South Africa’s decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive has sparked controversy, with the US reportedly concerned over the move. Leila Khaled, a controversial Palestinian figure, has long been associated with armed resistance. The renaming could strain US-South Africa relations, potentially putting the US consulate in Johannesburg at risk.

US-South Africa tensions rise over Sandton Drive street renaming

South Africa’s decision to rename a Johannesburg street after controversial Palestinian figure Leila Khaled has sparked tensions with the US. The move could put South Africa at risk of losing its US consulate in Johannesburg. Despite the backlash, city officials are moving forward with the renaming plans, escalating the diplomatic rift.

South Africa risks losing US consulate over renaming dispute

The US has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him persona non grata after his remarks against President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Rasool a 'race-baiting politician' as tensions between Washington and Pretoria escalated.

South Africa: ‘Race-baiting’ Trump hater Ebrahim Rasool expelled by US, 'No longer welcome’

President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasises improving the relationship with the US remains a top priority for South Africa, despite the challenges. Watch this report for more details!

South African President Ramaphosa confident on improving ties with Trump

US expels South African ambassador amid rising diplomatic tensions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a €4.7 billion investment package for South Africa, on her visit to the country for the EU-South Africa summit.

8th South Africa-European Union Summit: EU announces 4.7 bn Euro investment package

CAPE TOWN - South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa hold a joint press conference at the 8th EU-South Africa summit.

EU pledges 4.7 billion euros to South Africa amid Trump's threat

South Africa’s finance minister proposed scaling back tax increases and curbing spending in a bid to resolve a standoff over the budget in the nation’s fractious governing alliance. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa Budget: South Africa's VAT hike plan faces strong opposition, budget remains stuck

South Africa proposes smaller VAT hike to end budget impasse

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday that he wanted to "do a deal" with U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve a dispute over his country's land policy and genocide case against Israel at the World Court. Watch to know more!

President Cyril Ramaphosa wants to do a deal with Trump to resolve dispute

<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 7) stressed that South Africa is being "terrible" to farmers in their country, adding that South African farmers are invited into the US.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trump in a bold statement on Truth Social, announced to stop all federal funding to South Africa, stressing that they are "confiscating their land and farms and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT".&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114121529754059509/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>
</p>
<p>"South Africa is being terrible, plus, to long time Farmers in the country," he posted.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-trump-wanted-original-us-declaration-of-independence-as-oval-office-decoration-what-is-it-8831412">'Alarming': Trump wanted 'original' US Declaration of Independence as Oval Office&nbsp;decoration.&nbsp;What&nbsp;is&nbsp;it?</a></strong></p>
<p>"A bad place to be right now, and we are stopping all Federal Funding," Trump added.</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114121529754059509/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>
</p>
<h2>Farmers with their family to get citizenship&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The US president said that any farmer, who is willing to come to the US with their family, will be invited to the US "with a rapid pathway to Citizenship."</p>
<p>"This process will begin immediately!," he stressed.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/donald-trump-who-once-said-grabem-by-pxxsy-is-in-nobel-peace-race-with-feminist-icon-gisele-pelicot-8830962">Donald Trump, who once said 'grab em by p**sy', is in Nobel Peace race with feminist icon&nbsp;Gisele&nbsp;Pelicot</a></strong></p>
<p>US President Trump has been raising concerns to protect South Africa's White farmers. This comes as South Africa has a contentious law that allows their government to expropriate land &ndash; without compensation in some cases.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This has triggered aid cuts by the US and outbursts from Trump.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Notably, South Africa is the largest beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), a US trade agreement that provides preferential duty-free access to US markets for eligible Sub-Saharan African nations.</p>
<p>Moreover, some of the US lawmakers want those benefits withdrawn during AGOA's review this year.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-hopes-nasa-astronauts-sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmore-love-each-other-8830063">Trump calls Sunita Williams 'woman with wild hair', hopes she and Butch Wilmore 'love each other'</a></strong></p>
<h2>'No starlink because...'</h2>
<p>Trump's closest ally and billionaire Elon Musk on Friday took to X and claimed that Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because he is "not black".&nbsp;</p>
<p>Musk's post was in response to another post that cited South African businessman and right-wing political campaigner Rob Hersov who told a podcast that South Africa was "on the edge of a socialist abyss."&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greatest-era-in-us-history-trump-shares-cinematic-compilation-of-his-45-days-in-office-8830857">'Greatest era in US history': Trump shares cinematic compilation of his 45 days in office</a></strong></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World: Trump announced to stop all federal funding to South Africa, stressing that they are "confiscating their land and farms and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT".

