February 11 in history: East India Co's occupation of Awadh, Nelson Mandela's prison release and lots more!

Meghan Markle will touch upon the issue of violence against women after arriving in South Africa on Monday for the royal tour. 
 
The Duchess of Sussex is planning to raise the issue of 'gender violence'&nbsp;within hours of arriving in Cape Town with her husband Prince Harry and their son Archie, reported Fox News. 
 
The couple is all set to visit an impoverished township on the first morning of their 10-day royal tour to Africa. Lately, there have been several reports of women getting killed in South Africa. 
 
A number of national protests were held in the country over the past few weeks following the attacks on women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa's rate of women being attacked and murdered is five times the global average. 
 
While the royal family usually avoids getting involved with the politics of countries they are visiting, sources claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would speak out on the violence. 
 
"It would be strange for them not to address it in the current climate given how much of their official programme, particularly the Duchess's, is about women and women's issues," a source told the Daily Mail, as cited by Fox News. 
 
"But it will, of course, be done respectfully," the source added. 
 
Buckingham Palace had earlier confirmed that 'Harry and Meghan will begin their tour in a township in Cape Town where the royals will view a workshop that teaches children about their rights, self-awareness, and safety and which provides self-defense classes and female empowerment training to young girls in the community". 
 
The palace revealed that the royal couple would fly with Archie to Cape Town on September 23. 
 
And after a number of public appearances together, Meghan is expected to stay in Johannesburg with their five-month-old son while Prince Harry will go to Botswana, Angola, and Malawi. 
 
According to a source, Meghan and Harry's hope to'&nbsp;give fans a glimpse of their son during the tour, but the little one has not been included in the official schedule. 
 
As part of the royal tour, the Duke of Sussex will also meet a British military unit who are working with the local rangers to help combat the threat of the illegal wildlife trade in Malawi. 
 
Prince Harry will also make a 'significant and poignant'&nbsp;trip to Angola to see his beloved late mother Princess Diana's legacy, who helped raise awareness for the threat posed by landmines in 1997. 
 
The palace said that while Harry is eager to 'support young people across Africa to reach their potential', Meghan will also be 'working with organisations to promote women's education, health, entrepreneurship, and leadership'. 
 
The royal couple is also expected to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs.&nbsp;Tutu at their legacy foundation. 
 
The duo will also speak to Grace Machel, the widow of late President Nelson Mandela before the royal tour wraps up on October 2.

Meghan Markle will touch upon the issue of violence against women after arriving in South Africa on Monday for the royal tour. The Duchess of Sussex is planning to raise the issue of 'gender violence' within hours of arriving in Cape Town with her husband Prince Harry and their son Archie, reported Fox News.

Meghan Markle will touch upon the issue of violence against women after arriving in South Africa on Monday for the royal tour. The Duchess of Sussex is planning to raise the issue of 'gender violence' within hours of arriving in Cape Town with her husband Prince Harry and their son Archie, reported Fox News. The couple is all set to visit an impoverished township on the first morning of their 10-day royal tour to Africa. Lately, there have been several reports of women getting killed in South Africa. A number of national protests were held in the country over the past few weeks following the attacks on women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa's rate of women being attacked and murdered is five times the global average. While the royal family usually avoids getting involved with the politics of countries they are visiting, sources claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would speak out on the violence. "It would be strange for them not to address it in the current climate given how much of their official programme, particularly the Duchess's, is about women and women's issues," a source told the Daily Mail, as cited by Fox News. "But it will, of course, be done respectfully," the source added. Buckingham Palace had earlier confirmed that 'Harry and Meghan will begin their tour in a township in Cape Town where the royals will view a workshop that teaches children about their rights, self-awareness, and safety and which provides self-defense classes and female empowerment training to young girls in the community". The palace revealed that the royal couple would fly with Archie to Cape Town on September 23. And after a number of public appearances together, Meghan is expected to stay in Johannesburg with their five-month-old son while Prince Harry will go to Botswana, Angola, and Malawi. According to a source, Meghan and Harry's hope to' give fans a glimpse of their son during the tour, but the little one has not been included in the official schedule. As part of the royal tour, the Duke of Sussex will also meet a British military unit who are working with the local rangers to help combat the threat of the illegal wildlife trade in Malawi. Prince Harry will also make a 'significant and poignant' trip to Angola to see his beloved late mother Princess Diana's legacy, who helped raise awareness for the threat posed by landmines in 1997. The palace said that while Harry is eager to 'support young people across Africa to reach their potential', Meghan will also be 'working with organisations to promote women's education, health, entrepreneurship, and leadership'. The royal couple is also expected to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs. Tutu at their legacy foundation. The duo will also speak to Grace Machel, the widow of late President Nelson Mandela before the royal tour wraps up on October 2.

Meghan Markle to speak about violence against women in South Africa

Remembering his grandfather and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela on his 101 birthday, grandson Zwelivelile spoke to WION and said that Mandela&nbsp;will always be remembered as a great freedom fighter who fought for apartheid and ushered for a new democracy.

This year celebrates the 101 birthday of the anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela who became South Africa’s first black president and also won the Nobel Prize. Born on July 18, 1918, his successful struggle against South Africa's apartheid system of racial segregation and discrimination made him a global symbol. To celebrate his birthday, July 18 is celebrated as Nelson Mandela International Day or Mandela Day every year.

When asked about how challenging is it to keep Mandela's legacy, Zwelivelile said, "There's quite a hilarious story about my childhood when my dad used to tease me. There were some street protests and people shouting slogans. I thought they were calling my name Amandla! Then I heard them calling Viva Mandela Viva! I thought I was famous and the family had a nice chuckle about my childhood innocence. I still did not know much about Nelson Mandela the man when I met him as a nine-year-old in Pollsmoor Prison. It was only after he instructed Hellen Joseph in a coded message to educate me about him, the struggle and what he stood for."

Keeping his grandfather's legacy, Zwelivelile said that he is often asked about his grandfather's legacy and the celebration of Mandela day. To this he thinks that such mass outpouring of altruism and philanthropic acts are meritorious in themselves, they are the antithesis of what our global icon stood for. He also said that it was not easy in growing up with his name but whatever his grandfather ingrained it in, we have to serve whenever the nation calls upon us to do so.

Adding the importance of the role of self-sacrifice and long commitment to activities by his grandfather, Zwelivelile feels that the efforts done to restore his legacy should be more. He further suggested that if we truly value the man as a hero and as a giant, we should understand the milieu in which he was born and given rise to the emergence of a generation of men/women in our liberation movement who moulded and shaped the Madiba we know.

Sharing memories of growing up with his grandfather, he said that as a President he was deeply conscious that his walk of freedom did not end with the dawn of democracy as he knew that there were many more hills to climb.

When asked about changes that came after Mandela became president, his grandson said that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was 76 when he became President in 1994. At that age his character, values and outlook on life had been shaped by decades of struggle. So, principally the man Mandela did not change when he became President. Yes, he had to contend with the challenges of statesmanship which&nbsp;placed a huge burden on him but he bore that with characteristic charm, discipline and his ever-present human touch.

Celebrating his grandfather's birthday, Zwelivelile asks South Africans on this day to recommit to the true essence and meaning of reconciliation that Madiba regarded as the golden standard of building a new future.

He also asks young people to rise for a higher purpose in life and remember the Madiba' day for what he is always known for- an unflinching believe in the propensity, a wavering determination to stand for justice, an unshakable commitment to end human suffering to keep Africa/World a better place for which his grandfather has always worked for.

