South Africa's opposition organises 'super spreader' march to demand covid vaccines

New York was called New Amsterdam, Ho Chi Minh City was Saigon. Cities have been named and renamed to suit colonisers and politics. South Africa is now renaming cities. Which other countries have done the same recently? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: South Africa renames Port Elizabeth

The WHO is in talks to create the first-ever technology transfer hub for coronavirus vaccines in South Africa.

COVID: Vaccine technology transfer center to open in SA

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine&nbsp;'technology transfer hub’ in the country.&nbsp;

The World Health&nbsp;Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the full extent of the vaccine gap between developed and developing economies, and how that gap can severely undermine global health security. This landmark initiative is a major advancement in the international effort to develop vaccines and manufacturing capacity that will put Africa on a path to&nbsp;self-determination,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

“South Africa welcomes the opportunity to host a vaccine technology transfer hub and to build on the capacity and expertise that already exists on the continent to contribute to this effort,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The technology transfer hub will be located in South Africa and this initiative will not just benefit South Africa, but working together with the Africa CDC and the WHO,&nbsp;we will make sure that it benefits the entire African continent," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron,&nbsp;who visited South Africa&nbsp;in&nbsp;May&nbsp;end,&nbsp;had also committed supporting efforts in Africa to scale up local manufacturing capacity.&nbsp;

“Today is a great day for Africa. It is also a great day for all those who work towards a more equitable access to health products. I am proud of Biovac&nbsp;and our South African partners to have been selected by WHO&nbsp;as France has been supporting them for years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This announcement comes at a time when&nbsp;South Africa and India have&nbsp;been at the forefront of a campaign at the World Trade&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that relying on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting&nbsp;and&nbsp;dangerous. To boost manufacturing, WHO has continued to call for the sharing of know-how, technology &amp; licenses, &amp; the waiving of intellectual property rights,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-General of the WHO said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, South Africa is seeing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases as the country is battling third wave. So far, the country has only vaccinated 1% of its population.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine 'technology transfer hub’ in the country. The World Health Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine 'technology transfer hub’ in the country. The World Health Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday. “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the full extent of the vaccine gap between developed and developing economies, and how that gap can severely undermine global health security. This landmark initiative is a major advancement in the international effort to develop vaccines and manufacturing capacity that will put Africa on a path to self-determination,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa welcomes the opportunity to host a vaccine technology transfer hub and to build on the capacity and expertise that already exists on the continent to contribute to this effort,” he added. "The technology transfer hub will be located in South Africa and this initiative will not just benefit South Africa, but working together with the Africa CDC and the WHO, we will make sure that it benefits the entire African continent," Ramaphosa said. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited South Africa in May end, had also committed supporting efforts in Africa to scale up local manufacturing capacity. “Today is a great day for Africa. It is also a great day for all those who work towards a more equitable access to health products. I am proud of Biovac and our South African partners to have been selected by WHO as France has been supporting them for years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. This announcement comes at a time when South Africa and India have been at the forefront of a campaign at the World Trade Organisation to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine manufacturing. "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that relying on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting and dangerous. To boost manufacturing, WHO has continued to call for the sharing of know-how, technology & licenses, & the waiving of intellectual property rights,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-General of the WHO said. Currently, South Africa is seeing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases as the country is battling third wave. So far, the country has only vaccinated 1% of its population.

WHO to set up vaccine tech transfer hub in South Africa  

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting a South African consortium in establishing the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub. President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the WHO and French President Emmanuel Macron in announcing the new hub for Messenger RNA coronavirus vaccine technology.

WHO supports South African consortium to establish first mRNA vaccine tech transfer hub

This week, South Africa reported 9,149 new cases and government is urged to step up efforts with experts saying the speed of the rollout could determine how severe the third wave proves to be.

How many COVID variants are dominant in South Africa?

South Africa has entered at level 3 lockdown as Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the country. Only 2 million people have received COVID-19 vaccine doses in the country.

South Africa battles the pandemic; COVID-19 alert raised to level 3

South&nbsp;Africa's government announced Friday it would sell a majority stake in cash-strapped flag carrier SAA to a consortium that includes the operator of a local budget airline, effectively privatizing it.

The airline, which is emerging from a rescue plan, will effectively be privatized as investors will hold a majority stake.

"Having evaluated the current environment, the government has agreed to the (strategic equity partner) owning of 51 percent of the shareholding and government 49 percent," Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said in an online media conference.

The consortium includes Harith General Partners, an investor in&nbsp;African&nbsp;infrastructure and airports, and airline management firm Global&nbsp;Airways, an aircraft leasing firm that recently launched local budget airline LIFT.

"With this partnership, we believe we are closer to achieving the important objective of having a sustainable national airline," Gordhan said.

"The new SAA will not be dependent on" the government."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flying-taxis-hamper-future-of-passenger-planes-says-avolon-390734">Also Read |&nbsp;Flying taxis hamper future of passenger planes, says Avolon</a>

SAA, one of the continent's largest airlines, was placed under a state-approved rescue plan in December 2019 in an effort to save it from collapse.

The carrier, Africa's second largest after Ethiopian Airlines, had not posted a profit since 2011 and survived for years on state bailouts.

A symbol of the mismanagement of state-owned enterprises that characterized ex-president Jacob Zuma's reign, the airline was forced to abandon many routes even before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The consortium, whose name Takatso translates to "aspire" in Sesotho, will initially inject 3.5 billion rands ($255 million; 211 million euro) into the airline.&nbsp;

"The partnership represents a robust, exciting&nbsp;South&nbsp;African-bred solution," said the consortium chair Tshepo Mahloele, who is the founder of Harith, which owns Lanseria airport in northern Johannesburg.

Takatso CEO and co-founder of LIFT Gidon Novick expressed confidence that SAA would turn into an efficient and innovative airline that could catalyst for the growth of the country's economy.

"We believe it is the best time," he said during the briefing. "Airline models around the world are being challenged... We have the capital and financial insights of Harith," said Novick.

