The rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 percent. It remains a huge task for the country's govt to convince people to take COVID jabs.

Rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 percent

Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to all south African adults, the rate of inoculation still remains low. Watch this report to know more.

South Africa witnesses surge in the number of Anti-Vaxxers

More questions were raised concerning the killing of 53-year-old Indian-origin woman Babita Deokaran, a witness in a personal protective equipment (PPE) controversy, outside her home in Mondeor, with police stating that there was no evidence to suggest it was a hit.&nbsp;

Amnesty International South Africa expressed grave concern, while the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation described it as a professional and well-planned attack.&nbsp;

Babita Deokaran, a senior officer at the Gauteng provincial Department of Health, was shot numerous times through her car door on Tuesday after dropping her child off at school in a Johannesburg neighbourhood.

She was brought to the hospital, but her injuries caused her death.&nbsp;

Deokaran's assassination occurs at a time when the National Prosecuting Authority and its Investigating Directorate are preparing to prosecute state capturers who got away with massive stealing during the Zuma years.&nbsp;

A high-level investigation has been launched into the killing of Deokaran, who had provided critical information regarding a more than 330 million rand (over $20 million) fraud into the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa last year.

The Serious Crime Investigation Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that Deokaran had been one of the witnesses in the investigation by the unit into corruption in the health department, which was already nearing an end.

Kganyago said Deokaran had never indicated that she felt threatened by her participation in the process.

Deokaran will be laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies)

More questions were raised concerning the killing of 53-year-old Indian-origin woman Babita Deokaran, a witness in a personal protective equipment (PPE) controversy, outside her home in Mondeor, with police stating that there was no evidence to suggest it was a hit.

More questions were raised concerning the killing of 53-year-old Indian-origin woman Babita Deokaran, a witness in a personal protective equipment (PPE) controversy, outside her home in Mondeor, with police stating that there was no evidence to suggest it was a hit. Amnesty International South Africa expressed grave concern, while the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation described it as a professional and well-planned attack. Babita Deokaran, a senior officer at the Gauteng provincial Department of Health, was shot numerous times through her car door on Tuesday after dropping her child off at school in a Johannesburg neighbourhood. She was brought to the hospital, but her injuries caused her death. Deokaran's assassination occurs at a time when the National Prosecuting Authority and its Investigating Directorate are preparing to prosecute state capturers who got away with massive stealing during the Zuma years. A high-level investigation has been launched into the killing of Deokaran, who had provided critical information regarding a more than 330 million rand (over $20 million) fraud into the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa last year. The Serious Crime Investigation Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that Deokaran had been one of the witnesses in the investigation by the unit into corruption in the health department, which was already nearing an end. Kganyago said Deokaran had never indicated that she felt threatened by her participation in the process. Deokaran will be laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin woman, who gave info on over $20 million scam, killed in South Africa 

The Jacob Zuma Foundation has sent out a plea on its official Twitter page to ask people to open up their wallets and donate towards South Africa's Former President's mounting legal bills.

South Africa's Former President Jacob Zuma unable to pay legal fees

South Africa head coach Mark Boucher issued a statement on Monday apologising for "any offensive conduct, real or perceived" brought to light during hearings into racism in South African cricket.

The former long-serving Test wicketkeeper made public a 14-page affidavit he submitted to the Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) ombudsman, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza.

Later on Monday, Cricket South Africa announced Boucher's assistant coach, Enoch Nkwe, had signalled his intention to resign but that talks were being held with him about his future.

It was unclear whether Nkwe's planned resignation was linked to revelations at the SJN hearings but a morning newspaper claimed sources said Nkwe felt sidelined.

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Meanwhile, South Africa limited overs captain Temba Bavuma said at a press conference ahead of a tour of Sri Lanka that Boucher had addressed the players about the allegations against him and provided "clarity and context".

Boucher said his sworn statement was a general response to issues with his behaviour during his playing days raised by black cricketers at the hearings.

He said he would prefer to deal "one-on-one" with specific allegations by former team-mates that he had offended.

But he did go into detail about allegations that he and other white players adapted in an offensive fashion the lyrics of a Boney M song 'Brown Girl in the Ring' and sung it at spin bowler Paul Adams&nbsp;during a team fines meetings.

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Boucher said he was a naive young man when he was first selected to play for South Africa as a 20-year-old in 1997, six years after the country returned to international cricket after 21 years of isolation because of apartheid.

Boucher said he now realised that players, coaches and management were naive.&nbsp;

"To my certain knowledge there had not been any briefing or discussion by Cricket South Africa as to how we deal with the legacy of apartheid," he said, "and how we ensure that there is equality, respect empathy and inclusiveness in the team."

Boucher said nothing he had said or done was motivated by malice or racism.

He said the current South Africa team was "now in an entirely different space" following "meaningful workshops and discussions about how to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and a culture of respect".

Boucher said there had been "an implicit insinuation" in some media reports and posts on social media that he was a racist. He said these allegations had traumatised him and his family. &nbsp;

Boucher said for much of his playing career he had been in charge at fines meetings which usually happened after a series win. They were "light-hearted with lots of laughter, singing and ribbing of teammates."

