International Community Must Not Waver in Its Commitment to Two-State Solution, Secretary-General Tells Palestinian Rights Committee

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the opening of the 2024 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in New York today: Mr. Chair, Ambassador Cheikh Niang, congratulations on your election to the Bureau. The Committee’s mandate and advocacy are crucial amidst the unresolved Question of Palestine and the enormous violence and suffering, particularly since the horrific 7 October attack by […]

February 1, 2024 17

Business / Economics

Cape Town to mint 6,100 new millionaires in projected wealth boom

By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Cape Town is forecast to become the fourth fastest-growing wealth hub per capita among the BRICS states, according to new insights from Henley & Partners (H&P). The picturesque city is forecast to add 6,100 millionaires over the next ten years, over and above the current 7,400, representing an 85% jump. "It is currently benefiting from the ongoing ‘semigration’ of large numbers […]

February 1, 2024 30

Namibia

Environment ministry Initiates Ritterburg Office Renovation in Swakopmund

The Environment, Forestry, and Tourism ministry is in the final stages of the tender process to select a contractor for the renovation of the Ritterburg office building in Swakopmund. In a media statement released on Wednesday, Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda revealed that N$2.6 million has been allocated for the project. The renovation is scheduled to begin between April or May, with completion expected between August and September 2024. This initiative […]

February 1, 2024 3

South Africa

EFF Accuses ANC of Silencing Opposition Amid Failed Court Attempt

The Economic Freedom Fighters alleges that the ANC-led government is employing vindictive measures to stifle opposition voices and avoid accountability. The EFF's recent attempt to overturn the suspension of six party members, including leader Julius Malema, from Parliament for the current month was unsuccessful. This exclusion denies them participation in crucial events, such as the State of the Nation Address, subsequent debate, and the budget speech. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo […]

February 1, 2024 2

Entertainment

Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty over ‘Rust’ shooting

Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges over the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. Prosecutors in the state of New Mexico recently refiled charges against the actor after the case fell apart last year. Ira Spitzer reports.

February 1, 2024 39

Africa

Ties that bind: Closely-related players who made AFCON 2023 a family affair

By Joel Omotto, via bird story agency In the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a number of closely-related players have graced the tournament with six siblings winning the trophy. Ethiopians Italo and Luciano Vassallo won it together in 1962, Congolese brothers Albert Bwanga and Robert Kazadi were part of the 1974 winning team, Cameroonians Andre and Francois Biyik claimed the crown in 1988 while […]

February 1, 2024 15

Entertainment

Wetlands are superheroes: expert sets out how they protect people and places

By Jacqueline L Raw, Nelson Mandela University In the past, wetlands were often seen as undesirable landscapes – waterlogged areas that were difficult to navigate, impossible to build on or farm, and a source of pests such as mosquitoes. But the view on wetlands has shifted as we have learnt how important these ecosystems are for essential “services”. They purify water and provide habitats for plants and animals. […]

February 1, 2024 26

Opinion Pieces

Houthi militant attacks in the Red Sea raise fears of Somali piracy resurgence

By Samuel Oyewole, Federal University, Oye Ekiti Renewed attacks on ships by suspected Somali pirates since November 2023 have fuelled fear of a new threat of piracy off the east coast of Africa. The area at risk stretches from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. At least four ships have been hijacked off the Somalia coast since November 2023. Concern has risen […]

February 1, 2024 6

Sport

Iran survive penalty drama to book Asian Cup clash with Japan

Iran will meet pre-tournament favourites Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals after surviving extra time with 10 men before defeating Syria 5-3 on penalties on Wednesday. Japan beat Bahrain 3-1 despite another mistake from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, as Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma made his first appearance in Qatar after injury. Skipper Ehsan Hajsafi scored the winning penalty for Iran, who are ranked 70 places above Syria and were comfortably […]

February 1, 2024 9