/qnotables/ - ===Q Notables===

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19368466 (161245ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / How illegal mining has continued to thrive in SA (video)

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>>77493

>It is worth noting that the proposed regulations exempt mining companies, the state and state-owned entities, as well as 100% black-owned entities.

>>77693

>Then the indifference of Anglo American, which did not want to be seen to be in control of the English press, as indeed it was, came into play. Anglo American could have intervened but nothing happened and the paper was closed.

“How illegal mining has continued to thrive in SA” - Mining companies "are a law unto themselves'

https://youtu.be/ObBuPtvXfnY

Aug 15, 2023

Eyewitness News delves deeper into the issues surrounding illegal mining in South Africa, and looks at why authorities are struggling to get a handle on the matter.

15:57 – “Government wants to essentially resolve the issues of zama zamas in South Africa. It’s likely to be put onto the taxpayers for this to be done and this is due to a number of loopholes within the Act which regulates mining in South Africa and that’s the Mineral’s Petroleum Resources Development Act. What mining companies essentially do as they’ve found loopholes or legislative loopholes in this Act and they continue to use these loopholes to get themselves out of any sort of responsibility or accountability of rehabilitating mining sites. They do this by mining the area and then simply going under business rescue and liquidating. Now the Mineral Resources Petroleum Development Act states that the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy can hold the directors and shareholders of those companies responsible, should they not rehabilitate areas of which they’ve mined but we’ve yet to see that happen. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s silence regarding issues of zama zamas that has erupted in South Africa of recent is questionable and despite a 2018 report by Parliament that the Minister should be holding mining companies and their directors and shareholders accountable, nothing yet has been seen or been done regarding these mining companies. They are a law unto themselves and they’ve been allowed free reign to operate and do as they please in South Africa but more than the environmental impacts that we’ve seen is now an impact of criminality which is plaguing communities.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19377267 (171903ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Anglo American and the rise of modern South Africa” [May 1985] (Parts 1&2)

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>>15882 Barloworld Bun

>>77604

>Barloworld - https://www.barloworld.com/

>>77693

>Then the indifference of Anglo American, which did not want to be seen to be in control of the English press, as indeed it was

>the Anglo American director Gordon Waddell, who was Saan [South African Associated Newspapers] chairman from 1983 to 1985,

“REVIEW: ANGLO – Anglo American and the rise of modern South Africa” [May 1985] – Part 1

https://disa.ukzn.ac.za/sites/default/files/pdf_files/LaJun85.0377.5429.010.007.Jun1985.28.pdf

South African workers are probably aware of the significant role which a few large companies play in their lives. How those companies reached their present positions of power is less well-known, and how they are linked together is a subject shrouded in mystery.

Duncan Innes*s book, Anglo, deals first with the origins of Anglo American Corporation. Because Anglo Americans growth was made possible in large part by its association with De Beers Consolidated Diamond Mines, Dr Innes begins with a short history of diamond mining and the development of the De Beers near-monopoly in this industry. This material provides the background for an account of the way in which the group system was formed on the Witwatersrand gold fields during the years 1886-1910. Under this system, most gold mines came under the control of a small number of mining "houses" such as Gold Fields and the Corner House group (a forerunner of Barlow Rand [Now Barloworld]). [Remember, “1994: Barlow Rand plays a major role during South Africa’s political transition. Its large size helps to bring different political parties together, assist in the management of the 1994 elections and move with the country towards a peaceful democracy.” https://www.barloworld.com/about-barloworld/our-history/]

Anglo American itself was born during the first world war. The company was formed to tap American as well as other sources of finance, but its base lay in gold and coal mining groups which already owned rich properties in various areas. From the start, Anglo American was a highly profitable venture. Its rich mines allowed it to ride out problems - including the strikes of 1920 and 1922 - better than some others.

Meanwhile, De Beers faced mounting problems in the diamond market. Its difficulties increased throughout the twenties, and with the support of foreign backers, Anglo American was able to acquire effective control of De Beers at the start of the depression in 1929. With increased resources at its disposal. Anglo American was well placed to expand beyond the mining industry.

During the thirties, manufacturing industry in South Africa began to grow more rapidly. The mining houses had capital available which enabled them to participate in this expansion, Anglo American developed interests in the production of mining and drilling equipment, and through De Beers in the cher^ ical industry (especially in AE&CI). It also began to expand its investments outside South Africa - in "Rhodesia" (ie. in both Zambia and Zimbabwe) and in Namibia particularly.

During and after the second world war, the mining houses, including Anglo American, invested heavily in the new Far West Rand and Orange Free State gold fields. As these new mines contributed an ever larger proportion of group profits, Anglo American's strong position in the new fields helped it to become the biggest gold producer of all by 1958. At the same time, its stake in other mining groups became significant. Johannesburg Consolidated Investment (JCI) fell under Anglo American control, while Anglo cemented relations with mainly Afrikaner-owned companies by assisting them to acquire control over General Mining, the central part of today's Gencor. Anglo American's position as the dominant mining house was now undisputed. New fields remained for it to conquer.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19377280 (171905ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Anglo American and the rise of modern South Africa” [May 1985] (Parts 1&2)

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>>77697

>>77683

>Naspers founded M-Net in 1986, partnering with Johnnic Communications (now Tiso Blackstar / Times Media), Argus Holdings (now the Independent Media / Sekunjalo) and Perskor (now partly Caxton) in doing so.

>>15443, >>15444 Chester Crocker stated that South Africa is the Saudi Arabia of minerals. He later became a Director of Minorco

“REVIEW: ANGLO – Anglo American and the rise of modern South Africa” [May 1985] – Part 2

https://disa.ukzn.ac.za/sites/default/files/pdf_files/LaJun85.0377.5429.010.007.Jun1985.28.pdf

Industrial expansion was rapid during the sixties. Anglo American's presence in, for example, Highveld Steel, AE&CI, Scaw Metals, Sappi - reveals the company's interests in some of the largest plants in almost every industrial sector. In addition, the corporation acquired large stakes in property (Amaprop), construction (LTA) and publishing (Argus). Dr Innes argues that during the sixties South African capitalism became dominated by "monopoly" corporations, like Anglo American, which were able to exert a big influence over most parts of the economy. In the seventies, as economic expansion slowed down, these groups tightened their control by absorbing more and more other companies - a process termed "centralization”. An example of this is to be found in Anglo American's control over the car manufacturer, Sigma, later named Amcar, this corporation has now merged with Ford in South Africa as well, to become Samcar. Similarly, Anglo American tightened and extended its control over coal mining, other industries and financial institutions. At the same time its foreign investments became increasingly important.

Anglo American begins its investment in other parts of the world mainly in mining. Thus, it still has large interests in copper mines in Zambia and various mines in Zimbabwe; it owns mrines in Canada and Brazil. Through control of companies registered in other countries, like Charter Consolidated (UK) and Minorco (Bermuda), Anglo American reaches into a very large number of African countries, as well as other parts of the world. Dr Innes treats these interests as the culmination of Anglo American's successful expansion programme, and relates them to the attempts of the South African government to develop closer ties with other African countries.

Financial analysts who work for stockbrokers in Diagonal Street or for business newspapers presumably know a great deal about the corporate links which give Anglo American its unique position in the South African economy. Dr Innes’s book makes this information available to the rest of us. It is a useful tool in understanding how much strength lies behind the employer which workers confront, for example, at Vaal Reefs. However, the pattern of Anglo American's investments and structure changes all the time, and information needs to be constantly updated.

From the point of view of the workers' movement in South Africa, the most important questions about the giants of the economy have to do with how their parts link together. How does each company in the group relate to others? Which parts of the group are dependent on which other parts? How can the group use its resources to withstand strike action against one company? Which are the most vulnerable parts, or strategically the most important? Where are the parts of the group which are most immediately dependent on the labour of the workers, without which the entire group face severe difficulties - if any? Dr Innes’s book provides a useful starting point for analysing these issues. Any group of workers who want to know more about the history of big companies in South Africa or about the Anglo American-De Beers group in particular, will find Anglo an interesting book to discuss. Such discussion will also reveal how much more remains to be done in order to understand the structure, strengths and weaknesses of capital in South Africa today.

(Alan Mabin, May 1985)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19377315 (171911ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] (Parts 1-3)

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>>77698

>Minorco

>>77564

>>>/qresearch/19284410

>>77612

>CITIBANK

“A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] – Part 1

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1982/04/11/a-south-african-empire-reaches-to-us/ed9a0c9d-0815-4692-96c2-c8c5ef065933/

April 11, 1982

The South African diamond and minerals empire controlled by Harry F. Oppenheimer is rapidly becoming a major investor in mining, energy and commodities companies in the United States and Canada.

Through a subsidiary called Minorco, a holding company based in Bermuda, the South African firms headed by Oppenheimer have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in North American coal, uranium, gold, copper and other important minerals, and have developed the capital resources to finance further acquisitions.

Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission show that dozens of mining and minerals companies throughout the United States and Canada are wholly or partially controlled by the South African interests. Although no figure for the value of their holdings is available, a new study by a New York researcher says the South African group has been one of the biggest foreign investors in the United States over the past two years.

The investments reflect a long-range corporate strategy that Oppenheimer developed in the 1970s and spoke about publicly at the time. Oppenheimer sought to expand his companies' stake outside South Africa for economic and political reasons, and to do it he transferred assets now worth more than $2 billion to the Bermuda subsidiary to circumvent his country's restrictions on the export of funds.

The policy of investing in North America "is no accident," corporate research specialist Ruth Kaplan says in a report to be published by The Africa Fund. "It offers a stable area politically and economically; it is an area rich in mineral and energy resources and the company will realize a high return on successful investment." In addition, she said in a telephone interview, "it allows them to position themselves outside South Africa in the event of trouble there." [Economic sanctions were placed against South Africa by mid 1980s to push for transformation. Coincidence?]

In addition to investments by Minorco, Kaplan said, "a total of 144 separate investments in North America by the Anglo group have been identified; 108 of these investments are in the United States (in 32 states) and 36 are in Canada."

Business relationships between U.S. firms and South Africa have been controversial for many years because, critics say, they contribute to the economic power of the white-minority regime in South Africa and support its apartheid racial policy. Most attention from church groups, institutional investors and stockholders, however, has focused on investments in South Africa by U.S. corporations. The extent of South African investment in the United Stateswhich has the same effect of forging links of mutual interest between U.S. and South African companieshas been little noticed.

A few critics who have examined South Africa's growing involvement in the U.S. economy have objected that the investments are financed by the fruits of apartheid and that they strengthen the power of the ruling minority.

For example, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a Protestant church group that monitors corporate performance on social and environmental issues, plans to offer a stockolders resolution at the forthcoming annual meeting of Citicorp to get Citicorp Chairman Walter Wriston off the board of directors of Minorco. Citicorp, parent of the giant Citibank, has continued to make loans to South Africa when most other major banks have stopped doing so.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19377319 (171912ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] (Parts 1-3)

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>>77699

“A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] – Part 2

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1982/04/11/a-south-african-empire-reaches-to-us/ed9a0c9d-0815-4692-96c2-c8c5ef065933/

April 11, 1982

Oppenheimer, one of the world's richest men, has a longstanding reputation as a liberal, at least in the South African context, using his personal wealth and power to oppose apartheid and improve living conditions for his country's blacks. Nevertheless, Timothy Smith, director of the Interfaith Center, said Oppenheimer is still a "profiteer" whose fortune was built on the backs of low-paid black miners.

Oppenheimer is chairman of the Anglo American Corp. and of its affiliate, De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd., each of which owns a substantial interest in the other.

According to Kaplan, whose findings are confirmed by SEC records and by investment experts in the Commerce Department, "Anglo American is the biggest single economic factor in South Africa . . . the Western world's largest producer of gold, diamonds and platinum." De Beers "operates a monopoly in the diamond trade, marketing 80 percent of the world's diamonds, including the Soviet Union's."

