10 people died and around 40 others were injured after a fuel tanker exploded in the South African capital Johannesburg. The fuel tanker which carried around 60,000 litres of LPG gas, got stuck under a bridge and caught fire. Firefighter arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.

South Africa: 10 killed, 40 injured in fuel tanker explosion, tank carried 60,000 litres of LPG gas

The ruling African National Congress in South Africa has nominated. Only two candidates to run for the party's President. The contest now just between Cyril Ramaphosa and Zweli Mkhize. The South African President is facing the Health Minister who he suspended last year over corruption allegations in a party vote.

ANC's five-day conference in Johannesburg; Ramaphosa seeks re-election as ANC boss

The African National Congress will head to its 55th elective conference and all eyes will be on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who look set to be re-elected as the party leader. The conference will be held in Johannesburg between December 16-20.

South Africa: All eyes on Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC will hold its 55th elective conference

The death toll from the tragic flash floods that swept away members of a church congregation along the Jukskei river in Johannesburg has risen from 9 to 40.

WION Climate Tracker | South Africa: Flash flood sweeps away church congregation members

Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of India's Test line-up ever since he made his debut. While Pujara was initially labelled as a home bully, he has played some memorable knocks in tough overseas conditions for Team India.&nbsp;

Pujara's Southampton ton during the 2018 England tour, 521-run tally in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, 153 in Johannesburg Test in 2013 and many more such knocks have made him an indispensable part of the red-ball squad. Though he was dropped for the Sri Lanka home series early this year, his zeal to bounce back saw him return for the one-off Test versus England in&nbsp;July, in Edgbaston, Birmingham, after a splendid County Championship for Sussex. While he has scored over 600 runs in the ongoing Royal London One-Day Cup for Sussex, Pujara took some time out to have a Q/A session with his fans on Twitter on Wednesday (August 24).

During the interaction, Pujara replied to a cricket-based website when asked about his favourite overseas triumph. The right-hander chose the famous Gabba Test win in this regard.

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Gabba 2021 <a href="https://t.co/2lJDhSrpZQ">https://t.co/2lJDhSrpZQ</a>
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1/status/1562425886569549827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-babar-azam-exchange-greetings-before-india-pakistan-showdown-at-asia-cup-509897">WATCH: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam exchange greetings before India-Pakistan showdown at Asia Cup</a>

It is to be noted that Pujara has been part of several memorable Test wins for India, especially under&nbsp;Virat Kohli's captaincy era. He was part of the Lord's Test wins in 2014 and 2021, J'burg victory in 2018, 31-run triumph over Australia in the Adelaide Test in 2018 followed by the MCG Test win in the same tour, The Oval victory versus hosts England last year. However, the Gabba Test win truly remains special which came versus the mighty Aussies in the 2021/22 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Talking about the Gabba Test, a second-stringed Ajinkya Rahane-led India came into the four-match Test series finale versus Tim Paine &amp; Co. with the scoreline reading 1-1. After conceding a vital 33-run lead to the home side, India chased down a competitive 328 on the final day riding on Shubman Gill's classy 91, Pujara's gutsy 56 and Rishabh Pant's 89 not out to clinch the series 2-1.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of India's Test line-up ever since he made his debut. While Pujara was initially labelled as a home bully, he has played some memorable knocks in tough overseas conditions for Team India.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been an integral part of India's Test line-up ever since he made his debut. While Pujara was initially labelled as a home bully, he has played some memorable knocks in tough overseas conditions for Team India. Pujara's Southampton ton during the 2018 England tour, 521-run tally in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, 153 in Johannesburg Test in 2013 and many more such knocks have made him an indispensable part of the red-ball squad. Though he was dropped for the Sri Lanka home series early this year, his zeal to bounce back saw him return for the one-off Test versus England in July, in Edgbaston, Birmingham, after a splendid County Championship for Sussex. While he has scored over 600 runs in the ongoing Royal London One-Day Cup for Sussex, Pujara took some time out to have a Q/A session with his fans on Twitter on Wednesday (August 24). During the interaction, Pujara replied to a cricket-based website when asked about his favourite overseas triumph. The right-hander chose the famous Gabba Test win in this regard. Gabba 2021 https://t.co/2lJDhSrpZQ — Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 24, 2022 × ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam exchange greetings before India-Pakistan showdown at Asia Cup It is to be noted that Pujara has been part of several memorable Test wins for India, especially under Virat Kohli's captaincy era. He was part of the Lord's Test wins in 2014 and 2021, J'burg victory in 2018, 31-run triumph over Australia in the Adelaide Test in 2018 followed by the MCG Test win in the same tour, The Oval victory versus hosts England last year. However, the Gabba Test win truly remains special which came versus the mighty Aussies in the 2021/22 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Talking about the Gabba Test, a second-stringed Ajinkya Rahane-led India came into the four-match Test series finale versus Tim Paine & Co. with the scoreline reading 1-1. After conceding a vital 33-run lead to the home side, India chased down a competitive 328 on the final day riding on Shubman Gill's classy 91, Pujara's gutsy 56 and Rishabh Pant's 89 not out to clinch the series 2-1.

Gabba 2021, Lord's 2014 or J'burg 2018? India's Cheteshwar Pujara picks his favourite overseas Test triumph

South African authorities have charged 7 men with 32 counts of rape and robbery for the mass assault of a group of women at an abandoned mine near Johannesburg. The horrific incident which has created shock waves across the country has yet again raised the question of women's security in the region.

7 illegal miners accused for attacking 8 women in South Africa

South African authorities charge 7 men over gang rape

In another shocking incident, in South Africa, eight women were gang raped by an unknown group of armed men on Friday morning.

"It is reported that on the 28th of July 2022 in the afternoon, the crew of 22 people (12 women and 10 men), were busy filming a music video when they were allegedly attacked by a group of armed men clad in blankets. The suspects ordered everyone to lay down and proceeded to rape eight of the women and robbed everyone of their belongings before fleeing the scene," Police Minister Bheki Cele said.

The area where the incident took place is infamous for illegal mining activity.

Police confirmed that&nbsp;they have arrested 67 illegal miners from the area immediately after the incident, three&nbsp;died during a shootout with the police.

"Investigations are still ongoing on whether those that raped the 8 women are amongst the 67 that are currently behind bars," the minister said.

"The multi-disciplinary team comprised of officials from Crime Intelligence, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, K9, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing and Tracker helicopter as well as Department of Home Affairs and other private security stakeholders. The Airwing and the deployment of drone technology were assisting the ground forces to track the fleeing suspects," the police updated.

"The Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences is investigating 32 counts of rape following the rape of the eight women as well as a case of armed robbery," the police said.

Watch WION's live TV here:

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&nbsp;

In another shocking incident, in South Africa, eight women were gang raped by an unknown group of armed men on Friday morning. "It is reported that on the 28th of July 2022 in the afternoon, the crew of 22 people (12 women and 10 men), were busy filming a music video when they were allegedly attacked by a group of armed men clad in blankets.

In another shocking incident, in South Africa, eight women were gang raped by an unknown group of armed men on Friday morning. "It is reported that on the 28th of July 2022 in the afternoon, the crew of 22 people (12 women and 10 men), were busy filming a music video when they were allegedly attacked by a group of armed men clad in blankets. The suspects ordered everyone to lay down and proceeded to rape eight of the women and robbed everyone of their belongings before fleeing the scene," Police Minister Bheki Cele said. The area where the incident took place is infamous for illegal mining activity. Police confirmed that they have arrested 67 illegal miners from the area immediately after the incident, three died during a shootout with the police. "Investigations are still ongoing on whether those that raped the 8 women are amongst the 67 that are currently behind bars," the minister said. "The multi-disciplinary team comprised of officials from Crime Intelligence, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, K9, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing and Tracker helicopter as well as Department of Home Affairs and other private security stakeholders. The Airwing and the deployment of drone technology were assisting the ground forces to track the fleeing suspects," the police updated. "The Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences is investigating 32 counts of rape following the rape of the eight women as well as a case of armed robbery," the police said. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

South Africa: Gang of gun men force their way into music video shoot, rape 8 young women

KL Rahul-led India fought hard but lost the second and penultimate Test versus South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Thursday (January 06). As Day 4 resumed with India needing 8 more wickets whereas Dean Elgar-led Proteas were 122 runs away from their 240-run target, Rahul &amp; Co. managed to take only one more wicket as Elgar's 96 not out propelled the home side to a seven-wicket win.

With this, the series is now levelled at 1-1 with one more Test to go. While India returned with a lot of positives, such as competing hard sans regular captain Virat Kohli, the all-round performance of Shardul Thakur and middle-order getting some runs courtesy Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane, the former Indian keeper-batsman and ex-selector Saba Karim feels head coach Rahul Dravid has lots to do to inspire the national team to their maiden Test series win on African soil.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-i-want-to-be-harsh-kl-rahul-points-out-where-india-lost-the-plot-after-jburg-test-defeat-vs-sa-442909">'If I want to be harsh....' - KL Rahul points out where India lost the plot after J'burg Test defeat vs SA</a>

Talking on Youtube channel&nbsp;Khelneeti,&nbsp;Karim said, "The biggest challenge for Rahul Dravid will be to eradicate this graph of ups and downs. The main reason for this inconsistency is that, the one Test match that we play, we play with all our energy and intensity but for the next match we lack that very energy and unity."

He added, "If we analyze carefully, we can see that all our players together are a superpower for a particular Test match. But to win a series you much show the same intensity and Test match throughout. We show the intentisy for the entire 15 sessions but the force and preparation we need across the 15 sessions of the next match goes missing and that's the reason behind this graph."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-cship-points-table-after-dean-elgar-led-south-africa-beat-india-in-jburg-442895">Updated ICC World Test C'ship points table after Dean Elgar-led South Africa beat India in J'burg</a>

Opting to bat first in J'burg, the Kohli-less Indian team managed 202 in the first innings. In reply, SA were bundled out for 229; managing a vital 27-run lead. In their second essay, India made 266 and setup a competitive 240-run target for the hosts before Elgar's heroics took the Proteas past the finish line on a rain-marred Day 4.

