Browsing: SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to advance its probe into the claimed genocide by Israel against the Palestinian population. This call comes after the ICC’s decision in March to investigate possible war crimes in occupied territories including the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. 

Amazon, the global E-commerce giant, has expanded its footprint with the opening of a full-scale African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. This strategic move aims at offering localized experiences and seamless access to the vast global Amazon marketplace for its South African customers.

Johannesburg, South Africa’s most populous city, stands on the precipice of a severe water crisis, reminiscent of the 2018 drought that besieged Cape Town. The increasing population and consequent urbanization, paired with the adverse effects of climate change, are putting massive pressure on the city’s already strained water supply system.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a firm stance of solidarity with Palestinians and other Muslims worldwide observing the holy month of Ramadan amidst the hardships of ongoing conflicts. The president made his sentiments known in his weekly newsletter, expressing unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

As local government elections round the corner, South Africa’s far-left opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is poised to take control of key municipalities. Spearheaded by their fiery leader, Julius Malema, the EFF has grown increasingly influential since its establishment in 2013.

South Africa has imposed an 8.5% increase in the national minimum hourly wage, enhancing it to $1.46. Predicted to impact the lives of the country’s 6.44 million workers who earn the minimum wage, the decision comes amidst tracking inflation rates, currently recorded at 5.7% according to the National Department of Employment and Labour.

South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has embarked on an unprecedented operation to enable prison inmates across the country to participate in the forthcoming local government elections. Taking the constitutional right to vote to another level, the commission registered eligible voters in 147 correctional facilities in a recent drive.

The South African authorities have captured a suspect linked to the devastating high-rise building blaze in Johannesburg that led to the tragic loss of 77 lives. The fire erupted on January 21 and is regarded as one of the most catastrophic in the nation’s history.