South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be on a two-day India visit from Friday, described his visit to India as "homecoming moment".&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION ahead of his India visit at Davos, Ramaphosa said, "ties between India and South Africa are very historical, political and most enhancing and empowering links."

Ramaphosa will also be the chief guest at India's Republic day on Saturday.&nbsp;

Calling his visit a homecoming moment, he said, "I will be going to India, and it is going to be a homecoming moment for us as we go to India because we want to strengthen the ties between South Africa and India. We want to promote trade and good relation between the two&nbsp;countries."

Drawing parallels between Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and South Africa's charismatic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa said, "will to go there (India) and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's life and Nelson Mandela's life. So that it helps us to consolidate our relations and it is the glue that binds the two countries together from the historical and political point of view."

This is the second time a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at Republic day. PM Modi personally handed over the invite to President Cyril when he met him on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina in December.

Ahead of the visit, TS Tirumurti, Secretary Economic relation in Ministry of External Affairs said, "This visit is significant both in the point of view of the strategic partnership with South Africa and in the overall context of our enhanced engagement with Africa."&nbsp;

The president will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine Ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

The visit by the president comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

The South African President during the first day of his visit on 25th January will address the 1st IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A roadmap on strategic partnership is expected to be signed for the next 3 years between India and South Africa during the visit.&nbsp;

In his last Mann ki Baat on 30th December 2018, PM Modi said "its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019. "

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be on a two-day India visit from Friday, described his visit to India as "homecoming moment". Speaking exclusively to WION ahead of his India visit at Davos, Ramaphosa said, "ties between India and South Africa are very historical, political and most enhancing and empowering links.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be on a two-day India visit from Friday, described his visit to India as "homecoming moment". Speaking exclusively to WION ahead of his India visit at Davos, Ramaphosa said, "ties between India and South Africa are very historical, political and most enhancing and empowering links." Ramaphosa will also be the chief guest at India's Republic day on Saturday. Calling his visit a homecoming moment, he said, "I will be going to India, and it is going to be a homecoming moment for us as we go to India because we want to strengthen the ties between South Africa and India. We want to promote trade and good relation between the two countries." Drawing parallels between Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and South Africa's charismatic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa said, "will to go there (India) and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's life and Nelson Mandela's life. So that it helps us to consolidate our relations and it is the glue that binds the two countries together from the historical and political point of view." This is the second time a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at Republic day. PM Modi personally handed over the invite to President Cyril when he met him on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina in December. Ahead of the visit, TS Tirumurti, Secretary Economic relation in Ministry of External Affairs said, "This visit is significant both in the point of view of the strategic partnership with South Africa and in the overall context of our enhanced engagement with Africa." The president will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine Ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation. The visit by the president comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The South African President during the first day of his visit on 25th January will address the 1st IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A roadmap on strategic partnership is expected to be signed for the next 3 years between India and South Africa during the visit. In his last Mann ki Baat on 30th December 2018, PM Modi said "its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019. "

'Homecoming moment,' says South Africa President Ramaphosa to WION ahead of 2-day India visit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit.

Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
150 years of Mahatma &amp; 100 years of Madiba! 
 
Good meeting between PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; South Africa President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> on margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. President Ramaphosa accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day during 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/JzF8SZdaia">pic.twitter.com/JzF8SZdaia</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1068880017822810112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is the second time a South African president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
RD1995 witnessed Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, President of South Africa as chief guest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/26January?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#26January</a> <a href="http://t.co/bRf7P7k17G">pic.twitter.com/bRf7P7k17G</a>
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) <a href="https://twitter.com/POI13/status/558939803681443840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs said, " India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages."&nbsp;

Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

The visit by the South African President comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

During the first day of his visit on January 25, Ramaphosa will address the first IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his last Mann ki Baat on December 30, 2018, PM Modi said "Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019."&nbsp;

He highlighted the special connection that India shares with South Africa because of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

"Bapu had a special connection with South Africa. It was in South Africa that Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world."

The Prime Minister also drew parallels between "Madiba and Bapu" and said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world."&nbsp;

PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016. He had visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in last four year--first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016.&nbsp;

Indians have been a crucial part of South African society with father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi playing an important role in the opposing racial discrimination in the country from 1893 to 1914. India even awarded Nelson Mandela the highest civilian award --the Bharat Ratna in 1990. India was represented by the then president Pranab Mukherjee when Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013.&nbsp;

The Indian origin community in the country is around 1.5 million which is 3 per cent of South Africa's total population. 80 per cent of Indian community lives in KwaZulu Natal, 15 per cent in Gauteng and about 5 per cent in cape town.&nbsp;

Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-ocean rim association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit. Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit. Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. 150 years of Mahatma & 100 years of Madiba! Good meeting between PM @narendramodi & South Africa President @CyrilRamaphosa on margins of #G20Summit. President Ramaphosa accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day during 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/JzF8SZdaia — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 1, 2018 × This is the second time a South African president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela. RD1995 witnessed Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, President of South Africa as chief guest #26January pic.twitter.com/bRf7P7k17G — President Mukherjee (@POI13) January 24, 2015 × Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs said, " India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages." Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation. The visit by the South African President comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. During the first day of his visit on January 25, Ramaphosa will address the first IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his last Mann ki Baat on December 30, 2018, PM Modi said "Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019." He highlighted the special connection that India shares with South Africa because of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapu had a special connection with South Africa. It was in South Africa that Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world." The Prime Minister also drew parallels between "Madiba and Bapu" and said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world." PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016. He had visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in last four year--first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016. Indians have been a crucial part of South African society with father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi playing an important role in the opposing racial discrimination in the country from 1893 to 1914. India even awarded Nelson Mandela the highest civilian award --the Bharat Ratna in 1990. India was represented by the then president Pranab Mukherjee when Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013. The Indian origin community in the country is around 1.5 million which is 3 per cent of South Africa's total population. 80 per cent of Indian community lives in KwaZulu Natal, 15 per cent in Gauteng and about 5 per cent in cape town. Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-ocean rim association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

Republic Day chief guest, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, to land in India Friday

Pakistan Cricket Board will set up an inquiry to find out the reasons behind the national team's poor performance in the recent three-Test series against South Africa, said its chairman Ehsan Mani.

Pakistan suffered a 0-3 defeat to South Africa in the Test series and Mani said that recent results are disappointing and understandably cricket fans were also upset with the Test performances.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, Mani said that after the tour to South Africa is over, the PCB would have an inquiry into the team's poor Test performances.

"No doubt everyone is disappointed with the way our team played in the Test series in South Africa. We will do our best to find out the causes of defeat by holding an in-depth inquiry," Mani said.

Pakistan was whitewashed by the South Africans and before that they lost a three-match Test series to New Zealand in the UAE by 1-2.

A well-informed source in the board told PTI that Mani had already spoken to the head of the cricket committee, Mohsin Khan and asked him to meet with his committee members and prepare a report on what they felt went wrong in the Test matches.

The cricket committee also includes former captains, Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq and former national women's team skipper, Urooj Mumtaz.

Though the cricket committee can only recommend and make suggestions to the Chairman but the source said that they had been closely watching the performances of the

Pakistan team and had some reservations over some selections and other issues.

Pakistan bounced back in the first match of the five-match one-day international series, winning by five wickets on Saturday.

Mani also said that the PCB was paying a lot of attention to the national women's team and providing more facilities and structure for women's cricket.

He said efforts were being made to encourage more girls to take up the game and also bring in new players into the national side.

He also made it clear that national sports federations needed to understand that sports cant be run through just government funding and these federations also needed to get sponsorship from big corporates and banks and build up their resources.&nbsp;

Pakistan Cricket Board will set up an inquiry to find out the reasons behind the national team's poor performance in the recent three-Test series against South Africa, said its chairman Ehsan Mani.

Pakistan Cricket Board will set up an inquiry to find out the reasons behind the national team's poor performance in the recent three-Test series against South Africa, said its chairman Ehsan Mani. Pakistan suffered a 0-3 defeat to South Africa in the Test series and Mani said that recent results are disappointing and understandably cricket fans were also upset with the Test performances. Talking to the media in Islamabad, Mani said that after the tour to South Africa is over, the PCB would have an inquiry into the team's poor Test performances. "No doubt everyone is disappointed with the way our team played in the Test series in South Africa. We will do our best to find out the causes of defeat by holding an in-depth inquiry," Mani said. Pakistan was whitewashed by the South Africans and before that they lost a three-match Test series to New Zealand in the UAE by 1-2. A well-informed source in the board told PTI that Mani had already spoken to the head of the cricket committee, Mohsin Khan and asked him to meet with his committee members and prepare a report on what they felt went wrong in the Test matches. The cricket committee also includes former captains, Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq and former national women's team skipper, Urooj Mumtaz. Though the cricket committee can only recommend and make suggestions to the Chairman but the source said that they had been closely watching the performances of the Pakistan team and had some reservations over some selections and other issues. Pakistan bounced back in the first match of the five-match one-day international series, winning by five wickets on Saturday. Mani also said that the PCB was paying a lot of attention to the national women's team and providing more facilities and structure for women's cricket. He said efforts were being made to encourage more girls to take up the game and also bring in new players into the national side. He also made it clear that national sports federations needed to understand that sports cant be run through just government funding and these federations also needed to get sponsorship from big corporates and banks and build up their resources.

PCB to probe Pakistan's poor Test performance in South Africa: Chairman Ehsan Mani

Both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock completed half-centuries on Sunday as South Africa continued to amass a sizeable lead over Pakistan on the third day of the third Test at the Wanderers, looking to complete a clean sweep of the series.

Amla scored 71 before gloving a rising delivery from Hasan Ali behind to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed while de Kock was 77 not out as South Africa went to lunch on 232 for seven wickets, 309 runs ahead.

De Kock took just 49 balls to get to his half century and will continue after lunch along with Kagiso Rabada (four not out).

Pakistan did not take full advantage from a pitch cracking in places and offering uneven bounce as they took only two wickets in the morning session after South Africa came into bat on 135-5 overnight.

Amla completed his 41st Test half-century before perishing to a ball that found a crack and reared up to catch him by surprise.

Vernon Philander was trapped leg before wicket by a yorker from Mohammad Amir for 14 after helping to add to a total of 97 runs in the session at a brisk run rate of just under four per over.

With plenty of time left in the test, South Africa will likely look to continue batting and set Pakistan a near impossible target, mindful of the fact that Pakistan have scored more than 200 runs in only one of their five previous innings in the series.

South Africa scored 262 in their first innings of the third test with Pakistan replying with 185.

Both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock completed half-centuries on Sunday as South Africa continued to amass a sizeable lead over Pakistan on the third day of the third Test at the Wanderers, looking to complete a clean sweep of the series.

Both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock completed half-centuries on Sunday as South Africa continued to amass a sizeable lead over Pakistan on the third day of the third Test at the Wanderers, looking to complete a clean sweep of the series. Amla scored 71 before gloving a rising delivery from Hasan Ali behind to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed while de Kock was 77 not out as South Africa went to lunch on 232 for seven wickets, 309 runs ahead. De Kock took just 49 balls to get to his half century and will continue after lunch along with Kagiso Rabada (four not out). Pakistan did not take full advantage from a pitch cracking in places and offering uneven bounce as they took only two wickets in the morning session after South Africa came into bat on 135-5 overnight. Amla completed his 41st Test half-century before perishing to a ball that found a crack and reared up to catch him by surprise. Vernon Philander was trapped leg before wicket by a yorker from Mohammad Amir for 14 after helping to add to a total of 97 runs in the session at a brisk run rate of just under four per over. With plenty of time left in the test, South Africa will likely look to continue batting and set Pakistan a near impossible target, mindful of the fact that Pakistan have scored more than 200 runs in only one of their five previous innings in the series. South Africa scored 262 in their first innings of the third test with Pakistan replying with 185.

South Africa lose two wickets but lead swells against Pakistan

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, January 11th 2019

South Africa have named uncapped batsman Rassie van der Dussen in their 14-man squad for the first two contests of the five-match home one-day international series against Pakistan as they explore options ahead of the World Cup later this year.

The 29-year-old Van der Dussen was the highest scorer in the recent Mzansi Super League domestic Twenty20 competition, averaging almost 60 in 12 matches at a strike-rate of close to 140.

Returning to the squad are seamer Dane Paterson and stalwart batsman Hashim Amla, who missed the away series win in Australia in November through injury.&nbsp;

Batsman JP Duminy and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi have not been considered because of injury.

"We need to look at all the options available to us as we get closer to selecting our final squad for this year`s World Cup and Rassie and Dane are two players who have been knocking strongly on the door in all formats," Cricket South Africa selection convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Thursday.

"Those players who went to Australia and have not been selected for the first two matches -- Farhaan Behardien, Aiden Markram and Chris Morris -- are by no means out of the picture, and they may well get further opportunities in the second half of the series."

