Latest South Africa government News

Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?

May. 20, 2024 08:03 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former South African President Jacob Zuma was barred Monday from running for Parliament in next week's national election over a previous criminal conviction, the latest twist in his return to politics. The decision by the country’s highest court, the...

Former South Africa leader Zuma promises jobs and free education as he launches party manifesto

May. 19, 2024 03:14 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former South African President Jacob Zuma Saturday lamented the high levels of poverty among black South Africans and promised to create jobs and tackle crime as he launched his new political party's manifesto ahead of the country's much anticipated elections. ...

Israel insists it is doing all it can to protect civilians in Gaza and denies genocide charges

May. 17, 2024 10:25 AM EDT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Israel strongly denied charges of genocide on Friday, telling the United Nations’ top court it was doing everything it could to protect the civilian population during its military operation in Gaza. The International Court of Justice wrapped up a...

Brazil picked by FIFA to get soccer's 2027 Women's World Cup, a first for South America

May. 17, 2024 03:49 AM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — Brazil will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup after a vote of FIFA’s full membership chose the South American bid over a joint proposal from Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. The FIFA Congress on Friday voted 119-78 for Brazil in the reduced field of two candidates...

South Africa urges UN's top court to order cease-fire in Gaza to shield citizens in Rafah

May. 16, 2024 21:18 PM EDT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — South Africa urged the United Nations’ top court on Thursday to order a cease-fire in Gaza during hearings over emergency measures to halt Israel’s military operation in the enclave’s southern city of Rafah. It was the third time the...

A new South Africa health law aims at deep inequality, but critics say they'll challenge it

May. 15, 2024 11:02 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday signed into law a bill that aims to overhaul the healthcare system to address deep inequality, but it faces legal challenges from critics. The law introduces what is known as National Health Insurance, which...

South Africa braces for what may be a milestone election. Here is a guide to the main players

May. 15, 2024 01:06 AM EDT

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — After 30 years of dominating South African politics, the ruling African National Congress will face its toughest election this month as most opinion polls predict it will lose its parliamentary majority for the first time. Once admired under the...

South Africa again requests emergency measures from world court to restrain Israel's actions in Gaza

May. 10, 2024 16:22 PM EDT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — South Africa urged the United Nations’ top court Friday to issue more emergency measures to restrain Israel, saying its military incursion in Rafah threatens the “very survival of Palestinians in Gaza.” The request marks the fourth for...

Today in History: May 8, South Africa adopts constitution guaranteeing equal rights

May. 08, 2024 00:01 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Wednesday, May 8, the 129th day of 2024. There are 237 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 8, 1996, South Africa took another step from apartheid to democracy by adopting a constitution that...

2 workers killed, more than 50 trapped when a building under construction collapses in South Africa

May. 06, 2024 16:22 PM EDT

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A multi-story apartment building under construction collapsed Monday in a coastal city in South Africa, killing two construction workers and leaving 53 trapped under the rubble, authorities said. An additional 20 workers were pulled from the mangled...