South Africa's government announced Friday it would sell a majority stake in cash-strapped flag carrier SAA to a consortium that includes the operator of a local budget airline, effectively privatizing it.

South Africa's government announced Friday it would sell a majority stake in cash-strapped flag carrier SAA to a consortium that includes the operator of a local budget airline, effectively privatizing it. The airline, which is emerging from a rescue plan, will effectively be privatized as investors will hold a majority stake. "Having evaluated the current environment, the government has agreed to the (strategic equity partner) owning of 51 percent of the shareholding and government 49 percent," Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said in an online media conference. The consortium includes Harith General Partners, an investor in African infrastructure and airports, and airline management firm Global Airways, an aircraft leasing firm that recently launched local budget airline LIFT. "With this partnership, we believe we are closer to achieving the important objective of having a sustainable national airline," Gordhan said. "The new SAA will not be dependent on" the government." Also Read | Flying taxis hamper future of passenger planes, says Avolon SAA, one of the continent's largest airlines, was placed under a state-approved rescue plan in December 2019 in an effort to save it from collapse. The carrier, Africa's second largest after Ethiopian Airlines, had not posted a profit since 2011 and survived for years on state bailouts. A symbol of the mismanagement of state-owned enterprises that characterized ex-president Jacob Zuma's reign, the airline was forced to abandon many routes even before the Covid-19 pandemic. The consortium, whose name Takatso translates to "aspire" in Sesotho, will initially inject 3.5 billion rands ($255 million; 211 million euro) into the airline. "The partnership represents a robust, exciting South African-bred solution," said the consortium chair Tshepo Mahloele, who is the founder of Harith, which owns Lanseria airport in northern Johannesburg. Takatso CEO and co-founder of LIFT Gidon Novick expressed confidence that SAA would turn into an efficient and innovative airline that could catalyst for the growth of the country's economy. "We believe it is the best time," he said during the briefing. "Airline models around the world are being challenged... We have the capital and financial insights of Harith," said Novick.

South Africa agrees to privatise South African Airways

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize on special leave from Tuesday, June 8.

South Africa's health minister put on special leave

South Africa’s NICD (National Institute for Communicable Disease) has announced that the country has technically entered the third wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

"South Africa technically entered the third wave today as the national 7-day moving average incidence (5959 cases) now exceeds the new wave threshold as defined by the Ministerial Advisory Committee," the institute tweeted.

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South Africa technically entered the 3rd wave today as the national 7-day moving average incidence (5959 cases) now exceeds the new wave threshold as defined by the Ministerial Advisory Committee.
— NICD (@nicd_sa) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicd_sa/status/1403036945886945285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The MAC advisory defined the new wave 7-day moving average threshold as 30 per cent of the peak incidence of the previous wave, it said.

Out of the nine provinces, Gauteng is the worst-hit province with over 5,000 daily new cases.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> UPDATE: A total of 58 322 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, with 9 149 new cases, which represents a 15.7% positivity rate. A further 100 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 57 410 to date. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/NDCvKvhk0U">https://t.co/NDCvKvhk0U</a> <a href="https://t.co/ihfV9mBwnu">pic.twitter.com/ihfV9mBwnu</a>
— NICD (@nicd_sa) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicd_sa/status/1403034257703026688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The latest statistics from NICD showed an increase of 844 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours and 127 additional hospital deaths.

As of 10 June, South Africa has recorded 9,149 new cases, 1,722,086 total cases and 57,410 deaths.

South Africa’s NICD (National Institute for Communicable Disease) has announced that the country has technically entered the third wave of COVID-19. "South Africa technically entered the third wave today as the national 7-day moving average incidence (5959 cases) now exceeds the new wave threshold as defined by the Ministerial Advisory Committee," the institute tweeted.

South Africa’s NICD (National Institute for Communicable Disease) has announced that the country has technically entered the third wave of COVID-19. "South Africa technically entered the third wave today as the national 7-day moving average incidence (5959 cases) now exceeds the new wave threshold as defined by the Ministerial Advisory Committee," the institute tweeted. South Africa technically entered the 3rd wave today as the national 7-day moving average incidence (5959 cases) now exceeds the new wave threshold as defined by the Ministerial Advisory Committee. — NICD (@nicd_sa) June 10, 2021 × The MAC advisory defined the new wave 7-day moving average threshold as 30 per cent of the peak incidence of the previous wave, it said. Out of the nine provinces, Gauteng is the worst-hit province with over 5,000 daily new cases. #COVID19 UPDATE: A total of 58 322 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, with 9 149 new cases, which represents a 15.7% positivity rate. A further 100 #COVID19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 57 410 to date. Read more: https://t.co/NDCvKvhk0U pic.twitter.com/ihfV9mBwnu — NICD (@nicd_sa) June 10, 2021 × The latest statistics from NICD showed an increase of 844 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours and 127 additional hospital deaths. As of 10 June, South Africa has recorded 9,149 new cases, 1,722,086 total cases and 57,410 deaths.

South Africa enters third wave of coronavirus; positivity rate reaches 15.7%

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act that will make it easier for independent power providers to generate power. The government will amend schedule two of the act to raise the exemption threshold from 1 megawatt to 100 megawatts.

Ramaphosa is making an announcement as part of the government's effort to achieve a swift and lasting economic recovery. This announcement also comes at a time when the country is facing continuous load shedding.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-health-minister-put-on-special-leave-390231" hreflang="en">South Africa's Health Minister put on special leave</a>

"We are a country that is blessed with tremendous resources and resourcefulness. We have a bright future ahead of us. Today’s announcement takes us one significant step further towards that future," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

Under the new amendment, power producers will still have to go through an official process.

"Generation projects will still need to obtain permits, a grid connection permit, to ensure that they meet all the requirements for grid compliance. This will ensure that we are able to bring online as much new capacity as possible without compromising the integrity and stability of our energy system," the President said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-moves-to-stricter-covid-19-lockdown-amid-fears-of-third-wave-388513" hreflang="en">South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave</a>

Ramaphosa added that the government has the task of building a new economy in the wake of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">global pandemic</a>, and of placing our country on a strong footing for the next decade and beyond.

