Ramaphosa speaks at Delville Wood commemoration
Speaking at a ceremony to honour the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood, President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the sacrifices of South African soldiers who had died in the Great War. In this action, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade captured the wood and held off German assaults for six days. He paid particular attention to the losses suffered by black South Africans – such as those who died in the sinking of the SS Mendi – who participated in the conflict despite being denied equality in their home country. He used his address to call for respect for international law, for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and to pay tribute to those serving in the South African National Defence Force, whose mandate is to protect the country as a whole, rather than any particular segment of it.
Rejection letters for aspirant Afrikaner refugees to US leave lives in tatters
A tranche of rejection notices have been sent to applicants for the US’ programme to resettle South Africans from minority communities in the US. While such rejections have been discussed informally among programme hopefuls, they now appear to be confirmed. It is estimated that between 500 and 1,000 applicants have been rejected. While reasons for the decisions are not specified in the notices, they may relate to prior criminal convictions or insufficient proof of eligibility. A few affected applicants spoke to the media detailing how they had disposed of their possessions and resigned from or been dismissed from their employment after applying; some had been rejected while other family members had been accepted.
More allegations surface against Ekurhuleni city manager
Imogen Mashazi, former city manager of Ekurhuleni, appeared in court last week on charges relating to corruption in the city, including accepting favours from firms seeking contracts. The Sunday Times reports that new claims have arisen, with Mashazi having allegedly accepted paid-for trips to Maseru and Durban – each costing hundreds of thousands of rands – from businessman Pasugen Govender. These came after a company linked to him had been appointed to a panel meant to fast-track capital projects. The director of the company in question said she had no knowledge of the appointment and that no services had been provided.
Chikane to be ANC’s Johannesburg mayoral pick?
Struggle veteran, cleric and onetime director general in the Presidency, Frank Chikane, is being touted as the favourite to head the ANC’s campaign for the Johannesburg metro. Although no firm decision has been made public, sources close to the process report that Chikane was interviewed for the position, and that senior leaders found him the best option. He is regarded as having the necessary experience in government and a good reputation, and would not be implicated in the party’s factional battles in the city.
US and Iran exchange blows, dispute control of strait
The US has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation, while Iran has claimed to have closed it as hostilities between the two powers have resumed. Iran has attacked a ship passing through the strait, claiming it was using an unapproved route; in response the US claimed to have hit 140 targets in Iran. Iran also struck at various US facilities in the region yesterday. Each side blames the other for the faltering of the fragile ceasefire deal.
Lindsey Graham dies
After a “brief and sudden illness”, US Republican senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham died on Saturday evening. He was 71. He had held the Senate seat since 2002, having previously served in the House of Representatives and in the South Carolina legislature. He was an influential figure in the foreign policy establishment, holding hawkish views on foreign policy. Immediately prior to his death, he had been on a visit to Ukraine.
Man arrested in Widdecombe murder case
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire in connection with the murder of Reform UK spokesperson (and former Conservative minister), Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her home in Devon on Thursday. Her body showed severe injuries. Another possible suspect had earlier been released and “was no longer part of the investigation”. Devon and Cornwall Police said that there was no evidence as yet to suggest that this was a terrorist incident.
Government to protesters: no do-it-yourself enforcement
Justice Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi has said that private citizens should not undertake immigration enforcement themselves. She was speaking at a briefing of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration. Since the 30 June protests, there have been around 25 incidents in which protesters have conducted door-to-door visits to identify foreigners and prompt their departure. She warned that there would be “consequences” for such action. Stressing the government’s commitment to enforcing its immigration regime, she said that 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation since 12 June.
Source: Presidency of South Africa, Sunday Times, The Guardian, BBC, News24; South African Government News Agency