Oppenheimer is chairman of Minorco, an acronym for Minerals and Resources Corp. Also on the board of directors, besides Wriston, are Robert Clare, a partner in the New York law firm of Shearman & Sterling, which represents Citibank; Felix Rohatyn, head of the investment banking firm Lazard Freres, and Cedric Ritchie, chairman of the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Minorco, which is wholly owned by the Anglo-De Beers interests and their subsidiaries, is the largest stockholder in Phibro Corp., the giant New York commodities trading company. Minorco, according to SEC records, owns 18.5 million shares of Phibro stock, or 27.2 percent of all outstanding shares, a stake worth almost $450 million. H. Ronald Fraser, president of Minorco, sits on Phibro's board of directors.

Phibro, the world's largest publicly owned commodities trading company, had worldwide sales of more than $25 billion last year, a fourfold increase over its sales five years earlier. It is also the sole owner of the New York investment house of Salomon Brothers, which Phibro acquired last year for $800 million.

That acquisition, Kaplan noted, offers Minorco "potential new sources of capital and different ways to get at it," because of Salomon Brothers' expertise at corporate fund raising and merger management.

Phibro became a separate company last year when it was spun off from the former Engelhard Minerals and Chemicals Corp., now known as Engelhard Corp. Minorco is the largest stockholder in Engelhard, with 7.4 million shares, or 27 1/2 percent. Engelhard in turn owns a network of petroleum and minerals subsidiaries, and controls a major segment of the market for kaolin, a clay used in making, among other things, porcelain.

Another branch of the complex Anglo American family tree runs through Consolidated Gold Fields Ltd. of Britain. De Beers secretly acquired 29 percent of Consolidated's stock in 1980, then transferred its holdings to Minorco in exchange for Minorco stock.

Consolidated Gold is the largest stockholder in Newmont Mining Co., one of the largest U.S. copper producers. Consolidated owns 22.4 percent of Newmont's shares and has an option to increase its stake to 26 percent.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19377326 (171913ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] (Parts 1-3)

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>>77699

>>77700

“A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] – Part 3

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1982/04/11/a-south-african-empire-reaches-to-us/ed9a0c9d-0815-4692-96c2-c8c5ef065933/

April 11, 1982

Newmont in turn controls an extensive network of oil, uranium, zinc and cement companies, including sole ownership of Atlantic Cement Co., Newmont Oil, and Carlin Gold Mining Co. of Nevada and majority interests in Dawn Mining Co. and Magma Mining Co.

Newmont also owns 27 1/2 percent of Peabody Coal Co., the biggest U.S. coal company, which indirectly gives Anglo American one of its largest stakes in U.S. energy resources.

Another skein of the Anglo American web runs through Canada, where Anglo Amcan of Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Minorco, owns 45 percent of the stock of Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. According to data compiled by Kaplan, the chairman and chief executive officer of HudBay is H. Ronald Fraser, the same Minorco executive who sits on the Phibro board.

HudBay controls the Terra group of fertilizer and chemical companies and group of seed, fertilizer and agricultural warehouse companies in the Midwest farm states, according to Kaplan's report. Amcan and HudBay also hold a controlling interest in the Francana oil and gas companies in Canada, she said.

The Anglo American group's pattern has been to leave the operating management of its acquired or controlled companies in place, keeping an eye on its investment through its network of interlocking directorates.

"Anglo's control of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies is not organized in a hierarchical structure but rather as an associated group of companies with interlocking connections," Kaplan's report says. "In effect, Anglo gets maximum control with a minimum investment."

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19400230 (211833ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Companies and Financial Institutions Benefiting from Violations of Human Rights” [Anglo American and AngloGold Ashanti] (Parts 1&2)

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>>77709

>>77483

”Dirty Profits 2; Report on Companies and Financial Institutions Benefiting from Violations of Human Rights” [Glencore} Part 2

https://www.facing-finance.org/files/2013/12/DIRTY_PROFITS_II.pdf

2013

Excerpts

Glencore Xstrata plc is a Swiss-based diversified natural resources commodity company formed in May 2013 after Glencore’s $30 billion dollar acquisition of mining giant Xstrata.

Both Glencore and Xstrata have well-established reputations for human rights, environmental, and trade violations. Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), a 62.5% subsidiary of Xstrata Copper, runs the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project on the Philippine island of Mindanao.5 Commercial production is set to begin in 2019. The project requires that 5,000 indigenous people be resettled, puts community livelihoods at risk, and threatens vital water sources… , inOctober 2012, soldiers killed an indigenous woman (Juvy Capion) and hertwo sons belonging to the B’laan, a tribal group that opposes the project.7 A court case against them was dismissed in October 2013.8 SMI reportedly funds military and paramilitary forces in several communities around the mine.9

Espinar’s mayor, Oscar Mollohuanca believes that the Tintaya mine is responsible for this contamination.16 Anti-mine protests in May/June 2012 resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. Mayor Mollohuanca was among those arrested for disturbing the public order. Peru’s prime minister, Oscar Valdes, labeled the protesters as extremists and declared a state of emergency in the region, stripping inhabitants of many of their basic rights for 30 days.17

In June 2013, a Peruvian Glencore Xstrata subsidiary (33.75%), the Antamina copper mine, was fined $77,000 for spilling 45 tons of toxic slurry into the neighboring community of Cajacay.18

Xstrata has held a 24.9% stake in the controversial British mining company, Lonmin, since 2008.21 In a decisive step towards consolidating power over Lonmin’s operations, Glencore Xstrata recently appointed Gary Nagle, (Glencore head of alloys division [Now CEO of Glencore, https://www.glencore.com/media-and-insights/insights/meet-our-new-ceo-gary-nagle]), and Paul Smith, (Glencore head of strategy and communications), to Lonmin’s board of directors in September 2013.22

In August 2012, Lonmin was involved in one of the most deadly police clashes since the end of apartheid. The South African Police Services (SAPS) used violent force to subdue protestors at Lonmin’s Marikana platinum mine, killing 34 and wounding 78.23 Workers were protesting for higher wages. In September 2013, South Africa’s Marikana Commission of Inquiry discovered inconsistencies and falsehoods in police accounts of the incident that suggested doctoring. The Commission is still performing its investigation, however, it has advised the South African Police Services to consult with their legal advisors. Thus far, no arrests have been made.24

The last edition of Dirty Profits stated that the European Investment Bank suspended loans to Glencore over governance concerns, particularly in connection with allegations of tax evasion at Glencore’s Mopani Copper mine in Zambia. Although the investigation is complete, the EIB has restrained from publishing the results despite holding to its decision to let the loans remain frozen. Christian Aid, a British development charity, has been urging the EIB to make the results of their investigation into Mopani Copper mines public.27

In March 2013, Reuters reported that Glencore possibly violated international trade restrictions by providing raw alumina to an Iranian firm that supplies Iran’s nuclear program “in a manner that circumvents sanctions.”28 Glencore is also suspected of being involved in a price fixing scandal to artificially inflate the price of aluminum. The United States’ Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued a “do not destroy” order pending a formal investigation of these allegations.29

Falcondo, an Xstrata subsidiary in the Dominican Republic, is accused of undervaluing the average price of nickel extracted from their Loma Peguera and Loma Ortega mine sites and failing to report their use of other metals, like iron and cobalt that make up their ferronickel alloy, thus dodging around $100 million in tax dollars owed to the DominicanRepublic since 2007.30 Apublic complaintagainst Falcondo was filed in February 2013.31

There are many more companies mentioned in this report.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19400255 (211839ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Glencore 'used relationship' with Ramaphosa to 'extort' Eskom, former CEO Brian Molefe claims (video)

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>>77710

>>>/qresearch/19400245

>>77607

>“What they didn’t see coming was that Brian [Molefe], instead of criticizing and blaming everything on the Guptas, he made a u-turn and started blaming Glencore for all [problems at Eskom]… [Glencore] owned Optimum Mine that was eventually bought by the Guptas. That’s how the Guptas got involved with Eskom in terms of the coal supply and the same Glencore was a company that gave Ramaphosa shares where he first opened his mining company, Shanduka.”

“South Africa - Ramaphosa Changes Post” (14 Apr 1996) [deployed to the private sector] - https://youtu.be/usyEhjEE6mo

“Glencore 'used relationship' with Ramaphosa to 'extort' Eskom, former CEO Brian Molefe claims”

https://www.polity.org.za/article/glencore-used-relationship-with-ramaphosa-to-extort-eskom-former-ceo-brian-molefe-claims-2021-03-02

2ND MARCH 2021

Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe has told the State Capture Inquiry that Glencore used its relationship with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who used to be the chairperson of its Optimum coal mine, to try to extort money from the power utility as it renegotiated the terms of its contract.

Optimum, which supplied Eskom with coal, ran into a contractual dispute with the power utility over the terms of agreement of the deal with the mining company, claiming that the fallout forced it into business rescue.

In his evidence at the inquiry on Tuesday, Molefe narrated an incident that occurred while he was still CEO at Transnet when companies had to sign a "take-or-pay agreement" with the logistics firm for the railing of coal to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal. He said all companies had signed with the exception of Optimum.

The take-or-pay agreement ensures that companies bear the costs when Transnet trains don't find the expected coal loads when they arrive for collection.

Molefe said the reason given by the Optimum for not the signing the agreement was that it was waiting for Eskom to "sign certain agreements" with it, but the company's former CEO Clinton Ephron eventually signed.

The two executives were to cross paths again, when Molefe was seconded to Eskom and found himself seized with the Glencore coal-supply agreement dispute in 2015. The company wanted to renegotiate the terms of its contract and increase the coal price from R150 per ton to R442.

'Extortion'

Molefe likened Glencore's proposal to "extortion" and insisted that he acted in the best interest of Eskom by not signing the agreement.

"They were trying to extort us," he said.

"I think Optimum could not be allowed to play us like that ... maybe that was because they had a close relationship with the then-deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa".

Ramaphosa, a BEE partner in the company, was in appointed chairperson of Optimum in March 2012. He later relinquished active involvement in business following his return to politics in 2014. But Molefe has repeatedly referred to Ramaphosa's relationship with Glencore as as being one of the bargaining tools used by the Swiss mining company to strong-arm Eskom during negotiations regarding the Optimum contract.

He said Glencore had threatened to stop supply to Hendrina power station and used a threat of load shedding as a negotiating tactic to force Eskom to give into their demand.

The company did halt the coal supply for only a month, and Molefe said Eskom had to "scavenge" for coal in a bid to prevent interruptions at Hendrina.

The Gupta-owned Tegeta Exploration and Resources in December 2015 entered into an agreement to buy the Optimum mine for R2.15-billion after Glencore had placed the mine under administration, citing the financial hardship it ran into as a result of its partnership with Eskom.

Molefe and other Eskom executives have vehemently rejected Glencore's claim that its financial woes were forced by the power utility's punitive fines it had imposed on the company, as well as the collapse of negotiations over the terms of its contract.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19400262 (211841ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Disgraced Glencore comes out swinging in defence of Ramaphosa

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>>77710

>>>/qresearch/19400245

>>77711

>>77483

“Disgraced Glencore comes out swinging in defence of Ramaphosa”

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-01-disgraced-glencore-comes-out-swinging-in-defence-of-ramaphosa/

1 Jun 2022

Excerpts

Glencore’s shadowy dealings have been slowly coming to light – a while back it set aside $1.5-billion in provisions for penalties it expected to pay as investigations into the extent of its rot wrapped up.

On 24 May, the US Department of Justice announced that Glencore had pleaded guilty to foreign bribery and market manipulation schemes and agreed to pay fines of over $1.1-billion. Fines from other jurisdictions are in the pipeline.

Glencore’s crimes were committed in several countries including the US, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. South Africa has not been mentioned, which could be taken as a rare example of a good news story on the domestic corruption front.

Here was a global criminal syndicate that was – per the US Department of Justice – engaged in bribery on a “staggering” scale.

Yet somehow, South Africa – run by what detractors claim is its own criminal syndicate called the ANC – was not tainted by Glencore’s graft. It’s almost too good to be true! Imagine the Sopranos doing work in Sicily with no hint of malfeasance.