"This reform is expected to unlock significant investment in new generation capacity in the short and medium term, enabling companies to build their own generation facilities to supply their energy needs," he said.&nbsp;

The country’s power utility, Eskom was on stage 3 load-shedding on Thursday, dropping 3,000MW of demand from the grid to avoid it being overloaded.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act that will make it easier for independent power providers to generate power.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act that will make it easier for independent power providers to generate power. The government will amend schedule two of the act to raise the exemption threshold from 1 megawatt to 100 megawatts. Ramaphosa is making an announcement as part of the government's effort to achieve a swift and lasting economic recovery. This announcement also comes at a time when the country is facing continuous load shedding. Also read | South Africa's Health Minister put on special leave "We are a country that is blessed with tremendous resources and resourcefulness. We have a bright future ahead of us. Today’s announcement takes us one significant step further towards that future," Ramaphosa said. Under the new amendment, power producers will still have to go through an official process. "Generation projects will still need to obtain permits, a grid connection permit, to ensure that they meet all the requirements for grid compliance. This will ensure that we are able to bring online as much new capacity as possible without compromising the integrity and stability of our energy system," the President said. Also read | South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave Ramaphosa added that the government has the task of building a new economy in the wake of a global pandemic, and of placing our country on a strong footing for the next decade and beyond. "This reform is expected to unlock significant investment in new generation capacity in the short and medium term, enabling companies to build their own generation facilities to supply their energy needs," he said. The country’s power utility, Eskom was on stage 3 load-shedding on Thursday, dropping 3,000MW of demand from the grid to avoid it being overloaded.

South Africa: Ramaphosa announces economic recovery plan

In the last couple of months, South Africa's LGBT+ community has been robbed by a series of brutal hate crimes against its members all across the country. The community is now taking the help of social media to appeal to the government to address the issue.

Rising hate crimes against South Africa's LGBT+ community

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize on special leave from&nbsp;today, Tuesday, June 08 2021.

"This period of special leave will enable the Minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes," the statement from the Presidency said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-moves-to-stricter-covid-19-lockdown-amid-fears-of-third-wave-388513" hreflang="en">South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave</a>

The Special Investigating Unit is investigating this matter and the President awaits a report on the outcome of this probe, it said.&nbsp;

Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will serve as Acting Minister of Health until further notice, Presidency confirmed.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Mkhize held a media briefing and said that he had discussed with President the possibility of taking special leave, but added that resignation was not on the table.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize on special leave from today, Tuesday, June 08 2021. "This period of special leave will enable the Minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes," the statement from the Presidency said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize on special leave from today, Tuesday, June 08 2021. "This period of special leave will enable the Minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes," the statement from the Presidency said. Also read | South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave The Special Investigating Unit is investigating this matter and the President awaits a report on the outcome of this probe, it said. Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will serve as Acting Minister of Health until further notice, Presidency confirmed. Earlier in the day, Mkhize held a media briefing and said that he had discussed with President the possibility of taking special leave, but added that resignation was not on the table.

South Africa's Health Minister put on special leave

After years of staying away from the Asian country, the world’s fastest animal is set to return to India after travelling 8,405 km.

Eight cheetahs, five males and three females, will be travelling from South Africa to India in November after the country has managed to put together the resources and the correct habitat to bring the big cats home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fruit-flies-get-hangry-too-even-become-desperado-study-389674" hreflang="en">Fruit flies get 'hangry' too, even become 'desperado': Study</a>

"Finally we have the resources and the habitat to reintroduce the cat," Yadvendradev Jhala, dean of the Wildlife Institute of India, was quoted as saying in a report by BBC.

The intitiative will bring back cheetahs to India after more than half a century since they became extinct in the country. This will also be special as it will be the first time such a large carnivore will be relocated from one continent to another.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/puppies-are-born-to-talk-to-human-beings-study-389508" hreflang="en">Puppies are born to talk to human beings: Study</a>

The majority of the cheetahs are now found in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. They were last spotted in India in 1967-68.

The eight cats from South Africa will be rehabilitated in the Kuno national park in Madhya Pradesh, and any future transfers might be shifted to a tiger reserve in Rajasthan’s Mukundra hills.

After years of staying away from the Asian country, the world’s fastest animal is set to return to India after travelling 8,405 km. Eight cheetahs, five males and three females, will be travelling from South Africa to India in November after the country has managed to put together the resources and the correct habitat to bring the big cats home.

After years of staying away from the Asian country, the world’s fastest animal is set to return to India after travelling 8,405 km. Eight cheetahs, five males and three females, will be travelling from South Africa to India in November after the country has managed to put together the resources and the correct habitat to bring the big cats home. Also read | Fruit flies get 'hangry' too, even become 'desperado': Study "Finally we have the resources and the habitat to reintroduce the cat," Yadvendradev Jhala, dean of the Wildlife Institute of India, was quoted as saying in a report by BBC. The intitiative will bring back cheetahs to India after more than half a century since they became extinct in the country. This will also be special as it will be the first time such a large carnivore will be relocated from one continent to another. ALso read | Puppies are born to talk to human beings: Study The majority of the cheetahs are now found in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. They were last spotted in India in 1967-68. The eight cats from South Africa will be rehabilitated in the Kuno national park in Madhya Pradesh, and any future transfers might be shifted to a tiger reserve in Rajasthan’s Mukundra hills.

