Latest South Africa government News

Israel will respond to genocide charges at UN court after South Africa urgently requests cease-fire

May. 17, 2024 00:22 AM EDT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Israel will respond to charges of genocide at the United Nations’ top court on Friday, after South Africa filed an urgent request with the court to order a cease-fire in Gaza. It's the third time that the International Court of Justice, or ICJ, has...

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...

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...