L’ancien président sud-africain a annoncé le début de sa nouvelle carrière, dans la musique. Elle débutera en avril avec au programme des chants de libération de l’ANC. Le charismatique Jacob Zuma a signé un contrat avec la municipalité de Durban, dont il est très proche. Un accord suspect selon le parti d’opposition l’Alliance démocratique.

Des chants de lutte contre l’apartheid, Jacob Zuma en a chantés des milliers pendant sa carrière politique. Lors de chaque réunion de l’ANC, il a souvent été le premier à se lever, s’emparer du micro et entonner les refrains anti-apartheid.

Des chants, des pas de danse qui auront beaucoup fait pour sa popularité en Afrique du Sud, lui qui a été régulièrement soupçonné de corruption. La municipalité de Durban assure que ce nouvel album est une contribution à l’héritage culturel du pays.

Le coût du projet n’a pas été communiqué, mais attire déjà les soupçons. Aucune consultation n’a eu lieu en conseil municipal selon une élue d’opposition, qui déclare : « L’argent du contribuable n’a pas à être utilisé pour financer le train de vie de l’ancien président. »

Source: RFI

L’ex-première dame zimbabwéenne, Grace Mugabe, est officiellement recherchée par la police sud-africaine. Elle avait échappé à la justice l’an dernier après avoir violemment agressé un mannequin qui se trouvait avec ses fils dans un hôtel de Johannesburg. Mais la donne a changé.

En août 2017, après avoir battu la jeune Gabriella Engels à l’aide d’une rallonge électrique, Grace Mugabe avait bénéficié d’une immunité diplomatique du gouvernement sud-africain. Elle avait alors fui en catimini au Zimbabwe.

Une injustice pour le président du lobby Afriforum Kallie Kriel. « La politique a joué un grand rôle, souligne-t-il. C’est parce qu’elle est une personnalité publique que des efforts ont été faits pour ne pas qu’elle soit poursuivie et qu’elle bénéficie d’une immunité diplomatique. »

La justice sud-africaine a jugé anticonstitutionnelle l’immunité diplomatique. Ce qui permet à la police de lancer ce mandat d’arrêt contre l’épouse de l’ex-président zimbabwéen pour « coups et blessures graves ». Mais pas encore de demande officielle d’extradition.

« Elle peut être extradée en Afrique du Sud. Mais voyons ce qu’il va se passer, tempère-t-il. Je pense que ce serait dans son intérêt de venir témoigner et d’avoir cette affaire derrière elle. Mais puisqu’elle ne vient pas d’elle-même, je suis sûr qu’il y a des processus pour la forcer. »

Le porte-parole de la police sud-africaine a d’ailleurs demandé son aide à Interpol pour que Grace Mugabe puisse comparaître devant un tribunal en Afrique du Sud.

Source: RFI

The ANC in the Western Cape has spoken out against the spate of farm attacks in the province, and called on police to intensify their intelligence operations against those who carry out such attacks.

ANC secretary in the Western Cape, Faiez Jacobs, said that each assault on the farming community was one against the country, black and white, and also food security.

Farm worker killed on Philippi farm

Jacobs expressed outrage following the murder of a farm worker who was attacked by several men during a robbery on a farm in Philippi on Saturday morning.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, its alleged a farmer and his son were busy with maintenance work on the property when ten men arrived on the pretence of conducting business.

« One of the suspects took out a firearm and threatened the owner, who was forced [to open the] safe and hand over an undisclosed amount of cash, » Rwexana said.

« The owner, his son and farm employees were subsequently forced into a storeroom. One farm worker, aged 31, was shot in the scuffle and he died on his way to hospital. »

One of the suspects was also killed.

Rwexana added that two of the suspects have already been arrested and a manhunt has been launched to find the other suspects who fled in a white Toyota Avanza vehicle and a white Volkswagen Golf.

Elderly couple murdered on Bonnievale farm

Jacobs also lauded the police for the arrest of a suspect who allegedly murdered an elderly farmer and his wife on their Bonnievale farm last week.

« Every attack on a farm is an attack on our country. Each loss of life in these criminal attacks is regretted and is mourned. We call on all our people to stand together to defeat these criminals, » Jacobs said.

« We want to thank police for their swift action and call on them to intensify intelligence operations against those behind this. We call on our courts to impose the most severe sentences on those found guilty of attacking farms. »

Jacobs also urged farmers to stop evictions and human rights abuses and encouraged them to create an environment for peace and productivity in rural communities.

