South Africa Roundup: Flag-burning ad, G20 presidency, building collapse
Ramaphosa condemns flag-burning ad
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has labelled the opposition party's campaign ad depicting the burning flag as 'treasonous.' The ad warns of the ruling ANC forming a coalition with left-wing parties. According to Reuters, the upcoming election is hotly contested, with polls suggesting ANC may lose majority for the first time in 30 years. The opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, however, stands by the ad, calling for unity to rescue South Africa. ANC has also dismissed the need for a coalition as it is confident of winning the election.
South Africa to head G20 in 2025
South Africa will be president of the G20 in 2025. It plans to drive reforms in global economic governance, particularly focusing on IMF reform and the relationship between international organisations and their member states. The Conversation further reports that the country also aims to commission studies on these issues and how to divide responsibility between states and institutions. These initiatives aim to make the IMF more responsive to the needs and priorities of all member states and their citizens.
Building collapse claims 10 lives
Dozens of construction workers are still missing in the rubble of a collapsed building in South Africa, with 7 confirmed dead and 16 in critical condition. The incident occurred on Monday, May 6 and has witnessed rescue efforts which have brought in specialists from other areas. As reported by News4Jax, the search is expected to last until Friday, May 10. Multiple investigations into the cause of the collapse are also underway.
Online witchdoctors lure South African Christians
Young Black South African Christians are turning to online sangomas, or traditional healers, to connect with their ancestral roots through social media. This has sparked concerns among church leaders about syncretism and internet scams. Christianity Today expands that while some churches welcome the practice, others see it as incompatible with Christianity. They also warn of the risks of mixing traditional African spiritualism with the Christian faith.
Political arrests
According to an exclusive report by Adriaan Basson and Jeff Wicks on News24, Bradley Conradie and Sarah Burger, prominent figures in the anti-corruption efforts at the University of Fort Hare under Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu, have levelled sharp criticism at Police Minister Bheki Cele and the African National Congress (ANC). They accuse them of orchestrating politically motivated arrests in April. Conradie and Burger allege that Cele and the police sought to shield Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, whose involvement in a "fake" degree scandal they had uncovered, and to safeguard the ANC's interests ahead of the May elections. Conradie and Burger, representing BCHC Attorneys and Horizon Forensics, were recruited by Buhlungu in 2017 to tackle corruption within the institution.
