South Africa Roundup: Elections, exchange rate, African Indoor Hockey
Violence and crime ahead of elections
South African elections are marred by crime and violence, with recent incidents including the arrest of a suspect in the murder of two members of a new political party. Tensions have also been exacerbated by disruptive protests and concerns of potential unrest before and after the elections, local media Nation reports.
South African rand against U.S. Dollar
The South African rand edged lower against the dollar, trading at 18.79 ($1.02), down 0.3%. Analysts attributed the movement to global market factors rather than domestic economic releases. The rand is expected to trade within a range of R18.60/18.85 ($1.01/1.03) in the short term, tracking international moves. According to Nasdaq, the currency was supported by a surge in gold prices last week but took a breather ahead of a U.S. inflation report on Tuesday. Bond yields were marginally stronger in early deals.
Witch doctors attracting Christians
In South Africa, online traditional healers also known as Sangomas or witch doctors, are using social media to attract millennial Christians, causing concern for church leaders. Many younger Christians are embracing traditional African spirituality alongside Christianity, leading to conflicts within the church. Some churches welcome the practice, while others warn of scams and the potential damage to the integrity of the Christian faith, Christianity Today reports.
Special needs citizens vote ahead of elections
South Africa is preparing for national elections with 27 million people expected to participate. People with special needs, including those in prisons and hospitals, voted early. According to TVC News, the elections coming off on May 29 will mark 30 years of democratic governance after the end of Apartheid.
African Indoor Hockey
South Africa and Namibia won gold in the Indoor Africa Cup, securing their spots in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 in Croatia. Both men's and women's teams qualified, with South Africa and Namibia finishing as the silver medalists. The FIH reports that the tournament featured thrilling matches, with both countries emerging as the champions of African Indoor Hockey.