US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 7) stressed that South Africa is being "terrible" to farmers in their country, adding that South African farmers are invited into the US. Trump in a bold statement on Truth Social, announced to stop all federal funding to South Africa, stressing that they are "confiscating their land and farms and MUCH WORSE THAN THAT". "South Africa is being terrible, plus, to long time Farmers in the country," he posted. Also read: 'Alarming': Trump wanted 'original' US Declaration of Independence as Oval Office decoration. What is it? "A bad place to be right now, and we are stopping all Federal Funding," Trump added. Farmers with their family to get citizenship The US president said that any farmer, who is willing to come to the US with their family, will be invited to the US "with a rapid pathway to Citizenship." "This process will begin immediately!," he stressed. Also read: Donald Trump, who once said 'grab em by p**sy', is in Nobel Peace race with feminist icon Gisele Pelicot US President Trump has been raising concerns to protect South Africa's White farmers. This comes as South Africa has a contentious law that allows their government to expropriate land – without compensation in some cases. This has triggered aid cuts by the US and outbursts from Trump. Notably, South Africa is the largest beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), a US trade agreement that provides preferential duty-free access to US markets for eligible Sub-Saharan African nations. Moreover, some of the US lawmakers want those benefits withdrawn during AGOA's review this year. Also read: Trump calls Sunita Williams 'woman with wild hair', hopes she and Butch Wilmore 'love each other' 'No starlink because...' Trump's closest ally and billionaire Elon Musk on Friday took to X and claimed that Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because he is "not black". Musk's post was in response to another post that cited South African businessman and right-wing political campaigner Rob Hersov who told a podcast that South Africa was "on the edge of a socialist abyss." Also read: 'Greatest era in US history': Trump shares cinematic compilation of his 45 days in office (With inputs from agencies)

Trump halts all federal funding to 'terrible' South Africa; invites farmers to US, assures 'rapid citizenship'

Johannesburg law enforcement officials have arrested a suspected drug kingpin in the inner city as part of Operation Nomakanjani Manje Namhlanje, a large-scale crime prevention initiative targeting undocumented individuals and organised crime. Watch to know more!

South Africa: Alleged drug kingpin arrested in Johannesburg crime crackdown

South Africa has called on the international community to hold Israel accountable as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Meanwhile, Hamas insists on moving to the next phase of a ceasefire deal, but diplomatic deadlock continues.

South Africa calls on international community to hold Israel accountable

Hundreds of people in rainbow colours gathered in South Africa's tourist magnet Cape Town to honour the world's first openly gay imam, who was killed last month. Muhsin Hendricks, who ran a mosque for marginalised lgbtq muslims, was shot dead in February. #justiceformuhsin

Hundreds mourn murdered gay imam at South Africa pride march

The South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, is investigating four high treason dockets reportedly involving the Africana interest groups Afriforum and Solidarity. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Treason probe against South African lobbyists; Afriforum accused of economic sabotage

Ever since he was coronated, King Misuzulu has often courted controversy, from his marital status to his crown. In fact, the scandals have the potential to weaken the king's position should it come to another tussle for the crown. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Royal divorce thrust the Zulu kingdom

The US government's sudden decision to axe funding for HIV programmes is a "wake-up call" for South Africa, as the country's health minister said the cuts could lead to deaths.

South Africa: HIV deaths to rise after suspension of USAID

South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has initiated investigations into four high treason cases. These cases are linked to allegations of disseminating misleading information in the United States regarding South Africa's Expropriation Act. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Treason charges against 'Afriforum' & 'Solidarity'

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has had to put a halt to operations at five borders and evacuate some staff as a precaution due to severe flooding over the weekend. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: BMA suspends operations at key border ports due to flooding

The Trump administration has terminated the contracts of some 10,000 projects receiving US Agency for International Development (USAID) grants – including HIV, malaria, and humanitarian aid projects. Watch in for more details!