Remembering his grandfather and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela on his 101 birthday, grandson Zwelivelile spoke to WION and said that Mandela will always be remembered as a great freedom fighter who fought for apartheid and ushered for a new democracy.

Remembering his grandfather and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela on his 101 birthday, grandson Zwelivelile spoke to WION and said that Mandela will always be remembered as a great freedom fighter who fought for apartheid and ushered for a new democracy. This year celebrates the 101 birthday of the anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela who became South Africa’s first black president and also won the Nobel Prize. Born on July 18, 1918, his successful struggle against South Africa's apartheid system of racial segregation and discrimination made him a global symbol. To celebrate his birthday, July 18 is celebrated as Nelson Mandela International Day or Mandela Day every year. When asked about how challenging is it to keep Mandela's legacy, Zwelivelile said, "There's quite a hilarious story about my childhood when my dad used to tease me. There were some street protests and people shouting slogans. I thought they were calling my name Amandla! Then I heard them calling Viva Mandela Viva! I thought I was famous and the family had a nice chuckle about my childhood innocence. I still did not know much about Nelson Mandela the man when I met him as a nine-year-old in Pollsmoor Prison. It was only after he instructed Hellen Joseph in a coded message to educate me about him, the struggle and what he stood for." Keeping his grandfather's legacy, Zwelivelile said that he is often asked about his grandfather's legacy and the celebration of Mandela day. To this he thinks that such mass outpouring of altruism and philanthropic acts are meritorious in themselves, they are the antithesis of what our global icon stood for. He also said that it was not easy in growing up with his name but whatever his grandfather ingrained it in, we have to serve whenever the nation calls upon us to do so. Adding the importance of the role of self-sacrifice and long commitment to activities by his grandfather, Zwelivelile feels that the efforts done to restore his legacy should be more. He further suggested that if we truly value the man as a hero and as a giant, we should understand the milieu in which he was born and given rise to the emergence of a generation of men/women in our liberation movement who moulded and shaped the Madiba we know. Sharing memories of growing up with his grandfather, he said that as a President he was deeply conscious that his walk of freedom did not end with the dawn of democracy as he knew that there were many more hills to climb. When asked about changes that came after Mandela became president, his grandson said that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was 76 when he became President in 1994. At that age his character, values and outlook on life had been shaped by decades of struggle. So, principally the man Mandela did not change when he became President. Yes, he had to contend with the challenges of statesmanship which placed a huge burden on him but he bore that with characteristic charm, discipline and his ever-present human touch. Celebrating his grandfather's birthday, Zwelivelile asks South Africans on this day to recommit to the true essence and meaning of reconciliation that Madiba regarded as the golden standard of building a new future. He also asks young people to rise for a higher purpose in life and remember the Madiba' day for what he is always known for- an unflinching believe in the propensity, a wavering determination to stand for justice, an unshakable commitment to end human suffering to keep Africa/World a better place for which his grandfather has always worked for.

His fight for freedom cannot end with the dawn of democracy: Grandson Zwelivelile on Mandela's 101 birthday

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election on Friday with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts.

The results, published by the electoral commission, are the party's worst national showing since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significance-of-may-10-in-south-africa-when-democracy-trumped-racial-discrimination-217572">Nelson Mandela led it to victory</a> in the first multi-racial polls after apartheid ended in 1994.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anc-takes-commanding-lead-in-south-africas-election-but-support-recedes-217393">African National Congress</a> (ANC) held a comfortable lead with 57.73 per cent at 1615 GMT after 95 per cent of voting districts were officially tallied following Wednesday's vote.

That means they will be mathematically assured more than 50 per cent of votes cast in the final official tally, due to be announced Saturday.

Seats in parliament are allocated based on vote share and the party with the most representatives selects the president, who will be sworn in on May 25.

President Ramaphosa, 66, took over last year when the ANC forced then-president Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic decline.

Results released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed the ANC's closest rival, the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), trailing with a distant 20.65 per cent of the vote.

The Economic Freedom Fighters, founded six years ago by former ANC youth leader Julius Malema, was in third place with 10.51 per cent -- up to four percentage points on 2014.

'A period of hope'?

"The ANC is being given a chance," said political analyst Lumkile Mondi. "This is an opportunity for them to reincarnate themselves."

"The ANC is never going to perform any better, it's a dying party, it continues shedding votes -- because it does not have economic management capability."

Ramaphosa has so far faced resistance to his reform agenda, especially from Zuma's allies who still occupy several high-ranking positions in the party and government.

After casting his ballot on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-ramaphosa-casts-vote-vows-to-grow-economy-217005">Ramaphosa said the election</a> was "heralding new dawn... a period of renewal, a period of hope".

The ANC's reputation was badly sullied under Zuma. Its support has fallen in every election since 2004 with the party taking 54 per cent in 2016 municipal elections, compared with 62 per cent in 2014's national vote.

Forty-eight parties contested the elections -- a record number.

Asked if Ramaphosa's favourable reputation had saved the ANC from defeat, party secretary-general Ace Magashule insisted "people have voted the ANC, they haven't voted for any person".

But Susan Booysen, a visiting professor at the Wits School of governance, said, "it is a lower percentage but it is way higher for the ANC than it would have been had Zuma been still in power".

The conservative and predominantly white Freedom Front Plus party, founded in 1994 during the negotiations to end apartheid, was performing unexpectedly well as the fifth-placed party in the vote. They were previously seventh.

The economy grew just 0.8 per cent in 2018 and unemployment hovers around 27 per cent -- soaring to over 50 per cent among young people.

"(We) liberated this country so we would have expected more," said ANC spokesman Dakota Legoete ahead of the latest results. "(But) in 2014 we did not have 48 parties... now we have 48 parties, 47 of them are competing for the jugular vein of the ANC."

About 26.8 million people were registered to vote but only around 65.6 per cent turned out.

Mandla Booi, 45, a voter in Port Elizabeth on the south coast, said, "the ANC has taken people for granted".

"There is some arrogance which has crept in."

'Era of political realignment'

The main opposition DA had sought to shed its image as a white, middle-class party with its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, contesting his first general election since taking the helm in 2015.

"Even though we've lost some votes, we've held the centre -- and I will lead that project going forward," he told reporters at the results centre.

"It may not have happened this time, but come 2021, 2024 (elections) we can demonstrate... that we can hold South Africans together."

Malema's EFF made major gains, growing from 6.3 per cent in the 2014 poll.

