Gabon Court Sentences Former First Lady and President's Son To 20 Years In Prison

Gabon court sentences former first lady and president's son to 20 years in prison By Jves Laurent Goma, 1 days ago Gabon President Family Trial AFP or Licensors Gabon's former first lady and her son were sentenced in absentia by a special criminal court to 20 years in prison following a two-day trial in Libreville. Sylvia Bongo and Noureddin Bongo Valentin were convicted of concealment and embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, criminal association and forgery. The court sentenced the duo late Tuesday, according to a judgement, and also issued an arrest warrant for them. They were ordered to pay millions of dollars in damages for “crimes against the Gabonese state." Valentin said the verdict had long been “predetermined" under the office of President Oligui Nguema and called the trial a “simple formality." Sylvia Bongo and Noureddin Bongo Valentin were influential during former president Ali Bongo's 14 years in power of the central African country. Ali Bongo was ousted in a coup in 2023 after winning a disputed election that the military and opposition said was marred by fraud. The coup put an end to the Bongo dynasty's 56 years in power. Ali Bongo's father, Omar Bongo, ruled for 42 years. The prosecutor accused both defendants of manipulating the former president's health issues to control state funds. Valentin, who held the position of coordinator of presidential affairs, was described by witnesses during the trial as the main person giving orders at the presidential palace after his father suffered a stroke in October 2018. Following Ali Bongo's ouster, both Valentin and his mother were detained for 20 months before being allowed to travel out of the country. The Bongos, who live in London and hold French citizenship, refused to participate in the trial. During the trial, the prosecutor released images of two private jets allegedly procured with laundered money and listed land holdings including a mansion in London and Morocco. “They reigned unchallenged, and tried to pass themselves off as victims of the system they shaped,” said Eddy Minang, prosecutor general at the Libreville Court of Appeal.

Nigeria: The Geography of Violence

The Geography of Violence: Nigeria Grapples with Militants, Bandits, and Tribal Conflicts as the US Mulls Intervention Nigeria Comfort Isfanus was cooking dinner at her home in the Bokkos area of Plateau State in north-central Nigeria, when her husband ran into their kitchen and told her that armed men were heading their way. As she and their children fled to safety, he stayed behind with his brother. “They killed them,” she told Deutsche Welle. “Our houses were burnt down, and now we are suffering with…no shelter for our children. Now they don’t have (anything) to eat, no school, no business, nothing.” For decades, Nigerians across the country and across religions have been grappling with such violence from Islamist militants, criminal gangs, and tribal rivalries. Thousands of people have been killed annually in the violence that the government has struggled for years to contain. But now, the situation in the West African country has sparked anger in the United States, where US President Donald Trump has claimed that there is a “Christian genocide” taking place. He has threatened to cut off aid and send the military into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government does not halt the violence, CNN reported. “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth. All this attention from the world’s most powerful leader has led to shock in the country. “There is no genocide taking place in Nigeria,” said Daniel Bwala, a spokesperson for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on X. “Rather, the nation faces serious security challenges that have affected people across all faiths, including Christians.” “Nigeria remains a sovereign nation, and while collaboration with international partners in addressing insecurity is welcome, any form of intervention must respect our sovereignty,” he added. With more than 230 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with more than 200 ethnic groups. The population is almost evenly split between Muslims, predominant in the north, and Christians, who mainly live in the south. The states of Benue and Plateau, in the north-central region known as the Middle Belt, experience the worst of the violence, with armed criminal groups known as bandits regularly murdering or kidnapping residents, and destroying schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Meanwhile, criminal gangs target both Muslims and Christians in rural communities in the northwest of Nigeria, kidnapping individuals for ransom payments and also burning villages. “They bomb markets. They bomb churches. They bomb mosques, and they attack every civilian location they find. They do not discriminate between Muslims and Christians,” Bulama Bukarti, a Nigerian lawyer and analyst, told Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, jihadist militant groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, active in the northeast of the country, have killed more than 40,000 people and displaced more than 2 million over the past 15 years. The groups aim to establish their radical interpretation of Islamic law in the areas they take over, and have often targeted Muslims they deem not Muslim enough. At the same time, the Fulani tribe, mainly Muslims, have been accused of mass killings of mainly Christians across the northwest and central regions, where a decades-long conflict over land and water resources has led to violence between farmers, who are usually Christian, and herders, who are mainly Muslim Fulani. The farmers accuse the herders of allowing their livestock to graze on their farms and destroying their crops. Herders argue, however, that those areas are legal grazing lands, the Associated Press explained. In April, gunmen believed to be herders from the Muslim Fulani tribe killed at least 40 people in a largely Christian farming village. Two months later, more than 100 people were massacred by gunmen in Yelwata, a largely Christian community in Benue state, according to Amnesty International. John Joseph Hayab, a pastor who leads the Christian Association of Nigeria in the country’s northern region, told CNN there is “systematic killings of Christians” in that area, adding that he had presided over numerous mass burials of slain Christians: “Every state in northern Nigeria has suffered its own terrible share of killings targeting Christians.” Still, analysts say that accusations of a “Christian genocide” are false and simplistic. They argue that while Christians have been targeted, most victims of violence in Nigeria are Muslims, the Associated Press wrote. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a US crisis-monitoring group, out of the 1,923 attacks that targeted civilians in Nigeria so far this year, about 50 targeted Christians because of their religion. “The crisis is far more complex than a simple religious framing suggests,” said Taiwo Hassan Adebayo of the Institute for Security Studies. “…geography…largely determines who becomes the victim.” Still, some across Nigeria called on the government to find ways to fight Islamist groups in an effort to prevent foreign troops from entering the country. Analysts say that the Tinubu administration, in power since 2023, has made more efforts to tackle the violence than its predecessors. Still, about 10,000 people have been killed and hundreds abducted since he took office. At the same time, some Christians, while welcoming US support and intervention, said US action could worsen the situation. Ochole Okita, 28, standing outside a church in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, told the Washington Post that she hoped that US intervention would stop the violence ravaging farming communities. “I was excited but with mixed feelings,” Okita said, adding that she was happy the US seemed to care. “(Any intervention) is still going to affect us. We’re the ones (on the ground) and are going to suffer, especially when the aid is taken (away).” Share this story

The Collaborators Who Betrayed Their Country For Donald Trump

https://www.news24.com/opinions/columnists/adriaan-basson-the-collaborators-who-betrayed-their-country-for-trump-20251110-1110?lid=njadl2cw469w

Cape Town Is Now One Of The Most Congested Cities On Earth

Cape Town is now one of the most congested cities in the world For South African expats returning to the Mother City, the shock isn’t just seeing Table Mountain again, it’s surviving Cape Town’s traffic! By James Durrant 10-11-25 09:19 in News Cape Town traffic For South African expats returning to the Mother City, the shock isn't just seeing Table Mountain again, it's surviving Cape Town's traffic! Image: Wikimedia Commons For South African expat Londoners returning home, the shock isn’t just seeing Table Mountain again, it’s discovering Cape Town’s traffic now rivals the gridlock they thought they’d left behind, with drivers losing nearly four full days each year to congestion. Look, I’ve spent years navigating London traffic. I thought I’d seen it all. But coming back to Cape Town? The traffic situation has become genuinely alarming. The numbers don’t lie. According to the INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, Cape Town drivers lost an average of 94 hours in 2024 sitting in traffic. Think about that. Nearly four full days of your year, gone, just staring at the car in front of you. ITS International and other sources now rank Cape Town in the top 10 of the world’s most congested cities. We’re talking Mumbai levels. Bogotá levels. Manila levels. The daily grind I experienced this first-hand during my week in Cape Town in October. My son was attending a course in Woodstock, which meant a daily commute into town from the southern suburbs. Every single day, the same crawl. You’d think after years of battling London traffic I’d be adjusted to congestion. When special events become traffic nightmares Then came the Redbull Flugtag on the Sunday. Yes, it was a massive international event at the V&A Waterfront. I get that. You expect some traffic for something that big. But the reality was unimaginable. From the moment we hit the backed-up traffic on Nelson Mandela Boulevard, it took over an hour just to find a parking spot at the V&A. Over an hour. For a less than 2km drive. And here’s the kicker – I live in London. I’m supposed to be immune to traffic chaos. I’ve sat through gridlock on the M25. I’ve crawled through rush hour in one of Europe’s busiest cities. Yet even I found myself gobsmacked by how bad Cape Town’s become. When someone from London is shocked by your traffic, you know you’ve got a serious problem. Every road, every day The southern suburbs to town route is now a daily nightmare. Woodstock, Sea Point, the CBD – doesn’t matter where you’re heading, you’re crawling. And it starts early. No beating the rush anymore because the rush is basically all day. The reasons are obvious when you think about it. Cape Town’s squeezed between a mountain and the ocean. There are only so many roads you can build. Add in decades of prioritising cars over public transport, rapid growth, and inadequate infrastructure, and you’ve got a perfect storm of gridlock. What’s really at stake Here’s what worries me most. It’s not just the frustration of sitting in traffic, though that’s bad enough. It’s what this does to Cape Town. People are losing productive hours. Businesses are suffering. The pollution is increasing. And the city’s reputation as a great place to live? That’s taking a serious hit. The data confirms Cape Town has a traffic crisis. The real question is whether there’s the political will to actually do something about it. Because right now, it feels like we’re just watching it get worse. Time’s running out. And so is everyone’s patience. 'SA People' is hiring! Freelance writer positions available. Send us your CV

Tigray Accuses Federal Government Of Attacks Stoking Fears Of Renewed Violence in Ethiopia

Tigray Accuses Federal Government of Attacks, Stoking Fears of Renewed Violence In Ethiopia Ethiopia / Tigray The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) accused Ethiopia’s federal government of launching drone strikes against the northern region of Tigray over the weekend, in the midst of rising tensions following renewed clashes between Tigrayan and Afar regional forces last week, Agence France-Presse reported. The TPLF said the strikes on Friday night “caused casualties among members of the Tigray forces and local residents” and accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of “obstruction and military provocation.” The group called the attacks a “blatant violation” of the 2022 peace deal that ended the country’s two-year civil war between the government and the TPLF. The government in Addis Ababa has not commented on the allegations. The accusations came a day after Afar’s regional authorities claimed that Tigrayan fighters had crossed into their territory, seizing six villages and shelling civilians with mortars and heavy artillery, AFP reported separately. The Afar administration warned that it would “undertake its defensive duty to protect itself” if such incidents continued. A humanitarian source confirmed fighting had occurred but said it had ended by late Wednesday and that no casualties had yet been reported. Tigray’s interim administration rejected the Afar claims as “baseless,” and accused the region of staging “repeated attacks” in recent years and of participating in a “malicious plot to deliberately harm the Tigrayan people.” The TPLF also alleged that the federal government was “recruiting and arming bandits” in Afar as part of a campaign to destabilize Tigray. Relations between the federal government and Tigray, home to about six million people, remain fragile three years after a war that killed an estimated 600,000 people between 2020 and 2022. In May, Ethiopian election authorities banned the TPLF from political activity, and in October, the central government accused the party of forging ties with Eritrea and “actively preparing to wage war against Ethiopia.” Analysts said the flare-ups underscore the country’s unstable postwar trajectory, adding that the country has been on a “path to war” for months, with political trust eroding and regional grievances deepening. The TPLF – which dominated Ethiopian politics from 1991 to 2018 – is requesting help from the international community to prevent the country from sliding into renewed conflict.

