The Ceasefire Between Rwanda and The DRC-Peace Is An Afterthought

In The Ceasefire Between Rwanda And The DRC, Peace Is An Afterthought Democratic Republic of the Congo / Rwanda There was much fanfare after a peace agreement was signed in late June to end decades of warfare between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Officials such as US President Donald Trump hailed the US-brokered agreement as a big step in finally stopping a brutal conflict that has killed thousands and displaced millions just this year. “Today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity, harmony, prosperity and peace,” Trump told the foreign ministers of the two countries at the White House signing, calling the agreement the “Washington Accord.” But despite the ceremonies and the plaudits, many observers just shake their heads, saying the peace won’t hold because it wasn’t the main aim in the first place. “While Trump has all but proclaimed a historic peace, worthy in his mind of the Nobel Peace Prize he covets, the war has raged on, deepening a humanitarian catastrophe worsened by the impact of US funding cuts to international aid,” wrote World Politics Review. “These contradictions have fueled skepticism among observers about whether these diplomatic breakthroughs will deliver on the ambitious promises made to the people of the region, or whether they are simply politically expedient transactional exchanges based on narrow security and economic interests.” In this deal, the DRC and Rwanda have agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity and cease hostilities, while the agreement also paves the way for greater US investment in the DRC’s critical minerals. Another agreement, negotiated by Qatar in July, was signed by the DRC and the M23 militia, the Rwanda-backed rebel group that invaded parts of eastern DRC earlier this year. It pledges to end the fighting in the eastern DRC but doesn’t address Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from that region or when Congolese authority over the captured territory will resume. It does, however, set a date for negotiations for a peace agreement – Aug. 8 – and a deadline 10 days later to finalize a deal. The problem is that both agreements do little to address the root causes of the conflict, omissions that some say will preclude a lasting peace. Others, however, are more optimistic, adding that they promote long-term stability in the region. The fighting between the two countries has its roots in the Rwandan genocide in 1994. After it ended, some of those responsible fled to the DRC to escape retribution from troops led by Paul Kagame, who led a rebel army in the 1990s and has been president of Rwanda since 2000. Since then, Rwanda has periodically invaded the DRC – either directly or through its proxies – it says to capture those former Rwandan soldiers, some of whom formed the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Those attempts have led to two regional wars that killed millions of people in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The fighting, however, continues to this day, now involving more than 120 militias and armed groups active in the eastern provinces of the DRC – some are aligned with Rwanda or the Congolese army, while others fight Burundi or Uganda, or are affiliated with Islamic State. During the most recent flare-up that began in January, the M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, marched into the eastern region and captured territory that included the regional centers of Goma and Bukavu. M23’s brutal advance, which killed 7,000 people and displaced millions, threatened to blow up into another regional war, drawing in Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa. That’s part of the problem with the peace agreements now, say observers. They fail to involve other regional players in a conflict that is broader than just the DRC or Rwanda. Another issue is that it is based on narrow interests beyond peace, say analysts. For example, the US wants to displace China, which dominates the mineral-rich country’s mining sector and open the door for its investors. Qatar is looking out for its existing investments in Rwanda and the DRC. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who as per the agreement has promised to disband the FDLR, wants to stay in power and keep his country together. Meanwhile, Rwanda and its M23 partners, which hold the cards, have no interest in leaving the eastern part of the Congo without the threat of harsh sanctions or a steep payoff, say observers, adding that such a carrot-and-stick approach may not be enough to offset the territorial ambitions of Rwanda and the riches they covet from the region. In the DRC, meanwhile, locals speak about the peace deals as if they have heard it all before. “People are tired,” one resident of Goma told the BBC. “They are not interested in talks. All they want is peace.”

Stranger than Oumuamua UPDATE! What will happen if 3I Atlas hits the Ea...

South African Airways Launches Direct Flights between Cape Town and Mauritius

New international route from Cape Town set to launch this December Capetonians can now anticipate a new non-stop international flight from the city directly to the island paradise of Mauritius. By Sundeeka Mungroo 29-07-25 18:04 in Featured international flight A new international flight from Cape Town kicks off this December. Image: Pexels South African Airways (SAA) will expand its regional network by launching its first direct flights between Cape Town and Mauritius. The airline will begin the service on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, giving Western Cape travellers a quicker and more convenient connection to the popular island destination. This new international route is expected to boost tourism in both South Africa and Mauritius. SAA to launch first-ever Cape Town–Mauritius direct route The airline will initially operate three weekly flights to the island on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, according to the following schedule: Outbound flight: Departs Cape Town at 09:25, arriving in Mauritius at 16:30 (approximately five hours). Return flight: Departs Mauritius at 17:20, landing in Cape Town at 21:30. Then, from mid-January to mid-March 2026, the route will shift to twice-weekly operations to align with seasonal travel demand. SAA described the launch as a key milestone in its network strategy as well as a win for leisure travellers. “Connecting Cape Town with Mauritius is a fascinating achievement that our team has been aspiring towards for quite some time,” the airline said, as per BusinessTech. “The introduction of this route demonstrates SAA’s role in promoting leisure travel across the region and supports the broader tourism objectives for both South Africa and Mauritius.” it added. Tags: Cape Town DMumani featured flight Important Mauritius South Africa

A Great Cape Town Winery

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Angola: Anti Government Protests Erupt

Demonstrations Against Government Erupt in Angola Angola Anti-government demonstrations involving thousands of people in Angola’s capital of Luanda turned violent this week, killing four, in one of the most disruptive waves of mass protests the country has seen in recent years, the BBC reported. The demonstrations, which continued Tuesday and closed major shops, banks, and businesses, arose from a three-day strike by taxi drivers over the weekend protesting rising petrol prices. It then morphed into anti-government demonstrations against the almost five decades of rule by the governing People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) party. The protests were smaller than Monday’s demonstrations, where angry Angolans blocked roads, looted shops, torched cars, and clashed with police. “The fuel price issue is just the last straw that has reignited widespread public discontent…,” local activist Laura Macedo told the BBC. “People are fed up. Hunger is rife.” After Monday’s clashes, officials warned residents to stay home, describing the protests as “acts of vandalism” aiming to undermine the celebration of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence. The protests erupted after taxi drivers called the strike in response to the government’s decision earlier this month to raise the price of diesel by more than 33 percent. The move is part of efforts to eliminate fuel subsidies in the oil-rich country. This price hike has not only led to higher taxi fares for Angolans, who rely on taxi services, but has also caused the prices of basic goods to increase. Angolan President João Lourenço belittled these concerns, arguing that protesters are using the price hikes as an excuse to undermine the government. He added that even after the increase, the price of diesel in Angola remains one of the lowest in the world. The average monthly salary in Angola is around $75, and the president’s promise to increase wages to around $120 has gone nowhere, critics say.

A Brave South African Woman Pilot From World War II

The Giant Killer · Follow July 27 at 1:38 PM · WWII Hero Spitfire Pilot Jackie Moggridge: Moggridge joined the Hatfield Ferry Pool on July 29th 1940, being the youngest of the female pilots, aged 18. The South African safely handed over 1,500 aircraft during the war, 83 different types and 200 more than any other ATA pilot. She had a very lucky escape on January 5, 1941 when ferrying an Oxford Mk I to RAF Kidlington, Oxfordshire, with no R/T to meet up with 1st O Amy Johnson who was bringing one in from Blackpool. Both went off course in adverse weather conditions, with Johnson following the rules, bailing out and drowning in the Thames Estuary. Sorour went down to a few hundred feet and found herself over the Bristol channel with 20 minutes fuel remaining. She claimed that she did not want to take to the chute because she had broken her leg during a parachute jump in 1938. Jackie also encountered a V-1 flying bomb in the air over Surrey while flying a Tempest. She altered course, fully intending to attempt to topple it with her wingtip, but failed to catch up to it. Jackie was also the first woman in South Africa to make a parachute jump. (4,000 feet).She was South Africa’s youngest pilot of her time age 17 years. November 1959 was awarded Jean Bird trophy as Woman of the year . She flew Lancaster, Spitfire and other planes as a RAF pilot during world was 2. She logged over 4,000 miles in flying over europe, North Africa and Middle East. To learn more about History's Bravest Women Warriors please the Book and Audiobook "Women in War"... A stirring, raw, and profoundly inspiring collection of over twenty true stories about the brave women who served and fought throughout history. Narrated by Julia Whelan, who provided the voice for NY Times best-selling book, The Women by Kristin Hannah. Buy it now! Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/ewuH7Yq #thewomen #kristinhannah #Armynurses #Nurses #Womenwarriors #biographies #Womeninhistory #inspirationalwomen #Thewomen #Womenincombat #Womenshistory #WW2 #Britishmilitary #Britishwomen #Booksonwomen #Audiobooksonwomen #kristinhannah

What $1,600,000 Will Buy You In Cape Town

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Sudan's RSF Forms Rival Government

Sudan’s RSF Forms Rival Government, Raising Split Fears Sudan Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies announced over the weekend they would form a parallel government in RSF-controlled territories, a move that has sparked fears of the East African country splitting apart, the Associated Press reported. The newly-formed Tasis Alliance named RSF commander Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo – also known as Hemedti – as head of a 15-member sovereign council, which will serve as head of state in the new government, mainly overseeing the western region of Darfur. Rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) will act as Dagalo’s deputy, while former civilian official Mohammed Hassan al-Taishi is appointed prime minister. The announcement took place in Nyala, the largest city in Darfur. Regional governors were also named, including for areas currently held by the Sudanese army. The new parallel government comes more than two years after Sudan plunged into civil war following a fallout between Dagalo and Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The two men had previously shared power after the ouster of autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. However, a 2021 coup by the two forces then ousted civilian politicians, sparking a war over troop integration during a planned transition to democracy. The ongoing conflict has displaced millions, with tens of thousands killed and half the population facing famine, according to the United Nations. Both the SAF and RSF have been accused of war crimes, with both Dagalo and Burhan sanctioned by the United States over their role in the conflict. Saturday’s announcement came months after the RSF and allied groups signed a charter in February in Kenya that outlined plans for a secular “New Sudan” government, Reuters added. The SAF and the internationally recognized government in Khartoum immediately condemned the RSF’s move over the weekend. Sudan’s foreign ministry called the new administration a “fake government” and urged the international community not to engage with it. While Burhan has vowed to continue fighting until the army regains full control of Sudan, analysts warned that the formation of a rival administration risks further fragmentation.