KL Rahul-led India fought hard but lost the second and penultimate Test versus South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Thursday (January 06). As Day 4 resumed with India needing 8 more wickets whereas Dean Elgar-led Proteas were 122 runs away from their 240-run target, Rahul & Co.

KL Rahul-led India fought hard but lost the second and penultimate Test versus South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Thursday (January 06). As Day 4 resumed with India needing 8 more wickets whereas Dean Elgar-led Proteas were 122 runs away from their 240-run target, Rahul & Co. managed to take only one more wicket as Elgar's 96 not out propelled the home side to a seven-wicket win. With this, the series is now levelled at 1-1 with one more Test to go. While India returned with a lot of positives, such as competing hard sans regular captain Virat Kohli, the all-round performance of Shardul Thakur and middle-order getting some runs courtesy Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane, the former Indian keeper-batsman and ex-selector Saba Karim feels head coach Rahul Dravid has lots to do to inspire the national team to their maiden Test series win on African soil. ALSO READ | 'If I want to be harsh....' - KL Rahul points out where India lost the plot after J'burg Test defeat vs SA Talking on Youtube channel Khelneeti, Karim said, "The biggest challenge for Rahul Dravid will be to eradicate this graph of ups and downs. The main reason for this inconsistency is that, the one Test match that we play, we play with all our energy and intensity but for the next match we lack that very energy and unity." He added, "If we analyze carefully, we can see that all our players together are a superpower for a particular Test match. But to win a series you much show the same intensity and Test match throughout. We show the intentisy for the entire 15 sessions but the force and preparation we need across the 15 sessions of the next match goes missing and that's the reason behind this graph." ALSO READ | Updated ICC World Test C'ship points table after Dean Elgar-led South Africa beat India in J'burg Opting to bat first in J'burg, the Kohli-less Indian team managed 202 in the first innings. In reply, SA were bundled out for 229; managing a vital 27-run lead. In their second essay, India made 266 and setup a competitive 240-run target for the hosts before Elgar's heroics took the Proteas past the finish line on a rain-marred Day 4.

'Biggest challenge for Rahul Dravid will be....' - Ex-selector reacts to India's J'burg Test defeat vs SA

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa was a pulsating affair with as many as 11 wickets falling during the course of the match. Shardul Thakur's seven-wicket haul dismissed SA for 229 in response to India's first innings score of 202.&nbsp;

While the day ended with India 85-2, leading by 58 runs, they lost their stand-in skipper KL Rahul for cheap (8).The Indian captain was caught in the second slip, however, the 29-year-old didn't walk back instantly and rather let the umpires take the final call. Before he started walking back being disappointed with the final decision made, Rahul seemed to have heard something about him in the Proteas dugout which didn't please him. The Indian batter said something in response as his South African counterpart Dean Elgar also exchanged some words with Rahul.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-joins-ms-dhoni-in-elite-list-with-elusive-feat-in-johannesburg-test-against-south-africa-442265">Rishabh Pant joins MS Dhoni in elite list with elusive feat in Johannesburg Test against South Africa</a>

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Rahul and Elgar have an exchange. Not a pleasant one by the looks of it <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/whSm16T8gv">pic.twitter.com/whSm16T8gv</a>
— Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenaamBaadshah4/status/1478383367615885317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-bangladesh-upset-nz-by-8-wickets-to-go-1-0-up-442363">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Bangladesh upset NZ by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up</a>

Earlier in the day's play, SA's middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen had walked back to the pavillion when the ball seemed to have touched the ground before the edge from his bat was&nbsp;plucked by keeper Pant during Proteas' first essay. Hence, the talks in the SA dugout could've been about the contrasting responses from Rassie and Rahul with regard to their dismissals.

Day 3 of the second Test has started with a bang, with India losing both their overnight batters Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58). The visitors will look to setup a target beyond 230 for the home side at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 courtesy their 113-run win in the series opener in Centurion.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa was a pulsating affair with as many as 11 wickets falling during the course of the match.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa was a pulsating affair with as many as 11 wickets falling during the course of the match. Shardul Thakur's seven-wicket haul dismissed SA for 229 in response to India's first innings score of 202. While the day ended with India 85-2, leading by 58 runs, they lost their stand-in skipper KL Rahul for cheap (8).The Indian captain was caught in the second slip, however, the 29-year-old didn't walk back instantly and rather let the umpires take the final call. Before he started walking back being disappointed with the final decision made, Rahul seemed to have heard something about him in the Proteas dugout which didn't please him. The Indian batter said something in response as his South African counterpart Dean Elgar also exchanged some words with Rahul. ALSO READ | Rishabh Pant joins MS Dhoni in elite list with elusive feat in Johannesburg Test against South Africa Rahul and Elgar have an exchange. Not a pleasant one by the looks of it #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/whSm16T8gv — Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) January 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Bangladesh upset NZ by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up Earlier in the day's play, SA's middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen had walked back to the pavillion when the ball seemed to have touched the ground before the edge from his bat was plucked by keeper Pant during Proteas' first essay. Hence, the talks in the SA dugout could've been about the contrasting responses from Rassie and Rahul with regard to their dismissals. Day 3 of the second Test has started with a bang, with India losing both their overnight batters Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58). The visitors will look to setup a target beyond 230 for the home side at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 courtesy their 113-run win in the series opener in Centurion.

KL Rahul, Dean Elgar involved in war of words after Indian captain's dismissal on Day 2 of J'burg Test

KL Rahul-led Team India had a herculean task to stop the Dean Elgar-led South Africa from taking a whopping lead on the second day's play, after the visitors fell for 202 on Day 1 of the Johannesburg Test on Monday (January 3). Before the start of the day's play on Tuesday (January 4), the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah replicated R Ashwin's bowling action.

Just when the visitors were warming up before taking the field for the second day's play, the 28-year-old speedster -- who had earlier impersonated Ravindra Jadeja's bowling action in the nets during 2021 T20 World Cup -- copied Ashwin's bowling action perfectly. The 35-year-old Ashwin, on the other hand, took note of Bumrah's antics and chuckled seeing his action being imitated to perfection.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-when-dhoni-drove-the-team-bus-after-succeeding-kumble-to-become-indias-all-format-captain-442195">THROWBACK: When Dhoni drove the team bus after succeeding Kumble to become India's all-format captain</a>

Here's the video of Bumrah's replication and Ashwin's unmissable reaction:

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Make Bumrah bowl off-spin and SA won't realise that it's not Ashwin they're facing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/NnYY8jP9oU">pic.twitter.com/NnYY8jP9oU</a>
— Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenaamBaadshah4/status/1478282615283015682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Even Ashwin wouldn't help but chuckle. Hahah, too good <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/fB6bRRMFOk">pic.twitter.com/fB6bRRMFOk</a>
— Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenaamBaadshah4/status/1478282755007926273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/out-or-not-out-rassie-van-der-dussens-dismissal-in-2nd-test-against-india-sparks-controversy-watch-442197">Out or not out? Rassie van der Dussen's dismissal in 2nd Test against India sparks controversy - WATCH</a>

Talking about the state of the match, India went to the tea break with SA reeling at 191-7, being 11 runs behind India's tally (202), on Day 2 of the penultimate encounter at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Shardul Thakur's maiden five-fer removed the Proteas' top and middle-order as the contest remains in the balance.&nbsp;

For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after the 113-run win in the Centurion tie.

KL Rahul-led Team India had a herculean task to stop the Dean Elgar-led South Africa from taking a whopping lead on the second day's play, after the visitors fell for 202 on Day 1 of the Johannesburg Test on Monday (January 3).

KL Rahul-led Team India had a herculean task to stop the Dean Elgar-led South Africa from taking a whopping lead on the second day's play, after the visitors fell for 202 on Day 1 of the Johannesburg Test on Monday (January 3). Before the start of the day's play on Tuesday (January 4), the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah replicated R Ashwin's bowling action. Just when the visitors were warming up before taking the field for the second day's play, the 28-year-old speedster -- who had earlier impersonated Ravindra Jadeja's bowling action in the nets during 2021 T20 World Cup -- copied Ashwin's bowling action perfectly. The 35-year-old Ashwin, on the other hand, took note of Bumrah's antics and chuckled seeing his action being imitated to perfection. ALSO READ | THROWBACK: When Dhoni drove the team bus after succeeding Kumble to become India's all-format captain Here's the video of Bumrah's replication and Ashwin's unmissable reaction: Make Bumrah bowl off-spin and SA won't realise that it's not Ashwin they're facing #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/NnYY8jP9oU — Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) January 4, 2022 × Even Ashwin wouldn't help but chuckle. Hahah, too good #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/fB6bRRMFOk — Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) January 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Out or not out? Rassie van der Dussen's dismissal in 2nd Test against India sparks controversy - WATCH Talking about the state of the match, India went to the tea break with SA reeling at 191-7, being 11 runs behind India's tally (202), on Day 2 of the penultimate encounter at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Shardul Thakur's maiden five-fer removed the Proteas' top and middle-order as the contest remains in the balance. For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after the 113-run win in the Centurion tie.

Ind vs SA: R Ashwin watches on as Jasprit Bumrah copies off-spinner's action during J'burg Test - WATCH

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the start of the second Test versus South Africa on Monday (January 3). Regular captain Virat Kohli got ruled out of the second and penultimate tie due to upper back spasm, with KL Rahul captaining the national side in the ongoing Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

At the coin toss, stand-in captain Rahul told the broadcasters, "Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him and hopefully he'll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Really honoured and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we'll look to continue that.&nbsp;Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match."