The first ODI will be played in Port Elizabeth on Jan. 19, with the second in Durban three days later.

The 50-over World Cup is being held in England and Wales from May 30-July 14.

Squad: 
Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.

South Africa have named uncapped batsman Rassie van der Dussen in their 14-man squad for the first two contests of the five-match home one-day international series against Pakistan as they explore options ahead of the World Cup later this year.

South Africa have named uncapped batsman Rassie van der Dussen in their 14-man squad for the first two contests of the five-match home one-day international series against Pakistan as they explore options ahead of the World Cup later this year. The 29-year-old Van der Dussen was the highest scorer in the recent Mzansi Super League domestic Twenty20 competition, averaging almost 60 in 12 matches at a strike-rate of close to 140. Returning to the squad are seamer Dane Paterson and stalwart batsman Hashim Amla, who missed the away series win in Australia in November through injury. Batsman JP Duminy and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi have not been considered because of injury. "We need to look at all the options available to us as we get closer to selecting our final squad for this year`s World Cup and Rassie and Dane are two players who have been knocking strongly on the door in all formats," Cricket South Africa selection convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Thursday. "Those players who went to Australia and have not been selected for the first two matches -- Farhaan Behardien, Aiden Markram and Chris Morris -- are by no means out of the picture, and they may well get further opportunities in the second half of the series." The first ODI will be played in Port Elizabeth on Jan. 19, with the second in Durban three days later. The 50-over World Cup is being held in England and Wales from May 30-July 14. Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.

South Africa select uncapped Van der Dussen for Pakistan ODIs

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was on Sunday suspended for one Test because of his team's slow over rate as they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-pakistan-by-nine-wickets-to-clinch-series-188534">beat Pakistan in Cape Town</a>.

The ICC announced the punishment in a statement after South Africa won the second Test by nine wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Du Plessis and his players were also fined a percentage of their match fees.

South Africa picked an all-pace attack for the match. Their four bowlers shared just under 122 overs as they twice bowled Pakistan out. Half an hour was added to play the first three days because of the slow over rate.

After the three umpires charged the home team, match referee David Boon, the former Australia batsman, ruled South Africa were one over short of the minimum target and imposed the punishments.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been suspended for one Test for a second minor over-rate offence within 12 months. 
 
READ 👇<a href="https://t.co/4zfyF2onJT">https://t.co/4zfyF2onJT</a> <a href="https://t.co/KbTUjgUWg0">pic.twitter.com/KbTUjgUWg0</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1081901453600534531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Under ICC rules, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double.

Du Plessis had previously been found guilty of what the ICC deemed a "minor over-rate offence" against India at Centurion on January 17 last year and so, the statement said, "this offence constituted his second minor over-rate offence within a 12-month period."

Du Plessis scored a crucial 106 in South Africa's first innings at Newlands, but he will also have to be replaced as captain in the third test which starts in Johannesburg on Friday, 11 January.

Both Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla have captaincy experience but they each ended the Test nursing injuries. Markram was unable to bat on Sunday while Amla had to retire hurt after being hit by a rising delivery.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was on Sunday suspended for one Test because of his team's slow over rate as they beat Pakistan in Cape Town. The ICC announced the punishment in a statement after South Africa won the second Test by nine wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was on Sunday suspended for one Test because of his team's slow over rate as they beat Pakistan in Cape Town. The ICC announced the punishment in a statement after South Africa won the second Test by nine wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Du Plessis and his players were also fined a percentage of their match fees. South Africa picked an all-pace attack for the match. Their four bowlers shared just under 122 overs as they twice bowled Pakistan out. Half an hour was added to play the first three days because of the slow over rate. After the three umpires charged the home team, match referee David Boon, the former Australia batsman, ruled South Africa were one over short of the minimum target and imposed the punishments. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been suspended for one Test for a second minor over-rate offence within 12 months. READ 👇https://t.co/4zfyF2onJT pic.twitter.com/KbTUjgUWg0 — ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2019 × Under ICC rules, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double. Du Plessis had previously been found guilty of what the ICC deemed a "minor over-rate offence" against India at Centurion on January 17 last year and so, the statement said, "this offence constituted his second minor over-rate offence within a 12-month period." Du Plessis scored a crucial 106 in South Africa's first innings at Newlands, but he will also have to be replaced as captain in the third test which starts in Johannesburg on Friday, 11 January. Both Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla have captaincy experience but they each ended the Test nursing injuries. Markram was unable to bat on Sunday while Amla had to retire hurt after being hit by a rising delivery.

South Africa skipper Du Plessis suspended for third Test

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan claimed a wicket and forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt before South Africa passed their meagre target after less than an hour's play at Newlands.

Set 41 to win, South Africa reached 43 for the loss of one wicket from 9.5 overs.

The result ensured a seventh successive home series win for South Africa, who won the first Test in Centurion by six wickets. The third and final Test starts in Johannesburg on Friday.

Regular South African opening batsman Aiden Markram did not bat after suffering a severely bruised right thigh when he fell heavily on the boundary rope while fielding on Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
South Africa chase down the easy target of 41 runs in just 9.5 overs as they beat Pakistan by nine wickets and seal the three-Test series 2-0. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a> SCORECARD ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB">https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB</a> <a href="https://t.co/fVbuwAQ3sI">pic.twitter.com/fVbuwAQ3sI</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1081843861268221952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Theunis de Bruyn, opening in place of Markram, clipped Mohammad Abbas to the midwicket boundary but did not add to his score before being caught off his glove by wicketkeeper and captain Sarfraz Ahmed while attempting to pull a bouncer from Abbas.

Mohammad Amir effectively conceded 10 runs in extras off two successive deliveries, with a wide and a no-ball which both flew over Sarfraz's head.

Hashim Amla was forced to retire hurt on two after being hit on the right upper arm by a ball from Amir which lifted sharply off a good length.

Dean Elgar, who made 24 not out, ended the match by hitting two fours off part-time bowler Azhar Ali.

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday. Pakistan claimed a wicket and forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt before South Africa passed their meagre target after less than an hour's play at Newlands.

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday. Pakistan claimed a wicket and forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt before South Africa passed their meagre target after less than an hour's play at Newlands. Set 41 to win, South Africa reached 43 for the loss of one wicket from 9.5 overs. The result ensured a seventh successive home series win for South Africa, who won the first Test in Centurion by six wickets. The third and final Test starts in Johannesburg on Friday. Regular South African opening batsman Aiden Markram did not bat after suffering a severely bruised right thigh when he fell heavily on the boundary rope while fielding on Saturday. South Africa chase down the easy target of 41 runs in just 9.5 overs as they beat Pakistan by nine wickets and seal the three-Test series 2-0. #SAvPAK SCORECARD ⬇️https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB pic.twitter.com/fVbuwAQ3sI — ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2019 × Theunis de Bruyn, opening in place of Markram, clipped Mohammad Abbas to the midwicket boundary but did not add to his score before being caught off his glove by wicketkeeper and captain Sarfraz Ahmed while attempting to pull a bouncer from Abbas. Mohammad Amir effectively conceded 10 runs in extras off two successive deliveries, with a wide and a no-ball which both flew over Sarfraz's head. Hashim Amla was forced to retire hurt on two after being hit on the right upper arm by a ball from Amir which lifted sharply off a good length. Dean Elgar, who made 24 not out, ended the match by hitting two fours off part-time bowler Azhar Ali.

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets to clinch series

Pakistan are hoping to host top teams like Australia and South Africa in the near future after what is being seen as a successful trip by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ehsan Mani, to Johannesburg.

According to a reliable source in the board, Mani has held positive discussions with Cricket South Africa officials about them sending teams to Pakistan.

"Cricket SA officials have told Mani they will look into sending the South African under-19, A, women's and senior teams to Pakistan over a period of time," the source said.

He said the PCB is also optimistic that Cricket Australia might agree to play one or two ODIs in late March-April in Lahore and Karachi.

"Things are looking bright after the positive response of CSA with regards to getting more international cricket matches in Pakistan," he added.

Since March 2009, when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, no top side has visited Pakistan due to security concerns.

But the source said that Mani had given the CSA detailed briefings on the improved situation in Pakistan and the strong security plan of the PCB for visiting teams.

Since September 2017, Pakistan has hosted the ICC World Eleven, Sri Lanka and West Indies for short T20 series in Lahore and Karachi and it also held the finals of the last two Pakistan Super League in Karachi.

The newly appointed managing director of the PCB, Wasim Khan, has made it clear his main task would be to see the return of full-fledged international cricket to Pakistan.

Wasim, who takes charge later this month, has said the PCB would be willing to allay the security concerns of visiting teams.

Pakistan are hoping to host top teams like Australia and South Africa in the near future after what is being seen as a successful trip by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ehsan Mani, to Johannesburg.

Pakistan are hoping to host top teams like Australia and South Africa in the near future after what is being seen as a successful trip by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ehsan Mani, to Johannesburg. According to a reliable source in the board, Mani has held positive discussions with Cricket South Africa officials about them sending teams to Pakistan. "Cricket SA officials have told Mani they will look into sending the South African under-19, A, women's and senior teams to Pakistan over a period of time," the source said. He said the PCB is also optimistic that Cricket Australia might agree to play one or two ODIs in late March-April in Lahore and Karachi. "Things are looking bright after the positive response of CSA with regards to getting more international cricket matches in Pakistan," he added. Since March 2009, when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, no top side has visited Pakistan due to security concerns. But the source said that Mani had given the CSA detailed briefings on the improved situation in Pakistan and the strong security plan of the PCB for visiting teams. Since September 2017, Pakistan has hosted the ICC World Eleven, Sri Lanka and West Indies for short T20 series in Lahore and Karachi and it also held the finals of the last two Pakistan Super League in Karachi. The newly appointed managing director of the PCB, Wasim Khan, has made it clear his main task would be to see the return of full-fledged international cricket to Pakistan. Wasim, who takes charge later this month, has said the PCB would be willing to allay the security concerns of visiting teams.

Pakistan hoping to host South Africa, Australia in near future

Authorities in Cape Town have criticised a private security company that allegedly ordered black beachgoers to leave a fashionable South African beach over the Christmas holiday.

The city's mayor and a senior municipal official dismissed claims by the PPA security firm that it was working for the city authorities when patrolling the beach at Clifton, an upmarket coastal suburb.

Beaches, like many public areas, were segregated under white-minority apartheid rule, and have since been a flashpoint of racial tension in South Africa.

Beachgoers were told to leave Clifton beach by PPA guards last Sunday, two days before Christmas.

"The city has at no stage given any authority to PPA to enforce by-laws," Cape Town's director for safety and security Richard Bosman said in a statement on Thursday. "The city has acted swiftly to address the conduct of PPA staff."

On Friday Cape Town mayor Dan Plato reiterated that the security company "had no authority to ask anyone to leave Clifton beach", but added that "they asked people of all races to leave, and did not single out any race groups".

But local activist Chumani Maxwele alleged that the guards had targeted black people on the beach, which attracts huge crowds over the holiday season.

"These private security guards are hired by the Clifton (residents), they are actually briefed to not allow black people who appear to look like they are from the townships or criminals onto the beach," he told the News 24 website.

'Barbaric and racist'

National government has weighed-in in the row, with Environmental Affairs minister, Nomvula Mokonyane saying on Friday that the "alleged interference and racial profiling of beachgoers by private security firms" is "unconstitutional and illegal".

"South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and no spaces are for the exclusive use of any citizens based on their race, gender or creed," said Mokonyane in a statement.

A lawmaker Phillemon Mapulane who heads a parliamentary committee on environmental affairs, condemned the ejection of beachgoers as "barbaric and racist".

PPA chief executive Alwyn Landman said that the company's guards did not close the beach, but acted to protect local residents after alleged criminal activity caused "mayhem".

The city has launched an investigation and urged persons who may have felt threatened or intimated by the security guards to call its emergency hotline or report to the police.

Early Friday evening some protesters started gathering at the beach for a vigil. &nbsp;

In 2016, South African estate agent Penny Sparrow likened black beach-goers to monkeys in a social media post, triggering widespread outrage. She was fined 150,000 rand ($10,500, 9,050 euros).

In September, South African tourist Adam Catzavelos ignited another storm of protest after he used a racial slur in a phone video message from Greece, boasting that the beach had no black people on it.

Authorities in Cape Town have criticised a private security company that allegedly ordered black beachgoers to leave a fashionable South African beach over the Christmas holiday.

