Latest South Africa News

Over 500 baby sea turtles washed ashore in a big storm off South Africa. Here's the rescue effort

May. 02, 2024 21:22 PM EDT

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — An aquarium in South Africa is stretched beyond capacity after more than 500 baby sea turtles were washed up on beaches by a rare and powerful storm and rescued by members of the public. The little turtles are mostly endangered loggerheads and should...

Turkey halts all trade with Israel over military actions in Gaza

May. 02, 2024 18:27 PM EDT

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey on Thursday suspended all imports and exports to Israel citing the country's ongoing military action in Gaza and vowed to continue to impose the measures until the Israeli government allows the flow of humanitarian aid to the region. A Turkish Trade...

Today in History: May 2, Nelson Mandela claims victory in first democratic South Africa elections

May. 02, 2024 00:02 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Thursday, May 2, the 123rd day of 2024. There are 243 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 2, 1994, Nelson Mandela claimed victory in the wake of South Africa’s first democratic elections; President...

Zimbabwe's ZiG is the world's newest currency and its latest attempt to resolve a money crisis

Apr. 30, 2024 19:40 PM EDT

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Out with the Zimbabwe dollar, in with the ZiG. Zimbabwe on Tuesday started circulating a new currency to replace one that has been battered by depreciation and often outright rejection by the people. The ZiG was introduced electronically in early April, but...

South African police investigate if former president's party forged signatures to contest elections

Apr. 30, 2024 12:54 PM EDT

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South African police were investigating Tuesday if former President Jacob Zuma's new political party forged supporters' signatures to register for national elections next month. The MK Party, which has been highly critical of the ruling African...

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...

Repatriated South African apartheid-era artworks on display to celebrate 30 years of democracy

Apr. 26, 2024 01:41 AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A selection of South African artworks produced during the country’s apartheid era which ended up in foreign art collections is on display in Johannesburg to mark 30 years since the country's transition to democracy in 1994. Most of the artworks were taken out...

Today in History: April 26, Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster

Apr. 26, 2024 00:05 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Friday, April 26, the 117th day of 2024. There are 249 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On April 26, 1986, an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout...