South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reversed a planned increase in the value-added tax (VAT) from 15% to 15.5%, following a Western Cape High Court ruling that suspended the hike before its scheduled implementation on May 1, 2025.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) challenged the VAT increase in court, leading to the suspension. Several political parties, both within and outside the Government of National Unity (GNU), have claimed credit for halting the measure.

Read more

The Philippine Navy is set to equip its future landing platform docks (LPDs) with heavy machine guns manufactured by the Turkish defense company Sarsilmaz. The procurement involves up to 16 SAR 127 MT heavy machine guns for the two LPDs currently under construction at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard. This move highlights ongoing defense cooperation between the Philippines and Turkey. Separately, the South African Navy has received its third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), named SAS ADAM KOK III (P1573), developed under Project Biro and delivered by Armscor.

Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires in the Table Mountain National Park, with significant blazes erupting in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas on Friday. The fires have spread across sections of Constantiaberg and Silvermine East, leading to the evacuation of 198 households in high-risk areas, including 48 frail care residents from Noordhoek Manor.

The fire in the Silvermine section intensified significantly due to a sudden shift in wind direction and increased wind speeds, challenging firefighting efforts. Approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed, and the fire remains uncontained, with flames nearing Boyes Drive, above St James and Kalk Bay. The fire is actively spreading down the left flank toward Tokai and Zwaanswyk, and the right flank is moving toward Noordhoek and Clovelly.

Read more

The Gauteng provincial government is facing scrutiny over its expenditure on office space rentals, paying approximately R34 million monthly to lease 11 head offices in Johannesburg's central business district despite owning 41 vacant buildings across the province. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has requested a full report from Infrastructure Development MEC Jacob Mamabolo to investigate the situation. This inquiry follows reports highlighting the apparent inefficiency and unnecessary costs associated with leasing office space when sufficient government-owned buildings remain unused. Separately, the Road Accident Fund spent over R2 billion on a contractor to reduce its claims backlog, with an additional nearly R1 million spent by its officials on travel and accommodation related to the project.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa provided an update on its operations at the country's ports of entry during the Easter period in a media briefing held in Pretoria. Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato reported that over 1.5 million people crossed South African borders over the Easter weekend, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. The BMA intercepted and detained 6,253 individuals attempting to enter or leave the country illegally within just 10 days, with about 112 arrested and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The majority of those arrested were from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique. The BMA highlighted the role of recently introduced smart technology, including drones, in enhancing operational efficiency and intercepting illegal crossings. Commissioner Masiapato stated that the use of such technology will become a permanent feature at ports of entry, not limited to peak seasons, to help curb illegal migration. Additionally, the SAPS-led Operation Shanela in Limpopo Province resulted in approximately 1,000 arrests and the recovery of five firearms as part of ongoing crime-combating efforts.

Heavy rains in the eThekwini municipality, particularly in the Umlazi township's Ward 85, have caused destructive mudslides that left five women and a child buried alive but rescued, with two homes destroyed, seven people homeless, and six hospitalized. Authorities, including the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, have announced plans to relocate affected families. Over 1,200 individuals are facing evacuation due to the damage. Relief efforts are underway, with the Red Cross and Human Settlements department involved in providing decent accommodation for victims. Meanwhile, the Vaal Dam's water level surged to 120.69% capacity, prompting the opening of up to ten sluice gates to manage rising water levels. Residents downstream along the Vaal River, including those in Bloemhoef, are being warned of potential flooding within the 100-year floodline by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the National Sea Rescue Institute. Communities have expressed concerns over water management, with Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo addressing these issues on live television. Authorities continue to appeal for vigilance amid escalating flood risks.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has instructed businesses and service providers to revert the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate from 15.5% back to 15%. SARS has given entities until May 15 to make this adjustment if they have not done so already. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has also urged consumers to be vigilant at points of sale to ensure they are charged the correct 15% VAT rate and to report any instances where the 15.5% rate is still applied. The reversal of the VAT increase has been described as a substantial expense for retailers and banks.

A fire broke out at Riverlea High School in Johannesburg, South Africa, destroying 11 classrooms. The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Steve Mabona stating the fire is suspected to have started in an unused classroom. There are suspicions that individuals were seen on the school premises around the time of the fire. The School Governing Body has raised safety concerns following the destruction. The cause of the fire remains unclear as investigations continue.

