Sudan and Uganda for feasibility studies with additional funding by the AfDB.
The death toll from floods in South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province has reached at least seven, and it is anticipated to increase further.
Several regions in the southeastern parts of the province are currently undergoing recovery efforts following severe rains and storms earlier this week.
The bodies of a woman in her 20s and a teenage girl were recently recovered from a canal in the city of Durban.
According to provincial authorities, at least 70 homes have been destroyed, leaving over 150 individuals without shelter.
Disaster management teams are continuing to assess the extent of the damage caused by the floods.
Authorities have reported on Thursday that four persons had perished in the southeast province of KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa after it was struck by a tornado and torrential rain.
Powerful winds and rainfall damaged roads and flooded houses and sewer systems, followed by a tornado that struck north of the port city of Durban on Tuesday.
“Regrettably, so far four people have been confirmed to have lost their lives,” the province’s disaster management department said in a statement.
Three people died in Durban and a fourth in wider KwaZulu-Natal, it said, adding that a fifth person was missing and more than 150 were homeless.
Local daily News 24 reported Nonala Ndlovu, a spokesperson for the provincial department of cooperative governance, as saying that public infrastructure, including sewage systems, has also been damaged.
The rainy season in KwaZulu-Natal usually runs from November to March, and exceptional rainfall at this time of year is unusual, it said.
“We are experiencing firsthand the true effects of climate change during the winter season,” the department said.
In April 2022, the province was hit by the worst floods in living memory, suffering the loss of more than 400 lives in Durban and surrounding areas.
Experts have warned that floods and other extreme weather events are becoming more powerful and frequent as the world gets warmer, due to climate change.
German car manufacturer BMW has revealed its plans to invest millions of euros in its South African plant, positioning it as the second facility worldwide to manufacture and export the X3 plug-in hybrid model.
The company will allocate approximately €200 million ($218 million) to upgrade the production capabilities of its factory located in Plant Rosslyn, Pretoria.
Starting next year, “we will manufacture the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid for global export in South Africa,” Milan Nedeljkovic, board member for production, said in a statement.
The investment will make the country the second after the US to manufacture and export the X3 hybrid.
The continent’s most industrialised economy began manufacturing the X3, the firm’s best-selling model, in 2018.
South Africa boasts a booming automotive industry — the country’s largest manufacturing sector — which contributed 4.3 percent of the gross domestic product in 2021 according to the International Trade Administration.
BMW’s Pretoria plant has produced over 1.6 million vehicles, the group said, exporting to more than 40 countries globally, including 14 across the continent.
South African authorities have announced the demise of at least 31 suspected illegal miners, believed to be from Lesotho, at an abandoned mine in Free State.
The Department of Mineral Resources in South Africa issued a statement stating that the Lesotho government notified them about the deaths, which occurred on May 18, within a mine ventilation shaft.
The Welkom mine in Free State was last operational in the 1990s, according to the department.
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources says three bodies have been recovered from the mine by other illegal miners. It is however is collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the previous owners of the mine, to recover the remaining bodies.
But inspectors, after conducting an assessment, have deemed the conditions too hazardous to send a team to the site.
The South African presidency has warned people against scammers using President Cyril Ramaphosa’s name to defraud the public.
It said messages purporting to be sent by the president have been circulating.
“The president does not request any funds or endorse any payments or contracts between third parties, whether through websites, adverts, social media, emails, letters, texts or phone conversations,” the alert said.
Anyone who has received communications of this nature from the president or the presidency should terminate all future contact with the scammers, it added.
The presidency has not revealed any further details about the nature of the scams or how long they have been running, but said anyone who had already sent money to the scammers should report to law enforcement authorities.
Cybercrime and cases of impersonation have been on the rise in the country, according to local media reports.
In the South African city of Johannesburg, two children, aged five and seven, perished in a fire that started in a residential building where they had been left unattended and locked inside an apartment.
The blaze, in the inner city area of Hillbrow, began on Wednesday afternoon.