Cheetahs to make a comeback in India after half a century

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate has seized assets of the Guptas and their associate worth millions of Rands.&nbsp;

The seized assets include luxury properties in Morningside, Saxonwold and Constantia. Prosecutors have also sought help from Interpol to arrest the Guptas and extradite them to South Africa to face criminal charges, a statement from the Dorcetorate said.&nbsp;

"The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, Bloemfontein granted the NPA's investigating Directorate a restraint order to freeze assets of Iqbal Sharma, his company Nulane Investments 204 (Pty) Ltd, and Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, which belongs to Atul and Rajesh Gupta and their wives, Chetali and Arti Gupta, respectively," it said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-seeks-interpols-assistance-for-guptas-arrest-389247" hreflang="en">South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest</a>

A High Court-appointed curator will take control of and preserve the assets, pending the outcome of criminal charges for fraud and money laundering offences instituted against Sharma, Nulane, Islandsite, the four Guptas named above and others in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 3 June 2021.&nbsp;

If the accused is convicted, the NDPP will apply for a confiscation order against Sharma and Islandsite to recoup the value of benefits derived from the offences and related criminal activities, the statement further read.&nbsp;

Those affected face criminal charges related to a contract concluded between Nulane and the Free State Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2011 for which Nulane was paid R24.9 million for a feasibility study that is subcontracted to Deloitte for R1.5 million. The study relates to potential farming projects in the Free State to be funded under ‘Mohoma Mobung’, a provincial initiative for rural upliftment and job creation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-jacob-zumas-corruption-trial-to-resume-on-monday-385487" hreflang="en">South Africa: Jacob Zuma's corruption trial to resume on Monday</a>

Nulane recommended an Indian company, Paras Dairy, for the Vrede dairy project, now linked to the Estina fraud investigation.&nbsp;

The fraudulent proceeds of R24.9 million paid to Nulane by the Department were transferred between Nulane and several companies, including Gupta entities Islandsite and Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd, to launder the funds ultimately directed to the Gupta family.&nbsp;Other funds that flowed between the companies as part of the money laundering transactions are presumed proceeds of unlawful activities in terms of POCA. &nbsp;

A second subcontract was concluded between Nulane and UAE-based Gateway Limited, duplicating the one with Deloitte, in order to transfer R19 million offshore. Gateway is linked to the Guptas. &nbsp;

Sharma's assets that form part of the curator's inventory include his Sandton home valued at over R12 million. The property was featured on a lifestyle television programme, Top Billing, and is owned through a UAE-registered company, Issar Global. Other assets include movable property valued at R500 thousand and a R1.3 million sectional title home in Sandton. Properties owned by Gupta family company Islandsite that form part of the inventory include a house worth R21m in Constantia, near Cape Town and a R12m house in Saxonwold.

The NPA has also sought Interpol's help to deport and arrest some members of the Gupta family to face a corruption trial.&nbsp;

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate has seized assets of the Guptas and their associate worth millions of Rands. The seized assets include luxury properties in Morningside, Saxonwold and Constantia.

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate has seized assets of the Guptas and their associate worth millions of Rands. The seized assets include luxury properties in Morningside, Saxonwold and Constantia. Prosecutors have also sought help from Interpol to arrest the Guptas and extradite them to South Africa to face criminal charges, a statement from the Dorcetorate said. "The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, Bloemfontein granted the NPA's investigating Directorate a restraint order to freeze assets of Iqbal Sharma, his company Nulane Investments 204 (Pty) Ltd, and Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, which belongs to Atul and Rajesh Gupta and their wives, Chetali and Arti Gupta, respectively," it said. Also read | South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest A High Court-appointed curator will take control of and preserve the assets, pending the outcome of criminal charges for fraud and money laundering offences instituted against Sharma, Nulane, Islandsite, the four Guptas named above and others in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 3 June 2021. If the accused is convicted, the NDPP will apply for a confiscation order against Sharma and Islandsite to recoup the value of benefits derived from the offences and related criminal activities, the statement further read. Those affected face criminal charges related to a contract concluded between Nulane and the Free State Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2011 for which Nulane was paid R24.9 million for a feasibility study that is subcontracted to Deloitte for R1.5 million. The study relates to potential farming projects in the Free State to be funded under ‘Mohoma Mobung’, a provincial initiative for rural upliftment and job creation. Also read | South Africa: Jacob Zuma's corruption trial to resume on Monday Nulane recommended an Indian company, Paras Dairy, for the Vrede dairy project, now linked to the Estina fraud investigation. The fraudulent proceeds of R24.9 million paid to Nulane by the Department were transferred between Nulane and several companies, including Gupta entities Islandsite and Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd, to launder the funds ultimately directed to the Gupta family. Other funds that flowed between the companies as part of the money laundering transactions are presumed proceeds of unlawful activities in terms of POCA. A second subcontract was concluded between Nulane and UAE-based Gateway Limited, duplicating the one with Deloitte, in order to transfer R19 million offshore. Gateway is linked to the Guptas. Sharma's assets that form part of the curator's inventory include his Sandton home valued at over R12 million. The property was featured on a lifestyle television programme, Top Billing, and is owned through a UAE-registered company, Issar Global. Other assets include movable property valued at R500 thousand and a R1.3 million sectional title home in Sandton. Properties owned by Gupta family company Islandsite that form part of the inventory include a house worth R21m in Constantia, near Cape Town and a R12m house in Saxonwold. The NPA has also sought Interpol's help to deport and arrest some members of the Gupta family to face a corruption trial.

South Africa: NPA seizes Gupta Brothers' property

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with the Gupta brothers. Rajesh and Atul Gupta, their wives are accused of diverting millions of dollars from a poverty alleviation program.

South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest in graft case

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with Gupta's&nbsp;arrest.&nbsp;

Former Transnet Board member and business partner to Gupta associate Salim Essa, Iqbal Sharma, and three former senior Free State government officials appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today on charges of procurement fraud involving R24million, paid by the Free State Department of Agriculture (FSDoA) to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD — a company owned and controlled by Sharma — the statement from the NPA said.&nbsp;

From there, the funds were diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd (Islandsite), a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family, it added.&nbsp;

In the charge sheet handed in at court today, the state alleges that Iqbal Sharma and former Free State head of Department for Rural Development (FSDoRD), Peter Thabethe, former head of FSDoA, Limakatso Moorosi, and former FSDoA Chief Financial Officer, Seipati Dhlamini, colluded to divert funds earmarked for rural development in the Free State. These funds were then placed at the disposal of the Gupta family.&nbsp;

The R24m was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship&nbsp;Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work.&nbsp;

Nulane Investments, however, had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras Dairy as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede.

