Diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with Washington first suspending US aid and then expelling the South African ambassador. Despite these unfortunate incidents, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that improving relations with Donald Trump’s country is a priority. …
Read More »South African president announces new cabinet with former opposition leader
Re-elected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of a new cabinet including former opposition leader John Steenhuisen. Mr. John Steenhuisen is now in charge of agriculture. It comes as Ramaphosa’s African National Congress was forced to join forces with rival parties to stay in power after losing …
Read More »South African President signed controversial health bill into law
South African President Cyril Ramapahosa signed a controversial universal healthcare bill into law in Pretoria on Wednesday, local media reported. Mr Ramphosa described it as a major step towards a more just society. Despite Mr Ramaphosa’s enthusiasm when he signed the bill, many political groups have said they are considering …
Read More »South African leader to sign controversial health bill before election
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to sign into law a contentious national health bill that aims to provide universal coverage to millions of poor citizens. The National Health Insurance (NHI) bill seeks to give South Africans “of all races, rich or poor and legal long-term residents” access to …
Read More »South African military rejects former officer’s threat to remove president
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has distanced itself from threats by a former commander, who called for the removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa from office. This comes after a video of the former officer identified as Sylvester Mangolele went viral on social media on Tuesday. In the video, …
Read More »South African president welcomes Israel-Hamas deal
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the deal between Israel and Hamas for a four-day pause in fighting. The start of the pause is due to be announced within 24 hours. As part of the deal, Hamas will free 50 hostages it seized last month; Israel will release about …
Read More »South Africa lawmakers vote to suspend relations with Israel
South African lawmakers have voted to close the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and to suspend all diplomatic relations, the BBC reported. The governing African National Congress – which dominates parliament – has long been critical of Israel and it supported the motion in parliament. The motion called for the closure …
Read More »South Africa deploys army to tackle illegal mining
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 3,300 army personnel to help combat illegal mining activities, Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement on Thursday. “The deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which is expected to cost about 492 million rand ($26 million), is aimed …
Read More »BRICS leaders meet in South Africa
Leaders of the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – converged on Johannesburg on Tuesday for a summit where they will weigh expanding the bloc as some members push to forge it into a counterweight to the West, Reuters reported. Heightened global tensions provoked by the …
Read More »Cyril Ramaphosa insists on neutrality before the BRICS summit
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again declared that his country will not be drawn into global power dynamics, local media reported. Mr Ramaphosa’s televised address came ahead of the meeting of the Brics nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – in Johannesburg on Tuesday. “We …
Read More »