insert_link South Africa S.A. President Ramaphosa Engages in Bilateral Talks with EU’s Michel S.A's President Cyril Ramaphosa and European Council president Charles Michel had a bilateral telephone conversation, where they discussed regional and global issues. South Africa has a strong strategic partnership with the European Union. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says the two reaffirmed the importance of South African and European engagement to address challenges to global peace and security, as well as reaffirmed the importance of respect for international law: todayMay 21, 2024 28
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s DA Criticizes Minister for Delay in Mining Cadastral System The DA in South Africa alleges that Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe has failed to sign a service level agreement with selected companies for a new mining cadastral system, despite promises made at the February mining indaba. Citing a Fraser Institute report indicating South Africa's unattractiveness for mining investment, the party contends that resolving a backlog of mining rights could unleash 30 billion rand in investments. James Lorimer […] todayMay 21, 2024 7
insert_link South Africa Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak: Farms Quarantined in South Africa’s Eastern Cape The Department of Agriculture in South Africa has imposed quarantine measures on farms near Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Three farms have tested positive for the SAT3 virus, similar to previous outbreaks in other provinces in 2021 and 2022. Spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo has confirmed the quarantine and ongoing epidemio-logical investigations to identify at-risk properties. Ngcobo emphasizes the importance of biosecurity measures for farmers, […] todayMay 21, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa Farm Attacks: S.A’s AfriForum Reports 49 Murders in 2023 AfriForum’s annual report on farm attacks and murders shows 49 farm murders in 296 attacks during 2023. Chief spokesperson for Community Safety, Jacques Broodryk, says this is approximately one murder per week. Broodryk has criticised the government and the SAPS for its double standards in preventing and investigating such crimes. He urges the government to form a special ministerial task team to address farm murders: todayMay 21, 2024 38
South Africa South African communities vs Shell: high court victories show that cultural beliefs and practices count in climate cases Oyster gatherers on a Wild Coast beach at low tide. The sea is integral to these communities’ lives and culture. PaulGregg By Louise Du Toit, University of Southampton; Brewsters Caiphas Soyapi, North-West University, and Louis Kotzé, North-West University When the Shell petroleum company announced in 2021 that it wanted to explore for fossil fuels off South Africa’s pristine Wild Coast, Indigenous communities in the area immediately fought […] todayMay 20, 2024 28
insert_link South Africa S.A’s City of Tshwane is warning residents of a potentially violent protest in Hercules, Pretoria West today S.A's City of Tshwane is warning residents of a potentially violent protest in Hercules, Pretoria West, today. Protesters are reportedly intending to barricade roads and also attack businesses and electricity installations in that area, including the local police station. Mayoral committee member for Community Safety, Grandi Theunissen, says the planned protest is unlawful and they will not tolerate any criminal behaviour: todayMay 20, 2024 53
insert_link South Africa S.A Defense Department Denies Ex-Speaker’s Legal Fee Request Amid Corruption Allegations The S.A Department of Defence and Military Veterans has rejected former National Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's request to have her legal fees paid by the department. She is facing corruption charges for allegedly soliciting and accepting 2.5-million-rand in bribes from a contractor, while she was Defence minister. Mapisa-Nqakula is currently out on 50-thousand-rand bail. Defence minister Thandi Modise says thorough consideration with relevant authorities was taken in this matter: todayMay 20, 2024 21
insert_link South Africa Democratic Alliance Extols South African Expats’ Heroic Voting Efforts The Democratic Alliance has thanked the tens of thousands of South Africans abroad who voted at embassies and consulates over the weekend. DA leader, John Steenhuisen says their dedication, despite long journeys and hours in queues, highlights their love for South Africa and commitment to ending ANC corruption. He adds the DA appreciates their effort and sees it as a true act of democratic heroism. todayMay 20, 2024 18
insert_link South Africa Security Operations Launched for South Africa’s Elections The S.A National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Coordination Centre will commence operations from 22 May to 9 June, ensuring safety for the elections. Natjoints co-chairperson, Tebello Mosikili, emphasises the centre is equipped with modern technology and serves as a central point for monitoring and coordinating responses to threats. She says their five-pillar approach includes intelligence gathering, law enforcement, detection, and information sharing to enhance security. todayMay 20, 2024 9