The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering. The former government officials are also charged with contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

The NPA's Investigating Directorate is opposing bail. The bail application for two of the accused will take place today and the bail application for two more will take place on Monday, 7 June 2021.

The fifth suspect in the matter, Iqbal Sharma’s brother-in-law and a representative of Nulane Investments, Dinesh Patel, will formally appear on June 15, 2021 for health reasons.&nbsp;

They are charged together with three companies, Nulane Investment 204 (Pty) Ltd (owned and controlled by Sharma), Wone Management (PTY) LTD, Pragat Investment (Pty) LTD, Islandsite Investments Pty Ltd. The balance of accused listed in the charge sheet is not currently in South Africa.&nbsp;

Investigating Directorate head, Adv Hermione Cronje, said the NPA is applying to Interpol to assist with the execution of arrest warrants in respect Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali, Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti, Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd, Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd.

"The modus operandi used in this case appears to have been replicated in other government departments and projects. It is, therefore, critical that the evidence gathered in this matter is presented to court and a verdict obtained expeditiously. It is for this reason that prosecutors have decided to proceed separately against the accused currently in the country and those abroad, as the process of arrest and extradition may unduly delay the trial," Cronje said.&nbsp;

To facilitate a speedy trial in this matter, the accused will be handed a final indictment together with the contents of the case docket on June 15 2021, when the matter will be postponed to the High Court for the accused to plead to the charges, the NPA said.

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with Gupta's arrest. Former Transnet Board member and business partner to Gupta associate Salim Essa, Iqbal Sharma, and three former senior Free State government officials appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today on charges of procurement fraud involving R24million, paid by the Free State Department of Agriculture (FSDoA) to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD — a company owned and controlled by Sharma — the statement from the NPA said.

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with Gupta's arrest. Former Transnet Board member and business partner to Gupta associate Salim Essa, Iqbal Sharma, and three former senior Free State government officials appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today on charges of procurement fraud involving R24million, paid by the Free State Department of Agriculture (FSDoA) to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD — a company owned and controlled by Sharma — the statement from the NPA said. From there, the funds were diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd (Islandsite), a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family, it added. In the charge sheet handed in at court today, the state alleges that Iqbal Sharma and former Free State head of Department for Rural Development (FSDoRD), Peter Thabethe, former head of FSDoA, Limakatso Moorosi, and former FSDoA Chief Financial Officer, Seipati Dhlamini, colluded to divert funds earmarked for rural development in the Free State. These funds were then placed at the disposal of the Gupta family. The R24m was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work. Nulane Investments, however, had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras Dairy as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede. The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering. The former government officials are also charged with contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The NPA's Investigating Directorate is opposing bail. The bail application for two of the accused will take place today and the bail application for two more will take place on Monday, 7 June 2021. The fifth suspect in the matter, Iqbal Sharma’s brother-in-law and a representative of Nulane Investments, Dinesh Patel, will formally appear on June 15, 2021 for health reasons. They are charged together with three companies, Nulane Investment 204 (Pty) Ltd (owned and controlled by Sharma), Wone Management (PTY) LTD, Pragat Investment (Pty) LTD, Islandsite Investments Pty Ltd. The balance of accused listed in the charge sheet is not currently in South Africa. Investigating Directorate head, Adv Hermione Cronje, said the NPA is applying to Interpol to assist with the execution of arrest warrants in respect Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali, Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti, Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd, Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd. "The modus operandi used in this case appears to have been replicated in other government departments and projects. It is, therefore, critical that the evidence gathered in this matter is presented to court and a verdict obtained expeditiously. It is for this reason that prosecutors have decided to proceed separately against the accused currently in the country and those abroad, as the process of arrest and extradition may unduly delay the trial," Cronje said. To facilitate a speedy trial in this matter, the accused will be handed a final indictment together with the contents of the case docket on June 15 2021, when the matter will be postponed to the High Court for the accused to plead to the charges, the NPA said.

South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest

Incense burned gently in the corner of a sunlit room as South African traditional healer Makhosi Malatji fixed her smartphone into a tripod and reached for a small bag of divination bones.

A young female face on the screen watched Malatji shake the pouch and scatter its contents across the floor of her Johannesburg home.

She angled the phone to make sure her client could follow and began interpreting the bone pattern, finding cues that prompted the woman to open up about a distressing family feud.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africas-covid-19-cases-surpass-443-million-africa-cdc-378916">Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC</a>

Like traditional healers across the country, Malatji, 37, took an ancient practice online last year to continue offering consultations under strict <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> restrictions.

The shift has fired a budding pre-pandemic trend of younger traditional healers already engaging clients through social media and video calls.

"Before Covid I had never used a phone or laptop to do a consultation," said Malatji, who trained over a decade ago.

"It was a bit of an adjustment," she laughed, describing her first Skype session as "a mess".&nbsp;

Skeptical at first, Malatji now has professional profiles on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

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A ring light stood at the back of her brightly coloured consultation room lined with traditional printed fabric and carpeted in animal skin.

Despite the easing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus</a> restrictions, Malatji still sees half of her clients remotely.

"I actually enjoy the online ones more now because it saves time," she admitted, noting that she also acquired new overseas customers in countries like Dubai, Italy and Sri Lanka.

New age sangomas

Known as "sangomas" in Zulu language, traditional healers are qualified herbalists, counsellors and mediators as well as diviners. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-pictures-show-australian-soldiers-drinking-from-slain-afghans-prosthetic-leg-court-told-388997">'Hundreds' of pictures show Australian soldiers drinking from slain Afghan's prosthetic leg, court told</a>

Many South Africans consult them for illnesses, dream interpretations and conflict resolution.

Shrouded in misconception, sangomas were banned in 1957 under the "Witchcraft Suppression Act" and only legally recognised decades later as "traditional health practitioners".

Knowledge transmission skipped a generation as a result, with grandparents training millenial grandchildren more inclined to break with tradition.