"In the next election there will not be any outright winner... so we are going to enter the era of coalitions before there's another big party that can emerge," said EFF chairman Dali Mpofu. "We are going into an era of political realignment."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election on Friday with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's ruling ANC won re-election on Friday with an absolute majority in parliament, results showed, but with diminished support, complicating economic revival and anti-corruption efforts. The results, published by the electoral commission, are the party's worst national showing since Nelson Mandela led it to victory in the first multi-racial polls after apartheid ended in 1994. The African National Congress (ANC) held a comfortable lead with 57.73 per cent at 1615 GMT after 95 per cent of voting districts were officially tallied following Wednesday's vote. That means they will be mathematically assured more than 50 per cent of votes cast in the final official tally, due to be announced Saturday. Seats in parliament are allocated based on vote share and the party with the most representatives selects the president, who will be sworn in on May 25. President Ramaphosa, 66, took over last year when the ANC forced then-president Jacob Zuma to resign after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic decline. Results released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed the ANC's closest rival, the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), trailing with a distant 20.65 per cent of the vote. The Economic Freedom Fighters, founded six years ago by former ANC youth leader Julius Malema, was in third place with 10.51 per cent -- up to four percentage points on 2014. 'A period of hope'? "The ANC is being given a chance," said political analyst Lumkile Mondi. "This is an opportunity for them to reincarnate themselves." "The ANC is never going to perform any better, it's a dying party, it continues shedding votes -- because it does not have economic management capability." Ramaphosa has so far faced resistance to his reform agenda, especially from Zuma's allies who still occupy several high-ranking positions in the party and government. After casting his ballot on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said the election was "heralding new dawn... a period of renewal, a period of hope". The ANC's reputation was badly sullied under Zuma. Its support has fallen in every election since 2004 with the party taking 54 per cent in 2016 municipal elections, compared with 62 per cent in 2014's national vote. Forty-eight parties contested the elections -- a record number. Asked if Ramaphosa's favourable reputation had saved the ANC from defeat, party secretary-general Ace Magashule insisted "people have voted the ANC, they haven't voted for any person". But Susan Booysen, a visiting professor at the Wits School of governance, said, "it is a lower percentage but it is way higher for the ANC than it would have been had Zuma been still in power". The conservative and predominantly white Freedom Front Plus party, founded in 1994 during the negotiations to end apartheid, was performing unexpectedly well as the fifth-placed party in the vote. They were previously seventh. The economy grew just 0.8 per cent in 2018 and unemployment hovers around 27 per cent -- soaring to over 50 per cent among young people. "(We) liberated this country so we would have expected more," said ANC spokesman Dakota Legoete ahead of the latest results. "(But) in 2014 we did not have 48 parties... now we have 48 parties, 47 of them are competing for the jugular vein of the ANC." About 26.8 million people were registered to vote but only around 65.6 per cent turned out. Mandla Booi, 45, a voter in Port Elizabeth on the south coast, said, "the ANC has taken people for granted". "There is some arrogance which has crept in." 'Era of political realignment' The main opposition DA had sought to shed its image as a white, middle-class party with its first black leader, Mmusi Maimane, contesting his first general election since taking the helm in 2015. "Even though we've lost some votes, we've held the centre -- and I will lead that project going forward," he told reporters at the results centre. "It may not have happened this time, but come 2021, 2024 (elections) we can demonstrate... that we can hold South Africans together." Malema's EFF made major gains, growing from 6.3 per cent in the 2014 poll. "In the next election there will not be any outright winner... so we are going to enter the era of coalitions before there's another big party that can emerge," said EFF chairman Dali Mpofu. "We are going into an era of political realignment."

Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC wins closely-watched South Africa poll with absolute majority

May 10 is not an ordinary date for South Africa, it holds immense historical significance and represents the country's victory over apartheid and racial discrimination.

It was the year 1994 when, on this very day, Nelson Mandela became the first president of South Africa. It was a glorious moment for the majority of the oppressed people of colour.&nbsp;

After years of colonial subjugation and apartheid rule, the black people were finally free. As South Africa slowly inches toward its election result, with parties looking to bolster the country's sluggish economy, Pule Monama, founding member of Azapo (South African political party) and Sello Lediga, political columnist in South Africa speak to WION and share their takes on this historical day. Azapo is a political organization that fought racial discrimination in the country when all other political organizations were banned.

"For some people, it was unbelievable that a black man (Mandela), would be in charge of the services, the army,&nbsp;the air force, the navy, the police and all state entities in this country. It was a proud moment that heralded a new era of democracy. South Africa had changed forever after a protracted and heroic struggle. A new South Africa was born on May 10 1994. A South Africa that offer the community of nations (UN) as a proud and democratic state,"&nbsp;Sello Lediga told WION.

When asked about his hopes on the upcoming elections, he believed that that the citizens of South Africa are pinning their hopes on Cyril Ramaphosa, hoping to see a better picture of South Africa in terms of economy, development and growth.&nbsp;

"After ten years of a corrupt and ruinous rule by ousted president Jacob Zuma, South Africans are pinning their hopes on Cyril Ramaphosa to lead them to a brighter and prosperous future after 25 years of democracy since Mandela became the president. Most South Africans are disappointed with high unemployment, poverty and inequality. They are looking forward to a change from the ruling African National Congress led by Ramaphosa - the same man that Mandela wanted to succeed him in 1999," Sello said.

"South Africa's economy is not growing and most economic plans don't seem to be working. The economy has, for quite some time, been growing at one per cent which is inadequate to deal with the economic and social problems that have developed here," Lediga added.&nbsp;

Despite winning over racial discrimination and oppression, there still lies a belief that white is more superior, hence self-hate persists in many parts of the country.&nbsp;

"For oppressed people that survived more than 300 years of colonialism and apartheid, self-hate is inevitable. Some still believe that white is superior and beautiful. However, the majority is mentally and psychologically liberated. They now seek economic freedom to augment political power. Apartheid officially died in 1994 after the first democratic elections here. However, there are white people who still show racist tendencies but are too few to worry the nation," said Lediga.

He said that Xenophobia and Afrophobia do raise their ugly heads occasionally as South Africa is flooded by refugees seeking opportunities because of their collapsed economies.&nbsp;

While the majority in South Africa sees the day as historical, there are also those who cannot get along the fact that much change has been made with Mandela's ideologies.&nbsp;

"Not all of us are in the Liberation Movement, particularly those who come from the Black Consciousness Movement do not agree with everything Nelson Mandela stood for. They did not agree with the overall negotiation framework and believed he was giving more than he got for the majority of our people. Hence, 25 years after the liberation, we have little to show for it. Our people still lack quality education, the health system is collapsing, industrial and economic development is slow. However, we do recognize his contribution to the broader liberation of our country,"&nbsp;Pule Monama stated.

May 10 is not an ordinary date for South Africa, it holds immense historical significance and represents the country's victory over apartheid and racial discrimination.

May 10 is not an ordinary date for South Africa, it holds immense historical significance and represents the country's victory over apartheid and racial discrimination. It was the year 1994 when, on this very day, Nelson Mandela became the first president of South Africa. It was a glorious moment for the majority of the oppressed people of colour. After years of colonial subjugation and apartheid rule, the black people were finally free. As South Africa slowly inches toward its election result, with parties looking to bolster the country's sluggish economy, Pule Monama, founding member of Azapo (South African political party) and Sello Lediga, political columnist in South Africa speak to WION and share their takes on this historical day. Azapo is a political organization that fought racial discrimination in the country when all other political organizations were banned. "For some people, it was unbelievable that a black man (Mandela), would be in charge of the services, the army, the air force, the navy, the police and all state entities in this country. It was a proud moment that heralded a new era of democracy. South Africa had changed forever after a protracted and heroic struggle. A new South Africa was born on May 10 1994. A South Africa that offer the community of nations (UN) as a proud and democratic state," Sello Lediga told WION. When asked about his hopes on the upcoming elections, he believed that that the citizens of South Africa are pinning their hopes on Cyril Ramaphosa, hoping to see a better picture of South Africa in terms of economy, development and growth. "After ten years of a corrupt and ruinous rule by ousted president Jacob Zuma, South Africans are pinning their hopes on Cyril Ramaphosa to lead them to a brighter and prosperous future after 25 years of democracy since Mandela became the president. Most South Africans are disappointed with high unemployment, poverty and inequality. They are looking forward to a change from the ruling African National Congress led by Ramaphosa - the same man that Mandela wanted to succeed him in 1999," Sello said. "South Africa's economy is not growing and most economic plans don't seem to be working. The economy has, for quite some time, been growing at one per cent which is inadequate to deal with the economic and social problems that have developed here," Lediga added. Despite winning over racial discrimination and oppression, there still lies a belief that white is more superior, hence self-hate persists in many parts of the country. "For oppressed people that survived more than 300 years of colonialism and apartheid, self-hate is inevitable. Some still believe that white is superior and beautiful. However, the majority is mentally and psychologically liberated. They now seek economic freedom to augment political power. Apartheid officially died in 1994 after the first democratic elections here. However, there are white people who still show racist tendencies but are too few to worry the nation," said Lediga. He said that Xenophobia and Afrophobia do raise their ugly heads occasionally as South Africa is flooded by refugees seeking opportunities because of their collapsed economies. While the majority in South Africa sees the day as historical, there are also those who cannot get along the fact that much change has been made with Mandela's ideologies. "Not all of us are in the Liberation Movement, particularly those who come from the Black Consciousness Movement do not agree with everything Nelson Mandela stood for. They did not agree with the overall negotiation framework and believed he was giving more than he got for the majority of our people. Hence, 25 years after the liberation, we have little to show for it. Our people still lack quality education, the health system is collapsing, industrial and economic development is slow. However, we do recognize his contribution to the broader liberation of our country," Pule Monama stated.