There is increasing momentum for the independence movement in South Africa's Western Cape province, often referred to as CapeXit. Advocates argue that South Africa's complex ethnic and linguistic diversity, combined with economic challenges under the current African National Congress (ANC) government, is leading to calls for secession. Supporters of Western Cape independence claim that the province's separation would preserve its cultural diversity and free it from South Africa's economic decline, which they attribute to policies such as high taxation, bureaucratic inefficiency, and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) premiums. Critics highlight that the ANC's policies, rooted in the post-apartheid 1994 framework, are outdated and are causing economic stagnation. The movement is also framed as a response to South Africa's alignment with BRICS and China, suggesting that independence would allow the Western Cape to pursue a different economic and political path.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is conducting an urgent investigation into the disappearance of three police constables—Linda Cebekhulu, 24, Keamogetswe Buys, 30, and Boipelo Senoge, 20—who went missing on April 23 while traveling from Bloemfontein in the Free State to Limpopo. The officers were last seen near the Engen garage at the Grasmere toll plaza along the N1 highway south of Johannesburg. Authorities are investigating the possibility of hijacking and kidnapping in connection with their disappearance. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya have been actively involved in leading the investigation and meeting with both the investigative team and the families of the missing officers. SAPS has appealed to the public for assistance and cautioned against spreading false information on social media. A reward of R350,000 has been offered for any information that could lead to locating the constables or identifying those responsible for their disappearance. The case has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel and the challenges posed by criminal syndicates in South Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the CAF Champions League final after a 1-1 draw against defending champions Al Ahly in Cairo. The South African team advanced on the away goals rule, with an own goal by Al Ahly's Yasser Ibrahim in the 89th minute leveling the score after Mohamed Taher had put Al Ahly ahead in the 33rd minute. This marks Mamelodi's first final appearance since their last win in 2016 and ends Al Ahly's run of five consecutive finals.

In the other semifinal, Pyramids FC of Egypt clinched a spot in their first-ever CAF Champions League final by defeating Orlando Pirates of South Africa 3-2. Fiston Mayele scored twice for Pyramids, with Ramadan Sobhi also contributing a goal, while Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota scored for Orlando Pirates.

The final will be a two-legged affair, with the first match scheduled for May 24 in Pretoria, followed by the return leg in Egypt on June 1. The winner of the final will receive $4 million, while the runner-up will be awarded $2 million.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and former US President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in person to address three months of strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. This development follows Trump's recent 30% import tariff announcement affecting South African goods, prompting South Africa to assemble an interministerial task team, including John Steenhuisen, to formulate a response ahead of their planned visit to Washington in about three months. The talks between Ramaphosa and Trump also come ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's arrival, with Trump reportedly reaching out to Ramaphosa in an effort to influence the situation. The diplomatic engagement aims to resolve tensions and improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

The announcement of a R15 billion gas-to-electricity facility planned for the debt-ridden Matlosana Local Municipality in North West province has surprised authorities and regulators. The project, intended to generate electricity from gas, caught even the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Sputla Ramokgopa, and the energy regulator Nersa off guard, as neither had been informed about the plans. The initiative has raised questions given the absence of gas reserves in North West. The development has also sparked criticism and skepticism regarding the feasibility and transparency of the project, with some characterizing related energy plans as unrealistic.

South Africa celebrated its 31st anniversary of freedom on April 27, 2025, with national celebrations led by Acting President Gwede Mantashe in Ermelo, Mpumalanga. The event was themed 'United in Resilience for the Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy.' President Cyril Ramaphosa, unable to attend due to illness, extended his well wishes to the nation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been actively challenging a proposed 0.5% VAT increase, filing supplementary affidavits in the Western Cape High Court. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initially planned to implement the hike next month but has since reversed the decision, leading to confusion about the fiscal framework's status.

Read more

Tanzania initially imposed a ban on the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa as a retaliatory measure against similar trade restrictions from these countries. The ban was announced by Tanzania's Ministry of Agriculture, affecting all agricultural produce from the two nations. Tanzania's Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, had warned of the looming trade ban on social media.