In Kohli's absence, India will be eager to win the second Test -- after the impressive 113-run victory in the Centurion tie -- and claim their first-ever series triumph on South African soil. India's playing XI for the J'burg Test is as follows:

KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-big-blow-to-india-as-virat-kohli-out-of-playing-xi-kl-rahul-takes-charge-441906">Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge</a>

Here's how Twitterati reacted to Kohli's absence from the second Test:

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If Virat isn't playing in this test then nobody's gonna watch it. Test match without Virat is soulless. <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Virat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a>
— Bobby Tanwar (@bobby_tanwar) <a href="https://twitter.com/bobby_tanwar/status/1477911616033148928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Why kohli not there 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a>
— ᴍ ᴀ ɴ ɪ ᴄ ᴋ ᴬᴷ (@Manick_twts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Manick_twts/status/1477921300337201153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Back spasm rules out Captain Kohli from the 2nd Test. Drop a ❤️ to wish King a speedy recovery! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 
 
Hope to see you on the field for the 3rd Test Skip! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/OzKfUZXex6">pic.twitter.com/OzKfUZXex6</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1477909720618835970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Injured in just 17 hrs ? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvsInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvsInd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/JeK0bjPwOM">https://t.co/JeK0bjPwOM</a>
— Shalav Kela (@shalavkela) <a href="https://twitter.com/shalavkela/status/1477906982178897920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-head-coach-rahul-dravid-reveals-when-virat-kohli-will-come-before-media-441849">India's head coach Rahul Dravid reveals when Virat Kohli will come before media</a>

For the unversed, the 33-year-old Kohli was set to appear in his 99th Test in the second match of the three-match series. He was set to play his 100th Test in the series decider, however, he will now have to wait for the India-Sri Lanka home series to achieve the landmark of 100 Tests.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Rahul became India's 34th Test captain when he took the field during the coin toss on Tuesday. He will also lead India in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, starting on January 19 at Paarl.

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the start of the second Test versus South Africa on Monday (January 3). Regular captain Virat Kohli got ruled out of the second and penultimate tie due to upper back spasm, with KL Rahul captaining the national side in the ongoing Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the start of the second Test versus South Africa on Monday (January 3). Regular captain Virat Kohli got ruled out of the second and penultimate tie due to upper back spasm, with KL Rahul captaining the national side in the ongoing Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. At the coin toss, stand-in captain Rahul told the broadcasters, "Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him and hopefully he'll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Really honoured and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we'll look to continue that. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match." In Kohli's absence, India will be eager to win the second Test -- after the impressive 113-run victory in the Centurion tie -- and claim their first-ever series triumph on South African soil. India's playing XI for the J'burg Test is as follows: KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge Here's how Twitterati reacted to Kohli's absence from the second Test: If Virat isn't playing in this test then nobody's gonna watch it. Test match without Virat is soulless. @BCCI #Virat #INDvsSA — Bobby Tanwar (@bobby_tanwar) January 3, 2022 × Why kohli not there 👀#INDvsSA — ᴍ ᴀ ɴ ɪ ᴄ ᴋ ᴬᴷ (@Manick_twts) January 3, 2022 × Back spasm rules out Captain Kohli from the 2nd Test. Drop a ❤️ to wish King a speedy recovery! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Hope to see you on the field for the 3rd Test Skip! #PlayBold #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/OzKfUZXex6 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 3, 2022 × Injured in just 17 hrs ? 🤔#ViratKohli #SAvsInd #INDvsSA https://t.co/JeK0bjPwOM — Shalav Kela (@shalavkela) January 3, 2022 × ALSO READ | India's head coach Rahul Dravid reveals when Virat Kohli will come before media For the unversed, the 33-year-old Kohli was set to appear in his 99th Test in the second match of the three-match series. He was set to play his 100th Test in the series decider, however, he will now have to wait for the India-Sri Lanka home series to achieve the landmark of 100 Tests. On the other hand, Rahul became India's 34th Test captain when he took the field during the coin toss on Tuesday. He will also lead India in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, starting on January 19 at Paarl.

'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg

In a requiem Mass that interwove several southern African languages, in the style of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s own preaching, parishioners at his former church in Johannesburg bade farewell this week to the activist priest who took on apartheid with a message of peace and forgiveness.

The service, at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, was part of a week of mourning across South Africa that has again brought to the fore questions about the state of reconciliation and its democratic process as the country looks back on its segregated past and the role the archbishop played in trying to unify the country.

Flags across the country are flying at half-staff to commemorate a national hero, but his memorials have been simple affairs — led by religious leaders, with few speeches from national politicians and with modest floral bouquets and few portraits. The archbishop’s coffin is unvarnished and fitted with rope handles, in line with his final wishes.

Tutu, who died Sunday at 90, was one of the leading voices against apartheid, helping to bring about the end of the brutal segregationist system in South Africa. After the collapse of apartheid, the archbishop took on a new role, shepherding the country’s difficult transition as head of its Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

In retirement, his calls for social justice expanded to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, LGBTQ rights and climate change, again challenging church and state even as he grew more frail.

His official funeral will be Saturday at the St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, where he became the first Black archbishop in 1986 and effectively the spiritual leader of southern Africa’s Anglican churches. Before that, he had brought the church to the forefront of the fight for nonviolent democratic change in South Africa, earning him international support and a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

In his final years, however, those close to him saw a man increasingly disillusioned with the condition of the democracy he helped usher in.

The Rev. Frank Chikane, in his sermon at Tutu’s requiem Thursday, said as much in recalling his last encounter with the archbishop.

“He did not think that this was what we struggled for,” Chikane said from the pulpit. “I would like to say rest in peace, Archbishop. We will not rest until we have achieved the ideal society you were championing.”

Deep inequality remains entrenched in South Africa, still etched along racial lines. Three decades after the country’s first racially inclusive election, in 1994, the government is still struggling to fulfill its promise of dignified education, housing and health care for a Black majority that was denied those basic rights under apartheid.

The governing party, the African National Congress, once led by Tutu’s close friend and ally, Nelson Mandela, has been hobbled by infighting and bitter accusations of corruption and cronyism. For years, some of those accusations came from the archbishop himself, and resentment grew between him and some party leaders.

For a new generation of South Africans, the heady days of new democracy in the 1990s are long gone, and some have become cynical about the vision the archbishop preached of a “rainbow nation,” embittered by the widening gap between rich and poor, Black and white South Africans.

This reckoning with the past is much larger than the individuals and speaks to South Africa’s “unfinished business,” said Busisiwe Dlamini, a scholar and activist for racial equity. She said she worried not so much about differences over the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s legacy, but more by the thought that young South Africans might be sliding into indifference.

“Let’s take this moment to mourn, to celebrate, and then to say what’s coming up in these different voices that seem polarized but are telling us that there’s work to be done,” Dlamini said. “The process of the TRC was bigger than the bishop himself.”

Although his message was one of nonviolence, Tutu never appeared to shrink from a fight with the government or even his own church.

Around South Africa and the globe, some have recounted the time when Tutu donned a T-shirt with the words “HIV-positive” and lent his name to an HIV research center in the early 2000s. He went on to fight the stigma associated with the disease, when South Africa’s public health policy was characterized by indecision and misinformation, and thousands died. Others recalled how he fought to have women ordained in the South African clergy and challenged the international church on its stance on LGTBQ rights.

“He was a few steps ahead of society, not just the church,” said Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, secretary-general of the South African Council of Churches, a position that Tutu once held.

While many South Africans have commemorated the archbishop’s decades of work, some critics have questioned the years he spent as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. They argue that the dialogue and reckoning the commission sought was not enough to truly heal South Africa’s deep wounds.

While leading the commission, Tutu welcomed the critique that the freedom fighters’ bloody campaign against apartheid could not be equated with the calculated brutality of the security forces that enforced the system. In a 1995 television interview, he said he saw it as evidence of the complexity of South Africa’s reconciliation project.

As a young lawyer who was imprisoned by the apartheid police and who defended the activists accused of treason, Dumisa Ntsebeza, too, was skeptical of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, even as he was appointed head of its investigations.

From the outset, in an act passed by a government led by Mandela in 1995, the commission was designed to scrutinize atrocities committed by both sides between 1960 and 1994, when South Africa’s landscape resembled a “low-intensity war,” Ntsebeza said. The idea, he added, was to promote reconciliation, “not implement it.” With its time and resources limited by an act of Parliament, it was clear that the commission would not be able to fully address South Africa’s racist past, he said.

“I think the politicians wanted to appear to be doing something about our past,” Ntsebeza said. “It was designed to raise further questions, to let people see enough of what the act defined as gross violations of human rights.”

In later years, Tutu became a critic of the process he once led. He chastised the African National Congress-led government for failing to prosecute those who were denied amnesty during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and for failing to introduce the kinds of reforms that would have addressed economic inequality, one of the most enduring legacies of apartheid.

He called for reparations for the victims of apartheid and reiterated the commission’s earlier calls for a one-off wealth tax to begin addressing South Africa’s inequality.

“The commission was a beginning,” Tutu wrote in 2014, “not an end.”

In a requiem Mass that interwove several southern African languages, in the style of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s own preaching, parishioners at his former church in Johannesburg bade farewell this week to the activist priest who took on apartheid with a message of peace and forgiveness.