Togo: Nowhere To Turn

Nowhere To Turn: Frustrated Voters in Togo Are Caught Between a Brutal Dictator, a ‘Useless’ Opposition, and ‘Violent’ Protesters Togo In mid-July, Togo held an election to choose 1,527 municipal representatives. Polling stations, however, were largely deserted in Togo’s capital of Lomé and elsewhere. Some voters stayed away out of fear of violence. Others said the elections wouldn’t change anything, so there was no point in voting. “I’ve been voting since 1998, but this year is nothing like the others,” Sémon Aboudou told the Associated Press, standing outside of a nearly empty voting center in the capital’s Bè district, considered an opposition stronghold. “Even in 2019, there was more enthusiasm. Now people don’t see any change coming.” There wasn’t any change coming from this election: The ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party, in power in some form for almost 60 years, won with about 75 percent of the vote. The main reason for the voter apathy and their fear was the outbreak of violence in June ahead of the elections. Days of anti-government protests, rare in the country of nine million, were met with an ensuing crackdown that left at least seven people dead, more than 100 people detained, and others who are still missing. Still, something has shifted in the country, say analysts. The protesters, defying a ban on demonstrations, turned out in force because they were furious over a constitutional reform that took effect in May that changed the governance system. That reform gave the country’s longtime ruler, Faure Gnassingbé, even more power, and allows him to stay in office indefinitely. It also meant that the presidents of the country are no longer elected directly. Gnassingbé took over the country after the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, in 2005 without an election. His father was in power for almost four decades after assassinating the country’s first post-independence president in 1963 and launching two coups. Since then, the West African country, one of Africa’s poorest, but also one becoming increasingly important as a maritime and transit hub in the region, as well as a gateway to the Sahel – it is currently battling jihadists in that northern part of the country – has seen repression, rigged elections, and leaders that run the country like absolute monarchs. Before the protests erupted, anger had already been simmering over the spiraling cost of living in the country. Meanwhile, the results of the reform are deeply troubling even for a country that sees harsh repression but few protests, analysts say. “Togolese citizens have been stripped of their right to elect their president,” Paul Amegakpo, president of the Tamberma Institute for Governance, a Togolese think tank, told World Politics Review. “Even if elections were routinely rigged, removing (voters) altogether is deeply humiliating. And without term limits, Faure Gnassingbé can now remain in power for life.” The protests were initially sparked by calls for demonstrations by the popular rapper known as Aamron, who had long been publicly critical of the reforms. But they grew after he was arrested and physically and psychologically abused in custody. “Young people are exasperated by shortsighted and aimless governance, and by being held hostage by a regime incapable of providing the population with the basic necessities of life,” Bertin Bandiangou, a student who was arrested for opposing the government and tortured while in detention, told the Guardian. “Our message is clear: we no longer want a regime that imprisons our dreams and has terrorized an entire people for nearly six decades.” The outrage over his arrest was further inflamed after the government shut down the Internet, suspended international media outlets, and cracked down violently on protesters, deploying security forces as well as local and foreign militias to do so. For example, the parents of a 16-year-old boy found dead on June 27 told Amnesty International that members of the security forces in black uniforms had entered the neighborhood the previous day and fired tear gas and beat residents. The boy’s body was found along with that of another child, 15. The government, however, said the boys had “drowned,” according to “forensic analyses.” Meanwhile, the protests, which continue to simmer, are unique in that they were not led by the opposition – which is seen as ineffective and co-opted by the government – but by the young, mobilizing via social media, analysts added. “The Togolese are aware that there will always be repression, but they have reached a point where they can no longer stop themselves from expressing their frustrations,” political scientist Madji Djabakete told Deutsche Welle, adding that the protests to date were merely a “test” for a more structured uprising to come. Until then, the oldest dynasty in Africa remains entrenched in power, with no end date in sight, say analysts. And voters, meanwhile, are often caught in the middle between the protesters and the regime. “People are afraid, afraid of being attacked by protesters for legitimizing these elections, or afraid of being dispersed by security forces,” Edem Adjaklo, a voter in the capital, told Africanews. “They feel it’s pointless to vote because the results are always the same – predetermined.”

8 Incredible African Analysis To Visit In 2025

8 incredible African island destinations to visit in 2025 Whether you’re into diving, hiking, food, or just doing nothing on a perfect beach, there’s an island in Africa that hits the spot… Author picture By Sundeeka Mungroo 25-07-25 16:58 in Lifestyle island destinations africa Santa Maria beach in Cape Verde. Image: canva Africa’s coastline is dotted with islands that fly under the radar but pack a serious punch when it comes to beauty, culture, and adventure. From volcanic peaks to turquoise lagoons, these African islands are worth putting on your travel list this year. Take a look… ADVERTISEMENT 1. Zanzibar, Tanzania island destinations africa The Mnemba Atoll in Zanzibar, Image: canva A short ferry ride from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is where Indian Ocean paradise meets Swahili culture. Expect white sand beaches, spice farms, and the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s laid-back but full of life. 2. Mauritius, Africa This island destination in the Indian Ocean feels like a cross between Africa and Asia, with its mix of Creole, Indian, French, and Chinese influences. You’ll find luxury resorts, but also volcanic mountains, rum distilleries, and bustling markets in Port Louis. 3. São Tomé and Príncipe island destinations africa Rolas Island, São Tomé and Príncipe. Image: canva One of Africa’s least-visited countries, this two-island nation off the coast of Gabon offers lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and colonial-era charm. It’s a dream for eco-travellers and anyone craving real peace. 4. Nosy Be, Madagascar, Africa Just off Madagascar’s northwest coast, Nosy Be is known for its coral reefs, lemurs, and clear waters. It’s tourist-friendly but still feels unspoiled. Don’t miss a trip to nearby Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely for hiking and snorkelling. 5. Djerba, Tunisia Djerba, Tunisia. Image: canva In North Africa, Djerba offers a distinct island vibe, one that is more desert than jungle. Think whitewashed buildings, ancient souks, and beaches framed by palm trees. The island also has one of the oldest synagogues in the world. 6. Lamu Island, Kenya, Africa Lamu is like a living museum of Swahili culture. There are no cars here, just donkeys and boats. Explore old stone houses, quiet beaches, and local markets. It’s raw, real, and unlike any other beach destination. ADVERTISEMENT 7. Comoros island destinations africa Anjouan island in the Comoros. Image: canva Rarely visited but absolutely worth it, the Comoros islands are made up of three islands, which sit between Madagascar and Mozambique. It’s remote, wild, and full of volcanic landscapes and coral reefs. It’s not polished, but that’s part of the appeal. 8. Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), Africa Located in the Atlantic, this archipelago blends African roots with Portuguese culture. Each island has a unique character: Sal is popular for beach resorts, Santiago for history, and Santo Antão for hiking. Have you visited any of these African island destinations? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Randberg Company Pioneering Rare Earths Extractions

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F.W de Klerk's Widow Meets With Survivors of Cradock 4 1985 Slaughter

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Five Top Spots To Experience Winter Snow In South Africa

Five top spots to experience winter snow in South Africa Although snowfall in South Africa is uncommon and unpredictable, some areas transform into icy playgrounds in winter. By Nozibusiso Mazibuko 22-07-25 10:54 in Featured Snow Sutherland, Northern Cape. Image: Shutterstock Although snow isn’t usually the first thing people associate with South Africa, certain regions transform into icy wonderlands between May and August. Here are some of the top spots to experience winter snow in South Africa: Sutherland snowfall, Northern Cape Sutherland, one of the country’s coldest towns, often experiences snowfall in July and August. Verlatenkloof Pass and nearby farms usually receive the first snowflakes. With its clear, star-filled skies and crisp mountain air, Sutherland offers a peaceful winter getaway. Visitors from across the country flock here to enjoy the combination of snow and stargazing. Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg For hikers and mountain lovers, Cathedral Peak offers a snow-covered adventure in the northern Drakensberg. Winter delivers bright, stable weather and blankets the trails with snow. After snow falls, clear visibility creates perfect hiking conditions to the summit. Although some routes become slippery, experienced hikers can safely reach the peak within a day. Matroosberg, Western Cape Matroosberg, situated 35km from Ceres, offers some of the most dependable snowfalls in the Western Cape. Nestled within the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, it features the province’s second-highest peak. In winter, the slopes attract snow lovers and 4×4 adventurers, while nearby campsites and cottages provide accommodation for overnight guests. The area also hosts The Ski Club of South Africa, making it a central spot for local snow enthusiasts. Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State Golden Gate grows far quieter in winter than in summer, transforming into a silent snowfield, especially around Glen Reenen Rest Camp. Visitors can enjoy near solitude and stunning white landscapes. Nearby, the Golden Gate Hotel and Highlands Mountain Retreat provide warm, cosy retreats, ideal places to watch snow drift down while relaxing by the fire. Underberg and Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal Tucked into the southern Drakensberg, Underberg and Himeville serve as snowy gateways to Sani Pass. Though snow isn’t guaranteed every year, 4×4 trips in winter often reward travellers with icy scenes on the Lesotho border. These towns also charm with rustic cafés and mountain lodges ideal for post-snowstorm relaxation. 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Sven Boermeester, Renier Lombard and Nic Latouf. New book showcases South African success stories abroad – UK Edition launches 25-07-25 11:33 A TikTok influencer account has mocked the parents of Hilton College. ‘Wealthy Hilton College parents’: TikToker pokes fun at SA’s priciest school 25-07-25 09:31 You might know Sbu because of his popular brand of socks. He is now looking to create a local car brand. Fashion designer aims to launch SA’s first car brand 25-07-25 08:36 Hulk Hogan dies at 71. Hulk Hogan’s cause of death confirmed 25-07-25 08:20 Fastjet New flight route enhances access to Victoria Falls 25-07-25 09:43 South African roads South Africans skeptical that R7 billion BRICS loan will improve roads 24-07-25 14:04