Significance of May 10 in South Africa: When democracy trumped racial discrimination 

South Africa is due to hold parliamentary and provincial elections on Wednesday, amid frustration with a lack of progress 25 years after Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) swept to power at the end of white minority rule.

South Africa to vote on May 8, know key issues in S. Africa’s May 8 election

Comedian Trevor Noah brought a wry smile to his fellow South Africans during the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-green-book-upsets-favourite-roma-as-it-wins-best-picture-malek-colman-win-acting-honours-199572"> Oscars </a>when he poked fun at white people in Xhosa, one of his country's official languages.

Noah, the host of the award-winning Daily Show and son of a Xhosa-speaking mother and a Swiss-German father, often uses South African languages in his stand-up routines.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-green-book-upsets-favourite-roma-as-it-wins-best-picture-malek-colman-win-acting-honours-199572"> 'Green Book' upsets favourite 'Roma' as it wins Best Picture, Malek, Colman win acting honours</a>

As he prepared Sunday to present the Academy Award for best picture, for which Black Panther was a contender, he referred to the 2018 blockbuster and said: "Growing up as a young boy in Wakanda, I would see our King T'Challa flying over our village. And he would remind me of a great Xhosa phrase."

Noah proceeded to speak in Xhosa, a language spoken by more than eight million people, and translated the phrase into English as "in times like these, we are stronger when we fight together than when we try to fight apart".

But Noah's comment actually meant "white people don't know I'm lying".

Black Panther, the story of black superhero King T'Challa which is set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, lost out on the best picture award to Green Book.

Within hours, Noah was one of the top trending topics on Twitter in South Africa where members of the black majority often poke fun at their white compatriots for not speaking African languages.

"Trevor Noah really stood on a Global stage and told a joke only South Africans could immediately chuckle at. I know a Greatest Of All Time when I see one," wrote South African Twitter user Wally.

"Hilarious!!!" posted psychologist Suntosh Pillay.

Serame Kibi said simply "Trevor Noah made it", calling the entertainer a "very classy individual".

The opinion was more divided on his material at the expense of Mel Gibson who he jokingly claimed had approached him backstage and said, "'Wakanda forever.' He said another word after that, but the 'Wakanda forever' part was nice."

Noah, who grew up in the township of Soweto, shot to fame in 2015 as the surprise choice to host the nightly satire show, taking over after Jon Stewart's celebrated 16-year stint.

A child of a then prohibited relationship between a black woman and a white father, Noah has often joked about his upbringing as a mixed-race boy among black children in Soweto where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived. 
&nbsp;

Comedian Trevor Noah brought a wry smile to his fellow South Africans during the Oscars when he poked fun at white people in Xhosa, one of his country's official languages.

Comedian Trevor Noah brought a wry smile to his fellow South Africans during the Oscars when he poked fun at white people in Xhosa, one of his country's official languages. Noah, the host of the award-winning Daily Show and son of a Xhosa-speaking mother and a Swiss-German father, often uses South African languages in his stand-up routines. Also read: 'Green Book' upsets favourite 'Roma' as it wins Best Picture, Malek, Colman win acting honours As he prepared Sunday to present the Academy Award for best picture, for which Black Panther was a contender, he referred to the 2018 blockbuster and said: "Growing up as a young boy in Wakanda, I would see our King T'Challa flying over our village. And he would remind me of a great Xhosa phrase." Noah proceeded to speak in Xhosa, a language spoken by more than eight million people, and translated the phrase into English as "in times like these, we are stronger when we fight together than when we try to fight apart". But Noah's comment actually meant "white people don't know I'm lying". Black Panther, the story of black superhero King T'Challa which is set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, lost out on the best picture award to Green Book. Within hours, Noah was one of the top trending topics on Twitter in South Africa where members of the black majority often poke fun at their white compatriots for not speaking African languages. "Trevor Noah really stood on a Global stage and told a joke only South Africans could immediately chuckle at. I know a Greatest Of All Time when I see one," wrote South African Twitter user Wally. "Hilarious!!!" posted psychologist Suntosh Pillay. Serame Kibi said simply "Trevor Noah made it", calling the entertainer a "very classy individual". The opinion was more divided on his material at the expense of Mel Gibson who he jokingly claimed had approached him backstage and said, "'Wakanda forever.' He said another word after that, but the 'Wakanda forever' part was nice." Noah, who grew up in the township of Soweto, shot to fame in 2015 as the surprise choice to host the nightly satire show, taking over after Jon Stewart's celebrated 16-year stint. A child of a then prohibited relationship between a black woman and a white father, Noah has often joked about his upbringing as a mixed-race boy among black children in Soweto where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived.

Trevor Noah's Wakanda Oscars routine comic relief for South Africans

Mandela's life and legacy celebrated in London exhibition

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

In her first speech in the ongoing 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj choose to highlight India's links with Africa and linkages between the Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, Sushma Swaraj said,"India cherishes its special relationship and longstanding partnership with Africa and its people. Our close bonds are reflected in the philosophy of Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi - Father of our Nation. "

Nelson Mandela Peace Summit was held in honour of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela in New York and was attended by a large number of world leaders.&nbsp;

Emphasising on the commonalities between the two&nbsp;leaders, minister Swaraj said,"both of them led their peoples to freedom through mass peaceful struggles. They made all efforts to overcome the divisive and narrow identity politics to turn diversity of a society into its strength, instead of a weakness."

India has been in the past few years tried to reaffirm her ties with the African continent and a number of high-level visits have taken from India including that of the President and Prime minister. Recently the cabinet approved the opening of 18 new Indian missions in Africa by 2021. India has 29 resident missions in Africa. The 3rd India-Africa Forum summit took place in 2015 and was called as India's biggest diplomatic outreach to African nations.

Paying tributes to Mandela, the minister said,"The values espoused by him – forgiveness and compassion as well as inclusiveness of society - are needed now, more than ever, in these turbulent times around the world. We, Indians, consider Madiba to be one of our own."

Mandela was one of the only two&nbsp;non-Indians who has ever been conferred with Bharat Ratna, the other being Pakistani national Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Madiba, as he was popularly called, was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1990.

