SA won’t be “bowing its head” before US – Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the announcement that the United States would impose visa restrictions on particular South African officials by declaring that the country would not be “bowing its head”. He was speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by the ANC Veterans League. He said that the government would defend South Africa’s sovereignty, but remained willing to engage with the US on issues of concern. The US imposed the sanctions, without naming any individuals, on those who promoted racial discrimination or incitement against minorities.
Budget for VIP protection higher than for combating violence against women, children
Ian Cameron, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, says that the state is budgeting R846 million more for VIP protection services than for Family Violence and Child Protection Services. Referring to the 2026/27 Budget, he pointed out that R2.46 billion was committed to VIP protection, and R1.61 billion to dealing with domestic violence. This, he said, made for an “uncomfortable comparison” and showed skewed political priorities.
Major media outlets suspend White House coverage as suit launched against Trump
CNN, Politico and MS NOW have sued the Trump administration after their White House press access was revoked. President Donald Trump accused the outlets of publishing “fiction or lies”, while the organisations said the move violated press freedom. Major television networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and CNN subsequently suspended White House pool coverage, saying the public had a right to independent information about government. The dispute has disrupted media coverage of Trump’s trip to New York for the UN General Assembly.
AfriForum to privately prosecute Mbalula over “rape” comments
Minority rights group AfriForum has said that its Private Prosecution Unit will be seeking the prosecution of ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula for criminal injuria. The case relates to remarks made by Mbalula for public comments suggesting that an Eastern Cape school principal, Jaco Pieterse, had raped a child. Pieterse was in fact never a suspect in the case, and prosecutors were not sure that a rape had occurred. Pieterse and another school official were nevertheless subjected to an online campaign of vilification. The National Prosecuting Authority had declined to prosecute anyone in relation to these events. AfriForum, however, describes the failure to act on the crimen injuria matter as irrational. It is also pursuing charges against Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade.
Hamas, Israel close to signing agreement on eve of 7 October attack – claim
A former senior Palestinian official who mediated talks between Israel and Hamas before the onslaught of October 7 2023 has said that the two sides had been close to signing an agreement prior to the massacre. In a Facebook post, Sufian Abu Zaida, a member of the Fatah faction and a confidante of exiled Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan, stressed that the talks had nothing to do with Hamas’s surprise attack, adding that “everything I did was aimed at preventing Gaza from reaching the situation it is in today.” Abu Zaida also told Egypt’s Alghad TV channel in an interview that he would reveal a message that Hamas’s then-leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar (later killed by the Israel Defense Forces), asked him to convey to Israel about three weeks before October 7, as well as Israel’s response. According to Haaretz, Sinwar met with Abu Zaida in late September 2023 and asked him to tell the Israelis to expect an “earthquake” if they kept stalling the negotiations. Foreign sources claim the information was conveyed to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, who warned Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone that Hamas was about to launch an offensive. Netanyahu, who denied the report and claimed no such call was ever held, did not brief Israel’s defense chiefs
South Africa journalist in police custody in Djibouti
South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy and his colleague Kooki Mahmouda are believed to be in police custody in Djibouti, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The pair went missing on September 19, prompting concerns about their safety. Reddy is reportedly being held for failing to obtain media accreditation.
World on edge over fears of conflict looming
European governments are preparing for the eventuality of the war in Ukraine widening to affect their countries. Belarusian military exercises near the strategically important Suwałki Gap have heightened concerns in NATO, while European states have contended with Russian cyberattacks, sabotage and other “grey zone” operations. France, Britain, Germany and Switzerland are strengthening national preparedness, including critical infrastructure, hospitals and civil defence. NATO is studying Ukraine’s experience of maintaining essential services during sustained attacks. Uncertainty over the US’s commitment to NATO is reportedly weakening deterrence, which Russia could exploit to test the alliance.
Love triangle believed to be behind murder
Police believe the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found in Dawn Park, may have stemmed from a love triangle linked to a troubled relationship. A man and two women are due in court over her death. Ntimba is among 10 women found dead in Gauteng, including nine in Ekurhuleni since July. Police have not established whether the killings are connected and have not ruled out a serial killer.
Sources: BBC, Haaretz, News24, IOL