South Africa Blasts Trump's Boycott of G-20 Over Alleged Persecution of White Afrikaners

South Africa Blasts Trump’s Boycott of G20 Over Alleged Persecution of White Afrikaners South Africa South Africa’s government over the weekend called “regrettable” US President Donald Trump’s decision to boycott next month’s Group of 20 (G20) summit in Johannesburg, after he accused the country of persecuting White farmers and announced that no US officials would attend, CBS News reported. On Friday, Trump said on Truth Social that it was a “total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa,” claiming that “Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated.” He wrote that “no US government official will attend as long as these human rights abuses continue” and reiterated his plan to host next year’s G20 in Miami. In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry said the characterization of Afrikaners as an exclusively White and persecuted group was “ahistorical” and “not substantiated by fact,” adding that the government “looks forward to hosting a successful summit.” The ministry reaffirmed that the global gathering later this month would proceed under the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The boycott deepens tensions between Washington and Pretoria, which have escalated since January over South Africa’s new Expropriation Act – a land reform law allowing the state to appropriate land in limited circumstances, Al Jazeera noted. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the policy amounts to land “confiscation” and that White South Africans face “racial persecution,” accusations that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed as “completely false.” Ramaphosa has countered that the reforms address historic inequalities in land ownership, with roughly three-quarters of privately held land still in White hands more than three decades after apartheid ended. The Trump administration has continued to assert that Afrikaners are being targeted, announcing in October that most of the 7,500 refugees the US will admit annually will come from South Africa’s White minority. In May, Washington granted asylum to 59 White South Africans, describing them as victims of racial discrimination. However, South African analysts and researchers have accused Trump of inflaming racial divisions for political purposes. Historian Saul Dubow of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom told Al Jazeera that Trump’s “fantasy claims of White genocide” lacked merit and suggested his anger may also stem from South Africa’s filing of a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Egypt's Election-A House of Cards

A House of Cards: Egypt’s ‘Managed Democracy’ Rests on an Unstable Foundation Egypt When Egyptians go to the polls from Nov. 10-11, they will be choosing their legislators in an election that holds few surprises because the government led by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has cracked down on the opposition. Even so, the election is significant, say analysts, because it is the last one before el-Sissi concludes his third and final term in 2030. That means the new parliament will set the direction for the country after el-Sissi. Most aren’t optimistic that things will change. “(The election) will either pave the way for a constitutional amendment that would extend Sisi’s term or prepare the ground for a post-Sisi political transition,” wrote Egyptian lawyer Halem Henish of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. “For this reason, these legislative elections represent a pivotal political moment for Egypt – one that exposes the underlying structure of the country’s political system, its relationship with society, and the deepening consolidation of authoritarian rule.” The elections are taking place in a tightly controlled political environment, after years of a government crackdown on dissent, political parties, and restrictions on the opposition and the media. Since 2013, political parties have been either dissolved or co-opted, while independent opposition candidates have faced imprisonment, harassment, or exile. Still, in the past two elections, it allowed a token opposition. But not this time. Just weeks before the vote, Egypt’s government disqualified an opposition legislator, Haitham al-Hariri, marking a turning point: The government is no longer even maintaining the pretense of limited political competition that it once did, analysts say. Al-Hariri was disqualified based on a new interpretation of the military service law that now labels those individuals who were “excluded” from military service as “draft evaders.” He told Egypt’s Mada Masr that the ruling party is now in effect sentencing him to “political death” simply because his father was a well-known opposition figure. As a result, the US-based risk analysis firm RANE predicted the elections will produce a parliament that offers “almost no checks and balances” to the executive branch but instead will be a rubber stamp. Meanwhile, past voting patterns suggest the results are already predetermined. Turnout is expected to mirror the Senate elections in August, when just 17 percent of voters participated – a level the Associated Press reported reflected voter frustrations over Egypt’s stagnant economy, with voters grappling with record inflation, seeing rising costs for food, fuel, and other necessities. Egypt is also struggling with a sliding pound and more than $160 billion in foreign debt. Instead of addressing the cost of living, however, in the August elections, the government sought to push patriotic propaganda. The Middle East Monitor observed scenes of voters singing and dancing outside polling stations, describing them as a state-encouraged spectacle rather than a genuine outburst of enthusiasm by voters. “The ruling Egyptian regime is seeking to project an image that contradicts reality, amid notably low voter participation,” it said. What Egypt is perfecting is managed democracy, say analysts, using the courts the government has brought under its control to disqualify opposition politicians, to control parliament, and to create the illusion of democracy. As a result, they add, the vote is about consolidating authority before 2030. Meanwhile, Egypt’s elections are watched globally. Home to 116 million people and a linchpin of Middle East stability, Egypt receives more US military aid than any country except Israel – not because of its resources, but because instability here destabilizes a region that stretches from Libya to Gaza. The European Union has poured billions into Egypt to prevent migration flows that could dwarf the 2015 crisis, making these elections a test case for how much authoritarianism the West will tolerate from strategically vital allies. The real question is whether el-Sissi will extend his rule or hand-pick a successor. Most analysts believe that even if el-Sissi leaves office, little will change: The military will still be the power behind the president, and who runs the country will likely be decided by the military. Parliament will just go through the motions, and the state control over the judiciary, the press, the public, and the opposition will continue. Still, as Yezid Sayigh of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut wrote, the regime is being built on a house of cards that is becoming more unstable. “Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is building a new republic defined by a social ethos of ‘nothing for free,’ a new form of state capitalism, and hyper-presidential powers set within a military guardianship that secures his regime but leaves it unable to resolve political, economic, and social challenges,” he said. “Only repeated massive injections of capital by external partners have kept the regime from failing dramatically, but this has enabled it to maintain public policies and investment strategies that have exacerbated economic problems and left it ill-equipped to confront future challenges.”

Tanzanian Authorities Under Scrutiny For Post Election Crackdown

Tanzanian Authorities Under Scrutiny For Deadly Post-Election Crackdown Tanzania Authorities in Tanzania are facing mounting pressure over allegations of mass killings, secret burials, and disappearances following a violent crackdown on protests that erupted after last week’s general elections, the Associated Press reported. The unrest broke out after the Oct. 29 election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure a landslide victory with nearly 98 percent of the vote. However, opposition parties and international observers decried the results, saying the vote failed to meet democratic standards after key rivals – including Tundu Lissu of the main opposition Chadema party – were barred from running. The controversy sparked protests across the country, with authorities declaring a nationwide curfew and cracking down on protesters. The Chadema party has claimed that security forces have killed more than 1,000 people during the post-election crackdown and accused them of secretly disposing of bodies to conceal the scale of the violence. The party added that its deputy chairman, John Heche, was reportedly detained Tuesday and has since gone missing. It accused security forces of abducting him from a police station in Dodoma. The government has not commented on the allegations, though Hassan acknowledged during her Monday inauguration that there had been “loss of lives and destruction of public property,” the BBC wrote. Residents and witnesses in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Arusha described scenes of severe violence, with authorities firing live ammunition and tear gas during days of clashes. A doctor at Muhimbili Hospital told the BBC that trucks marked “Municipal Burial Services” had collected bodies at night and taken them to undisclosed locations. Families continue to search for missing relatives as reports emerge of victims being buried without identification. Human rights groups have condemned the use of lethal and excessive force and called for accountability. The United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada cited credible reports of large-scale fatalities, while the Catholic Church said deaths were in the “hundreds.” The Tanganyika Law Society said it was preparing a report for international legal bodies, calling the killings “pre-planned” and targeted at politically active regions. Meanwhile, authorities lifted a six-day curfew in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday as the internet was gradually restored following a nationwide shutdown. Still, police warned citizens not to share images of protests and victims, saying such acts could lead to “treason charges.”