Authorities in Cape Town have criticised a private security company that allegedly ordered black beachgoers to leave a fashionable South African beach over the Christmas holiday. The city's mayor and a senior municipal official dismissed claims by the PPA security firm that it was working for the city authorities when patrolling the beach at Clifton, an upmarket coastal suburb. Beaches, like many public areas, were segregated under white-minority apartheid rule, and have since been a flashpoint of racial tension in South Africa. Beachgoers were told to leave Clifton beach by PPA guards last Sunday, two days before Christmas. "The city has at no stage given any authority to PPA to enforce by-laws," Cape Town's director for safety and security Richard Bosman said in a statement on Thursday. "The city has acted swiftly to address the conduct of PPA staff." On Friday Cape Town mayor Dan Plato reiterated that the security company "had no authority to ask anyone to leave Clifton beach", but added that "they asked people of all races to leave, and did not single out any race groups". But local activist Chumani Maxwele alleged that the guards had targeted black people on the beach, which attracts huge crowds over the holiday season. "These private security guards are hired by the Clifton (residents), they are actually briefed to not allow black people who appear to look like they are from the townships or criminals onto the beach," he told the News 24 website. 'Barbaric and racist' National government has weighed-in in the row, with Environmental Affairs minister, Nomvula Mokonyane saying on Friday that the "alleged interference and racial profiling of beachgoers by private security firms" is "unconstitutional and illegal". "South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and no spaces are for the exclusive use of any citizens based on their race, gender or creed," said Mokonyane in a statement. A lawmaker Phillemon Mapulane who heads a parliamentary committee on environmental affairs, condemned the ejection of beachgoers as "barbaric and racist". PPA chief executive Alwyn Landman said that the company's guards did not close the beach, but acted to protect local residents after alleged criminal activity caused "mayhem". The city has launched an investigation and urged persons who may have felt threatened or intimated by the security guards to call its emergency hotline or report to the police. Early Friday evening some protesters started gathering at the beach for a vigil. In 2016, South African estate agent Penny Sparrow likened black beach-goers to monkeys in a social media post, triggering widespread outrage. She was fined 150,000 rand ($10,500, 9,050 euros). In September, South African tourist Adam Catzavelos ignited another storm of protest after he used a racial slur in a phone video message from Greece, boasting that the beach had no black people on it.

Race row breaks out in Cape Town after guards clear 'black visitors' from beach

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-pulling-its-citizens-out-of-poverty-at-a-record-pace-pm-modi-in-mann-ki-baat-187307">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>Sunday said he hoped sanitation will be maintained along with reverence at Kumbh Mela in January, saying it will send a positive message far and wide.

In his monthly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bapu-had-a-special-connection-with-south-africa-pm-in-last-mann-ki-baat-of-2018-187317">'Mann ki Baat' radio address</a>, last this year, he said this time much emphasis is being laid on cleanliness during Kumbh.&nbsp;

"If during the course of this event sanitation prevails along with reverence, then it will lead to a positive message reaching far and wide," the Prime Minister said.

He said, Kumbh Mela is also a huge medium of self-discovery, where every visitor experiences a unique feeling and learns to look at the worldly things from a spiritual perspective.&nbsp;

"This can be a huge learning experience especially for the youth," he felt.

The Kumbh Mela will commence from January 15 at Prayagraj.

The Mela draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

Referring to Republic Day celebrations, the PM said this time South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest as India also celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Our revered Bapu and South Africa shared an unbreakable bond. It was South Africa, where Mohan (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) transformed into the 'Mahatma'. It was in South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi had started his first Satyagraha and stood rock steady in protest of apartheid," Modi said.&nbsp;

He also said that at times when government organisations are described as a 'regulators', Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has been working beyond this brief for public awareness and public education.&nbsp;

It has launched a campaign on promoting good eating or safe and healthy diet habits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he hoped sanitation will be maintained along with reverence at Kumbh Mela in January, saying it will send a positive message far and wide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he hoped sanitation will be maintained along with reverence at Kumbh Mela in January, saying it will send a positive message far and wide. In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, last this year, he said this time much emphasis is being laid on cleanliness during Kumbh. "If during the course of this event sanitation prevails along with reverence, then it will lead to a positive message reaching far and wide," the Prime Minister said. He said, Kumbh Mela is also a huge medium of self-discovery, where every visitor experiences a unique feeling and learns to look at the worldly things from a spiritual perspective. "This can be a huge learning experience especially for the youth," he felt. The Kumbh Mela will commence from January 15 at Prayagraj. The Mela draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Referring to Republic Day celebrations, the PM said this time South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest as India also celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "Our revered Bapu and South Africa shared an unbreakable bond. It was South Africa, where Mohan (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) transformed into the 'Mahatma'. It was in South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi had started his first Satyagraha and stood rock steady in protest of apartheid," Modi said. He also said that at times when government organisations are described as a 'regulators', Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has been working beyond this brief for public awareness and public education. It has launched a campaign on promoting good eating or safe and healthy diet habits.

Hope sanitation prevails along with reverence: PM Modi on Kumbh Mela

In his last "Mann Ki Baat" radio programme of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special connection between India and South Africa quoting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Bapu had a special connection with South Africa... it was in South Africa Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world," Modi said.

''Mahatma Gandhi's first experiment with truth was here (South Africa). It was here that he showed his exceptional determination for justice and developed a philosophy of satyagraha and methods of struggle here," Modi added.

India is celebrating the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and several events are being planned in the country as well as abroad. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest for Republic Day programme in 2019.&nbsp;

"This year we are celebrating 150 birth anniversary of Bapu. Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019," Modi said during Mann Ki Baat.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina on December 1.

PM Modi also spoke about Nelson Mandela who ''was an icon in the fight against apartheid" and said Mandela drew inspiration from Mahatma.&nbsp;

2018 is being observed as the birth centenary year of Nelson Mandela.&nbsp;

Drawing parallels between "Madiba and Bapu", PM said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world. Their rectitude encourages us to build a loving and sympathetic society."

PM Modi had paid an official visit to South Africa from 7-9 July 2016 and visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban.&nbsp;

In his last "Mann Ki Baat" radio programme of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special connection between India and South Africa quoting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

In his last "Mann Ki Baat" radio programme of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special connection between India and South Africa quoting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapu had a special connection with South Africa... it was in South Africa Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world," Modi said. ''Mahatma Gandhi's first experiment with truth was here (South Africa). It was here that he showed his exceptional determination for justice and developed a philosophy of satyagraha and methods of struggle here," Modi added. India is celebrating the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and several events are being planned in the country as well as abroad. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest for Republic Day programme in 2019. "This year we are celebrating 150 birth anniversary of Bapu. Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019," Modi said during Mann Ki Baat. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina on December 1. PM Modi also spoke about Nelson Mandela who ''was an icon in the fight against apartheid" and said Mandela drew inspiration from Mahatma. 2018 is being observed as the birth centenary year of Nelson Mandela. Drawing parallels between "Madiba and Bapu", PM said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world. Their rectitude encourages us to build a loving and sympathetic society." PM Modi had paid an official visit to South Africa from 7-9 July 2016 and visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

Bapu had a special connection with South Africa: PM Modi in last Mann Ki Baat of 2018 

Dale Steyn became South Africa's leading test wicket-taker and Duanne Olivier took career-best figures as Pakistan were bowled out for 181 on the opening day of the first test on Wednesday.

But the visitors mounted a spirited fightback with the ball, reducing South Africa to 127 for five at the close. Top scorer Themba Bavuma (38 not out) and nightwatchman Steyn (13 not out) will resume on day two with the hosts still trailing by 54 runs.

South Africa ripped through Pakistan after being asked to bowl by visiting captain Sarfraz Ahmed as Olivier, in the side for the injured Vernon Philander, claimed 6-37 with his pace and accuracy on a wicket already showing a variable bounce.

But the headlines will revolve around Steyn, who had opener Fakhar Zaman (12) caught at slip by Elgar to move to 422 test wickets, taking outright top spot on South Africa's all-time list ahead of Shaun Pollock.

He was hoisted on the shoulders of fast bowling partner Kagiso Rabada as the healthy Boxing Day crowd at Centurion Park gave him a standing ovation.

The visitors were in early trouble when Rabada (3-59) had Imam-ul-Haq trapped lbw for a duck.

After Steyn (1-66) had removed Zaman with the score on 17, Pakistan moved past 50 before Shan Masood (19) played the ball on to his own stumps off the impressive Olivier.

Asad Shafiq (seven) never looked comfortable at the crease and became Olivier’s second victim as Pakistan took lunch on 76 for four.

The fast bowler ripped through the middle order after the break, removing Azhar Ali (36), Sarfraz (0) and Mohammad Amir (1) in quick succession.

Pakistan were reduced to 111 for eight but mounted an excellent fightback through Babar Azam (71 from 79 balls) as he put on 67 for the ninth wicket with Hasan Ali (21 not out) before being caught at second slip by Faf du Plessis off Rabada.

Pakistan continued their turnaround with the ball as they reduced the home side to 43 for four when Shaheen Afridi (2-36) took the wickets of Dean Elgar (22) and home captain Du Plessis (0) off successive deliveries, both off the edge of the bat.

Aiden Markram (12) and struggling Hashim Amla (8) also fell to high-quality fast bowling from Hasan and Amir, who picked up the wicket of Theunis de Bruyn (29) late in the day.

Dale Steyn became South Africa's leading test wicket-taker and Duanne Olivier took career-best figures as Pakistan were bowled out for 181 on the opening day of the first test on Wednesday.

Dale Steyn became South Africa's leading test wicket-taker and Duanne Olivier took career-best figures as Pakistan were bowled out for 181 on the opening day of the first test on Wednesday. But the visitors mounted a spirited fightback with the ball, reducing South Africa to 127 for five at the close. Top scorer Themba Bavuma (38 not out) and nightwatchman Steyn (13 not out) will resume on day two with the hosts still trailing by 54 runs. South Africa ripped through Pakistan after being asked to bowl by visiting captain Sarfraz Ahmed as Olivier, in the side for the injured Vernon Philander, claimed 6-37 with his pace and accuracy on a wicket already showing a variable bounce. But the headlines will revolve around Steyn, who had opener Fakhar Zaman (12) caught at slip by Elgar to move to 422 test wickets, taking outright top spot on South Africa's all-time list ahead of Shaun Pollock. He was hoisted on the shoulders of fast bowling partner Kagiso Rabada as the healthy Boxing Day crowd at Centurion Park gave him a standing ovation. The visitors were in early trouble when Rabada (3-59) had Imam-ul-Haq trapped lbw for a duck. After Steyn (1-66) had removed Zaman with the score on 17, Pakistan moved past 50 before Shan Masood (19) played the ball on to his own stumps off the impressive Olivier. Asad Shafiq (seven) never looked comfortable at the crease and became Olivier’s second victim as Pakistan took lunch on 76 for four. The fast bowler ripped through the middle order after the break, removing Azhar Ali (36), Sarfraz (0) and Mohammad Amir (1) in quick succession. Pakistan were reduced to 111 for eight but mounted an excellent fightback through Babar Azam (71 from 79 balls) as he put on 67 for the ninth wicket with Hasan Ali (21 not out) before being caught at second slip by Faf du Plessis off Rabada. Pakistan continued their turnaround with the ball as they reduced the home side to 43 for four when Shaheen Afridi (2-36) took the wickets of Dean Elgar (22) and home captain Du Plessis (0) off successive deliveries, both off the edge of the bat. Aiden Markram (12) and struggling Hashim Amla (8) also fell to high-quality fast bowling from Hasan and Amir, who picked up the wicket of Theunis de Bruyn (29) late in the day.

South Africa's Steyn makes history, Olivier shines before Pakistan fightback

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa due to an injury.

The 28-year-old, who missed the final Test against New Zealand with a shoulder injury, is hopeful of returning to the squad for the second Test, International Cricket Council (ICC) reported.

Other specialist seams in the squad include Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Afridi, while Faheem Ashraf provides an all-rounder option.

"Abbas is not fit for the first Test, hopefully, he will be fit for the second Test," Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said on Monday.

Along with Abbas, leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who is suffering a groin injury, will also make a comeback for the second Test."Shadab Khan, too, will be back for the second Test, but Fakhar Zaman is fit," Ahmed added.

In his Test career, Abbas has scalped 61 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 16.62. Pakistan and South Africa are slated to play three Test matches beginning from December 26, followed by five ODIs and then three T20Is.&nbsp;

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa due to an injury. The 28-year-old, who missed the final Test against New Zealand with a shoulder injury, is hopeful of returning to the squad for the second Test, International Cricket Council (ICC) reported.

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa due to an injury. The 28-year-old, who missed the final Test against New Zealand with a shoulder injury, is hopeful of returning to the squad for the second Test, International Cricket Council (ICC) reported. Other specialist seams in the squad include Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Afridi, while Faheem Ashraf provides an all-rounder option. "Abbas is not fit for the first Test, hopefully, he will be fit for the second Test," Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said on Monday. Along with Abbas, leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who is suffering a groin injury, will also make a comeback for the second Test."Shadab Khan, too, will be back for the second Test, but Fakhar Zaman is fit," Ahmed added. In his Test career, Abbas has scalped 61 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 16.62. Pakistan and South Africa are slated to play three Test matches beginning from December 26, followed by five ODIs and then three T20Is.