He said he did not know who had initiated the Boney M song insulting Adams but acknowledged that what was seen at the time as playful banter was "totally inappropriate".

Bavuma, the country's first black African captain, said the SJN hearings had impacted the team.

He said most of the players supported the hearings and hoped that mistakes of the past would enable the current squad "to be able to learn from those experiences and those mistakes by certain individuals which can help us pave the way forward."

Bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and fast bowler Junior Dala were late withdrawals from the touring squad because of "Covid protocols". Dala was replaced by fellow fast bowler Lutho Sipamla.

South Africa head coach Mark Boucher issued a statement on Monday apologising for "any offensive conduct, real or perceived" brought to light during hearings into racism in South African cricket.

South Africa head coach Mark Boucher issued a statement on Monday apologising for "any offensive conduct, real or perceived" brought to light during hearings into racism in South African cricket. The former long-serving Test wicketkeeper made public a 14-page affidavit he submitted to the Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) ombudsman, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza. Later on Monday, Cricket South Africa announced Boucher's assistant coach, Enoch Nkwe, had signalled his intention to resign but that talks were being held with him about his future. It was unclear whether Nkwe's planned resignation was linked to revelations at the SJN hearings but a morning newspaper claimed sources said Nkwe felt sidelined. ALSO READ | 'People criticise only important people,' says Ajinkya Rahane over chatter around his form Meanwhile, South Africa limited overs captain Temba Bavuma said at a press conference ahead of a tour of Sri Lanka that Boucher had addressed the players about the allegations against him and provided "clarity and context". Boucher said his sworn statement was a general response to issues with his behaviour during his playing days raised by black cricketers at the hearings. He said he would prefer to deal "one-on-one" with specific allegations by former team-mates that he had offended. But he did go into detail about allegations that he and other white players adapted in an offensive fashion the lyrics of a Boney M song 'Brown Girl in the Ring' and sung it at spin bowler Paul Adams during a team fines meetings. ALSO READ | INDvsENG: Mark Wood injury adds to England pace problems ahead of third Test Boucher said he was a naive young man when he was first selected to play for South Africa as a 20-year-old in 1997, six years after the country returned to international cricket after 21 years of isolation because of apartheid. Boucher said he now realised that players, coaches and management were naive. "To my certain knowledge there had not been any briefing or discussion by Cricket South Africa as to how we deal with the legacy of apartheid," he said, "and how we ensure that there is equality, respect empathy and inclusiveness in the team." Boucher said nothing he had said or done was motivated by malice or racism. He said the current South Africa team was "now in an entirely different space" following "meaningful workshops and discussions about how to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and a culture of respect". Boucher said there had been "an implicit insinuation" in some media reports and posts on social media that he was a racist. He said these allegations had traumatised him and his family. Boucher said for much of his playing career he had been in charge at fines meetings which usually happened after a series win. They were "light-hearted with lots of laughter, singing and ribbing of teammates." He said he did not know who had initiated the Boney M song insulting Adams but acknowledged that what was seen at the time as playful banter was "totally inappropriate". Bavuma, the country's first black African captain, said the SJN hearings had impacted the team. He said most of the players supported the hearings and hoped that mistakes of the past would enable the current squad "to be able to learn from those experiences and those mistakes by certain individuals which can help us pave the way forward." Bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and fast bowler Junior Dala were late withdrawals from the touring squad because of "Covid protocols". Dala was replaced by fellow fast bowler Lutho Sipamla.

South Africa coach Mark Boucher apologises for past racist behaviour

Threats against the Indian-origin community in South Africa do exist after the recent violence, but the government is doing everything in its power to counter it, Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi said on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Protests against the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma on July 7 rapidly devolved into orgies of looting and arson in the two provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Zuma has been sentenced for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to testify at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where several witnesses have implicated him in corruption.

Some media reports on the violence which wracked the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month said that Indian-origin South Africans bore the brunt of the attack, some even stating that 'many' of the 330 people killed as looters went on the rampage were of Indian origin.

"This is not quite correct. Certainly, there were a number of Indian-owned businesses that were looted or burnt down, but they were among the scores more, many owned by national chain-store groups, that were raided by the looters. There were also no direct attacks on any Indians that we are aware of. As far as deaths go, we believe that only two or three of those killed were of Indian-origin," Gandhi said.

"What I said was that terrorist attacks by anyone anywhere in the world could occur at any time, not just against any particular community in South Africa only," Gandhi said, reacting to some reports in the Indian media quoting her as saying that attacks could happen anytime anywhere.

"We can't deny that such threats do exist, especially advocated by some people on social media, but our government is doing all in its power to address this," she said.

The community leader, who heads up the Gandhi Development Trust based at the Phoenix Settlement started by Mahatma Gandhi during his tenure in South Africa, also commented on reports that there was an increased number of applications by South Africans of Indian origin for OCI cards.

"The Indian missions would be in a better position to answer that, but we know that there are people who have already migrated to places such as Australia who have been trying to get their relatives in South Africa to join them. But the recent violence should not be used as an excuse for that. We should also consider that hundreds of thousands of fourth and fifth generation Indians who consider themselves to be South African citizens are still here, many of them doing their part to assist in reconciliation and rehabilitation projects after the violence," Gandhi said.