Zohran Mamdani From Cape Town To Mayor Of New York City

Here’s how Cape Town-schooled Zohran Mamdani made New York City history The bedrock of Zohran Mamdani’s meteoric rise to mayor was a commitment to tackling the New York City’s crippling affordability crisis. By Tebogo Tsape 05-11-25 14:04 in Cape Town New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Zohran Mamdani at the Resist Fascism Rally in Bryant Park on 27 October 2024. This image accompanies a story about Zohran Mamdani making history as New York City's first Muslim mayor New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Wikimedia Commons The Ugandan-born, Cape Town-educated Zohran Mamdani has clinched the New York City mayorship in a truly historic election. Democratic socialist Mamdani, 34, clinched the mayorship of New York City on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, capping a stunning political ascent that sees the charismatic politician defeat establishment rivals in a historic win focused on affordability. Mamdani – the city’s youngest mayor in over a century and its first Muslim leader – also makes history as the first mayor born in Africa and the first of South Asian heritage to lead America’s largest city. Born in Kampala, Uganda, his family – renowned in academic and film circles – later moved to the Mother City, where the young Mamdani attended St George’s Grammar School in Little Mowbray, Cape Town. His father is the distinguished post-colonial scholar Mahmood Mamdani, who taught at the University of Cape Town between 1996 and 1999. His mother is Oscar-nominated Indian filmmaker Mira Nair. Mamdani’s affinity for his African and Ugandan identity is partly attributed to his father’s work and activism. ‘Mayor Freeze-the-Rent’ battles Trump and affordability crisis The bedrock of Mamdani’s meteoric rise was a commitment to tackling the New York City’s crippling affordability crisis. Campaigning heavily on bread-and-butter issues, the former foreclosure prevention counsellor promised ambitious socialist policies aimed at alleviating the pressure on working-class New Yorkers. His key pledge centred on a four-year pause on rent increases for stabilised units, which earned him the nickname “Mayor Freeze-the-Rent”. His platform also advocates for free city bus service, universal childcare, along with higher taxes on the wealthy to fund these initiatives. This “people first” approach proved revolutionary in one of the world’s most expensive cities, drawing stark parallels with the housing struggles faced by citizens in metropolitan areas like Cape Town. The campaign leveraged immense grassroots support, mobilising a powerful movement backed by thousands of volunteers and small-dollar donors. The political battle drew relentless scrutiny, notably from former US President Donald Trump, who attacked the Democratic socialist by casting him as a “Communist Candidate” and threatening to withhold federal funding from New York City if Mamdani won. Mamdani, who became a US citizen in 2018, defiantly addressed his critics in his victory speech on Tuesday, proclaiming that New York will remain a city led by an immigrant. Zohran Mamdani: The seismic shift felt from Queens to Cape Town Mamdani’s journey – from Kampala to the madrasa classes at Cape Town’s Claremont Main Road Mosque to becoming a New York State Assemblyman and eventually mayor – is viewed as a powerful moment of political imagination across the Global South. Mamdani refused to apologise for his identity, saying he is “young… Muslim… a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this” in front of thousands on Tuesday evening. The ascension of the young millennial democratic socialist to lead America’s largest city, defeating political heavyweights like incument mayor Eric Adams, former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, is seen as confirmation of a desire among voters for a city that genuinely serves the many, not just the wealthy few. 'SA People' is hiring! Freelance writer positions available. Send us your CV

In Praise Of South African Wines

Saturday, November 8th 3-7pm South Africa Why South Africa? South African wine makes up less than 1% of all U.S. imports — yet it’s one of the most dynamic and inspiring wine regions in the world. When Peter Andrews, founder of Culture Wine Co., first visited, he discovered a thriving community of passionate, skilled producers making world-class wines through organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming. Today’s generation of winemakers is redefining South African wine — crafting vibrant, energetic Pinotage and expressive single-varietal wines from grapes like Colombar, Palomino, and Fernao Pires. Beyond the wines themselves, what sets South Africa apart is its spirit of collaboration and inclusivity — a community genuinely invested in elevating one another. There’s never been a better time to explore South African wine, and we’re thrilled to share that story with you. Meet the Founder: Peter Andrews Join us in welcoming Peter Andrews, founder of Culture Wine Co., the only U.S. importer and retailer exclusively dedicated to South African wine. A 15-year wine industry veteran and DipWSET, Peter has worn many hats — from managing boutique wine shops and holding executive trade roles to teaching wine business at Johnson & Wales University, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and through WSET programs. He’s also served on the board of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation and currently sits on the Program Development Committee for the Unified Grape Symposium, North America’s largest wine industry conference. Peter’s path began in the kitchen — after earning his culinary degree, he cooked across the U.S. and in Italy’s Friuli and Piemonte regions, where he fell in love with wine. That experience bridged his passion for food, history, and culture, inspiring him to earn an MBA and eventually launch Culture Wine Co. — a company built to champion underrepresented regions and the people behind the wines. What we'll be pouring: About Van Hunks Jan Van Hunks is a legendary Cape Town figure known for his love of adventure — and his infamous pipe-smoking contest with the devil, said to have created the “Tablecloth” of fog over Table Mountain. His spirit lives on through Van Hunks Drinks: sparkling wines made for fun, adventure, and accessibility, yet crafted with utmost care. The wines are produced by 14th-generation sparkling winemaker Matthew Krone, a lifelong specialist in bottle-fermented wines. Though the brand celebrates playfulness and approachability, the craftsmanship behind it is deeply serious — a perfect reflection of South Africa’s modern Cap Classique movement. Van Hunks Brut Cap Classique 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Sourced entirely from Stellenbosch fruit, the Van Hunks Brut spends 36 months aging on the lees within the very bottle you’re holding. During this time, yeast autolysis develops its hallmark richness, fine texture, and toasty complexity — the hallmark of serious, Champagne-method sparkling wine. About Processus Processus is more than a wine label — it’s a journey of becoming. Founded in 2020 by curator Beata America and winemaker Megan van der Merwe, the project explores the intersection of art, ecology, and storytelling through wine. Together, they bring a holistic, intentional approach that honors both place and process, giving voice to minority grape varieties and the people behind them. Beata, also a curator at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, approaches wine as an art form — a sensory exhibition where each vintage tells its own story. Megan, currently winemaker and viticulturist at Beau Constantia, brings experience from both hemispheres, having produced wines in Paso Robles and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Her dual artistry and scientific precision position her among South Africa’s most exciting rising stars. 2023 Processus Fernão Pires 100% Women-Owned. 100% Fernão Pires. Known in Portugal as both Fernão Pires and Maria Gomes, this duality inspired Processus to personify the label — a wine with many identities and an equally layered story. Brought to South Africa through Portuguese influence, Fernão Pires found an unlikely home here decades ago. Today, Processus sources from a nearly 40-year-old vineyard, farmed by four generations with deep-rooted care. Too often blended into anonymity, Fernão Pires finally takes center stage in this bottling. About Brookdale Estate Brookdale Estate is one of South Africa’s most exciting producers, located in Paarl and led by a new generation of winemaking talent. Founded by Tim Rudd and guided early on by Duncan Savage and Kiara Scott Farmer (first person of color to win winemaker of the year in South Africa), the estate is now in the capable hands of rising stars Shanice DuPreez and Xander Sadie. Their minimal-intervention approach and focus on sustainable farming have positioned Brookdale as a benchmark for modern South African wine — elegant, honest, and full of life. 2024 Brookdale Estate, Mason Road, Chenin Blanc The Mason Road Chenin Blanc is from a mix of young and old vines. The younger vines bring a freshness, while the older vines highlight the unique granite and saline mineral components of the vineyard. Most of the blend is coming from the young vines aged in stainless steel. 15-20% is coming from older vines that are aged in French oak, which gives depth, richness, and mineral notes. This creates layers of flavors and complexity with a long finish. Quite simply, this is a stunner of a wine at a very friendly price-point. 2022 Brookdale Estate, Mason Road, ‘Serendipity’ Rosé Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault made in a Provençal-style. Pale salmon hue and lifted aromas of hibiscus, fynbos, and wild strawberry. The palate is bright and red-fruited, showing raspberry, mulberry, and ripe cherry, balanced by refreshing watermelon notes and lively acidity. Subtle structure from neutral oak aging adds depth and length to the finish. 2023 Brookdale Estate, Mason Road, Syrah (Paarl) This bright, aromatic Syrah bursts with notes of violet, red cherry, and smoked olive tapenade, offering Rhône-like elegance with a South African edge. The palate is savory and lifted, framed by fine-grained tannins and a mouthwatering finish. It’s proof that young-vine Syrah can deliver both structure and grace when handled with care.

Tanzania: Police Fire On Protestors DUring Post-Election Rallies

Police Fire on Protesters in Tanzania During Post-Election Rallies Tanzania Clashes erupted in Tanzania on Thursday after demonstrations broke out following elections this week, with protesters disputing the results, Al Jazeera reported. Following a low-turnout election on Wednesday, in which the most prominent opposition candidates were disqualified, protesters took to the streets, burning a bus and a gas station, attacking police officers, and vandalizing polling facilities, the Associated Press wrote. In response to the unrest, the government shut down the Internet, deployed the military on the streets, and imposed a curfew on Wednesday evening in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, where most of the demonstrations took place. However, protests continued late into the night, with police firing tear gas and gunshots at crowds defying the curfew. A civilian and a police officer died during the rallies, according to Amnesty International. The organization called for an investigation into the police’s use of force against protesters. The government requested public servants to work from home on Thursday to limit the movement of non-essential staff. Roadblocks staffed by the Tanzanian army were set up across the country. Hundreds of demonstrators also breached security barriers to reach a road leading to the country’s main airport, but were stopped from entering it. The turmoil was set off by actions by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, or CCM party, in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, which attempted to retain office in Wednesday’s election by banning candidates from the two main opposition parties from running. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan ran against 16 candidates from smaller parties who carried out limited election campaigns. With vote counting still ongoing, the electoral commission has put Hassan in the lead in many constituencies, prompting fears of further tensions in the country, the BBC noted. The European Union called the vote a “fraud” that had been “unfolding for months.” Tanzania’s election is the latest on the continent to trigger unrest among voters, angry over attempts by longtime leaders or parties using repression to stay in power. For example, protests are ongoing after Cameroon’s recent elections, where leader Paul Biya won his eighth term at age 92.

Cameroon: Opposition Rejects Incumbent's Reelection

Opposition Rejects Incumbent’s Re-Election, Raising Fears of More Election Unrest Cameroon Cameroon’s opposition leaders this week rejected the results of the Oct. 12 presidential election that extended President Paul Biya’s four-decade rule, setting the stage for potential post-election unrest in a country already battling a separatist conflict, Reuters reported Tuesday. On Monday, the country’s constitutional council declared Biya, 92, as the winner with more than 53 percent of the vote. The announcement followed the council’s dismissal of eight petitions alleging electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing. The council’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed, with observers saying they expect more violence to break out. Sporadic protests erupted nationwide ahead of the official results and turned violent over the weekend. Supporters of the main opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, clashed with police and blocked roads in the commercial capital, Douala. At least six people were killed during demonstrations on Sunday and Monday, according to the opposition. On Tuesday, Cameroonian authorities vowed legal action against Tchiroma, accusing him of fomenting the unrest, the Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Tchiroma and other opposition candidates have rejected the vote’s outcome and accused the constitutional council of being “nothing more than the rubber stamp of a tyranny.” Former presidential candidate Akere Muna pointed to suspiciously high turnout figures in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions – where a separatist insurgency has raged since 2017 – as evidence of manipulation. The European Union expressed “deep concern” about the polls, the unrest, and the police crackdown on protests. Meanwhile, Tchiroma has urged his supporters at home and abroad to march peacefully to “liberate Cameroon.” He previously declared himself the winner and published a tally on social media showing he won around 55 percent of the vote, based on what he claimed were returns representing 80 percent of the electorate, according to the BBC. Tchiroma warned that he would not accept any other outcome. Biya and government officials have repeatedly rejected the allegations of fraud, while also dismissing Tchiroma’s claims as illegal because only the constitutional council can proclaim official results. Biya, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, has ruled Cameroon since 1982. If he finishes this eighth term, which ends in 2032, he will be almost 100 years old.