Mohammad Abbas ruled out of opening Test against South Africa

Firebrand fast bowler Dale Steyn will seek to become South Africa’s greatest wicket-taker in tests when they take on Pakistan in the first match of a three-game series at Centurion Park in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Steyn is level with former all-rounder Shaun Pollock on 421 test wickets and, having played only six tests in the last three years due to injury, has been left tantalisingly close to capturing the outright top spot on the list for some time.

With injuries to seamers Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi, Steyn is likely to be given the new ball against Pakistan along with Kagiso Rabada on what is expected to be a lively wicket in Pretoria.

He will test the visiting batsman having returned to his express pace of old in recent limited-overs contests, where he impressed against Australia last month.

Captain Faf du Plessis told reporters this week that Steyn was the country’s greatest fast bowler and suggested that while the 2019 Cricket World Cup might be his limited-overs swansong, he still had a good few years of test cricket in him.

"Test matches are what really drive me to perform," Steyn recently told South African online publication Sport24. "If I can carry on playing test cricket for as long as possible that will be great.

"There is a plenty of T20 cricket going on at the moment because that is where the money is at but I think that people will always know that test cricket is the real deal. I love the red-ball game."

The loss of Philander, in particular, will add extra workload for Steyn, who is by far the most experienced seamer in the team, though the world’s leading test bowler, Rabada, could be the main threat.

Coach Ottis Gibson and Du Plessis will have to decide whether to play three seamers, with Duanne Olivier in line for a sixth test appearance, and spinner Keshav Maharaj, allowing them to field an extra batsman, or hand a first cap to Dane Paterson.

The latter option would give the team a long tail with Rabada having to bat at number seven, a role he has never played before.

There was a welcome return to form for stalwart stroke-maker Hashim Amla in domestic four-day cricket this week, with just a single half-century in his last 12 test innings having raised some questions about the future of the 35-year-old.

His excellent record against Pakistan, with two hundreds and eight half-centuries in 21 innings, should give him confidence, as will his runs in Pretoria where he averages 75.58 after 18 visits to the crease.

Pakistan, who have won only one test series out of 10 at home and away against South Africa, will have been buoyed up by their three-day run-out against an Invitational XI in the build-up to the first test, where Azhar Ali and Babar Azam made hundreds.

They have been well beaten on their previous two visits to Pretoria though, losing by seven wickets in 2007 and an innings and 18 runs five years ago.

Leading fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has also been rated as having only a 50 percent chance of playing in the test as he recovers from a shoulder injury picked up in October.

Firebrand fast bowler Dale Steyn will seek to become South Africa’s greatest wicket-taker in tests when they take on Pakistan in the first match of a three-game series at Centurion Park in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Firebrand fast bowler Dale Steyn will seek to become South Africa’s greatest wicket-taker in tests when they take on Pakistan in the first match of a three-game series at Centurion Park in Pretoria on Wednesday. Steyn is level with former all-rounder Shaun Pollock on 421 test wickets and, having played only six tests in the last three years due to injury, has been left tantalisingly close to capturing the outright top spot on the list for some time. With injuries to seamers Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi, Steyn is likely to be given the new ball against Pakistan along with Kagiso Rabada on what is expected to be a lively wicket in Pretoria. He will test the visiting batsman having returned to his express pace of old in recent limited-overs contests, where he impressed against Australia last month. Captain Faf du Plessis told reporters this week that Steyn was the country’s greatest fast bowler and suggested that while the 2019 Cricket World Cup might be his limited-overs swansong, he still had a good few years of test cricket in him. "Test matches are what really drive me to perform," Steyn recently told South African online publication Sport24. "If I can carry on playing test cricket for as long as possible that will be great. "There is a plenty of T20 cricket going on at the moment because that is where the money is at but I think that people will always know that test cricket is the real deal. I love the red-ball game." The loss of Philander, in particular, will add extra workload for Steyn, who is by far the most experienced seamer in the team, though the world’s leading test bowler, Rabada, could be the main threat. Coach Ottis Gibson and Du Plessis will have to decide whether to play three seamers, with Duanne Olivier in line for a sixth test appearance, and spinner Keshav Maharaj, allowing them to field an extra batsman, or hand a first cap to Dane Paterson. The latter option would give the team a long tail with Rabada having to bat at number seven, a role he has never played before. There was a welcome return to form for stalwart stroke-maker Hashim Amla in domestic four-day cricket this week, with just a single half-century in his last 12 test innings having raised some questions about the future of the 35-year-old. His excellent record against Pakistan, with two hundreds and eight half-centuries in 21 innings, should give him confidence, as will his runs in Pretoria where he averages 75.58 after 18 visits to the crease. Pakistan, who have won only one test series out of 10 at home and away against South Africa, will have been buoyed up by their three-day run-out against an Invitational XI in the build-up to the first test, where Azhar Ali and Babar Azam made hundreds. They have been well beaten on their previous two visits to Pretoria though, losing by seven wickets in 2007 and an innings and 18 runs five years ago. Leading fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has also been rated as having only a 50 percent chance of playing in the test as he recovers from a shoulder injury picked up in October.

South Africa's Dale Steyn has Pakistan in his sights as he guns for long-awaited record

Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) Coordination Committee Convener Dr Nadeem Ehsan said that MQM has nothing to do with gangsters from South Africa. The paramilitary Rangers had fraudulently claimed they belong to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wont-accept-paks-double-standard-of-justice-mqm-chief-170575">MQM</a> South Africa chapter.&nbsp;

In fact, that notorious scheme was part of ongoing tricky business of the military establishment for maligning the MQM.

However, the scheme has badly flopped and the establishment was exposed after real facts and details about the South African gang have been made public by the MQM.&nbsp;

The paramilitary Rangers are thus hiding their faces after having been exposed by the MQM. The Convener said this in a press video briefing and was flanked by members of the Coordination Committee. He said that the establishment is constantly placing the MQM under misleading and hate-mongering media trial but has utterly failed in its malicious agenda.&nbsp;

The recent activity of the establishment in which it staged a drama of unearthing a large cache of arms and ammunition and alleged the MQM had owned it has flopped.

As a matter of fact, the arrested gangsters have never been in MQM as workers or under any category but they are in real gangsters belonging to Punjab.&nbsp;

They are Rana Zahid, Ali Bhatti, Ali Rashid and Atique Billa. These criminals belong to a gang of criminals based in Johannesburg in South Africa. They are involved in heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, smuggling and other crimes.&nbsp;

These criminals are wanted to Police in South Africa. The Convener said that surprisingly, these notorious criminals regularly attend events and functions organised and hosted by the Pakistani Embassy in South Africa and their photographs with Pakistani envoys in South Africa are all available on the internet.

Dr Ehsan said that, as far as Shuja Ud Din Bobbi is concerned, the MQM had ousted him from the Movement on Jul 28, 2018, and Pakistani and international media was properly informed through the official release.

Likewise, the paramilitary establishment had a few days ago, tried to establish a connection between the MQM and a real estate builder Anis. In fact, Anis is an active member of PSP, which is a gang of criminals created by the military establishment and portrayed as political party.

"As far as the MQM South Africa is concerned, is a strong forte of the MQM and strictly follows the discipline of the MQM."&nbsp;

The MQM Coordination Committee Convener Dr Ehsan said that, "Unearthing the concealed cache of arms and ammunition by the paramilitary Rangers from different houses in Azizabad is just a flopped scheme."&nbsp;

The paramilitary Rangers are enjoying complete control over that area since August 22, 2016.

He asked the paramilitary Rangers to explain to the people of Pakistan and the world as to how it is possible for the smugglers of arms and ammunition to easily transport large caches of arms and ammunition while the military and its paramilitary forces are stationed at each corner of the city and the country.

The paramilitary Rangers have during past a decade raided thousands of houses but they faced no resistance which is proof that the MQM and its designees and workers are purely political and non-violent.&nbsp;

Henceforth, the military establishment and its paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies should stop maligning the MQM as their every maligning act against the MQM has bounced back with sheer humiliation.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) Coordination Committee Convener Dr Nadeem Ehsan said that MQM has nothing to do with gangsters from South Africa. The paramilitary Rangers had fraudulently claimed they belong to MQM South Africa chapter.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) Coordination Committee Convener Dr Nadeem Ehsan said that MQM has nothing to do with gangsters from South Africa. The paramilitary Rangers had fraudulently claimed they belong to MQM South Africa chapter. In fact, that notorious scheme was part of ongoing tricky business of the military establishment for maligning the MQM. However, the scheme has badly flopped and the establishment was exposed after real facts and details about the South African gang have been made public by the MQM. The paramilitary Rangers are thus hiding their faces after having been exposed by the MQM. The Convener said this in a press video briefing and was flanked by members of the Coordination Committee. He said that the establishment is constantly placing the MQM under misleading and hate-mongering media trial but has utterly failed in its malicious agenda. The recent activity of the establishment in which it staged a drama of unearthing a large cache of arms and ammunition and alleged the MQM had owned it has flopped. As a matter of fact, the arrested gangsters have never been in MQM as workers or under any category but they are in real gangsters belonging to Punjab. They are Rana Zahid, Ali Bhatti, Ali Rashid and Atique Billa. These criminals belong to a gang of criminals based in Johannesburg in South Africa. They are involved in heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, smuggling and other crimes. These criminals are wanted to Police in South Africa. The Convener said that surprisingly, these notorious criminals regularly attend events and functions organised and hosted by the Pakistani Embassy in South Africa and their photographs with Pakistani envoys in South Africa are all available on the internet. Dr Ehsan said that, as far as Shuja Ud Din Bobbi is concerned, the MQM had ousted him from the Movement on Jul 28, 2018, and Pakistani and international media was properly informed through the official release. Likewise, the paramilitary establishment had a few days ago, tried to establish a connection between the MQM and a real estate builder Anis. In fact, Anis is an active member of PSP, which is a gang of criminals created by the military establishment and portrayed as political party. "As far as the MQM South Africa is concerned, is a strong forte of the MQM and strictly follows the discipline of the MQM." The MQM Coordination Committee Convener Dr Ehsan said that, "Unearthing the concealed cache of arms and ammunition by the paramilitary Rangers from different houses in Azizabad is just a flopped scheme." The paramilitary Rangers are enjoying complete control over that area since August 22, 2016. He asked the paramilitary Rangers to explain to the people of Pakistan and the world as to how it is possible for the smugglers of arms and ammunition to easily transport large caches of arms and ammunition while the military and its paramilitary forces are stationed at each corner of the city and the country. The paramilitary Rangers have during past a decade raided thousands of houses but they faced no resistance which is proof that the MQM and its designees and workers are purely political and non-violent. Henceforth, the military establishment and its paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies should stop maligning the MQM as their every maligning act against the MQM has bounced back with sheer humiliation.

MQM exposes military establishment on so-called unearthing of arms, ammunition

Belgium defeated South Africa 4-1 in their final Pool C clash on Saturday at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Men's Hockey World Cup 2018.

South Africa took a lead in the first quarter, as Nick Spooner scored a field goal within the opening minutes, but lost the momentum as the game progressed. 
&nbsp; 
But Belgium bounced back in the game with an immediate equaliser by Alexendar Hendricks, who converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute, and dominated the game from there.

The European giants took a lead in the first quarter itself when Arthur Van Doren and Loick Luypaert created an excellent move from their own half before a long ball found Simon Gougnard who beat South African goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse with a calm finish.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/SA_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SA_Hockey</a> gets a warm farewell with applause from the crowd at the packed Kalinga Stadium after their campaign at the OHMWC Bhubaneswar ends on 8th December. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BELvRSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BELvRSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilHockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/UkwAK4JgT7">pic.twitter.com/UkwAK4JgT7</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1071405020149497857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Simon Gougnard was given the player of the match for his crucial contribution to the game.

Hendricks completed his brace off another penalty corner in the 21st minute as the Europeans tightened their grip on the match.

Luypaert scored Belgium's fourth goal a few seconds before half-time as the title contenders from Europe went into the break with a formidable advantage.

With seven points, Belgium sit atop of Pool C.

Belgium defeated South Africa 4-1 in their final Pool C clash on Saturday at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Men's Hockey World Cup 2018. South Africa took a lead in the first quarter, as Nick Spooner scored a field goal within the opening minutes, but lost the momentum as the game progressed.

