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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA HAILS PROTEAS’ HISTORIC ICC TEST CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Proteas on their historic victory in the International Cricket Council’s Test Championship after a five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s, England, on Saturday, 14 June 2025. |
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South Africa beat Australia on the fourth day through a superb team effort at the home of cricket.
“Your win is a major boost for cricket in South Africa, and you have inspired a new generation of cricketers. I call on the nation to come and greet the Cricket World Champions when they arrive back in the country this week,” the President said in a statement on Saturday.
The President described the win as being built around excellent performances by the batsmen in the second innings.
There was the brilliant batting by Aiden Markram, who scored 136, and the captain, Temba Bavuma, with his 66 runs.
Their match-winning partnership was pivotal in the team’s success. |
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The bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, also kept the pressure on the Australian batsmen and never allowed them to dominate.
"Coach Shukri Conrad, captain Bavuma and the team have done South Africa proud. They started the match as underdogs, but that indomitable spirit, which is a characteristic of our nation, carried the team through. The Proteas underlined the importance of being focused on the field and triumphed,” the President said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za
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| PRESIDENT IN CANADA FOR G7 LEADERS' SUMMIT |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Canada to participate in the Group of Seven (G7) Summit Outreach Session, which took place on the margins of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Monday, 16 June 2025. |
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The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies, namely, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates in G7 summits.
Canada assumed the presidency of the G7 on 1 January 2025, and its presidency seeks to address global challenges and opportunities, including international peace and security, global economic stability and growth, and the digital transition.
According to the Presidency, the Outreach Session aims “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.
The Presidency said this resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa's Group of 20 (G20) presidency.
“The Outreach Sessions of the G7, in which President Ramaphosa will participate, have been a feature of the group over the years, with the aim to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
“Reflecting the outward-looking approach of recent presidencies, guest leaders are invited to join outreach sessions within the summit agenda,” it said.
The cooperation between South Africa and Canada has strengthened this year as it relates to the G20 and G7.
Under South Africa’s G20 presidency, enhanced efforts have been undertaken to align objectives and support the agenda of the G7 to that of the G20.
Several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels.
South Africa is currently the only African country invited to this year’s G7 Summit Outreach Session.
The Presidency said the G7 Summit will provide President Ramaphosa with an opportunity to meet heads of state and government of G7 countries, who are also G20 members, and other outreach guest countries.
“The President will use this platform as an opportunity to engage with various leaders on areas of common interest in bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, including the G20 presidency ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.”
President Ramaphosa’s participation at the G7 Leaders’ Summit presents an opportunity for South Africa to pursue strategic alignment within the framework of G7-G20 cooperation, where necessary, The Presidency added.
The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT TO UNDERTAKE WORKING VISIT TO RUSSIA |
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| Strengthening economic and trade relations will be at the core of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s Working Visit to Russia. |
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According to the Deputy President’s Office, the trip will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as collaboration in science and technology.
The Working Visit set for 17 to 21 June 2025 in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, will involve high-level engagements and activities focused on economic diplomacy.
In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and energy.
The Deputy President will meet with several high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Valentina Matvienko, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, the current Chairman of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Russian Parliament. |
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While in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site honouring South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane.
Following this, he will participate in the 28th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025).
This year’s forum will be held from 19 to 21 June under the theme Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.
The Deputy President will take part in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 and he has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.
In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at Saint Petersburg State University on the topic South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.
He will address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.
“The Saint Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.”
According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip will be his first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration.
He will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers and deputy ministers who are part of the economic sectors, investment, employment and infrastructure development cabinet cluster.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN REQUESTED TO ENSURE THEY ARE REGISTERED WITH THE EMBASSY |
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| South Africa wishes to urge all its citizens currently in the Islamic Republic of Iran to contact the Embassy in Tehran to ensure that they are registered with and that their whereabouts are known to the Embassy. |
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It is important to note that South Africa’s support in the country is limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location.
Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to assess their own safety and security and act accordingly.