Five years after she became a traditional healer in 2012, Nomfundo Dhlamini branched out into the digital space as a self-proclaimed "new age sangoma".

The 30-year-old uses social media platforms to "advocate for African spirituality", particularly among young people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-could-lose-these-species-if-climate-change-heats-earth-by-over-15deg-celsius-388984">We could lose these species if climate change heats Earth by over 1.5° Celsius</a>&nbsp;

As lockdown boosted demand for impersonal healing, Dhlamini distilled traditional herbs into soaps and tea bags she sold online.

A growing number of ailing customers have started discussing symptoms and remedies with her via WhatsApp message.

Previously, "the only way to speak to a traditional healer was to go to their place," Dhlamini explained. "Now there are new ways of doing things."

But the digital presence of sangomas remains limited, she added, pointing to a backlash from traditionalists opposed to modernising the practice.

The generational gap can sometimes complicate dialogue.

There is "a little bit of tension", Dhlamini noted.

"It's not really easy for an elderly healer to ask a younger healer for help (with technology)."

'Throwing bones cannot change'

Xhanti Madolo, 39, spotted an information gap about sangomas when he moved to Johannesburg from the Eastern Cape province in 2002.

"A lot of the people who move from rural to more urban areas... don't know where to consult," he explained.

Last year, Madolo and his former classmate Siphiwo Lindi set up South&nbsp;Africa's first online directory, "Gogo Online" for traditional healers.

"We went into a very traditional space where technology is frowned upon... thinking that people might be averse," Lindi said.

But more than 200 healers have signed up to the platform since its launch last November.

Lockdown "has been a great help", said Madolo, as "traditional healers are starting to move" online.

Yet after struggling with months of telephonic consultations, 66-year-old Gogo Molahlegi was somewhat relieved when authorities allowed traditional healers to resume face-to-face sessions.

The great-grandmother still feels less constrained by face masks and hand sanitiser than a screen.

"At my age... I prefer to see someone here," Molahlegi told AFP, removing her sandals before stepping into a small back yard room lined with jars of herbs and bottles of sacred river water.

A younger trainee took notes as Molahlegi lit a candle and sniffed tobacco, rituals that mark the start of a traditional reading.

"Throwing bones cannot change," she argued. "You cannot do that digitally... the person has to be here with you."

Incense burned gently in the corner of a sunlit room as South African traditional healer Makhosi Malatji fixed her smartphone into a tripod and reached for a small bag of divination bones.

Incense burned gently in the corner of a sunlit room as South African traditional healer Makhosi Malatji fixed her smartphone into a tripod and reached for a small bag of divination bones. A young female face on the screen watched Malatji shake the pouch and scatter its contents across the floor of her Johannesburg home. She angled the phone to make sure her client could follow and began interpreting the bone pattern, finding cues that prompted the woman to open up about a distressing family feud. Also Read | Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC Like traditional healers across the country, Malatji, 37, took an ancient practice online last year to continue offering consultations under strict coronavirus restrictions. The shift has fired a budding pre-pandemic trend of younger traditional healers already engaging clients through social media and video calls. "Before Covid I had never used a phone or laptop to do a consultation," said Malatji, who trained over a decade ago. "It was a bit of an adjustment," she laughed, describing her first Skype session as "a mess". Skeptical at first, Malatji now has professional profiles on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. Also Read | Why did a herd of elephants recently travel 500 kms in China? A ring light stood at the back of her brightly coloured consultation room lined with traditional printed fabric and carpeted in animal skin. Despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions, Malatji still sees half of her clients remotely. "I actually enjoy the online ones more now because it saves time," she admitted, noting that she also acquired new overseas customers in countries like Dubai, Italy and Sri Lanka. New age sangomas Known as "sangomas" in Zulu language, traditional healers are qualified herbalists, counsellors and mediators as well as diviners. Also Read | 'Hundreds' of pictures show Australian soldiers drinking from slain Afghan's prosthetic leg, court told Many South Africans consult them for illnesses, dream interpretations and conflict resolution. Shrouded in misconception, sangomas were banned in 1957 under the "Witchcraft Suppression Act" and only legally recognised decades later as "traditional health practitioners". Knowledge transmission skipped a generation as a result, with grandparents training millenial grandchildren more inclined to break with tradition. Five years after she became a traditional healer in 2012, Nomfundo Dhlamini branched out into the digital space as a self-proclaimed "new age sangoma". The 30-year-old uses social media platforms to "advocate for African spirituality", particularly among young people. Also Read | We could lose these species if climate change heats Earth by over 1.5° Celsius As lockdown boosted demand for impersonal healing, Dhlamini distilled traditional herbs into soaps and tea bags she sold online. A growing number of ailing customers have started discussing symptoms and remedies with her via WhatsApp message. Previously, "the only way to speak to a traditional healer was to go to their place," Dhlamini explained. "Now there are new ways of doing things." But the digital presence of sangomas remains limited, she added, pointing to a backlash from traditionalists opposed to modernising the practice. The generational gap can sometimes complicate dialogue. There is "a little bit of tension", Dhlamini noted. "It's not really easy for an elderly healer to ask a younger healer for help (with technology)." 'Throwing bones cannot change' Xhanti Madolo, 39, spotted an information gap about sangomas when he moved to Johannesburg from the Eastern Cape province in 2002. "A lot of the people who move from rural to more urban areas... don't know where to consult," he explained. Last year, Madolo and his former classmate Siphiwo Lindi set up South Africa's first online directory, "Gogo Online" for traditional healers. "We went into a very traditional space where technology is frowned upon... thinking that people might be averse," Lindi said. But more than 200 healers have signed up to the platform since its launch last November. Lockdown "has been a great help", said Madolo, as "traditional healers are starting to move" online. Yet after struggling with months of telephonic consultations, 66-year-old Gogo Molahlegi was somewhat relieved when authorities allowed traditional healers to resume face-to-face sessions. The great-grandmother still feels less constrained by face masks and hand sanitiser than a screen. "At my age... I prefer to see someone here," Molahlegi told AFP, removing her sandals before stepping into a small back yard room lined with jars of herbs and bottles of sacred river water. A younger trainee took notes as Molahlegi lit a candle and sniffed tobacco, rituals that mark the start of a traditional reading. "Throwing bones cannot change," she argued. "You cannot do that digitally... the person has to be here with you."