Still, Glencore has felt the need to set the record straight, issuing a statement on Wednesday which had the following nutshell paragraph – no doubt to be a staple of any future media statements:

“We acknowledge the misconduct identified in these investigations and have clearly stated that this type of behaviour has no place in the Glencore of today. We are committed going forward to operating transparently under a well-defined set of values, with openness and integrity at the forefront,” it said.

And moving swiftly along – nothing to dwell on here, folks! – the statement went on:

“Regarding the allegations relating to Optimum Coal, Glencore cooperated fully with the Public Protector investigation and Zondo Commission into State Capture. Glencore denies any allegation of wrongdoing and the conclusion of both processes confirms this.”

“Mr Ramaphosa had no direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of Optimum Coal Holdings (OCH) or Optimum Coal Mine (OCM). Mr Ramaphosa divested his entire interest in OCH on 22 May 2014 prior to him taking office as the Deputy President and prior to his involvement with the Eskom War Room.

“Mr Ramaphosa therefore had no interest in OCH following the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement and during the period when OCM/OCH were negotiating with Eskom regarding potential amendments to the Coal Supply Agreement (CSA) with Eskom and an extension to the CSA.

“The suggestion that Glencore involved Mr Ramaphosa in the acquisition of OCH with a view to, or with the expectation of, leveraging Mr Ramaphosa’s influence to achieve amendments to the CSA, is false and baseless.”

Again, multiple investigations in a number of jurisdictions have not linked Glencore in South Africa to any of the hanky-panky elsewhere that enabled corruption in failing states with impoverished populations and is going to cost its shareholders $1.5-billion.

Still, like it or not, South Africans are a jaded and suspicious lot, and tend to connect the dots – an exercise that can, admittedly, be unfair and baseless, but there you go. It’s almost become a national sport – a way to pass the time when the lights go out or your car gets stuck in a crater-sized pothole.

The optics are also, it must be said, not great.

Given the scale of the past wrongdoing that Glencore has admitted to, perhaps it would have done Ramaphosa more of a favour if it had just shut it.

Friends like these going to bat for you are just handing your enemies a bat to donner you with.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19400460 (211909ZAUG23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Macsteel’s founder Eric Samson passes away

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>>>/qresearch/19400330

>She also requests that Ramaphosa call Macsteel founder, Eric Samson to "thank him for the money and ask for another R10m".

>>>/qresearch/19400407

“Yahrzeit service in honour of Eric Samson - Ezriel ben David z”l” [Even Cyril Ramaphosa and Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation was a 2021 ‘Initiative’, interesting to look at the pictures with state leaders, etc.] - https://youtu.be/Tgsv9Q48KTE, Premiered Jan 9, 2022

“Macsteel’s founder Eric Samson passes away”

https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2021-01-21-obituary-eric-samson-the-mogul-who-made-the-nelson-mandela-childrens-hospital-a-reality/

21 January 2021

OBITUARY: Eric Samson — the mogul who made the Nelson Mandela Children’s hospital a reality

Samson, who died at his home in Newport, California on Tuesday, has continued to donate R1m to the hospital every July on Mandela’s birthday

https://castingssa.com/macsteels-founder-eric-samson-passes-away/

Steel magnate Eric Samson, best known for building Macsteel into one of South Africa’s largest companies, has died aged 83.

In this tribute, Macsteel Global chairperson Mick Davis reflects on the life and contribution of Eric Samson, who he describes as softly spoken, compassionate and generous.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the founder and majority shareholder of the Macsteel Group, Eric Samson. The board and entire management of Macsteel Group are deeply saddened by his passing.”

“After joining his father’s fencing and wiring business, Pan Africa Staalhandel in 1958, he became MD of the company in 1965 and he later founded Machanick Steel & Fencing, which is now named Macsteel.”

“Eric, over five decades, built Macsteel into one of the largest steel merchants in South Africa and created a dynamic international trading and shipping business operating in over 35 countries across three continents. Highly regarded across the world as an astute yet humble businessman who eschewed the limelight, Eric always focused on creating value for all of Macsteel’s stakeholders.”

“Eric and his wife, Sheila, set up the Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation and throughout their marriage gave back to the communities in which they lived. Eric’s vision was to empower people to make the world a better place.”

“The title of Honorary Life World Campaign Chairman of Keren Hayesod was bestowed upon him in recognition of his service to the Jewish People. He also served on the board of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, as well as numerous Jewish communal boards.”

“On behalf of all my colleagues, I express our heartfelt sympathy to Sheila and the family. They have lost a loving husband and father; an extraordinary man who was a friend and teacher to us all.”

“The octogenarian billionaire – who shied away from the spotlight throughout his life – died in Newport, California. He had a career spanning more than five decades in the steel industry and made his fortune, which was valued at some US$1.1 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index in 2015 and over US$1 billion by Wealth-X in 2018, primarily through steel and real estate assets.”

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies described him in a statement as a “visionary leader and man of unsurpassed generosity”, saying his legacy would benefit the country long into the future.

The statement added that he was “a South African giant”, saying “the magnitude of his achievements was surpassed only by the greatness of his heart.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19400836 (212024ZAUG23) Notable: Updated Covid & Other Pestilence Bun / Aspen's vaccines deal with Serum Institute of India: Stavros Nicolaou (video)

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>>>/qresearch/19400369

>The final leaked email, dated November 7, 2017, is from Stavros Nicolaou, who has been described as a long-time supporter of the ANC.

Stavros Nicolaou

“Aspen's vaccines deal with Serum Institute of India: Stavros Nicolaou”

https://youtu.be/0BztCFuE6gE

Sep 2, 2022

After its deal with Johnson and Johnson was disappointing, local pharmaceutical company Aspen is now turning to the Serum Institute of India. It has signed a deal with the Institute to manufacture and sell four Aspen branded vaccines for Africa. Stavros Nicolaou is Group Strategic Trade Senior Executive for Aspen Pharmacare.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19410871 (231304ZAUG23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Factually incorrect police statistics about farm murders raise serious questions

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“Factually incorrect police statistics about farm murders raise serious questions”

https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/factually-incorrect-police-statistics-about-farm-murders-raise-serious-questions/

August 21, 2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum has blasted the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) statistics on farm murders for the second quarter of 2023.

The SAPS today released their statistics which indicated that only 14 people were murdered on farms during this time. AfriForum, however, released its statistics earlier this week which indicated that 24 people were murdered on farms during the same period. [https://afriforum.co.za/en/afriforum-accelerates-the-expansion-of-safety-networks-after-a-sharp-increase-in-farm-murders/]

“Whether this is incompetence or maliciousness by the South African Police Service, I cannot tell but it is extremely worrying that the SAPS cannot keep track of crime statistics. Every one of the murders that AfriForum has kept record of has been verified,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s spokesperson for Community Safety.

According to AfriForum, there seems to be a deliberate effort by the South African government to downplay the seriousness of farm attacks.

“Firstly, we have a president who denied in front of international media that farm murders are taking place and now it seems we have a police service who are trying to downplay the issue by reporting factually incorrect data,” concluded Broodryk.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19410876 (231305ZAUG23) Notable: Updated Russia and Ukraine Bun / Russia’s ‘African Village’: a beacon of hope for South African Boers amid growing tensions

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“Russia’s ‘African Village’: a beacon of hope for South African Boers amid growing tensions”

https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/modern-day-censorship/russias-african-village-a-beacon-of-hope-for-south-african-boers-amid-growing-tensions/

August 12, 2023

A rural community situated between Moscow and St. Petersburg is on track to become the home of a pioneering “African village,” an initiative spearheaded by the African International Congress in Russia.

The venture forms part of a five-year pilot program aiming to resettle thousands of South African migrants in Russia.

With African diplomats and local officials from the Tver Region in attendance, the project’s symbolic cornerstone near the hamlet of Porechye was unveiled last week.

Konstantin Klimenko, the Eurasian International University (EIU) head and the AIC’s general representative in Russia conveyed the project’s intent.

To establish up to 30 settlements across Russia for Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers from the mid-1650s.

“These are Boers, farmers of European descent. Many are currently converting to Orthodoxy and migrating to Russia, drawn by our moral and traditional family values,” Klimenko stated.

The ongoing pilot project in Moscow and Tver regions aims to settle around 3,000 Boer families, with hopes to extend to other parts of Russia if successful.

However, the backdrop to this initiative is somber.

For years, white farmers in South Africa have endured discrimination, dispossession, and a troubling series of violent assaults and murders.

Simone Kerseboom, an MP from FVD, shared her personal ordeal when her parents in South Africa were assaulted at their home.

The thieves took valuables, including a cherished family heirloom.

Kerseboom lamented, “South Africa is breathtakingly beautiful, but living there entails a daily fear for the safety of loved ones.”

To support this migration, the EIU is launching an online Russian language program for about 200 South African settlers starting September.

Furthermore, a partnership with a local farmer, Alexei Trofimov, will establish the ‘Milkburg’ cheesery near the upcoming village, providing the initial settlers, who are dairy farmers, with a local supply and sales outlet.

Notably, this resettlement initiative appears distinct from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent announcement at the Russia-Africa Summit, which focused on expanding African economic and educational opportunities.

Russia’s compassion isn’t just limited to African farmers.

In a separate announcement in May, plans for an “American village” were revealed, aimed at sheltering US conservative families fleeing political and religious persecution.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19411855 (231600ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / “Call to support farmers” hosted by South Africa which does not

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The Irony…

“Call to support farmers” hosted by South Africa which does not

https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/call-to-support-farmers/

August 23, 2023

BRICS countries have been challenged to take the lead and develop a system that can create a resilient farming community.

The call was made during panel discussions focusing on agriculture, held on Tuesday at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The discussions were held at the BRICS (Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia) Business Forum, which looked at sustainable development in agriculture across BRICS nations and the promotion of trade and investment in the sector across the bloc of nations.

Emphasising the need for the creation of a reward system, the Indian chapter of the BRICS Business Council chair, Jai Shroff, said food security is a big issue, while climate change has a huge impact on farmers.

“Soil is the biggest thing for government and we need to create a reward system for farmers to sustain agriculture.

“If BRICS can take a lead, we can see a massive change that will really help improve soil and also create a revenue system,” he noted.

He said leaders should also reward farmers for sustaining the environment.

Bruno Ferla, who chairs the Brazil chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said his home country, which is currently one of the powerhouses of agriculture, managed to achieve this with technology to produce food.

Meanwhile, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber, Wandile Sihlobo, noted a current change in temperature of certain chemicals and seeds, which are so critical for agricultural productivity.

“BRICS countries have to take [a] particular view on how they think about that,” he said, adding that improving intra-trade is very important, especially for South Africa.

Agreement to export avocados to China

Meanwhile, Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, today signed an agreement with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi for the export of agricultural products to China.

Didiza expressed excitement on the signing of the agreement with China.

“Gaining access to China is a vital step in driving an export led growth for the South African avocado, which is a commitment the government has made under the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan.

“In recent years, the avocado industry has expanded by 4 750 hectares increasing the total hectares to over 18 000,” Didiza said.

Didiza added that China is likely to become one of the world’s major consumers of avocados and thus offers an immense opportunity to expand avocado production in South Africa.

The agreement comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a State Visit to South Africa. Xi is also attending the 15th BRICS Summit which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre. – SAnews.gov.za

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19411904 (231608ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / Dr. Iqbal Survé's speech at 2023 BRICS Media Forum” - “I now want to address the New World Order.” (Parts 1&2) (videeo)

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>>77679

>Iqbal Survé - Biography; “founding member of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)” and “founding member of the BRICS Business Council”

The chairperson’s speech does not seem to be on MSM.

“Dr. Iqbal Survé's speech at 2023 BRICS Media Forum” – “I now want to address the New World Order.” – Part 1

https://youtu.be/rhVCXYWNgvQ

Aug 20, 2023

South African chairperson of the BRICS Media Forum, Dr Iqbal Survé addressing the BRICS Media Forum 2023.