Sudan's Army Withdraws From Dafur Stronghold Amid Reports of Atrocities

Sudan’s Army Withdraws from Darfur Stronghold, Amid Reports of Mass Atrocities Sudan The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have withdrawn from the city of el-Fasher, their last stronghold in Darfur, amid reports of mounting ethnically motivated mass killings by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose takeover marks a major turning point in Sudan’s 18-month civil war, raising fears that the country will split apart, Al Jazeera reported. Army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan announced late Monday that his troops had retreated “to spare civilians” after what he called the “systemic killing” by the RSF. The retreat followed days of intense fighting that left el-Fasher, a city of more than a quarter of a million people, under RSF control. Humanitarian groups reported the looting of hospitals, civilians detained or executed, and thousands fleeing toward nearby towns. Satellite analysis by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab indicated evidence consistent with large-scale killings by RSF fighters following their capture of the city, the Guardian wrote. The United Nations Human Rights Office said it had received “multiple alarming reports” of summary executions of civilians, particularly those belonging to non-Arab communities. The Joint Forces – who are allied with the SAF – accused the RSF of executing more than 2,000 unarmed civilians over the weekend, a figure that could not be independently verified. The RSF – a paramilitary group that grew out of the Janjaweed militias accused of atrocities in Darfur two decades ago – said it had “liberated” the city from “mercenaries and militias.” African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the “atrocities” and urged an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access, Agence France-Presse added. The army’s retreat marks a turning point in the conflict between the military and RSF that began in April 2023 following a power struggle between Burhan and RSF commander, Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. The war has since killed more than 150,000 people, displaced nearly 12 million, and plunged parts of Sudan into famine. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes and other atrocities – allegations both sides have rejected. Observers noted that the army’s withdrawal leaves the RSF in control of all five state capitals of the Darfur region, effectively excluding the SAF from a third of Sudanese territory and cementing the paramilitary group’s parallel administration in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. With Darfur now effectively under RSF rule and the army confined to the north, east, and center of the country, analysts and officials cautioned that the situation has revived fears of a national breakup reminiscent of South Sudan’s secession in 2011. That split followed decades of civil war and left Sudan permanently weakened, both politically and economically.

Mali Shutters Schools and Universities Amid Fuel Shortages Caused By Militants

Mali Shutters Schools and Universities Amid Fuel Shortages Caused by Militants Mali Mali suspended schools and universities across the country Monday as the military government continues to grapple with a fuel shortage caused by a weeks-long blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants, the BBC reported. On Monday, Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced that all education institutions will remain closed until Nov. 9, adding that the government is “doing everything possible” to end the crisis. The landlocked West African nation has been hit by fuel shortages since early September, when jihadist militants from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, or JNIM, announced a blockade on fuel imports. The militants have attacked convoys of fuel tankers attempting to enter the country or making their way to the capital of Bamako. Mali imports fuel supplies by road from neighboring African states, including Senegal and the Ivory Coast. Analysts told Reuters that the blockade is part of a pressure campaign by militant groups against the country’s military government. While the government said earlier this month the blockade was temporary, the crisis has persisted: Some fuel stations in Bamako have closed, and the capital’s usually crowded streets have fallen silent in recent weeks. The shortages have prompted fears of potential unrest. Last week, the US Embassy in Bamako announced that non-essential staff and their families would leave the country, warning that disruptions to fuel and electricity supplies “have the potential to disrupt the overall security situation in unpredictable ways.” Mali has been under military rule since Gen. Assimi Goïta seized power in a 2021 coup, amid growing public frustration over worsening insecurity caused by separatist and jihadist insurgencies in the north. Since then, both the United Nations peacekeeping mission and French forces – deployed more than a decade ago to combat the insurgency – have withdrawn from Mali. The junta has since turned to Russia and Moscow-backed mercenaries to confront militant groups. Share this story

Tanzania: "The Song Remains The Same"

The Song Remains The Same: In Tanzanian Elections, Voting Is Just a ‘Mere’ Formality Tanzania This summer, the Tanzanian government banned foreigners from owning and operating certain small-scale businesses in a move aimed at protecting and preserving job opportunities for locals. Under the new rules, foreigners are prohibited from participating in 15 specific business sectors, including small retail shops, eateries, salons, tourism businesses, mobile money kiosks, mobile phone services, small-scale mining, and radio and TV operations, among others. Trade Minister Selemani Jafo said foreigners had increasingly become involved in the informal sector and that these jobs are important for Tanzanians. The move, meanwhile, has generally been welcomed among Tanzanians amid growing concerns that foreigners, including Chinese nationals, have been encroaching on the smaller trades, the BBC wrote. The British news outlet noted that last year, traders at Dar es Salaam’s bustling Kariakoo shopping district went on strike to protest against unfair competition from Chinese traders. “We’ve welcomed this decision because it protects the livelihoods of Tanzanian traders,” Severine Mushi, the head of Kariakoo traders’ association, told Tanzania’s Citizen newspaper. The move by the government came in the run-up to national elections. But analysts say that attempts to please voters don’t mean much: When Tanzanians go to the polls on Oct. 29, they won’t have much choice anyway. “But this erosion of democracy will also come at the cost of (the country’s) economic potential,” wrote British think tank, Chatham House. The incumbent, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has held power since 1977, took office after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021, and will face election for the first time. But her most serious challenger, opposition leader Tundu Lissu, has been imprisoned since April on treason charges due to his demands for electoral reform. His CHADEMA party has been banned from the election. Another prominent contender and ruling party defector, Luhaga Mpina, is also banned from running. That’s normal in the East African country, say analysts. Tanzania has had six elections since multiparty democracy was introduced in 1995, and the CCM has won them all, making it one of Africa’s longest-ruling independent parties, wrote the Institute for Security Studies. Much of this electoral dominance has resulted from exclusion, censorship, electoral fraud, and violence against the opposition, it added: “The current electoral situation shows that Tanzania is sliding further into a de facto authoritarian system where voting is reduced to a procedural coronation ritual for the ruling party.” Still, the country continues to slide: Since 2016, Freedom House has categorized Tanzania as “Partly Free” but almost a decade later, it has dropped to the “Not Free” category, signaling an increasingly authoritarian turn by Hassan, analysts say. When Hassan took office in 2021, there was hope that she would be a different kind of Tanzanian leader, one that would allow civil liberties, halt government repression, and promote the development the country so desperately needs. In the first year, she got off to a good start, say observers, promoting the “Four Rs” of reconciliation, resilience, reforms, and rebuilding, becoming a marked contrast to her predecessor, an authoritarian leader. The president released political prisoners, removed restrictions on media outlets, began working with the opposition, lifted a ban on opposition party rallies, and started a program of electoral reform. But that was then, before a crackdown on the opposition began last year, one that has been intensifying this year, and has included the abduction of and attacks on civil society activists, journalists, and religious leaders, as well as opposition politicians. “The façade of progressive change that had been constructed under (Hassan) is crumbling and could presage a return to authoritarian rule in Tanzania,” wrote World Politics Review. Now, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, October’s election promises to be a repeat of local elections in November, where many CHADEMA candidates were disqualified, and the CCM ended up winning 99 percent of the local races. That means the elections will be a missed opportunity for the country, especially economically, analysts say. Tanzania, a leading gold exporter worldwide, with abundant natural resources, and a growing economy, continues to grapple with deep poverty: Almost half of its 62 million people live on less than $3 a day, according to the World Bank. For many voters, small-scale farmers, informal traders, street vendors, and unemployed youth, the cost of living has become untenable, say observers. New rules banning foreigners from working in certain sectors won’t change that, just create tensions with other countries in the region that may retaliate against Tanzanians working in their countries and impose trade penalties. “People are tired,” one Tanzanian voter, Muhemsi, told Peoples Dispatch. “Access to dignified work, education, or health has become a privilege. Most ordinary people live in daily struggle while a few elites grow richer.” “ “The crisis isn’t just electoral, it’s systematic,” he added. “But people know what isn’t working. And they’re looking for alternatives.”

South Africa: Utilities Move Forward With Controversial Plan For More Nuclear Reactors

Business Utility moves forward with controversial plans at nuclear plant: 'Not the best site' By Christine Dulion, 22 hours ago South Africa's state-owned utility Eskom is moving forward with plans to expand nuclear generation, marking a major step toward the country's long-term clean energy goals. IOL reported that the announcement followed government approval from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. The agency cleared the way for Eskom to add up to 4,000 megawatts of new nuclear capacity to its Duynefontein Nuclear Plant — roughly the output of four large reactors. The expansion will align with the government's forthcoming Integrated Resource Plan, which will determine South Africa's future energy mix and outline how nuclear power fits alongside renewables and coal phaseouts. While the plan represents progress toward energy diversification, it has also drawn criticism. The Koeberg Alert Alliance argues that the 2007 Environmental Impact Assessment used to approve the expansion is outdated. "It is of note that the EIA consultants found that Duynefontein was not the best site for a new plant, due to seismic risks and population density in the area," said Peter Becker, a group spokesperson. Becker urged the government to reassess the site in light of population growth and cleaner alternatives. Still, some experts view nuclear power as an essential bridge in the transition away from coal. Des Muller, managing director of NuEnergy Developments, said the sites "are both licensed for 4,000MW" and could later accommodate Small Modular Reactors — compact systems that don't require ocean cooling. "SMRs are also ideal to repurpose our retired coal power stations and keep those communities sustained and contributing to our economy," Muller commented. How would you feel about a nuclear power plant being built near your home? I'd be excited I'd be scared I'd be angry I wouldn't care Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Algeria: The Pot Boils As Geberation Z Protestors Prepare To Ignite

