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South Africa

South Africa
South Africa
The latest news, analysis and opinion on South Africa. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A petrol station attendant fills the tank of a car in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday. Some drivers have begun panic buying diesel amid fears of a fuel shortage. Photo: AP
Thailand

Iran war fallout threatens ‘quick wins’ for Thailand’s economy

As drivers panic buy diesel and the public is urged to limit air con use, Thai civil servants are ordered home to preserve dwindling energy.

China-Africa relations

Why China and South Africa have a US$17 billion gap on trade data

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Hong Kong economy

10% rise in costs expected as shipping giant halts Middle East bookings

China-Africa relations

Why US money may not be enough to break China’s rare earths dominance

Washington aims to spend billions in Africa to build up a strategic reserve of key minerals, but analysts warn it may not be so simple.

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US representatives were out in force at the recent African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Ex-US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese military

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr allegedly provided ‘defence services’ after 24-year Air Force career training US pilots on advanced combat aircraft.

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Brics

Why Brics can’t do away with US dollar even as currency cooperation rises

Brazil says there has been no proposal or talks within Brics to create a common currency across the bloc.

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Ukraine war

Over 1,000 Kenyans recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine war: report

Russian embassy denied Moscow’s involvement in illegally recruiting, though it said ‌foreign citizens could voluntarily join its forces.

A family member holds a photo of Kenyan who joined the Russian army. Photo: AP
Zimbabwe

Mugabe’s son Bellarmine arrested after gardener shot in South Africa

Former Zimbabwean ruler Robert Mugabe’s youngest son sometimes lives in Johannesburg, where he has a reputation for partying.

China-Africa relations

China says it won’t seek reciprocity with South Africa on zero-tariff policy

Envoy makes the pledge as Beijing prepares to roll out tax-free access to the Chinese market for goods from 53 African nations.

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United States

US civil rights icon Jesse Jackson dies at 84: ‘my constituency is the damned’

The Baptist minister’s two presidential runs helped lay the groundwork for the election of America’s first black president, Barack Obama.

Jesse Jackson addresses the “Fairness in Democracy” rally on December 6, 2000. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

How a punt on an unknown Chinese truck manufacturer paid off in South Africa

Chinese commercial truck builder FAW now outsells major Western and Japanese brands including Toyota, Daimler and Isuzu.

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According to data from naamsa, South Africa’s automotive business council, FAW became the country’s leading commercial truck brand in 2024 and maintained this top position through late 2025. Photo: Handout
Diplomacy

Trump’s new ambassador to South Africa arrives in country amid strained ties

The US president has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with China and imposed tariffs on exports.

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police arrest man after HK$25,000 in cash stolen during flight

City recorded 169 cases of cabin theft on inbound flights in the first 10 months of 2024, involving property worth HK$4.3 million.

Africa

African Union: youth anger mounts over corruption, lack of accountability

Africa has the youngest population in the world, with more than 400 million people aged 15 to 35 years old – set to double by 2050.

A general view of flags of African Union member states inside the African Union Headquarters ahead of the opening of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

Huge lines, laughs and gasps as Trump addresses Davos

Trump stuns Davos with jabs at Greenland, Nato, Canada’s Carney, and France’s Macron, as attendees liken the chaotic scene to a rock concert.

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People use their mobile phones as Donald Trump walks across the stage before addressing the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Cyril Ramaphosa

13 children killed in South Africa as minibus collides with truck

As police probe a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre as the cause, President Ramaphosa demands action on ‘national shame’ of country’s road safety.

Energy

Opinion | Clean energy works at scale. Now it must be coordinated

The next decade will be defined not only by new clean energy capacity, but by how well grids, storage and demand systems are connected and optimised.

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Brics

Did China, Russia, Iran joint naval drills in South Africa signal a Brics shift?

Observers describe high-profile exercise involving economic grouping as largely symbolic rather than step towards military alliance.

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South African and Chinese flags fly aboard the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Tangshan, moored at port in Cape Town for joint naval drills involving Brics members, on January 10. Photo: AFP
Brics

Testing the waters: is Brics evolving into a security alliance?

The first naval exercises under the ‘Brics plus’ banner saw Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia and South Africa take part. India did not.

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Natural disasters

Over 100 dead in torrential rains and floods across southern Africa

Thousands have been forced to evacuate in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, with helicopters plucking people to safety.

Diplomacy

China’s oil risks worsen as Trump threatens Iran

The US president’s suggestion of potential intervention in Iran after the fatal suppression of protests adds new jeopardy to China’s oil imports.

Iranian protesters from footage on social media validated by AP. (Photo: UGC via AP)
Hong Kong police

Editorial | Interpol meet will enable Hong Kong to bolster global crime-fighting ties

As host of Interpol’s 94th general assembly, the city will be able to show that its ‘superconnector’ role extends to international law enforcement.

Hong Kong Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming at the 93rd Interpol general assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, in late November 2025. Photo: Handout
China-South Korea relations

Li Qiang and Lee Jae Myung back free trade and multilateralism in Beijing talks

In meeting with visiting South Korean president, Chinese premier calls for cooperation in AI, new energy and high-end manufacturing.

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Science

China fossil unveils cross-equator migration corridor in supercontinent Pangaea

Remains of a new dicynodont species dating back over 250 million years link China and South Africa, suggesting passage of large animals.

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Hong Kong police

Police to deepen Asean ties as Hong Kong set to host first top Interpol meeting

Police chief Joe Chow says Hong Kong’s high standing will help foster ties as city looks to host 196 member country representatives in November.

Hong Kong police chief Joe Chow Yat-ming attended Interpol’s general assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, last year. Photo: Handout
China’s military drills

China to lead joint naval drills with Brics nations in South African waters

It is the first defence cooperation under the Brics framework, with the Russian and Iranian navies reportedly taking part.

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Next week’s joint exercise is seen as part of a wider trend of expanding Chinese military engagement. Photo: Reuters
Africa

41 young men die in South Africa from circumcision procedures

The procedures were done as part of traditional initiation, a rite of passage into manhood for young men from various ethnic groups.

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China economy

Opinion | Why China has moved to curb steel exports

China’s pivot to emerging markets has kept its export machine running. But frictions are growing and steel is the most visible flashpoint.

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