However, following diplomatic engagements facilitated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tanzania lifted the ban on agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi. The decision to lift the ban was made effective immediately by the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), led by director-general Joseph Ndunguru, to allow for further discussions between the countries involved. This move was welcomed by South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and his spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, who emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving trade disputes. Lamola's counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, also played a key role in these discussions.

South African sprinter Akani Simbine has continued to demonstrate exceptional performance in the men's 100m race during the 2025 athletics season. He won the 100m race at the Xiamen Diamond League with a time of 9.99 seconds, defeating a competitive field including Ferdinand Omanyala, who finished second with 10.13 seconds, and Jeremiah Azu, who placed third with 10.17 seconds. Earlier, Simbine recorded a faster time of 9.90 seconds at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. His consistency is notable, having run sub-10 second times in the 100m for 11 consecutive years, a feat praised by former US sprinter Justin Gatlin and former Bahamas sprinter Rodney Green. Simbine currently leads the 2025 men's 100m toplist with his 9.90-second performance. Additionally, South African athletes Prudence Sekgodiso and Zakithi Nene delivered strong performances at the South African Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom, with Nene notably winning the national 400m title in a quicker time than his recent Diamond League race in China. The championships showcased world-class results over the three-day event.

South Africa marked the 31st anniversary of its first democratic elections on April 27, 2025, commemorating Freedom Day. This day celebrates the historic vote in 1994 when Nelson Mandela cast his first ballot as Black South Africans gained voting rights for the first time under apartheid. The anniversary was observed with official celebrations across the country, including in Alexandra township, where some elderly residents reflected on whether the benefits of freedom had been fully realized. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa received congratulatory messages from international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and British King Charles III. The day serves as a reminder of the country's progress since the end of apartheid and the continuing challenges faced by its citizens.

Following contentious debates and legal challenges surrounding South Africa's 2025 budget, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to establish improved mechanisms for dispute resolution. This development comes amid calls from various political figures and analysts for reforms to address the country's fiscal challenges and economic policies. Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie emphasized the importance of unity within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and suggested including parties like BOSA and ActionSA to strengthen the coalition. ANC's Mac Maharaj highlighted the need for the party to correct its course to ensure survival, while critics warned against clinging to outdated policies from 1994 that hinder growth. There is widespread concern that current Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies and anti-growth taxation are impeding economic progress, with an Ipsos survey indicating that 46% of South Africans believe BEE slows economic growth. Analysts advocate for economic empowerment through growth rather than reliance on BEE premiums, underscoring the necessity for at least 7% GDP growth to revive the economy. Despite disagreements, such as over the VAT hike, DA Federal Council chair Helen Zille reaffirmed her party's commitment to remain in the GNU and work constructively. The budget process has been noted for highlighting the need for transparency, equality, and non-discrimination, with calls for political parties to prioritize fiscal reality over political grandstanding to prevent state collapse.

A new Pew Research Center analysis, based on surveys conducted in 35 countries and additional data from the United States, reveals a gap between the value people place on free speech, press freedom, and internet access, and their perceptions of how free these rights are in practice.

Globally, a median of 61% of adults say freedom of the press is very important, but only 28% believe the media are completely free to report the news in their country. In Chile, the largest press freedom gap was reported. In Greece, 35% of respondents say the media are not at all free. In South Africa, a survey of 805 adults found that 81% consider free speech very or somewhat important.

Read more

Recent research highlights the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles, emphasizing that damage often occurs before the age of 40. Finnish researchers have identified an age threshold at which lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake become particularly beneficial. Medical experts note that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of various cancers, including breast, liver, colorectal, stomach, and mouth cancers, challenging previous beliefs that moderate drinking protects heart health. Health authorities recommend limiting alcohol consumption to fewer than seven drinks per week or abstaining altogether to reduce cancer risk. Alcohol-related liver damage can develop silently long before symptoms appear, underscoring the importance of early cessation for better healing outcomes. Additionally, there has been a rapid decline in smoking rates among young adults in the United States, although progress remains slow among older populations. Meanwhile, in South Africa, nearly 18% of pupils in grades 8 to 12 use vaping products, perceiving flavored vapes as socially acceptable and less harmful than tobacco. These findings are being discussed in upcoming medical forums, including a Medscape Masters event scheduled for April 29 focused on alcohol's health risks, cognitive decline, and chronic disease.