Belgium defeated South Africa 4-1 in their final Pool C clash on Saturday at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Men's Hockey World Cup 2018. South Africa took a lead in the first quarter, as Nick Spooner scored a field goal within the opening minutes, but lost the momentum as the game progressed. But Belgium bounced back in the game with an immediate equaliser by Alexendar Hendricks, who converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute, and dominated the game from there. The European giants took a lead in the first quarter itself when Arthur Van Doren and Loick Luypaert created an excellent move from their own half before a long ball found Simon Gougnard who beat South African goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse with a calm finish. .@SA_Hockey gets a warm farewell with applause from the crowd at the packed Kalinga Stadium after their campaign at the OHMWC Bhubaneswar ends on 8th December. #BELvRSA #IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/UkwAK4JgT7 — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 8, 2018 × Simon Gougnard was given the player of the match for his crucial contribution to the game. Hendricks completed his brace off another penalty corner in the 21st minute as the Europeans tightened their grip on the match. Luypaert scored Belgium's fourth goal a few seconds before half-time as the title contenders from Europe went into the break with a formidable advantage. With seven points, Belgium sit atop of Pool C.

Hockey World Cup: Belgium thrash South Africa 4-1 in last pool match

South Africa have named uncapped middle-order batsman Zubayr Hamza and fast bowler Duanne Olivier in their squad for the three-test home series against Pakistan starting in Pretoria on Boxing Day.

Cape Town-born Hamza, 23, averages almost 50 in first-class cricket but has had a modest domestic season to date with two fifties in nine innings and an average of a little over 31.

The right-hander, who bats at number three for his provincial Cape Cobras side, has been rewarded for his excellent form over the last 18 months though and his potential as a future regular in the team.

"Zubayr has been one of the standout cricketers in domestic cricket over the past year and carried that form into the South Africa A tour to India where he averaged over 50 in the four-day series against tough opposition and under tough conditions," Cricket South Africa national selection panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a media statement on Thursday.

"Before that, he had an outstanding season in the four-day franchise competition where he scored 823 runs, including three centuries, at the impressive average of 69.

"His selection is part of our vision for the future as we start to feed new players into the system. It is inevitable that some of our senior players will start thinking of retiring in years to come and it is vital that we have a good succession plan in place."

South Africa have also recalled Olivier as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi, who will miss the entire Pakistan tour that also includes five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 fixtures.

The Proteas have retained experienced batsman Hashim Amla despite a poor run of form that has seen him top-score with 31 in his last nine test innings and continually fail in domestic cricket, with the selection of Hamza possibly much to do with Amla’s struggles.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn will hope to get the one wicket he needs to pass Shaun Pollock as the country’s highest test wicket-taker and has been in excellent bowling form in domestic cricket.

The second test will be played in Cape Town from Jan 3-7, with the series finale in Johannesburg from Jan 11-15.

Squad:

Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn.

South Africa have named uncapped middle-order batsman Zubayr Hamza and fast bowler Duanne Olivier in their squad for the three-test home series against Pakistan starting in Pretoria on Boxing Day.

South Africa have named uncapped middle-order batsman Zubayr Hamza and fast bowler Duanne Olivier in their squad for the three-test home series against Pakistan starting in Pretoria on Boxing Day. Cape Town-born Hamza, 23, averages almost 50 in first-class cricket but has had a modest domestic season to date with two fifties in nine innings and an average of a little over 31. The right-hander, who bats at number three for his provincial Cape Cobras side, has been rewarded for his excellent form over the last 18 months though and his potential as a future regular in the team. "Zubayr has been one of the standout cricketers in domestic cricket over the past year and carried that form into the South Africa A tour to India where he averaged over 50 in the four-day series against tough opposition and under tough conditions," Cricket South Africa national selection panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a media statement on Thursday. "Before that, he had an outstanding season in the four-day franchise competition where he scored 823 runs, including three centuries, at the impressive average of 69. "His selection is part of our vision for the future as we start to feed new players into the system. It is inevitable that some of our senior players will start thinking of retiring in years to come and it is vital that we have a good succession plan in place." South Africa have also recalled Olivier as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi, who will miss the entire Pakistan tour that also includes five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 fixtures. The Proteas have retained experienced batsman Hashim Amla despite a poor run of form that has seen him top-score with 31 in his last nine test innings and continually fail in domestic cricket, with the selection of Hamza possibly much to do with Amla’s struggles. Fast bowler Dale Steyn will hope to get the one wicket he needs to pass Shaun Pollock as the country’s highest test wicket-taker and has been in excellent bowling form in domestic cricket. The second test will be played in Cape Town from Jan 3-7, with the series finale in Johannesburg from Jan 11-15. Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn.

South Africa call on uncapped batsman Zubayr Hamza for Pakistan series

South Africa broke free of recession on Tuesday when it reported GDP growth of 2.2 per cent for the third quarter, the statistics authority said, marking a positive economic trajectory ahead of elections.&nbsp;

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took power in February, has pledged to revive the listless economy ahead of polls due in May by attracting $100 billion in foreign investment and by fighting corruption.

The growth, which contrasted sharply with the second quarter's 0.4 per cent contraction, was driven by a surge in the manufacturing, agriculture and transport sectors, Stats SA said in a statement.

The announcement follows a strong week for the local rand currency which has benefited from a detente in the United States' trade war with China.&nbsp;

The Rand currency was the second strongest performing of all developing countries against the dollar since Friday, gaining 1.81 per cent according to Bloomberg.

Lukman Otunuga, an analyst at FXTM foreign exchange, said in a note to investors that the country's exit from recession would boost "confidence over the South African economy and investor appetite towards the rand".

The purchasing managers' index published by Absa's Bureau for Economic Research on Monday showed that factory orders had bounced back from a 15-month low.

Manufacturing was up 7.5 per cent in the third quarter compared to the second, Stats SA said.

But Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's mid-term budget statement delivered in October slashed South Africa's 2018 growth forecast from 1.5 per cent to 0.7 per cent.

Mboweni is the country's fifth finance minister in three years after his respected predecessor Nhlanhla Nene resigned in October.

The country's economic performance is seen as crucial to bolstering the ruling African National Congress' standing ahead of national polls due in May 2019.

Voters have been buffeted by soaring fuel prices and a weak local currency while unemployment is stubbornly high at about 28 per cent -- rising to over 50 per cent for young people.

South Africa broke free of recession on Tuesday when it reported GDP growth of 2.2 per cent for the third quarter, the statistics authority said, marking a positive economic trajectory ahead of elections.

South Africa broke free of recession on Tuesday when it reported GDP growth of 2.2 per cent for the third quarter, the statistics authority said, marking a positive economic trajectory ahead of elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took power in February, has pledged to revive the listless economy ahead of polls due in May by attracting $100 billion in foreign investment and by fighting corruption. The growth, which contrasted sharply with the second quarter's 0.4 per cent contraction, was driven by a surge in the manufacturing, agriculture and transport sectors, Stats SA said in a statement. The announcement follows a strong week for the local rand currency which has benefited from a detente in the United States' trade war with China. The Rand currency was the second strongest performing of all developing countries against the dollar since Friday, gaining 1.81 per cent according to Bloomberg. Lukman Otunuga, an analyst at FXTM foreign exchange, said in a note to investors that the country's exit from recession would boost "confidence over the South African economy and investor appetite towards the rand". The purchasing managers' index published by Absa's Bureau for Economic Research on Monday showed that factory orders had bounced back from a 15-month low. Manufacturing was up 7.5 per cent in the third quarter compared to the second, Stats SA said. But Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's mid-term budget statement delivered in October slashed South Africa's 2018 growth forecast from 1.5 per cent to 0.7 per cent. Mboweni is the country's fifth finance minister in three years after his respected predecessor Nhlanhla Nene resigned in October. The country's economic performance is seen as crucial to bolstering the ruling African National Congress' standing ahead of national polls due in May 2019. Voters have been buffeted by soaring fuel prices and a weak local currency while unemployment is stubbornly high at about 28 per cent -- rising to over 50 per cent for young people.

South Africa exits recession as government eyes 2019 polls

Canada and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday to stay alive in the ongoing men's hockey World Cup.

Both the teams fought hard in the opening two quarters to remain goalless at half time. However, in the 3rd quarter, it was Proteas, who took the lead in the 43rd minute through a fine reverse stick field goal by Nqobile Ntuli.

two minutes later, Canada scored the equaliser to end South Africa's moment. Canada equalised when they were awarded a penalty stroke and skipper Scott Tupper took the onus on himself to level the match.

Thereafter, both the teams pressed hard in search of the winner but they failed to breach the rival defence to eventually end the game in a draw.&nbsp;

The result kept both the teams in the hunt for a place in the knock-out round.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Canada will next play hosts India in their last pool match on December 8, while South Africa will face world no. 3 Belgium on the same day.&nbsp;

Canada and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday to stay alive in the ongoing men's hockey World Cup. Both the teams fought hard in the opening two quarters to remain goalless at half time.

Canada and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday to stay alive in the ongoing men's hockey World Cup. Both the teams fought hard in the opening two quarters to remain goalless at half time. However, in the 3rd quarter, it was Proteas, who took the lead in the 43rd minute through a fine reverse stick field goal by Nqobile Ntuli. two minutes later, Canada scored the equaliser to end South Africa's moment. Canada equalised when they were awarded a penalty stroke and skipper Scott Tupper took the onus on himself to level the match. Thereafter, both the teams pressed hard in search of the winner but they failed to breach the rival defence to eventually end the game in a draw. The result kept both the teams in the hunt for a place in the knock-out round. Canada will next play hosts India in their last pool match on December 8, while South Africa will face world no. 3 Belgium on the same day.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Canada, South Africa encounter ends in a draw

Not amongst the favourites to lift the trophy, South Africa players have paid from their own pockets to just be a part of the men's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/hockey-world-cup">hockey World Cup</a> beginning here on Wednesday.&nbsp;

World number 15 South Africa coach Mark Hopkins said the biggest hurdle for the growth of the game in South Africa is "funding".&nbsp;

"The more hockey South Africa plays the better it is. But our challenge is to get the funding in place to allow us to compete in as many Test matches we possibly can," Hopkins told PTI on the eve of his side's opener against hosts India.&nbsp;

"We are coming into the World Cup with players needing to pay from their own pocket. They paid to be part of the camps. Our challenge is to get the funding in place. We are lucky to have a few sponsors but the sponsorships we have don't really cover the budget of the World Cup.&nbsp;

"We currently have a shortfall at the moment and if we don't get to cover that shortfall, then there is a possibility the players might also have to pay for the World Cup trip," he added.&nbsp;

With world ranked fifth India at the other end in their first match, South Africa have a tough task at hand but Hopkins is looking at the positives.&nbsp;

"Every game at the World Cup is a big match. You try to start the tournament as well as you can. It's exciting that we are playing our first match against the host nation. We will go into the game fairly confident. We feel we have the squad, skill set and tactics to play really good hockey and get results from the match," he said.&nbsp;

"I think the pressure is on both sides. Being the host nation there is more pressure on India than us. We will just go out there and play the brand of hockey that is successful for us."&nbsp;

Hopkins said his side's goal coming into the tournament is to be become the most successful South African hockey-playing nation in the history of the World Cup.&nbsp;

"We are a proud sporting nation and as a group we are looking to create history. The goal for us is to finish the tournament as the most successful South African hockey team in the men's World Cup," he said.&nbsp;

"We probably are a team that opposition has seen less videos off. People know less about our players because we don't play much in the European leagues or Test matches than other nations. That is an advantage for us," Hopkins added.&nbsp;

Not amongst the favourites to lift the trophy, South Africa players have paid from their own pockets to just be a part of the men's hockey World Cup beginning here on Wednesday.

Not amongst the favourites to lift the trophy, South Africa players have paid from their own pockets to just be a part of the men's hockey World Cup beginning here on Wednesday. World number 15 South Africa coach Mark Hopkins said the biggest hurdle for the growth of the game in South Africa is "funding". "The more hockey South Africa plays the better it is. But our challenge is to get the funding in place to allow us to compete in as many Test matches we possibly can," Hopkins told PTI on the eve of his side's opener against hosts India. "We are coming into the World Cup with players needing to pay from their own pocket. They paid to be part of the camps. Our challenge is to get the funding in place. We are lucky to have a few sponsors but the sponsorships we have don't really cover the budget of the World Cup. "We currently have a shortfall at the moment and if we don't get to cover that shortfall, then there is a possibility the players might also have to pay for the World Cup trip," he added. With world ranked fifth India at the other end in their first match, South Africa have a tough task at hand but Hopkins is looking at the positives. "Every game at the World Cup is a big match. You try to start the tournament as well as you can. It's exciting that we are playing our first match against the host nation. We will go into the game fairly confident. We feel we have the squad, skill set and tactics to play really good hockey and get results from the match," he said. "I think the pressure is on both sides. Being the host nation there is more pressure on India than us. We will just go out there and play the brand of hockey that is successful for us." Hopkins said his side's goal coming into the tournament is to be become the most successful South African hockey-playing nation in the history of the World Cup. "We are a proud sporting nation and as a group we are looking to create history. The goal for us is to finish the tournament as the most successful South African hockey team in the men's World Cup," he said. "We probably are a team that opposition has seen less videos off. People know less about our players because we don't play much in the European leagues or Test matches than other nations. That is an advantage for us," Hopkins added.