Source: Newes24

Pretoria has officially protested to Kigali and recalled its envoy from Rwanda for consultations.

The short-lived normalisation of South Africa’s fraught relations with Rwanda has been by frustrated by insults flung at International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu by the Rwandan government

The website Rushyashya, which Rwandan exiles say is run by Rwanda’s military intelligence, went as far as calling her a prostitute. The story was quickly deleted from the site. Rwandan deputy foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has also tweeted several messages which Pretoria has found offensive.

Sisulu suspended the normalisation of relations after the « prostitute » insult, according to some government sources. Her spokesperson, Ndibhuwo Mabaya, denied however that the process of normalising relations – ordered in March by both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame – had been suspended.

But he did confirm that South Africa’s High Commissioner to Rwanda George Twala had been…

Read the full story on the Daily Maverick website.

By Charles Villa-Vicencio

Alex Boraine started his career as a passionate evangelical Methodist preacher. The content of his message changed radically over the years, but not his passion. He was a man of vision with a near messianic sense of purpose.

I got to know Alex over fifty plus years as a leader who inspired people with similar basic values. A natural leader and skilled project manager, he had strong opinions and ingrained values, shaped by a broad liberal education.

An avid reader, widely travelled with a renaissance outlook on life, it was not always easy to confront him. He never quite accepted ‘fools’ gladly. He created enemies and disciples. Never quite able or willing to be ‘all things to all people’ he chose his fights.

To some he was a ‘white liberal’ and to some supporters of the National Party an astute boer antagonist. To many South Africans he was somewhere between an idealist and an agitator. Always a gentleman (until provoked) some saw him as being too suave. No rabble rouser, he was courteous, articulate and instinctively looked for a ‘third option’ as the heat of confrontation intensified.

To those he trusted, he was honest and loyal. Over the years, Alex and I established a deep sense of rapport. I’ll miss our regular lunches and a glass of something. Those were profound encounters. Lots of give and take, within which we never quite managed to solve all the problems of the world. Our kinship led to intrusive questions, no respite and – where appropriate – no disclosure. Friendship does not get better than that.

Alex Boraine was a reconstructed liberal. Repulsed by the arrogance and hidden racism embedded in white privilege and individualism, he reached back to the theoretical roots of historic liberalism. He recalled its influence on the origins of the ANC in 1912, the banning of the non-racial Liberal Party in 1968, and he hated the quagmire of white politics. His concern was to salvage the place of the individual in the face of white nationalism, black nativism, communism and social collectivism.

He was a prototypical individual and a leader who was determined to lead, revelling in the publicity (good and bad) that went with it. Rising to become the president (presiding bishop) of the Methodist Church, he was subsequently denied his status as an ordained minister by the Methodists because he refused to abide by church discipline.

Having been elected to Parliament, together with the leader of the Progressive Federal Party (PFP), Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert, Boraine resigned his seat in Parliament in 1986 arguing that a white Parliament had no capacity to influence South Africa’s future.

Energised by the resignation of Van Zyl Slabbert and Boraine from Parliament, the ANC supported the launch of the Institute for Democratic Alternatives in South Africa (Idasa), despite opposition from within the UDF and elsewhere. Calming the opposition, a leading ANC member in Lusaka advised, « just keep an eye on that bloody Boraine ».

A year later Idasa, in cooperation with the ANC, convened the Dakar Conference, bringing together representatives of the ANC and mainly white Afrikaner South Africans. An independent voice, he remained at the heart of the South African transition.

Refusing to leave politics to party politicians, Boraine turned to civil society, using his organising and considerable fund-raising skills to engage with other NGOs, student bodies and trade unions to assist in the mobilisation of the growing opposition to apartheid. Idasa became a catalyst for the promotion and interpretation of alternative options for South Africa. He was a key figure in generating funding and support from international philanthropic organisations and foreign governments for emerging structures, in support of the ideals of the UDF.

After the unbanning of the liberation movements, the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in February 1990 and the subsequent run-up to the first democratic elections, Boraine took a leading role in the promotion of transitional justice mechanisms. He convened two major conferences on political transition, drawing on the experience of Latin American countries in their response to junta dictatorships.

Instrumental in the drafting of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No. 34 of 1995 that led to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he was appointed vice chairperson of the commission under the leadership of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Playing a formative role in its execution, he later established the International Center for Transitional Justice, with a head office in New York.

Boraine was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. By 2015 this had escalated to bone cancer and oncologists predicted that he had three to 12 months to live. He continued to live a busy life, completing a manuscript on the meaning of life in the face of death.

