politics

In March 2025, the United States declared South Africa’s Ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata and expelled him following controversial remarks he made, which the U.S. said amounted to race‑baiting and criticism of the Trump administration. Since his expulsion, South Africa has been without an official ambassador in Washington. The Appointment Process & Key…

In a notable legal verdict in Zambia, a court in Lusaka has sentenced Leonard Phiri, a Zambian national, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican, to two years in prison with hard labour for plotting to kill President Hakainde Hichilema via witchcraft. The conviction was under Zambia’s colonial‑era Witchcraft Act, which dates from 1914. Facts of the Case Phiri, aged about 43, and…

South African leaders have moved to re‑engage with the United States in renewed diplomatic and trade talks following a period of tension that has seen steep U.S. tariffs, frozen aid, and strained strategic ties. In early April and May 2025, the United States imposed global reciprocal tariffs—among them a 30% levy on many South African exports and a 25% tariff on vehicles and auto parts. These…

In a rare and decisive foreign policy statement, the South African government vocally condemned Israel’s recent airstrike in Doha, Qatar, which targeted Hamas political figures during ceasefire negotiations. The attack, which occurred in early September 2025, resulted in several casualties—including the death of a Qatari security officer—and significantly undermined ongoing peace efforts.

In a notable diplomatic turn, Niger’s military government has imposed new restrictions on visa services for several European countries—marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions. New Restrictions Introduced As of an internal memo dated 20 August 2025, Niger declared that individuals from Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom who wish to obtain…

On 28 August 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated the G20’s first-ever “Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts” tasked with investigating global wealth inequality and its impacts on economic growth, poverty, and international cooperation. This six-member panel is chaired by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, and includes distinguished figures such as UNAIDS Executive…