The Pot Boils: As Gen Z Protests Ignite Around the World, Some Say Repressive Algeria Is Next Algeria Youth-led protest movements using social media to organize against poor government services, elite corruption, and other grievances are springing up around the globe. The list is long – and it’s growing: Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Indonesia in Asia, Madagascar, Morocco, and Kenya in Africa, Peru and Paraguay in South America, and Serbia in Europe. While the triggers vary, what unites these spontaneous and often decentralized movements are the age of their leaders – mostly calling themselves Gen Z after the generation born between 1997 and 2012 – and their use of symbols such as pirate flags inspired by the Japanese manga comic, One Piece, to define themselves as they take over city streets and squares. They have been having some successes, too: In Nepal and now Madagascar, they have toppled governments within weeks or even days. Now, some wonder, is it Algeria’s turn? “Algeria appears to be the next flashpoint,” wrote the Africa Report. Algeria, some believe, is an unlikely country to host such a movement: Its shadowy “junta” government led by an elected president in elections many say were fraudulent is among the most repressive in the world. However, for the past few months, calls to demonstrate have been circulating on Algerian social media. The movement calls itself #Gen Z 213 – an echo of Morocco’s protest movement and a reference to Algeria’s international dialing code – and is demanding via TikTok and Facebook better public services, a crackdown on elite corruption, political pluralism, the lifting of restrictions on civil liberties such as free expression, and the release of political prisoners. “Freedom for Algeria,” “social justice now,” and “free our homeland from the gang,” read some of these posts. Some depicted Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as a witch, while others displayed images of individuals jailed by the government for their posts or protesting. But unlike in most countries where the protests have erupted, the Algerian government doesn’t even attempt to pretend it tries to serve its public, analysts say. Instead, it manages a highly repressive regime that has for years restricted free expression and muzzled its media. It has escalated its ongoing crackdown on expression this year. Still, the burgeoning online protest movement has the authorities spooked, wrote French-language newspaper Jeune Afrique. “Without waiting to gauge the movement’s power, the authorities flexed their muscles and put security forces on a war footing, while blaming an ‘international conspiracy’ by Morocco…to export Moroccan problems (such as protests) to Algeria,” it said. The pro-government Algeria Press Service also spoke about a “desperate manipulation” and interference by Morocco – Algeria and Morocco have long been at odds – adding that such “manipulation” won’t be effective because Algeria remains a “solid social state” offering its youth “broad prospects for the future.” “Far from being a superficial model, the Algerian welfare state constitutes a concrete bulwark against marginalization and poverty, and a guarantee of national cohesion,” the state agency wrote. However, commentators say that Algeria faces severe economic challenges: unemployment among those under 24 exceeds 30 percent, while inflation and rising living costs have eroded purchasing power over the past few years. As a result, young Algerians attempt to migrate to Europe by the thousands. And this migration has been rising: European border-control agency Frontex recorded a 22 percent year-on-year increase in attempted migrations by Algerians via the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year. Algerians are now the leading nationality to emigrate to Spain by sea, seven times more numerous than Moroccans, usually the top country in recent years. “Relying on a declining oil and gas income, the regime has left the younger generation, often described as ‘sacrificed,’ increasingly determined to take up the mantle of protest,” wrote the Agence de Presse Africaine. Still, what is underlying Algerian authorities’ nervousness is the memory of the Hirak movement, which staged huge protests for months starting in 2019 and ousted the country’s longtime dictator, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, before being stamped out by government crackdowns and also the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, the government saw the ouster of President Bashar Assad in Syria in December as a warning, say analysts. Meanwhile, there have been power struggles within the Algerian government, which burst into view this fall after the escape of Maj. Gen. Abdelkader Haddad: Known as “the devil,” the feared former head of the General Directorate of Internal Security allegedly fled to Spain after he fell from grace and was arrested for undisclosed reasons. That escape has set off purges within the military, wrote French-language publication Sahel Intelligence. As a result, the government has stepped up its arrests of individuals for posting comments on social media complaining about the country’s leadership, and it has refused permits for protests such as those organized in August by political parties in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Algeria has long been a leading supporter of Palestinians. “Since the Hirak protest movement…the Algerian authorities have weaponized the criminal justice system to clamp down on peaceful dissent, arbitrarily arresting and prosecuting hundreds of activists, human rights defenders, protesters, and journalists for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly, association and expression, notably on social media, leading to a steady erosion of human rights in the country,” wrote Amnesty International recently, detailing cases of those imprisoned for social media posts this year. Even so, the escalating crackdown is evidence of worry, and of things to come, say commentators. “All the ingredients are there for things to get going again – in fact, the hashtag #Manich radi (I am not satisfied) has been trending on social media in recent weeks (with) Algerians denouncing repression, economic and social problems…They are demanding peaceful change,” said Adel Boucherguine of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights, which was dissolved by the government in 2022, but resurrected in exile in France, in an interview with France’s L’Express newspaper. “…the desire to turn the page on authoritarianism and inaction is shared by a large proportion of Algerians,” he added. “The disenchantment between the governed and those who govern has never been greater, and the anger is there, silent and unpredictable.”

South African "Missionary Mother" Among The Dead In US Church Massacre

South African ‘Missionary Mother’ among dead in US church massacre Thelma Rina Armstrong was among four people who lost their lives, and eight others injured, at a church in the United States. By Tebogo Tsape 16-10-25 18:37 in Crime Thelma Armstrong. Image: Facebook via Klerksdorp News Thelma Armstrong. Image: Facebook via Klerksdorp News Thelma Rina Armstrong, a 54-year-old woman born in Klerksdorp, South Africa, was among those tragically killed in a targeted act of violence at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, 28 September 2025. The South African expat was among the four people who lost their lives, and eight others injured, after Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, allegedly rammed his pickup truck into the church, opened fire on congregants with an assault rifle, and set the building ablaze during worship. Sanford was shot dead at the scene by police. She was laid to rest in the US on 11 October 2025. Thelma Rina Armstrong: ‘Missionary Mother’ Armstrong, who had immigrated to the US in 2019, had a deep connection to her South African roots. Before moving, she worked in retail and eventually became the manager at Food Zone in Klerksdorp, where she was renowned for her kindness, loyalty and willingness to listen to anyone who needed a friend. A convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2011, Armstrong’s faith was described as unbreakable. She earned the cherished title of “Missionary Mother” because she loved every missionary who visited her Christ-centered home and made an effort to maintain contact with them and their families. Within the Grand Blanc church community, she served joyfully as a teacher for the five-year-old class. In the US, Armstrong held a position as a Quality Technician at American Axle, where she was celebrated for always looking her best, greeting everyone with a smile, and remembering names. Obit Her greatest joy, according to a US funeral home, was found in her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, Cassius, Amaryllis, and Rhiannon Lichtenberg, who knew her affectionately as “Yia Yia”. Armstrong is survived by her children, Charne’ (Shane) Lichtenberg (of Grand Blanc) and Damon Du Bruyn (who resides in South Africa), along with siblings and a stepmother. While investigators are still searching for a definitive motive, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the attacker was “an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith”.

"Trailer Trash Post" Costs South African National His US Visa Amid Trump Cracckdown

‘Trailer trash’ post costs South African national his US visa amid Trump crackdown In revoking the US visa, the State Department declared that it had ‘no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans’. By Tebogo Tsape 15-10-25 15:46 in News Image showing a revoked US visa, accompanying a story about US State Department cancelling people's visas who allegedly mocked Charlie Kirk's death Image: Flickr South African media personality Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi has had his United States visa immediately revoked by the State Department following controversial comments he made on social media regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Baloyi’s US visa was cancelled pursuant to section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on 29 September 2025, due to information indicating he may no longer be eligible to travel to the US. The State Department flagged a post from the South African national mocking Americans’ grief, stating they were “hurt that the racist rally ended in attempted martyrdom” and alleging Kirk “was used to astroturf a movement of white nationalist trailer trash”. The revocation arrived on the same day US President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to Charlie Kirk, on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Baloyi, whose deleted X (formerly Twitter) post referred to Kirk’s supporters as “Neanderthals,” has since issued an apology. While he acknowledged the post was “insensitive & ill-timed”, he categorically denied intending or implying that he was making light of the incident. Baloyi also noted his conservative leanings and declared himself “a supporter of President Trump”. However, the US government remained firm in its sweeping action, declaring explicitly that it had “no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans”. Six US visas revoked In total, the State Department announced the revocation of six US visas, targeting foreigners who allegedly celebrated the “heinous assassination”. The crackdown includes nationals from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Germany and Paraguay. The State Department stated clearly that it “will defend our borders, our culture, and our citizens by enforcing our immigration laws” and removing “aliens who take advantage of America’s hospitality” while celebrating the death of citizens. Party for late Charlie Kirk The Medal of Freedom ceremony, held in the newly-renovated White House Rose Garden, honoured Kirk, the Turning Point USA co-founder who Trump hailed as “a giant of his generation”. Kirk – who previously misled his audience about South Africa’s “racist and dangerous policy of murdering white farmers” – was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on 10 September. Trump told Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, that he would “never forget what your family has sacrificed for our country”. The aggressive stance against foreigners’ online remarks highlights a significant expansion of social media scrutiny across the US. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau previously directed consular officials to take action against those “praising, rationalising, or making light of the event” and urged internet users to report such comments. This policy follows the US government revoking more than 6,000 student visas this year, particularly targeting international students supporting certain protests. The State Department is actively enforcing immigration laws against anyone perceived to be glorifying violence.