Officials at the Indian consulates in Durban and Johannesburg confirmed that there has been an increase in both applications for and enquiries about the OCI card.

Gandhi herself, together with other community leaders in the Indian and black communities, is involved in various projects aimed at reconciliation.

"Inciting calls by some people, including political leaders, which get circulated widely on social media, unfortunately do not help," Gandhi said, in an apparent reference to a statement by the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, who has often made anti-Indian remarks.

"What those Indians did there in Phoenix is unforgettable, we will never forgive them for what they did to our people. And those are Indian criminals, they must be called exactly that. We are not going to make any apology about that," Malema had said in an interview with radio station Khaya FM after the recent violence.

There were 22 Black people killed in Phoenix, allegedly at the hands of Indian vigilantes, many of whom are now facing murder and manslaughter charges.

During the riots around the largely Indian area of Phoenix, which is surrounded by three Black informal settlements, the Phoenix Settlement remained untouched as looters raided and burnt down neighbouring businesses.

Advocate Mahomed Saleem Khan (SC) cautioned Malema in a widely circulated social media post that if he persisted with his anti-Indian remarks, he would institute legal proceedings against him.

"(Indians) have honoured South Africa and the African continent with significant, material and continuing contributions towards, inter alia, commercial and cultural development," Khan said.

Popular Indian-origin comedian and social commentator Karou Charou, whose real name is Mahdevan Moodley, also made an online plea to the Black community to ignore the racist remarks on social media and work together with the Indian community to achieve more.

"The majority of people from the informal settlements (around Phoenix) are employed by Indian businesses and households. The Indian community around these informal settlements drives this mini-economy and that is an undeniable fact, whether you like it or not," Moodley said.

Threats against the Indian-origin community in South Africa do exist after the recent violence, but the government is doing everything in its power to counter it, Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi said on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Threats against the Indian-origin community in South Africa do exist after the recent violence, but the government is doing everything in its power to counter it, Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi said on Monday, August 23, 2021. Protests against the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma on July 7 rapidly devolved into orgies of looting and arson in the two provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Zuma has been sentenced for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to testify at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where several witnesses have implicated him in corruption. Some media reports on the violence which wracked the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month said that Indian-origin South Africans bore the brunt of the attack, some even stating that 'many' of the 330 people killed as looters went on the rampage were of Indian origin. "This is not quite correct. Certainly, there were a number of Indian-owned businesses that were looted or burnt down, but they were among the scores more, many owned by national chain-store groups, that were raided by the looters. There were also no direct attacks on any Indians that we are aware of. As far as deaths go, we believe that only two or three of those killed were of Indian-origin," Gandhi said. "What I said was that terrorist attacks by anyone anywhere in the world could occur at any time, not just against any particular community in South Africa only," Gandhi said, reacting to some reports in the Indian media quoting her as saying that attacks could happen anytime anywhere. "We can't deny that such threats do exist, especially advocated by some people on social media, but our government is doing all in its power to address this," she said. The community leader, who heads up the Gandhi Development Trust based at the Phoenix Settlement started by Mahatma Gandhi during his tenure in South Africa, also commented on reports that there was an increased number of applications by South Africans of Indian origin for OCI cards. "The Indian missions would be in a better position to answer that, but we know that there are people who have already migrated to places such as Australia who have been trying to get their relatives in South Africa to join them. But the recent violence should not be used as an excuse for that. We should also consider that hundreds of thousands of fourth and fifth generation Indians who consider themselves to be South African citizens are still here, many of them doing their part to assist in reconciliation and rehabilitation projects after the violence," Gandhi said. Officials at the Indian consulates in Durban and Johannesburg confirmed that there has been an increase in both applications for and enquiries about the OCI card. Gandhi herself, together with other community leaders in the Indian and black communities, is involved in various projects aimed at reconciliation. "Inciting calls by some people, including political leaders, which get circulated widely on social media, unfortunately do not help," Gandhi said, in an apparent reference to a statement by the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, who has often made anti-Indian remarks. "What those Indians did there in Phoenix is unforgettable, we will never forgive them for what they did to our people. And those are Indian criminals, they must be called exactly that. We are not going to make any apology about that," Malema had said in an interview with radio station Khaya FM after the recent violence. There were 22 Black people killed in Phoenix, allegedly at the hands of Indian vigilantes, many of whom are now facing murder and manslaughter charges. During the riots around the largely Indian area of Phoenix, which is surrounded by three Black informal settlements, the Phoenix Settlement remained untouched as looters raided and burnt down neighbouring businesses. Advocate Mahomed Saleem Khan (SC) cautioned Malema in a widely circulated social media post that if he persisted with his anti-Indian remarks, he would institute legal proceedings against him. "(Indians) have honoured South Africa and the African continent with significant, material and continuing contributions towards, inter alia, commercial and cultural development," Khan said. Popular Indian-origin comedian and social commentator Karou Charou, whose real name is Mahdevan Moodley, also made an online plea to the Black community to ignore the racist remarks on social media and work together with the Indian community to achieve more. "The majority of people from the informal settlements (around Phoenix) are employed by Indian businesses and households. The Indian community around these informal settlements drives this mini-economy and that is an undeniable fact, whether you like it or not," Moodley said.