Neighboring Origins

Neighboring Origins Archeologists recently sequenced the complete genome of an Ancient Egyptian man, who lived around the time of the first pyramids more than 4,500 years ago. The man’s remains were originally unearthed in Nuwayrat – a village more than 160 miles from Cairo – in the early 20th century. Now a new genetic study of the skeleton has revealed a closer connection between ancient Egypt and the eastern Fertile Crescent, which includes present-day Iraq, western Iran, and parts of Syria and Turkey, than initially thought. “He lived and died during a critical period of change in ancient Egypt,” explained co-senior author Linus Girdland Flink in a statement. “We’ve now been able to tell part of the individual’s story, finding that some of his ancestry came from the Fertile Crescent, highlighting mixture between groups at this time.” The skeleton was excavated in 1902 and donated to World Museum Liverpool, where it then survived bombings during the Blitz in World War II that destroyed most of the human remains in their collection. Radiocarbon dating of the skeleton confirmed that it belonged to a middle-aged man who died sometime between 2855 and 2570 BCE. Flink and his colleagues believe the man was in his 60s at the time of his death – an unusually old age for that era. The man appeared to have lived a physically demanding life. His bones bore signs of extended sitting and reaching forward, leading researchers to suggest he may have worked as a potter. The research team was also able to extract DNA from the roots of his teeth and sequenced his entire genome. The ability to do this with remains found in Egypt and elsewhere in the region is rare because hot temperatures degrade DNA quickly. Roughly 80 percent of the man’s genetic ancestry was clearly North African, but it was the remaining 20 percent that caught the researchers’ attention: The findings showed the man’s genome matched populations from the eastern Fertile Crescent, particularly an area called Mesopotamia – roughly modern-day Iraq. Past archaeological research has already found links between Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, but the recent study provides genetic evidence that people moved into Egypt and mixed with local populations during that time. The findings may also offer new clues about the development and spread of writing systems. “The first writing systems emerged almost contemporaneously in the two regions,” first author Adeline Morez Jacobs told New Scientist, referring to cuneiform in Mesopotamia and hieroglyphics in Egypt. The researchers hope future studies will provide a clearer picture of migration patterns and ancestral links in this historically rich region. Share this story

Mocambique Opposition Leader Faces Terrorism Charges

Mozambique Opposition Leader Faces Terrorism Charge Mozambique Mozambique’s Attorney-General’s Office this week charged the country’s top opposition leader with terrorism, following unrest set off by last year’s disputed elections that left hundreds dead, Agence de Presse Africaine reported. Venâncio Mondlane, a fierce critic of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) party, was also charged with “incitement to disobedience,” and “public instigation to crime.” He denied all charges and said they are politically motivated. He added he is being targeted for revealing what he described as “massive electoral fraud” in the October presidential election, won by President Daniel Chapo, Africanews added. Western observers have complained that the election was neither free nor fair. Mondlane ran in the election as an independent candidate and, after his loss, led months of unprecedented protests over the results, which extended the ruling party’s five decades in power. The demonstrations spread across the country and were met with a violent government crackdown that left at least 400 people dead and 600 injured. More than 30 police officers are on trial for their role in suppressing the protests. Mondlane is widely popular, especially with younger voters. Mondlane also accused the Chapo administration of breaking the peace deal they signed in March, which had raised hopes of easing the post-election crisis, paving the way for new reforms, and obtaining justice for the victims of the violence.

DRC and M23 Reach Peace Deal With Some Hopefully Skeptical Democratic Republic of the Congo

DRC and M23 Reach Peace Deal With Some Hopefully Skeptical Democratic Republic of the Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed an agreement with M23 rebels to end fighting in the mineral-rich eastern part of the country over the weekend, even as analysts say they are cautious about celebrating any peace just yet, Africanews reported. According to the Qatar-brokered ceasefire deal, the DRC government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels committed to a permanent ceasefire, a ban on aerial, ground, maritime, and lake-based attacks, as well as acts of sabotage, hate propaganda, and any attempt to gain new ground by force, Deutsche Welle wrote. The agreement would also restore DRC authority across the eastern part of the country, including the reintroduction of the army, police, judiciary, and civil administration to areas currently under M23 control. Some say that this text is particularly significant as it comes with a clear timeline: It must be implemented by July 29. Direct negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement are scheduled to start on Aug. 8. The talks will be based on the peace deal signed between the DRC and Rwanda in the US last month. The goal is to sign a comprehensive peace agreement by Aug. 18. Observers in Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province in eastern DRC, currently under the control of Rwanda-backed M23 insurgents, remain skeptical that the deal will last. For example, tensions arose soon after signing, with the DRC government saying that insurgents agreed to withdraw from occupied areas, while the M23 rebel officials denied any plans to retreat. Congolese civil rights activist Maude-Salomé Ekila told Africanews that this is just another deal that, like the ones that came before, sparks hope at the moment of signing only to be undermined later by the self-interest of the parties involved. The conflict between the DRC and M23 rebels escalated in January, when M23 captured two of the DRC’s largest cities and seized key areas in the mineral-rich eastern part of the country. The conflict has killed thousands of people and created one of the most significant humanitarian crises in the world, displacing millions of people.

More Violence In Kenya

Protests and Funerals: Kenyan President’s Failure to Listen Threatens Kenya’s Stability Kenya Vendor Boniface Kariuki, 22, was selling masks at a rally against police brutality in June in his hometown of Kangema near the Kenyan capital of Nairobi when a police officer in riot gear asked him to move. He did. The officer shot him anyway. The incident, captured on film, ricocheted around Kenya, setting off fury around the country over police brutality and at a government that many see as corrupt, unaccountable, and murderous. “We can’t feed our families, so we have to be on the street to stop the increasing prices, to stop the (police) abductions, and to stand up for our country,” Festus Muiruri, a 22-year-old protester in Nairobi, told Reuters. “We want the president to hear us.” Kariuki is one of more than 100 people who have been killed across Kenya since last year, when protests initially broke out against tax hikes on everyday items such as bread and cooking oil: These hikes came as the average Kenyan struggled with a cost-of-living crisis while accusing government officials of living extravagantly. Those demonstrations, led by Kenyan youth, were met with a violent crackdown. They culminated with protesters storming the parliament. The government backed off its tax measures. Now, a year later, the protesters’ calls for an end to government corruption and justice for those killed in 2024 were never resolved, say analysts, just put away for the next time public anger was triggered. It was in June after the death of a teacher and blogger, Albert Ojwang, in police custody. He was arrested for “the offense of false publication” and died of “self-inflicted” wounds, which the state pathologist refuted. Protests broke out over Ojwang’s death, leading to the rare arrest and resignations of those involved. However, on July 7th, demonstrations against the government ignited again after Kenyans marched to mark the anniversary of a 1990 uprising known as the “Saba” (Swahili for Seven-Seven) protests that returned the country to a multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-President Daniel arap Moi. The government, led by President William Ruto, however, moved in forcefully, with police using live bullets, teargas, and water cannons, also hitting the relatives mourning the death of loved ones last year. At least 31 people died. Now protesters are calling for the president to step down, yelling, “Ruto must go” and “wantam” (one term) at rallies. The government has gone on the offensive, calling protesters terrorists who are orchestrating a “coup,” with Ruto ordering police to “shoot their legs and take them to court.” Hundreds have been arrested. The government also threatened the media if it didn’t halt its coverage of the protests. The protests have created tremendous turmoil in Kenya, East Africa’s economic heavyweight, with shops and businesses closing, and some even destroyed by protesters and looters. They are also scaring off tourists and investors. Another impact is on Ruto himself. Elected in 2022 with the help of young voters on promises to improve their lives and put a stop to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and corruption, he will face a tough election in 2027. Analysts say the likelihood of his resignation is low – one big issue is that there is no obvious successor: In March, Ruto allied with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, previously his main rival. Regardless, his political capital is far lower than it was three years ago, much of that due to a promise he made when he was elected and then promptly broke – he told his young supporters he would listen to them. “If the Ruto administration is failing at every turn, it is because Ruto struggles with the very concept of democracy, adamantly refusing to listen, let alone respond to any kind of dissent,” World Politics Review wrote. “Yet Kenyans have a clear vision of what kind of society they want to live in, and it is not one in which an impervious ruler barricades himself in a tower dictating to the people below by force and fiat. They want to be heard.” On the last day of June, Kariuki died of his wounds at a local hospital, another victim of Ruto’s unwillingness to listen, the magazine added. The officer who shot him has been charged with murder. A plea hearing is set for next week. Regardless, observers say the protests will go on, as will the funerals. “We are in sorrow,” Edwin Kagia, 24, Kariuki’s friend and fellow vendor, told Al Jazeera at the funeral. “I used to hear that police kill people, but I could not imagine it would happen to my brother.”

A Disabled Former South African Air Force Fighter Pilot Keeps Flying

Arthur Piercy Takes To The Air At The SAAF Museum By Garth Calitz The South African Air force Museum hosted their monthly flying training day on Saturday 3 November and the day started as usual with the pilots briefing attended by Mrs. South Africa, the lovely Lynné De Jager and her husband Wilhelm to the delight of the SAAF museum pilots and crew. Lynné will be representing South Africa in the Mrs World competition later this year and we wish her all the best - “Bring it home”. All the visitors to the Museum including Mrs Ina Strijdom, the DA councilor for Centurion South, quickly realized that this was no ordinary flying day with the arrival of a Yak 52, Antanov AN2, two ex-military bosbok “converters “now in private hands, a Alouette II and a Tigermoth. The Tigermoth was flown in by Dan Perry, an airline pilot with Comair, especially to take Arthur Piercy for a flight. Arthur is wheelchair bound following an accident in September 1987. The tail of his Mirage F1CZ was badly damaged in a dogfight with a Cuban Mig 23 and this left him without brakes or a drag chute. On landing he unfortunately could not stop the aircraft which raced off the end of the runway and in the process his ejection seat deployed resulting in a very serious back injury. Arthur's Energetic and positive outlook on life is an inspiration to people worldwide. He is currently the Public Relations officer at Association for the Physically Disabled in Greater Johannesburg area and is very involved with the SAAF Museum. Sgt's Prinsloo and Jooste from Waterkloof fire & rescue services and Warrant officer du Toit from Mobile Deployment Wing were at hand with a “cherry picker” to hoist Arthur into the Tigermoth closely watched by his fiancé Gerda, father Cyril and Lt Col Mike O'Connor officer commanding the SAAF Museum . It was quite an involved process fitting Arthur with a harness. Once this was complete the actual hoist into the front seat of the Tiger and was fairly simple. Dan taxied out and took off chased by Grant Timms in the War Birds formation Yak 52. Unfortunately they could only do one wide circuit before the Tigermoth developed a radio snag and they were forced to land and abandon the sortie. The Museum use their monthly flying days as a means of thanking the people for their continuous support to the Museum. Many people were taken for “flips” in the various Historic aircraft such as the De Havilland DH115 T55 Vampire, Harvard's and Alouette II and III helicopters. Lynné and Wilhelm De Jager were treated to a flight in one of the two flying Alouette III's. The public were also wowed by a skydiving display by the SAAF “Golden Eagles” skydiving team as they were dropped by the Museums Atlas C4M Kudu. The next SAAF Museum flying day will be held on the 1st of December. The flying days are generally well attended, food and drinks are always on sale at “The Windsock” restaurant and at the kiosk run by the “The Friends of the SAAF Museum”. See you there!! Events 2012 South African Air Force

Legacy Conversations - Arthur Piercy - SAAF Mirage F1 pilot FESTIVE SEAS...