The following contacts may be used:
Tehran:
Telephone: +98-912-230-8968
Telephone: +98-930-495-8965
Helpline of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria, RSA:
Telephone: +27 12 351 1000
The web page of DIRCO may be consulted for further contact information (www.dirco.gov.za).
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA CONDEMNS TARGETING OF CIVILIANS, URGES DE-ESCALATION BETWEEN IRAN AND ISRAEL |
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| South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. We extend our deepest condolences to the peoples of both nations suffering from the tragic loss of life. |
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South Africa emphasises that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be considered legitimate targets.
We reiterate our urgent call for de-escalation, restraint, and full compliance with international law by all parties to prevent further human suffering.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO INDIA FOLLOWING THE CRASH OF AIR INDIA FLIGHT 171 |
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| The South African Government and the people of South Africa wish to express their sincere condolences to the Government and people of India following the crash of an India Airlines aeroplane just after take-off from Ahmedabad, India. |
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Flight AI171 was travelling from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed in a residential area shortly after take-off. The aeroplane was carrying 242 people onboard from various nationalities. It is not yet clear what caused the crash.
The thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the people of India as well as the people of all other countries affected by the crash during this difficult time and extend their sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| GREEN HYDROGEN CAN “REPOSITION” AFRICA WITHIN GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS |
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| The burgeoning green hydrogen industry presents an opportunity for Africa to enable structural change and reposition the continent. This is according to the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. |
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The Minister delivered remarks on Thursday, 12 June 2025, at the African Green Hydrogen Summit, which took place in Cape Town.
“[Green] hydrogen must be understood not merely as a clean fuel but as a strategic enabler of Africa’s structural transformation. It holds the potential to reposition the continent within global value chains, not as an exporter of raw materials but as a competitive industrial actor. Harnessed strategically, it can anchor new industrial ecosystems, from green steel and fertilisers to sustainable mobility and synthetic fuels.
“These are not abstract possibilities—they are within reach, provided we design policy frameworks that localise value, deepen intra-African trade, and direct investment flows towards infrastructure, skills, and technology transfer that serve the interests of the continent,” Minister Ramokgopa said.
The industry presents a lucrative opportunity for the continent and boasts a global potential of at least US$300 billion in global exports over the next three decades.
Africa holds minerals and metals that are critical for the industry, placing the continent at the heart of this new frontier.
“More fundamentally, green hydrogen offers an opportunity to reverse the logic of dependency that has historically defined Africa’s insertion into the global economy. Instead of reinforcing extractive patterns, Africa can lead with an agenda of beneficiation, regional integration, and sovereign industrial development.
“This will require that we reject siloed national approaches in favour of coordinated regional frameworks, leveraging platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), and most crucially, Agenda 2063.
“These frameworks offer the institutional scaffolding for a common energy market and harmonised regulatory regimes that can attract patient, long-term capital,” Minister Ramokgopa said.
The Minister implored African leaders at the summit to be “unapologetic” in taking their place at the forefront of the green hydrogen global industry.
“We must also be unapologetic in demanding a fair place at the green negotiating table. Africa’s role in the global energy transition cannot be one of accommodation. It must be one of agency. Our narrative must be led by African voices, grounded in African realities, and committed to African futures.
“As the world seeks new energy alliances and supply chains, Africa must shape its energy destiny through solidarity, strategy and statecraft, turning the promise of green hydrogen into a pillar of continental prosperity,” he insisted.
The summit also launched the Africa Green Hydrogen Report—a document thrashing out the continent’s green hydrogen potential, which brings together the full breadth of the continent’s technical readiness.
“This is not just a theoretical compilation; it is a technical blueprint for scaled project execution. Its message is unequivocal: Africa is not short of knowledge. Africa is ready to move from pilot to pipeline, from strategy to scale.
“But let us be clear. The window for Africa to shape the rules of this emerging market is narrowing. Other regions are moving fast with public subsidies, regulatory incentives, and long-term offtake strategies. If we delay, we risk importing technologies, importing skills, and once again exporting unprocessed potential.