In a requiem Mass that interwove several southern African languages, in the style of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s own preaching, parishioners at his former church in Johannesburg bade farewell this week to the activist priest who took on apartheid with a message of peace and forgiveness. The service, at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, was part of a week of mourning across South Africa that has again brought to the fore questions about the state of reconciliation and its democratic process as the country looks back on its segregated past and the role the archbishop played in trying to unify the country. Flags across the country are flying at half-staff to commemorate a national hero, but his memorials have been simple affairs — led by religious leaders, with few speeches from national politicians and with modest floral bouquets and few portraits. The archbishop’s coffin is unvarnished and fitted with rope handles, in line with his final wishes. Tutu, who died Sunday at 90, was one of the leading voices against apartheid, helping to bring about the end of the brutal segregationist system in South Africa. After the collapse of apartheid, the archbishop took on a new role, shepherding the country’s difficult transition as head of its Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In retirement, his calls for social justice expanded to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, LGBTQ rights and climate change, again challenging church and state even as he grew more frail. His official funeral will be Saturday at the St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, where he became the first Black archbishop in 1986 and effectively the spiritual leader of southern Africa’s Anglican churches. Before that, he had brought the church to the forefront of the fight for nonviolent democratic change in South Africa, earning him international support and a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. In his final years, however, those close to him saw a man increasingly disillusioned with the condition of the democracy he helped usher in. The Rev. Frank Chikane, in his sermon at Tutu’s requiem Thursday, said as much in recalling his last encounter with the archbishop. “He did not think that this was what we struggled for,” Chikane said from the pulpit. “I would like to say rest in peace, Archbishop. We will not rest until we have achieved the ideal society you were championing.” Deep inequality remains entrenched in South Africa, still etched along racial lines. Three decades after the country’s first racially inclusive election, in 1994, the government is still struggling to fulfill its promise of dignified education, housing and health care for a Black majority that was denied those basic rights under apartheid. The governing party, the African National Congress, once led by Tutu’s close friend and ally, Nelson Mandela, has been hobbled by infighting and bitter accusations of corruption and cronyism. For years, some of those accusations came from the archbishop himself, and resentment grew between him and some party leaders. For a new generation of South Africans, the heady days of new democracy in the 1990s are long gone, and some have become cynical about the vision the archbishop preached of a “rainbow nation,” embittered by the widening gap between rich and poor, Black and white South Africans. This reckoning with the past is much larger than the individuals and speaks to South Africa’s “unfinished business,” said Busisiwe Dlamini, a scholar and activist for racial equity. She said she worried not so much about differences over the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s legacy, but more by the thought that young South Africans might be sliding into indifference. “Let’s take this moment to mourn, to celebrate, and then to say what’s coming up in these different voices that seem polarized but are telling us that there’s work to be done,” Dlamini said. “The process of the TRC was bigger than the bishop himself.” Although his message was one of nonviolence, Tutu never appeared to shrink from a fight with the government or even his own church. Around South Africa and the globe, some have recounted the time when Tutu donned a T-shirt with the words “HIV-positive” and lent his name to an HIV research center in the early 2000s. He went on to fight the stigma associated with the disease, when South Africa’s public health policy was characterized by indecision and misinformation, and thousands died. Others recalled how he fought to have women ordained in the South African clergy and challenged the international church on its stance on LGTBQ rights. “He was a few steps ahead of society, not just the church,” said Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, secretary-general of the South African Council of Churches, a position that Tutu once held. While many South Africans have commemorated the archbishop’s decades of work, some critics have questioned the years he spent as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. They argue that the dialogue and reckoning the commission sought was not enough to truly heal South Africa’s deep wounds. While leading the commission, Tutu welcomed the critique that the freedom fighters’ bloody campaign against apartheid could not be equated with the calculated brutality of the security forces that enforced the system. In a 1995 television interview, he said he saw it as evidence of the complexity of South Africa’s reconciliation project. As a young lawyer who was imprisoned by the apartheid police and who defended the activists accused of treason, Dumisa Ntsebeza, too, was skeptical of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, even as he was appointed head of its investigations. From the outset, in an act passed by a government led by Mandela in 1995, the commission was designed to scrutinize atrocities committed by both sides between 1960 and 1994, when South Africa’s landscape resembled a “low-intensity war,” Ntsebeza said. The idea, he added, was to promote reconciliation, “not implement it.” With its time and resources limited by an act of Parliament, it was clear that the commission would not be able to fully address South Africa’s racist past, he said. “I think the politicians wanted to appear to be doing something about our past,” Ntsebeza said. “It was designed to raise further questions, to let people see enough of what the act defined as gross violations of human rights.” In later years, Tutu became a critic of the process he once led. He chastised the African National Congress-led government for failing to prosecute those who were denied amnesty during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and for failing to introduce the kinds of reforms that would have addressed economic inequality, one of the most enduring legacies of apartheid. He called for reparations for the victims of apartheid and reiterated the commission’s earlier calls for a one-off wealth tax to begin addressing South Africa’s inequality. “The commission was a beginning,” Tutu wrote in 2014, “not an end.”

In remembering Tutu, South Africa reckons with lasting challenges

A group of volunteers in Johannesburg are using an innovative way to store tonnes of non-recyclable plastic. They are using ecobricks to construct school. WION tells you more.

Locals in Johannesburg gets an ecobrick school made from non-recyclable plastic

The motorcade of black luxury vehicles carrying South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rumbled through the narrow township streets, swerved around potholes filled with stale water from backed-up drainage ditches and stopped near the concrete shell of an unfinished government-supplied house.

Ramaphosa had come to Tembisa, a township about 30 minutes northeast of Johannesburg, before local elections to sell residents on all that his party, the African National Congress, had supposedly done to improve their lives.

“I see development everywhere,” Ramaphosa said from atop a mobile campaign stage, eliciting incredulous jeers from hundreds of otherwise supportive residents.

Ramaphosa, a 68-year-old wealthy former business investor, ascended to the nation’s highest political office three years ago on a reputation as an exceptional negotiator and consensus builder. He was anointed by Nelson Mandela to help broker the end of apartheid. Two decades later, Ramaphosa outmaneuvered his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, to win control of the governing African National Congress — and the country.

When South Africans go to the polls Monday to elect local government officials, Ramaphosa’s name will not be on the ballot. But as the country’s most popular politician, he faces perhaps his most difficult task yet: persuading citizens to give the African National Congress, known as the ANC, another chance.

This once heroic liberation party has been tarnished by a trail of corruption, inept governance and internal bickering that has left much of the country in social and economic turmoil.

When Ramaphosa took over the presidency, he was seen as a traditional and measured — if boring — personality, and a much-needed stabilizing force following the tumultuous, scandal-tarred tenure of his populist predecessor.

Yet the public’s early excitement about his presidency — Ramaphoria, they called it — has given way to stiff headwinds.

His vow to rejuvenate a beleaguered economy and labor market has been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. His greatest strength — that he allows democratic processes to play out and draws on a wide range of views before taking action — has also been criticized as an unwillingness to make tough choices.

His rival, Zuma, has continued to be a thorn in his side, with a loyal following that, in July, helped to incite some of the worst rioting in South Africa since the end of apartheid, authorities said. The unrest resulted in more than 300 casualties and hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Many criticized Ramaphosa’s response as slow, and the police and military as ineffectual.

Now the elections present yet another test, one his political opponents may well exploit if the ANC underperforms.

“This will become ammunition for them to argue that he’s not the right person to lead the ANC,” said Chris Matlhako, second deputy general secretary of the South African Communist Party, an alliance partner of the ANC.

Born and raised in Soweto, Ramaphosa parlayed student activism into an early career as a trade union leader, battling some of the nation’s biggest mining companies.

He beat Zuma to become the ANC’s secretary-general in 1991, but he later lost a bid to become Mandela’s deputy president. He left politics and earned a fortune investing in businesses through Black economic empowerment efforts meant to redress the inequality apartheid created.

He returned to the political fold in 2014 to serve as Zuma’s deputy president during a period of notorious corruption. Ramaphosa has insisted that he never knew the full extent of the corruption and that he worked from the inside to try to effect change.

After defeating a Zuma ally to become the ANC president in 2017, he was part of an effort the following year that pressured Zuma to resign as president before his term was up.

Through his spokesman, Ramaphosa declined interview requests.

Ramaphosa has risen above critics within the party “and embraced the whole people,” said Sihle Zikalala, the premier and top ANC official in KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province. “He didn’t use his position to purge others. And he has been that kind of person who does not isolate people because they oppose him.”

In responding to the pandemic, Ramaphosa has regularly convened his ministers for hourslong sessions that include exhaustive presentations from ministry officials, said Lindiwe Zulu, minister of social development.

“Sometimes I think he consults too much,” Zulu said. “There are times when I feel like, ‘You know what, just make that decision.’”

Ultimately, though, Zulu said she saw the wisdom of the president’s process. He is forceful when he needs to be. He garnered praise across Africa for scolding rich countries for hoarding COVID vaccines, and eventually brokering agreements to increase vaccine production and supply on the continent.

Zulu recalled the president being unhappy that South Africans had to wait in long lines, risking exposure, for their monthly 350 rand ($24) COVID relief grants. He ordered her to find a more efficient way to distribute them using technology — although residents have complained that the new system has glitches.

“He’s always also very able to just tell you straight: ‘Not happy with what has happened there. I think you can do better,’” Zulu said.

For many South Africans, Ramaphosa has lacked that assertiveness at some critical moments.

When his health minister, Zweli Mkhize, a prominent ANC official, was implicated this year in a corruption scandal involving a COVID communications contract, Ramaphosa never condemned him. In fact, when Mkhize resigned after a damning report by a special investigator, Ramaphosa thanked him, saying “he has served the nation well.”

Ramaphosa told reporters that he wanted to respect Mkhize’s right to due process.

“It would have been helpful to sort of say, ‘I fired Minister Zweli Mkhize,’” said Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance.

According to an Afrobarometer survey, 64% of the public believes corruption has increased over the past year, despite Ramaphosa’s pledge to clean up after Zuma. The former president is being criminally prosecuted on corruption charges, and his tenure was so stained by financial scandals that it led to the creation of an investigative commission, which has been running for three years.