US terminates grants to African HIV groups

The Trump administration has terminated the contracts of some 10,000 projects receiving US Agency for International Development (USAID) grants – including HIV, malaria, and humanitarian aid projects.

USAID cut hits South Africa's health programmes

US grants to South African HIV/AIDS groups terminated

<p>Three decades after Formula One engines last roared on African tarmac, South Africa is mounting a bid to organise a new Grand Prix and bring the world championship back to the continent.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Competition to host the high-octane spectacle is between two tracks: a street circuit in Cape Town and the less picturesque but historic Kyalami race track outside of Johannesburg.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jannik-sinner-dropped-from-laureus-awards-list-after-doping-ban-8763113" rel="dofollow">Jannik Sinner dropped from Laureus awards list after doping ban</a></strong></p>
<p>A committee set up by sports minister Gayton McKenzie will choose the winning bid in the third quarter of the year, committee member Mlimandlela Ndamase told AFP.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>McKenzie is confident about South Africa's chances.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that," he said early February.&nbsp; "Whether it is Cape Town or Joburg, we do not care as long as the Grand Prix is coming to South Africa."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The challenging Kyalami circuit -- which zigzags about 30 kilometres (20 miles) outside Johannesburg and where the track is painted with a huge, colourful South African flag -- once hosted nail-biting races and legendary drivers. <o:p></o:p>But the last grand prix on African soil was held in 1993, the year before South Africa's first democratic elections that ended apartheid. It was won by Alain Prost in a Williams.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Post-apartheid return?<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p>South Africa's bid to host F1 can count on the support of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has long advocated for an African Grand Prix.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"We can't be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa," Hamilton said last August.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Under the leadership of US conglomerate Liberty Media, which bought the Formula One Group in 2017, the sport wants to "go to every continent", said expert Samuel Tickell, of the University of Munster in Germany.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Returning to South Africa would be "something very important for Formula 1, which has not raced there since the end of the apartheid era," he told AFP.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The sport had lived some "historic moments" in the country, Tickell said, including a threatened strike led by Niki Lauda in 1982 against a racing "super-licence" restricting drivers' contractual freedom.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>South Africa also boasts the continent's only world champion, Ferrari's Jody Scheckter in 1979.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Creating a race on the continent would not require excluding other venues as the F1 calendar is always expanding. The upcoming season counts seven more Grand Prix than in 2009, for example.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Sky-high organisational costs and hosting fees would not be an obstacle either, said Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economics at Skema Business School in Paris.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"Even if races are not commercially viable, to some of the countries and their backers, that won't matter because it's a strategic payoff," he said.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>China, for instance, has "long been building sports infrastructure for African countries in return for access to their natural resources," he said.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Johannesburg's Kyalami race track is certified as Grade 2, just a level below that needed for a F1 race and it will require some work to host an event.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3>Rwanda 'pole position'<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p>An alternative circuit vying to hold the prestigious race would snake through the streets of Cape Town, recently ranked "best city in the world" by Time Out magazine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Winding its way around the stadium built for the 2010 men's football World Cup in the shadow of the emblematic Lion's Head mountain overlooking the ocean, the route has already hosted a Formula E race in 2023.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>A F1 street circuit in the city would "outclass Monaco," said Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Yet the real battle may be less between the two rival cities than against Rwanda, whose President Paul Kagame was at the Singapore Grand Prix in September to meet the sport's governing body the FIA and F1 owners Liberty Media, Chadwick said.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The central African country already sponsors Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain football giants and is a partner of the NBA.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"Rwanda is in pole position," Chadwick said.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Morocco has also long had ambitions of hosting a F1 race.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Still, nothing prevents two GPs being held on the continent, with the South African sports minister asking: "Why is it that when it comes to Africa, we are treated like we can only get one?"<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Rwanda's F1 bid could though be hampered by its involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Already calls are mounting to withdraw the cycling Road World Championships, planned in Kigali in September.</p>
<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:<span>&nbsp;</span></strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>

Sports, F1: The last grand prix on African soil was held in 1993, the year before South Africa's first democratic elections that ended apartheid. It was won by Alain Prost.