“So, the real work of this summit is to forge clarity on the scale of our ambition, the credibility of our plans, and the coordination of our actions. Let us begin that work today, with urgency, with unity, and with a shared conviction that Africa’s future is not on the periphery of the global green economy, but firmly at its centre,” he said.
According to the African Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), which is made up of 10 African states, including South Africa. The industry has the potential to add between US$66 billion and US$126 billion to the gross domestic product of the member countries over the next 25 years.
Furthermore, some two to four million jobs could also be added during that time.
“Africa’s choice is whether to be a passive site of resource extraction or a proactive architect of the green energy economy. With the right policy frameworks, investment enablers, and regional coordination, green hydrogen can and must be the backbone of a new African industrial era,” Minister Ramokgopa said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za
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| MINISTER BLADE NZIMANDE LEADS HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION IN ENGAGEMENT WITH HUAWEI |
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| The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande led South Africa's Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) delegation in a high-level engagement with Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa, and the Huawei Executives. |
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This high-level meeting was held at the Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen, China, and served as a precursor to the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Huawei.
The Letter of Intent is intended to facilitate a comprehensive partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and Huawei. |
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The partnership will focus on information and communication technologies with a specific emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), research and innovation.
Emphasising the importance of South Africa-China cooperation, Minister Nzimande stated that "the signing of this Letter of Intent further solidifies the long-standing relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China. Most fundamentally, this Letter of Intent gives much-needed impetus to the progressive agenda of building a global political and economic order that promotes the equitable development of countries, particularly from the Global South and to contribute to the betterment of all humanity."
The strengthening of DSTI-Huawei STI relations comes just days after a successful Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference in Chengdu, China.
And after a highly productive bilateral between Minister Nzimande and China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Yin Hejun, which included a Letter of Intent on AI.
– Source: www.gov.za |
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| MINISTER INKOSI MZAMO BUTHELEZI WELCOMES ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE SCHOOL IN GHANA |
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| The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has welcomed the convening of the sixth iteration of the Economic Governance School for public service leaders in Ghana. |
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| The Economic Governance School is convened by South Africa’s National School of Government (NSG), the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and the Kenya School of Government (KSG). It is delivered in three modules. Module 1 is being delivered in Accra from 16 to 20 June 2025. This iteration brings together members of the legislature, members of the executive, heads of department and academics from South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, and Kenya. Modules 2 and 3 will respectively be hosted in South Africa in August and in Kenya in October 2025. |
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This three-module provision takes economic governance capacity building to greater heights as the regional schools of government collaborate to enable Members of the Executive and senior public leaders to:
- Enhance leadership and oversight capabilities and broaden perspectives through analysis and critical reflection.
- Re-examine governance challenges that constrain inclusivity and sustainable economic growth locally and continentally.
- Create a public service that thrives in a digital world and develop anticipatory capabilities to prepare for the future.
Since its approval by Cabinet in August 2020, the Economic Governance School has been implemented as a seasonal programme that brought together over 150 members of the executive and senior officials from South Africa and eight other African states. These include the 2023 South Africa–Kenya exchange arrangement in Pretoria and Mombasa, and the 2024 South Africa–Zambia joint delivery in Lusaka.
The programme remains relevant as we accelerate the attainment of the 2030 development goals and 2063 aspirations.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SANLAM GROUP SPONSORS AFRICA'S FIRST G20 SUMMIT |
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| The Sanlam Group, along with its subsidiaries Sanlam Allianz and Santam, has announced its sponsorship of the Group of 20 (G20) summit, scheduled to be held in Johannesburg this November. |
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The Group stated that their support of the G20 reflects its ongoing commitment to the continent’s growth by advancing financial inclusion, empowering businesses and individuals, and driving sustainable economic development across Africa.
This year’s G20 presidency, under the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, marks a historic first for South Africa as the first African nation to host this influential global forum. The focus of the South African G20 presidency is to address the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality while advancing the development agenda for Africa, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
With Sanlam Allianz already a primary sponsor of the Business 20 (B20), the Group will leverage both the G20 and B20 to ensure Africa’s unique opportunities and challenges are central to global policy discussions, accelerating the continent’s economic transformation for long-term impact.