Despite funding ordeal, South African players look to create history

Humanity is falling further behind in the race against climate change, with the gap between greenhouse gas emissions and levels needed to achieve the Paris climate treaty temperature goals continuing to widen, the UN said Tuesday.

With only a single degree Celsius of warming so far, the world has seen a crescendo of deadly wildfires, heatwaves and hurricanes.

On current trends, temperatures are on track to rise roughly 4C by the century's end, a scenario that would tear at the fabric of civilisation, scientists say.

To cap global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), national carbon-cutting pledges annexed to the 2015 Paris Agreement must collectively triple by 2030, according to the UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) Emissions Gap report.

To hold the rise in Earth's temperature to 1.5C above the pre-industrial benchmark, such efforts would have to increase fivefold.

"The emissions gap is much bigger than last year," UNEP's Philip Drost, one of several coordinators for the annual report's ninth edition, told AFP.

One obvious reason was a spike last year in the quantity of carbon dioxide, methane and other planet-warming gases escaping into the atmosphere.

This trend is set to continue in 2018, which saw a jump in CO2 emissions from the energy sector, according to the International Energy Agency, as well as an increase in the atmospheric concentration of CO2.

But the gap between where we are and where we need to also grow on paper: new calculations by the UN's top science panel sharply reduce the real-world potential for drawing CO2 out of the air, whether by planting more trees or capturing and storing CO2 emitted by power plants.

'Chasing the bus'

More broadly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report released last month concluded that 2C of warming -- once seen as a safety guardrail -- would in fact usher in a maelstrom of deadly extreme weather.

Taken together, rising emissions and revised projections on CO2 removal have widened the emissions gap by 15 per cent for a 2C world, and by nearly 70 per cent for the 1.5C target, according to the new report.

The news comes despite breakneck growth in solar and wind power, gains in energy efficiency, and climate action by business and local governments, said Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the Washington DC-based World Resources Institute. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are chasing a bus" -- climate change -- "and we are going faster and faster, setting new world records," he said by phone.

"But the bus is accelerating even faster, and the gap is increasing."

Momentum is most lacking at the national level, the report suggested.

"Governments really need to look at their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and increase their ambition," said Drost.

Boosting carbon-cutting efforts is high on the agenda at UN climate talks starting next week in Katowice, though host country Poland has let it be known that its top priority is finalising the "rulebook" for the Paris Agreement, which enters into force in 2020.

Carbon budget

But upping ambition will be a tall order given that most major economies are not even on track to achieve their current pledges.&nbsp;

The United States, the world's second-biggest carbon emitter, will miss its target badly, as will Australia, Canada, South Korea, Mexico and Turkey.

The European Union, Japan, Brazil and South Africa will also fall short. Top emitters China and Russia are both on track, but mostly because their goals were so modest to begin with.

The Emissions Gap report's projections are based on estimates of how much carbon humanity can emit into the atmosphere -- known as the "carbon budget" -- without breaching the 2C or 1.5C ceiling.

To cap global warming at 2C, annual emissions in 2030 will need to stay under 40 billion tonnes of CO2 or its equivalent (GtCO2e).

In 2017, total greenhouse gas emissions hit 53.5 GtCO2e.

If the target is 1.5C, the gap becomes a chasm: by 2030, carbon emissions must be lowered to no more than 24 billion tonnes per year, nearly one-and-a-half-times lower than they would be even if Paris promises are kept.

Written and reviewed by 100 climate scientists and experts, the annual, 100-page analysis tracks progress towards achieving the Paris treaty goals.

Under Donald Trump, the United States has abandoned its greenhouse gas goals and vowed to quit the Paris Agreement.

Humanity is falling further behind in the race against climate change, with the gap between greenhouse gas emissions and levels needed to achieve the Paris climate treaty temperature goals continuing to widen, the UN said Tuesday.

Humanity is falling further behind in the race against climate change, with the gap between greenhouse gas emissions and levels needed to achieve the Paris climate treaty temperature goals continuing to widen, the UN said Tuesday. With only a single degree Celsius of warming so far, the world has seen a crescendo of deadly wildfires, heatwaves and hurricanes. On current trends, temperatures are on track to rise roughly 4C by the century's end, a scenario that would tear at the fabric of civilisation, scientists say. To cap global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), national carbon-cutting pledges annexed to the 2015 Paris Agreement must collectively triple by 2030, according to the UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) Emissions Gap report. To hold the rise in Earth's temperature to 1.5C above the pre-industrial benchmark, such efforts would have to increase fivefold. "The emissions gap is much bigger than last year," UNEP's Philip Drost, one of several coordinators for the annual report's ninth edition, told AFP. One obvious reason was a spike last year in the quantity of carbon dioxide, methane and other planet-warming gases escaping into the atmosphere. This trend is set to continue in 2018, which saw a jump in CO2 emissions from the energy sector, according to the International Energy Agency, as well as an increase in the atmospheric concentration of CO2. But the gap between where we are and where we need to also grow on paper: new calculations by the UN's top science panel sharply reduce the real-world potential for drawing CO2 out of the air, whether by planting more trees or capturing and storing CO2 emitted by power plants. 'Chasing the bus' More broadly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report released last month concluded that 2C of warming -- once seen as a safety guardrail -- would in fact usher in a maelstrom of deadly extreme weather. Taken together, rising emissions and revised projections on CO2 removal have widened the emissions gap by 15 per cent for a 2C world, and by nearly 70 per cent for the 1.5C target, according to the new report. The news comes despite breakneck growth in solar and wind power, gains in energy efficiency, and climate action by business and local governments, said Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the Washington DC-based World Resources Institute. "We are chasing a bus" -- climate change -- "and we are going faster and faster, setting new world records," he said by phone. "But the bus is accelerating even faster, and the gap is increasing." Momentum is most lacking at the national level, the report suggested. "Governments really need to look at their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and increase their ambition," said Drost. Boosting carbon-cutting efforts is high on the agenda at UN climate talks starting next week in Katowice, though host country Poland has let it be known that its top priority is finalising the "rulebook" for the Paris Agreement, which enters into force in 2020. Carbon budget But upping ambition will be a tall order given that most major economies are not even on track to achieve their current pledges. The United States, the world's second-biggest carbon emitter, will miss its target badly, as will Australia, Canada, South Korea, Mexico and Turkey. The European Union, Japan, Brazil and South Africa will also fall short. Top emitters China and Russia are both on track, but mostly because their goals were so modest to begin with. The Emissions Gap report's projections are based on estimates of how much carbon humanity can emit into the atmosphere -- known as the "carbon budget" -- without breaching the 2C or 1.5C ceiling. To cap global warming at 2C, annual emissions in 2030 will need to stay under 40 billion tonnes of CO2 or its equivalent (GtCO2e). In 2017, total greenhouse gas emissions hit 53.5 GtCO2e. If the target is 1.5C, the gap becomes a chasm: by 2030, carbon emissions must be lowered to no more than 24 billion tonnes per year, nearly one-and-a-half-times lower than they would be even if Paris promises are kept. Written and reviewed by 100 climate scientists and experts, the annual, 100-page analysis tracks progress towards achieving the Paris treaty goals. Under Donald Trump, the United States has abandoned its greenhouse gas goals and vowed to quit the Paris Agreement.

Global warming outpaces efforts to slow it: UN

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle Thursday ahead of elections in May when the ruling ANC party will seek to turn around its decline in popularity.

In the most significant of three appointments, Siyabonga Cwele, 60, was moved from the telecommunications ministry to replace former home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba.

Gigaba -- who resigned last week -- was an ally of former president Jacob Zuma, who was ousted earlier this year by the ANC amid mounting graft scandals.

Announcing the changes, Ramaphosa said he wanted "an appropriate mix" of experience, capability, gender and generation in his cabinet.

The late environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa, who died in September, was replaced by former communications minister Nomvula Mokonyane, 55.

In a sign of Ramaphosa's wish to slim down the government, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, 41, was named head of a new department merging communications, telecommunications and the postal services.

"The merging is the first wave," Ramaphosa said.

The ANC has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid but has seen its vote share fall in recent elections.

Ramaphosa will lead the party in next year's general election which comes as the country grapples with stubbornly high unemployment and slow growth.

The South African Reserve Bank on Thursday raised the benchmark lending rate for the first time in more than two years, as it balances price rises with the weak economy.

South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy, slipped into recession in the second quarter of this year.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle Thursday ahead of elections in May when the ruling ANC party will seek to turn around its decline in popularity.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle Thursday ahead of elections in May when the ruling ANC party will seek to turn around its decline in popularity. In the most significant of three appointments, Siyabonga Cwele, 60, was moved from the telecommunications ministry to replace former home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba. Gigaba -- who resigned last week -- was an ally of former president Jacob Zuma, who was ousted earlier this year by the ANC amid mounting graft scandals. Announcing the changes, Ramaphosa said he wanted "an appropriate mix" of experience, capability, gender and generation in his cabinet. The late environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa, who died in September, was replaced by former communications minister Nomvula Mokonyane, 55. In a sign of Ramaphosa's wish to slim down the government, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, 41, was named head of a new department merging communications, telecommunications and the postal services. "The merging is the first wave," Ramaphosa said. The ANC has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid but has seen its vote share fall in recent elections. Ramaphosa will lead the party in next year's general election which comes as the country grapples with stubbornly high unemployment and slow growth. The South African Reserve Bank on Thursday raised the benchmark lending rate for the first time in more than two years, as it balances price rises with the weak economy. South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy, slipped into recession in the second quarter of this year.

South Africa president tweaks cabinet ahead of May election

When US President Donald Trump pledged to investigate large scale killings of white farmers in South Africa and violent takeovers of land, Pretoria said he was misinformed. Elsewhere, there was quiet satisfaction.

For a little-known South African activist group, Trump`s intervention, following a Fox News show criticising the land reform plans of President Cyril Ramaphosa`s ruling African National Congress, signalled a job well done.

"The best possible outcome that we hoped for was for a statement by the president of the USA, which we got," Ernst Roets, deputy CEO of Afriforum, told Reuters in his office in a quiet suburb of the capital.

The office walls display photographs of street protests by Afriforum, stepped up this year against land distribution plans and what it calls the targeted killing of white farmers.

In South Africa, no land has been seized and while violent crime is a huge problem, the vast majority of victims are poor and black. Of 20,000 murders in the last recorded year, 46 were white people killed on farms, according to police data.

Afriforum is an interest group representing Afrikaners - the 5 per cent of the population descended mainly from Dutch, German and French settlers.

It belongs to a wider movement called Solidarity, which has grown from a 100-year-old trade union into a sprawling and well-resourced organisation offering education and training and a range of other services in Afrikaans.

Ramaphosa`s vague pledge this year to pursue land expropriation without compensation to right the wrongs of apartheid has given new impetus to both groups, who have brushed aside his insistence he will protect property rights.

Critics, including some prominent Afrikaners, accuse them of stirring racial fears at a time when Ramaphosa is trying to defuse threats of unrest from a far-left party.

Solidarity says it reflects fears rather than stirring them.

"On expropriation, they can`t threaten that sort of thing and not expect a reaction," Flip Buys, chairman of the umbrella movement, said by telephone. 
"Some battles you must fight. We must save the country from what happened in Zimbabwe," he said, referring to the widespread violent takeover of white-owned farms in the early 2000s.

More fringe white groups, including the survivalist Suidlanders, have been warning for decades that Afrikaners are under threat.

But Solidarity and Afriforum are working at a different level, holding prominent protests, lobbying foreign governments and preparing to approach the United Nations to request land expropriation be recognised as a breach of human rights.

Afriforum and COPE, a party formed by dissident ANC members with three seats in parliament, said they met senior U.S. embassy officials on Monday to ask Washington to put pressure on South Africa to protect property rights.

The US embassy said COPE and AfriForum delivered a petition to one of its officials.

HIJACKED

Conversations with a dozen members of Afriforum at its rallies and elsewhere, reviews of its social media accounts and private text messages sent by its members reveal an increasingly influential movement with an agenda that divides South Africa.

Roets had appeared on Tucker Carlson`s Fox News show in May where they spoke about what they called targeted killings of white farmers and plans to take land along racial lines.

The government, academics and a wide range of commentators say neither is happening, but right-wing journalists from Canada, Britain and Australia have made programmes on the issue.

"Afriforum has understood this emergence of white chauvinist identities around the world and is manipulating it for its own ends," said Adam Habib, vice-chancellor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

"The problem with that is it will fracture our communities."