4:39 – “Our unity underscores our belief in shared values and stories forging a stronger, more informed world. Let’s reignite trust in journalism serving as beacons of integrity by sharing resources insights and innovative practices, we can reshape the media landscape and inspire the next generation of storytellers. I now want to address the New World Order. Today we convene at the BRICS Media Forum to discuss vital topics that extend beyond our newsrooms as media houses all carries great responsibility as we shape narratives that can influence the New World Order. Never before in the most recent times has the world face a crisis like it faces today. A crisis that potentially can result in wars and millions and millions of people either die or starving from the consequences of these wars. We have to act now. The new world order is not just about geopolitics. It encompasses ideas values and aspirations guiding humanity. In this evolving area where the media’s role transcends borders, our Forum becomes crucial in shaping the narrative… I am really glad the more countries have applied to join BRICS. Our diverse cultures and viewpoints enrich global conversations. With the diversity, we advocate for inclusive, cooperative and a just New World Order. We’re harnessing our strengths in the BRICS Media Forum, we contribute to a world of cooperation and shared progress striving to overcome conflicts. So how then can we leverage our platforms to shape this New World Order? The BRICS Media Forum’s existence from 2015. This is now the 6th BRICS Media Forum Summit and as I said we hosted in Cape Town 5 years ago… It’s now really important that we move from idea, from concepts, from theory to practice and we implement those practices because the world needs us now more than ever.”

8:03 – “Secondly, some in the BRICS countries such as China for example, have an advantage in terms of digital technology and digital presence. For sometime now, I’ve asked at the BRICS Media Forum that our colleagues in China in partlcular, share this with us. It’s really important to help the other BRICS countries and the BRICS+ countries especially those in Africa to be able to use the digitalization and its technology more effectively because we are competing very much against the western system of advance digital technology.”

11:37 – “It’s important for us to realise as part of the BRICS Media Forum that the next war in the world is very much a war for narrative. Those who win the war for narrative, eventually win. The economic and political wars and it is those wars of narrative that shapes the thinking of societies and governments and it’s very important we unite.”

12:46 – “Recently I’ve given a speech at a meeting in Cape Town and I explained the origin of the word ‘comrade’… We love to use the word ‘comrade’ in South Africa. The word ‘comrade’ originally originated from 16th century with merchants trusting each other and subsequent to that, ‘comrade’ became a term which was used for revolutions and it meant. ‘I’m with my comrade in the trenches of war.’ If it was the Bolshevik revolution, if it was Chairman Mao’s revolution, it was the revolution from others all over the world. The word ‘comrade’ meant something and I’m not shy to use the word comrade.”

14:06 – “We are all experiencing the trenches of information war and other wars today. It’s very critical my dear friends, your excellencies that we become ‘comrades’ in the true spirit of the word. That we help each other, that we become real partners and we give effect to what we can do, the media and as media partners in the world today.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19411915 (231609ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / Dr. Iqbal Survé's speech at 2023 BRICS Media Forum” - “I now want to address the New World Order.” (Parts 1&2) (videeo)

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>>77719

>>77679

>Cape Town-born Chairman of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings and Executive Chairman of Independent Media South Africa, Dr. Survé is committed towards meaningful transformation of the social and economic landscape of South Africa, in order to redress the economic legacy of apartheid. As the founder of The Sekunjalo Group, Survé has led the organization from initial seed capital of 20 000 USD (1997) to its current portfolio which includes more than 200 investments across the African continent with a presence in 40 African countries and an intrinsic market value of billions of dollars.

“Dr. Iqbal Survé's speech at 2023 BRICS Media Forum” – “I now want to address the New World Order.” – Part 2

https://youtu.be/rhVCXYWNgvQ

Aug 20, 2023

14:32 – “In conclusion, I was a medical doctor. I was a very close confident of President Mandela. I’ve been a close confident of every president of this country and I’ve seen much. When I left medicine, it was President Mandela that got me to leave medicine to become a businessman. When I founded Sekunjalo - the company which I head which is one of the few South African companies in African companies that are member of the World Economic Forum - when I founded that group that employs thousands of people, in tens of thousands of dependents, an industrialised conglomerate, the word ‘Sekunjalo’ came from Mandela, standing in front of others, like I stand in front of you today, and saying, ‘Sekunjalo ke nako”. In the vernacular of Africa… Sekunjalo means ‘now is the time’ or ‘it is so’… now is the time for us to unite as a BRICS Media Forum. Practically, to give effect to a New World Order and to be part and to shape that New World Order.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19411945 (231615ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / BRICS Summit: One-on-one with Dr. Patrice Motsepe (video)

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>>>/qresearch/19053812

> its founding chairman of BRICS Business Council, Patrice Motsepe, is Cyril Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law, a mining magnet, heavily involved in the WEF

>>77568

>ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses 26th ANC Youth League National Conference

>>77719

>>77720

“BRICS Summit | One-on-one with Dr. Patrice Motsepe”

https://youtu.be/f0cbiKYSEGc

Aug 23, 2023

In conversation with businessman and the Inaugural Chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, SA Chapter Patrice Motsepe.

0:22 – “Let me tell you, South African companies are the largest trading partners on the African continent, from the continent. We sometimes don’t give the CEOs and the companies on the continent the sort of credibility and respect they deserve. They’re world class. Many of them are as good as the best in the world… I go to Nigeria,… Kenya,… Egypt,… Algeria,… Morroco,… Tanzania, I see South African companies there… I think the key issue is that the governments have to increase their partnerships with the private sector.”

3:57 – “The BRICS Business Council is a unique platform, a unique foundation for consistent engagements with governments, with the heads of state.”

6:48 – “I seldom go to meetings or to conferences. I came today because I’ve got an emotional connection with BRICS countries. Of course I’ve got ties with the rest of the world but we’ve got a history as South Africa with many of the BRICS countries which emanates from the years of our fights for democracy. So that history is very important. Of course we’ve got the similar history with other parts of the world but we build on those historical support that they’ve given to initiatives and the struggle towards democracy and that history we use as a basis to build a very strong mutually beneficial business and investment ties.”

9:05 – “We went as a family into football as part of our philanthropic obligation. I mean, we are made what we are by the people of this country and the people of the continent and football is one of the areas where we are trying to connect with the youth… You’ve got to be where the youth is to try and engage with them and influence them in directions that you thing is appropriate. So the key for us is African has got about 400 million young people between the age of 15 and 25… If we don’t give a future to those young people, all of us don’t have a future. So we use all sorts of vehicles and instruments and tools we have to connect with the youth and football like music and various forces or means is an important tool to engage with the youth.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19412149 (231650ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / (from Canada #46) BRICS Summit, Day One: Xi Hypes the ‘Global South’, Putin Sees ‘Alternative to G7’, Modi Touts Indian Economy, Lula Calls for Common Currency, Ramaphosa Stresses Ties Between Members

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Canada #46 >>>/qresearch/19411618

BRICS Summit, Day One: Xi Hypes the ‘Global South’, Putin Sees ‘Alternative to G7’, Modi Touts Indian Economy, Lula Calls for Common Currency, Ramaphosa Stresses Ties Between Members

by Paul Serran Aug. 22, 2023

The much-anticipated BRICS Summit has finally kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa.

We can safely say that the event is already a success, at least in terms of visibility. There is a massive media coverage, from all continents, with all kinds of different agendas and preconceptions, both for and against the club.

Below I tried to get a glimpse of the speeches of the five heads of state, whether in-person, via video link (in the case of Putin), or even off-campus (in the case of Xi Jinping, who surprisingly ditched the official ‘Business Forum’, but spoke in a separate event along with South African Ramaphosa).

For Chinese Chairman Hi Jinping, the ‘Global South’ should wield more influence.

Bloomberg reports:

“’We should practice multilateralism and work towards giving a boost to countries in the Global South’, Xi told a joint briefing in Pretoria with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following a state visit. ‘We believe our countries should be strategic partners, we should deepen political mutual trust’.

BRICS leaders are also expected to discuss how they can increase direct trade in their own currencies and possibly hold tentative talks on introducing a common unit – an idea that hasn’t gained traction so far.”

During the event, Xi was awarded the Order of South Africa, the country’s highest honor, by President Ramaphosa.

“Xi told Ramaphosa during their joint briefing in Pretoria that China is ready to import more ‘quality products’ from South Africa and that it would deepen bilateral cooperation in electricity, new energy and innovation, while encouraging Chinese companies to invest in Africa’s most industrialized nation.

‘We believe our countries should be strategic partners, we should deepen political mutual trust’, Xi told his host. ‘We support substantive progress in G20 and support South Africa employing a greater role. Under current circumstances it is important to step up’, he said.”

Maybe Xi’s absence from the Business Forum was meant not to upstage Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who participated via video link, due to the International Criminal Court controversy.

In his opening remarks, Putin said the bloc ‘was on the course to meet the aspirations of most of the world community’.

WION reported:

“In a virtual address delivered on Tuesday (August 22), Putin said, ‘We cooperate on the principles of equality, partnership support, respect for each other’s interests, and this is the essence of the future-oriented strategic course of our association, a course that meets the aspirations of the main part of the world community, the so-called global majority’.

In his address, Putin said the US Dollar was losing its global role in an ‘objective and irreversible’ process. De-dollarization is ‘gaining momentum’ he said, adding that members of the group of major emerging economies are seeking to reduce their reliance on the greenback in mutual transactions.”

Following his agenda of transforming the economic group into an alternative power axis to the west, Putin compared BRICS with the G7.

“The Russian leader said the five nations – Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa – are becoming the new world economic leaders, and that their cumulative share of global GDP has reached 26 per cent.

He added that if measured by purchasing power parity, BRICS has already surpassed the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations – accounting for 31 per cent of the global economy, compared to 30% for the G7.”

The most representative presence in the Business Forum ended up being Indian PM Narendra Modi. And he focused his address in touting the favorable economic perspectives for India.

More:

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/08/brics-summit-day-one-xi-hypes-global-south/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19418465 (241412ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / “Six countries, including Egypt and Ethiopia join BRICS” also Iran, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (video)

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“Six countries, including Egypt and Ethiopia join BRICS” also Iran, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates

https://youtu.be/vxGqVQYZJXY

Aug 24, 2023

The selections are certainly strategic, especially Egypt as the Suez Canal is located in that country.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19421262 (242109ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / BRICS Summit 2023 LIVE: South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa Meets China's President Xi Jinping (video)

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BRICS Summit 2023 LIVE: South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa Meets China's President Xi Jinping

https://youtu.be/4sybQEtv844

Streamed live on Aug 22, 2023

10:19 – “Ladies and gentlemen please join me as I invite his excellency president [Cyril Ramaphosa (CR)] who has decided to bestow the Order of South Africa on his excellency President XI Jinping for your principled commitment to fraternal bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Republic of South Africa. Furthermore this is an appreciation of the historic support of the People’s Republic of China for the liberation of South Africa. The strategic partnership between our 2 countries is evidence by an expansive economic cooperation as well as our shared commitment to a just, equitable and inclusive Global Order.”

32:18 – [CR]“This visit coincides with 25 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China. We are grateful for the support and friendship that China has provided as we worked to rebuild and transform our country after the devastation of our Apartheid [but it had an impeccable infrastructure compared to now with no load shedding, water shedding, etc.]. We recall with gratitude the solidarity demonstrated by China during our struggle but we also recall with great appreciation the support that we also received from China during a perilous time in the world when we confronted COVID19. China supplied much needed equipment, materials and vaccines to our country as well as to other African nations. During this state visit South Africa and China have reaffirmed political support for each other’s core interests.”

38:04 – [CR]“We are gratified that the friendship between the People’s Republic of China and South Africa has endured over many years. The friendship that exists between our 2 countries is living proof of what is set out in our freedom charter which is the forerunner of the South African Constitution which declared that the shall be peace and friendship. We look forward to an era of even greater ties between our 2 countries. “

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19421273 (242110ZAUG23) Notable: Updated Eskom Bun / SA charts energy growth path with China

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>>77724

>We are grateful for the support and friendship that China has provided as we worked to rebuild and transform our country after the devastation of our Apartheid [but it had an impeccable infrastructure compared to now with no load shedding, water shedding, etc.]