Often speaking of his religious beliefs, he died at peace with himself, believing that the end comes with one’s final breath – arguing that all that remains is one’s legacy. His legacy, at a personal, private and political level, is there to be savoured, remembered and taken into the future.

Charles Villa-Vicencio is a lifelong friend of Boraine, former national research director of the TRC, Professor Emeritus of UCT and Visiting Professor at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Alex Boraine, former vice-chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday.

Boraine’s son, Jeremy Boraine, confirmed the news to News24.

According to Jeremy, his father was in remission from cancer, but had been in decline of late.

« He had a fall a week ago and stopped eating. He just became weaker and weaker. »

Jeremy said his father passed away somewhere between midnight and 02:00 on Wednesday, at his home in a retirement village in Constantia, Cape Town.

Boraine is most famous for proposing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), as well as being its vice chair alongside Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, from 1996 to 1998.

Source: News24

After a pulsating match which saw the super falcons of nigeria lose a penalty in regulation time fought hard to defeat the Bayana Bayana of south Africa through a tense penalty shooutout.

The super Falcons have now won AWCON a record Nine times. Meanwhile, the Bayana Bayana made history by reaching the world cup for the first time after finishing as runners up in this year »s AWCON

CAF names Oshoala, Ebi, Oluehi in 2018 AWCON XI

Talk Show Queen Oprah Winfrey

press release

On 29 November 2018 the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Graça Machel Trust will host an event as part of the « Remembrance period » to mark five years since Madiba’s passing and to recognise the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

The event will focus on how we purposefully create a caring society that prioritises women and adolescents and creates the conditions for a dignified life, in a society like South Africa where the murder rate of women is three times the global average and 68.5% of women have experienced forms of sexual violence.

In the year marking the Nelson Mandela Centenary Campaign, the Is’thunzi Sabafazi  – Dignity of Women – event will seek to speak to an audience of both young women and men about building a caring society that transfers itself to achieve equality between men and women in South Africa while drawing on Madiba’s life story.

At this event, which will be facilitated by Redi Thlabi, media personality Oprah Winfrey will deliver a keynote address, followed by a conversation with Jozina Z Machel and Zoleka Mandela on their views relating to the dignity of women and how a caring society that is equal and just to both men and women can be built.

Each speaker will reflect on their own personal stories of transformation to discuss how a caring society can shift society’s trajectories especially with regard to women and adolescents. The speakers will also relate how the legacy and their own learnings from Madiba shifted their understandings of both themselves and society at large, with regard to gender inequality and justice.

Winfrey, a survivor of violence, not only broke taboos around public disclosing of an abusive past but has become a globally-recognised champion against gender-based violence. She will also be able to talk to her relationship with Madiba to offer a reflection on building a society that cares and how we work toward a system which places humanity and dignity at the centre.

Her input will be followed by two reflections by Josina Z Machel, is a long-standing human rights defender. As the daughter of Graça and Samora Machel, and step-daughter of Nelson Mandela, she was born into a legacy of activism, and is fiercely passionate in her life’s calling to advance women’s rights.

Zoleka Mandela, who was born in South Africa in 1980, is a writer and activist. She has documented her drug addiction, daughter’s death and breast cancer in her autobiography Whispers of Hope. She is the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela.

Source: NMF

After countless efforts, South Africa finally qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time after beating Mali 2-0 in their semi-final clash on Tuesday in Cape Coast.

Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana and Lebohang Ramalepe scored in either half as Banyana Banyana set up a final African Cup of Nations date with eternal rivals Nigeria on Saturday in Accra. Holders Nigeria had earlier edged Cameroon 4-2 on penalties in the other semi-final game in Accra.

This is the fourth time South Africa has reached the final of the flagship women’s competition. And Desiree Ellis and her charges will be seeking to make history by winning the ultimate after achieving qualification to the World Cup.

In their three previous final appearances, South Africa lost to Nigeria in 2000, before suffering defeats to Equatorial Guinea in 2008 and four years later.

Banyana captain Janine van Wyk was the first to threaten Mali’s goal with a long-range free-kick in the opening minutes was no trouble for the Mali goalie.

On 31 minutes, Kgatlana broke the deadlock after capitalising on a poor clearance by the Malian defender, to fire home the opener and her fifth of the tournament.

The South Africans maintained control of the game but had to wait till the 81 st minute to be certain of victory after Ramalepe’s long shot beat Malian shot stopper Adoudou Konate.