Three decades after Formula One engines last roared on African tarmac, South Africa is mounting a bid to organise a new Grand Prix and bring the world championship back to the continent. Competition to host the high-octane spectacle is between two tracks: a street circuit in Cape Town and the less picturesque but historic Kyalami race track outside of Johannesburg. Also read | Jannik Sinner dropped from Laureus awards list after doping ban A committee set up by sports minister Gayton McKenzie will choose the winning bid in the third quarter of the year, committee member Mlimandlela Ndamase told AFP. McKenzie is confident about South Africa's chances. "The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that," he said early February. "Whether it is Cape Town or Joburg, we do not care as long as the Grand Prix is coming to South Africa." The challenging Kyalami circuit -- which zigzags about 30 kilometres (20 miles) outside Johannesburg and where the track is painted with a huge, colourful South African flag -- once hosted nail-biting races and legendary drivers. But the last grand prix on African soil was held in 1993, the year before South Africa's first democratic elections that ended apartheid. It was won by Alain Prost in a Williams. Post-apartheid return? South Africa's bid to host F1 can count on the support of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has long advocated for an African Grand Prix. "We can't be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa," Hamilton said last August. Under the leadership of US conglomerate Liberty Media, which bought the Formula One Group in 2017, the sport wants to "go to every continent", said expert Samuel Tickell, of the University of Munster in Germany. Returning to South Africa would be "something very important for Formula 1, which has not raced there since the end of the apartheid era," he told AFP. The sport had lived some "historic moments" in the country, Tickell said, including a threatened strike led by Niki Lauda in 1982 against a racing "super-licence" restricting drivers' contractual freedom. South Africa also boasts the continent's only world champion, Ferrari's Jody Scheckter in 1979. Creating a race on the continent would not require excluding other venues as the F1 calendar is always expanding. The upcoming season counts seven more Grand Prix than in 2009, for example. Sky-high organisational costs and hosting fees would not be an obstacle either, said Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economics at Skema Business School in Paris. "Even if races are not commercially viable, to some of the countries and their backers, that won't matter because it's a strategic payoff," he said. China, for instance, has "long been building sports infrastructure for African countries in return for access to their natural resources," he said. Johannesburg's Kyalami race track is certified as Grade 2, just a level below that needed for a F1 race and it will require some work to host an event. Rwanda 'pole position' An alternative circuit vying to hold the prestigious race would snake through the streets of Cape Town, recently ranked "best city in the world" by Time Out magazine. Winding its way around the stadium built for the 2010 men's football World Cup in the shadow of the emblematic Lion's Head mountain overlooking the ocean, the route has already hosted a Formula E race in 2023. A F1 street circuit in the city would "outclass Monaco," said Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay. Yet the real battle may be less between the two rival cities than against Rwanda, whose President Paul Kagame was at the Singapore Grand Prix in September to meet the sport's governing body the FIA and F1 owners Liberty Media, Chadwick said. The central African country already sponsors Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain football giants and is a partner of the NBA. "Rwanda is in pole position," Chadwick said. Morocco has also long had ambitions of hosting a F1 race. Still, nothing prevents two GPs being held on the continent, with the South African sports minister asking: "Why is it that when it comes to Africa, we are treated like we can only get one?" Rwanda's F1 bid could though be hampered by its involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Already calls are mounting to withdraw the cycling Road World Championships, planned in Kigali in September. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Formula 1: South Africa bid for first African Grand Prix in 30 years

South Africa is hosting the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, marking its first time leading the high-level talks. 
President Cyril Ramaphosa says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to skip the G20 meet cannot be described as a boycott.

South Africa G20 Meet: 'Rubio's absence does not amount to a boycott,' says President Ramaphosa