Minister also used the occasion to raise the issue of terror and without taking any name said, "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetration."&nbsp;

India is expected to strongly raise the issue of terror at the world body this year. India has been calling for a common definition of terror through the comprehensive convention on international terrorism.

It will be a busy week for EAM Sushma at the UNGA with over 30 bilaterals and participation in various meets of groups such as BRICS, SAARC.

In her first speech in the ongoing 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj choose to highlight India's links with Africa and linkages between the Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

In her first speech in the ongoing 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj choose to highlight India's links with Africa and linkages between the Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, Sushma Swaraj said,"India cherishes its special relationship and longstanding partnership with Africa and its people. Our close bonds are reflected in the philosophy of Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi - Father of our Nation. " Nelson Mandela Peace Summit was held in honour of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela in New York and was attended by a large number of world leaders. Emphasising on the commonalities between the two leaders, minister Swaraj said,"both of them led their peoples to freedom through mass peaceful struggles. They made all efforts to overcome the divisive and narrow identity politics to turn diversity of a society into its strength, instead of a weakness." India has been in the past few years tried to reaffirm her ties with the African continent and a number of high-level visits have taken from India including that of the President and Prime minister. Recently the cabinet approved the opening of 18 new Indian missions in Africa by 2021. India has 29 resident missions in Africa. The 3rd India-Africa Forum summit took place in 2015 and was called as India's biggest diplomatic outreach to African nations. Paying tributes to Mandela, the minister said,"The values espoused by him – forgiveness and compassion as well as inclusiveness of society - are needed now, more than ever, in these turbulent times around the world. We, Indians, consider Madiba to be one of our own." Mandela was one of the only two non-Indians who has ever been conferred with Bharat Ratna, the other being Pakistani national Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Madiba, as he was popularly called, was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1990. Minister also used the occasion to raise the issue of terror and without taking any name said, "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetration." India is expected to strongly raise the issue of terror at the world body this year. India has been calling for a common definition of terror through the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. It will be a busy week for EAM Sushma at the UNGA with over 30 bilaterals and participation in various meets of groups such as BRICS, SAARC.

At UN, India highlights links with Africa

Half a century after the historic trial at which Nelson Mandela escaped the gallows, one of his fellow former prisoners walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet Monday for the premiere of a documentary about those with him in the dock.

Andrew Mlangeni is one of the last surviving defendants of the 1963-1964 Rivonia trial of Mandela and nine others who faced the death sentence on charges of plotting guerrilla warfare and acts of sabotage against South Africa's apartheid regime.

"I knew that one day I would come out of prison ... But I never thought in my life I would ever come to France, never mind appearing in a film which is seen by the entire world," the 92-year-old, who spent 27 years behind bars, told AFP.

Mandela's impassioned three-hour address to the court, during which he declared that a democratic South Africa was an ideal "for which I am prepared to die", was the most significant of his career. It conferred a demi-god status on him that overshadowed the sacrifices of his co-accused.

The State Against Mandela and the Others, a French-funded documentary based on the recently released audio recordings of the proceedings, attempts to redress the balance by putting his comrade's centre stage.

"Mandela was not expressing his view alone, he was expressing the view of all the accused. We were almost certain that we were going to hang. But we were prepared. We were prepared for anything," Mlangeni said.

The film uses animation, interviews and archival footage to show how the defendants turned a trial aimed at dealing a knockout blow to the anti-apartheid movement into an indictment of white supremacist rule.

"We decided we had to conduct this not as a criminal trial but a political trial," says Ahmed Kathrada, one of three former prisoners — one black (Mlangeni), one white (Denis Goldberg) and one of Asian origin (Kathrada) — interviewed for the feature.

Kathrada, who died last year, is one of the heroes of the documentary by journalist Nicolas Champeaux and filmmaker Gilles Porte.

Born into a family of Indian Muslim immigrants, he refused, like his comrades, to appeal his sabotage conviction to avoid the indignity of being seen to beg for clemency.

Animated charcoal drawings are used to recreate clashes between the preening prosecutor, depicted as a vulture in flapping black robes, and the accused, who refused to be bowed.

Powerful testimony from the likes of Mlangeni, who watched his parents work for whites "for peanuts", and Mandela's mentor Walter Sisulu, who complained of constant harassment of his family by the police, moved the world — and the judge.

At the end of the eight-month trial, the men were spared the noose. Mandela and seven others were sentenced instead to life in prison, a verdict they greeted with relief.

"It's life! And life is wonderful!" Goldberg recalls shouting across the courtroom to his mother.

But Mandela's ex-wife Winnie was already steeling herself for the long road ahead. "That's when my 'Amandla' (Power) started," she says in one of her last interviews before her death last month, uttering the rallying cry of the anti-apartheid movement with a clenched-fist salute.

For Champeaux, a former correspondent in South Africa who gained access to the 256 hours of digitised recordings, the trial had all the makings of an epic tale that needed to be shared.

"There's the bad guy, the traitor, the love story, the suspense, the inscrutable judge, the families trembling in the gallery," he told AFP. But it is also a reminder, he said, "that when you are wedded to a cause, those close to you suffer".

Coming ahead of the centenary of Mandela's birth, the film aims above all to remind the world that South Africa's tortured path to democracy was achieved by teamwork. It is a reminder, says Porte, "that all great things that happen in this world are achieved collectively".

Andrew Mlangeni is one of the last surviving defendants of the 1963-1964 Rivonia trial of Mandela and nine others who faced the death sentence on charges of plotting guerrilla warfare and acts of sabotage against South Africa's apartheid regime.

Half a century after the historic trial at which Nelson Mandela escaped the gallows, one of his fellow former prisoners walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet Monday for the premiere of a documentary about those with him in the dock. Andrew Mlangeni is one of the last surviving defendants of the 1963-1964 Rivonia trial of Mandela and nine others who faced the death sentence on charges of plotting guerrilla warfare and acts of sabotage against South Africa's apartheid regime. "I knew that one day I would come out of prison ... But I never thought in my life I would ever come to France, never mind appearing in a film which is seen by the entire world," the 92-year-old, who spent 27 years behind bars, told AFP. Mandela's impassioned three-hour address to the court, during which he declared that a democratic South Africa was an ideal "for which I am prepared to die", was the most significant of his career. It conferred a demi-god status on him that overshadowed the sacrifices of his co-accused. The State Against Mandela and the Others, a French-funded documentary based on the recently released audio recordings of the proceedings, attempts to redress the balance by putting his comrade's centre stage. "Mandela was not expressing his view alone, he was expressing the view of all the accused. We were almost certain that we were going to hang. But we were prepared. We were prepared for anything," Mlangeni said. The film uses animation, interviews and archival footage to show how the defendants turned a trial aimed at dealing a knockout blow to the anti-apartheid movement into an indictment of white supremacist rule. "We decided we had to conduct this not as a criminal trial but a political trial," says Ahmed Kathrada, one of three former prisoners — one black (Mlangeni), one white (Denis Goldberg) and one of Asian origin (Kathrada) — interviewed for the feature. Kathrada, who died last year, is one of the heroes of the documentary by journalist Nicolas Champeaux and filmmaker Gilles Porte. Born into a family of Indian Muslim immigrants, he refused, like his comrades, to appeal his sabotage conviction to avoid the indignity of being seen to beg for clemency. Animated charcoal drawings are used to recreate clashes between the preening prosecutor, depicted as a vulture in flapping black robes, and the accused, who refused to be bowed. Powerful testimony from the likes of Mlangeni, who watched his parents work for whites "for peanuts", and Mandela's mentor Walter Sisulu, who complained of constant harassment of his family by the police, moved the world — and the judge. At the end of the eight-month trial, the men were spared the noose. Mandela and seven others were sentenced instead to life in prison, a verdict they greeted with relief. "It's life! And life is wonderful!" Goldberg recalls shouting across the courtroom to his mother. But Mandela's ex-wife Winnie was already steeling herself for the long road ahead. "That's when my 'Amandla' (Power) started," she says in one of her last interviews before her death last month, uttering the rallying cry of the anti-apartheid movement with a clenched-fist salute. For Champeaux, a former correspondent in South Africa who gained access to the 256 hours of digitised recordings, the trial had all the makings of an epic tale that needed to be shared. "There's the bad guy, the traitor, the love story, the suspense, the inscrutable judge, the families trembling in the gallery," he told AFP. But it is also a reminder, he said, "that when you are wedded to a cause, those close to you suffer". Coming ahead of the centenary of Mandela's birth, the film aims above all to remind the world that South Africa's tortured path to democracy was achieved by teamwork. It is a reminder, says Porte, "that all great things that happen in this world are achieved collectively".