South Africa's Forgotten Air Wars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QegS7TJml2o

South Coast South Africa

Seychelles or South Coast? Discover paradise-like spots in KZN Dreaming of an island getaway? You might not have to fly, paradise is just a road trip along the KZN South Coast away… By Sundeeka Mungroo 15-07-25 08:11 in Featured Seychelles Umzumbe on the South Coast. Image: canva Think paradise requires an international flight? Think again. KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast delivers tropical charm, no passport needed. With palm-fringed beaches, secluded coves, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, parts of this coastline could easily be mistaken for the Seychelles. Here’s where you can experience KZN’s island-style escape… 1. Umzumbe: Secluded and serene Locals often keep this small village a secret, treating it like a hidden gem. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, ensuring it’s clean, safe, and perfect for swimming. What sets Umzumbe apart is its untouched charm, no crowds, no concrete, just swaying palms, rock pools, and soft sand. It gives off Seychelles vibes. 2. Port Edward: Turquoise waters, golden sands Situated near the Wild Coast border, Port Edward in KZN offers a relaxed, barefoot-luxury vibe. The beaches stretch wide, the surf stays clean, and the water shines a glassy blue, especially at Silver Beach. With subtropical vegetation hugging the coastline and the Mkambati Nature Reserve just beyond, this is where you go when you want to feel off-the-grid but still have access to a decent espresso. 3. Margate to Ramsgate: Classic South Coast coastline with flair Ramsgate beach. Image: canva This stretch is where the South Coast shows off. Margate brings the buzz with beachfront cafes and boardwalks, while Ramsgate dials it down with its lagoon, art galleries, and chill pace. The water here is warm year-round, the palm trees are real (not imported), and the sunsets can hold their own against any Indian Ocean island. 4. Umtentweni, KZN: Green meets blue Umtentweni sits just north of Port Shepstone and blends lush greenery with the glitter of the sea. Think forested dunes rolling down to the shoreline, monkeys in the trees, and golden hour lighting that could make any Instagram filter redundant. Quiet, scenic, and ridiculously photogenic. 5. Oribi Gorge: Not a beach, but still a showstopper kzn south coast Oribi Gorge. Image: wikimedia commons If your idea of paradise includes more cliffs and canopies than waves and coconuts, the South Coast’s Oribi Gorge delivers. Just inland from the coast, this dramatic canyon carves through the countryside like something out of a nature doc. There are waterfalls, zip lines, suspension bridges, and views that remind you that paradise isn’t only found at the beach. Tags: DMumani featured Important Seychelles South Africa Post navigation Next Article

6 South African Towns Where You Can Buy The Freshest Fish

6 South African coastal towns where you can taste the freshest fish ever Seafood in South Africa is top-notch! Check out these 6 coastal towns where fish go straight from the boat to your plate… By Sundeeka Mungroo 16-07-25 14:59 in Featured Coastal towns Fishing boats in Kalk Bay. Image: canva South Africa takes its seafood seriously. Stretching over 2,500 kilometres along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the coastline offers a paradise for fish lovers. Forget the flashy tourist spots, if you’re after true boat-to-plate freshness, make your way to the small coastal towns where fishing is a daily livelihood, not just a pastime. Here are six towns that dish up some of the freshest, most flavourful fish you’ll ever eat. 1. Arniston, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa coastal towns south africa A stretch of beach in Arniston. Image: canva Quiet, windswept, and a little out of the way, Arniston is the kind of coastal town where you go to unplug and eat like royalty. Fishermen from the Kassiesbaai community continue to use traditional techniques passed down through generations. They catch fish by line and harvest abalone (perlemoen) and lobster, which families prepare in their own kitchens. At Willeen’s, right by the beach, they grill the catch of the day and serve it with authentic local flair—a meal not to be missed. 2. Paternoster, West Coast, Western Cape This sleepy, whitewashed village is a seafood legend. Fishermen launch their boats right from the beach, and what they haul in shows up on your plate by lunch. Think crayfish, snoek, and mussels grilled over open coals or baked into traditional West Coast potjies. Head to Voorstrandt, a bright red tin shack on the beach, for a meal with ocean views and zero pretence. 3. Kalk Bay, Cape Peninsula, Western Cape, South Africa Kalk Bay blends timeless charm with top-tier seafood. This coastal town remains a working fishing harbour, so it’s common to see fishermen cleaning their fresh catch while you enjoy a glass of wine nearby. Yellowtail, hake, and calamari are local favourites. Grab a casual bite at the legendary Kalky’s on the dock, or opt for a refined experience at Harbour House—both serve fresh fare straight from the sea. 4. Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa Hout Bay might be just 20 minutes from central Cape Town, but it feels like its own seaside town. Boats come in daily with kingklip, kabeljou, and tuna, which you can buy straight off the dock or enjoy prepared at the Bay Harbour Market, where locals and visitors alike gather for craft food and ocean-fresh dishes. 5. Port St. Johns, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape coastal towns south africa Port St. Johns, Wild Coast. Image: canva Raw, wild, and untamed, Port St. Johns is where the land meets the sea dramatically. It’s not fancy, and that’s the whole point. The seafood here is real, grilled fish fillets seasoned with nothing more than salt, lemon, and smoke. Try local shacks or family-run guesthouses that serve the catch of the day alongside pap or chakalaka. 6. Struisbaai, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa Located just south of Cape Agulhas, Struisbaai boasts one of the longest beaches in the Southern Hemisphere and serves up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. The harbour stays busy with fishermen hauling in yellowtail, red roman, and cob. At Pelican’s Harbour Café, you can enjoy grilled fish just steps from where it was caught, all while watching stingrays glide through the nearby shallows.

92-Year Old Cameroonian Will Run For Eight Term As President

92-Year-Old Cameroonian President Will Run for Eighth Term Cameroon Cameroon President Paul Biya, 92, who has held the position for more than 40 years, announced this week he would run for an eighth term in October’s election, ending uncertainty about his political future and that of the troubled country, Semafor Africa reported. Biya became president in 1982 and scrapped term limits in 2008. He is now the second-longest-serving president in Africa, behind only Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Biya cited “numerous and insistent” calls from across Cameroon as the reason behind his decision to run again. Opposition figures and human rights advocates criticized Biya’s decision, saying the announcement underscored how the country is stuck politically and needed democratic change and accountable leadership, Africanews wrote. Meanwhile, Biya’s age is often contrasted with the population of the country – the median age is 19. Among the opposition leaders who plan to run in the election is Maurice Kamto, 71, who came in second in the last presidential election in 2018. Two former allies of Biya’s have also announced they will run, noted Reuters. In the 2018 election, Biya obtained over 70 percent of the vote in a race marked by allegations of fraud and violence. During his time in office, Biya has been accused of corruption and of failing to tackle public discontent. Moreover, he has often traveled outside the country for medical treatment, raising concerns about his health status and whether he can still govern effectively as the country grapples with a civil conflict and jihadist groups. Cameroon, a major cocoa and oil producer, has been shaken by a separatist conflict, originating in the Anglophone regions – the majority of the country is Francophone – which has left thousands dead and thousands more displaced. Cameroon is also fighting the jihadist group Boko Haram in the north of the country.

Gold-Digigng Mali Fights Mining Companies

Gold-Digging: Mali Fights Mining Companies To Battle Rebels and Terrorists Mali Last week, Mali’s military government seized more than $117 million worth of gold from Canada’s Barrick Mining’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex with the aim of restarting operations there. The move is part of efforts by Mali – and other countries in West Africa – to take over foreign-owned gold mines. Aiding in that effort, a Malian court recently allowed the government to restart operations at the mine, which produced around 720,000 ounces of gold in 2024, Mining.com reported. Officials had suspended Barrick’s management in a dispute related to local mining codes and allegedly unpaid taxes. Mali’s military government, which won power through a coup in 2020, is a major shareholder in the company, which is a massive source of foreign cash for the impoverished country. If gold prices continue to soar amid disruptions in the global financial system, the mine could generate more than $1 billion next year, wrote Reuters. Barrick has sought to negotiate. Malian authorities also arrested Barrick employees and seized three tons of gold bullion from the company over their regulatory and tax disputes. In a similar case, an Australian mining company late last year paid Mali at least $80 million to release their chief executive and two employees, reported France 24. Foreign miners in the country are worried, added African Business. Locally sourced miners don’t necessarily have the expertise or access to capital to run all the country’s mines. Regardless, the mineral resources are already financing new infrastructure and civil services that are essential to develop local economies in Mali, noted Université des Sciences Sociales et de Gestion de Bamako researcher, Mamadou Camara. But he still hoped those riches would fuel sustainable investments and “equitable exploitation” under more direct Malian government control, even those that remain inaccessible due to an insurgency. “Mali is rich in mineral resources – the country has vast untapped potential throughout its territory,” he said. “However, security issues in the north hinder exploration and mining activities. Some areas remain unassigned to companies due to ongoing insecurity.” Malian President Assimi Goïta, who led the 2020 coup and was recently granted a new five-year, perpetually renewable term in office without elections, as Al Jazeera explained, is fighting rebel movements and jihadists seeking to control swaths of its vast interior, much of it part of the Sahara desert. Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin recently launched attacks on seven military outposts in western Mali, for instance, the BBC reported. The group, meanwhile, has been rampaging across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while also abducting foreigners and demanding ransoms for their release, the Times of India added. Their leader, alleged war criminal Iyad Ag Ghali, is an ethnic Tuareg who staged an uprising against Mali’s central government in 2012 to establish an independent Tuareg state called Azawad. Goïta has called in 2,000 mercenaries from Russia’s Africa Corps – formerly the Wagner Group but now controlled by the Kremlin – to help combat the jihadists and rebels, France 24 reported. At the same time, the mercenary group is accused of committing war crimes in the region. Mali has been fighting insurgent groups linked to the so-called Islamic State and al Qaeda for more than a decade, trying to prevent them from holding onto or even increasing their territory even as they attempt to expand to the West African coast: This would allow them to significantly boost their revenue through human trafficking, smuggling and arms trading with other parts of Africa, Europe and elsewhere. In May, Gen. Michael Langley, who leads the US Africa Command, warned that the Sahel, has become the “epicenter of terrorism on the globe.”