South African Ex Pat Elon Musk Is A Big Land Owner in Texas

Is South African expat Elon Musk the largest landowner in Texas? Elon Musk’s land grab in Texas is bigger than most realise, but it’s not the size that’s turning heads – it’s what he’s building on it. By James Durrant 13-10-25 09:22 in South African Expats Elon Musk Despite his vast 6 000-acre empire of factories and launch sites, Elon Musk’s influence in Texas comes from innovation, not land size. Image: File/Canva Despite owning more than 500 properties across 6 000 acres valued at $3.4 billion, the South African expat doesn’t even crack Texas’s top ten landowners. Until recently, the full scope of Elon Musk’s Texas takeover remained unclear. His companies now own more than 500 properties covering approximately 6 000 acres. This expansive network of factories, tunnels, and launch pads spreads from the state’s northern regions to its southern tip. “He’s going all in on Texas,” Goran Calic, a strategy professor at McMaster University who spent years studying Musk’s management style, told the Houston Chronicle. “And the reason he’s doing it is because of control. Elon Musk has more control in Texas than he does anywhere else.” How Musk’s Holdings Compare Whilst 6,000 acres sounds impressive, it pales in comparison to the state’s true land barons. Texas’s largest private landowner is Brad Kelley, who controls over 940 000 acres, more than 150 times Musk’s holdings. Texas Pacific Land Corporation ranks first amongst corporate landowners with over 1 000 square miles, whilst the legendary King Ranch covers 825 000 acres, larger than Rhode Island. The Austin Empire: Giga Texas and Beyond The star of Musk’s Lone Star takeover is Giga Texas, Tesla’s 2 500-acre factory complex in Austin. Since opening in 2022, the facility has ballooned to over ten million square feet of production space and could double if plans for another wave of buildings move forward. The factory cranks out Teslas, including Model Ys and the Cybertruck, which are shuttled through tunnels beneath Texas. About 20 miles east in Bastrop, Musk’s Boring Company has carved out more than 350 acres for testing giant machines and houses staff in a makeshift village called Snailbrook. Across the road sits a massive 700 000-square-foot SpaceX Starlink factory that churns out 70 000 satellite kits weekly, with plans to double in size. Texas Governor Greg Abbott facilitated the expansion with a $17.3 million grant for a $280 million SpaceX project. Environmental Controversies The Boring Company’s rapid expansion hasn’t been without issues. In 2023, nearby residents claimed construction was affecting livestock and accused crews of dumping untreated wastewater into the Colorado River. Whilst Boring generally denied the allegations, the company was fined $11,876 by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for violations including ineffective erosion controls and discharging industrial stormwater without a permit. Starbase: Building a Company Town Near Brownsville, Musk converted scrubland to create Starbase, a de facto company town of 500 residents and thousands of workers. The facility houses Starship, the tallest rocket ever built, and over one million square feet of manufacturing space. Musk is pushing to expand the launchpad further and add housing, retail, and a grocery store. The Southern Expansion Even further south near Corpus Christi, Tesla is bringing a lithium refinery to Robstown, designed to supply battery-grade material for one million electric vehicles annually. The empire extends through leased facilities as well, including SpaceX’s rocket testing site in McGregor, southwest of Waco, and Tesla’s planned 1.03 million-square-foot battery manufacturing plant in Brookshire, west of Houston. The Expat’s Influence Beyond Acreage The South African expat relocated to Texas in December 2020, attracted by lighter regulations, lower taxes, and a business-friendly environment compared to California. Whilst his strategic approach prioritises operational control over sheer acreage, the answer is clear: Elon Musk is not Texas’s largest landowner, not even close. His 6 000 acres represent less than 1% of what the state’s land barons control. But when it comes to reshaping Texas’s economic landscape through innovation and industry, the billionaire wields influence that extends far beyond property lines. 'SA People' is hiring! Freelance writer positions available. Send us your CV

Afrikaaners In The US: Expats Or Regugees?

Afrikaners in the US: Expats or refugees? Loophole or Lifeline? 59 Afrikaners touch down in the US as official refugees in 2025 while “real” war refugees remain stuck in the queue. By James Durrant 05-10-25 07:20 in South African Expats Afrikaners in the US Picture this: 59 Afrikaners touch down in the US as official refugees in 2025. Meanwhile, actual war refugees? Still stuck in the queue. Awkward, right? Image: Mistral. Van der Merwe walks into a bar in Dallas and orders a beer. The bartender asks, “So, are you an expat or a refugee?” Van der Merwe pauses. “Ja, good question…” When 59 Afrikaners arrived at Dulles Airport in May 2025 under official refugee status, it sparked a debate that’s more complicated than it first appears. Right, full disclosure: I wasn’t much good at Afrikaans at school. Barely scraped through matric, so I’m probably the last person wading into this. But when those charter flights started landing in the US with Afrikaners claiming refugee status, I couldn’t help wondering wait, can you do that? The Tale of the 59 Afrikaners Here’s what actually happened: 59 Afrikaners touched down at Dulles Airport in May 2025 on a government-chartered flight. They were greeted by State Department officials, processed in months (not years), and officially designated as refugees under Trump’s executive order. Another 9 arrived shortly after. The State Department had received 8 000 enquiries about the programme. Meanwhile, refugees from actual war zones? Door closed. Syrian families? Nope. Venezuelan asylum seekers? Suspended. But this one very specific group? Red carpet treatment. Here’s the kicker: in fiscal year 2024, exactly zero South Africans were resettled in the US as refugees. Zero. Then suddenly… What’s in a word? Let’s see what Oxford actually says: Expatriate: “A person living in a country that is not their own, usually by choice.” Refugee: “A person who has been forced to leave their own country because they are in danger.” Asylum Seeker: “A person who has been forced to leave their own country because they are in danger and who arrives in another country asking to be allowed to stay there.” See those keywords? “By choice” versus “forced” versus “in danger.” It’s not just semantics, it’s literally the difference between waiting years for a visa and being flown in on a chartered plane. The Uncomfortable Bit According to Oxford’s own data, the words that most commonly appear with “expat” are: British, American, Indian, Canadian, Australian. Words that appear with “immigrant”? Illegal, undocumented, Mexican, legal, Chinese. Words with “refugee”? Syrian, Palestinian, Afghan, Somali, Sudanese. So when predominantly white, English-speaking South Africans arrive on government charters and get called “refugees”… ag, you can see why people have questions, né? But are they actually refugees? The Trump administration claimed Afrikaners were facing “genocide” and “race-based persecution.” The South African government said, essentially, “eish, that’s a bit dramatic.” Many of the new arrivals spoke English, a third had relatives already in the US, and some cited violence that happened 25 years ago. They mentioned not trusting the police and general safety concerns – fair enough, but don’t millions of South Africans of all races share those exact same worries? So what’s the answer? Here’s where I admit I genuinely don’t know. Are they: Expats who found a political loophole to skip the visa queue? Refugees genuinely fleeing persecution? Something in between – people whose privilege and politics aligned at exactly the right moment? The fear these folks feel is real. The violence in SA exists. But does it meet the international threshold for refugee status? The South African government says no. The Trump administration says yes. Everyone else is just confused. It’s a bit like claiming refugee status from Camps Bay because of property crime, innit? Technically the crime exists. Technically you’ve left. But… Your Turn Honestly? I don’t have the answer. I barely passed Afrikaans at school and I’m clearly not cut out for international refugee law either. Are they expats or refugees? Does it even matter? Is the whole debate missing the point? Drop your thoughts on our socials – because one thing’s certain: those 8 000 people waiting for the next flight aren’t worried about semantics.

South Africa: Expat Grief Is Real

Expat grief is real, but nobody talks about it You chose a new life abroad, so why does success feel like sacrifice? The guilt, the missed moments, the love split between two worlds – this is expat grief. By James Durrant 09-10-25 10:14 in South African Expats Expat grief is real, but nobody talks about it Everyone understands the grief of missing a final goodbye. But what about the years of quiet loss before that—the Sunday lunches, the aging parents, the life you left behind? This is the expat grief no one talks about. Image: Unsplash My mother died in November 2019 after a long battle with cancer. I flew home from London knowing she was about to die. My father phoned me while I was standing in passport control at Cape Town International to tell me my mum had just died. I was 20 minutes too late. That’s the kind of grief people understand. They say “I’m so sorry” and they mean it. What they don’t understand is the other grief, the one that started years before that phone call. The grief of watching her age through FaceTime. The grief of missing Sunday lunches and school plays and the thousand small moments that make up a relationship. The grief of knowing that when I chose London, I also chose distance. The loss that isn’t really loss Psychologists call it “ambiguous loss”, grief for something that isn’t technically gone but feels unreachable. Your parents are alive, but you’re not there to help them navigate their smartphones or notice they’ve started walking slower. Your nephew is growing up, but you’re experiencing it through WhatsApp photos with a seven-hour time delay. Your best friend from university stopped calling because the time difference made spontaneity impossible. You chose this life. That’s what makes the grief so complicated. When people ask how you’re doing in London, they expect you to say “great” because, objectively, you are. But that success feels like it was bought with something precious. Every promotion, every lovely weekend in the Cotswolds, every moment of feeling genuinely at home here, comes with a whisper of guilt. The grief nobody wants to hear about The problem is you can’t really talk about it. Say you’re struggling with being away from family and people back home think you’re having regrets. Mention you missed your dad’s 70th birthday and colleagues say “but you can visit anytime”. Post something melancholic about South Africa on social media and someone will comment “then come back” as if it’s that simple. So most expats just carry it quietly. We WhatsApp our families every week and pretend the screen doesn’t feel like a barrier. We book flights home and pretend two weeks a year is enough. We watch our parents age in annual increments and tell ourselves it’s fine, everyone deals with this, stop being dramatic. Living with both Twenty years in, I’ve learned you don’t resolve this grief. You learn to hold it alongside the joy. I love my life in London and I grieve what I’ve missed in South Africa. Both things are true. The mistake I made for years was thinking I had to choose one feeling or the other. Missing my mum’s last moments was devastating. But the real grief started long before that flight. It was in every milestone I attended via video call, every crisis I couldn’t physically help with, every “I wish you were here” that hung in the air during family gatherings I saw in Instagram photos later. This is what nobody tells you about being an expat. The grief doesn’t come all at once. It accumulates in small doses over decades. And sometimes, standing in passport control holding a phone, it all arrives at once. What have you grieved as an expat? What losses do you carry that are hard to explain to people who’ve never lived this split existence?