Max du Preez, an Afrikaans-speaking author and commentator, said Afriforum did not represent the community and did it a disservice by making it seem racist. "If black people want to insult an Afrikaner they call him Afriforum," he said.

Roets denies Afriforum preys on white people`s fears and said it was employing the same tactics as the ANC used in the 1980s to build pressure on the apartheid government.

"We learnt from the best. We have found the South African government is very sensitive to international criticism."

Trump`s intervention stole the limelight during Ramaphosa`s high-profile visit to the UN general assembly in September.

Ramaphosa made light of Trump`s comments but an ANC source said he was very angry.

Every president since Nelson Mandela led South Africa out of white-minority rule in 1994 has tried, and largely failed, to redress an imbalance whereby whites - nine percent of 56 million South Africans - own more than 70 percent of agricultural land.

Ramaphosa is competing in next year`s election with a far-left party exploiting anger at persistent rural destitution among blacks alongside wealthy, white-owned commercial farms.

That party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, has threatened to nationalise all land and urged people to occupy it - calls which have so-far gone unheeded beyond a few groups erecting shacks on unused plots.

Ramaphosa, who replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma in February, has said reforms will not harm the economy, investment or food security and that unused land in towns and cities would be a high priority. He has given few details, but has the support of most big businesses and foreign investor community.

Trump`s tweet unnerved investors and drove down the rand and share prices, although they subsequently recovered. "I have asked Secretary of State @SecPompeo to closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and expropriations and the large scale killing of farmers," it said.

A US embassy spokesman said it was continuing to evaluate various issues, including land, as normal.

STATE WITHIN A STATE

Solidarity contains around 20 organisations, including a media company, a university and an investment fund. Its half a million members pay fees and a property portfolio and stock market investments are among other funding sources.

Reuters spoke to Afriforum members who believed the Afrikaner community was under threat and felt Solidarity was the only support network they could rely on.

Some described Solidarity as a "state within a state".&nbsp;

Roets said Afriforum`s membership was growing but it had no intention of trying to carve out a de-facto white state.

"There are certain buzzwords that we like to use and we encourage among our membership and those are words like `self-reliance` like `self-help` like `independence`," he said.

"If you want to describe that as a `state within a state` that`s fine."

The Suidlanders, meanwhile, are preparing for battle.

In an isolated outpost town on the Orange River, they say they expect an "imminent" racial civil war.

Hoarding guns, clothes and food in bunkers hidden in the dry barren landscape, its growing membership has drawn up a detailed plan to carve off a section of the country.

"Some people think we are racists. It`s totally not the case. We are purely and simply a civil defence organisation," Suidlanders spokesman Simon Roche told Reuters.

Roche, who showed Reuters caravans filled with supplies ready for when "war" breaks out, says he has travelled to Washington and Europe to meet with likeminded groups and with politicians, although he declined to name them.

"We must tell the world what is coming. People can call us conspiracy theorists. Soon we will see who was right."

When US President Donald Trump pledged to investigate large scale killings of white farmers in South Africa and violent takeovers of land, Pretoria said he was misinformed.

When US President Donald Trump pledged to investigate large scale killings of white farmers in South Africa and violent takeovers of land, Pretoria said he was misinformed. Elsewhere, there was quiet satisfaction. For a little-known South African activist group, Trump`s intervention, following a Fox News show criticising the land reform plans of President Cyril Ramaphosa`s ruling African National Congress, signalled a job well done. "The best possible outcome that we hoped for was for a statement by the president of the USA, which we got," Ernst Roets, deputy CEO of Afriforum, told Reuters in his office in a quiet suburb of the capital. The office walls display photographs of street protests by Afriforum, stepped up this year against land distribution plans and what it calls the targeted killing of white farmers. In South Africa, no land has been seized and while violent crime is a huge problem, the vast majority of victims are poor and black. Of 20,000 murders in the last recorded year, 46 were white people killed on farms, according to police data. Afriforum is an interest group representing Afrikaners - the 5 per cent of the population descended mainly from Dutch, German and French settlers. It belongs to a wider movement called Solidarity, which has grown from a 100-year-old trade union into a sprawling and well-resourced organisation offering education and training and a range of other services in Afrikaans. Ramaphosa`s vague pledge this year to pursue land expropriation without compensation to right the wrongs of apartheid has given new impetus to both groups, who have brushed aside his insistence he will protect property rights. Critics, including some prominent Afrikaners, accuse them of stirring racial fears at a time when Ramaphosa is trying to defuse threats of unrest from a far-left party. Solidarity says it reflects fears rather than stirring them. "On expropriation, they can`t threaten that sort of thing and not expect a reaction," Flip Buys, chairman of the umbrella movement, said by telephone. "Some battles you must fight. We must save the country from what happened in Zimbabwe," he said, referring to the widespread violent takeover of white-owned farms in the early 2000s. More fringe white groups, including the survivalist Suidlanders, have been warning for decades that Afrikaners are under threat. But Solidarity and Afriforum are working at a different level, holding prominent protests, lobbying foreign governments and preparing to approach the United Nations to request land expropriation be recognised as a breach of human rights. Afriforum and COPE, a party formed by dissident ANC members with three seats in parliament, said they met senior U.S. embassy officials on Monday to ask Washington to put pressure on South Africa to protect property rights. The US embassy said COPE and AfriForum delivered a petition to one of its officials. HIJACKED Conversations with a dozen members of Afriforum at its rallies and elsewhere, reviews of its social media accounts and private text messages sent by its members reveal an increasingly influential movement with an agenda that divides South Africa. Roets had appeared on Tucker Carlson`s Fox News show in May where they spoke about what they called targeted killings of white farmers and plans to take land along racial lines. The government, academics and a wide range of commentators say neither is happening, but right-wing journalists from Canada, Britain and Australia have made programmes on the issue. "Afriforum has understood this emergence of white chauvinist identities around the world and is manipulating it for its own ends," said Adam Habib, vice-chancellor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. "The problem with that is it will fracture our communities." Max du Preez, an Afrikaans-speaking author and commentator, said Afriforum did not represent the community and did it a disservice by making it seem racist. "If black people want to insult an Afrikaner they call him Afriforum," he said. Roets denies Afriforum preys on white people`s fears and said it was employing the same tactics as the ANC used in the 1980s to build pressure on the apartheid government. "We learnt from the best. We have found the South African government is very sensitive to international criticism." Trump`s intervention stole the limelight during Ramaphosa`s high-profile visit to the UN general assembly in September. Ramaphosa made light of Trump`s comments but an ANC source said he was very angry. Every president since Nelson Mandela led South Africa out of white-minority rule in 1994 has tried, and largely failed, to redress an imbalance whereby whites - nine percent of 56 million South Africans - own more than 70 percent of agricultural land. Ramaphosa is competing in next year`s election with a far-left party exploiting anger at persistent rural destitution among blacks alongside wealthy, white-owned commercial farms. That party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, has threatened to nationalise all land and urged people to occupy it - calls which have so-far gone unheeded beyond a few groups erecting shacks on unused plots. Ramaphosa, who replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma in February, has said reforms will not harm the economy, investment or food security and that unused land in towns and cities would be a high priority. He has given few details, but has the support of most big businesses and foreign investor community. Trump`s tweet unnerved investors and drove down the rand and share prices, although they subsequently recovered. "I have asked Secretary of State @SecPompeo to closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and expropriations and the large scale killing of farmers," it said. A US embassy spokesman said it was continuing to evaluate various issues, including land, as normal. STATE WITHIN A STATE Solidarity contains around 20 organisations, including a media company, a university and an investment fund. Its half a million members pay fees and a property portfolio and stock market investments are among other funding sources. Reuters spoke to Afriforum members who believed the Afrikaner community was under threat and felt Solidarity was the only support network they could rely on. Some described Solidarity as a "state within a state". Roets said Afriforum`s membership was growing but it had no intention of trying to carve out a de-facto white state. "There are certain buzzwords that we like to use and we encourage among our membership and those are words like `self-reliance` like `self-help` like `independence`," he said. "If you want to describe that as a `state within a state` that`s fine." The Suidlanders, meanwhile, are preparing for battle. In an isolated outpost town on the Orange River, they say they expect an "imminent" racial civil war. Hoarding guns, clothes and food in bunkers hidden in the dry barren landscape, its growing membership has drawn up a detailed plan to carve off a section of the country. "Some people think we are racists. It`s totally not the case. We are purely and simply a civil defence organisation," Suidlanders spokesman Simon Roche told Reuters. Roche, who showed Reuters caravans filled with supplies ready for when "war" breaks out, says he has travelled to Washington and Europe to meet with likeminded groups and with politicians, although he declined to name them. "We must tell the world what is coming. People can call us conspiracy theorists. Soon we will see who was right."

Insight: Trump and land fears boost South Africa's white right 'state'

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay back 500,000 rands ($35,000) donated to his campaign fund by a firm with links to his son after admitting he misled parliament, an official said.

Ramaphosa has staked his reputation on fighting corruption after his predecessor Jacob Zuma was mired in graft scandals that finally led to his ousting earlier this year.

Ramaphosa had told parliament that the payment in October 2017 was to his son Andile for consultancy work for Bosasa, a company that has contracts with government institutions.

But Ramaphosa later admitted it was a donation towards his own campaign last year to become leader of the ruling ANC party, a hard-fought battle in which he beat Zuma's chosen candidate.

"The donation was made without his knowledge," ANC official Zizi Kodwa told the SABC state broadcaster on Saturday.

"He has decided voluntarily that he will pay back the said amount and he will call for further investigation on all donations that were made to the campaign."

The main opposition Democratic Alliance party said Bosasa had won lucrative government contracts, adding "this looks suspiciously like all other ANC government corruption deals."

A judicial inquiry is probing allegations that Zuma and some of his family members oversaw a web of corrupt government contracts.

The ANC and Democratic Alliance will face off in elections next May.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay back 500,000 rands ($35,000) donated to his campaign fund by a firm with links to his son after admitting he misled parliament, an official said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay back 500,000 rands ($35,000) donated to his campaign fund by a firm with links to his son after admitting he misled parliament, an official said. Ramaphosa has staked his reputation on fighting corruption after his predecessor Jacob Zuma was mired in graft scandals that finally led to his ousting earlier this year. Ramaphosa had told parliament that the payment in October 2017 was to his son Andile for consultancy work for Bosasa, a company that has contracts with government institutions. But Ramaphosa later admitted it was a donation towards his own campaign last year to become leader of the ruling ANC party, a hard-fought battle in which he beat Zuma's chosen candidate. "The donation was made without his knowledge," ANC official Zizi Kodwa told the SABC state broadcaster on Saturday. "He has decided voluntarily that he will pay back the said amount and he will call for further investigation on all donations that were made to the campaign." The main opposition Democratic Alliance party said Bosasa had won lucrative government contracts, adding "this looks suspiciously like all other ANC government corruption deals." A judicial inquiry is probing allegations that Zuma and some of his family members oversaw a web of corrupt government contracts. The ANC and Democratic Alliance will face off in elections next May.

South Africa president to pay back $35,000 campaign funds

South African Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba resigned on Tuesday, the presidency announced, two weeks after a public standards watchdog said he had violated the constitution by lying under oath in court.

Gigaba, a close ally of ousted former president Jacob Zuma, had recently vowed not to step down after also being caught up in a leaked sex tape scandal.

A statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa's office announced that Gigaba said he had resigned "to relieve the President from undue pressure" and to allow Ramaphosa to focus on saving the country from "economic meltdown".

Gigaba, 47, was once seen as rising star of the ANC ruling party, leading the party's youth wing and being quickly promoted into the ministerial ranks.

But he became entangled in graft allegations during Zuma's time in office.

Gigaba's exit removes a key Zuma loyalist from the government led since February by Ramaphosa, who has vowed to root out the corruption reputed to have flourished under Zuma.

Gigaba was reprimanded last month by the&nbsp;public protector ombudswoman after he testified in a 2017 court case filed by a company controlled by the wealthy Oppenheimer family.

Ombudswoman Busisiwe Mkhwebane recommended that Ramaphosa take disciplinary action against the minister for "telling an untruth under oath and before a court of law".

Zuma ally

The allegations were probed after a complaint from the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party.

The court case hinged on whether Gigaba had given the Oppenheimers approval to have a private terminal at Johannesburg airport.

Gigaba has also said he was recently the target of extortion attempts after a private sex video was stolen by hacking.

Gigaba served as finance minister for a year under Zuma, who was ousted as president by the ANC party in February over mounting graft scandals.

When Ramaphosa succeeded Zuma, he moved Gigaba to the home affairs ministry.

Gigaba has been linked to corruption allegations against the wealthy Gupta family, who are suspected of benefitting from unfair and hugely lucrative government contracts under Zuma.