Five Tranquil Estuary Towns To Visit In South Africa

Where river meets ocean: 5 tranquil estuary towns to visit in South Africa South Africa’s estuary towns offer pure tranquility—from Kosi Bay to Kenton-on-Sea, here are five river escapes you need to explore… By Sundeeka Mungroo 12-07-25 08:34 in Featured River and ocean Where the river meets the sea in Nature's Valley, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons South Africa’s estuary towns offer more than scenic beauty, they play a vital ecological role. The rivers filter water, shield coastlines from storms, and nurture marine life during its most fragile stages. In these unique places, saltwater mixes with freshwater, tides shift with the currents, and the landscapes flow into a natural harmony. Here are five of the top estuary towns to explore in South Africa… 1. Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape, South Africa estuary towns south africa Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape. Image: canva Kenton-on-Sea sits between Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth, framed by two rivers and expansive beaches. Its estuaries teem with life—visitors can paddle through narrow channels at high tide or watch kingfishers dart through the mangroves. The Bushmans River, one of South Africa’s longest navigable rivers, flows gently, offering ideal conditions for peaceful boat rides and relaxed fishing trips. The town is small, safe, and perfect for a laid-back, barefoot lifestyle. 2. Witsand, Western Cape Witsand, Western Cape. Image: canva Witsand rests peacefully at the mouth of the Breede River, offering a haven for families, anglers, and Southern Right whales. In winter, whales gather in the bay to calve in the shallow waters, while summer invites warm days perfect for kite surfing or kayaking up the river. The town’s estuary stretches wide and shallow, safe for children and rewarding for birdwatchers. Witsand invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace its unpretentious charm. 3. St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa estuary towns south africa St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal. Image: canva St Lucia is wild in the best way. It’s the gateway to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where hippos graze on the edge of town and crocodiles float like logs. The estuary stretches over 80 km and pulses with life, reedbeds, fish eagles, and rare swamp forests. It’s not the usual beach town: it’s more primal, more alive. You come here to slow down, but you also come here to remember nature’s raw power. 4. Nature’s Valley, Western Cape Nature’s Valley. Image: wikimedia commons Nature’s Valley barely counts as a town, and that’s part of the magic. Tucked inside the Tsitsikamma section of South Africa’s Garden Route National Park, it’s a ribbon of homes between forest, lagoon, and sea. The Groot River estuary is calm and glassy, perfect for paddling or drifting. Hikes lead to waterfalls, beaches curve empty for miles, and at night, you’ll hear frogs instead of traffic. This place isn’t curated, it’s untouched. 5. Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal estuary towns south africa Kosi Bay. Image: wikimedia commons Right near the Mozambique border, South Africa’s Kosi Bay is a remote masterpiece. It’s not just one estuary, it’s a system of lakes, channels, and tidal mouths forming a kind of natural maze. Traditional fish traps built by the Thonga people still stand in the water, undisturbed for centuries. Snorkel in the estuary’s shallows and you’ll find tropical fish inches from your mask. This is the wild edge of the country, and one of the last true frontiers. Tags: DMumani featured Important ocean South Africa

Coastal South African Towns Offering Great Seafood

5 coastal towns in South Africa serving up top-notch seafood These coastal towns don’t just serve seafood—they embody it. And they dish it up the way it’s meant to be: fresh, authentic, and truly memorable. By Sundeeka Mungroo 09-07-25 15:29 in Featured Seafood Seafood. Image: Pexels South Africa’s coastal towns deliver more than scenic views and great waves—they haul in some of the country’s best seafood. From quiet fishing villages to lively seaside cities, these five destinations dish out ocean-fresh meals that easily outshine most inland eateries. No frills, just exceptional seafood.Take a look… 1. Hout Bay, Western Cape Grilled calamari. Image: canva What to eat: Snoek & chips, grilled calamari Just 20 minutes from Cape Town, Hout Bay is a working harbour with real grit and flavour. Locals line up at fish-and-chip spots along the harbour for deep-fried snoek, slap chips, and takeaway calamari. They enjoy their seafood perched on the rocks, taking in panoramic views of the Atlantic. 2. Knysna, Garden Route Knysna is known for its oysters. Image: canva What to eat: Oysters Knysna isn’t just pretty, it’s the oyster capital of South Africa. The Knysna Oyster Festival draws crowds, but you can score fresh oysters year-round from lagoon-facing spots like 34° South. Whether raw, grilled, or soaked in Champagne, Knysna oysters are clean, plump, and impossible to forget. 3. Paternoster, West Coast, South Africa What to eat: Crayfish, mussels This quiet fishing village still preserves its timeless charm. At dawn, fishermen set out in wooden boats and return with nets brimming with crayfish. Much of the catch lands on beach braais or is plated at Wolfgat, arguably the country’s most talked-about restaurant. Even the modest beach shacks dish up mussels so fresh they carry the scent of the sea. 4. Gansbaai, Overberg Abalone sashimi. Image: canva What to eat: Abalone (perlemoen), yellowtail Gansbaai, famous for its shark cage diving, also boasts one of South Africa’s richest marine ecosystems. Several abalone farms operate in the area, and some restaurants legally and sustainably serve this rare delicacy. You can enjoy it grilled or thinly sliced like sashimi. Another local favourite is yellowtail, best enjoyed simply, fresh off the coals. 5. Port St. Johns, Wild Coast, South Africa What to eat: Grilled fish, seafood potjie Far from the tourist traps, Port St. Johns is raw, wild, and packed with flavour. The seafood is rustic and real, think whole fish grilled over open flames, spicy seafood potjies bubbling over fire, and prawns that taste like they came out of the ocean an hour ago. Don’t expect white tablecloths, just good food and a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. Tags: DMumani featured Important seafood South Africa

4 Wild Places To Explore On South Africa's West Coast

4 wild places to explore on South Africa’s West Coast South Africa’s West Coast isn’t polished, it’s shaped by wind, waves, and time. Here’s where you can feel its true essence… By Sundeeka Mungroo 09-07-25 17:51 in Featured West Coast Lambert's Bay, West Coast. Image: wikimedia commons South Africa’s West Coast wears its ruggedness with pride. It doesn’t chase luxury—it embraces wind, salt, and raw beauty. Here, dunes spill into the icy Atlantic, and small towns echo with stories older than colonial borders. If you’re after untamed nature, this is where the desert collides with the sea—and adventure unfolds without a filter. 1. Namaqua National Park: West Coast flowers in the sand Flowers in bloom in Namaqualand. Image: canva When spring arrives, wildflowers burst into bloom across the drylands of South Africa’s Namaqualand. Sun-scorched scrubland transforms into a vivid display of daisies, succulents, and bulbs that blanket the desert. You’ll hike through surreal fields of colour, with the crisp ocean breeze reminding you the coast is nearby. Spend the night at the remote Skilpad Rest Camp, where the stars outshine city lights and silence becomes your companion. 2. Elands Bay: Surfing and San rock art This town in South Africa is tiny, scruffy, and loved by surfers who prefer barrels to beach bars. Elands Bay delivers legendary left-hand point breaks that draw dedicated surfers from far and wide whenever the swell rolls in. But the magic isn’t limited to the waves, Baboon Point, perched above the bay, shelters ancient San rock art in caves that watch over the rugged coastline. Here, you get prehistoric paintings, desert cliffs, and ocean mist, all in one unforgettable West Coast scene. 3. Lambert’s Bay: Birds, boats, and braais Cape Gannets in Lambert’s Bay. Image: canva Lambert’s Bay mixes the rough edges of a working harbour with raw coastal beauty. Walk over to Bird Island, just off the shore, and watch Cape gannets up close without needing binoculars. Then dig into a crayfish braai on the sand. Locals still make a living from the ocean here, and every weather-beaten wall proudly shows off the untamed spirit of the West Coast. 4. Paternoster: Still wild beneath the West Coast calm Paternoster earns its title as the West Coast’s postcard village with whitewashed cottages, stylish guesthouses, and seafood so fresh it could still be flapping. But step away from the main drag and you’ll discover windswept dunes, empty beaches, and fishermen reeling in snoek the traditional way. Paddle out with dolphins in a kayak or hike to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, where the coastline stretches like it’s the end of the earth. Tags: DMumani featured Important South Africa Wild Coast

Kenya: Demonstrators And Police Clash In Anti-Government Protests

Demonstrators and Police Clash in Kenya During Anti-Government Protests Kenya Thousands of people took to the streets of Kenya on Monday to protest against the government and call for President William Ruto’s resignation, triggering a heavy crackdown where police closed roads, erected metal spikes on the streets, and fired teargas to disperse demonstrators, Africanews reported. Local media reported that at least 11 people died and several others were injured as protesters, some blowing whistles, marched in the city despite the police deployment, Al Jazeera wrote. Police said 52 officers were wounded and more than 560 people were detained. Some schools, businesses, and roads around the capital, Nairobi, were closed Monday as a precaution for possible clashes, with a large police presence close to government buildings, the BBC noted. In other Kenyan cities, police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators, who had lit fires on the streets. The protests this year were part of annual demonstrations every July 7 to commemorate the anniversary of a 1990 uprising known as the “Saba Saba” (Kiswahili for 7/7) protests that returned the country to a multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-President Daniel arap Moi. Even so, they were also part of ongoing mass protests against the administration of Kenyan President William Ruto, who took power in 2022, that began a year ago over corruption, police brutality, and the unexplained disappearance of numerous opposition members. At least 80 people have been killed in protests since June 2024, while dozens have been detained. Last month, dozens of people died and thousands of businesses were vandalized in demonstrations. The protesters say that authorities are hiring armed vandals to discredit their movement’s image, while the government called the demonstrations an “attempted coup.” On Sunday, a press conference calling for an end to “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings” by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission was interrupted by men, some armed with sticks, storming the building. The recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody has escalated the protests and the fury of protesters. Prosecutors have charged six people in relation to his murder, including three police officers.