A reporter from South Africa’s Times Live has recently tweeted a video from the scene filmed after firefighters arrived:
Squatters often move into old and abandoned buildings in the area – which colloquially are said to have been “hijacked”.
Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda visited the scene later in the evening, commending firefighters for their efforts and saying Hillbrow’s old buildings did not meet health and safety standards.
“This particular property has been at the centre of the City [of Johannesburg’s] efforts to reclaim hijacked buildings from illegal occupants and crime syndicates,” New24 quoted him as saying.
The city’s emergency services say the children appear to have died from smoke inhalation and their bodies were later found “burnt beyond recognition”.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and the police are conducting investigations.
Residents of a region of the Northern Cape province in South Africa have been admonished to exercise caution and keep an eye out for cheetahs and leopards prowling the streets.
State broadcaster SABC quoted a representative of an organisation cautioning that wildcats are dangerous and had been seen crossing roads close to a nearby town.
“It’s a bit of a concern they are hungry. They can walk 35km [22 miles] in one night. We have warned the community. The police have warned the community. I have been out telling the people,” Michelle Oppernan of Olifantshoek Animals is quoted as saying.
It is not clear if the cats have escaped from a game serve.
This was the case earlier in the year with incidents of wild cats, including tigers, on the loose which triggered safety warnings in areas of Gauteng province and the capital, Pretoria.
A former member of the Rwandan police, Fulgence Kayishema, is requesting asylum in South Africa after being charged with having a significant involvement in the 1994 genocide.
Arrested last month in Cape Town, the Rwandan has abandoned his application for bail, his lawyer announced on Tuesday before a Cape Town court, who added that his client “fears for his life, if and when, he is extradited”.
The asylum request is likely to delay the legal process in South Africa, where he is currently facing numerous charges linked to his irregular stay in the country.
The state prosecutor indicated that South Africa will oppose any future bail application.
Until his arrest on 24 May, the 62-year-old was one of the last fugitives sought for their role in the genocide in which 800 000 Rwandans died, a majority of whom were Tutsis killed by Hutus.
Church massacre
Kayishema was discovered to be living under a false identity and claimed to be from Burundi. He sought asylum first in 2000, then refugee status in 2004.
At his first court hearing in Cape Town, two days after his arrest, he denied having participated in the genocide. “I didn’t have any role,” he said, in what he described as a “civil war”.
Kayishema was sought under an arrest warrant by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (MICT) which, since 2015, was charged with completing the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), formed by the United Nations following the genocide.
According to UN prosecutors, Kayishema “directly participated in the planning and execution” of the massacre of more than 2000 Tutsi who had sought refuge in a church. He is alleged to have procured and distributed fuel to set the church alight with the refugees inside. When that failed, Kayishema and others allegedly used a bulldozer to demolish the building, killing and burying those inside.
The next hearing will take place in Cape Town on August 18.
Fulgence Kayishema, who is accused of having a significant role in the genocide in Rwanda and was apprehended last month after 22 years on the run in Cape Town, will apply for asylum in South Africa, according to a statement made by his attorney on Tuesday.
“My instructions are to apply for asylum in the republic of South Africa”, Juan Smuts shared at the end of a court hearing in Cape Town.
His client “fears for his life if he is extradited,” he explained.
The request for asylum is likely to delay Kayishema’s trial in South Africa, where he faces numerous charges relating to his illegal stay in South Africa, and will “suspend his extradition”, the lawyer added.
Until his arrest on 24 may, the 62-year-old Rwandan was one of the last four fugitives wanted for their role in the 1994 genocide of 800,000 Rwandans, many of them Tutsi, by Hutu extremists.
A stocky, balding man with round eyes behind thin glasses, the sixty-year-old had admitted to being the man wanted by international justice. A master at assuming false identities, according to investigators, he was most recently using the name Donatien Nibashumba.
It is still unclear how he came to be on the run, but according to the South African prosecutor’s office, he started a family and, using an assumed name and claiming to be Burundian, applied first for asylum in 2000 and then for refugee status in 2004.