Madagascar's Generation Z Protestors Push For Change

Nothing to Lose: Madagascar’s Gen Z Protesters Push For Change – and Get It Madagascar Rakotoarivao Andritiana Kevin, a 20-year-old Malagasy law student, walks to a public water fountain every day to wait 90 minutes before he can fill his water container – frequent water shortages in Madagascar often leave him going without at home. He has nowhere to turn to, however, when electrical surges during frequent power cuts damage his appliances and computers, and leave him in the dark. “Our lives are wrecked,” Kevin told the New York Times. “Everything is falling apart.” That’s why Kevin has been among the thousands of young people on the Indian Ocean island who have taken part in demonstrations for weeks. These began over these utility shortages but have since morphed into wider protests against the country’s high unemployment rate, cost-of-living, and its breathtaking landscape of corruption. On Tuesday, the protests brought down the government. Late Monday, President Andry Rajoelina said in a social media post from an undisclosed location that he had fled the country – with the help of France – in fear for his life after the elite CAPSAT military unit joined the protests over the weekend. He did not resign. “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” Rajoelina said in his speech broadcast on the president’s official Facebook page. He said he was “on a mission to find solutions” and also dissolved the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, by decree. Instead, the legislature voted Tuesday to impeach the president, a move that must be confirmed by the Constitutional Court to become valid. The problem is, the military government that took over the country on Tuesday under the leadership of Col Michael Randrianirina, chief of CAPSAT, said it has suspended the court and all other state institutions except the General Assembly – even as the court confirmed his new status as leader of the country. “We will form a government and reach consensus,” Randrianirina told reporters in Madagascar, adding that the country would hold elections within the next 18 months to two years. The CAPSAT chief said Gen Z Mada protesters would be part of the transformation because “the movement was created in the streets so we have to respect their demands.” He added that he and his fellow officers had no choice but to unseat the current regime: “There is no president, there is no government… nothing here works.” Over the weekend, CAPSAT soldiers posted a video to social media, telling their fellow soldiers, “Let us join forces, military, gendarmes, and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our brothers and our sisters.” The protesters hailed the military takeover, remaining on the streets Tuesday, singing and dancing, joined by civil servants and union leaders. Workers at the state-owned utility company demanded that its CEO resign. “We’re so happy Andry Rajoelina is finally gone… We will start again,” high-school student Fih Nomensanahary told Reuters. Inspired by Gen Z protests erupting around the world against governments, the trigger for these demonstrations was the arrest on Sept. 25 of two leading politicians representing the capital, Antananarivo, who had planned protests in their city. Afterward, an online youth movement known as Gen Z Mada organized the marches there, which then spread to other cities across the island and have drawn Malagasy of all ages, underlining frustrations over corruption and living conditions that span generations, say analysts. Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with nearly three-quarters of its population of 32 million living below the poverty line. The average annual income in 2025 was $461, almost half of what it was in 1960 when it became independent from France, a decline blamed on corruption. “We’re still struggling,” Heritiana Rafanomezantsoa, a protester in Antananarivo, told Agence France-Presse. “The problem is the system. Our lives haven’t improved since we gained independence from France.” The government, however, had reacted harshly to the protests: It deployed tear gas and live rounds demonstrators, killing at least 22 people and injuring hundreds more. Still, in late September, Rajoelina fired all his cabinet ministers in a bid to appease protesters and stop the unrest, the worst since his reelection in 2023 in a vote critics say was marred by fraud, and which the opposition boycotted. The move, however, failed to satisfy the demonstrators. The president refused to step down, instead describing the protests as an attempted coup. “(The protesters) have been exploited to provoke a coup,” said Rajoelina, a former DJ, who took power himself in a CAPSAT-backed coup in 2009. “Countries and agencies paid for this movement to get me out, not through elections, but for profit…” At the same time, Rajoelina, since early October, had been mobilizing thousands of his supporters in counter-protests that have been far smaller and, as anti-government protesters pointed out, allowed to gather. Supporters of the government say all is fine in the country. “We have water, we have electricity, it works very well,” one of the president’s supporters told Africanews, adding that they just wanted life to return to normal. Meanwhile, last week, Rajoelina appointed army Gen. Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister. The decision was seen as a significant militarization of the government and an effort by the president to secure the army’s support, the BBC wrote. Gen Z protesters, however, rejected Zafisambo’s appointment: In addition to Rajoelina’s resignation, they wanted the dissolution of parliament, the replacement of constitutional court judges and electoral commission members, and a crackdown on corruption, including investigations into the president and top businessmen close to him. Now, analysts say his fate is likely to echo that of his predecessor, Marc Ravalomanana, who was ousted by protesters in 2009. “He has left the country and doesn’t have a government in place because he dismissed it a week ago – and he doesn’t have the support of the legislature, the army, or his people,” said Luke Freeman of the University College London in an interview with France 24. “It will be difficult for him to come back from this,” he added. “The challenge for Gen Z now is to stay part of the conversation, now that the army and the politicians are taking the lead in moving (the country) forward. They don’t want a situation where all of their efforts get taken over by the old guard whom they want to see replaced, within the old system that they want overthrown.” Share this story

Madagascar Faces Power Struggle

Madagascar Faces Power Struggle as Elite Army Unit Joins Youth-Led Protests Madagascar Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina warned Sunday that an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” was underway after an elite army unit that once helped him take power in a 2009 coup said it was assuming command of the military after weeks of escalating protests demanding his resignation, the Guardian reported. Over the weekend, leaders of the elite CAPSAT unit marked the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s rule since his reelection in 2023, which was marred by allegations of fraud. The unit’s leaders announced they were taking control of national security operations and coordinating all military branches from their base outside the capital, Antananarivo. They were soon joined by elements of the gendarmerie (military force with law enforcement duties), who said in a televised statement that they would “protect the people, not the interests of a few individuals,” Reuters added. It is not clear if the rest of the military was under CAPSAT control. The crisis marks a major escalation after nearly three weeks of youth-led protests that began on Sept. 25 over water and electricity shortages. The demonstrations quickly evolved into calls for Rajoelina’s ouster, an end to corruption, and a complete political overhaul. Thousands have participated in the “Gen Z” protests, with CAPSAT soldiers joining the protests over the weekend after previously refusing orders to shoot at protesters. Amid the turmoil, Rajoelina’s office said he was “in the country, managing national affairs,” though his exact whereabouts remained unclear. Newly appointed Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, who is a general, said the government was ready to “engage in dialogue with all factions,” including youth and military representatives. At least 22 people have been killed since the unrest began, though Rajoelina has disputed that number. The African Union has called for calm and urged all sides to avoid violence as fears of another coup mounted over the weekend.

Cape Town's Best Three Markets To Visit

Cape Town’s best 3 markets to visit: Days and opening times you need to know If you’re visiting Cape Town or living in the Mother City, consider visiting these three markets. Here’s when they’re open … By James Durrant 06-10-25 10:36 in Cape Town Oranjezicht City Farm Market If you're visiting Cape Town or living in the Mother City, consider visiting these three markets. Image: Oranjezicht City Farm Market Being originally from Cape Town with family and businesses there, I’m lucky to visit ‘home’ regularly. Three markets I never miss are festival-like experiences that capture everything I love about Cape Town’s vibrant food and community culture. If you’re visiting or living in the city, you should visit these too. 1. Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Now at a Stunning New Waterfront Location Days: Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday evenings (seasonal) Opening Times: Saturday: 08:00 – 14:00 Sunday: 08:30 – 14:00 Wednesday Night Market: 16:00 – 21:00 (September 2025 to April 2026) Location: Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront, Beach Road The Oranjezicht Market has always been my go-to for fresh, sustainable, locally-sourced produce, and now it’s better than ever. In October 2025, this beloved farmers’ market relaunched at its new location within the V&A Waterfront’s Granger Bay precinct. Consistently ranked in the top 10 farmers’ markets worldwide, the market now occupies a beautiful wooden shed designed by a prominent architect. The new space offers more room, better parking (350 bays), and improved connectivity with the waterfront – while keeping the signature woodchips and dog-friendly atmosphere locals love. This is where I do my weekly shopping when ‘home’ – fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, artisanal bread, organic dairy, free-range eggs, raw honey, and ethically sourced meats and seafood. The focus is squarely on local, fresh, seasonal ingredients from independent farmers and artisanal producers. The relocation is part of the V&A Waterfront’s R20 billion Granger Bay expansion. The market has retained its authentic, community-driven spirit while gaining the space it deserves. What makes it special: Commitment to sustainable food systems, quality produce, community atmosphere, and unbeatable ocean views. Pro tip: Arrive early Saturday mornings. Dogs on short leashes welcome. 2. Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill – The Original Hipster Haven Days: Saturday and Sunday Opening times: Saturday: 09:00 – 15:00 (designers), food stalls until 17:00 Sunday: 10:00 – 15:00 (designers), food stalls until 17:00 Location: 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock If Oranjezicht is about farm-fresh produce, Neighbourgoods is about street food culture and creative community. Located in a former biscuit factory in Woodstock, this market has been Cape Town’s cultural hub for nearly two decades. This is where I come for inspiration from Cape Town’s creative energy. The market offers designer street food from around the world – flammkuchen, Korean delicacies, pasta, shakshuka, Swahili doughnuts, paella, and shisa nyama. Options for everyone: vegan, halaal, and sugar-free. Live DJs and bands create an incredible atmosphere. Beyond food, you’ll find handcrafted products, designer clothing, organic beauty products, and artisanal goods from local makers. What makes it special: The vibe, people-watching, and fusion of food, design, and live music representing Cape Town’s cosmopolitan spirit. Pro tip: No parking available Saturdays. Use Cape Town College parking opposite (R10 all day, entrance on Kent Street) or take MyCiti bus route 261. Dogs on leashes welcome. Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill 3. Bay Harbour Market – Hout Bay’s Vibrant Celebration Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Opening times: Friday: 17:00 – 21:00 (Friday Nite LIVE!) Saturday & Sunday: 09:30 – 16:00 Location: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay Set in an old fish factory at Hout Bay Harbour, Bay Harbour Market is the most vibrant market in Cape Town. This is where I bring visitors who want to experience South African creativity, culture, and cuisine in one place. Friday nights are special, with live music on the Brampton sound stage that creates a party atmosphere. The market hosts musicians, dancers, and entertainers throughout the day. You can enjoy with a craft beer or local wine, or get up and dance. Over 100 traders offer handmade clothing, jewellery, art, and foods representing every cuisine. The indoor setting means rain or shine visits, with an outdoor area for fresh sea breezes. The Hout Bay Harbour setting, surrounded by mountains and ocean, is spectacular. What makes it special: Live entertainment, diversity of offerings, and genuinely South African atmosphere. A social enterprise supporting traders from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pro tip: Friday nights have the best vibe. Pets not allowed inside. Explore Hout Bay while you’re there. Bay Harbour Market Why These Three Markets Matter Each market offers something different but equally essential to the Cape Town experience. Oranjezicht celebrates sustainable food systems. Neighbourgoods showcases creative culture and global cuisine. Bay Harbour brings together the diversity and spirit that makes South Africa special. When I’m ‘home’, I visit all three because they’re about community, connection, and celebrating what makes Cape Town one of the world’s great food cities. Whether you’re after fresh produce, global street food, or festive market atmosphere with live music, these three deliver every time.