Ancient traditional healing rituals go digital in virus-hit South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced new COVID-19 restrictions to help curb the spread of the coronavirus as the country inches into a third wave of the pandemic. Some of the new restrictions announced include the new curfew hours.

South Africa: President Ramaphosa tightens curbs as COVID-19 cases surge

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting French President Emmanuel Macron at the union buildings in Pretoria. The two world leaders are likely to discuss a number of issues including the pandemic.

South African President Ramaphosa hosts Macron in Pretoria

Former South African President Jacob Zuma pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in a much-postponed corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering case dating back more than two decades.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma pleads not guilty in graft trial

South Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday.

It will make this call at a summit of the Southern African Development Community's 16 member states next week, Naledi Pandor told Reuters in a telephone interview.

SADC leaders have been discussing how to tackle the insurgency by Islamic State-linked militants, with an option for force, but this is the first time South Africa has explicitly thrown its weight behind the idea of military intervention.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/total-halts-mozambique-gas-project-after-attacks-380588">Total halts Mozambique gas project after attacks</a>&nbsp;

Since 2008, SADC has had provision for a standby brigade, part of a regional defence pact that allows military intervention to prevent the spread of conflict.

"We support the use of the defence pact. It's never been really been utilised in the region, but we believe this is the time, this is a threat to the region," Pandor told Reuters.

A spokesman for the&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;government could not immediately be reached for comment.&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;has been hesitant about foreign involvement in the past, but last month President Filipe Nyusi said his country needed help from outside powers, so long as they did not replace Mozambican forces.

Thousands Misplaced

Mozambique, which borders South Africa to the south, has struggled to contain the violence in its northern-most province of Cabo Delgado. Some 52,000 people were displaced in the latest bout in Palma district from March.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sadc-vows-proportionate-response-to-mozambiques-jihadists-376468">SADC vows 'proportionate' response to Mozambique's jihadists</a>

The World Health Organisation said on Friday that more than 1.2 million people need urgent health assistance in Cabo Delgado, after recurrent attacks started in 2017.

Analysts suggest the insurgency has its roots in poverty and unemployment afflicting&nbsp;Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, making recruitment easier among communities not benefiting from new mining or petroleum projects.

The militants have stepped up violence in the past year with more sophisticated attacks, delaying construction of a new $20 billion liquefied natural gas project run by French oil major, Total that declared force majeure on the new build.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-total-shuts-gas-plant-after-mozambique-attacks-sources-say-375119">France's Total shuts gas plant after Mozambique attacks, sources say</a>

"It is the SADC standby force that we want to come into play," the minister said, adding that they would want all members states to contribute troops to avoid a similar situation that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where only a few countries, including South Africa, sent soldiers.

Speaking ahead of the summit provisionally set for May 25-28 in Botswana's capital Gabarone, Pandor said SADC must lead the process and will determine the nature and conditions of support from external sources, such as the European Union or&nbsp;Mozambique's former colonial ruler Portugal.

"We have had our colleagues, for example in Nigeria, saying: 'don't allow this to get out of hand because once it does it is uncontrollable and very difficult to reverse'. So, that is why we believe it is urgently necessary that we have action," Pandor said.

South Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday.

South Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday. It will make this call at a summit of the Southern African Development Community's 16 member states next week, Naledi Pandor told Reuters in a telephone interview. SADC leaders have been discussing how to tackle the insurgency by Islamic State-linked militants, with an option for force, but this is the first time South Africa has explicitly thrown its weight behind the idea of military intervention. Also Read | Total halts Mozambique gas project after attacks Since 2008, SADC has had provision for a standby brigade, part of a regional defence pact that allows military intervention to prevent the spread of conflict. "We support the use of the defence pact. It's never been really been utilised in the region, but we believe this is the time, this is a threat to the region," Pandor told Reuters. A spokesman for the Mozambique government could not immediately be reached for comment. Mozambique has been hesitant about foreign involvement in the past, but last month President Filipe Nyusi said his country needed help from outside powers, so long as they did not replace Mozambican forces. Thousands Misplaced Mozambique, which borders South Africa to the south, has struggled to contain the violence in its northern-most province of Cabo Delgado. Some 52,000 people were displaced in the latest bout in Palma district from March. Also Read | SADC vows 'proportionate' response to Mozambique's jihadists The World Health Organisation said on Friday that more than 1.2 million people need urgent health assistance in Cabo Delgado, after recurrent attacks started in 2017. Analysts suggest the insurgency has its roots in poverty and unemployment afflicting Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, making recruitment easier among communities not benefiting from new mining or petroleum projects. The militants have stepped up violence in the past year with more sophisticated attacks, delaying construction of a new $20 billion liquefied natural gas project run by French oil major, Total that declared force majeure on the new build. Also Read | France's Total shuts gas plant after Mozambique attacks, sources say "It is the SADC standby force that we want to come into play," the minister said, adding that they would want all members states to contribute troops to avoid a similar situation that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where only a few countries, including South Africa, sent soldiers. Speaking ahead of the summit provisionally set for May 25-28 in Botswana's capital Gabarone, Pandor said SADC must lead the process and will determine the nature and conditions of support from external sources, such as the European Union or Mozambique's former colonial ruler Portugal. "We have had our colleagues, for example in Nigeria, saying: 'don't allow this to get out of hand because once it does it is uncontrollable and very difficult to reverse'. So, that is why we believe it is urgently necessary that we have action," Pandor said.