A strategic opportunity for Sanlam
In February, the B20, which serves as the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community, announced that it had appointed Paul Hanratty, Sanlam Group CEO, as the chair of the B20 Employment and Education Task Force. This task force is one of eight that will engage with local and global leaders to develop actionable policy recommendations. In his role, Hanratty brings Sanlam’s unique expertise to the forefront of global discussions on employment, education, and economic growth.
Hanratty said the timing of the G20 taking place on African soil is seminal given the significant shifts in the global landscape that are currently at play.
“We look forward to being at the heart of a process that will significantly influence the global economic landscape. A process that will bring Africa to the forefront in the global narrative,” said Hanratty.
“Our involvement in the B20 and G20 is well aligned with our Group’s commitment to financial inclusion, digital transformation and the expansion of insurance markets across Africa. We believe that hosting the events on African soil will bring strong opportunities for future growth on the continent.”
Sanlam, Santam and Sanlam Allianz will collectively ensure a comprehensive representation of the Group’s diverse business interests, while also unlocking opportunities to engage across the broader G20 and B20 initiatives.
Shadi Chauke, Sanlam’s group executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, who has been appointed as deputy chair of the B20 Employment and Education Task Force, highlighted that the Sanlam Group is proud to be part of this historic G20 presidency. “By connecting business expertise with public policy, we aim to drive reforms that unlock investment, trade, and economic opportunities for Africa.”
– Source: www.bizcommunity.com |
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| KGODUMODUMO DINOSAUR INTERPRETATION CENTRE TO BOOST TOURISM |
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| The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), will launch the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State this week. |
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Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, will launch the centre.
The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism in the Free State
“The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is a world-class and state-of-the-art interactive visitor attraction with strong potential for tourism growth,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement.
Situated within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) in the Free State, the centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions.
The department successfully secured funding of R120 million from the European Union through the National Treasury for the implementation of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre.
The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and provide more activities for visitors to the park.
The development of the project includes the interpretation centre (paleontological offices and work space), the reception area, lecture halls, the display area (exhibition and display installation), the coffee/curio shop, the activity node—office, activity areas (children), parking, paved parking area, look-out point and bulk services, and upgrades to the electrical supply and water systems.
According to the Department of Tourism, the centre celebrates a globally significant paleontological discovery—the oldest dinosaur embryos known to man—offering a world-class educational and cultural experience that deepens public understanding of our natural history.
“The interpretation centre is a unique local attraction which offers visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge,” the department said.
The centre will be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State.
The event will culminate with a graduation of the tourist guides that were trained as part of the development of the centre.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PROFILE: KUTLOANO MOLOI—A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE, PEACE, AND PUBLIC SERVICE |
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| The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) recently launched the South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme in Pretoria during Youth Month. |
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The hybrid event brought together officials, diplomats, and youth peacebuilders to celebrate the initiative, which runs from 14 to 18 July 2025 in South Africa. Jointly run by DIRCO and Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the year-long programme mentors 15 young leaders from conflict-affected or peace-advancing countries. It features online training, in-person workshops in South Africa and Finland, and study visits to the African Union and United Nations. The programme emphasises youth as central actors in global peacebuilding, not sidelined observers.
Representing South Africa is Kutloano Moloi, a 27-year-old public servant from Chiawelo Extension 3, who is a passionate and purpose-driven individual dedicated to community development, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding. Born and raised in Orlando West, a township steeped in historical significance, Kutloano’s upbringing was grounded in resilience, compassion, and the value of collective support. Raised by her mother, grandmother, and the broader community, she embodies the spirit of Ubuntu—believing deeply in the power of unity and service.
Professionally, Kutloano serves in the South African Police Service (SAPS), stationed in the public order policing unit in Johannesburg. Her work requires emotional intelligence, discipline, and an unwavering sense of justice—traits she has cultivated through both personal experience and academic pursuit. She holds a degree in behavioural sciences, majoring in psychology and sociology, and is currently pursuing an honours degree in psychology at the University of South Africa (UNISA). For her, policing and psychology are not just careers but callings—two sides of the same coin in her mission to understand and serve his community.
