Author: Anjianjei Constantine

[ad_1] Leo Brent Bozell III has stirred political debate after publicly criticising aspects of South Africa’s policies less than a month after arriving in the country.Bozell was speaking on Tuesday at a business conference hosted by BizNews in Hermanus, Western Cape.- Advertisement – During his keynote address, the ambassador said South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies influence how investors and the global community view the country.He acknowledged the “complexity” of South African society, explaining that his outspoken nature was one of the reasons he had been chosen for the diplomatic role.Bozell calls ‘Kill the Boer’ chant hate speech and questions…

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[ad_1] Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 550 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist police in cracking down on illegal mining operations across Gauteng.The deployment forms part of Operation Prosper, a campaign aimed at tackling the surge of illicit mining activities that have plagued several communities in the province.- Advertisement – The operation is expected to cost the government more than R80 million.Ramaphosa first revealed the plan during his State of the Nation Address last month, saying the military would be deployed to support the South African Police Service in preventing and combating illegal…

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[ad_1] Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has publicly rejected claims that he intends to pursue political office, distancing himself from speculation that he could contest the presidency of the African National Congress (ANC).Reports circulating in political circles have suggested that Motsepe might emerge as a candidate to succeed his brother-in-law, Cyril Ramaphosa, when the party holds its next national elective conference.- Advertisement – Speaking to shareholders of his mining company, African Rainbow Minerals, on Friday, Motsepe dismissed the claims and made it clear he has no intention of entering politics.PM27 Campaign Rumours Linked To ANC Leadership SpeculationMotsepe has long maintained a…

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[ad_1] President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that he would not object if Justice Sisi Khampepe were to step aside as chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) inquiry.The position emerged in court documents filed in response to a legal challenge by former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, who are seeking Khampepe’s removal from the post.- Advertisement – In the papers, Ramaphosa said that if the allegations now raised against Khampepe had been known at the time of her appointment, he would not have chosen her for the role.Legal Challenge By Mbeki And Zuma Over TRC Inquiry LeadershipThe case…

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[ad_1] South Africa has signalled its willingness to step into a mediating role in the Middle East conflict — should an opportunity arise.Speaking to local media on the sidelines of an energy conference in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country stands ready to assist if formally approached.- Advertisement – South Africa Open to Mediation RoleRamaphosa indicated that Pretoria would not hesitate to get involved if called upon to help facilitate dialogue between the warring parties.“South Africa is always ready to play a contributing role, either in mediation or whatever. And if a gap opens or if we are…

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[ad_1] Political parties in eThekwini have condemned the lavish unveiling of two statues honouring struggle icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, arguing the R22 million spent could have addressed pressing service delivery crises affecting residents.The unveiling, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and government officials, took place on Tuesday, while many communities continue to face ongoing water and electricity shortages.- Advertisement – Mayor Defends Durban Statues as Tourism BoosteThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba defended the expenditure, describing the statues as part of a drive to attract tourism.“The two giant statues of our liberation stalwarts that will be unveiled by the president tomorrow…

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[ad_1] US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to support Washington’s military campaign against Iran, warning that the long-standing “special relationship” between the two nations is under strain.Trump accused Starmer of failing to stand with the United States during its offensive operations.- Advertisement – “He has not been helpful…I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK,” Trump said of Starmer.Trump Says US-UK Alliance ‘Not What It Was’The US president suggested the historic alliance had shifted significantly.“It’s a different world, actually. It’s just a much different kind…

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[ad_1] Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has officially stepped into the race to succeed John Steenhuisen as leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), confirming on Friday that he has accepted a nomination for the party’s top post.Hill-Lewis made the declaration at the Elsies River Civic Centre on the Cape Flats, where senior DA figures and party supporters gathered for the launch of his leadership bid.- Advertisement – YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ekurhuleni Shake-Up: Xolani Khumalo Appointed MMC Despite Court CaseThe announcement comes as nominations for the DA’s leadership positions opened ahead of the party’s federal congress scheduled for April.DA Leadership…

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[ad_1] Political tensions in the City of Ekurhuleni have escalated sharply, with opposition parties calling for Executive Mayor Doctor Xhakaza to step down amid mounting instability in the metro.The latest upheaval follows the sudden resignation of Jongizizwe Dlabathi from the mayoral committee on Thursday. Dlabathi, widely regarded as a close ally of Xhakaza, stepped down amid reports of a serious fallout between the pair.- Advertisement – His departure came just days after he publicly dismissed suggestions of turmoil within the municipality. “We wish to assure the residents of Ekurhuleni that there is no crisis in the City of Ekurhuleni. There…

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[ad_1] The MK Party has taken legal steps to prevent former National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi from receiving her pension and post-service benefits, escalating tensions over her conduct while in office.Court papers lodged on Monday ask the High Court in Pretoria to intervene and direct President Cyril Ramaphosa to institute a commission of inquiry into whether Batohi committed misconduct during her tenure.- Advertisement – The party is also challenging the decision to fund Batohi’s legal representation at the ongoing inquiry chaired by Bess Nkabinde, arguing that any payments should be conditional upon security being provided should funds need…

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