South Africa: To Move Forward, Look Back

To Move Forward, Look Back, Some South Africans Say South Africa In the township of Masiphumelele near Cape Town in South Africa, 65,000 residents, crammed into a quarter-of-a-square-mile slum, walk on beer crates to avoid the mud on their streets. A stone’s throw away, on the other side of a wall, sits a gated community complete with manicured lawns and swimming pools. Security cameras and guards in the latter prevent the two from mixing. “People were separate before,” Jeremy Mathers, a retired naval engineer who lives in the gated community, told the Times of London. “Thirty years later, they still are.” Masiphumelele, the newspaper added, represents the seething inequality and tensions that remain in South Africa since the country’s racist, segregationist Apartheid regime ended in the early 1990s. In a bid to address this frustration, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently launched a “national dialogue” to discuss sluggish economic growth and the corruption that many South Africans feel is the reason why their country’s many resources aren’t leading to widespread prosperity, equality, and inclusiveness, explained the Institute for Security Studies. “South Africans want action, and are well aware of the pressing issues Ramaphosa listed, such as poor social services, high unemployment, widespread crime, corruption, food inflation, and economic stagnation,” it wrote. “What they do not see is a plan to carry the country forward.” As part of moving forward, some South Africans want the president to put greater effort into reconciling the past. As part of that effort, Ramaphosa, under pressure, recently established a commission to examine whether previous governments under his political party, the African National Congress (ANC), prevented investigators and prosecutors from exposing and prosecuting crimes committed during the Apartheid era, reported News24. This new commission is separate from the much-praised Truth and Reconciliation Commission that South Africa’s first Black president, Nelson Mandela, formed in 1996 to expose Apartheid-era atrocities. However, few perpetrators of murders, massacres, and other Apartheid-related crimes faced justice after this older commission completed its work, Radio France Internationale wrote. These efforts to reconcile with the past and deal with the issues of the present are already hitting roadblocks. John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance, a member of the ruling coalition alongside the ANC, as well as the Inkatha Freedom Party, recently pulled out of the national dialogue. “Nothing will change in South Africa for the better if we keep the same people around the cabinet table who have involved themselves in corruption,” said Steenhuisen, according to Al Jazeera. Analysts say South Africa has a lot of work to do to clean up the country and reconcile with the past. Some are turning to the courts to force the government to make an extra effort. In January, 25 victims’ families and survivors of Apartheid-era political crimes sued Ramaphosa and his government for what they say is its failure to properly investigate those offences and deliver justice. The group is seeking about $9 million in damages, according to the case filed at the High Court in the capital, Pretoria. The lead applicant in the case, Lukhanyo Calata, is the son of Fort Calata, one of the “Cradock Four” – a group of anti-Apartheid activists murdered in 1985. Despite multiple inquiries, no one has been held accountable for these killings. Most of those alleged perpetrators are now deceased. The families’ legal action highlights the enduring scars of apartheid and the unfulfilled need for justice, wrote Ghana’s Vaultz News. “As Calata and others push for accountability, their fight underscores a broader struggle to confront South Africa’s painful history and its lingering impacts on society.” Even though the plaintiffs have already managed to force the president to create the commission looking into these unprosecuted crimes, it isn’t enough, said Calata: “The prolonged delay in achieving justice has effectively ensured that our families are denied justice forever.”  That means many families are stuck in limbo for the moment, say analysts. Oscar van Heerden, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg, told the Associated Press that the families of the Cradock Four and those of other victims of Apartheid-era crimes have not healed. “…those were cases that were supposed to be formally charged, prosecuted, and justice should have prevailed,” van Heerden said. “None of that happened.”

Equatorial Guinea Sues France Over Paris Mansion

Equatorial Guinea Sues France Over Paris Mansion Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea filed a complaint against France at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the weekend, the latest round of litigation between the two nations over a luxury Paris mansion seized by French authorities because of corruption, France 24 reported. The West African nation asked the United Nations’ top court to intervene after French police allegedly entered the property and changed the locks last month. It asked the court not to sell the building and demanded “immediate, complete and unhindered access” to it. The years-long dispute centers on the mansion located on the upscale Avenue Foch near the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital. Estimated to be worth more than $118 million, the property features a private cinema, a hammam steam bath, and gold-plated fixtures. In 2021, French authorities confiscated the property after the country’s top appeals court convicted Equatorial Guinean Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue – also known as Teodorin – under a law targeting fortunes fraudulently amassed by foreign leaders. The court handed Teodorin – son of long-standing President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – a three-year suspended sentence and more than $35 million in fines. If it accepts the case, it would be the second time the ICJ would decide on a suit centering on the mansion: In 2016, Equatorial Guinea brought a case before the court, claiming that the building has served as the country’s embassy. It also accused France of violating the Vienna Convention, which safeguards diplomats from interference by host countries. But France countered that the mansion served no diplomatic purpose and that Teodorin was using it as his private residence. The world court sided with France in the case, saying the African nation only tried to designate it as a diplomatic venue after an investigation began into the vice president. While the ICJ’s rulings are binding, the court has no enforcement mechanism and remains occupied with a growing caseload, including cases on Gaza and climate change.

DRC and Rwanda Sign Peace Deal to End Decades-Long Conflict

DRC and Rwanda Sign Peace Deal To End Decades-Long Conflict Democratic Republic of the Congo / Rwanda Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a US-brokered peace agreement over the weekend in a bid to end decades of violence in the eastern Congo, a deal widely seen as opening the region’s mineral wealth to American investment, the Wall Street Journal reported. Signed Friday in Washington, the deal commits both countries to “immediately and unconditionally cease any state support to nonstate armed groups” and to pursue the “disengagement, disarmament, and integration” of those forces. The two neighbors also pledged to respect territorial integrity and halt cross-border aggression. US President Donald Trump hailed the accord – mediated by the US and Qatar – as the end of years of conflict in the restive region and the beginning of “a new chapter of hope and opportunity.” Rwanda is expected to withdraw troops deployed in eastern Congo, where more than 4,000 Rwandan soldiers had backed the M23 rebel group with advanced weaponry, having invaded the region in January, according to United Nations investigators. The decades-long conflict dates back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide in which more than a million people – mainly ethnic Tutsis – were killed by ethnic Hutus. The Rwandan government and M23 fighters say they are protecting Tutsis in eastern Congo from Hutu-linked militias made up of former Rwandan army members who fled across the border after the genocide. Rwanda has denied backing the M23 rebels and accuses the DRC of supporting the Hutu-affiliated groups. The Congolese government has rejected the allegations. In 2025 alone, the outbreak of violence since January has killed more than 7,000 people and displaced about half a million more. Friday’s deal follows a series of battlefield losses by the Congolese army in the resource-rich eastern provinces, prompting Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to turn to the US for help in return for mining opportunities. Analysts said the deal aligns with US aims to counter Chinese dominance in global supply chains for minerals, such as coltan and other resources vital to the global tech industry. The accord also coincided with separate US negotiations with Rwanda over taking in non-citizen migrants expelled from the US. Meanwhile, reaction to the peace deal has been mixed, with observers noting that its durability remains questionable because many local leaders and affected groups were not part of the negotiations, the BBC added. Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila dismissed it as “nothing more than a trade agreement” and criticized the absence of M23 representatives. Share this story

In Kenya's Largest Slum, Residents Hope For A Crypto Lift

Bitcoin Dreams: In Kenya’s Largest Slum, Residents Hope For a Crypto Lift Kenya In Africa’s largest slum, Kibera, Dotea Anyim, like dozens of her fellow residents, has a small produce stand. But unlike most others, she accepts bitcoin, which about 10 percent of her customers use now. “I like it because it is cheap and fast and doesn’t have any transaction costs,” she told the Associated Press. “When people pay using bitcoin, I save that money and use cash to restock vegetables.” Around the world, people, businesses – and even entire countries – are adopting cryptocurrencies as a tool to combat poverty and grow revenue in spite of their risks, namely volatility and the lack of regulation. “Bitcoin presents new opportunities for those in emerging economies, providing the freedom to transact without any gatekeepers,” wrote the European Conservative. “Through bitcoin, anyone can now enter the wider global economy and marketplace, and have the chance to be lifted out of poverty.”  Bitcoin, the first and largest cryptocurrency, was created in 2009 in the wake of the global financial crisis as a decentralized digital asset that could serve as an alternative method of payment, storing value as well as earning it. Since then, it has taken off. It has helped those in war zones access their funds and the poor around the world get access to financial services they are often shut out from. It’s helped families get remittances from relatives abroad more easily and cheaply, and given the poor a chance to accrue savings and invest. It was also adopted as legal tender in some countries, such as El Salvador and the Central African Republic, before both of those countries halted the move. Others, such as Bhutan, are ramping up their use of the currency. Here in Kibera – a part of the capital of Nairobi with a population ranging from 250,000 to 1 million, no one is certain – a few hundred merchants and shoppers so far are using bitcoin as part of a pilot program to extend financial services to some of the country’s poorest and most under-banked people. Kibera residents earn a dollar a day on average. In Kenya overall, about 55 percent have access to financial institutions such as banks, a far higher percentage than in many other countries on the continent, such as Senegal, with only about 20 percent, according to the World Bank. But far more people have access to a cell phone. As a result, supporters of bitcoin say that it is accessible to those “unbanked” who are often prevented from accessing banks because they lack the proper documents or the money to obtain accounts. The pilot program, started by AfriBit Africa, a Kenyan fintech company, in 2022, began with garbage collectors, who were paid in crypto and taught financial literacy and “Bitcoin 101.” The practice since then has slowly started to spread to other businesses that serve the slum. “Bitcoin solves issues of financial sovereignty and financial inclusion,” Ronnie Mdawida, director of the AfriBit project, told Forbes. “Some of the merchants in the community do not have any form of documentation and would not be able to participate in the traditional business ecosystem or build their lives without bitcoin, which offers them an alternative.” For years, the unbanked used M-PESA, the most used mobile money program in Kenya. However, advocates say one advantage of bitcoin over M-PESA is that the latter’s transaction costs are higher. If consumers and merchants use the AfriBit Africa platform, transactions are free. Another issue is crime: Carrying cash is risky in Kibera, residents say. One major risk of using the currency is the exposure to bitcoin’s volatility – some of Kenya’s poorest bitcoin users hold up to 80 percent of their net worth in the cryptocurrency, money they can’t afford to lose. Also, there are barriers to access: Users need smartphones, consistent Internet, and digital literacy – all of which remain scarce in informal settlements like Kibera. Meanwhile, there is regulatory uncertainty: Kenya’s government is planning to introduce a digital asset tax and restrictions on crypto giveaways which could harm users here. “Bitcoin isn’t a silver bullet,” one Kenya fintech strategist told BitKE, a Kenyan magazine covering crypto. “If we can’t prove sustained usage or economic impact, this becomes a charity stunt – not financial inclusion.”  Share this story

