Latest South Africa government News

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...

It's 30 years since apartheid ended. South Africa's celebrations are set against growing discontent

Apr. 27, 2024 14:25 PM EDT

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — South Africa marked 30 years since the end of apartheid and the birth of its democracy with a ceremony in the capital Saturday that included a 21-gun salute and the waving of the nation's multicolored flag. But any sense of celebration on the momentous...

South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27. Here's why this year is so poignant

Apr. 27, 2024 01:38 AM EDT

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africans celebrate their “Freedom Day” every April 27, when they remember their country's pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. Saturday is the 30th...

South Africa will mark 30 years of freedom amid inequality, poverty and a tense election ahead

Apr. 26, 2024 02:47 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — As 72-year-old Nonki Kunene walks through the corridors of Thabisang Primary School in Soweto, South Africa, she recalls the joy she and many others felt 30 years ago when they voted for the first time. It was at this school on April 27, 1994, that Kunene joined...

How South Africa's former leader Zuma turned on his allies and became a surprise election foe

Apr. 18, 2024 01:09 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa faces an unusual national election this year, its seventh vote since transitioning from white minority rule to a democracy 30 years ago. Polls and analysts warn that for the first time, the ruling African National Congress party that has comfortably held power...

What to know about Elon Musk's 'free speech' feud with a Brazilian judge

Apr. 11, 2024 18:14 PM EDT

SAO PAULO (AP) — Headline-grabbing billionaire Elon Musk is clashing with a Supreme Court justice in Brazil over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation on X, the social media platform Musk bought when it was Twitter. Since his takeover, Musk has upended many of...

A South African court overturns ban, rules that former leader Jacob Zuma can run in the election

Apr. 09, 2024 12:31 PM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa’s Electoral Court on Tuesday ruled that former President Jacob Zuma can run for office in the upcoming general election, overturning an earlier decision that had barred him from contesting the polls. The decision paves the way for Zuma to run for...

Former South Africa speaker of parliament is arrested on bribery allegations and released on bail

Apr. 04, 2024 09:00 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The former South African speaker of parliament was arrested on Thursday over allegations that she received about $135,000 in bribes, in the latest corruption scandal to face the governing African National Congress party. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula turned herself in...