Threats against Indians in South Africa do exist, but government doing all it can to counter this: Mahatma Gandhi's grand-daughter

A new trend towards acceptance has emerged in South Africa, these are known as container homes that are an innovative concept to transform steel and ship parts into a living space.

South Africa's container homes: Trend towards translating containers into dream homes

Former President Jacob Zuma underwent a surgical treatment on Saturday at a hospital outside the Estcourt Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal province where he is serving a 15-month prison sentence, the department of correctional services (DSC) confirmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Mr&nbsp;Zuma underwent a surgical treatment on Saturday, August&nbsp;14, with other procedures scheduled for the coming days. As a result, DSC is unable to predict a discharge date as our priority at this stage is for&nbsp;Mr&nbsp;Zuma to be provided the best care possible,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The department also appealed to the people to refrain from speculating on the health of former President and allow medical practitioners space to continue providing quality healthcare&nbsp;to&nbsp;him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As inmates are placed in correctional centers involuntarily, the state has a total and inescapable responsibility and duty to care for them in a manner that does not violate or compromise their constitutional rights, with access to healthcare,” the department said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacob Zuma, 79, was sentenced to&nbsp;15-month&nbsp;prison sentence for contempt of court.&nbsp;

Former President Jacob Zuma underwent a surgical treatment on Saturday at a hospital outside the Estcourt Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal province where he is serving a 15-month prison sentence, the department of correctional services (DSC) confirmed.

Former President Jacob Zuma underwent a surgical treatment on Saturday at a hospital outside the Estcourt Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal province where he is serving a 15-month prison sentence, the department of correctional services (DSC) confirmed. “Mr Zuma underwent a surgical treatment on Saturday, August 14, with other procedures scheduled for the coming days. As a result, DSC is unable to predict a discharge date as our priority at this stage is for Mr Zuma to be provided the best care possible,” the department said in a statement on Sunday. The department also appealed to the people to refrain from speculating on the health of former President and allow medical practitioners space to continue providing quality healthcare to him. “As inmates are placed in correctional centers involuntarily, the state has a total and inescapable responsibility and duty to care for them in a manner that does not violate or compromise their constitutional rights, with access to healthcare,” the department said. Jacob Zuma, 79, was sentenced to 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.

Former President Jacob Zuma undergoes surgical treatment at hospital 

An another day of South African President Ramaphosa's testimony against Jacob Zuma. Ramaphosa continues to make explosive revelations. He told to the corruption and enquiry committee that the ruling African National Congress was blindsided and that the government failed to detect corruption on time.

South Africa: Day 2 of Ramaphosa's testimony against his predecessor

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that there was rampant state corruption while he was deputy to former president Jacob Zuma.

South African President Ramaphosa acknowledges of rampant state corruption during time as Zuma VP

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, testifying at a graft inquiry, said that he chose to "remain but resist" rather than resign as deputy president when allegations of widespread corruption surfaced under his predecessor Jacob Zuma.

South Africa: Ramaphosa says he tried to resist corruption as ex-president Zuma's deputy

The corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma was postponed on Tuesday after he was hospitalized last week. The matter was postponed to the 9th of September. The case has been carrying on for years and suffered a string of holdups.

South African President Jacob Zuma's corruption trial gets postponed

The former president of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) party, Zuma was arrested in June for contempt of court after failing to appear before a judicial commission investigating corruption accusations against him.

Former President Jacob Zuma to ask South African court to drop charges against him

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his new cabinet. In his late-night reshuffle, Ramaphosa said that the changes come as the country faces a number of challenges including the Covid-19 vaccination programme, peace and stability after recent and unrest, and mobilising resources to rebuild the economy.

South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa announces major Cabinet reshuffle

Mozambique has been fighting a deadly jihadist insurgency since past 4 years. So as to tackle the situation South Africa including other African countries have sent troops to Mozambique.

South Africa send troops to Mozambique against Jihadis insurgencies

The first transgender contestant in South Africa's national beauty pageant, 24-year-old Lehlogonolo Machaba hopes she will inspire greater acceptance of the LGBTQI community.

Machaba, a fashion model, is competing for the Miss South Africa title, which opened to transgender contestants in 2019.

"Being the first is a bit overwhelming and I'm also anxious that people do know now that I'm a trans woman," Machaba said.

South Africa is the only African country where same-sex marriage is legal and which enshrines LGBTQI rights in its constitution. People can change their identity in the national birth register.

However, violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people in South Africa has escalated, with more than 10 people killed in attacks this year, and social stigma and discrimination remains strong.

Machaba said she expected to be stigmatised for putting a spotlight on issues transgender people face, but that the killing of a close friend in a hate crime had given her strength to fight.

"I'm here to fight for my community, not necessarily in a physical manner, but through words," she said.

"It would mean a lot for me as a trans woman to win Miss South Africa but also I believe it would mean a lot for the queer community in South Africa. It would show that South Africa is breaking boundaries," she said.

The first transgender contestant in South Africa's national beauty pageant, 24-year-old Lehlogonolo Machaba hopes she will inspire greater acceptance of the LGBTQI community.