When in July, looting and vandalism engulfed KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, many saw it as a result of Ramaphosa’s failure to resolve the ANC’s internal war and bring unemployment under control. The unrest started with Zuma loyalists protesting his imprisonment for contempt, but escalated into mass chaos through a coordinated effort by forces within the ANC trying to sabotage the leadership, party officials said.

Ramaphosa quickly reached out to political, civic and religious leaders, encouraging them to broker peace, allies said. He worried that an aggressive deployment of security forces could lead to more bloodshed, reminiscent of apartheid-era crackdowns.

He knows full well what it is like to be criticized for state violence. He was on the board of a company that owned a mine when police killed 34 striking miners in 2012. He had urged the authorities to intervene against the strikers and is now a defendant in a lawsuit filed by families of the victims.

After the recent unrest, Ramaphosa waited four days to address the nation, speaking in his typical dry, dispassionate monotone. He mobilized the military on the fifth day.

Ramaphosa would later reshuffle his Cabinet. But even so, he shifted some ministers seen as ineffective to other positions rather than firing them in order appease internal ANC factions, analysts said.

That has not stopped Zuma loyalists from trying to use the unrest to chip away at Ramaphosa’s credibility.

Tony Yengeni, a top official in the ANC and a Zuma supporter, said the unrest exposed the absence of a leader like Mandela, who “would have gone to where the fires were burning and engaged with the rank and file people who were angry.”

Despite the criticism, Ramaphosa enjoys high favorability ratings.

Two recent surveys found that he was more popular than the party he leads.

“The ANC brand has suffered in the last decade," Fikile Mbalula, the party’s head of elections and the country’s Transportation minister, said in a written response to questions.

So, the task of turning the tide has fallen to Ramaphosa, who seamlessly transitions between different local languages on the campaign trail. He dances a small shuffle as crowds greet him singing: “On your marks! Get set! We are ready for Ramaphosa!”

He has been brutally honest about the ANC’s failure to select competent local candidates. But he also tries to strike a bargain with voters.

On Thursday, while visiting a municipality outside of Johannesburg that is suffering regular power outages, Ramaphosa pushed back against a message some residents displayed on signs: “No electricity, no vote.” Power failures happen everywhere, he said, even in California.

South Africans shouldn’t forget who had brought them electricity in the first place, he said.

“So if you don’t want the ANC, who will you put in power who can give you electricity?” Ramaphosa asked. “There’s no one.”

The motorcade of black luxury vehicles carrying South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rumbled through the narrow township streets, swerved around potholes filled with stale water from backed-up drainage ditches and stopped near the concrete shell of an unfinished government-supplied house.

The motorcade of black luxury vehicles carrying South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rumbled through the narrow township streets, swerved around potholes filled with stale water from backed-up drainage ditches and stopped near the concrete shell of an unfinished government-supplied house. Ramaphosa had come to Tembisa, a township about 30 minutes northeast of Johannesburg, before local elections to sell residents on all that his party, the African National Congress, had supposedly done to improve their lives. “I see development everywhere,” Ramaphosa said from atop a mobile campaign stage, eliciting incredulous jeers from hundreds of otherwise supportive residents. Ramaphosa, a 68-year-old wealthy former business investor, ascended to the nation’s highest political office three years ago on a reputation as an exceptional negotiator and consensus builder. He was anointed by Nelson Mandela to help broker the end of apartheid. Two decades later, Ramaphosa outmaneuvered his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, to win control of the governing African National Congress — and the country. When South Africans go to the polls Monday to elect local government officials, Ramaphosa’s name will not be on the ballot. But as the country’s most popular politician, he faces perhaps his most difficult task yet: persuading citizens to give the African National Congress, known as the ANC, another chance. This once heroic liberation party has been tarnished by a trail of corruption, inept governance and internal bickering that has left much of the country in social and economic turmoil. When Ramaphosa took over the presidency, he was seen as a traditional and measured — if boring — personality, and a much-needed stabilizing force following the tumultuous, scandal-tarred tenure of his populist predecessor. Yet the public’s early excitement about his presidency — Ramaphoria, they called it — has given way to stiff headwinds. His vow to rejuvenate a beleaguered economy and labor market has been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. His greatest strength — that he allows democratic processes to play out and draws on a wide range of views before taking action — has also been criticized as an unwillingness to make tough choices. His rival, Zuma, has continued to be a thorn in his side, with a loyal following that, in July, helped to incite some of the worst rioting in South Africa since the end of apartheid, authorities said. The unrest resulted in more than 300 casualties and hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Many criticized Ramaphosa’s response as slow, and the police and military as ineffectual. Now the elections present yet another test, one his political opponents may well exploit if the ANC underperforms. “This will become ammunition for them to argue that he’s not the right person to lead the ANC,” said Chris Matlhako, second deputy general secretary of the South African Communist Party, an alliance partner of the ANC. Born and raised in Soweto, Ramaphosa parlayed student activism into an early career as a trade union leader, battling some of the nation’s biggest mining companies. He beat Zuma to become the ANC’s secretary-general in 1991, but he later lost a bid to become Mandela’s deputy president. He left politics and earned a fortune investing in businesses through Black economic empowerment efforts meant to redress the inequality apartheid created. He returned to the political fold in 2014 to serve as Zuma’s deputy president during a period of notorious corruption. Ramaphosa has insisted that he never knew the full extent of the corruption and that he worked from the inside to try to effect change. After defeating a Zuma ally to become the ANC president in 2017, he was part of an effort the following year that pressured Zuma to resign as president before his term was up. Through his spokesman, Ramaphosa declined interview requests. Ramaphosa has risen above critics within the party “and embraced the whole people,” said Sihle Zikalala, the premier and top ANC official in KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province. “He didn’t use his position to purge others. And he has been that kind of person who does not isolate people because they oppose him.” In responding to the pandemic, Ramaphosa has regularly convened his ministers for hourslong sessions that include exhaustive presentations from ministry officials, said Lindiwe Zulu, minister of social development. “Sometimes I think he consults too much,” Zulu said. “There are times when I feel like, ‘You know what, just make that decision.’” Ultimately, though, Zulu said she saw the wisdom of the president’s process. He is forceful when he needs to be. He garnered praise across Africa for scolding rich countries for hoarding COVID vaccines, and eventually brokering agreements to increase vaccine production and supply on the continent. Zulu recalled the president being unhappy that South Africans had to wait in long lines, risking exposure, for their monthly 350 rand ($24) COVID relief grants. He ordered her to find a more efficient way to distribute them using technology — although residents have complained that the new system has glitches. “He’s always also very able to just tell you straight: ‘Not happy with what has happened there. I think you can do better,’” Zulu said. For many South Africans, Ramaphosa has lacked that assertiveness at some critical moments. When his health minister, Zweli Mkhize, a prominent ANC official, was implicated this year in a corruption scandal involving a COVID communications contract, Ramaphosa never condemned him. In fact, when Mkhize resigned after a damning report by a special investigator, Ramaphosa thanked him, saying “he has served the nation well.” Ramaphosa told reporters that he wanted to respect Mkhize’s right to due process. “It would have been helpful to sort of say, ‘I fired Minister Zweli Mkhize,’” said Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance. According to an Afrobarometer survey, 64% of the public believes corruption has increased over the past year, despite Ramaphosa’s pledge to clean up after Zuma. The former president is being criminally prosecuted on corruption charges, and his tenure was so stained by financial scandals that it led to the creation of an investigative commission, which has been running for three years. When in July, looting and vandalism engulfed KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, many saw it as a result of Ramaphosa’s failure to resolve the ANC’s internal war and bring unemployment under control. The unrest started with Zuma loyalists protesting his imprisonment for contempt, but escalated into mass chaos through a coordinated effort by forces within the ANC trying to sabotage the leadership, party officials said. Ramaphosa quickly reached out to political, civic and religious leaders, encouraging them to broker peace, allies said. He worried that an aggressive deployment of security forces could lead to more bloodshed, reminiscent of apartheid-era crackdowns. He knows full well what it is like to be criticized for state violence. He was on the board of a company that owned a mine when police killed 34 striking miners in 2012. He had urged the authorities to intervene against the strikers and is now a defendant in a lawsuit filed by families of the victims. After the recent unrest, Ramaphosa waited four days to address the nation, speaking in his typical dry, dispassionate monotone. He mobilized the military on the fifth day. Ramaphosa would later reshuffle his Cabinet. But even so, he shifted some ministers seen as ineffective to other positions rather than firing them in order appease internal ANC factions, analysts said. That has not stopped Zuma loyalists from trying to use the unrest to chip away at Ramaphosa’s credibility. Tony Yengeni, a top official in the ANC and a Zuma supporter, said the unrest exposed the absence of a leader like Mandela, who “would have gone to where the fires were burning and engaged with the rank and file people who were angry.” Despite the criticism, Ramaphosa enjoys high favorability ratings. Two recent surveys found that he was more popular than the party he leads. “The ANC brand has suffered in the last decade," Fikile Mbalula, the party’s head of elections and the country’s Transportation minister, said in a written response to questions. So, the task of turning the tide has fallen to Ramaphosa, who seamlessly transitions between different local languages on the campaign trail. He dances a small shuffle as crowds greet him singing: “On your marks! Get set! We are ready for Ramaphosa!” He has been brutally honest about the ANC’s failure to select competent local candidates. But he also tries to strike a bargain with voters. On Thursday, while visiting a municipality outside of Johannesburg that is suffering regular power outages, Ramaphosa pushed back against a message some residents displayed on signs: “No electricity, no vote.” Power failures happen everywhere, he said, even in California. South Africans shouldn’t forget who had brought them electricity in the first place, he said. “So if you don’t want the ANC, who will you put in power who can give you electricity?” Ramaphosa asked. “There’s no one.”