“SA charts energy growth path with China”

https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-charts-energy-growth-path-china

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

South Africa aims to enhance its energy collaboration with China, focusing on aligning the two countries' shared dedication to environmentally friendly, low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday hosted his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, on a State Visit in Tshwane, as eminent world leaders converge in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS Summit in Sandton, Gauteng. Collaboration across a range of fields took centre stage as the two leaders met.

President Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt gratitude to President Xi for China’s acts of generosity and solidarity towards South Africa.

“South Africa deeply appreciates China’s support in addressing our current energy challenges. This includes the donation of emergency power equipment worth R167 million and availing a grant of approximately R500 million as development assistance.

“Energy cooperation with China is a recent development that we look to deepen, particularly in line with our respective commitments to low-carbon, climate-resilient development,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the relationship between the people of South Africa and China stretches back many decades, with the Chinese people supporting South Africa during its struggle for freedom and democracy.

China has been a valued friend and developmental partner of South Africa throughout the course of rebuilding South Africa from the "ruins of apartheid".

“I wish to make special mention of China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of personal protective equipment, vaccines and other essential items to South Africa and other African countries. This support extended to the cancellation of the debt of a number of Africa countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President told his counterpart that Chinese companies, encouraged by his government, responded with enthusiasm to SA’s investment drive, which has raised more than R1.5 trillion in investment commitments over the last five years.

Over the years, the relationship between South Africa and China has been steadily strengthened and has transformed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underpinned by 10-Year Strategic Programmes of Cooperation.

“It is this common outlook that has enabled us to deepen our cooperation on several fronts. South Africa maintains high-level cooperation with China in several areas. These include, but are not limited to, international politics, trade, investment, infrastructure development, science, innovation and education,” President Ramaphosa said.

With China being South Africa's largest global trading partner and South Africa being China's biggest trading partner in Africa, the bilateral trade has grown exponentially, from less than R1 billion in 1998 to over R614 billion in 2022.

He emphasised that South Africa is looking forward to hosting the 15th BRICS Summit, having taken over from China as Chair in 2022.

“We thank China for its support in convening this summit. We share your view, President Xi, that BRICS has a vitally important role to play in the reform of global governance and in the promotion of multilateralism and cooperation throughout the world.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19421285 (242112ZAUG23) Notable: Updated Eskom Bun / The donation is exactly that’: Ramokgopa clears the air on China’s R170m donation to South Africa

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>>77725

>South Africa deeply appreciates China’s support in addressing our current energy challenges. This includes the donation of emergency power equipment worth R167 million

“‘The donation is exactly that’: Ramokgopa clears the air on China’s R170m donation to South Africa”

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-08-23-the-donation-is-exactly-that-ramokgopa-clears-the-air-on-chinas-r170m-donation-to-south-africa/

23 August 2023 - 14:01

Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says there are no conditions attached to China's donations to South Africa.

The Chinese government donated R170m in emergency power equipment and made available a grant of about R500m as development assistance to alleviate South Africa's energy crisis.

On Wednesday Ramokgopa signed a joint memorandum of co-operation with Chinese entities on behalf of government.

“The donation is exactly that,” he said at the Brics Summit in Sandton.

“Donations are not attached to any conditions. We are getting gasoline and diesel generators, power supply vehicles and off-grid PV energy storage supply systems ranging from 6KW to 200KW.”

Ramokgopa said the donation will assist with providing sustainable electricity to some major public installations such as clinics, hospitals and police stations.

“We are going to get 552 of those units and 450 are already on the way. It means more than 500 public facilities are going to have access to uninterrupted alternative power supply. Thank you to the Chinese for the generous contribution. The equipment ranges from 6kw up to 200kw, which can support a clinic and a medium-sized hospital, so this is relief for South African people,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa appreciated China’s support in addressing the energy challenges.

He said Chinese companies, encouraged by their government, responded with enthusiasm to his investment drive, which has raised more than R1.5-trillion in commitments in the past five years.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19421309 (242114ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / Two fighter jets spotted in Sandton for three days since the beginning of 15th BRICS Summit

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“Two fighter jets spotted in Sandton for three days since the beginning of 15th BRICS Summit”

https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/two-fighter-jets-spotted-in-sandton-for-three-days-since-the-beginning-of-15th-brics-summit-80385239-a393-4663-96cc-10426a99abee

August 24, 2023

Johannesburg - Residents of Sandton and those visiting the area in the past three days as the country hosts the 15th BRICS Summit have been seeing and hearing the sounds of fighter jets.

Two fighter jets are regularly seen and heard making a loud noise flying over the Sandton Convention Centre.

At this stage, no official authority is prepared to give The Star official comment or details on the purpose of the fighter jets flying over the area at short intervals.

Already, there is a high presence of law enforcement agencies in and around the venue, where over 50 heads of state from across the globe are gathering for the summit, which ends today.

Morena Mokoena, an employee in one of the retail shops in Sandton City, said at first, after hearing the noise from the jets, he thought there was an attack because he is not used to the sound.

“I am aware that there is currently a BRICS summit taking place just outside my workplace, but the first time I heard the loud, unusual sound, I could not help but think there was some kind of an attack. During my lunch break while outside, I heard the sound. I looked up and spotted not one but two fighter jets,” said Mokoena.

Some citizens took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their thoughts towards the fighter jets.

X user Bo Mbinwane wrote: “SANDF drama. Every ten minutes fly pass!!! What fighter jets from which country are about to send missiles to Sandton? Drama. What intelligence product is making SAAF panic like this? Who is about to have an air assault in Sandton. So much money is being wasted flying Swedish jets!”

Another user, Mags Heystek, wrote: “Not everyday you see a fighter jet flying over Sandton. Oh wait, this is the third day in a row.”

Other citizens went as far as criticising the government for wasting money on these meticulous machines; however, it is not clear whether they are from South Africa or not.

“Why are these fighter jets just flying around the Sandton skies? How much does it cost to keep them in the air? All this window dressing surely comes with a huge price tag,” said Bev Thrilla.

If it happens that the jets might belong to the SANDF, it would be strange because, recently, it was reported that SANDF pilots are grounded due to non-airworthy aircraft and have instead been doing administration work while the crisis persists.

SANDF spokesperson General Andries Mahapa was reached for comment; however at the time of publishing there was no response.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19458118 (300432ZAUG23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / (from General Research) Macron asks for invitation to BRICS summit - media

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>>77506 (me)

Guess he never got the invite he wanted

General Research #23897 >>65199

French President Criticizes BRICS Expansion: “World fragmentation and confrontation against the U.S.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concern over the expansion of the BRICS group, stating that the addition of new members to the bloc could lead to “world fragmentation.”

The French President went on to warn that the expansion of the BRICS would add a new chapter to the ongoing confrontation between China and the US. Macron made the remarks during a meeting with ambassadors on Monday, 28.

During the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg on August 22-24, several new countries joined the bloc, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran. With the addition of these new members, the group now represents nearly 40% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The expansion of the BRICS grouping poses a potential threat to the United States, primarily because of the support that Iran and other authoritarian countries are likely to receive as they integrate with Western nations in the group.

Macron expressed:

“The expansion of BRICS shows an intention to build an alternative global order to the existing one, which is seen as too Western. All this takes place in the context of the ongoing confrontation between the United States and China, which also violates international law and the accepted order in the field of international trade.”

Asserting that the new configuration of BRICS could pose a risk of weakening Europe, Macron declared his intention to have discussions with all partners to avert this scenario.

Macron’s statement reflects a sense of concern shared by some global powers following the expansion of the BRICS group.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/08/french-president-criticizes-brics-expansion-world-fragmentation-confrontation/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19466649 (311725ZAUG23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Joburg CBD fire - A disaster ‘waiting to happen’ as death toll climbs to 74 (video)

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“Terrifying moment blaze rips through Johannesburg apartment block killing over 70 people” - https://youtu.be/aJN2N0Ly6HM

“LIVE BLOG: Joburg CBD fire - A disaster ‘waiting to happen’ as death toll climbs to 74” – Cyril Ramaphosa cancelled his address to the nation about BRICS and Lady R to visit site

https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/live-blog-joburg-cbd-fire-a-disaster-waiting-to-happen-as-death-toll-climbs-to-74-723e132a-e4e2-4ed7-80df-f94d1b884cc0

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

In the early hours of Thursday morning, a fire ripped through a five storey building in the Johannesburg CBD killing, at last count, 73 people.

Follow IOL’s live coverage of the tragedy.

A Malawian national who was living in the five-story building in Johannesburg CBD when a fire broke out, told IOL how she had to jump from the second floor with her luggage while the fire engulfed the building.

“By midnight, I just heard people screaming and crying saying, ‘fire’ inside, ‘fire!’”

The sound of people shouting echoed through the burning building in Johannesburg CBD, said a survivor who was trapped inside.

Ramaphosa to visit site of hijacked building where over 70 died

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was scheduled to address the nation on Thursday night, has since cancelled address and is now on his way to the Johannesburg CBD where a fire gutted a "hijacked" building, resulting in over 70 deaths.

Ramaphosa was due to address the nation on the outcomes of the 15th BRICS Summit and on the outcome of the panel investigation into the docking of the Lady R vessel in South Africa.

Following the disaster in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa is now scheduled to conduct a site visit to Marshalltown in Johannesburg to receive a briefing on the emergency and recovery operations and on the support the government is providing to the affected families.

Joburg City Manager Floyd Brink says over 140 foreigners arrested previously for collecting money from residents

Joburg City Manager said over 140 foreign nationals were in 2019 arrested for collecting rent from residents at the building. He confirmed the City had rented the building to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, who used it as a shelter for abused women and children, before it was hijacked. Brink said there was no update from the SA Police Services regarding the case of the 140 foreigners who were arrested for illegally collecting rent during a raid. [Will this trigger xenophobic attacks?]

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19466673 (311727ZAUG23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Johannesburg CBD: Speaker Colleen Makhubele says NGOs block efforts to remove people from hijacked buildings (video)

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>>77587

>>77588

>>77589

“City Of Johannesburg pledges support for victims of CBD fire tragedy” - https://youtu.be/XUS-M_T_cYY

“Johannesburg CBD: Speaker Colleen Makhubele says NGOs block efforts to remove people from hijacked buildings”

https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/johannesburg-cbd-speaker-colleen-makhubele-says-ngos-block-efforts-to-remove-people-from-hijacked-buildings-86430609-77b1-46ff-bbf6-af74c87bb21a

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

City of Joburg’s Council Speaker Colleen Makhubele has visited the site where more than 70 people died during an inferno at a hijacked building in downtown Johannesburg on Thursday morning.

Makhubele said the scourge of hijacked buildings across central Joburg, illegally occupied continues to be a headache for the City as several non-governmental organisations stand with the illegal dwellers.

“I am sure you saw at some point MMC Kenny Kunene (as acting Joburg mayor that time) was dealing with the issue. He got a lot of backlash and he was taken to court for dealing with the unsafe, hijacked city that is non-compliant,” Makhubele told journalists outside the building.

“That is what I am saying, there are some NGOs that are hellbent on preventing the city from dealing with this. It needs decisive action and there will be casualties, but let there be no death,” she said.

“If we succumb to pressure because we are taken to court, there are court orders, we cannot move etc, then something like this happens.”

She said the city will assist the affected families, including with burial costs.

While the death toll from the inferno which gutted the hijacked building in the Joburg CBD on Thursday continues to escalate, City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) staff were faced with the sordid reality of carrying charred bodies out of the building.

“It is a sad day indeed in the City of Johannesburg,” Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said, speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika at the scene.

Before 11am on Thursday, the revised death toll showed that at least 73 bodies have been removed from the gutted building. One of the deceased people is a toddler.

Mulaudzi said in his decades of serving in the emergency service, he had not seen such a harrowing scene.

He said the five-storey building was heavily partitioned inside, which might have made an escape difficult for residents fleeing the flames.

Mulaudzi said maneuvering was also very difficult for EMS officials.