The first transgender contestant in South Africa's national beauty pageant, 24-year-old Lehlogonolo Machaba hopes she will inspire greater acceptance of the LGBTQI community. Machaba, a fashion model, is competing for the Miss South Africa title, which opened to transgender contestants in 2019. "Being the first is a bit overwhelming and I'm also anxious that people do know now that I'm a trans woman," Machaba said. South Africa is the only African country where same-sex marriage is legal and which enshrines LGBTQI rights in its constitution. People can change their identity in the national birth register. However, violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people in South Africa has escalated, with more than 10 people killed in attacks this year, and social stigma and discrimination remains strong. Machaba said she expected to be stigmatised for putting a spotlight on issues transgender people face, but that the killing of a close friend in a hate crime had given her strength to fight. "I'm here to fight for my community, not necessarily in a physical manner, but through words," she said. "It would mean a lot for me as a trans woman to win Miss South Africa but also I believe it would mean a lot for the queer community in South Africa. It would show that South Africa is breaking boundaries," she said.

‘Fighting for my community’: Meet miss South Africa's first transgender contestant 

16 African Nations have united to battle 'Jihadist Terror' in Mozambique. Rwanda, Botswana & South Africa are sending troops to take on Al-Shabab which wants to establish an 'Islamic Caliphate' in the country. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: South Africa is sending troops to Mozambique

South Africa: The outage came on the heels of civil unrest sparked by the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma that halted operations for several days.

Cyber attack disrupts major South African port operations

In the past few weeks, South Africa was gripped by the biggest explosion of unrest in decades. Shopping malls and warehouses were looted, supply trucks attacked and businesses destroyed. At least 337 people died.

Initially, as families loaded up consumer goods they would otherwise be unable to afford, the tumult seemed like an organic expression of popular discontent. After all, with unemployment over 30 percent, hunger widespread and inequality spiraling, there’s ample cause for anger. But far from a spontaneous social revolt, the rioting seems in fact to have been politically orchestrated.

After Jacob Zuma, the country’s former president, was arrested on July 7 — to serve a 15-month sentence for contempt of court — his supporters and allies vowed to make the country ungovernable. Coordinating a campaign of economic sabotage through WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter and other social networks, they succeeded.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since sought to calm the country, suggesting the worst is over. But it doesn’t feel that way. In fact, the events of the past weeks have demonstrated a bleak truth about the country. The deep rot of South Africa’s social and political order — rife with racial tension, communal mistrust, injustice and corruption — is now on full display. The rainbow nation, supposed beacon of reconciliation, is falling apart.

At the heart of the discord is the ruling African National Congress. In the 27 years since it steered South Africa to democracy, it has carried the hopes of millions of South Africans. Drawing on its reputation as the party of liberation, it has strong support and remains electorally unassailable. But it has now become squarely a source of division. A devastating battle for its soul is underway, with the country as the battlefield.

Driving the conflict are the forces loyal to Mr. Zuma, mostly composed of disgraced politicians who seek to be returned to their former positions of privilege. Though the A.N.C. always promoted the rise of a Black elite, Mr. Zuma’s presidency, beginning in 2009, changed the focus: The state, rather than the market, became the main site for opportunity and enrichment. A spurious ideology of “Radical Economic Transformation,” spun as a radical challenge to South Africa’s white-dominated private sector, provided rhetorical cover for corruption and patronage. Now removed from power, the beneficiaries of Mr. Zuma’s rule are determined to wreak havoc.

In their sights is Mr. Ramaphosa, who rose to power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform. His efforts to root out endemic graft in his party — and by extension, the South African state — have been mixed at best. Before the drama of Mr. Zuma’s arrest, the country was stunned by the news that Zweli Mkhize, the well-liked health minister, played a role in awarding a contract worth $10 million to a communications company run by two associates. Though Mr. Ramaphosa recently escalated his anti-corruption push — not least by suspending the A.N.C.’s secretary general this year — Mr. Mkhize’s example underlines how widespread the looting of state resources has been. It’s clearly not just a case of bad apples. The batch is rotten.

And yet no political force looks able to hold the A.N.C. to account. The two major opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, have retired any ambitions of becoming mass parties capable of challenging the A.N.C. After some years of growth as the anti-Zuma opposition, the Democratic Alliance has doubled down on its identity as a party of white liberals; the Economic Freedom Fighters has reduced itself to an extension of Mr. Zuma’s faction of the A.N.C. Tellingly, in his last days as a free man, Mr. Zuma was flanked by Dali Mpofu, a former national chair of the E.F.F.

In the absence of effective opposition, the A.N.C. is coming apart at the seams. Never a party of ideology, it has always been a broad coalition united in opposition to minority rule. Since the end of apartheid, it has struggled to develop a stable political identity. Given the party’s enduring popularity, the challenge is less regaining public credibility than finding internal coherence. But until another party rivals the A.N.C., we can expect it to rest on its laurels. That spells a future of more factional strife and poor governance, at great cost to the country.