He brokered apartheid’s end. Can he save South Africa’s liberation party?

Every animal and bird has a role to play in nature. It is part of the complex food chains and food webs. Even so, conservation of some species makes headlines and others generally don't.

Take owls for example, the bird plays an important part in nature and keeps population of rodents in check. But the bird isn't 'glamorous' so to speak. But Brendan and Danelle Murray, a couple from South Africa have made protecting birds, especially owls, their life's work.

The Murrays run an owl sanctuary in Hartbeesport. The town lies about 50 kilometres from Johannesburg. For Danelle and Brendan, protection of wildlife is a life-long passion. They secured this piece of habitat to protect decreasing number of owls and look after them.

“There’s a very high mortality rate on owls in South Africa," says Danelle Murray, underlining the need to protect owls.

There are 12 species of owls in South Africa and out of these there are few that are endangered and are rapidly decreasing in numbers.&nbsp;

"When owls disappear, rodents take over. The rodents of course all sorts of problems." Danelle says

"Every animal out there has got an important role they play to keep this structure together,” She says driving home the point of need to protect owls.

Every animal and bird has a role to play in nature. It is part of the complex food chains and food webs. Even so, conservation of some species makes headlines and others generally don't.

Every animal and bird has a role to play in nature. It is part of the complex food chains and food webs. Even so, conservation of some species makes headlines and others generally don't. Take owls for example, the bird plays an important part in nature and keeps population of rodents in check. But the bird isn't 'glamorous' so to speak. But Brendan and Danelle Murray, a couple from South Africa have made protecting birds, especially owls, their life's work. The Murrays run an owl sanctuary in Hartbeesport. The town lies about 50 kilometres from Johannesburg. For Danelle and Brendan, protection of wildlife is a life-long passion. They secured this piece of habitat to protect decreasing number of owls and look after them. “There’s a very high mortality rate on owls in South Africa," says Danelle Murray, underlining the need to protect owls. There are 12 species of owls in South Africa and out of these there are few that are endangered and are rapidly decreasing in numbers. "When owls disappear, rodents take over. The rodents of course all sorts of problems." Danelle says "Every animal out there has got an important role they play to keep this structure together,” She says driving home the point of need to protect owls.

Fifty kilometres from Johannesburg, a couple saves owls

South African government said today the death toll in the violence has reached 117 while declaring that the situation in KwaZulu-Natal province remains volatile.

The Army reserves were called in an attempt to quell the violence sweeping the country. The government had said it would call out around 25,000 troops to tackle violence.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said she wanted to deploy&nbsp;25,000 soldiers in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces which has been the epicentre of the violence.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-unrest-food-fuel-supplies-running-short-398252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The nationwide disruption began after former president Jacob Zuma's arrest on corruption charges as crowds ransacked malls and shopping areas.

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned the country could fall short of essential supplies due to large scale disruption amid the third wave of the virus in the country.

Reports said local communities had formed vigilante groups to protect public property amid the looting. Several shopping malls in Johannesburg were looted and stores destroyed.

Essential supply chains have been severely disrupted due to the violence and transport links cut leading to a shortage of fuel and food supplies.

Police have arrested at least 1,200 people as mobs turned violent with&nbsp;at least 15 persons killed in Durban's Phoenix neighbourhood.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

South African government said today the death toll in the violence has reached 117 while declaring that the situation in KwaZulu-Natal province remains volatile.

South African government said today the death toll in the violence has reached 117 while declaring that the situation in KwaZulu-Natal province remains volatile. The Army reserves were called in an attempt to quell the violence sweeping the country. The government had said it would call out around 25,000 troops to tackle violence. Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said she wanted to deploy 25,000 soldiers in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces which has been the epicentre of the violence. Watch: The nationwide disruption began after former president Jacob Zuma's arrest on corruption charges as crowds ransacked malls and shopping areas. President Cyril Ramaphosa warned the country could fall short of essential supplies due to large scale disruption amid the third wave of the virus in the country. Reports said local communities had formed vigilante groups to protect public property amid the looting. Several shopping malls in Johannesburg were looted and stores destroyed. Essential supply chains have been severely disrupted due to the violence and transport links cut leading to a shortage of fuel and food supplies. Police have arrested at least 1,200 people as mobs turned violent with at least 15 persons killed in Durban's Phoenix neighbourhood. (With inputs from Agencies)

South Africa violence: Death toll rises to 117 as government deploys more troops

Jacob Zuma supporters take violence to South Africa's commercial hub

The&nbsp;mayor&nbsp;of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus.

Mayor&nbsp;Geoff Makhubo, who fell ill with Covid last month, died from complications at the age of 53.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-of-covid-19-is-yet-to-come-for-africa-who-396816">Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO</a>

The loss is "a stark reminder of the threat posed by this deadly pandemic, against which we are all extremely vulnerable," said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Makhubo was diagnosed before the country opened up vaccination to people aged under 60.

From July 1, people aged 50-59 were asked to start registering for their shots, which were scheduled to start being administered from July 15.

But many showed up at vaccination centres just after they had registered and were immunised.

On Friday, acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced plans to widen vaccination to the 35-49 age group from August 1.

The latest wave of infections in South Africa, the continent's hardest-hit country for coronvavirus, have been&nbsp;driven by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta</a> variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-driving-covid-surge-in-south-africa-394228">Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa</a>

South Africa has recorded more than 2.1 million cases.

Numbers are rapidly rising, with a pandemic-high 26,485 recorded on Saturday alone.&nbsp;

On Thursday it saw 22,910 new cases and 460 deaths, taking its total number of fatalities to 63,499.

"What's happening in South Africa is happening is many countries that still have low vaccination rates," virologist Tulio de Oliveira&nbsp;told the news briefing.

Only a tiny fraction have been of South Africa's 59 million people have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-moves-to-level-4-lockdown-as-covid-19-infections-surge-president-cyril-ramaphosa-394436">South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa</a>

"We have reached 5.6 percent of the population, obviously way too little to reach herd immunity," said Nicholas Crisp, the health ministry's deputy director-general.

After a faltering start to its immunisation programme, the government is targeting 250,000 jabs daily.&nbsp;

It has recently approved the China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, which join the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> and Johnson &amp; Johnson formulas in the national vaccine arsenal.

The mayor of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third Covid wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus.

The mayor of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third Covid wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus. Mayor Geoff Makhubo, who fell ill with Covid last month, died from complications at the age of 53. Also read | Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO The loss is "a stark reminder of the threat posed by this deadly pandemic, against which we are all extremely vulnerable," said President Cyril Ramaphosa. Makhubo was diagnosed before the country opened up vaccination to people aged under 60. From July 1, people aged 50-59 were asked to start registering for their shots, which were scheduled to start being administered from July 15. But many showed up at vaccination centres just after they had registered and were immunised. On Friday, acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced plans to widen vaccination to the 35-49 age group from August 1. The latest wave of infections in South Africa, the continent's hardest-hit country for coronvavirus, have been driven by the Delta variant. Also read | Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa South Africa has recorded more than 2.1 million cases. Numbers are rapidly rising, with a pandemic-high 26,485 recorded on Saturday alone. On Thursday it saw 22,910 new cases and 460 deaths, taking its total number of fatalities to 63,499. "What's happening in South Africa is happening is many countries that still have low vaccination rates," virologist Tulio de Oliveira told the news briefing. Only a tiny fraction have been of South Africa's 59 million people have been vaccinated. Also read | South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa "We have reached 5.6 percent of the population, obviously way too little to reach herd immunity," said Nicholas Crisp, the health ministry's deputy director-general. After a faltering start to its immunisation programme, the government is targeting 250,000 jabs daily. It has recently approved the China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, which join the Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson formulas in the national vaccine arsenal.

Johannesburg mayor dies from Covid as South Africa extends vaccine age

Johannesburg is home to many tours, activities and experiences. There are walking and food tours through Soweto, street art tours through Maboneng, cycling activities through the city and so much more but have you seen the cultural diversity in Fordsburg where you will get a slice of Indian food. Watch this report

From bollywood music to Indian street food in South Africa

The ex-mayor of South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg on Saturday launched his own party after last year quitting the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over its approach to racial inequality.

Herman Mashaba was elected in 2016, becoming the city's first mayor not from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since apartheid ended in 1994.

His new party, ActionSA has gained support of outspoken former ANC lawmakers including corruption whistle blower Vytjie Mentor.

His resignation from the DA was sparked by the election of the party's former leader Helen Zille as its federal council chairperson.

Zille had stoked controversy by arguing there were some positive aspects to colonialism.

Two days after Mashaba resigned, the DA's first black leader Mmusi Maimane, walked away from the party over what he described as coordinated attacks from sections of the traditionally white liberal party against affirmative action policies for the black majority population.

The DA has struggled to shed its image as a historically white party. Its share of the vote shrunk in national elections last year despite numerous scandals plaguing the ANC.

"Racism diminishes the equality and worth of a South African and sets back progress in our country," said Mashaba in an inaugural speech. "It has no place in this new party and it has no place in our country."

"We will no longer let the corrupt, the racist and the radical few speak on our behalf," said Mashaba.

The 61-year-old millionaire, who made his fortune in black hair products, was one of the most senior politicians in the pro-business DA.

In his speech, he also commented on foreign policy issues, chiding the government Cyril Ramaphosa for being soft with Zimbabwe.

"This crisis impacts our country deeply, and it is now time for a new approach," he said.&nbsp;

"It is time for hard diplomacy. We must adopt the strongest and harshest policies against an oppressive government, and not punish the people of Zimbabwe."&nbsp;

Zimbabwean authorities have in recent months arrested several opposition activists and government critics in what is widely seen as a campaign to crush dissent.

The ex-mayor of South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg on Saturday launched his own party after last year quitting the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over its approach to racial inequality.