South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reversed a planned increase in the value-added tax (VAT) from 15% to 15.5%, following a Western Cape High Court ruling that suspended the hike before its scheduled implementation on May 1, 2025.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) challenged the VAT increase in court, leading to the suspension. Several political parties, both within and outside the Government of National Unity (GNU), have claimed credit for halting the measure.

Read more

The Philippine Navy is set to equip its future landing platform docks (LPDs) with heavy machine guns manufactured by the Turkish defense company Sarsilmaz. The procurement involves up to 16 SAR 127 MT heavy machine guns for the two LPDs currently under construction at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard. This move highlights ongoing defense cooperation between the Philippines and Turkey. Separately, the South African Navy has received its third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), named SAS ADAM KOK III (P1573), developed under Project Biro and delivered by Armscor.

Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires in the Table Mountain National Park, with significant blazes erupting in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas on Friday. The fires have spread across sections of Constantiaberg and Silvermine East, leading to the evacuation of 198 households in high-risk areas, including 48 frail care residents from Noordhoek Manor.

The fire in the Silvermine section intensified significantly due to a sudden shift in wind direction and increased wind speeds, challenging firefighting efforts. Approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed, and the fire remains uncontained, with flames nearing Boyes Drive, above St James and Kalk Bay. The fire is actively spreading down the left flank toward Tokai and Zwaanswyk, and the right flank is moving toward Noordhoek and Clovelly.

Read more

The Gauteng provincial government is facing scrutiny over its expenditure on office space rentals, paying approximately R34 million monthly to lease 11 head offices in Johannesburg's central business district despite owning 41 vacant buildings across the province. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has requested a full report from Infrastructure Development MEC Jacob Mamabolo to investigate the situation. This inquiry follows reports highlighting the apparent inefficiency and unnecessary costs associated with leasing office space when sufficient government-owned buildings remain unused. Separately, the Road Accident Fund spent over R2 billion on a contractor to reduce its claims backlog, with an additional nearly R1 million spent by its officials on travel and accommodation related to the project.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa provided an update on its operations at the country's ports of entry during the Easter period in a media briefing held in Pretoria. Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato reported that over 1.5 million people crossed South African borders over the Easter weekend, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. The BMA intercepted and detained 6,253 individuals attempting to enter or leave the country illegally within just 10 days, with about 112 arrested and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The majority of those arrested were from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique. The BMA highlighted the role of recently introduced smart technology, including drones, in enhancing operational efficiency and intercepting illegal crossings. Commissioner Masiapato stated that the use of such technology will become a permanent feature at ports of entry, not limited to peak seasons, to help curb illegal migration. Additionally, the SAPS-led Operation Shanela in Limpopo Province resulted in approximately 1,000 arrests and the recovery of five firearms as part of ongoing crime-combating efforts.

Heavy rains in the eThekwini municipality, particularly in the Umlazi township's Ward 85, have caused destructive mudslides that left five women and a child buried alive but rescued, with two homes destroyed, seven people homeless, and six hospitalized. Authorities, including the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, have announced plans to relocate affected families. Over 1,200 individuals are facing evacuation due to the damage. Relief efforts are underway, with the Red Cross and Human Settlements department involved in providing decent accommodation for victims. Meanwhile, the Vaal Dam's water level surged to 120.69% capacity, prompting the opening of up to ten sluice gates to manage rising water levels. Residents downstream along the Vaal River, including those in Bloemhoef, are being warned of potential flooding within the 100-year floodline by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the National Sea Rescue Institute. Communities have expressed concerns over water management, with Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo addressing these issues on live television. Authorities continue to appeal for vigilance amid escalating flood risks.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has instructed businesses and service providers to revert the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate from 15.5% back to 15%. SARS has given entities until May 15 to make this adjustment if they have not done so already. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has also urged consumers to be vigilant at points of sale to ensure they are charged the correct 15% VAT rate and to report any instances where the 15.5% rate is still applied. The reversal of the VAT increase has been described as a substantial expense for retailers and banks.

A fire broke out at Riverlea High School in Johannesburg, South Africa, destroying 11 classrooms. The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Steve Mabona stating the fire is suspected to have started in an unused classroom. There are suspicions that individuals were seen on the school premises around the time of the fire. The School Governing Body has raised safety concerns following the destruction. The cause of the fire remains unclear as investigations continue.