The leaders of the Netherlands and Denmark, who are in South Africa on a combined working visit, were welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
The visit by Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen is aimed at solidifying the three countries’ relationship in the areas of green hydrogen, renewable energy and a just energy transition, South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC reported.
South Africa and the Netherlands will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on green hydrogen.
The European leaders brought with them large business delegations.
A Business Forum under the theme “Green Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen Partnerships for Impact” will focus on key areas in green energy and green hydrogen.
Keen to break their dependence on Russian energy, European countries have been looking to their African counterparts to fill the gap.
The serenity of a typically peaceful suburban road in the vicinity of South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, is being disrupted by the persistent sound of drilling.
However, these drilling activities are not related to prospectors in search of the nation’s mineral riches. Instead, they represent a pursuit of a potentially more valuable resource: water.
In affluent neighborhoods within South Africa’s economic hub, where water supply has become scarce, private boreholes are increasingly appearing. The example of Garsfontein illustrates the trend as workers excavate a borehole to secure access to water.
“I am tired of not knowing when we will have water and when we won’t,” the frustrated homeowner says.
“Having a borehole means we won’t have to depend on the government so much, it’s what’s best for my family.”
Much of the domestic water supply here depends on electricity to pump it from the source to the vast high plain on which the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria sit.
South Africa’s recent electricity woes – with regular lengthy scheduled blackouts – have had a knock-on effect on the supply of water.
“All of our stations, they need electricity, they need power. You have to pump water everywhere where it is needed,” says Sipho Mosai, the head of state-owned Rand Water, one of the country’s main water providers.
“Electricity is really at the heartbeat of what we do and if we don’t have it externally, at least for now, it becomes a problem.”
“Some days I don’t have both water and electricity, and this can be for days at a time. It makes daily life insufferable,” says Zizi Dlanga, a 35-year-old private wealth manager.
She lives in a two-bedroom apartment in an affluent suburb in the north of Johannesburg with her sister who is a trainee doctor. She now stocks up on water when it is available and goes to a gym to take a shower.
“My water bill stays the same even with all the cuts. I feel frustrated, I don’t have access to water alternatives [like a borehole] that would make this bearable for me,” she adds.
Bottled water is being stored in Hammanskraal after there was a cholera outbreak in the water supply
There are, of course, millions of South Africans who have lived without having water piped into their homes for years. But the intermittent domestic supply is just one aspect of a multi-pronged problem facing the water industry.
“We are in a state of systemic failure, the water sector is collapsing,” expert Prof Anthony Turton tells the BBC.
The lack of electricity has exacerbated issues created by poorly maintained infrastructure, which has led to vast leaks as well as sewage problems, and a supply of water that cannot meet demand.
Seventy million litres of treated, clean, drinkable water are lost every single day because of leaks that are endemic in the crumbling water system.
Most of the water wastage identified has been linked to badly run municipalities that are not investing in maintenance, partly because of corruption and theft.
This has also meant that sewage plants are not cleaning the water in the way that they should.
And this has had public health consequences.
Lawrence Malope has been selling bottled water in Hammanskraal after people became nervous about the piped water
In just a few weeks in Hammanskraal, a township outside Pretoria, 29 people were killed by cholera that had been found in the water supply there. The outbreak has been linked to substandard water purification practices.
Lawrence Malope sells bottled water at the roadside in the township. It is a new business born out of desperate times.
“Most people buy from me because they want safe water to drink, because the water that comes out of the taps is dirty,” he says.
At home, he collects rainwater and then boils it before use.
“Many people are getting sick here because of the water coming out of our taps and some just don’t know how to clean it. We have young children in this community, I’m really worried about our safety,” he says.
But not having clean drinking water is not unique to Hammanskraal – a recent report by the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation found that of the 155 treatment systems sampled, 41% came back showing bad microbial water quality compliance.
The problem can be found across the country. In the Eastern Cape’s quaint arts town of Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, residents have for years been forced to contend with unsafe drinking water, with recurring bouts of E.coli contamination.