A New Cape Town Luxury Hotel

Cape Town’s R1 billion high-end hotel scheduled to open in March Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is set to unveil a new R1 billion luxury hotel in March next year. Here’s what you need to know… By Sundeeka Mungroo 27-06-25 11:02 in Featured The V&A Waterfront The V&A Waterfront will be home to the new luxury Quay 7 hotel. Image: canva Cape Town’s new R1 billion ultra-luxury hotel, featuring 142 rooms and six serviced apartments, will open its doors in March next year. According to Moneyweb, the hotel, located in the popular V&A Waterfront—may operate as an Edition Hotel, part of Marriott International’s elite “super luxury” or 6/7-star designer lifestyle brand. Developers have reportedly invested around R1 billion in the project. Quay 7 gets a new luxury hotel Growthpoint Properties and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), co-owners of the ‘Quay 7 hotel,’ are developing it as a “contemporary luxury lifestyle hotel” with a distinct Scandinavian design. Although Growthpoint has kept most details under wraps, the company recently confirmed that construction on the Quay 7 hotel is moving forward, with the opening planned for March 2026. Table Bay Hotel also gets a R1 billion revamp And it seems the luxury Quay 7 hotel isn’t the only billion-rand offering for the V&A Waterfront. The iconic Table Bay Hotel is undergoing a landmark R1 billion refurbishment—the most significant transformation in its nearly 30-year history. The V&A Waterfront, which now owns the hotel, closed it earlier this year to begin the renovations, with Sun International overseeing its management. The project aims to modernise the hotel’s facilities while preserving the timeless elegance that has established it as one of Cape Town’s top luxury destinations. Tags: Cape Town DMumani featured Important South Africa Post navigation Next Article Previous Article U.S. Privacy Trump renews attack on SA, calling it a ‘dangerous mess’ - SA People Discover Homeless Americans watch as Afrikaner ‘refugees’ arrive seeking a ‘better life’ - SA People Discover Insider | Travel Deals Flight Attendant Reveals How To Fly Business Class For The Price Of Economy Read More Skip #Goosebumps: Well Known Farmer's Message After Brutal Attack in South Africa - SA People Discover 'It's tough!': Afrikaner farmer shares his experience working in the US - SA People Discover Flight Attendant Reveals How To Fly Business Class For The Price Of Economy Americans, You'll Want To Check This Out ASAP! Insider | Travel Deals | Sponsored Women over 40 seeking love - interested in chatting? Love, Safety, and Respect: Your Perfect Match is Just a Click Away! DateMyAge | Sponsored Supreme Court Victory to Unlock $150 Trillion Bonanza for Investors? Paradigm Press | Sponsored Amazon Is Losing Money as California Shoppers Are Canceling Prime for This Clever Hack This simple trick can save tons of money on Amazon, but most Prime members are ignoring it. Online Shopping Tools | Sponsored Seniors Can Now Fly Business Class For the Price Of Economy Americans, you'll want to check this out ASAP Insider | Travel Deals | Sponsored Improve cash flow & seize opportunities. Finance with Biz2Credit. Manage expenses and fund growth. Biz2Credit offers financing solutions to optimize your business's cash flow. Biz2Credit | Sponsored Women 40+ in search of love - ready to chat? Love, Safety, and Respect: Your Perfect Match is Just a Click Away! DateMyAge | Sponsored Trump renews attack on SA, calling it a ‘dangerous mess’ - SA People SA People Homeless Americans watch as Afrikaner ‘refugees’ arrive seeking a ‘better life’ - SA People SA People Latest Posts water interruption 10-hour water outage to affect these Johannesburg areas 30-06-25 10:22 Where is Nandipha Magudumana's husband? What happened to Nandipha Magudumana’s husband? 30-06-25 08:40 potholes Can residents legally fix potholes? Here’s what the law says 30-06-25 08:28 refugees US gives priority refugee status to 1 000 Afrikaners 29-06-25 10:32 Eskom Eskom set to carry out 12-hour power outage in Gauteng next week 28-06-25 11:21 Eastern Cape Government officially declares Eastern Cape a national disaster zone 27-06-25 15:05

A Beautiful Cape Town Suburb

This SA suburb has the best views – And nobody’s talking about it As far as SA suburbs go, this Cape Town gem manages to outshine the hype – quietly. No crowds. No clutter. Just pure, elemental landscape. Author picture By Sundeeka Mungroo 27-06-25 15:05 in Lifestyle scarborough sa suburbs Scarborough beach. Image: canva South Africa has no shortage of scenic neighbourhoods, but one coastal gem continues to fly under the radar: Scarborough. ADVERTISEMENT Hidden away on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, just beyond the curve of Kommetjie and bordering the edge of the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Scarborough is where mountain meets ocean in a way that feels untouched, raw, and entirely cinematic. And yet, almost nobody’s talking about it! Scarborough: A hidden paradise Scarborough isn’t just quiet. It’s secluded. With no major commercial strips or traffic-heavy streets, it feels more like a nature reserve than a suburb. A handful of eco-conscious homes hug the hillside, many with panoramic views stretching from the deep blues of the Atlantic to the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains. Unlike hotspots like Camps Bay or Hout Bay, this SA suburb isn’t built for show. There are no velvet ropes, no designer boutiques. It’s where surfers, artists, writers, and those chasing off-grid peace end up – often permanently. ADVERTISEMENT The views speak for themselves Views over the Atlantic Ocean from Scarborough. Image: wikimedia commons On a clear day, the views from Scarborough are borderline surreal. The sun dips into the ocean with a fiery fade that lights up the entire coastline. Mist curls off the mountains in the early morning like something from a dream. From just about any spot in this SA suburb, you’re surrounded by sweeping natural drama – waves crashing into boulders, cliffs carved by wind, and sky that seems to go on forever. For photographers and nature lovers, it’s a goldmine. For locals, it’s a quiet privilege they’re in no rush to advertise. Nature first, always Cape Point section near Scarborough. Image: canva Scarborough is officially part of the Cape Point section of the Table Mountain National Park, which means conservation isn’t just a value here – it’s the law. No fast food joints. No high-rises. Just eco-homes, indigenous gardens, and wildlife that still roam freely. Think baboons, porcupines, even the occasional caracal. You’ll also find one of the most unspoiled beaches in the Western Cape. It’s wild, often windy, and completely free of umbrellas or vendors. Perfect for long walks, cold swims, or simply sitting in awe. The locals like it low-key Ask anyone who lives in Scarborough why they’re there, and you’ll probably get a knowing smile followed by a vague answer. They don’t want it to change. They know they’re sitting on something special, and part of its magic lies in how under-the-radar it still is. No, it’s not for everyone. There’s no mall, no nightlife, and very limited cell signal in some spots. But for those looking to escape the noise without losing the ocean, Scarborough is close to perfect! Where’s your dream location to live in? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Follow The South African on Facebook for the latest breaking news, polls - a

El Dorado In The Sahara-Western Shara Blooms!