The president, for his part, is using the unrest’s aftermath as an opportunity to rebuild. As one of the key negotiators of South Africa’s liberal Constitution, Mr. Ramaphosa hopes to tap into the spirit of that time — a moment also marked by violence, when things felt equally on a knife’s edge. But these reserves are low. Back then, at the end of apartheid, the promise of democracy filled many with hope. Now, after nearly three decades of things remaining mostly the same, many people just feel despair.

An uneasy calm has settled. How long it lasts is anyone’s guess. Yet the past few weeks have conclusively dispelled many illusions about the country, none more so than the myth of South African exceptionalism — of a South Africa more peaceful than its African neighbors, more developed and with a future that bends inevitably toward good and triumph. The reality, as we await the next outbreak of violence, is much uglier. 
&nbsp;

In the past few weeks, South Africa was gripped by the biggest explosion of unrest in decades. Shopping malls and warehouses were looted, supply trucks attacked and businesses destroyed.

In the past few weeks, South Africa was gripped by the biggest explosion of unrest in decades. Shopping malls and warehouses were looted, supply trucks attacked and businesses destroyed. At least 337 people died. Initially, as families loaded up consumer goods they would otherwise be unable to afford, the tumult seemed like an organic expression of popular discontent. After all, with unemployment over 30 percent, hunger widespread and inequality spiraling, there’s ample cause for anger. But far from a spontaneous social revolt, the rioting seems in fact to have been politically orchestrated. After Jacob Zuma, the country’s former president, was arrested on July 7 — to serve a 15-month sentence for contempt of court — his supporters and allies vowed to make the country ungovernable. Coordinating a campaign of economic sabotage through WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter and other social networks, they succeeded. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since sought to calm the country, suggesting the worst is over. But it doesn’t feel that way. In fact, the events of the past weeks have demonstrated a bleak truth about the country. The deep rot of South Africa’s social and political order — rife with racial tension, communal mistrust, injustice and corruption — is now on full display. The rainbow nation, supposed beacon of reconciliation, is falling apart. At the heart of the discord is the ruling African National Congress. In the 27 years since it steered South Africa to democracy, it has carried the hopes of millions of South Africans. Drawing on its reputation as the party of liberation, it has strong support and remains electorally unassailable. But it has now become squarely a source of division. A devastating battle for its soul is underway, with the country as the battlefield. Driving the conflict are the forces loyal to Mr. Zuma, mostly composed of disgraced politicians who seek to be returned to their former positions of privilege. Though the A.N.C. always promoted the rise of a Black elite, Mr. Zuma’s presidency, beginning in 2009, changed the focus: The state, rather than the market, became the main site for opportunity and enrichment. A spurious ideology of “Radical Economic Transformation,” spun as a radical challenge to South Africa’s white-dominated private sector, provided rhetorical cover for corruption and patronage. Now removed from power, the beneficiaries of Mr. Zuma’s rule are determined to wreak havoc. In their sights is Mr. Ramaphosa, who rose to power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform. His efforts to root out endemic graft in his party — and by extension, the South African state — have been mixed at best. Before the drama of Mr. Zuma’s arrest, the country was stunned by the news that Zweli Mkhize, the well-liked health minister, played a role in awarding a contract worth $10 million to a communications company run by two associates. Though Mr. Ramaphosa recently escalated his anti-corruption push — not least by suspending the A.N.C.’s secretary general this year — Mr. Mkhize’s example underlines how widespread the looting of state resources has been. It’s clearly not just a case of bad apples. The batch is rotten. And yet no political force looks able to hold the A.N.C. to account. The two major opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, have retired any ambitions of becoming mass parties capable of challenging the A.N.C. After some years of growth as the anti-Zuma opposition, the Democratic Alliance has doubled down on its identity as a party of white liberals; the Economic Freedom Fighters has reduced itself to an extension of Mr. Zuma’s faction of the A.N.C. Tellingly, in his last days as a free man, Mr. Zuma was flanked by Dali Mpofu, a former national chair of the E.F.F. In the absence of effective opposition, the A.N.C. is coming apart at the seams. Never a party of ideology, it has always been a broad coalition united in opposition to minority rule. Since the end of apartheid, it has struggled to develop a stable political identity. Given the party’s enduring popularity, the challenge is less regaining public credibility than finding internal coherence. But until another party rivals the A.N.C., we can expect it to rest on its laurels. That spells a future of more factional strife and poor governance, at great cost to the country. The president, for his part, is using the unrest’s aftermath as an opportunity to rebuild. As one of the key negotiators of South Africa’s liberal Constitution, Mr. Ramaphosa hopes to tap into the spirit of that time — a moment also marked by violence, when things felt equally on a knife’s edge. But these reserves are low. Back then, at the end of apartheid, the promise of democracy filled many with hope. Now, after nearly three decades of things remaining mostly the same, many people just feel despair. An uneasy calm has settled. How long it lasts is anyone’s guess. Yet the past few weeks have conclusively dispelled many illusions about the country, none more so than the myth of South African exceptionalism — of a South Africa more peaceful than its African neighbors, more developed and with a future that bends inevitably toward good and triumph. The reality, as we await the next outbreak of violence, is much uglier.

South Africa is falling apart

Port operations in South Africa's Cape Town remain affected following a cyber-attack last week that hit the country's key port terminals. The attack began on July 22 and lasted for days, forcing Transnet to switch to manual systems.