Cannes 2018: Nelson Mandela's associate attends premiere of documentary on Rivonia trial

Winnie Mandela, the former wife of South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, died today at the age of 81, her spokesman said.

She died in a Johannesburg hospital after a long illness, spokesman Victor Dlamini said in a statement.

Winnie Mandela, who was married to Nelson Mandela for 38 years, played a high-profile role in the battle to end white-minority rule but her place in history was also stained by controversy.

"It is with profound sadness that we inform the public that Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away at the Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday," said a statement issued by Dlamini, a family spokesman.

"She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones."

Most of Winnie's marriage to Nelson was spent apart, with Nelson imprisoned for 27 years, leaving her to raise their two daughters alone and to keep alive his political dream under the repressive white-minority regime.

But her reputation came under damaging scrutiny in the twilight years of apartheid rule.

In 1986, she was widely linked to "necklacing", when suspected traitors were burnt alive by a petrol-soaked car tyre being put over their head and set alight.

In 1990 the world watched when Nelson Mandela finally walked out of prison -- hand in hand with Winnie.

The following year, she was convicted of kidnapping and assault over the killing of Stompie Moeketsi, a 14-year-old boy.

In 1992, the Mandelas separated, and then divorced in 1996, after a legal wrangle that revealed she had had an affair with a young bodyguard.

She died in a Johannesburg hospital after a long illness, spokesman Victor Dlamini said in a statement

Winnie Mandela, the former wife of South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, died today at the age of 81, her spokesman said. She died in a Johannesburg hospital after a long illness, spokesman Victor Dlamini said in a statement. Winnie Mandela, who was married to Nelson Mandela for 38 years, played a high-profile role in the battle to end white-minority rule but her place in history was also stained by controversy. "It is with profound sadness that we inform the public that Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away at the Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday," said a statement issued by Dlamini, a family spokesman. "She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones." Most of Winnie's marriage to Nelson was spent apart, with Nelson imprisoned for 27 years, leaving her to raise their two daughters alone and to keep alive his political dream under the repressive white-minority regime. But her reputation came under damaging scrutiny in the twilight years of apartheid rule. In 1986, she was widely linked to "necklacing", when suspected traitors were burnt alive by a petrol-soaked car tyre being put over their head and set alight. In 1990 the world watched when Nelson Mandela finally walked out of prison -- hand in hand with Winnie. The following year, she was convicted of kidnapping and assault over the killing of Stompie Moeketsi, a 14-year-old boy. In 1992, the Mandelas separated, and then divorced in 1996, after a legal wrangle that revealed she had had an affair with a young bodyguard.

Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie dies at 81

As President Zuma <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zuma-resigns-as-president-of-south-africa-32912">stepped down from office in South Africa</a> throwing the ruling African National Congress(ANC) in crisis, the Gupta family from India has become the focus of attention.

The politically <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-police-raid-home-of-guptas-friends-of-president-zuma-32846">connected Gupta brothers - Ajay, Atul and Rajesh</a> - were reportedly in India at Saharanpur attending a family function even as authorities in South Africa were conducting raids in their luxury&nbsp;home in Johannesburg.

Police also raided the Guptas&#39; Oakbay holding company in Johannesburg&#39;s Sandton financial district.

Atul Gupta landed in South Africa in 1993, a year before ANC chief Nelson Mandela was freed from jail. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The Gupta brothers made most of the opportunities as South Africa opened up to the world as apartheid became a thing of the past.

The Guptas from Uttar Pradesh built companies spanning computers, mining, media, technology and engineering and developed contacts with the ANC.

In recent years, as the Guptas became rich and famous, the media increasingly focussed on them with reports of Zuma&#39;s son Duduzane being made the director of the Gupta-owned Sahara Computers, named after their hometown of Saharanpur, and his involvement in several other family companies.

Zuma&#39;s third wife Bongi Ngema and one of his daughters also have reportedly been employed by the Guptas.

South Africa&#39;s ethics watchdog, the Public Protector, published a damning report in October 2016, finding that the state-owned electricity monopoly had awarded a massive coal order to a then-Gupta linked business at well above market prices, according to AFP

The report also alleged that former mining minister Zwane travelled to Switzerland with the Guptas to help them &quot;seal the deal&quot; to buy a coal mine.

The Gupta family has reportedly been mentioned 232 times in the report &quot;State of Capture&quot; because of its influence in South Africa.

The family may now face government&nbsp;inquiry into their business dealings with potentially devasting consequences which could also hit several companies which employ&nbsp;hundreds of people in South Africa.

The Gupta brothers made most of the opportunities as South Africa opened up to the world as apartheid became a thing of the past.

As President Zuma stepped down from office in South Africa throwing the ruling African National Congress(ANC) in crisis, the Gupta family from India has become the focus of attention. The politically connected Gupta brothers - Ajay, Atul and Rajesh - were reportedly in India at Saharanpur attending a family function even as authorities in South Africa were conducting raids in their luxury home in Johannesburg. Police also raided the Guptas' Oakbay holding company in Johannesburg's Sandton financial district. Atul Gupta landed in South Africa in 1993, a year before ANC chief Nelson Mandela was freed from jail. The Gupta brothers made most of the opportunities as South Africa opened up to the world as apartheid became a thing of the past. The Guptas from Uttar Pradesh built companies spanning computers, mining, media, technology and engineering and developed contacts with the ANC. In recent years, as the Guptas became rich and famous, the media increasingly focussed on them with reports of Zuma's son Duduzane being made the director of the Gupta-owned Sahara Computers, named after their hometown of Saharanpur, and his involvement in several other family companies. Zuma's third wife Bongi Ngema and one of his daughters also have reportedly been employed by the Guptas. South Africa's ethics watchdog, the Public Protector, published a damning report in October 2016, finding that the state-owned electricity monopoly had awarded a massive coal order to a then-Gupta linked business at well above market prices, according to AFP The report also alleged that former mining minister Zwane travelled to Switzerland with the Guptas to help them "seal the deal" to buy a coal mine. The Gupta family has reportedly been mentioned 232 times in the report "State of Capture" because of its influence in South Africa. The family may now face government inquiry into their business dealings with potentially devasting consequences which could also hit several companies which employ hundreds of people in South Africa.