El Dorado in the Sahara: Western Sahara Booms As Tensions Grow Western Sahara The road from the northern border of Western Sahara to the southern city of Dakhla feels like a road to nowhere: It’s hundreds of miles of sand and sea, with a very occasional truck, sleepy town or military checkpoint interrupting the emptiness. And just a few years ago, Dakhla, a small city on the Atlantic of about 100,000 people, was a quiet outpost, with little infrastructure and few jobs. These days, however, it’s become a boomtown, a new “El Dorado,” luring those in search of the proverbial gold. Here, a new causeway is being built a mile into the ocean, part of a $1.2 billion port project that aims to connect this once remote corner of Africa with other parts of the continent, South America, and Europe. Officials and investors hope to export phosphate, gas, and fish – and other minerals such as oil from other African countries as well as green hydrogen and ammonia from local wind and solar farms – far beyond its shores. Already, tourists are beginning to pour in on new flight routes to stay in newly constructed hotels. A new airport is slated to open to accommodate the new boom in tourism. Aside from sunseekers and windsurfers, Moroccan officials say they are welcoming a steady stream of private investors and foreign officials these days, according to Bloomberg. Investment, currently at $10 billion, is expected to quadruple in 15 years. “The Western Sahara has gone from a disputed territory that was radioactive to foreign investors to an increasingly normal region that’s receiving a growing flow of capital,” Riccardo Fabiani of the International Crisis Group told the financial newswire. It’s obvious to see the political changes, too, in this disputed territory that is mostly under Moroccan control, that some call “Africa’s last colony,” analysts say. Recently, the United Kingdom threw its support behind Morocco’s proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara, a plan which would allow Morocco to retain control over defense, foreign policy and its currency, the Moroccan dirham, marking a shift in its position on one of Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes, the Guardian noted. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the plan was “the most credible, viable and pragmatic” way to resolve one of Africa’s longest-running and “most frustrating” regional conflicts and also counter Russian expansion in the Sahel region, mitigate irregular immigration to Europe, and take advantage of the economic opportunities. The shift in policy in the West on Moroccan claims of the territory was led by the United States in 2020, which analysts say set off the investment boom. Spain changed its stance in 2022 and France, two years later. Still, the new energy, excitement, and investment in the region belies the turmoil that is promising to heat up again, wrote Foreign Affairs. Morocco, which says the Western Sahara is historically part of its country, a claim the International Court of Justice disputes, has controlled the territory since 1975, when the Spanish withdrew their colonial claims. From that time, it fought the pro-independence group, the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, in a conflict that killed thousands until a United Nations-brokered ceasefire in 1991. That left three-quarters of the territory under Moroccan control. The rest, controlled by the Polisario Front, hosted refugee camps for displaced Sahrawis, as the local population is called. Still, Moroccan claims were not recognized by most of the world, while the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic proclaimed by the Polisario Front was recognized by more than 40 countries. Meanwhile, the UN lists the region as a non-self-governing territory and has tried to hold a referendum on independence for more than 30 years but never has due to issues over who would be eligible to vote. That’s in part because of Morocco’s resettlement policies: For decades, it has lured Moroccans with incentives to resettle in the region. Still, analysts say the recognition by the US, France, and now the UK has left Algeria – where 170,000 Sahrawis live in refugee camps – simmering and the Polisario ready to escalate its fight because it says it has no choice. So far, the Polisario has declared the ceasefire dead and has taken its fight to international courts, arguing that Morocco does not have the right to profit from resources belonging to the Sahrawi people while the conflict remains unresolved. Rulings in its favor could hinder the boom. For example, in October 2024, European courts annulled two European Union-Morocco trade agreements covering fishing and agriculture, ruling that the deals lacked the required “consent of the people of Western Sahara,” according to New Arab magazine. Still, the Sahrawis from Western Sahara are not unanimous about the future of their territory. Some, like Kamal Fadel, a lawyer from Western Sahara based in Australia, say that most reject the Moroccan plan and want a referendum to decide. “The autonomy proposal is not a step toward peace, it is a sophisticated attempt to entrench occupation and delay justice, rooted in imperial logic, not international law,” he wrote in Modern Diplomacy. “It ignores the clear legal, moral, and political rights of the Sahrawi people to choose their own future.” Still, Sarah Zaaimi of the Atlantic Council, who is Sahrawi also, recounted conversations with dozens of people in the Moroccan-held portion of the territory for a field study and found that most expressed extreme fatigue from five decades of conflict and a desire for normality and prosperity. They hope, she said, that the Moroccan plan would bring that change and tackle the region’s issues – corruption and the trafficking of drugs, people, and stolen humanitarian aid. “Now, the time is up,” she wrote. “The Sahrawi communities can no longer afford another 50 years of political stalemate.

An Enchanting South African Mountain Village That Feels Straight Out Of A Film

The enchanting South African mountain village that feels straight out of a film South Africa hides some places that feel untouched, like secrets waiting to be discovered. Take a look… By Sundeeka Mungroo 26-06-25 17:36 in Featured Hogsback The eco-shrine in Hogsback. Image: wikimedia commons Nestled in the Amathole Mountains of the Eastern Cape, the mountain village of Hogsback feels like it came straight out of a fantasy film. Misty forests, waterfalls, winding trails, and whimsical cottages fill the landscape, and you can book a thatched-roof hideaway for as little as R900 a night. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a real-life fairytale, now’s your chance. A mountain village of myths, magic, and mountains Many believe Hogsback inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, and once you arrive, you’ll see why. Ancient indigenous forests and towering yellowwood trees surround the mountain village, and there’s even a road named Hobbiton-on-Hogsback. But Hogsback offers more than just scenic beauty. Artists, writers, and free spirits have settled here for decades, filling the village with creative energy and giving it a relaxed, bohemian charm. Where to stay Hogsback in South Africa offers plenty of charming places to stay, from whimsical cabins to forest lodges. But the most magical choice is a classic thatched cottage with a fireplace and garden views, starting at R900 per night. You’ll discover these hidden gems nestled in the forest, surrounded by ferns and moss-covered stone walls. Some popular picks include Away with the Fairies, The Edge Mountain Retreat, and smaller farm-style stays on Airbnb and LekkeSlaap. What to do This mountain village was made for slow travel. Lace up your boots and explore trails like the Madonna and Child Waterfall, Big Tree, as well as the epic 39 Steps. Don’t miss the Labyrinth at The Edge – one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, perched on a sheer cliff. There’s a thriving art scene in this mountain village too. Browse the handmade pottery, stop by fairy-themed cafés, or visit the local eco-shops for herbal teas, handmade soaps, and organic honey. And if you’re into wild swimming in the summer, there are even natural rock pools waiting! Getting there You can reach Hogsback in about 2.5 hours from East London or 3 hours from Grahamstown, driving along winding mountain roads that lead into the cloud forests. The journey offers stunning views—especially when mist or even snow (yes, snow in South Africa) blankets the landscape. You won’t need a 4×4 to visit this mountain village, but check the weather in winter and drive with care. Tags: DMumani featured Hogsback Important South Africa

6 Western Cape Getaways To Enjoy

6 Western Cape getaways to enjoy — even on a rainy weekend Rain in the Western Cape isn’t a setback—it encourages you to slow down, take it all in, and appreciate the parts of the province most people overlook in a hurry. By Sundeeka Mungroo 24-06-25 13:42 in Featured Western Cape Franschhoek, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons Rain in the Western Cape doesn’t mean your plans are ruined—it simply calls for a smarter approach. This isn’t the kind of place that slows down when the sun hides. The province offers plenty of indoor treasures, dramatic scenery, and cosy hideaways to transform a rainy weekend into a memorable getaway. Here are the top spots to explore when the weather turns gloomy but you still want a weekend to remember. 1. Franschhoek, Western Cape: Wine, fireplaces, and no regrets Rain? Good. That’s your cue to head to Franschhoek. This town was built for bad weather. Cosy wine farms like Haute Cabrière, La Motte, and Le Lude welcome guests with tastings in stone-walled cellars warmed by crackling fires. If you’re not into wine, head to the Franschhoek Motor Museum, where you can admire vintage cars under shelter while misty mountain views frame the scene. Pro move: Book a fireside table at Le Coin Français or Protégé and settle in for a long, slow lunch. 2. Cape Town’s inner layers: Culture under cover Rain transforms Cape Town into a whole new city—and it’s one worth exploring. Begin your day at Zeitz MOCAA, where contemporary African art fills a striking architectural space. Then slip into Truth Coffee, where bold brews meet bold steampunk style. If you’re feeling energetic, head to Clay Café in the City to paint your own ceramics while the rain taps outside. Or lose yourself at the Two Oceans Aquarium—it’s more mesmerising than you might expect. End the day at the Labia Theatre with a glass of wine and a film. Cape Town’s grit and creativity shine brightest when its streets glisten. 3. Cederberg, Western Cape: Stormy isolation and ancient rock art If you crave silence when it rains, head north to the Cederberg. While the crowds vanish with the sunshine, the wild landscape remains untouched. Book a stone cottage at Kagga Kamma or Cederberg Ridge, and spend your days hiking to San rock art shelters or gazing over stormy valleys with a glass of red wine in hand. You’ll feel completely alone in the best possible way. 4. Riebeek Valley: Small town, big comfort Riebeek-Kasteel offers the perfect setting for a slow-paced weekend. You’ll find wine, of course, but also olive oil tastings, art galleries, and a bakery that will make you rethink store-bought bread for good. Book a room at The Royal Hotel for colonial charm and top-notch gin cocktails, or choose a self-catering spot and cook up a cosy fireside meal using fresh ingredients from the town square. When it rains in Riebeek-Kasteel, no one rushes, and that’s exactly the charm. 5. Montagu: Soak, sip, and stay put Montagu’s hot springs are non-negotiable when the temperature drops. Book into Avalon Springs or a self-catering stay nearby, and alternate between soaking in steaming water and sipping wine under shelter. In town, The Rambling Rose serves comfort food that’s anything but basic. The Montagu Museum tells the story of a town that’s been around since ox wagons ruled the roads. It’s peaceful, slow, and proud of it. 6. The Elgin Valley, Western Cape: Cider, forest, and fog Just an hour from Cape Town, Elgin transforms into an even more magical place when it rains. Mist drifts over the orchards while you settle into a cabin or eco-pod, feeling like you’ve slipped away to another world. Everson’s Cider does tastings in a rustic barn, while Peregrine Farm Stall covers the baked goods side of your soul. Go for a forest walk in Cape Nature’s Hottentots Holland Reserve – just don’t forget your rain jacket. Tags: DMumani featured Important South Africa western cape

Cape Town Celebrates Zohran Mamdani Victory

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ICC Investigating Wagner Group Over War Crimes In West Africa

ICC Investigating Wagner Group over War Crimes in West Africa West Africa The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been requested to investigate the Russian mercenary Wagner Group over alleged war crimes carried out in West Africa, with legal scholars arguing that sharing graphic images of atrocities they have allegedly committed on social media is a violation of international law, Euronews reported. The request, from legal scholars at the University of California Berkeley, said that Wagner’s presence in the region – in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and the Central African Republic (CAR) – has led to the commission of multiple war crimes: The acts of violence themselves, such as beheadings, dismemberments, and possibly even cannibalism, as well as the sharing of videos and images of them on social media platforms like Telegram and X, according to Africanews. The videos were removed from X for violating the platform’s rules and posted on Telegram behind a paywall. Telegram told the Associated Press the content was “removed whenever discovered” for breaching the platform’s guidelines. The reports center on atrocities committed in Mali and Burkina Faso specifically. The militaries of the two countries distanced themselves from the violent content, saying it exemplified “rare” atrocities. Analysts from UC Berkeley also urged the ICC to investigate the governments of Mali and Russia over alleged abuses in northern and central Mali between December 2021 and July 2024. With the US and France retreating militarily from the region, Russia has filled the void, sending mercenaries who were part of the Wagner Group to fight alongside military governments against jihadist militias in countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Wagner Group became Africa Corps after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a coup against Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, and was killed in a plane crash in 2023. The mercenaries have long been accused of human rights violations. Earlier this year, protests broke out in the CAR because of their acts of violence against civilians. Share this story