In the Free State province, government investigations found that the majority of wastewater treatment plants are deemed to be “in critical condition”, putting residents at risk of contaminated water.
For Prof Turton, the combination of problems with water and electricity supplies is creating a perfect storm.
“People living all across the country are becoming increasingly concerned and increasingly angry. Part of it is because people are sitting in darkness sometimes.
“With the interrupted water supply…we now have a situation where people are literally dying from disease.”
On the part of the water suppliers, Mr Mosai from Rand Water agrees that more needs to be done. He says that his company is investing in solar power rather than relying on the national grid.
There has been a borehole boom in some of South Africa’s wealthy suburbs
When it comes to solutions, drilling private boreholes is only an option for the very wealthy, as they come with a price tag of $7,000 (£5,000).
It also serves to highlight the huge inequalities in South Africa.
“What it’s doing is widening the gap between those that have and those that don’t have. It creates social injustice,” argues Dr Ferrial Adam from advocacy group WaterCAN.
There are also questions about the environmental impact of boreholes and whether the groundwater is safe to drink. In some parts of the country, harmful metals and dangerous bacteria can be found in the water.
But experts say there are some things that can be done to benefit everyone and help arrest the deterioration of the water supply.
“There are some very quick fixes,” according to Dr Adam.
“One is fix the leaks, spend actual money on infrastructure and maintenance, and test water regularly, so you monitor what people are being made to drink.”
She adds that the national government needs to be better at keeping municipalities in line.
The government acknowledges the problem and says it has taken some municipalities to court over allegations of negligence.
But Dr Adam feels that is not enough.
“A lot of these are failing. That failure places lives at risk.”
The National Assembly of South Africa recently approved a divisive plan to establish national universal health care.
South Africa’s health minister, Joe Phaahla, hailed the approval of the bill as “a historic step” for the legislation that had been in the pipeline for twelve years.
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) June 14, 2023
The opposition fears that the already overburdened public health system will collapse if the new legislation comes into force.
Leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), denounced the move saying that nine million of the 60 million South Africans who have medical insurance “would have to be covered by an already overburdened public health system”. In Africa’s leading industrial power, public hospitals are often overcrowded and under-resourced or understaffed. The most privileged often turn to the private sector.
In response to a lack of supply and frequent blackouts, Mozambique has offered to send 100 MW of power to South Africa, which is nearby.
The offer, announced in the South African capital Pretoria on Monday, follows a request by the South African government last month.
Mozambique’s Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Carlos Zacarias said the commercial agreement defining the price and how and when the energy would be channelled to South Africa “should be closed very soon”.
South Africa’s electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgoba, said he was “happy” with the swift response by the Mozambican government, adding that technicians were working to make operations viable.
Mr Zacarias announced that Mozambique would make available, within six months, another 600MW of additional energy.
Ghana experienced a significant 32% surge in gold production last year, allowing it to reclaim its position as the largest gold producer in Africa from South Africa, the president of the mines chamber said on Friday, according to Reuters.
After experiencing a substantial decline in output, Ghana had relinquished the top spot to South Africa in 2021.
However, in 2022, gold production in Ghana rose to 3.7 million ounces, a notable increase from the previous year’s 2.8 million ounces. This growth can be attributed to advancements in both the large-scale and small-scale sectors of gold mining in the country.
“The large-scale gold sub-sector recorded its highest output in the country’s history in 2022,” Joshua Mortoti, the President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, told members at the annual general meeting.
He said a combination of output and the expansion of production at existing mines drove the large-scale sector’s contribution to national gold output up by 13% to 3.1 million ounces last year from 2.7 million ounces in 2021.
Mortoti said member companies of the mines chamber had sold over 77,620 ounces of gold under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, a scheme launched by the Bank of Ghana to boost reserves.
A 3.4% decline in South Africa’s mining production in the second quarter of 2022 was led by a decrease in gold and coal mining – gold production was down by 11.7% and coal by 5.7%, according to reports.
According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the domestic mining production decreased by 8.4% year-on-year in July 2022.