Kutloano’s motivation to join the Youth Mediators Programme stems from her desire to be an agent of change. First introduced to the programme by a colleague, she saw it as an opportunity to merge her academic background with her real-world experience. Having witnessed firsthand the escalation of conflict among youth, she believes in the power of early intervention, dialogue, and creating safe spaces for young voices. Her goal is to become a bridge between communities and solutions, to foster understanding, and to offer support before conflict turns into crisis.
Through the programme, Kutloano seeks to gain practical tools in mediation, communication, and emotional intelligence. She hopes to deepen her understanding of youth behaviour, develop techniques to handle emotionally charged situations, and build confidence in guiding young people through conflict. She recognises conflict as a natural and sometimes necessary part of growth—but believes it should be managed constructively, not violently. Her work in public order policing has taught her that many conflicts stem from misunderstanding and unheard frustrations; thus, she believes in restoring dignity and trust through balanced, empathetic engagement.
For Kutloano, the Youth Mediators Programme is not just a learning opportunity but a foundation for lifelong impact. She plans to use the skills gained to establish safe, supportive spaces for young people and to integrate mediation and mental health awareness into his work with SAPS. Above all, he hopes to inspire a generation of youth to lead with empathy, resolve conflict peacefully, and believe in their power to shape a better future.
“I carry the strength of where I come from, the purpose of where I’m going, and the courage to build peace wherever I stand.” — Kutloano Moloi |
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| SA GAMECHANGERS: SOUTH AFRICA'S HIGH COMMISSIONER KINGSLEY MAMABOLO ON FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM, PEACE, AND THE AFRICAN FUTURE |
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| From Soweto exile to the United Nations, Kingsley Mamabolo reflects on resistance, reconciliation and the path to a truly free Africa. His story is now published as a hardcover called “Let Not the Sun Set on You”. |
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Born in Soweto, his journey began in the burning streets of 1976 and led through African National Congress (ANC) training camps in Angola and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to global diplomacy with the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN). Now South Africa’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), he reflects on decades in service to the continent and on the release of his new memoir, which launched this year in London and will soon be available in South Africa. In this wide-ranging conversation, he talks about exile, justice, rebuilding South Africa, and what the next generation needs to know.
You describe your early years in Soweto as being marked by both hardship and political awakening. What first drew you towards the liberation movement?
For anyone who grew up under apartheid, the wrongness of the system was obvious. You didn’t need to read philosophy to see it. The signs were everywhere: “Whites Only” and “Non-Whites.” You’d go to the park, the hospital, or a restaurant. Everywhere was divided. I remember reading a story in a local paper about an abandoned baby. The child’s race couldn’t be determined immediately and there was this whole debate: do we send a black ambulance or a white ambulance? And then should we admit them to a white hospital? All while the child was possibly dying. That kind of thing really showed the insanity of apartheid.
Then there were people like Mandela. Though his name was banned, his words moved around underground. I remember reading his speech from the Rivonia Trial, “I am prepared to die.” That line hit hard. And on shortwave radio I once stumbled on a Zanla broadcast from Mozambique. The announcer’s voice said, “People of Zimbabwe, you will break the chains of slavery.” I thought, why not us too? |
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Some people might agree with a cause in life but wouldn’t be brave enough to take action. What made you take the leap to risking arrest, going into exile, even taking up arms?
It builds up. Slowly, you realise no, this is unacceptable. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Eventually I was being pursued by the security police. I was part of the student movement after the 1976 uprising. We all knew what would happen if we got caught. So I left, no passport, just a will to get out and the help from ANC operatives who smuggled me through Swaziland into Mozambique and eventually Angola. We believed we were going into exile briefly, just to train and come back. But I ended up being out of my country for almost 20 years.
What surprised you most when you got to exile?