Zuma downfall: How Gupta brothers became a powerhouse in South Africa

Cyril <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ramaphosa" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ramaphosa-trade-unionist-tycoon-and-s-africas-next-president/articleshow/62904930.cms~Ramaphosa-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ramaphosa">Ramaphosa</a>&#39;s long and eventful career has taken him from trade union activist to multi-millionaire &mdash; and now within a heartbeat of the South African presidency.

After <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/South-Africa" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ramaphosa-trade-unionist-tycoon-and-s-africas-next-president/articleshow/62904930.cms~South Africa-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/South-Africa">South Africa</a> dismantled apartheid, Ramaphosa saw his hopes for the country&#39;s top job apparently dashed. 
 
True to his pragmatic character, he opted instead for life in business &mdash; a move that brought him spectacular wealth. 
 
But Tuesday&#39;s announcement that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) had ordered that President <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Jacob-Zuma" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ramaphosa-trade-unionist-tycoon-and-s-africas-next-president/articleshow/62904930.cms~Jacob Zuma-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Jacob-Zuma">Jacob Zuma</a> is recalled from the presidency put Ramaphosa in pole position to succeed him. 
 
It was after Ramaphosa failed to clinch the ANC nomination to succeed president Nelson Mandela in 1999 that he swapped politics for a foray into a business that made him one of the wealthiest people in Africa. 
 
The 65-year-old&#39;s impressive rise to eventually lead the ANC following its December conference would have come as no surprise to Mandela. 
 
Mandela once described Ramaphosa as one of the most gifted leaders of the &quot;new generation&quot; &mdash; the young campaigners who rose in the 1970s, filling the void left by their jailed elders.

During his business career, Ramaphosa held stakes in McDonald&#39;s and Coca-Cola&#39;s local ventures and made millions in deals that required investors to partner with non-white shareholders. 
 
He became one of the richest men on the continent &mdash; reaching number 42 on the Forbes list of Africa&#39;s wealthiest people in 2015 with a net worth of $450 million (383 million euros). 
 
Out of politics for a decade, Ramaphosa returned to the fray in 2012 when he was elected to the ANC&#39;s number two post. 
 
He became deputy president of the nation in 2014, but has had to tread a careful line. He has both served Zuma &mdash; tarred by accusations of corruption and incompetence &mdash; and also delivered occasional, cautious criticism of his political master. 
 
His ambivalence has led to criticism. 
 
Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, accused Ramaphosa of being &quot;at best a silent deputy president, and at worst a complicit one&quot;. 
 
Born on November 17, 1952 in Soweto township west of Johannesburg &mdash; a centre of the anti-apartheid struggle &mdash; Ramaphosa became involved with student activism while studying law in the 1970s. 
 
He was arrested in 1974 and spent 11 months in solitary confinement.

After studying, he turned to trade unionism &mdash; one of the few legal ways of protesting against the white-minority regime. 
 
He founded the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/National-Union-of-Mineworkers" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ramaphosa-trade-unionist-tycoon-and-s-africas-next-president/articleshow/62904930.cms~National Union of Mineworkers-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/National-Union-of-Mineworkers">National Union of Mineworkers</a> (NUM) in 1982 which grew to have 300,000 members and led massive mine strikes in 1987 that shook the foundations of white rule. 
 
When Mandela was released in 1990 after 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid, Ramaphosa was a key part of the taskforce that led the transition to democracy. 
 
Ramaphosa rose to global prominence as the ANC&#39;s lead negotiator, with his contribution seen as one factor in the success of the talks and the resulting peaceful democratic handover. 
 
He then led the group that drew up the country&#39;s world-renowned new constitution. 
 
Ramaphosa &mdash; who is relaxed and low-key at public appearances &mdash; has managed to steer clear of major corruption scandals but his return to politics has not been free from controversy. 
 
His popularity was badly shaken in 2012 when 34 striking mine workers were killed by police at the Marikana platinum mine, operated by London-listed Lonmin, where he was then a non-executive director. 
 
Shortly before the massacre &mdash; the worst police killing since the end of apartheid &mdash; Ramaphosa had called for a crackdown on the strikers, whom he accused of &quot;dastardly criminal&quot; behaviour.

Ramaphosa has four children with his second wife Tshepo Motsepe, a doctor. 
 
He was accused in 2017 of having affairs with several young women, which he denied. 
 
Ramaphosa did admit to an extramarital affair but told local media that he had since disclosed the relationship to his wife. 
 
Some saw the sudden revelations as a smear campaign by associates of President Zuma who backed another candidate at the crunch party conference &mdash; his ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. 
 
The impact of the scandal was short-lived, and Ramaphosa based his campaign on his pledge to rebuild the country&#39;s economy, boost growth and create much-needed jobs. 
 
&quot;Our ability to overcome these challenges has been undermined over the last decade by a failure of leadership and misguided priorities,&quot; he said in a rally speech.

&quot;For the first time since the advent of democracy, there is a real chance that the transformation of our country may suffer significant reverses.&quot; 
 
If, as expected, he becomes president, his opportunity to try to transform the country will finally have arrived. 
 
&quot;Ramaphosa has no association with any of the corruption scandals that have plagued South Africa,&quot; wrote his biographer Ray Hartley in &quot;The Man Who Would Be King&quot;. 
 
&quot;But the years he spent at Zuma&#39;s side, playing the &#39;inside game&#39; suggest he is more comfortable as a powerful insider than as a radical reformer.&quot;

True to his pragmatic character, he opted instead for life in business — a move that brought him spectacular wealth.

Cyril Ramaphosa's long and eventful career has taken him from trade union activist to multi-millionaire — and now within a heartbeat of the South African presidency. After South Africa dismantled apartheid, Ramaphosa saw his hopes for the country's top job apparently dashed. True to his pragmatic character, he opted instead for life in business — a move that brought him spectacular wealth. But Tuesday's announcement that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) had ordered that President Jacob Zuma is recalled from the presidency put Ramaphosa in pole position to succeed him. It was after Ramaphosa failed to clinch the ANC nomination to succeed president Nelson Mandela in 1999 that he swapped politics for a foray into a business that made him one of the wealthiest people in Africa. The 65-year-old's impressive rise to eventually lead the ANC following its December conference would have come as no surprise to Mandela. Mandela once described Ramaphosa as one of the most gifted leaders of the "new generation" — the young campaigners who rose in the 1970s, filling the void left by their jailed elders. During his business career, Ramaphosa held stakes in McDonald's and Coca-Cola's local ventures and made millions in deals that required investors to partner with non-white shareholders. He became one of the richest men on the continent — reaching number 42 on the Forbes list of Africa's wealthiest people in 2015 with a net worth of $450 million (383 million euros). Out of politics for a decade, Ramaphosa returned to the fray in 2012 when he was elected to the ANC's number two post. He became deputy president of the nation in 2014, but has had to tread a careful line. He has both served Zuma — tarred by accusations of corruption and incompetence — and also delivered occasional, cautious criticism of his political master. His ambivalence has led to criticism. Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, accused Ramaphosa of being "at best a silent deputy president, and at worst a complicit one". Born on November 17, 1952 in Soweto township west of Johannesburg — a centre of the anti-apartheid struggle — Ramaphosa became involved with student activism while studying law in the 1970s. He was arrested in 1974 and spent 11 months in solitary confinement. After studying, he turned to trade unionism — one of the few legal ways of protesting against the white-minority regime. He founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982 which grew to have 300,000 members and led massive mine strikes in 1987 that shook the foundations of white rule. When Mandela was released in 1990 after 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid, Ramaphosa was a key part of the taskforce that led the transition to democracy. Ramaphosa rose to global prominence as the ANC's lead negotiator, with his contribution seen as one factor in the success of the talks and the resulting peaceful democratic handover. He then led the group that drew up the country's world-renowned new constitution. Ramaphosa — who is relaxed and low-key at public appearances — has managed to steer clear of major corruption scandals but his return to politics has not been free from controversy. His popularity was badly shaken in 2012 when 34 striking mine workers were killed by police at the Marikana platinum mine, operated by London-listed Lonmin, where he was then a non-executive director. Shortly before the massacre — the worst police killing since the end of apartheid — Ramaphosa had called for a crackdown on the strikers, whom he accused of "dastardly criminal" behaviour. Ramaphosa has four children with his second wife Tshepo Motsepe, a doctor. He was accused in 2017 of having affairs with several young women, which he denied. Ramaphosa did admit to an extramarital affair but told local media that he had since disclosed the relationship to his wife. Some saw the sudden revelations as a smear campaign by associates of President Zuma who backed another candidate at the crunch party conference — his ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The impact of the scandal was short-lived, and Ramaphosa based his campaign on his pledge to rebuild the country's economy, boost growth and create much-needed jobs. "Our ability to overcome these challenges has been undermined over the last decade by a failure of leadership and misguided priorities," he said in a rally speech. "For the first time since the advent of democracy, there is a real chance that the transformation of our country may suffer significant reverses." If, as expected, he becomes president, his opportunity to try to transform the country will finally have arrived. "Ramaphosa has no association with any of the corruption scandals that have plagued South Africa," wrote his biographer Ray Hartley in "The Man Who Would Be King". "But the years he spent at Zuma's side, playing the 'inside game' suggest he is more comfortable as a powerful insider than as a radical reformer."