G20 Meet: Ramaphosa says absence of US' Rubio does not amount to a boycott

<p>South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa opened a Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting on Thursday with a call for "cooperation" amid geopolitical tensions and "rising intolerance".</p>
<p>Top diplomats from the world's largest economies gathered in Johannesburg for the two-day talks held for the first time in Africa and overshadowed by the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.</p>
<p>"It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law should remain at the centre of all our endeavours. It should be the glue that keeps us together," Ramaphosa said.</p>
<p>"Geopolitical tensions, rising intolerance, conflict and war, climate change, pandemics and energy and food insecurity threaten an already fragile global coexistence," Ramaphosa said.</p>
<p>The G20, a grouping of 19 countries as well as the European Union and the African Union, is deeply divided on key issues from Russia's war in Ukraine to climate change.</p>
<p>World leaders have also been split on how to respond to the dramatic policy shifts from Washington since the return of US President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>"As the G20 we must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions to conflicts," Ramaphosa said.</p>
<p>"I think it is important that we should remember that cooperation is our greatest strength," he added. "Let us seek to find common ground through constructive engagement."</p>
<p>A curtain-raiser to the G20 summit in November, the meeting was attended by top diplomats including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, his Chinese and Indian counterparts as well as European envoys like France's Jean-Noel Barrot and Britain's David Lammy.</p>
<p>But the group's richest member, the United States, was only represented by the deputy chief of mission at the American embassy in Pretoria after Rubio skipped the meeting amid disputes with the host nation over several policy issues.</p>
<p>"My job is to advance America's national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism," Rubio said, announcing his decision to not travel to South Africa for the meeting.</p>
<p>Ramaphosa said Rubio's absence was not a "train smash" and did not amount to a boycott since the United States was represented.</p>
<p>He hoped the diplomatic process would "iron out wrinkles that may have appeared in our relationship", he told reporters.</p>
<p>Pretoria has in particular come under fire from Washington for leading a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of "genocidal" acts in its Gaza offensive, which Israel has denied.</p>
<p>US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent announced on Thursday that he would also not attend the G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in Cape Town next week.</p>
<h2><hl2>'Africa must be heard'&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
<p>The first G20 presidency by an African nation was an opportunity for the continent to be "heard on critical global issues, like sustainable development, the digital economy and the shift toward green energy", Ramaphosa said in his opening address.</p>
<p>South Africa's priorities included finding ways to scale up resilience to climate disasters and improving "debt sustainability" for developing countries.</p>
<p>It also wanted to mobilise finance for a "just energy transition" in which countries most responsible for climate change support those least responsible, he said.</p>
<p>But in a sign of the tensions within the grouping, the planned family photograph was cancelled as several countries did not wish to appear next to Lavrov, members of a delegation told AFP.</p>
<p>South Africa has been criticised for its ties with Russia, including not condemning its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.</p>
<p>Rubio's absence will "distract the focus of the meeting," warned William Gumede, professor of public management at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.</p>
<p>"It sends a symbolic message to Africans: the US is not taking Africa seriously," he said.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

World: Top diplomats from the world's largest economies gathered in Johannesburg for two-day talks held for the first time in Africa and overshadowed by the absence of Marco Rubio.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa opened a Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting on Thursday with a call for "cooperation" amid geopolitical tensions and "rising intolerance". Top diplomats from the world's largest economies gathered in Johannesburg for the two-day talks held for the first time in Africa and overshadowed by the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law should remain at the centre of all our endeavours. It should be the glue that keeps us together," Ramaphosa said. "Geopolitical tensions, rising intolerance, conflict and war, climate change, pandemics and energy and food insecurity threaten an already fragile global coexistence," Ramaphosa said. The G20, a grouping of 19 countries as well as the European Union and the African Union, is deeply divided on key issues from Russia's war in Ukraine to climate change. World leaders have also been split on how to respond to the dramatic policy shifts from Washington since the return of US President Donald Trump. "As the G20 we must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions to conflicts," Ramaphosa said. "I think it is important that we should remember that cooperation is our greatest strength," he added. "Let us seek to find common ground through constructive engagement." A curtain-raiser to the G20 summit in November, the meeting was attended by top diplomats including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, his Chinese and Indian counterparts as well as European envoys like France's Jean-Noel Barrot and Britain's David Lammy. But the group's richest member, the United States, was only represented by the deputy chief of mission at the American embassy in Pretoria after Rubio skipped the meeting amid disputes with the host nation over several policy issues. "My job is to advance America's national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism," Rubio said, announcing his decision to not travel to South Africa for the meeting. Ramaphosa said Rubio's absence was not a "train smash" and did not amount to a boycott since the United States was represented. He hoped the diplomatic process would "iron out wrinkles that may have appeared in our relationship", he told reporters. Pretoria has in particular come under fire from Washington for leading a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of "genocidal" acts in its Gaza offensive, which Israel has denied. US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent announced on Thursday that he would also not attend the G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in Cape Town next week. 'Africa must be heard' The first G20 presidency by an African nation was an opportunity for the continent to be "heard on critical global issues, like sustainable development, the digital economy and the shift toward green energy", Ramaphosa said in his opening address. South Africa's priorities included finding ways to scale up resilience to climate disasters and improving "debt sustainability" for developing countries. It also wanted to mobilise finance for a "just energy transition" in which countries most responsible for climate change support those least responsible, he said. But in a sign of the tensions within the grouping, the planned family photograph was cancelled as several countries did not wish to appear next to Lavrov, members of a delegation told AFP. South Africa has been criticised for its ties with Russia, including not condemning its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Rubio's absence will "distract the focus of the meeting," warned William Gumede, professor of public management at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. "It sends a symbolic message to Africans: the US is not taking Africa seriously," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