South Africa's port operations remain disrupted days after cyber attack

South Africa will send 1,495 troops to Mozambique to help to help the country in fighting jihadist militants wreaking havoc in the north of the gas-rich nation. This will be a 3- month operation which would cost around $66 milion.

South Africa to send troops to Mozambique to help country in fighting Jihadist militants

Losing a loved one has taken a financial toll in South Africa as dying has become costlier than living. Death has become a business for people and companies are selling burial insurance amid COVID.

High costs of burial takes a toll in South Africa

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been granted compassionate leave to attend the funeral of his younger brother. Zuma's jailing this month led to South Africa's worst outbreak of violence in years.

South Africa: Jailed Jacob Zuma permitted to attend brother’s funeral

The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from recent&nbsp;riots&nbsp;in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;has risen to&nbsp;276, and police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a cabinet&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

The unrest started as protests over former president Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. But it quickly escalated into arson and looting, and spread to Gauteng province where the biggest city Johannesburg is located.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-militants-beheading-children-as-young-as-11-save-the-children-370902">Also read |&nbsp;Mozambique militants beheading children as young as 11: Save the Children&nbsp;</a>

The scale of the destruction and loss of life, which was fuelled by poverty and inequality that persist almost three decades after the end of apartheid in 1994, is still becoming clear. The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;had stood at 215 on Monday.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in the presidency, told a news conference there were now 234&nbsp;deaths linked to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and 42 in Gauteng.

Authorities have managed to bring the violence under control. But the economic cost is estimated at 20 billion rand ($1.37 billion) in KwaZulu-Natal alone, as 161 shopping malls, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged. The extent of the damage in Gauteng is still being collated.

The death toll from recent riots in South Africa has risen to 276, and police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a cabinet minister said on Wednesday. The unrest started as protests over former president Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The death toll from recent riots in South Africa has risen to 276, and police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a cabinet minister said on Wednesday. The unrest started as protests over former president Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. But it quickly escalated into arson and looting, and spread to Gauteng province where the biggest city Johannesburg is located. Also read | Mozambique militants beheading children as young as 11: Save the Children The scale of the destruction and loss of life, which was fuelled by poverty and inequality that persist almost three decades after the end of apartheid in 1994, is still becoming clear. The death toll had stood at 215 on Monday. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting minister in the presidency, told a news conference there were now 234 deaths linked to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and 42 in Gauteng. Authorities have managed to bring the violence under control. But the economic cost is estimated at 20 billion rand ($1.37 billion) in KwaZulu-Natal alone, as 161 shopping malls, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged. The extent of the damage in Gauteng is still being collated.

Death toll in South Africa riots rises to 276, minister says

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid vaccine</a> makers BioNTech and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday they will produce their jab in South Africa from 2022, a first for the continent that could see much-needed immunisation drives pick up speed.&nbsp;

The move comes amid growing criticism of vaccine inequality that has seen poor countries fall behind richer ones in the race to protect people from the coronavirus.

Under the agreement, Cape Town-based Biovac will complete the last step in the manufacturing process of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, known as "fill and finish", the companies said in a statement.

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 project will take time to get off the ground, however, with the first African-finished Pfizer vaccines not expected before next year.

Once up and running, Biovac is set to churn out more than 100 million doses annually that will be distributed to the 55 countries in the African Union.

"This is a critical step forward in strengthening sustainable access to a vaccine in the fight against this tragic, worldwide pandemic," said Biovac chief executive officer Morena Makhoana.

"Technical transfer, on-site development and equipment installation activities will begin immediately," the statement added.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the partnership "a breakthrough" for African nations.

The reaction from the World Health Organization was more muted.

"We welcome all initiatives to increase COVID-19 vaccine production in the future but immediate action is needed now," a spokesman said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-rift-on-covid-vaccine-waiver-endangers-fight-against-deadly-virus-383349">US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus</a>

In low-income countries, "only one percent of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries," he added.

The coronavirus vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech and its US partner Pfizer, based on experimental mRNA technology, was the first to be approved in the West late last year.&nbsp;

Studies have shown it is highly effective against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, including against newer variants.

Another plant in South Africa is already handling the fill and finish process for the COVID-19 shot developed by pharmaceutical firm Johnson &amp; Johnson, which uses a traditional viral vector-based method.

Debate over patents&nbsp;

Calls have grown for pharma companies to waive patents on their life-saving jabs to speed up the pace of inoculations globally.

Washington and Paris have backed the suggestion, but the vaccine companies themselves are fiercely opposed.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also said that suspending intellectual property rights could stifle innovation and would not resolve the lack of manufacturing capacity in the short term.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-angela-merkel-rejects-vaccine-patent-waivers-383570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She has instead argued for licensing agreements and partnerships between vaccine makers and local firms, the approach taken by BioNTech and Pfizer.

"We aim to enable people on all continents to manufacture and distribute our vaccine while ensuring the quality of the manufacturing process and the doses," said Ugur Sahin, BioNTech's co-founder and CEO.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said weakening intellectual property "will only discourage the type of unprecedented innovation which brought vaccines forward in record time and make it harder for companies to collaborate going forward".