StatsSA said that largest negative contributors were gold (a decline of 19.7%, contributing -3.1 percentage points); platinum group metals (-12.2%, contributing -2.8 percentage points); and iron ore (-20.4%, contributing -2.7 percentage points).
The Bank of Ghana’s interbank forex rates for today, June 9, 2023, show that the Ghana Cedi is trading versus the dollar at a purchasing price of 10.9654 and a selling price of 10.9822.
At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 11.50 and sold at a rate of 11.90.
Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 13.7689 and a selling price of 13.7837.
At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 14.20 and sold at a rate of 14.80.
The Euro is trading at a buying price of 11.7622 and a selling price of 11.7739.
At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 12.10 and sold at a rate of 12.70.
The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.5622 and a selling price of 0.5628.
At a forex bureau in Accra, South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.30 and sold at a rate of 0.90.
The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 42.3119 and a selling price of 42.4250.
At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 12.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 18.00.
For the CFA, it is trading at a buying price of 55.7128 and a selling price of 55.7682.
At a forex bureau in Accra, CFA is being bought at a rate of 17.00 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 21.00 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
Note that these rates may be different at a forex bureau near you. Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have spoken over the phone about the upcoming peace mission by six Africa leaders to Russia and Ukraine.
“President Putin has welcomed the initiative by African heads of state and expressed his desire to receive the peace mission,” a statement from the South African presidency said.
On Tuesday, the African leaders involved had held discussions “exploring ways of bringing an end to the conflict”, it added.
The other leaders in the peace bid are from the Comoros, Egypt, Senegal, Uganda and Senegal – and according to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday all said they were available to travel in mid-June.
“The leaders agreed that they would engage with both President Putin and President [Volodymyr] Zelensky on the elements for a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the region.”
Their foreign ministers were now in the process of finalising the elements of a road-map to peace, it added.
Separately a Russia-Africa summit is scheduled to take place at the end of July in St Petersburg, the presidency said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone about the impending peace mission to Russia and Ukraine by six African leaders.
Mr Ramaphosa said the outbreak had caused devastation and government agencies had been working on measures to contain the spread of the disease.
His visit follows the death of at least 26 people, mostly in Hammanskraal, the epicentre of the outbreak.
More than 130 residents have been treated for the waterborne disease.
Figures released on Tuesday by the national statistics office, shows that South Africa has seen moderate growth in the first quarter of 2023, removing the threat of recession.
Africa’s most industrialized country saw its GDP grow by 0.4% in the first three months of the year, following a decline of 1.1% in the last quarter of 2022 (revised figures), StatsSA said in a statement.
“The manufacturing and financial industries were the main drivers of growth on the supply side”, it detailed.
Demand was driven in particular by exports.
Growth exceeded analysts’ expectations, despite the major power cuts that continue to hinder activities.
The electricity crisis in South Africa has worsened since last year, with scheduled load shedding lasting up to 12 hours a day.
Power outages are expected to reach a record 207 days in 2022, compared with 75 days in 2021.
According to estimates by the Minister of Energy, they generate more than $50 million a day in lost production.
Nevertheless, eight out of ten industrial sectors saw their activity increase in the first quarter, with only agriculture, electricity, gas and water sectors declining, according to StatsSA.
The mining sector, for its part, is back on the right foot after a disappointing end to 2022, it added.
The death of one of the principal investigators into Thabo Bester’s audacious prison break has been confirmed by South African police.
Police said they were investigating the circumstances around the apparent death by suicide of 59-year-old Brigadier Jackson Mkhaulesi. He was found dead in his car on Monday.
Earlier in the day, he attended a court hearing where Bester’s girlfriend, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana, lost her application to declare her arrest in Tanzania unlawful.
News of Brigadier Mkhaulesi’s death has sent shockwaves around South Africa.
The police detective with 31 years of service has been described as a hardworking and loyal officer.
Bester is known as the “Facebook rapist” for using social networking sites to lure his victims.
He faked his death to break out of prison last year. He and his girlfriend, who is accused of helping him escape, were arrested in Tanzania in April and brought back to South Africa to face justice.