G20 foreign minister meeting: South Africa's Ramaphosa calls for 'cooperation' amid geopolitical tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will skip a two-day meeting of G20 foreign ministers that starts on Thursday after criticizing host South Africa’s policies as anti-American.

Rubio will skip South Africa's G20 meeting amid diplomatic tensions

The death of South African activist Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay Imam, has left his family and friends reeling in shock. This is after he was brutally murdered on Saturday in the country’s Eastern Cape province. According to reports, the 57-year-old Muslim cleric, who ran a mosque in Cape Town for marginalized Muslims, was killed near the southern city. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: Gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks' assassination sparks outrage

Muhsin Hendricks considered the world’s “first openly gay imam”, has been shot dead in South Africa. The entire LBTQ+ community in the nation is in shock after the murder of the imam. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: World's first openly gay imam Muhsin Hendricks shot dead

<div>Muhsin Hendricks, considered the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha, South African police said.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The imam, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims, was in a car with another person when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit, police said.</div>
<div></div>
<div>"Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle," the Eastern Cape force said in a statement.</div>
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<div>Also read | <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-sikh-body-condemns-us-authorities-for-not-allowing-sikh-deportees-to-wear-turban-8728259">Top Sikh body condemns US authorities for 'not allowing' Sikh deportees to wear turban</a></strong>&nbsp;</div>
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<div>"Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed."</div>
<div></div>
<div>A police spokeswoman confirmed to AFP the authenticity of a video on social media that purported to show a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.</div>
<div></div>
<div>"The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation," police said, urging anybody with information to come forward.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association denounced the killing.</div>
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<div>"The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime," executive director Julia Ehrt said in a statement.</div>
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<div>Also read | <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-open-and-closed-on-presidents-day-2025-everything-to-know-8727963">What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2025: Everything to know.</a></strong></div>
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<div>Hendricks, involved in various LGBTQ advocacy groups, came out as gay in 1996. He ran the Al-Ghurbaah mosque at Wynberg near his birthplace Cape Town.</div>
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<div>The mosque provides "a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalised women can practise Islam", its website states.</div>
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<div>Hendricks, the subject of a 2022 documentary called "The Radical", had previously alluded to threats against him.</div>
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<div>But he insisted that "the need to be authentic" was "greater than the fear to die".&nbsp;</div>
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<div>South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with some 28,000 murders in the year to February 2024, according to police data.</div>
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<div><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></div>
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World: Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the first openly gay imam globally, tragically lost his life in a shooting near Gqeberha, South Africa, highlighting ongoing challenges.

Muhsin Hendricks, considered the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha, South African police said. The imam, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims, was in a car with another person when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit, police said. "Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle," the Eastern Cape force said in a statement. Also read | Top Sikh body condemns US authorities for 'not allowing' Sikh deportees to wear turban "Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed." A police spokeswoman confirmed to AFP the authenticity of a video on social media that purported to show a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. "The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation," police said, urging anybody with information to come forward. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association denounced the killing. "The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime," executive director Julia Ehrt said in a statement. Also read | What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2025: Everything to know. Hendricks, involved in various LGBTQ advocacy groups, came out as gay in 1996. He ran the Al-Ghurbaah mosque at Wynberg near his birthplace Cape Town. The mosque provides "a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalised women can practise Islam", its website states. Hendricks, the subject of a 2022 documentary called "The Radical", had previously alluded to threats against him. But he insisted that "the need to be authentic" was "greater than the fear to die". South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with some 28,000 murders in the year to February 2024, according to police data. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Muhsin Hendricks: World's first openly gay imam shot dead in South Africa

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