Vaccine hub&nbsp;

Pfizer/BioNTech said they have so far shipped more than one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to over 100 countries or territories, including through the Covax vaccine-sharing programme.

The Covax scheme, backed by the WHO and heavily relied on by African countries, has so far delivered far fewer doses than expected, however.

South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Africa, recording more than 2.3 million infections and over 67,000 deaths.

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>

The country is currently battling a third wave of the pandemic, fuelled by a lack of vaccines, public fatigue with Covid restrictions and the highly contagious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a>.

South African President Ramaphosa last month announced a plan to turn his country into an mRNA vaccine hub, saying Africans "cannot continue to rely on vaccines that are made outside of Africa because they never come".

Covid vaccine makers BioNTech and Pfizer said Wednesday they will produce their jab in South Africa from 2022, a first for the continent that could see much-needed immunisation drives pick up speed.

Covid vaccine makers BioNTech and Pfizer said Wednesday they will produce their jab in South Africa from 2022, a first for the continent that could see much-needed immunisation drives pick up speed. The move comes amid growing criticism of vaccine inequality that has seen poor countries fall behind richer ones in the race to protect people from the coronavirus. Under the agreement, Cape Town-based Biovac will complete the last step in the manufacturing process of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, known as "fill and finish", the companies said in a statement. Also read | Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO The project will take time to get off the ground, however, with the first African-finished Pfizer vaccines not expected before next year. Once up and running, Biovac is set to churn out more than 100 million doses annually that will be distributed to the 55 countries in the African Union. "This is a critical step forward in strengthening sustainable access to a vaccine in the fight against this tragic, worldwide pandemic," said Biovac chief executive officer Morena Makhoana. "Technical transfer, on-site development and equipment installation activities will begin immediately," the statement added. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the partnership "a breakthrough" for African nations. The reaction from the World Health Organization was more muted. "We welcome all initiatives to increase COVID-19 vaccine production in the future but immediate action is needed now," a spokesman said. Also read | US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus In low-income countries, "only one percent of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries," he added. The coronavirus vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech and its US partner Pfizer, based on experimental mRNA technology, was the first to be approved in the West late last year. Studies have shown it is highly effective against COVID-19, including against newer variants. Another plant in South Africa is already handling the fill and finish process for the COVID-19 shot developed by pharmaceutical firm Johnson & Johnson, which uses a traditional viral vector-based method. Debate over patents Calls have grown for pharma companies to waive patents on their life-saving jabs to speed up the pace of inoculations globally. Washington and Paris have backed the suggestion, but the vaccine companies themselves are fiercely opposed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also said that suspending intellectual property rights could stifle innovation and would not resolve the lack of manufacturing capacity in the short term. She has instead argued for licensing agreements and partnerships between vaccine makers and local firms, the approach taken by BioNTech and Pfizer. "We aim to enable people on all continents to manufacture and distribute our vaccine while ensuring the quality of the manufacturing process and the doses," said Ugur Sahin, BioNTech's co-founder and CEO. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said weakening intellectual property "will only discourage the type of unprecedented innovation which brought vaccines forward in record time and make it harder for companies to collaborate going forward". Vaccine hub Pfizer/BioNTech said they have so far shipped more than one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to over 100 countries or territories, including through the Covax vaccine-sharing programme. The Covax scheme, backed by the WHO and heavily relied on by African countries, has so far delivered far fewer doses than expected, however. South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Africa, recording more than 2.3 million infections and over 67,000 deaths. Also read | Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa The country is currently battling a third wave of the pandemic, fuelled by a lack of vaccines, public fatigue with Covid restrictions and the highly contagious Delta variant. South African President Ramaphosa last month announced a plan to turn his country into an mRNA vaccine hub, saying Africans "cannot continue to rely on vaccines that are made outside of Africa because they never come".

Pfizer/BioNTech to produce Covid vaccine in S.Africa

Every year millions and millions of sardines trek along the cold currents off the South Africa coast during the southern hemisphere winter months, peaking in July. Countless dolphins and sharks hunt along the shoals - a spectacular sight that awes tourists lucky enough to find them.

Indian Ocean ballet: South Africa's breathtaking 'sardine run'

Statistics South Africa says the pandemic has reduced the country’s life expectancy in men to 59.3 years and to 64.6 years in women.

COVID-19 reduces life expectancy in South Africa

Former South African president Jacob Zuma, whose jailing earlier this month triggered riots, is expected to appear virtually on Monday for the latest hearing in a trial related to an arms deal corruption case.

Trial of South Africa’s ex-leader Jacob Zuma on arms deal corruption charges

South Africans came together in solidarity to clean up shopping centres and stores looted during a week of shocking violence that rocked the country and left more than 200 dead. As South Africans mark Nelson Mandela Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on people to join the cleanup efforts to rebuild the country.

South Africans clean up after unrest to mark Nelson Mandela Day

Former South African president Jacob Zuma, is expected to appear virtually on Monday for the latest hearing in a trial related to an arms deal corruption case. Zuma has denied the charges.

Zuma's trial on arms deal corruption charges to resume

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South Africa is falling apart

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Pfizer/BioNTech to produce Covid vaccine in S.Africa