The ex-mayor of South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg on Saturday launched his own party after last year quitting the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over its approach to racial inequality. Herman Mashaba was elected in 2016, becoming the city's first mayor not from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since apartheid ended in 1994. His new party, ActionSA has gained support of outspoken former ANC lawmakers including corruption whistle blower Vytjie Mentor. His resignation from the DA was sparked by the election of the party's former leader Helen Zille as its federal council chairperson. Zille had stoked controversy by arguing there were some positive aspects to colonialism. Two days after Mashaba resigned, the DA's first black leader Mmusi Maimane, walked away from the party over what he described as coordinated attacks from sections of the traditionally white liberal party against affirmative action policies for the black majority population. The DA has struggled to shed its image as a historically white party. Its share of the vote shrunk in national elections last year despite numerous scandals plaguing the ANC. "Racism diminishes the equality and worth of a South African and sets back progress in our country," said Mashaba in an inaugural speech. "It has no place in this new party and it has no place in our country." "We will no longer let the corrupt, the racist and the radical few speak on our behalf," said Mashaba. The 61-year-old millionaire, who made his fortune in black hair products, was one of the most senior politicians in the pro-business DA. In his speech, he also commented on foreign policy issues, chiding the government Cyril Ramaphosa for being soft with Zimbabwe. "This crisis impacts our country deeply, and it is now time for a new approach," he said. "It is time for hard diplomacy. We must adopt the strongest and harshest policies against an oppressive government, and not punish the people of Zimbabwe." Zimbabwean authorities have in recent months arrested several opposition activists and government critics in what is widely seen as a campaign to crush dissent.

South Africa's Johannesburg ex-mayor launches new party

Sixty-eight-year-old great-grandmother, Lucy Mayimela, is worried about the spread of coronavirus. The South African vegetable trader who supports her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, laughs bitterly at suggestions she heard on the radio - staying at home and self-isolating.

In South Africa's Soweto township, elderly have nowhere to self-isolate

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent high-ranking emissaries on a mission to reassure African countries after a wave of xenophobic attacks, the presidency said on Sunday.

At least 12 people have been killed in the surge of mob violence targeting foreign-owned businesses and homes, mainly in and around Johannesburg since the start of the month.

Hundreds of economic migrants from neighbouring Zimbabwe and Mozambique have fled to shelters and Nigeria has flown 600 of its citizens back home after they were targeted in the violence.

The mission, led by former minister Jeff Radebe, left South Africa on Saturday and will visit Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, DR Congo and Zambia, the presidency said.

Ramaphosa was jeered at on Saturday during his speech at Zimbabwe ex-leader Robert Mugabe's funeral in Harare before he apologised for the attacks, which have been prompted by unemployment and poverty.

"I stand before you as a fellow African to express my regret and apologise for what has happened in our country," Ramaphosa said at the state funeral.

His comments were met with cheers and blasts of air horns from the crowd.

South Africa, the continent's second-largest economy, is a major destination for other African migrants. But they are often targeted by some locals who blame them for a lack of jobs.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent high-ranking emissaries on a mission to reassure African countries after a wave of xenophobic attacks, the presidency said on Sunday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent high-ranking emissaries on a mission to reassure African countries after a wave of xenophobic attacks, the presidency said on Sunday. At least 12 people have been killed in the surge of mob violence targeting foreign-owned businesses and homes, mainly in and around Johannesburg since the start of the month. Hundreds of economic migrants from neighbouring Zimbabwe and Mozambique have fled to shelters and Nigeria has flown 600 of its citizens back home after they were targeted in the violence. The mission, led by former minister Jeff Radebe, left South Africa on Saturday and will visit Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, DR Congo and Zambia, the presidency said. Ramaphosa was jeered at on Saturday during his speech at Zimbabwe ex-leader Robert Mugabe's funeral in Harare before he apologised for the attacks, which have been prompted by unemployment and poverty. "I stand before you as a fellow African to express my regret and apologise for what has happened in our country," Ramaphosa said at the state funeral. His comments were met with cheers and blasts of air horns from the crowd. South Africa, the continent's second-largest economy, is a major destination for other African migrants. But they are often targeted by some locals who blame them for a lack of jobs.

South Africa dispatches emissaries to calm xenophobia fears

Thousands turned out on Sunday for a concert in Johannesburg to honour the life of Nelson Mandela, with Beyonce leading an all-star line-up.

The event, held to mark 100 years since the birth of South Africa`s first black president, was organised by the advocacy group Global Citizen. It also aimed to highlight the fight against poverty, gender inequality and hunger, causes that Mandela championed.

World Bank President Jim Kim was among a number of political and business leaders attending the event and he announced a $1 billion investment in health and education across Africa in 2019.

"Be-yo-nce! Be-yo-nce!,'' chanted a group of ladies as they waited in a long queue to enter Johannesburg`s FNB stadium, where Jay-Z, Usher and Ed Sheeran were also set to perform.

Thousands of fans, some wearing Global Citizen T-shirts and temporary tattoos on their shoulders, cheered, danced and cried at the sight of their favourite artists.&nbsp;

Many fans had been given free tickets in exchange for signing petitions and sending tweets to world leaders, urging them to take action to improve education, water supplies, sanitation, health and other issues.

Kenya`s President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared via video link and pledged to increase his country`s education budget to 30% of the total budget.

Richard Branson, also via a recorded video link, announced a $105 million commitment from donors including UK Aid, Virgin Unite and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation towards ending trachoma, a disease that causes blindness.

"I`m from a neighbourhood where small kids falling into pit latrines at school or home is a common occurrence," Lucia Cele, an IT specialist told Reuters. "So to hear such commitments towards issues like sanitation is very encouraging for our society.

'Let their commitments not end here, tonight at this stadium.'&nbsp;

Vodacom`s Chief Executive Shameel Joosub pledged 500 million rand ($36 million) during the event to fight gender-based violence and enhance sanitation in schools and digital literacy.

Mandela was imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight against the apartheid regime. He was released in 1990 and led South Africa to its first free elections in 1994. He died on December 5, 2013. 
&nbsp;

Thousands turned out on Sunday for a concert in Johannesburg to honour the life of Nelson Mandela, with Beyonce leading an all-star line-up. The event, held to mark 100 years since the birth of South Africa`s first black president, was organised by the advocacy group Global Citizen.

Thousands turned out on Sunday for a concert in Johannesburg to honour the life of Nelson Mandela, with Beyonce leading an all-star line-up. The event, held to mark 100 years since the birth of South Africa`s first black president, was organised by the advocacy group Global Citizen. It also aimed to highlight the fight against poverty, gender inequality and hunger, causes that Mandela championed. World Bank President Jim Kim was among a number of political and business leaders attending the event and he announced a $1 billion investment in health and education across Africa in 2019. "Be-yo-nce! Be-yo-nce!,'' chanted a group of ladies as they waited in a long queue to enter Johannesburg`s FNB stadium, where Jay-Z, Usher and Ed Sheeran were also set to perform. Thousands of fans, some wearing Global Citizen T-shirts and temporary tattoos on their shoulders, cheered, danced and cried at the sight of their favourite artists. Many fans had been given free tickets in exchange for signing petitions and sending tweets to world leaders, urging them to take action to improve education, water supplies, sanitation, health and other issues. Kenya`s President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared via video link and pledged to increase his country`s education budget to 30% of the total budget. Richard Branson, also via a recorded video link, announced a $105 million commitment from donors including UK Aid, Virgin Unite and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation towards ending trachoma, a disease that causes blindness. "I`m from a neighbourhood where small kids falling into pit latrines at school or home is a common occurrence," Lucia Cele, an IT specialist told Reuters. "So to hear such commitments towards issues like sanitation is very encouraging for our society. 'Let their commitments not end here, tonight at this stadium.' Vodacom`s Chief Executive Shameel Joosub pledged 500 million rand ($36 million) during the event to fight gender-based violence and enhance sanitation in schools and digital literacy. Mandela was imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight against the apartheid regime. He was released in 1990 and led South Africa to its first free elections in 1994. He died on December 5, 2013.

Beyonce leads all-star line-up at Nelson Mandela tribute concert

Nigerian&nbsp;Odion&nbsp;Ighalo&nbsp;scored a hat-trick, Moroccan Faycal Fajr spared blushes and Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona was a hero and villain in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Saturday.

China-based&nbsp;Ighalo&nbsp;bagged a matchday 3 treble as Nigeria crushed Libya 4-0 in Uyo to continue a Group E recovery after starting with a shock home defeat by South Africa.

Fajr converted a penalty seven minutes into stoppage time as Morocco sneaked a 1-0 Group B win in Casablanca over the Comoros, ranked 104 places below them in the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Captain Musona scored and was sent off within five minutes as Zimbabwe went clear in Group G thanks to an upset 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa.

There was also a record six-goal victory for South Africa and a goalkeeping howler that gifted Namibia three points in Mozambique as the third series of qualifiers was completed.

Ighalo&nbsp;converted a fourth-minute spot-kick after being fouled and rounded goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush to tap in and double the lead on 58 minutes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When a Libyan failed to cut off a low cross, former Watford striker&nbsp;Ighaloscrambled the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick with a quarter of the qualifier remaining.

A last-minute Samuel Kalu goal completed the rout of the 'Mediterranean Knights', whose Belgian coach Adel Amrouche quit this week over unpaid salaries.

Nigeria lie second with six points, one less than South Africa, who scored a record 6-0 win over the Seychelles in rain-lashed Johannesburg.

Goalkeeper Romeo Barra prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline for the Indian Ocean islanders as South Africa bettered the five goals they netted against Guatemala in 2010.