One of the first things that struck me was the ANC’s policy: South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white. Coming from a Black Consciousness background, that was a real jolt. We’d only known whites as the face of our oppression, and here we were, being told we’d one day live together. There were other movements like the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) who said the opposite—blacks only. But when we looked closer, the ANC was more organised, more disciplined. And then we started to meet white comrades who had given up everything. Ronnie Kasrils, Joe Slovo, Albie Sachs. These were people who had lost family and been jailed or exiled, just like us.
You trained in the GDR. What was that experience like?
Ah, the GDR. They were extremely disciplined, very serious people. The training was intense. And no excuses were accepted. You were being prepared for life and death situations. Failure wasn’t tolerated. But the cultural adjustment? Huge. When we arrived, they gave us winter clothes, including the long thermal underwear (which we jokingly called ‘Vasco-pyjamas’). And they told us, “Just throw your laundry, including underwear, into these big baskets.” Old white ladies would come collect them, wash them and return them folded. Now, imagine us, from apartheid South Africa, where white women wouldn’t even speak to us. Suddenly they’re washing our underwear. I couldn’t handle it. None of us could. I used to sneak out late at night, wash my own clothes in the dark. One night I’m crouched at the basin, and I hear someone behind me, two of my comrades doing the exact same thing. No one had talked about it. We just couldn’t bring ourselves to hand over our underwear to old white women. That’s how deep apartheid had scarred our minds.
What helped shift that mindset?
It was seeing white comrades take the same risks we did, and sometimes more. Some had their families killed. They were jailed. We saw them suffer for the same cause. That changed us. Also, the support we received across Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola, showed us that solidarity wasn’t about colour. It was about justice. Even in the West, where governments sometimes called us terrorists, ordinary people supported us in their millions. The UK had the biggest anti-apartheid movement in Europe. The American supporter numbers were also vast. People defied their own governments to support us.
“We broke the back of apartheid. That was the big obstacle. Now the struggle is to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind, not black, not white. The fight continues.”
What was it like returning to South Africa after nearly 20 years in exile?
We weren’t sure it was real. I thought we’d be in exile for a short time, but it became decades. When the call came that we could go home, it felt sudden and surreal. We had fought for a democratic South Africa, political freedom. But once we got it, I think we made a mistake. We relaxed. We thought the fight was over. But political freedom doesn’t automatically bring economic justice. That’s where we faltered. We had leaders like Mandela, Mbeki, people with real vision. But eventually, the movement lost its way somewhat.
What would you say to an 18-year-old South African today who wants to build a better future?
I’d say, we broke the big obstacle. Apartheid laws are gone. Now the fight is about inclusion and opportunity. The country has so much: minerals, tourism, technology. But we must think bigger. And we must think together. The future isn’t black or white. It’s South African. These two worlds, the privileged and the deprived, must come together. If we don’t create a society that includes everyone, we’ll face another kind of explosion. Not a racial one, a social one.
“We broke the back of apartheid. That was the big obstacle. Now the struggle is to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind, not black, not white. The fight continues.”
You’ve just written a book. What made you want to tell your story now?
At first, I asked myself, who am I to write a book? I’m not Mandela. But I realised every story matters. People today forget what was sacrificed. The youth must know what they enjoy now came at a cost. People died. Others were exiled or jailed. That can’t be forgotten. Also, I’ve been lucky. I served under every democratic South African president, from Mandela appointing me as High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, to Mbeki sending me to the AU, Zuma to the UN, and now President Ramaphosa to the UK. I wanted to document those moments, mediating in the Congo, leading UN missions in Darfur, and helping shape African Union policies like NEPAD and the Peace and Security Architecture. We laid a vision for Africa. Now we must ask: are we implementing it?
Do you have a next mission, or are you retiring?
Retirement? No such thing. Maybe I’ll step back from formal roles, but I’ll never stop contributing. The continent still needs us. Africa has the youngest population on Earth. We have minerals, intellect, and talent. What we lack isn’t vision, it’s implementation. We need leadership that thinks beyond national borders. South Africa can’t go it alone. Africa must act collectively. That’s the only way forward.
Where can people get your book?