“The building is a hijacked building. It is actually an informal settlement inside a building. So there is a lot of debris which we have to go through to make sure that there is not any other bodies which might still be trapped inside the building,” he said.

Mulaudzi said from outside, the buildings looks formal, but there are countless partitions “like shacks” inside the densely-populated building which was occupied illegally.

“From the first floor to the fifth floor, it is an informal area, hence you find the intensity of the fire. There is also the issues of the integrity of the building, it had been abandoned for so long, we have to exercise caution as we do this search and recovery operation,” he said.

Last month, at least one people died in a massive explosion which rocked the Joburg CBD, while 41 other people were injured.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19466685 (311728ZAUG23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Joburg CBD Fire: Inside the dilapidated hijacked buildings that sprawl the Johannesburg city centre

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>>77729

>>77730

“Joburg CBD Fire: Inside the dilapidated hijacked buildings that sprawl the Johannesburg city centre”

https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/south-africa/gauteng/joburg-cbd-fire-inside-the-dilapidated-hijacked-buildings-that-sprawl-the-johannesburg-city-centre-9f50d5ed-3395-4f73-bdea-8c192fe33607

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Johannesburg - The Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers Association (JPOMA) has called on the City of Joburg to act against those who have hijacked buildings in the inner city, plunged them into squalor and turning them into crime hotspots.

According to Angela Rivers, the association’s general manager, the issue has escalated over the past few years to the point where their members seek advice on a weekly basis about how to protect their tenants and their businesses. The association represents most of the landlords in Johannesburg’s inner city.

“The issue is such a thorn in the city’s side, and our research indicates that there are criminals who have been getting away with this for a decade or more. They undermine the law, rule with violence and allow the complete degradation of buildings in the inner city as the services get cut off due to non-payment. Even the police are afraid to confront these thugs,” says Rivers.

Platinum Place is one such building. Situated at 31 Van Beek Street in New Doornfontein, in the heart of a former industrial area, the building is believed to have housed clothing manufacturing businesses, before the garment trade faltered as cheap Chinese imports flooded the market. The unoccupied building was hijacked at some point, and deteriorated into utter squalor over a number of years.

When property company Afhco purchased the building on auction in 2010, it was part of a plan to upgrade the surrounding area. The company had bought two other, adjoining buildings across the street with the idea to create a well-managed precinct. The city had just upgraded the nearby taxi rank and it was a perfect opportunity.

But the reality of what they were faced with proved to be daunting, said Afhco COO at the time, Renney Plit. Water and power to Platinum Place had been cut so the inhabitants had damaged the water pipes to get free access to water, and water and sewage was seeping into the street. Power was stolen from neighbouring properties. The building was in effect a garbage tip, with the lift shaft used to dump refuse into and the interior finishes ripped out from floor to ceiling. Illegal tenants were living in this squalor, paying the hijackers around R600 per week.

According to Plit the entire city block had been hijacked and was in effect sold as one. “It took us two years to evict the illegal tenants and about three months to clean it at a cost, back then, of R600 000 – today that would have been around R2 million. We had to use a front loader to clear the rubbish as there was simply too much to have people clean it manually. We collected 165 skips of rubbish. During the time we were cleaning up we had to spend a further R100 000 to secure the building every month to prevent it being re-hijacked.”

Afhco transformed Platinum Place, and today it is unrecognisable from the horrors of a decade ago, offering clean, safe, affordable housing in a functioning, well-managed building. However, the neighbourhood’s problems have not gone away, because Msibi House, right across the road, has resisted all attempts to oust the hijackers, and remains an eyesore 16 years after it was first hijacked.

As the photographs show, hijacked buildings are not fit for human habitation.

“The private sector can and does its bit, but we need the City to take action once and for all and formulate a workable strategy against hijacking of buildings,” says Rivers. “People should be able to live and work safely in the inner city, in accommodation that is affordable but maintained properly. What is happening in our city borders on human rights violations.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19466738 (311736ZAUG23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Johannesburg is accelerating its plans to become a smart city

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>>77516

>Of parties and puppets | Carte Blanche | M-Net” - Another vote of no confidence for the new Johannesburg mayor

>>77730

>Johannesburg CBD: Speaker Colleen Makhubele says NGOs block efforts to remove people from hijacked buildings

>>77729

>Joburg CBD fire - A disaster ‘waiting to happen’ as death toll climbs to 74

>>77587, >>77588, >>77589

>Johannesburg Blast

Are all of these events orchestrated and being used to accelerate their plans?

“Johannesburg is accelerating its plans to become a smart city”

https://infrastructurenews.co.za/2020/10/09/johannesburg-is-accelerating-its-plans-to-become-a-smart-city/

Oct 9, 2020

Lloyd’s, the world’s leading specialist insurance and reinsurance market, announced a new report: Cities at risk – Building a resilient future for the world’s urban centres [https://www.lloyds.com/news-and-risk-insight/risk-reports/library/understanding-risk/cities-at-risk], published in association with Urban Foresight and Newcastle University.

The report presents seven case studies: London, New York City, Miami, Mexico City, Johannesburg, Riyadh and Shanghai. These cities have characteristics of other metropolises around the world and are used to demonstrate global issues and cross learning. The case studies also serve as scenarios to understand how specific risks are managed and mitigated at city level.

According to the findings, Johannesburg remains a mid-technological, weaker resilience city, despite being viewed as a key economic player in the southern hemisphere and as a gateway to the African continent for South African businesses.

Amit Khilosia, Regional Head for Africa, Lloyd’s, said: “Johannesburg has so much potential as a regional business and investment hub. We believe that – with the appropriate risk management plans – it can become the city we all know it can be. Together with our partners, we look forward to working with key stakeholders, including local authorities and governments, to assess all relevant risk factors and to better understand our customers’ needs”.

This report treats cities as highly interconnected systems of systems. In so doing it adopts a holistic view of urban risk. Cities at Risk aims to give cities the tools they require to preserve and enhance the lived urban experience whilst managing the many challenges they face.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19472479 (011611ZSEP23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Johannesburg fire: what are 'hijacked buildings' and why are they dangerous? (video)

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“In conversation with Herman Mashaba over deadly Joburg fire” - https://youtu.be/kExp45dBLr8

“Johannesburg fire: what are 'hijacked buildings' and why are they dangerous?”

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/what-are-johannesburgs-hijacked-buildings-why-do-people-live-there-2023-08-31/

August 31, 20233:12 PM UTC

Since the end of apartheid in 1994, a housing crisis in South Africa's largest city of Johannesburg, in Gauteng province, has grown worse, as big businesses moved out of the inner city into affluent suburbs.

Criminal syndicates in the 1990s and 2000s started "hijacking" buildings that were left empty and renting them out illegally. They quickly became dilapidated centres of drugs crime and other lawlessness.

In some instances, the syndicates occupied buildings with fraudulent title deeds, said Angela Rivers, general manager at Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers Association.

People living there were convinced of the criminals' ownership and either paid rent or were pushed out, Rivers said.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/08/31/exp-johannesburg-fires-becky-andeson-herman-mashaba-live-083111aseg1-cnni-world.cnn

“Former Johannesburg Mayor says he identified over 600 hijacked buildings in the city between 2016 and 2019”

After a fire in a hijacked building killed over 70 people in Johannesburg, the city's former mayor says he identified more than 600 buildings like the one that burned down but received little help to fix the problem

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19472602 (011630ZSEP23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Joburg fire: [city-owned building,] Shelter for abused women was hijacked, cops had made arrests

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“Joburg fire: [city-owned building,] Shelter for abused women was hijacked, cops had made arrests”

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-08-31-joburg-fire-shelter-for-abused-women-was-hijacked-cops-had-made-arrests/

31 August 2023 - 14:13

Maile said the city-owned building was “hijacked” after it was leased to a nonprofit organisation meant to assist displaced women.

“It is unfortunate that we have to keep responding to situations of this nature, where a building is leased for the purpose of rehabilitating society. Because it was an NGO that dealt specifically with displaced women.”

The NGO had been shut down due to safety reasons and law enforcement operations were initiated, he said.

“A while back, it was raided by the city with SAPS and home affairs, with arrests made. It was also found that there were people who were collecting rent and therefore SAPS was delegated to deal with the matter.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19472747 (011657ZSEP23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / JHB CBD Fire: Marshalltown building was apartheid-era centre for receiving foreign nationals (video)

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>>77734

>Since the end of apartheid in 1994, a housing crisis in South Africa's largest city of Johannesburg, in Gauteng province, has grown worse, as big businesses moved out of the inner city into affluent suburbs.

>Criminal syndicates in the 1990s and 2000s started "hijacking" buildings that were left empty and renting them out illegally. They quickly became dilapidated centres of drugs crime and other lawlessness.

>>77735

“JHB CBD Fire | Marshalltown building was apartheid-era centre for receiving foreign nationals”

https://youtu.be/zgqivG_EVno

Sep 1, 2023

2:59 – “What city officials are saying that this building initially had been original Lindela building during the time of Apartheid. So this is a building that was initially built by Home Affairs. It was sort of like a Home Affairs Department and any foreign nationals that were coming into South Africa were brought here. There were temporary housing accommodation and at the rooftop of the building itself there was a temporary court where foreign nationals or asylum seekers were processed by the court to try to ascertain whether or not they can get some sort of a foreign national status or whether they would be returned back. It so important to know the history of this building itself… It is such an odd juxtaposition to see this blue tab here that verifies that this building itself is actually a Heritage building. So that means that this building has been here for more than 50 years and it’s a building that should have been preserved… The city official authority is telling us that the reason why this building itself became derelict is that the building had been loaned out to provincial government by the city and there was a problem between the provincial government and the city and this building became fallow. With it being fallow and unoccupied, that’s when it allowed the criminal elements to come in and illegally occupy.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19482177 (031348ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / ANC remains committed to reform and development, says Ramaphosa

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>>77729

>Joburg City Manager said over 140 foreign nationals were in 2019 arrested for collecting rent from residents at the building. He confirmed the City had rented the building to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, who used it as a shelter for abused women and children, before it was hijacked.

>>77736

>JHB CBD Fire | Marshalltown building was apartheid-era centre for receiving foreign nationals

>>77606 - Zondo commission was a sham

>>>/qresearch/19421343

>"Life was better under apartheid" is this a normal thing to hear in the townships (Alexandra specifically) Because while volunteering I heard this from poor people almost every day.

The irony, the building which processed foreign nationals during Apartheid has become a source of income for foreign national thugs during ANC rule. The ANC now wants to ‘revise’ laws to make it easier to reinforce their tyranny.

“ANC remains committed to reform and development, says Ramaphosa”

https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-09-02-anc-remains-committed-to-reform-and-development-says-ramaphosa/

02 September 2023 - 15:56

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC has a good story to tell, arguing the ruling party has worked to ensure South Africa is a better place than it was during apartheid.

Speaking at a media engagement as part of the party's manifesto review ahead of the 2024 general elections, Ramaphosa said there was evidence that his party remained committed to developing the state.

This included access to electricity — with an end to load-shedding in sight — some passenger rail services coming back online and the provision of school nutrition.

“I know people never want to be blamed. It is reflecting on the damage apartheid did and apartheid continues to cast its shadow on our future trajectory. We cannot run away from it. Just like in America, they are saying the past (slavery) does cast a shadow on African Americans (today)” Ramaphosa said.

On the scourge of corruption and cleaning up state capture, Ramaphosa said he was committed to reform.

“Work is underway. It is not like people are sitting back. We have committed that having spent more than a billion rand [on the state capture inquiry] and having spent considerable time going through the evidence, we will implement the recommendations of the commission.

“I know the people want to see scalps ... I have often said there are processes that have to be followed,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa also commented on the fire in a building in the Johannesburg CBD on Thursday which left more than 70 people dead, including children. He said it had served as a “wake up call” for the government.

“I am told that is a [City of Johannesburg]-owned building ... The building is so old and parts of it are not safe and local government sought to take people out, but it was stopped by some NGOs [which went to court].”

Ramaphosa added that South Africa had become a deeply litigious society and suggested it was hampering progress.