A horrifying incident in Lawaaikamp, South Africa, has left 23-year-old Sivenathi Toto paralyzed and brain damaged following a brutal attack by her boyfriend’s rival.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Shaun Madonono, viciously assaulted and left Toto for dead on August 26, 2022, according to Women for Change.
Toto’s cousin, Nosikhumbuzo Mhlaba, revealed that the motive behind the attack was revenge. “Her boyfriend went out and apparently had a fight with the suspect.
After the fight, the suspect allegedly returned to the boyfriend’s house to take revenge,” said Mhlaba.
Tragically, Toto’s boyfriend was not at home when Madonono arrived. Finding Toto sleeping in the outside room, Madonono forcefully broke down the door and dragged her to his own home, where he subjected her to a brutal assault.
Mhlaba explained, “He grabbed her and dragged her to his house two streets away, where he allegedly beat her until she was unconscious.”
After rendering Toto unconscious, Madonono callously loaded her into his pickup truck and abandoned her behind the Total garage on Nelson Mandela Boulevard.
Fortunately, she was discovered by a vigilant petrol attendant during the night.
A concerned neighbor took Toto home and filed a report at the police station, prompting her immediate transfer to the hospital for a medical examination.
Madonono was apprehended on the same day, but he was subsequently released on bail. Presently, he faces charges of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, and housebreaking.
In the aftermath of the attack, Toto has experienced various health complications. In December 2022, she suffered a stroke due to the trauma and injuries inflicted during the incident. Subsequently, in April 2023, medical examinations revealed blood clots on her brain.
As a result of the attack, Toto has lost some of her cognitive abilities and now requires assistance to walk. She has also lost control of her urinary tract movements, experiences saliva dripping from her mouth, and relies on assistance for feeding.
“She can’t talk and she has night terrors,” expressed her father, Simo Toto. “She only wants to sleep next to me. That is where she feels safe.”
Toto’s family is currently seeking justice for the traumatic ordeal she has endured. The incident has had a devastating and lasting impact on Toto’s life, and her loved ones are determined to hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.
In a horrifying incident near the eastern city of Durban in South Africa, a group of armed assailants forcefully entered a room at a men’s hostel, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
Tragically, eight individuals were killed, while two others sustained injuries during the violent encounter. This incident marks yet another distressing mass shooting to occur within the country
Seven men were declared dead immediately after the shooting in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday in the Umlazi township. An eighth man died on Sunday, police said.
Two others are hospitalized with injuries, and they include a man who jumped out of the window of the hostel room to escape the gunfire. Police said that 12 men were in the room drinking alcohol when numerous gunmen broke in, shot at them and then fled.
Two of the men in the room were unhurt.
South Africa is among the 10 countries with the highest homicide rates in the world and there has been a spate of mass shootings in recent years. At least two mass shootings were reported earlier this year.
A child was among 10 family members who were killed at a house in April. Eight were shot dead at a birthday party in January.
Last year, 22 people were killed over one weekend in three separate shootings at bars in different parts of the country.
South Africa has reasonably strict gun laws but has serious problems with illegal firearms, police and community activists say.
An average of 30 people a day were killed by firearms in South Africa in the first three months of this year, according to official crime statistics. During the same three months, police recorded more than 4,000 cases of illegal possession of guns or ammunition.
Renowned actor Patrick Ndlovu, a veteran of the stage, has passed away at the age of 85. Ndlovu gained recognition for his portrayal of the formidable principal in the popular series “Yizo Yizo,” which is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
His most recent role was that of Sizwe Moloi on SABC 1’s drama series Zone 14.
Details surrounding Ndlovu’s death are still unclear but his agency confirmed the sad news of his untimely death.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor, Patrick Ndlovu, whose acting career spanned more than four decades. We were proud to represent such a consummate professional and majestic talent. He was a kind and gentle man, always ready with a smile even when times were tough. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, family, and friends,” reads the statement.
He was born in Mohlakeng, outside Randfontein on the West Rand. His first love was not acting as he was a teen jazz musician.
