International Archives

“Germany’s Curtailment of Free Expression Signals Wider Suppression of Dissenting Voices in West”

16Dec

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International

“Germany’s Curtailment of Free Expression Signals Wider Suppression of Dissenting Voices in West”

By Thobile Jiwulane: German Flag (Image: Pexels) The West’s frequent claims of championing freedom of expression as a cornerstone of its self-styled democratic model increasingly ring hollow, as some political leaders fail to embody the very democratic practices they advocate to others. An analysis of court practice indicates that over the past two years, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has filed more than 30 lawsuits seeking protection of honour and dignity – a figure that significantly exceeds the average among senior German politicians. Of particular concern is not only the volume of these legal actions, but their substance: many of the cases were brought not against demonstrably false statements or outright defamation, but against critical reporting, satire an...

Initiative on Co-operation Supporting Modernisation in Africa Principled on Multilateralism

8Dec

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International

Initiative on Co-operation Supporting Modernisation in Africa Principled on Multilateralism

By Thobile Jiwulane: China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu (centre) and guests addressing journalists at G20. (Image: By Thobile Jiwulane The cooperation between Africa and China has been strengthened by the recent hosting of the G20 Summit in South Africa, one of the leading members of the Global South and a founding member of this multilateral body. The Summit deepened existing ties, culminating in the launch of the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernisation on the final day, Sunday the 23rd, in Johannesburg. Both South Africa and China have been anticipating the realisation of this initiative, which is designed to modernise the African continent through development projects aimed at enhancing economic growth in selected countries, backed...

OPEN BATTLE: Rubio takes gloves off as he lambastes South Africa, accusing it of replacing Mandela’s reconciliation

5Dec

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International

OPEN BATTLE: Rubio takes gloves off as he lambastes South Africa, accusing it of replacing Mandela’s reconciliation

By Thobile Jiwulane: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Image: (US State Department) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has lambasted the South African government, as earlier led by the ANC, for having ditched Mandela's legacy of reconciliation, which he claims the ANC government replaced with "redistributionist" policies that discouraged investors and caused the talented to flee. Rubio is more pointed and scathing than Trump Rubio joins President Donald Trump in criticising South Africa for its internal policies aimed at addressing apartheid inspired racial inequality. Rubio was announcing America's plan for the G20, of which the US is the new president for 2026. The US took over from South Africa, which hosted the G20 Leaders Summit last month. Trump bo...

5th Volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Promoted in South Africa opens a new window into China’s development vision

4Dec

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International

5th Volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Promoted in South Africa opens a new window into China’s development vision

By Thobile Jiwulane: The guest speakers, who included Chinese Ambassador to SA Mr Wu Peng, were holding copies of the book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume V) as they concluded their speeches. Ties between China and South Africa are taking a new turn where not only the state officials of both countries are conversing on diplomatic and trade issues, but academics, business people and civil society have joined the fray to make positive remarks about the deepening relationship between the two countries. This became clear during a promotional event held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 3 for the English edition of the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,". The event drew around 200 participants who discussed various aspects of the ...

BIG CALL: UN Chief Guterres calls for Africa to be represented with a permanent member at the Security Council

24Nov

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International

BIG CALL: UN Chief Guterres calls for Africa to be represented with a permanent member at the Security Council

By Thobile Jiwulane: An emblem for the South Africa-hosted G20 Summit outside the summit venue, Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. (Image: By Thobile Jiwulane) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says Africa must be given a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council and be represented on the boards of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and other global bodies Guterres, who was delivering opening remarks to the Media at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday, repeatedly expressed concern that Africa is not represented in these bodies and is inadequately represented in other global bodies. To give Africa and others a voice “Africa must have a fair seat in every forum where decisions are made – from th...

LABOUR MOBILITY: The buzzword to counter resistance to labour migration

12Nov

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International

LABOUR MOBILITY: The buzzword to counter resistance to labour migration

By Fawzia Moodley: A mechanic using a laptop (Image: Peoplecreations on Freepix) With the growing resistance to labour migration in many parts of the world, it’s harder for workers, including highly skilled professionalsseeking new pastures, to find jobs abroad. For India and African countries, including South Africa, the latest blow is the imposition of a hefty $100,000 fee to apply for an H-1B visa to work in the US, which is valid for three years and renewable for another three years. Trump imposes hefty visa fee The H-1B visa allowed employers to recruit non-immigrant foreign workers with specialised skills, and was seen as a way for US companies to remain competitive, grow and create more jobs. But amidst a widespread pushback against immigrant workers an...

RAPPROACHMENT: India and the us seek to defuse tension

19Sep

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International

RAPPROACHMENT: India and the us seek to defuse tension

By Fawzia Moodley: President Donald J. Trump holds hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India during a surprise walk-in in 2019, in Houston, Texas. (Image: White House Official Photo by Shealah Craighead) Realpolitik demands that Washington and New Delhi find common ground amidst the fallout between the two allies over Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US and indications are that the two countries may be on the way to some kind of rapprochement. Signs of a possible thaw India has been holding out hope that Trump, who had accused New Delhi of supporting Russia against Ukraine by purchasing oil from Russia, would reconsider the 50% tariff—the highest levy imposed on any country, except Brazil, which received the same treatment...

South Africa at the forefront: Charting a course for global progress at UNGA 2025

19Sep

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International

South Africa at the forefront: Charting a course for global progress at UNGA 2025

International News: From 17-26 September 2025, the world will converge in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings. South Africa arrives not merely as a participant, but as an architect of global discourse. In its G20 Presidency year, South Africa is well positioned to solidify its international standing, champion inclusive growth and emphasise its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable future. This is South Africa’s UNGA 2025 mission: a strategic deployment of diplomatic and economic aptitude, designed to attract foreign direct investment and build enduring global partnerships. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and comprising key cabinet ministers, the South African delegation will navigate global challenges with a clear vision...

GREAT CARE: Taiwanese women come forward with generous donations for the poor community care centre and make a difference

17Aug

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International

GREAT CARE: Taiwanese women come forward with generous donations for the poor community care centre and make a difference

By James Lee-Jiang: Sister Sarah Sibiya, founder and director of the Tshepang Care Centre in Tembisa, was beaming with joy when a group of women from the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women brought wonderful news – a generous donation of a ton of food and essential goods for the centre. This incredible support will greatly benefit the over 600 children, primarily orphans, that the centre lovingly cares for. It’s heartwarming to see such kindness, which will make a real difference. We do this for God,” she says. It was a warm Sunday filled with celebrations, dancing, and play, with active participation from community members and the children of Vusimuzi, a densely populated informal settlement in Tembisa, Kempton Park, outside Johannesburg. The community liv...

PUNISHING INCREASE: Will the Indian economy survive Trump’s high tariffs?

13Aug

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International

PUNISHING INCREASE: Will the Indian economy survive Trump’s high tariffs?

By Fawzia Moodley: Narendra Modi and Trump at the United Nations. (Image: Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) Donald Trump has slapped tough tariffs on India, which is bracing for even more punishing trade levies from the world’s most powerful country. On August 6, the US imposed an additional 25% to the 25% tariffs already announced by Trump against India, to come into effect in 21 days. Unless there is a breakthrough in negotiations, the resultant 50% tariffs will be among the highest imposed by the US on any country so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has enjoyed cordial relations with Trump until now, was understandably taken aback by the harsh measures, and India, while hoping for a thaw in Trump’s stance, is bracing itself for the impact of th...