“In some cases we have swung the pendulum too much in the way of red tape and restrictions that impedes us from doing good by our people. I have directed ministers to look at unnecessary laws. Human rights are sacrosanct but laws that impede need to be revised,” he said.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19482521 (031508ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / Fikile Mbalula reacts to Ace Magashule’s new party” - African Congress for Transformation (ACT) (video)

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“Former ANC SG Ace Magashule launches new political party - African Congress for Transformation” - https://youtu.be/yCRaOBr_Zts

“Fikile Mbalula reacts to Ace Magashule’s new party” - African Congress for Transformation (ACT)

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/fikile-mbalula-reacts-to-ace-magashules-new-party-30-august-2023/

30-08-2023 13:21

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula was quick to react to the news of his predecessors new political party- the African Congress for Transformation (ACT).

Two months after his expulsion, former ANC SG, Ace Magashule has launched his own political party at an event in Soweto on Wednesday.

MBALULA CRITICISES MAGASHULE

During the media briefing, Magashule introduced the party’s interim leaders, with representation from every province, meanwhile Mbalula was airing his views on his social media account.

In one of his tweets Mbalula says, “Ace Magashules chapter finally closed in the ANC It has being long, but finally we are here.”

Magashule refused to be drawn into talking about his former party the ANC or any other party. The former Free State Premier eluded to his party will be fighting for transformation, equality, an end to corruption amongst other.

Mbalula then went as far as calling Magashule umdlwembe meaning ‘a delinquent’.

Magashule was shown the door at Luthuli House in June after failing to apologise for his misconduct. He was also given a chance to explain when he should not be expelled, and he failed to do so.

Former Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza was revealed as the party’s leader in the Eastern Cape. It came as no surprise that Mbalula had no kind words to say.

There is bad blood between Mbalula and Ntlemeza, dating far back to 2017, when Mbalula as Minister of Police and Ntlemeza as the head of the Hawks came at loggerheads, leading to Mbalula firing Ntlemeza.

https://ewn.co.za/2023/08/30/ex-anc-member-ace-magashule-unveils-new-political-party-act

He's roped in former Hawks head, Berning Ntlemeza, and a number of ANC councillors to join his movement.

“This new party is going to work with all progressive strictures, and in October we will go to a conference and unveil our manifesto, and you will see the leadership of this organisation.”

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/ace-magashule-expelled-from-ancjohann-rupert-next-political-party-27-june-2023/

Former African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule has accused wealthy businessman Johan Rupert of being behind his expulsion from the ruling party.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19482589 (031521ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / List of Former ANC members establishing/re-launching parties (Parts 1&2)

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>>77630

>Existing literature on this brutally violent chapter in the history of the liberation struggle focuses largely on the conflict between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

>>>/qresearch/19340712

>The Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) was the underground military wing of the Pan African Congress (PAC)

>>>/qresearch/19454255

>the United Democratic Front was a front of the African National Congress.

List of Former ANC members establishing/re-launching parties [1 of 2]

Pan-Africanist Congress [PAC]

In the mid-1950s, the ANC formed the Congress Alliance with other antiapartheid organizations to oppose the white state. On June 26, 1955, alliance members adopted the Freedom Charter, which advocated the creation of a nonsocialist multiracial society, but the debate over the charter widened an ideological rift in the ANC between Charterists and Africanists, concerning the question of multiracialism. A few activists opposed the ANC's inclusive policies and established the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) in 1959 to press for black political control. https://countrystudies.us/south-africa/78.htm

Chief Mangosutho (Gatsha) Buthelezi [InKhata Freedom Party]

Buthelezi, who was a former member of the ANC but a fervent Zulu nationalist,… formally re-launched the Inkatha cultural movement on 21 March 1975, at KwaNzimela, in Northern KwaZulu… Several founding members of Inkatha had either been former members of ANC, or members of the new urban middle class.

However, in 1979 he openly broke with the ANC in exile, its policy of sanctions and the use of the armed struggle to bring down the apartheid system. (The IFP was originally founded with tacit but private support from the African National Congress).

The ANC-Inkatha relationship deteriorated into bitter enmity, with the ANC branding Buthelezi as a counter-revolutionary force.

https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/inkatha-freedom-party-ifp

George, Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa [COPE]

He said because [Thabo] Mbeki's recall led COPE co-founders George, Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa to leave the ANC, this "debunked the lie and the hypocrisy" that the former president had nothing to do with the formation of the new party.

He said the idea to form (COPE) was "opportunistic" and included "mobilising people on tribal lines, Xhosanostra".

[Fikile] Mbalula, who is Xhosa himself, said the decision was sparked by Mbeki's recall "to mobilise in defence of the Xhosa struggle".

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/mbeki-wanted-to-form-a-xhosanostra-428822

Bantu Holomisa [UDM]

>>>/qresearch/19315288

>In 1996, he was expelled from the ANC after testifying to theTruth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) about irregular activities in the Transkei. He refused to retract his testimony, arguing that what he had said was of historical knowledge to all concerned. Holomisa co-founded the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in 1997 with Roelf Meyer and currently serves as its President.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19482605 (031525ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / List of Former ANC members establishing/re-launching parties (Parts 1&2)

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>>77627

>“Elon Musk urges Ramaphosa to address Malema’s ‘Kill the Boer’ chant”

List of Former ANC members establishing/re-launch parties [2 of 2]

Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu [EFF]

Malema began his political career at a young age. He joined the Masupatsela (Trailblazers), a movement of the African National Congress (ANC) at the age of nine, where, according to Malema, their main task was to remove National Party posters placed outside police stations. At the age of 14 Malema was elected as both chairperson of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in Seshego and the regional chair in 1995. Two years later in 1997, he became the chair of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) for the Limpopo province. In 2001, he was elected as the national president of COSAS.

Malema was elected as president of the ANCYL in April 2008

On 16 August 2011, the ANC served charges to Julius Malema and Floyd Shivabmu, the spokesperson for the ANCYL.

Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu… were to do this by establishing a political party of their own, namely the Economic Freedom Fighters launched on 10 July 2013.

https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/julius-sello-malema

Carl Niehaus [Areta]

Despite being expelled by the ANC national disciplinary committee (NDC), Niehaus “officially” quit the party last year. https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/carl-niehaus-political-party-invites-anc-members/

Carl Niehaus and members of the African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance (Areta) have registered their movement as a political party ahead of the general elections in 2024. https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/carl-niehaus-registers-areta-as-a-political-party-ahead-of-2024-elections-9954d941-6ed0-49fb-9660-2266af908e8e

now

Ace Magashule [ACT]

>>77738

>>77739

Axed African National Congress (ANC) leader, Ace Magashule, has announced the formation of his new political party named African Congress for Transformation (ACT). https://ewn.co.za/2023/08/30/ex-anc-member-ace-magashule-unveils-new-political-party-act

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19499931 (061339ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Covid & Other Pestilence Bun / “Big pharma bullied SA govt on Covid-19 vaccines, newly released contracts obtained by Health Justice Initiative show (Parts 1&2)

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“Big pharma bullied SA govt on Covid-19 vaccines, newly released contracts obtained by Health Justice Initiative show” – Part 1

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/big-pharma-bullied-sa-govt-on-covid-19-vaccines-newly-released-contracts-obtained-by-health-justice-initiative-show-8c6b4add-3582-4fdb-82bd-4ed3a35b8c1f

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Excerpts Below

The non-profit organisation Health Justice Initiative has released Covid-19 vaccination contracts, which show how the South African government was bullied by global pharmaceuticals and made to pay over the odds compared to wealthier countries like the United Kingdom for vaccines.

The reports, which show South Africa’s Covid-19 contracts with big pharmaceuticals such as Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Covax, and the Serum Institute of India, were released publicly for the first time on Tuesday after the Health Justice Initiative was granted access to the contracts by the Gauteng North High Court in August.

The contracts can be found here. https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/2023/09/01/state-to-comply-provide-contracts/

The contracts show how big pharmaceuticals insisted on indemnity clauses, forced the government to pay more than double what they charged wealthy countries in the west, forced government to have indemnity clauses, insisted on vaccine injury compensation funds on their own, and had sweeping waivers, effectively leaving governments hanging out to dry.

The Health Justice Initiative took the matter to court [https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/health-justice-initiative-challenges-state-to-disclose-records-concerning-procurement-of-covid-19-vaccines-c117d65a-3836-471a-8b90-5aa066d2af8c#:~:text=The%20Health%20Justice%20Initiative%20yesterday,the%20National%20Department%20of%20Health.] and secured a ruling in August. Part one of the contracts shows the purchase agreements and terms between the South African government and big pharmaceutical companies, including Johnson and Johnson (Jansen), Pfizer, Covax, and the Serum Institute of India.

Health Justice Initiative founder and director Fatima Hassan welcomed that the government did not appeal the court order and that the State was releasing the contracts to the HJI, saying it was "a strong signal to powerful pharmaceutical companies and others that in South Africa, transparency cannot be bartered and is not up for sale—there really is no room for this much of secrecy in the health or any other sector".

Reflecting on the contracts during a webinar on Tuesday, Hassan said it was clear that big pharma was "holding the government ransom" and bemoaned how the government paid inflated prices for all the contracts.

"This should never happen again," she said, calling on the matter of pharmaceuticals bullying governments to be addressed at a global level.

Other concerns that have been raised are about how big pharmaceutical companies in places like Latin America demanded sovereign assets such as control of bank accounts and state buildings as sureties as part of their Covid-19 vaccine agreements.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19499934 (061339ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Covid & Other Pestilence Bun / “Big pharma bullied SA govt on Covid-19 vaccines, newly released contracts obtained by Health Justice Initiative show (Parts 1&2)

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>>77742

“Big pharma bullied SA govt on Covid-19 vaccines, newly released contracts obtained by Health Justice Initiative show” – Part 2

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/big-pharma-bullied-sa-govt-on-covid-19-vaccines-newly-released-contracts-obtained-by-health-justice-initiative-show-8c6b4add-3582-4fdb-82bd-4ed3a35b8c1f

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Excerpts Below

"We believe governments in the Global South need to take the necessary steps so that this type of bullying is not repeated in the next pandemic," said Hassan.

She said South Africa had managed to avoid any pressure from pharmaceutical companies that wanted to include clauses demanding State assets as surety after one of the ministers went public with the matter, leading to a swift rethink and the matter being dropped.

"But they made the government setup a very speedy parliamentary process to create a vaccine injury compensation fund. Both J&J and Pfizer said if you don't create this fund, they will not give a single supply [they probably knew about the side effects]. We also see how the Serum Institute also extracted the highest price possible and how it was also shrouded in secrecy," said Hassan.

"There is this implied threat that if you breach this, we will deal with you in the future. The power the companies have is quite real because of these threats," [Professor Brook Baker] said.

Nick Dearden, the director of Justice Now UK, said the release of the contracts to the public was important as "big pharmaceuticals gain power during secrecy".

"This is a sizable portion of the money the SA government. We will demand the contracts the British government signed be put in the public domain as well.

"There are so many lessons we need to learn here. This is not going to be the last epidemic. We need to learn from this for the next time," he said.

In an email to IOL on Wednesday, the Janssen Pharmaceutica, the company behind the Johnson & Johnson vaccine said South Africa paid the same per instance, its vaccine, as all nation-partners did globally at USD 7.50 per dose.

It said in a statement: "Johnson & Johnson supported and worked closely with South Africa in every phase of our response to the pandemic. We supplied our vaccine to South Africa at our final global price of $7.50 per dose, transferred our technology to Aspen Pharmacare in Gqeberha to enable the local fill and finish of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine and later enabled Aspen to manufacture, market and sell its own Covid-19 vaccine, “Aspenovax.” In addition, we advocated for and supported the donation of hundreds of millions of vaccine doses by the U.S. Government, EU Member States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand to COVAX to under-resourced countries. To date, more than 85 percent of our doses have been delivered to low- and middle-income countries".