A judicial inquiry, which opened in August, is investigating allegations that Zuma and the Guptas organised a web of corrupt deals at government departments and public enterprises in a scandal known as "state capture".

All the accused deny any wrongdoing.

South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy, slipped into recession in the second quarter of this year, and suffers a stubbornly high unemployment of about 28 percent.

The country will hold general elections in May.

Nhlanhla Nene resigned as finance minister last month over undisclosed meetings with the Guptas.

South African Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba resigned on Tuesday, the presidency announced, two weeks after a public standards watchdog said he had violated the constitution by lying under oath in court.

South African Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba resigned on Tuesday, the presidency announced, two weeks after a public standards watchdog said he had violated the constitution by lying under oath in court. Gigaba, a close ally of ousted former president Jacob Zuma, had recently vowed not to step down after also being caught up in a leaked sex tape scandal. A statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa's office announced that Gigaba said he had resigned "to relieve the President from undue pressure" and to allow Ramaphosa to focus on saving the country from "economic meltdown". Gigaba, 47, was once seen as rising star of the ANC ruling party, leading the party's youth wing and being quickly promoted into the ministerial ranks. But he became entangled in graft allegations during Zuma's time in office. Gigaba's exit removes a key Zuma loyalist from the government led since February by Ramaphosa, who has vowed to root out the corruption reputed to have flourished under Zuma. Gigaba was reprimanded last month by the public protector ombudswoman after he testified in a 2017 court case filed by a company controlled by the wealthy Oppenheimer family. Ombudswoman Busisiwe Mkhwebane recommended that Ramaphosa take disciplinary action against the minister for "telling an untruth under oath and before a court of law". Zuma ally The allegations were probed after a complaint from the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party. The court case hinged on whether Gigaba had given the Oppenheimers approval to have a private terminal at Johannesburg airport. Gigaba has also said he was recently the target of extortion attempts after a private sex video was stolen by hacking. Gigaba served as finance minister for a year under Zuma, who was ousted as president by the ANC party in February over mounting graft scandals. When Ramaphosa succeeded Zuma, he moved Gigaba to the home affairs ministry. Gigaba has been linked to corruption allegations against the wealthy Gupta family, who are suspected of benefitting from unfair and hugely lucrative government contracts under Zuma. A judicial inquiry, which opened in August, is investigating allegations that Zuma and the Guptas organised a web of corrupt deals at government departments and public enterprises in a scandal known as "state capture". All the accused deny any wrongdoing. South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy, slipped into recession in the second quarter of this year, and suffers a stubbornly high unemployment of about 28 percent. The country will hold general elections in May. Nhlanhla Nene resigned as finance minister last month over undisclosed meetings with the Guptas.

South Africa home minister resigns after watchdog ruling

Australia's one-day batsmen are under mounting pressure to keep their places after a lacklustre series defeat to South Africa, captain Aaron Finch warned Monday, with a potential shake-up looming.

While the hosts won in Adelaide to snap a seven-game losing streak, they crashed heavily in Perth and lost again in Hobart by 40 runs.

None of the key batsmen performed consistently, although number three Shaun Marsh hit a fighting 106 in the decider on Sunday.

Finch admitted "we're all under pressure when we lose, no doubt about that" and hinted at changes ahead of their next series against India, ranked two in the world, in January.

"Between the batting line-up not having got it right for a little while now there's going to be questions asked whether it's Maxi, Lynny, Heady, or myself or Stoin," he said, referring to Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis.&nbsp;

"It's important that we really nut out the balance of the side and get that right over the next two months.

"We have to either adapt our game plan a little bit around the way the side structures up best or we slightly change our personnel to fit a style that we think can win."

Big-hitting Lynn was elevated to open the batting in Hobart in a bid to get quick runs on the board, but it failed spectacularly when he was out first ball.

Despite this, Finch said the powerful right-hander, a prolific scorer in twenty20s, is likely to open again as Australia look for more aggression early in the innings.

"Yeah, it could be a long-term plan," he said.&nbsp;

"It was an attacking option to put Chris at the top, to change him and Travis (Head), to put a couple of guys up there who can get us off to a flyer. It was an attacking move.&nbsp;

"If I had my time again I'd still do it."

Lynn, who has played 14 twenty20 internationals, is still developing in the longer form of the game, but showed his abilities in the second game of the three-match series by smacking 18 off the first four balls of a Kagiso Rabada over.

He was out on the fifth, but Finch said it demonstrated how he can turn a game.

"We saw it in Adelaide when he flicked the switch against Rabada in that over. Yes, he got out, but he changed the whole momentum of the game totally," he said.

Australia's one-day batsmen are under mounting pressure to keep their places after a lacklustre series defeat to South Africa, captain Aaron Finch warned Monday, with a potential shake-up looming.

Australia's one-day batsmen are under mounting pressure to keep their places after a lacklustre series defeat to South Africa, captain Aaron Finch warned Monday, with a potential shake-up looming. While the hosts won in Adelaide to snap a seven-game losing streak, they crashed heavily in Perth and lost again in Hobart by 40 runs. None of the key batsmen performed consistently, although number three Shaun Marsh hit a fighting 106 in the decider on Sunday. Finch admitted "we're all under pressure when we lose, no doubt about that" and hinted at changes ahead of their next series against India, ranked two in the world, in January. "Between the batting line-up not having got it right for a little while now there's going to be questions asked whether it's Maxi, Lynny, Heady, or myself or Stoin," he said, referring to Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis. "It's important that we really nut out the balance of the side and get that right over the next two months. "We have to either adapt our game plan a little bit around the way the side structures up best or we slightly change our personnel to fit a style that we think can win." Big-hitting Lynn was elevated to open the batting in Hobart in a bid to get quick runs on the board, but it failed spectacularly when he was out first ball. Despite this, Finch said the powerful right-hander, a prolific scorer in twenty20s, is likely to open again as Australia look for more aggression early in the innings. "Yeah, it could be a long-term plan," he said. "It was an attacking option to put Chris at the top, to change him and Travis (Head), to put a couple of guys up there who can get us off to a flyer. It was an attacking move. "If I had my time again I'd still do it." Lynn, who has played 14 twenty20 internationals, is still developing in the longer form of the game, but showed his abilities in the second game of the three-match series by smacking 18 off the first four balls of a Kagiso Rabada over. He was out on the fifth, but Finch said it demonstrated how he can turn a game. "We saw it in Adelaide when he flicked the switch against Rabada in that over. Yes, he got out, but he changed the whole momentum of the game totally," he said.

Australia captain Finch warns faltering batsmen of shake-up for India ODIs

The 252-run stand for the fourth wicket helped South Africa recover from the early losses and set a mammoth target of 321 runs for Australia in the third and final ODI on Sunday.&nbsp;

David Miller and Faf du Plessis came together at 55-3 in the 16th over and went on to slam a century each to save their team from drowning.&nbsp;

While Miller made 139 for his fifth limited-overs century, Du Plessis smashed125 - his 10th one-day ton. Du Plessis was dropped on 29 and Miller escaped an lbw dismissal on 41 that was overturned on review.

Mitchell Starc, with 2-57, had the best figures in bowling after Australian bowlers were ruthlessly taken apart in the later overs.

The series is all square with the Proteas winning the opening game by six wickets and Australia snapping their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second by seven runs. 
&nbsp;

The 252-run stand for the fourth wicket helped South Africa recover from the early losses and set a mammoth target of 321 runs for Australia in the third and final ODI on Sunday.

The 252-run stand for the fourth wicket helped South Africa recover from the early losses and set a mammoth target of 321 runs for Australia in the third and final ODI on Sunday. David Miller and Faf du Plessis came together at 55-3 in the 16th over and went on to slam a century each to save their team from drowning. While Miller made 139 for his fifth limited-overs century, Du Plessis smashed125 - his 10th one-day ton. Du Plessis was dropped on 29 and Miller escaped an lbw dismissal on 41 that was overturned on review. Mitchell Starc, with 2-57, had the best figures in bowling after Australian bowlers were ruthlessly taken apart in the later overs. The series is all square with the Proteas winning the opening game by six wickets and Australia snapping their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second by seven runs.

Miller, Faf tons power Proteas to 320 against Australia in deciding ODI

Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl in the third and final one-day international against South Africa in Hobart on Sunday.

The series is all square with the Proteas winning the opening game by six wickets and Australia snapping their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second in Adelaide by seven runs.

South Africa head into the game seeking their first ODI series win in Australia since 2009, while the home team is desperate to keep the momentum going ahead of the arrival of India for a three-format tour.

There was talk before the game that leg-spinner Adam Zampa could make way for Ashton Agar after he was hit for 57 in his nine overs in Adelaide.

But selectors opted to stick with their winning combination, although Chris Lynn is set to be pushed up the order to open instead of Travis Head.

"It looks like a good wicket. If there's anything there it will be early on," said Finch.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who criticised his batsmen for not closing out the game in Adelaide, also announced an unchanged line-up.

"It's a must-win game," he said. "There were a few mistakes in the last game and we will try to learn from them and get better." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl in the third and final one-day international against South Africa in Hobart on Sunday. The series is all square with the Proteas winning the opening game by six wickets and Australia snapping their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second in Adelaide by seven runs.

Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl in the third and final one-day international against South Africa in Hobart on Sunday. The series is all square with the Proteas winning the opening game by six wickets and Australia snapping their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second in Adelaide by seven runs. South Africa head into the game seeking their first ODI series win in Australia since 2009, while the home team is desperate to keep the momentum going ahead of the arrival of India for a three-format tour. There was talk before the game that leg-spinner Adam Zampa could make way for Ashton Agar after he was hit for 57 in his nine overs in Adelaide. But selectors opted to stick with their winning combination, although Chris Lynn is set to be pushed up the order to open instead of Travis Head. "It looks like a good wicket. If there's anything there it will be early on," said Finch. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who criticised his batsmen for not closing out the game in Adelaide, also announced an unchanged line-up. "It's a must-win game," he said. "There were a few mistakes in the last game and we will try to learn from them and get better." Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

Australia win toss, opt to bowl against Proteas in deciding ODI

Australia on Sunday lost the third and final ODI in Hobart by 40 runs while chasing a mammoth target of 321 runs set by South Africa.

After openers Chris Lynn and Aaron Finch lost their wickets early, Shaun Marsh played a pivotal inning and went on to slam 106 to bring Australia back in the game.

However, his century went in vain as Proteas registered an easy win to clinch the three-game ODI series by 2-1.&nbsp;

Apart from Marsh, Marcus Stoinis made 63 runs while &nbsp;Alex Carey (wk) and Glenn Maxwell contributed 43 and 35 runs respectively.&nbsp;

The last three batsmen for Australia failed to open their account and went back to the pavilion on a duck.&nbsp;

For South Africa, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada grabbed three wickets each to end Australia's inning.&nbsp;

Earlier, David Miller and Faf du Plessis had hit centuries to power South Africa to a huge total in the deciding ODI. The duo had build-up a 252-run partnership after the Proteas were reduced to 55 for the loss of three wickets at a point.&nbsp;

The Proteas won the opening game of the series by six wickets and Australia snapped their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second by seven runs.

The two teams will next lock horns in the one-off T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland on November 17.&nbsp;

Australia on Sunday lost the third and final ODI in Hobart by 40 runs while chasing a mammoth target of 321 runs set by South Africa. After openers Chris Lynn and Aaron Finch lost their wickets early, Shaun Marsh played a pivotal inning and went on to slam 106 to bring Australia back in the game.

Australia on Sunday lost the third and final ODI in Hobart by 40 runs while chasing a mammoth target of 321 runs set by South Africa. After openers Chris Lynn and Aaron Finch lost their wickets early, Shaun Marsh played a pivotal inning and went on to slam 106 to bring Australia back in the game. However, his century went in vain as Proteas registered an easy win to clinch the three-game ODI series by 2-1. Apart from Marsh, Marcus Stoinis made 63 runs while Alex Carey (wk) and Glenn Maxwell contributed 43 and 35 runs respectively. The last three batsmen for Australia failed to open their account and went back to the pavilion on a duck. For South Africa, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada grabbed three wickets each to end Australia's inning. Earlier, David Miller and Faf du Plessis had hit centuries to power South Africa to a huge total in the deciding ODI. The duo had build-up a 252-run partnership after the Proteas were reduced to 55 for the loss of three wickets at a point. The Proteas won the opening game of the series by six wickets and Australia snapped their seven-game losing streak to clinch the second by seven runs. The two teams will next lock horns in the one-off T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland on November 17.

3rd ODI: South Africa beat Australia by 40 runs, win series

south-africa

South Africa, News on South Africa, stories on South Africa, articles on South Africa, South Africa stories at Wion, South Africa news, South Africa latest news

south africa