Drug Lord Secures Protection In Siera Leone By Having A Child With The President's Daughter

Drug lord 'secures protection in Sierra Leone by having a child with the president's daughter' By Olivia Allhusen, 2 days ago Europe's most wanted cocaine kingpin has secured protection in West Africa by fathering a child with the daughter of Sierra Leone's president, according to opposition figures. Dutch trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, known as Chubby Jos, has spent more than two years on the run in Sierra Leone while being hunted by European authorities. The 34-year-old, who faces prison sentences totalling 74 years, is allegedly being shielded by President Julius Maada Bio. Opposition leader Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray claims that Agnes Bio, the president's daughter, gave birth to Leijdekkers' child in New York. He accused the Bio government of protecting the Dutch fugitive and blocking efforts to bring him to justice. Leijdekkers has been seen socialising with the Bio family, including at a New Year's church service filmed and shared on social media by First Lady Fatima Bio, where he appeared standing two rows behind the president. Reports that he sat beside the president's daughter were denied by Bio, who insisted he does not know Leijdekkers. Footage obtained by Follow the Money and AD also shows Leijdekkers at a private birthday party in March 2024 for Alusine Kanneh, Sierra Leone's immigration chief, where he presented a gift during the celebration. The 34-year-old (pictured), who faces prison sentences totalling 74 years, is allegedly being shielded by President Julius Maada Bio Leijdekkers has a €200,000 reward for his capture and reportedly remained in Sierra Leone during the birth, while President Bio visited his daughter and grandchild in New York during the UN General Assembly. In response to mounting reports, Sierra Leone's communications ministry issued a statement saying Bio had 'no knowledge of the identity or the issues detailed' concerning Leijdekkers. Convicted multiple times in the Netherlands and Belgium for large-scale cocaine trafficking, Leijdekkers was sentenced in September to eight years in Belgium, bringing his total prison term there to 50 years. He also faces charges including torture and murder. Last year, he received a 24-year sentence in the Netherlands for his role in six major drug shipments. Dutch authorities have formally requested his extradition, but the appeal remains unresolved. Now living under the alias Omar Sheriff, Leijdekkers is believed to be running a vast smuggling network from a fortified compound in Freetown, worth an estimated €1 billion. The so-called Africa route - used to funnel cocaine into Europe - now accounts for a third of the continent's supply, a figure expected to rise to half within five years, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).

ICC Convicts Sudan Militia Leader For Atrocities In Darfur

ICC Convicts Sudan Militia Leader for Atrocities in Darfur Darfur / Sudan The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, in a landmark ruling, convicted the first Janjaweed militia leader for atrocities committed over two decades ago in Sudan’s Darfur region, Reuters reported. The court unanimously found Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman guilty on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including rape, murder, and persecution, and rejected his defense of mistaken identity. “He (Kushayb) encouraged and gave instructions that resulted in the killings, the rapes and destruction committed by the Janjaweed,” said presiding judge Joanna Korner, adding that he gave orders to “wipe out and sweep away” non-Arab tribes, telling soldiers, “don’t leave anyone behind. Bring no one alive.” His sentence will be handed down at a later time, following a new round of hearings. Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, was a key leader of the Janjaweed, a government-backed militia that terrorized the Darfur region and killed hundreds of thousands of people, the BBC wrote. His conviction represents a historic moment for the ICC – concluding the first and only trial over crimes committed in Sudan. The case was brought to the court by the United Nations Security Council in 2005, and the trial began three years ago. The 2003-2020 conflict in Darfur began when the then-government of Sudan mobilized mostly Arab militias, known as the Janjaweed, to end an armed revolt by rebels from Black African ethnic groups, who accused the state of marginalizing them. Human rights groups have alleged that the violence that followed amounted to genocide and ethnic cleansing against the non-Arabic population in the region. Following Monday’s ruling, victims of the conflict said the verdict had restored some faith in the ICC after the length of time it took to conclude this case. During the trial, survivors recounted how their villages were set on fire and their males slaughtered, and how women were forced into sex slavery. Meanwhile, there are outstanding arrest warrants for other Sudanese officials, including former President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted on charges of genocide, which he denies. Bashir, who was ousted in a coup in 2019, is reportedly in military custody in northern Sudan. Fighting restarted in Sudan in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces – the latter originating from the Janjaweed – resulting in ethnically-driven killings and mass displacement. The UN said the conflict created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Madagascar: Protests Erupt Over Power Outages And Water Shortages

Protests Over Power Blackouts Escalate in Madagascar Madagascar Hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces in Madagascar’s capital Saturday, as demonstrations over chronic power and water shortages entered their third day, killing at least five people and triggering widespread looting, Le Monde reported. On Saturday, demonstrators filled the streets of the capital of Antananarivo, carrying placards reading “We are poor, angry and unhappy” and “Madagascar is ours,” while security forces blocked their attempt to march toward the city center. The youth-led protests began Thursday, a day after authorities banned a planned demonstration over ongoing water and power cuts in the impoverished country. But the protests quickly devolved into violence as police used rubber bullets and tear gas, while students and young workers blocked roads in the capital with rocks and burning tires. There were reports of looting of shops and attacks on banks. Local media said a number of cable car stations were set ablaze and three homes belonging to politicians allied with President Andry Rajoelina were attacked. Authorities later imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew to restore order, Al Jazeera added. In an effort to appease protesters, Rajoelina announced the dismissal of his energy minister “for not doing his job” late last week. Even so, the president branded the protests as an attempted “coup d’état.” Despite the minister’s removal, protest organizers have called for demonstrations to continue and accused security forces of excessive force and a failure to prevent looting, Africanews wrote. Madagascar, a nation of about 30 million people, remains mired in poverty, with the World Bank estimating that 75 percent of the population was living below the poverty line in 2022.

Sudan: A Gold Rush Precludes Peace

The War Dividend: In Sudan’s Civil War, a Gold Rush Precludes Peace Sudan When war erupted in Sudan’s capital in April 2023, Zainab Aamer faced an impossible choice: stay and risk death, or flee into unknown danger. Aamer, a widow and mother of six, had worked as a nurse in Khartoum before she decided to leave, becoming one of more than 12 million internal refugees in what the United Nations calls the world’s largest displacement crisis. “I had to protect my daughters,” she said, recounting the perilous 500-mile journey to Port Sudan on the coast that cost her eldest son his life. For the internally displaced like Aamer, the announcement in September by the group known as the “Quad” – the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates – of a proposal for a three-month truce and a permanent peace should bring some hope for the future. But it likely won’t, say analysts. That’s because this conflict is not just about power and territory and tribes – it’s about gold, which means it’s too lucrative a war for its key players to want peace. “The gold trade connects Sudan’s civil war to the wider region and highlights the roles that commodities play in perpetuating violent conflict,” wrote the British think tank, Chatham House. “The multi-billion-dollar trade of gold sustains and shapes Sudan’s conflict. This commodity is the most significant source of income for the warring parties, feeding an associated cross-border network of actors including other armed groups, producers, traders, smugglers, and external governments.” In 2019, Sudan saw a popular revolution that ousted longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir, who was in power for 30 years. Afterward, a transitional civilian council took over the country before being deposed by another military coup in 2021. Afterward, as protesters fought for a transition to democracy, power struggles grew between the army commander leading the country, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and his deputy, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia that arose out of the Janjaweed terror group in the Darfur region that killed thousands of people there in the 1980s. In April 2023, war broke out over the integration of the two forces. In the two years since, the fight has killed about 150,000 people. Both sides have to date rejected moves toward peace. In August, Burhan said he would “defeat this rebellion.” Hemedti, who was sworn in as head of a parallel government in April, says he represents Sudan’s future with “a broad civilian coalition that represents the true face of Sudan.” Meanwhile, they have carved up the country and its resources among themselves. The SAF controls the north, the east, the capital of Khartoum, and Sennar state in the south. The RSF controls parts of the south and center and most of the west of the country, where it is fighting for control of El-Fasher, its last stronghold in the resource-rich Darfur region. Elsewhere in the country, there are other rebel groups and tribal militias holding on to smaller fiefdoms, fighting one or both parties. And both profit from, and are supported by, the production of gold, which is increasing in the country: Last year, Sudan’s state-owned Mineral Resources Company reported gold production hit 64 tons in 2024, up from 41.8 tons in 2022. Along with the increase in production, the value of gold gained 27 percent in 2024, capping a decade in which it has more than doubled in value. In the first six months of this year, gold’s value increased by a further 24 percent. Both the RSF and the SAF are not only deeply involved in the production of gold in the areas they control, but even work together to harvest the riches and smuggle them out of the country, said analysts. As a result, foreign powers have created “networks of dependency” through gold smuggling, with “Dubai already serving as the primary destination for gold smuggled by militias,” wrote Noria Research in a recent analysis. “Regional powers currently intervening in Sudan do view the country as the site for national interests, but in the manner that 19th-century colonial powers viewed Africa.” And a weak Sudan, one in a state of civil war, makes stealing its resources far simpler, it added, because “a unified state cannot assert sovereignty to any meaningful degree… This is a much simpler task than navigating a constellation of bureaucrats, judges, businessmen, politicians, and civil society, as would be the case were Sudan made whole again.” The UAE is the key foreign player in Sudan but far from the only one. The SAF has received weaponry and financial support from Russia’s Africa Corps (formerly the Wagner Group of mercenaries), Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Qatar, among others. The RSF has received support from the UAE and those it has influence over, including Kenya, Uganda, Libya – via Khalifa Haftar – and Ethiopia. As a result, analysts say what has developed in the region is a broader regional gold economy with a constellation of war-torn countries such as Libya, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo revolving around the UAE: Almost half of all exported African gold flows there, where its origins are scrubbed before being sold. For the UAE, it’s not just about the riches, but about power in the region, food security, and a return on its investment, say analysts. “The UAE has emerged as the foreign player most invested in the war,” wrote May Darwich of the University of Birmingham, in the Conversation, noting the country’s more than $6 billion in investment into Sudan. “It views resource-rich, strategically located Sudan as an opportunity to expand its influence and control in the Middle East and east Africa.” The UAE also recruits mercenaries from Sudan, for example, for its fight in Yemen. Emirati officials have repeatedly denied the UAE’s involvement in Sudan, claiming its neutrality. But US officials have blasted the country for its involvement in the war and for sustaining the conflict. Meanwhile, as gold continues to flow out of Sudan, its warring parties have yet to respond to the proposal by the Quad. That means more waiting for the dividends of peace for children like Sondos, 8, who, with her family, fled to yet another refugee camp because of repeated RSF attacks on El-Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, and its refugee camps of Zamzam and Abu Shouk. Famine is growing in the region due to a blockade by the militia, the UN says. We had no choice but to leave, Sondos says: “There was only hunger and bombs.” Share this story