The book is called Let Not the Sun Set on You: The Journey from Anti-Apartheid Activist to Seasoned Diplomat. It’s available on Amazon UK now and will soon be out in South Africa through Exclusive Books. A more affordable softcover version is coming in the next few months.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com I Interview by Gordon Glyn-Jones | Part of the SA Gamechangers series |
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| LIMPOPO’S OWN PEARL MATHEBULA CROWNED MISS TEEN MODEL INTERNATIONAL 2025 |
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| South Africa is celebrating a new international star. Pearl Mathebula, a 17-year-old from Limpopo’s Makotopong village, has been crowned Miss Teen Model International 2025 at a glittering pageant in Lima, Peru. As she navigates the whirlwind of shock and excitement, Pearl hopes her win will inspire youth from remote villages to push forward beyond their backgrounds. |
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Held in Lima, the capital of Peru, the event attracted models from different countries across the globe to compete for the title, which was Pearl’s for the taking.
This win is a continuation of her victory as Miss Teenager South Africa 2024: the 17-year-old’s first official crown after beginning her modelling journey at 14.
According to Miss Teenager South Africa, Pearl carried our flag with grace, beauty, and power, proving that African excellence knows no bounds.
The Limpopo beauty queen’s career is fast taking flight and is a dream come true for the Makotopong village girl, who hopes to inspire the youth from the remote village that anything is attainable if you work towards it.
“For me, winning the 2025 Miss Teen International here in Peru is just a way to show my peers, the youth, that age and the background of where you come from are not a barrier, but a motivation to achieve our dreams,” Pearl tells Sunday World.
Miss Teenager South Africa team further congratulated the young star in words that eloquently capture their pride and ours:
“Pearl, your light shines far beyond our borders. You are a beacon of hope for every young girl with a dream. We are proud. We are inspired. We are celebrating YOU,” the organisation said.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP: SUNDOWNS PULL THE UNTHINKABLE |
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| Sundowns have again made history by becoming the first African team to win a match at the 2025 FIFA Club World tournament. |
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Mamelodi Sundowns pulled the unthinkable in their opening Group F match of the FIFA Club World Cup against Ulsan on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
The Brazilians stunned the South Korean side 1-0 on the night, thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ first-half strike.
As a result, Sundowns top Group F with three points from their opening match after both Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a 0-0 draw.
This was Africa’s first win at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, and the entire continent should be proud of the result.
Sundowns had full control of the game throughout 90 minutes with their passing game better than that of Ulsan. |
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Miguel Cardoso’s team surprised many given that the coach opted to leave out some of his regulars in what was a tweaked starting line-up.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| TAZMIN BRITS LEADS PROTEAS WOMEN TO COMMANDING SERIES WIN OVER WEST INDIES |
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| The Proteas Women thrashed the West Indies by 166 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the final ODI to clinch a 2-1 series victory on Tuesday night, 17 June 2025. |
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The third and final game at the 3Ws Oval in Barbados was bogged down by a bit of rain, but the game eventually got underway after a couple of hours’ delay.
The Green and Gold went in to bat first for the third consecutive game and by this time, they already knew what the plan was—destroy.
Opening batters Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits did just that, thrashing 83 runs in the first powerplay of the game.
Brits’ destruction with the bat saw her record the only South African century of this series, knocking 101 from 91 balls, with an impressive strike rate of 110.
Brits slapped eight fours and four sixes in her innings, and did not look fazed by the West Indian bowling attack.
Captain Wolvaardt was her usual composed self and played a leader’s innings with 76 off 75 balls. Wickets fell in the middle, with a few scores to add to the openers’ grand tally. Their 184-run partnership ended in the 27th over after spinner Afy Fletcher removed Brits from the crease.
Marizanne Kapp was the only other contributor with the bat with her 34 runs. |
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The rain returned once again and ended the South African innings on 278/6 in 45.5 overs, asking quite a bit from the Windies, especially in the wet conditions.
The Proteas attack came out firing, picking up the top four batters within five overs and putting pressure on their middle order, which crumbled. Their top six batters had only scored 30 runs.
Aaliyah Alleyne (32 off 49 balls) and Jahzara Claxton (42 off 32) put up scores for their team toward the tail end, but it was a little too late.