South Africa to push for military action against Mozambique insurgents

In South Africa, government has expanded its nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Coronavirus Update: South Africa brodens its COVID-19 vaccine program

Cricket South Africa had revealed that their starman AB De Villiers will remain retired and will not make his international return for the Proteas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-possible-salman-butt-lashes-out-at-australian-bowlers-stance-on-sandpaper-gate-385959" hreflang="en">'Not possible': Salman Butt lashes out at Australian bowlers' stance on sandpaper gate</a>

"Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding once and for all, that his retirement decision will remain final," Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

South Africa's head coach Mark Boucher, who had hinted at ABD's potential return on several occasions, talked about the decision.&nbsp;

"AB has his reasons, which I respect. Unfortunately, he’s no longer in the mix. I say unfortunately because I think we all agree that he’s still one of the best – if not the best – T20 players in world cricket," Boucher told The Citizen. "But he alluded to being concerned about coming in ahead of other players who have been a part of the system. I don’t think it sat well with him, which I understand."

"As a coach I needed to try and get our best players, for the team and the environment. AB is an energy-booster in any environment, but I respect his reasoning. It was worth a go, but now let’s move forward," Boucher pointed out.

CSA further announced squads for the Ireland and West Indies series. The tour, which had to be rescheduled from 2020, will include two Test matches and five T20s, from June 10 to July 3, 2021, in St. Lucia at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and Grenada at the National Cricket Stadium, respectively.

Cricket South Africa had revealed that their starman AB De Villiers will remain retired and will not make his international return for the Proteas. ALSO READ: 'Not possible': Salman Butt lashes out at Australian bowlers' stance on sandpaper gate "Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding once and for all, that his retirement decision will remain final," Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

Cricket South Africa had revealed that their starman AB De Villiers will remain retired and will not make his international return for the Proteas. ALSO READ: 'Not possible': Salman Butt lashes out at Australian bowlers' stance on sandpaper gate "Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding once and for all, that his retirement decision will remain final," Cricket South Africa said in a statement. South Africa's head coach Mark Boucher, who had hinted at ABD's potential return on several occasions, talked about the decision. "AB has his reasons, which I respect. Unfortunately, he’s no longer in the mix. I say unfortunately because I think we all agree that he’s still one of the best – if not the best – T20 players in world cricket," Boucher told The Citizen. "But he alluded to being concerned about coming in ahead of other players who have been a part of the system. I don’t think it sat well with him, which I understand." "As a coach I needed to try and get our best players, for the team and the environment. AB is an energy-booster in any environment, but I respect his reasoning. It was worth a go, but now let’s move forward," Boucher pointed out. CSA further announced squads for the Ireland and West Indies series. The tour, which had to be rescheduled from 2020, will include two Test matches and five T20s, from June 10 to July 3, 2021, in St. Lucia at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and Grenada at the National Cricket Stadium, respectively.

'Don’t think it sat well with him': Mark Boucher after AB De Villiers' decision to stay retired from international cricket

South Africa's Former president Jacob Zuma appeared before the court over a two-decade long corruption case. But the long-delayed corruption trial of Zuma was adjourned almost immediately after the opening proceedings for nine days.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma corruption trial postponed to May 26

South Africa has announced an ambitious plan to vaccinate five million citizens by the end of June in the second phase of its program to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa to vaccinate 5 mn citizens in second phase of it's vaccination drive

South Africa’s Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday released its quarter-four crime statistics for 2020-2021.

In its report, the minister revealed that even though overall crime declined by 8.5 per cent, the rate of murder and attempted murder rose by 8.4 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively.&nbsp;

Cele said 4,976 people were killed in the first three months of 2021, which is 387 more people killed, as compared to the same months in the previous financial year. This includes 24 police officers who were killed.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-experts-warn-against-third-wave-of-coronavirus-384699" hreflang="en">South Africa: Experts warn against third wave of coronavirus</a>

Minister said Eastern Cape and the Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces were of concern. Both the provinces recorded double-digit increases, standing at 21.5 per cent and 16.9 per cent respectively.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, 1,327 people died in the places of residence of either the victim or the perpetrator, including the homes of family friends and neighbors. In some instances these people could have had some kind of domestic relationship," the minister said.&nbsp;

Cele added while there has been a decline in sexual offenses cases, 9,518 people were raped between January and March, a decrease of 387 cases as compared to the same period last year.&nbsp;

"The sexual violence melted against women in this country is simply shameful. Seemingly men and children are not spared," Cele said.&nbsp;

South Africa’s Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday released its quarter-four crime statistics for 2020-2021. In its report, the minister revealed that even though overall crime declined by 8.

South Africa’s Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday released its quarter-four crime statistics for 2020-2021. In its report, the minister revealed that even though overall crime declined by 8.5 per cent, the rate of murder and attempted murder rose by 8.4 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively. Cele said 4,976 people were killed in the first three months of 2021, which is 387 more people killed, as compared to the same months in the previous financial year. This includes 24 police officers who were killed. Also read | South Africa: Experts warn against third wave of coronavirus Minister said Eastern Cape and the Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces were of concern. Both the provinces recorded double-digit increases, standing at 21.5 per cent and 16.9 per cent respectively. "Unfortunately, 1,327 people died in the places of residence of either the victim or the perpetrator, including the homes of family friends and neighbors. In some instances these people could have had some kind of domestic relationship," the minister said. Cele added while there has been a decline in sexual offenses cases, 9,518 people were raped between January and March, a decrease of 387 cases as compared to the same period last year. "The sexual violence melted against women in this country is simply shameful. Seemingly men and children are not spared," Cele said.

South Africa: Overall crime rate decreases, murder rate increased by 8.4%

Even in the current tough times, the hair industry in South Africa witnesses growth as there is an increase in demand for hair wigs and extensions.

South Africa: Demand for wigs, extensions growing

ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule who was suspended from his leadership role has now taken President Cyril Ramaphosa to court. This move by Magashule comes as the African National Congress tries to clean up an image tarnished b corruption allegations ahead of upcoming local elections.

South Africa: ANC Secy-General Ace Magashule takes President Ramaphosa to court

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'Don’t think it sat well with him': Mark Boucher after AB De Villiers' decision to stay retired from international cricket

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