Meanwhile, Cameroon will face Mali in the third place match on Friday in Cape Coast that will also determine the final African representative for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year.

Total Woman of the Match: Linda Motlhalo (South Africa)

Desiree Ellis (Head Coach, South Africa)

We knew Mali was going to be a tough match and as usual our analysis was spot on. We made sure that we neutralise the players we thought would pose any danger on us. I felt we were always in control, moments in the second half. I spoke about it in the dressing room that we needed to stay focused and also make sure we didn’t lose possession. And also made sure we don’t do silly mistakes but we always in control and got the second goal with few minutes to the end.

We knew that we had accomplished what we wanted to do and that’s going to the World Cup. This is not about this team only. This is about all of South Africa. This is about all the coaches there before. About all the players who have been there before. It is also about the Football Association. We wouldn’t have been anywhere if they weren’t on board. They have tremendous in the preparations we have had over a year. They made sure we made the best preparations possible.

We will celebrate tonight and start preparing for the final. We are not a team that talk much in the media. We will work together as a team and plan again. And hope to execute the plan because that’s all it is about. We have never won the Women’s AFCON and we are going to give it shot and see what happens on the weekend.

Mohamed Saloum Houssein (Head Coach, Mali)

It didn’t go well as we expected this time. We played against a well organized team with great strength and unfortunately we lost 2-0. We did our best but once more we played against a strong side.

We have nothing to lose since our mission has already been accomplished and that’s making it to the semi-finals for the first time. We are yet to play the 3rd and 4th play off. We are hoping to see our fate in that match.

I want to thank coach Desiree Ellis (South Africa) for the encouragement and the compliments. I learned a lot from what you have said. As you rightly said there is another journey ahead of us and that can determine our fate so we putting things in order to make sure we do well.

Source: CAF

President Cyril Ramaphosa and EFF leader Julius Malema.

The EFF has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take full responsibility and admit that he lied to Parliament about a R500 000 payment from Bosasa.

Ramaphosa backtracked on a response he gave before the National Assembly 11 days ago about the payment from Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson, allegedly for the benefit of his son, Andile.

The president said the October 2017 payment was actually a donation towards his ANC presidential campaign, which he states was made without his knowledge.

READ: Ramaphosa corrects his National Assembly reply on his son’s links with Bosasa

This emerged in a letter Ramaphosa wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly dated November 14, saying he had inadvertently provided incorrect information in his initial response.

Spin and backfire

Speaking to media on Friday night at one of the party’s consultative meetings with the public, EFF leader Julius Malema said that Ramaphosa thought he was going to spin the issue, but now it has backfired on him.

« The president must take full responsibility and admit that he lied to Parliament and he knows what happens to people who lie to Parliament, » Malema said.

« Now the president on his own accord came back to Parliament and said I misunderstood the question and therefore I seek to clarify that question. »

[Watch]: CIC @Julius_S_Malema reacting to President Ramaphosa’s admission that he had misled the National Assembly and the country. pic.twitter.com/qOphHZJlsd– Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 16, 2018

DA leader Mmusi Maimane has since called for a full investigation into the relationship between Bosasa and the Ramaphosa family.

Ramaphosa son denies payment

« This investigation should cover all payments made to any member of the Ramaphosa family from Bosasa and African Global Operations. [It should also] cover the business relationship between Bosasa and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s son, » he said on Friday.

Maimane said Ramaphosa should « come clean » and disclose all payments received by him, his family, and his campaign from Bosasa.

ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu tweeted on Saturday that the president showed he was a true leader when he retracted the answer he gave to Parliament when he realised it was incorrect.

When President @CyrilRamaphosa realised that he had given an incorrect answer to @ParliamentofRSA , he retracted the answer . He truthfully and honestly took parliament into his confidence and gave the correct answer today . Only a true leader can do this . I believe in him .– Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) November 16, 2018

News24 previously reported that Ramaphosa was responding to a question from Maimane over the payment by saying that he had questioned his son and learned that the payment was in respect of a consultancy contract his son’s company had signed with Bosasa, now named African Global Operations.

READ: Ramaphosa’s son denies receiving R500 000 Bosasa payment

But just hours later, Andile denied to News24 that this specific payment ever reached him.

Ramaphosa is currently out of the country. He arrived in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on Saturday morning for the 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

He just concluded his working visit to Geneva, Swiss Confederation, where he co-chaired the Fourth Meeting of the Global Commission on the Future of Work of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Source: News24