- Brilliant back-heel -

Lebo Mothiba, who has been in sparkling French Ligue 1 form, was among the scorers and set up a goal for Percy Tau with a brilliant back-heel. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another Indian Ocean island state, the Comoros, were on the verge of their greatest achievement as they frustrated 2018 World Cup qualifiers Morocco for 96 minutes.&nbsp;

But then came heartbreak for the visitors as they conceded a penalty and Fajr scored to lift Morocco within a point of Group B pacesetters Cameroon.

Ronald Pfumbidzai struck a superb goal midway through the first half to put Zimbabwe on the road to glory at a packed 80,000-seat Stade des Martyrs.

Musona doubled the lead and then cynically fouled Issama Mpeko for which he got his second yellow card of the match followed by a red.

Yannick Bolasie nodded a stoppage-time consolation goal for the Congolese as they suffered a rare loss in their Kinshasa fortress.

Zimbabwe top the table with seven points, three more than central African neighbours DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville.&nbsp;

Mozambique goalkeeper Jose Guirrugo allowed a long-range, stoppage-time shot from substitute Deon Hotto slip from his grasp and into the net as Namibia fought back to win 2-1 in Maputo.

Group K is the tightest of the 12 mini-leagues with Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia all on four points with equal goal differences.&nbsp;

Leaders Tunisia battled to a 1-0 Group J win in Rades over Niger, who conceded six goals in Egypt last month amid complaints of a "beans-and-water" diet.

Yassine Meriah scored after 17 minutes for the 'Carthage Eagles', who had Ghailene Chaalali red-carded in the closing stages.&nbsp;

Matchday 4 begins Sunday with fixtures in Kenya and Guinea-Bissau followed by a further 21 qualifiers two days later.

Nigerian Odion Ighalo scored a hat-trick, Moroccan Faycal Fajr spared blushes and Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona was a hero and villain in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Saturday.

Nigerian Odion Ighalo scored a hat-trick, Moroccan Faycal Fajr spared blushes and Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona was a hero and villain in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Saturday. China-based Ighalo bagged a matchday 3 treble as Nigeria crushed Libya 4-0 in Uyo to continue a Group E recovery after starting with a shock home defeat by South Africa. Fajr converted a penalty seven minutes into stoppage time as Morocco sneaked a 1-0 Group B win in Casablanca over the Comoros, ranked 104 places below them in the world. Captain Musona scored and was sent off within five minutes as Zimbabwe went clear in Group G thanks to an upset 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa. There was also a record six-goal victory for South Africa and a goalkeeping howler that gifted Namibia three points in Mozambique as the third series of qualifiers was completed. Ighalo converted a fourth-minute spot-kick after being fouled and rounded goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush to tap in and double the lead on 58 minutes. When a Libyan failed to cut off a low cross, former Watford striker Ighaloscrambled the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick with a quarter of the qualifier remaining. A last-minute Samuel Kalu goal completed the rout of the 'Mediterranean Knights', whose Belgian coach Adel Amrouche quit this week over unpaid salaries. Nigeria lie second with six points, one less than South Africa, who scored a record 6-0 win over the Seychelles in rain-lashed Johannesburg. Goalkeeper Romeo Barra prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline for the Indian Ocean islanders as South Africa bettered the five goals they netted against Guatemala in 2010. - Brilliant back-heel - Lebo Mothiba, who has been in sparkling French Ligue 1 form, was among the scorers and set up a goal for Percy Tau with a brilliant back-heel. Another Indian Ocean island state, the Comoros, were on the verge of their greatest achievement as they frustrated 2018 World Cup qualifiers Morocco for 96 minutes. But then came heartbreak for the visitors as they conceded a penalty and Fajr scored to lift Morocco within a point of Group B pacesetters Cameroon. Ronald Pfumbidzai struck a superb goal midway through the first half to put Zimbabwe on the road to glory at a packed 80,000-seat Stade des Martyrs. Musona doubled the lead and then cynically fouled Issama Mpeko for which he got his second yellow card of the match followed by a red. Yannick Bolasie nodded a stoppage-time consolation goal for the Congolese as they suffered a rare loss in their Kinshasa fortress. Zimbabwe top the table with seven points, three more than central African neighbours DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville. Mozambique goalkeeper Jose Guirrugo allowed a long-range, stoppage-time shot from substitute Deon Hotto slip from his grasp and into the net as Namibia fought back to win 2-1 in Maputo. Group K is the tightest of the 12 mini-leagues with Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia all on four points with equal goal differences. Leaders Tunisia battled to a 1-0 Group J win in Rades over Niger, who conceded six goals in Egypt last month amid complaints of a "beans-and-water" diet. Yassine Meriah scored after 17 minutes for the 'Carthage Eagles', who had Ghailene Chaalali red-carded in the closing stages. Matchday 4 begins Sunday with fixtures in Kenya and Guinea-Bissau followed by a further 21 qualifiers two days later.

Ighalo hat-trick for Nigeria, Fajr rescues Morocco

India skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday was full of praise for the Men in Blue, claiming that the series win in South Africa was a collective team effort.&quot;I am very pleased, it was another complete performance from us.

They had the pressure of losing this series and we knew that. It`s a history and the guys have worked hard for it. Ever since the third Test in Johannesburg, it`s been a good time for us.

It`s been a collective effort to create history,&quot; Kohli said in the post-match conference.

The Indian team wrapped up the fifth One Day International (ODI) against the Proteas by 73 runs, to register their first bilateral series win in South Africa.

They also climbed up to the number one spot in the MFR ICC ODI Team Rankings.&quot;For now, 4-1 feels great. We want to win 5-1 for sure, but there might a scenario for a few more guys to get a chance in the next match.

But the ultimate priority is to win and we`ll do anything we can to win,&quot; Kohli added.Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma who scored his maiden century on the South African soil said that the century was long due.

&quot;It`s been a long time coming. It`s always a good feeling when you score a hundred and your team wins.

You have to keep yourself in a good frame of mind, that`s what I`ve been doing,&quot; Sharma said after being crowned the man of the match.

The Virat Kohli-led side started the series on the front foot, winning the first three matches with comprehensive wins in Durban, Centurion and Cape Town.

However, India failed to maintain their triumphant run in the series as South Africa bounced back strongly to clinch a five-wicket win over the visiting side by the Duckworth-Lewis method in rain-hit and lightning-struck Pink fourth ODI in Johannesburg.

The sixth ODI will be played on February 16 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.&nbsp;

The sixth ODI will be played on February 16 at SuperSport Park, Centurion

India skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday was full of praise for the Men in Blue, claiming that the series win in South Africa was a collective team effort."I am very pleased, it was another complete performance from us. They had the pressure of losing this series and we knew that. It`s a history and the guys have worked hard for it. Ever since the third Test in Johannesburg, it`s been a good time for us. It`s been a collective effort to create history," Kohli said in the post-match conference. The Indian team wrapped up the fifth One Day International (ODI) against the Proteas by 73 runs, to register their first bilateral series win in South Africa. They also climbed up to the number one spot in the MFR ICC ODI Team Rankings."For now, 4-1 feels great. We want to win 5-1 for sure, but there might a scenario for a few more guys to get a chance in the next match. But the ultimate priority is to win and we`ll do anything we can to win," Kohli added.Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma who scored his maiden century on the South African soil said that the century was long due. "It`s been a long time coming. It`s always a good feeling when you score a hundred and your team wins. You have to keep yourself in a good frame of mind, that`s what I`ve been doing," Sharma said after being crowned the man of the match. The Virat Kohli-led side started the series on the front foot, winning the first three matches with comprehensive wins in Durban, Centurion and Cape Town. However, India failed to maintain their triumphant run in the series as South Africa bounced back strongly to clinch a five-wicket win over the visiting side by the Duckworth-Lewis method in rain-hit and lightning-struck Pink fourth ODI in Johannesburg. The sixth ODI will be played on February 16 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

'Collective effort to create history': Virat Kohli on series win in South Africa

After being knocked back in the 4th ODI, India will look to crush a South African revival before it becomes a threat to their pursuit of a maiden ODI series triumph.

The two sides will clash in the fifth one-dayer on Tuesday.

The Men in Blue lead the six-match series by 3-1 after winning the first in Durban by six wickets, the second in Centurion by nine wickets and the third in Cape Town by 124 runs.

South Africa bounced back by winning the rain-affected and lightning-struck Pink ODI in Johannesburg.&nbsp;

The hosts won by 5 wickets after the Duckworth&ndash;Lewis (DLS) method reduced the match to 28 overs with a target of target 202 from previous 289.

India&#39;s wrist-spinners versus South Africa&#39;s batting line-up is still the key contest going ahead in this ODI series.&nbsp;

However, the dual rain intervention affected India&#39;s momentum with both the bat and ball.

From Indian bowling side, there are still question marks over the fitness of Kedar Jadhav, who suffered a hamstring injury in Cape Town and missed the previous game.

The two sides will clash in the fifth one-dayer on Tuesday.

After being knocked back in the 4th ODI, India will look to crush a South African revival before it becomes a threat to their pursuit of a maiden ODI series triumph. The two sides will clash in the fifth one-dayer on Tuesday. The Men in Blue lead the six-match series by 3-1 after winning the first in Durban by six wickets, the second in Centurion by nine wickets and the third in Cape Town by 124 runs. South Africa bounced back by winning the rain-affected and lightning-struck Pink ODI in Johannesburg. The hosts won by 5 wickets after the Duckworth–Lewis (DLS) method reduced the match to 28 overs with a target of target 202 from previous 289. India's wrist-spinners versus South Africa's batting line-up is still the key contest going ahead in this ODI series. However, the dual rain intervention affected India's momentum with both the bat and ball. From Indian bowling side, there are still question marks over the fitness of Kedar Jadhav, who suffered a hamstring injury in Cape Town and missed the previous game.

5th ODI: India aim to seal series after Johannesburg washout

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