There is increasing momentum for the independence movement in South Africa's Western Cape province, often referred to as CapeXit. Advocates argue that South Africa's complex ethnic and linguistic diversity, combined with economic challenges under the current African National Congress (ANC) government, is leading to calls for secession. Supporters of Western Cape independence claim that the province's separation would preserve its cultural diversity and free it from South Africa's economic decline, which they attribute to policies such as high taxation, bureaucratic inefficiency, and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) premiums. Critics highlight that the ANC's policies, rooted in the post-apartheid 1994 framework, are outdated and are causing economic stagnation. The movement is also framed as a response to South Africa's alignment with BRICS and China, suggesting that independence would allow the Western Cape to pursue a different economic and political path.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is conducting an urgent investigation into the disappearance of three police constables—Linda Cebekhulu, 24, Keamogetswe Buys, 30, and Boipelo Senoge, 20—who went missing on April 23 while traveling from Bloemfontein in the Free State to Limpopo. The officers were last seen near the Engen garage at the Grasmere toll plaza along the N1 highway south of Johannesburg. Authorities are investigating the possibility of hijacking and kidnapping in connection with their disappearance. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya have been actively involved in leading the investigation and meeting with both the investigative team and the families of the missing officers. SAPS has appealed to the public for assistance and cautioned against spreading false information on social media. A reward of R350,000 has been offered for any information that could lead to locating the constables or identifying those responsible for their disappearance. The case has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel and the challenges posed by criminal syndicates in South Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the CAF Champions League final after a 1-1 draw against defending champions Al Ahly in Cairo. The South African team advanced on the away goals rule, with an own goal by Al Ahly's Yasser Ibrahim in the 89th minute leveling the score after Mohamed Taher had put Al Ahly ahead in the 33rd minute. This marks Mamelodi's first final appearance since their last win in 2016 and ends Al Ahly's run of five consecutive finals.

In the other semifinal, Pyramids FC of Egypt clinched a spot in their first-ever CAF Champions League final by defeating Orlando Pirates of South Africa 3-2. Fiston Mayele scored twice for Pyramids, with Ramadan Sobhi also contributing a goal, while Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota scored for Orlando Pirates.

The final will be a two-legged affair, with the first match scheduled for May 24 in Pretoria, followed by the return leg in Egypt on June 1. The winner of the final will receive $4 million, while the runner-up will be awarded $2 million.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and former US President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in person to address three months of strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. This development follows Trump's recent 30% import tariff announcement affecting South African goods, prompting South Africa to assemble an interministerial task team, including John Steenhuisen, to formulate a response ahead of their planned visit to Washington in about three months. The talks between Ramaphosa and Trump also come ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's arrival, with Trump reportedly reaching out to Ramaphosa in an effort to influence the situation. The diplomatic engagement aims to resolve tensions and improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

The announcement of a R15 billion gas-to-electricity facility planned for the debt-ridden Matlosana Local Municipality in North West province has surprised authorities and regulators. The project, intended to generate electricity from gas, caught even the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Sputla Ramokgopa, and the energy regulator Nersa off guard, as neither had been informed about the plans. The initiative has raised questions given the absence of gas reserves in North West. The development has also sparked criticism and skepticism regarding the feasibility and transparency of the project, with some characterizing related energy plans as unrealistic.

South Africa celebrated its 31st anniversary of freedom on April 27, 2025, with national celebrations led by Acting President Gwede Mantashe in Ermelo, Mpumalanga. The event was themed 'United in Resilience for the Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy.' President Cyril Ramaphosa, unable to attend due to illness, extended his well wishes to the nation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been actively challenging a proposed 0.5% VAT increase, filing supplementary affidavits in the Western Cape High Court. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initially planned to implement the hike next month but has since reversed the decision, leading to confusion about the fiscal framework's status.

Read more

Tanzania initially imposed a ban on the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa as a retaliatory measure against similar trade restrictions from these countries. The ban was announced by Tanzania's Ministry of Agriculture, affecting all agricultural produce from the two nations. Tanzania's Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, had warned of the looming trade ban on social media.