Ramaphosa: Trade unionist, tycoon and South Africa's next president?

2018 will observe 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela and to honour his centenary the South African Reserve Bank to launch commemorative banknotes.

The central bank announced this in a statement on the occasion of 28th anniversary of the day when Mandela was released from the prison.

The statement added that it will release 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand denominations.

New and old currencies will continue circulating together, Central bank of South Africa.

Sunday marked the 28 the anniversary of the day Mandela was released from the prison after spending&nbsp;27 years in prison; also on this day, Mandela delivered his iconic speech from the balcony of the City Hall to thousands of people.

Nelson Mandela was one of the most prominent political leaders of South Africa who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

He was the country&#39;s first black head of state and first elected in a fully representative democratic election.&nbsp;

South Africa will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela this year.

Mandela was a revered world icon for his fight against the racism and for South Africa&#39;s democracy and social justice.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The central bank announced this in a statement on the occasion of 28th anniversary of the day when Mandela was released from the prison.

2018 will observe 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela and to honour his centenary the South African Reserve Bank to launch commemorative banknotes. The central bank announced this in a statement on the occasion of 28th anniversary of the day when Mandela was released from the prison. The statement added that it will release 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand denominations. New and old currencies will continue circulating together, Central bank of South Africa. Sunday marked the 28 the anniversary of the day Mandela was released from the prison after spending 27 years in prison; also on this day, Mandela delivered his iconic speech from the balcony of the City Hall to thousands of people. Nelson Mandela was one of the most prominent political leaders of South Africa who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and first elected in a fully representative democratic election. South Africa will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela this year. Mandela was a revered world icon for his fight against the racism and for South Africa's democracy and social justice.

South Africa to launch new notes to honour Nelson Mandela's centenary

South African veteran politician and anti-apartheid activist Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Tuesday it was &quot;offensive&quot; to suggest her ex-husband, President Jacob Zuma, would have a hand in promoting her political career.

Zuma, 75, will step down as head of the ruling African National Congress at a conference in December. He can remain head of state until a 2019 election, although some analysts think he will hand over before then to whoever becomes the new ANC leader.

Dlamini-Zuma, 68, former head of the African Union and a cabinet minister under Nelson Mandela, has not officially said she will run for the ANC presidency, but she has not denied it.

And she increasingly acts like a leadership contender even though the ANC bans campaigning until candidates have been officially nominated next month.

The former health and foreign affairs minister, who does not currently hold a top position, spoke to business leaders in Johannesburg about her vision for South Africa, calling for changes to fix everything from the economy to inequality.

Flanked by bodyguards, she avoided questions about the prospect of running for the ANC presidency and reacted angrily when asked if Zuma would give her chances a boost.

&quot;I find it offensive,&quot; she said, in reply to a reporter`s question.

&quot;I will not be elected by President Jacob Zuma. If I`m elected, I will be elected by South Africans.&quot;

Zuma, who has four children with his former wife, has endorsed her to lead the ANC and she is therefore expected to benefit from his powerful party base.

Dlamini-Zuma`s main opponent is expected to be Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, a trade unionist-turned-business tycoon who many investors would prefer to see running a country in economic turmoil.

Ramaphosa, who was once Mandela`s chosen successor, has spoken of the need for the ANC to clean up its image so it can win back millions of voters who have switched allegiance during Zuma`s scandal-plagued decade in power.

Dlamini-Zuma is pushing for a more radical redistribution of wealth from whites to blacks, a policy that appeals to many poor people who resent the stark racial inequality that still persists 23 years after the end of apartheid.

The ANC has won every election since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. But analysts say unless its next leader mends party divides and turns around the economy, the party could lose to an opposition coalition in 2019.

South African veteran politician and anti-apartheid activist Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Tuesday it was "offensive" to suggest her ex-husband, President Jacob Zuma, would have a hand in promoting her political career

South African veteran politician and anti-apartheid activist Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Tuesday it was "offensive" to suggest her ex-husband, President Jacob Zuma, would have a hand in promoting her political career. Zuma, 75, will step down as head of the ruling African National Congress at a conference in December. He can remain head of state until a 2019 election, although some analysts think he will hand over before then to whoever becomes the new ANC leader. Dlamini-Zuma, 68, former head of the African Union and a cabinet minister under Nelson Mandela, has not officially said she will run for the ANC presidency, but she has not denied it. And she increasingly acts like a leadership contender even though the ANC bans campaigning until candidates have been officially nominated next month. The former health and foreign affairs minister, who does not currently hold a top position, spoke to business leaders in Johannesburg about her vision for South Africa, calling for changes to fix everything from the economy to inequality. Flanked by bodyguards, she avoided questions about the prospect of running for the ANC presidency and reacted angrily when asked if Zuma would give her chances a boost. "I find it offensive," she said, in reply to a reporter`s question. "I will not be elected by President Jacob Zuma. If I`m elected, I will be elected by South Africans." Zuma, who has four children with his former wife, has endorsed her to lead the ANC and she is therefore expected to benefit from his powerful party base. Dlamini-Zuma`s main opponent is expected to be Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, a trade unionist-turned-business tycoon who many investors would prefer to see running a country in economic turmoil. Ramaphosa, who was once Mandela`s chosen successor, has spoken of the need for the ANC to clean up its image so it can win back millions of voters who have switched allegiance during Zuma`s scandal-plagued decade in power. Dlamini-Zuma is pushing for a more radical redistribution of wealth from whites to blacks, a policy that appeals to many poor people who resent the stark racial inequality that still persists 23 years after the end of apartheid. The ANC has won every election since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. But analysts say unless its next leader mends party divides and turns around the economy, the party could lose to an opposition coalition in 2019.

South Africa's Dlamini-Zuma bristles at claims of inside help from Zuma

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