Masabata Klaas proved to be too much to handle for the West Indies batters, with her clinical spell of 4/25 from six overs squeezing the hosts even tighter.
For the second straight game, Nonkululeko Mlaba struck vital blows for her team, this time picking up 2/25 from seven overs.
Annerie Dercksen was not so lucky with the bat in this series, but did manage to bag two wickets toward her game tally.
The Proteas Women will have to keep their bats swinging, though, as those arms will need to be loose for this Friday’s first T20 format game of the series. The ladies will play another three matches to decide an outcome for the short format.
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| YOUTHFUL SPRINGBOK WOMEN'S TEAM CAME TO THE PARTY IN MADAGASCAR'S AFRICA CUP |
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| The Springbok Women returned home on Monday, 16 June 2025, relieved and proud that they executed their mandate in Madagascar at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup after wins over Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. |
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This resulted in another continental title and trophy for the South Africans.
According to Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September, the planning stages for this tournament were one thing, but the execution thereof was another, and they are pleased that the young team delivered on several objectives planned.
“We came here with a clear view of what we wanted out of the tournament,” said September. “It was part of our Rugby World Cup preparations, but we also wanted the players to express themselves out there.
“We decided to bring a number of uncapped players here, but there was never any doubt about their talent and ability. They showed in the provincial competition that they can mix it with our current Springboks, and they did not disappoint.
“One of the players just came to thank the coaches with tears in her eyes for getting the opportunity to showcase her talent on the international stage. We gave them the opportunity, and they used it.”
September said the moving parts came together nicely: “I am also happy that we could integrate some of our Sevens players into our system; they did well, while we also had eight players in the squad that played in the previous Rugby World Cup, and they needed match time in their legs as well. It was a successful trip for the programme.”
Anathi Qolo, who captained the team to Madagascar, also praised the new players and said the fact that they won all three matches gave them confidence and a clear idea of what is needed in the green and gold.
“This was not an easy competition; make no mistake, the other teams tested us in many aspects of our play, and we had to work really hard as a team to achieve the desired results,” said Qolo.
Reflecting on the 61-17 victory over Madagascar on Sunday, 15 June 2025, Qolo said, “We executed the game plan well. We knew they would want to go wide all the time, so we had a plan to bring them back to our pack, and it worked well.
“Overall, it was a success. We came to win, and we leave undefeated, so it was a successful mission.”
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S THOMAS VAN TONDER WON THE INAUGURAL RED BULL RANCHER STRONG |
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| Thomas van Tonder has been crowned the first-ever Red Bull Rancher Strong Champion. A title bestowed to the strongest rope-wielding, hay-jumping, dust-kicking CrossFitter at the historic Cowtown Coliseum. |
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This ranch-style CrossFit/Hyrox/Ninja hybrid competition took place over the weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. Participants from all over the world joined to test their strength in events that tested their limits, all the while having fun in a totally new format.
From climbing over enormous hay bales to dragging bull sleds around, 70 athletes tackled a never-before-seen seven-part obstacle course inspired by real-life ranching tasks, all in an effort to be the fastest to hit the final buzzer.
South Africa’s very own beat out real-life ranch-born athletes to claim the title. |
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“The semifinals is almost the toughest race – as in, you’ve got to push so hard to make sure you get into that top spot. And then after that, you’ve got to perform the best you can to nail the final. It’s really a strategically tough race to do – being able to pull it off. Oh man, what a feeling! You know in South Africa; we are a very sportive country and we’re really proud of it. So being able to rep my country, repping my sport, I couldn’t be prouder.”
“It was not an easy race by any means. It was a super tough event and with the injury on my arm, it was really tough, but I managed to push through and get the win. This event exceeded all my expectations, what a vibe!” – Thomas van Tonder
And in true Texas style, winners were bestowed with unique belt buckles and in addition to the new buckle, Thomas has earned a VIP trip to Red Bull Flugtag DFW this September, where he’ll be recognised as an inaugural Red Bull Rancher Strong champion.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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