However, following diplomatic engagements facilitated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tanzania lifted the ban on agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi. The decision to lift the ban was made effective immediately by the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), led by director-general Joseph Ndunguru, to allow for further discussions between the countries involved. This move was welcomed by South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and his spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, who emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving trade disputes. Lamola's counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, also played a key role in these discussions.

South African sprinter Akani Simbine has continued to demonstrate exceptional performance in the men's 100m race during the 2025 athletics season. He won the 100m race at the Xiamen Diamond League with a time of 9.99 seconds, defeating a competitive field including Ferdinand Omanyala, who finished second with 10.13 seconds, and Jeremiah Azu, who placed third with 10.17 seconds. Earlier, Simbine recorded a faster time of 9.90 seconds at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. His consistency is notable, having run sub-10 second times in the 100m for 11 consecutive years, a feat praised by former US sprinter Justin Gatlin and former Bahamas sprinter Rodney Green. Simbine currently leads the 2025 men's 100m toplist with his 9.90-second performance. Additionally, South African athletes Prudence Sekgodiso and Zakithi Nene delivered strong performances at the South African Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom, with Nene notably winning the national 400m title in a quicker time than his recent Diamond League race in China. The championships showcased world-class results over the three-day event.

South Africa marked the 31st anniversary of its first democratic elections on April 27, 2025, commemorating Freedom Day. This day celebrates the historic vote in 1994 when Nelson Mandela cast his first ballot as Black South Africans gained voting rights for the first time under apartheid. The anniversary was observed with official celebrations across the country, including in Alexandra township, where some elderly residents reflected on whether the benefits of freedom had been fully realized. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa received congratulatory messages from international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and British King Charles III. The day serves as a reminder of the country's progress since the end of apartheid and the continuing challenges faced by its citizens.

Following contentious debates and legal challenges surrounding South Africa's 2025 budget, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to establish improved mechanisms for dispute resolution. This development comes amid calls from various political figures and analysts for reforms to address the country's fiscal challenges and economic policies. Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie emphasized the importance of unity within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and suggested including parties like BOSA and ActionSA to strengthen the coalition. ANC's Mac Maharaj highlighted the need for the party to correct its course to ensure survival, while critics warned against clinging to outdated policies from 1994 that hinder growth. There is widespread concern that current Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies and anti-growth taxation are impeding economic progress, with an Ipsos survey indicating that 46% of South Africans believe BEE slows economic growth. Analysts advocate for economic empowerment through growth rather than reliance on BEE premiums, underscoring the necessity for at least 7% GDP growth to revive the economy. Despite disagreements, such as over the VAT hike, DA Federal Council chair Helen Zille reaffirmed her party's commitment to remain in the GNU and work constructively. The budget process has been noted for highlighting the need for transparency, equality, and non-discrimination, with calls for political parties to prioritize fiscal reality over political grandstanding to prevent state collapse.

A new Pew Research Center analysis, based on surveys conducted in 35 countries and additional data from the United States, reveals a gap between the value people place on free speech, press freedom, and internet access, and their perceptions of how free these rights are in practice.

Globally, a median of 61% of adults say freedom of the press is very important, but only 28% believe the media are completely free to report the news in their country. In Chile, the largest press freedom gap was reported. In Greece, 35% of respondents say the media are not at all free. In South Africa, a survey of 805 adults found that 81% consider free speech very or somewhat important.

Read more

Recent research highlights the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles, emphasizing that damage often occurs before the age of 40. Finnish researchers have identified an age threshold at which lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake become particularly beneficial. Medical experts note that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of various cancers, including breast, liver, colorectal, stomach, and mouth cancers, challenging previous beliefs that moderate drinking protects heart health. Health authorities recommend limiting alcohol consumption to fewer than seven drinks per week or abstaining altogether to reduce cancer risk. Alcohol-related liver damage can develop silently long before symptoms appear, underscoring the importance of early cessation for better healing outcomes. Additionally, there has been a rapid decline in smoking rates among young adults in the United States, although progress remains slow among older populations. Meanwhile, in South Africa, nearly 18% of pupils in grades 8 to 12 use vaping products, perceiving flavored vapes as socially acceptable and less harmful than tobacco. These findings are being discussed in upcoming medical forums, including a Medscape Masters event scheduled for April 29 focused on alcohol's health risks, cognitive decline, and chronic disease.