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19499937 (061340ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Covid & Other Pestilence Bun / The Health Justice Initiative v The Minister of Health and Information Officer, Department of Health

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>>77742

>The contracts can be found here. https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/2023/09/01/state-to-comply-provide-contracts/

“The Health Justice Initiative v The Minister of Health and Information Officer, Department of Health”

https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/pandemic-transparency/

On 22 February 2022 in Gauteng, South Africa, the HJI launched legal proceedings for the disclosure of all Covid-19 vaccine contracts and any applicable agreements with relevant companies and entities.

This follows an access to information request to the National Department of Health (NDoH) which was refused.

This case was heard by Millar J in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, 25 July 2023.

On 17 August 2023, the Pretoria High Court ruled in our favour in our bid to compel the National Department of Health to provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine procurement contracts. The Court ordered (per Millar J) that all COVID-19 vaccine contracts must be made public, and the costs of the case were awarded in our favour.

https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/2023/09/01/state-to-comply-provide-contracts/

Today we can confirm that the Department handed documents for part 1 to our legal team. Further to this, it has undertaken to share the remainder (part 2) of the documents it was ordered to disclose, and in agreement with us, by no later than 29 September 2023.

The release of part 2 will follow the same process, becoming available in early October 2023.

Access the judgment and court papers

• Access the High Court judgment here, https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/F-1000922-the-health-justice-vs-min-of-health-judgm.pdf. (3MB)

• Access our press release on the judgment here, https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/2023/08/17/judgement-handed-down-on-covid-19-vaccine-secrecy-a-victory-for-democracy/. (17 August 2023)

• Access all other court papers here, https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/2023/07/18/the-health-justice-initiative-approaches-the-south-african-courts-for-the-disclosure-of-all-vaccine-manufacturer-contracts-and-agreements-for-covid-19/.

• Access our fact-sheet about the case here, https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/2022/02/22/fact-sheet-case-1-open-contracts/.

Download the Contracts here:

• COVAX Facility – Gavi Alliance – Committed Purchase Agreement. (10.4 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/COVAX-Facility-%E2%80%93-Gavi-Alliance-%E2%80%93-Committed-Purchase-Agreement.pdf]

• Janssen Pharmaceutica – Advance Purchase Agreement. (14.9 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRJanssen-1_Redacted.pdf]

• Janssen Pharmaceutica – Advance Purchase Agreement – Additional Doses. (13.5 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRJanssen-2_Redacted.pdf]

• Janssen Pharmaceutica – Term Sheet. (2.72 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRJanssen-3-no-sig.pdf]

• Pfizer – Manufacturing and Supply Agreement. (13.5 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRPfizer-1_Redacted.pdf]

• Pfizer – Amendment to Manufacturing and Supply Agreement. (1.14 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRPfizer-2_Redacted.pdf]

• Pfizer – Binding Term Sheet. (2.38 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRPfizer-3_no-sign.pdf]

• Serum Institute of India – Vaccine Purchase Agreement. (22.5 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRSerum-1_Redacted.pdf]

• Serum Institute of India – Term Sheet. (2.07 MB) [https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OCRSerum-2_Redacted.pdf]

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19505638 (071314ZSEP23) Notable: Final Lady R Probe Bun / Panel finds no evidence of arms loaded on to Lady R, claims Ramaphosa - but will still keep the full report secret (video)

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“FULL ADDRESS: Full investigative report into 'Lady R' will not be disclosed says Ramaphosa” [He also talks about BRICS] - https://youtu.be/U8ul5mSXL3M

5:31 – “The BRICS Summit made several decisions to take forward the struggle for a fairer and more inclusive world order that is focused on the equal development of all peoples. One the key decision taken by the BRICS member countries was to support the call for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient.”

“Panel finds no evidence of arms loaded on to Lady R, claims Ramaphosa – but will still keep the full report secret”

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-09-04-panel-finds-no-evidence-of-arms-loaded-on-to-lady-r-claims-ramaphosa-but-will-still-keep-the-full-report-secret/

04 Sep 2023

Excerpts below

The panel tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the docking of the Lady R in Simon’s Town last December has found no evidence to support the allegations that weapons were loaded on to the vessel destined for Russia, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.

The President was addressing the nation on the outcomes of the 15th BRICS Summit and the findings of the independent panel appointed to investigate the allegations that the US-sanctioned Russian cargo ship Lady R uploaded arms for Russia at the Simon’s Town Naval Base.

“From its investigation, the panel found no evidence that any cargo of weapons was loaded for export on to the ship Lady R,” Ramaphosa said.

“When all matters are considered, none of the allegations made about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true, and none of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been levelled against our country,” he continued.

Ramaphosa said he would not release the report in light of “the fact that the evidence given to the panel was classified and the fact that revealing the details of the equipment offloaded could jeopardise the work and safety of South Africa’s forces in various deployments on the continent”.

He said that during its investigation, the panel visited Simon’s Town Naval Base and “obtained evidence under oath from nearly 50 people in every relevant component of government”. He added that more than 100 documents were submitted to the panel for review.

“A number of entities and persons that had publicly claimed to have information on this matter were invited to make submissions to the panel. Many of those invited either failed to do so or said they had no independent knowledge of the relevant facts.”

The panel concluded that the ship docked in Simon’s Town to “deliver equipment that had been ordered for the South African National Defence Force [SANDF] in 2018 by Armscor, the country’s arms procurement company.

“In terms of the contract for the supply of the arms, neither Armscor nor the [SANDF] had any control over the means through which the supplier of the ordered equipment would transport them to South Africa,” he said.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19505771 (071333ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / South African Communist Party, “a strong faction within the ANC“

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>>>/qresearch/19454255

>United Democratic Front was a front of the African National Congress

>>>/qresearch/19454255

>We are proud of the umbilical relationship between COSATU and the UDF.

South African Communist Party, “a strong faction within the ANC “

https://countrystudies.us/south-africa/78.htm

Excerpts

In 1994 the South African Communist Party (SACP) was not an independent political entity, but a strong faction within the ANC, where its members held important leadership positions. Former party leaders, Joe Slovo and Chris Hani, for example, had both served as chief of staff of the ANC's military wing and on its most important committees. The SACP won strong representation in the National Assembly in 1994, not by participating openly in the April 1994 elections, but by having SACP members well represented among delegates from the ANC.

The SACP was originally founded as the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) in July 1921 in Cape Town. The CPSA was formed out of the merger of several leftist organizations, including the International Socialist League (ISL), the Social Democratic Federation, the Durban Marxist Club, the Cape Communist Party, and the Jewish Socialist Society. The CPSA affiliated with the Communist International (Comintern), headquartered in Moscow, which provided it with political direction, although some party factions opposed Moscow's intervention in South African affairs.

Although whites dominated the party in the 1920s, some CPSA leaders attempted to strengthen its reputation as an indigenous communist organization by increasing its African membership and orientation. David Ivon Jones and Sidney Percival Bunting, formerly of the ISL, translated the concept of social revolution into a struggle for a "black republic" and a "democratic native republic, with equal rights for all races." The major stumbling block they encountered was the belief, inherent in Marxist dogma, that all workers fundamentally share the same interests.

Despite efforts at Africanization, the CPSA failed to establish strong ties with black political organizations, many of which were dominated by traditional tribal leaders. In 1928, for example, the ANC denounced the "fraternization" between the ANC and the CPSA. ANC President James T. Gumede was removed from office in 1930, after trying to educate ANC members about Marxism. Even as the CPSA gradually succeeded in recruiting more black members, its leadership continued to be white. For this reason, two ANC Youth League leaders in the 1940s Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu opposed any alliance between the ANC and the CPSA at that time.

By the mid-1940s, CPSA membership was increasing, and the party had gained influence after a few CPSA members (all white) won political office. After the 1948 NP election victory, however, the government quickly restricted black political activity and in 1950 banned the CPSA. The party went underground temporarily but also strengthened its ties to local nationalist organizations, such as the ANC. During the years it was banned, while the ANC continued to operate legally, the CPSA viewed the ANC as the primary expression of black aspirations for a multiracial socialist state under eventual communist leadership. The Comintern's Sixth Congress declared that "the CPSA could now play an active role in the ANC." The party re-emerged in 1953 under the leadership of Joe Slovo and his wife, Ruth First, and changed its name to the SACP.

The SACP and the ANC in the 1950s held similar views about policy and tactics as embodied in the ANC's Freedom Charter; in addition, they both advocated the use of guerrilla warfare against the apartheid regime in order to bring about the dual-phase revolution of political liberation followed by economic transformation.

The SACP-ANC relationship evolved into a symbiosis, derived in part from their dual memberships and overlapping leadership ranks. Throughout the 1980s, for example, the SACP was well represented on the ANC's NEC and in other key ANC positions, and in ANC-affiliated labor organizations, such as COSATU.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19505829 (071342ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / >>1955835, The truth about the Xhosa Nostra (Parts 1-5)

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>>>/qresearch/19315288

>Bantu Holomisa

>>>/qresearch/19340712

>The Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) was the underground military wing of the Pan African Congress (PAC)

>>77740

>A few activists opposed the ANC's inclusive policies and established the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) in 1959

>>>/qresearch/19400476

>Martin Moshal was dubbed ‘CyberSol’, after the Sun City entrepreneur Sol Kerzner

>>>/qresearch/19400815

>South African Breweries Limited (‘SAB Limited’) and hotel magnate, Sol Kerzner, partnered to create Southern Sun Hotels (‘Southern Sun’)

>>>/qresearch/19505794

“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE XHOSA NOSTRA” [1997] – Part 2

https://hsf.org.za/publications/focus/issue-8-third-quarter-1997/the-truth-about-the-xhosa-nostra

Excerpts

To understand how one got here one must start with the determination of the Verwoerd government to deal with the problem of the politicised Xhosa by making the Transkei the first self-governing bantustan. The result was to create a historic split among the territories of the chiefly families and thus an intimate crisis for the ANC whose leaders were closely associated with them. Nelson Mandela's cousins, the Matanzimas, sided with the Sigcaus and the Madikizelas (Winnie Mandela's family) in favour of self-government, while the Tembu chief, Sabata Dalinyebo, led the opposition to the move. Ultimately the two Matanzima brothers, Kaiser and George, both became prime ministers of the Transkei, the Pondo paramount chief, Botha Sigcau, became its first president and Winnie's father, Columbus Madikizela, became a cabinet minister in the Transkei government. Dalinyebo resisted bravely but was finally forced to flee into exile, dying tragically in Zambia. When his remains were brought back for burial at the Great Place of the Tembus, the Matanzima government swooped on the body the day before the burial and interred it elsewhere.

Stella Sigcau, Chief Botha Sigcau's daughter, became one of the longest serving ministers in the Transkei government but was forced to resign by Kaiser Matanzima in I 977 because she was unmarried and pregnant. Returning to government in 1980 she nonetheless had a troubled relationship with George Matanzima and when the latter was forced out of office in a welter of corruption charges in 1987, Stella was accordingly chosen to succeed him because she was seen as his opponent. However, when the Alexander Commission revealed that amid the general corruption she had accepted R50 000 from the R2 million bribe paid to Matanzima by the hotel magnate, Sol Kerzner, she was deposed by her indignant defence force chief, General Bantu Holomisa - for Holomisa and his cadre of young officers had supported Stella's accession to power as part of an anti-corruption drive and were outraged to discover that she too was tainted.

For tine next seven years Holomisa ruled the Transkei. The son of a chief himself (his nephew, Pathekile Holomisa, is the leader of the Congress of Traditional Leaders (Contralesa). Holomisa restored power and prestige to the chiefs who had suffered under the Matanzimas but, anxious not to create further dissension among the chiefly elite, was careful to leave the Matanzimas alone: neither man went to jail and both continued to collect pensions from the Transkei government. But in a major gesture of redress, he also had Dalinyebo's body disinterred and reburied in its rightful position at the Great Place.

-Holomisa took an extremely bold stance against the National Party government and by the time the ANC, PAC and SACP were legalised in 1990 he had achieved considerable popularity among black radicals, though he was careful not to join any party organisation. In effect he offered a home to both ANC and PAC, so both Umkhonto and APLA bases mushroomed within the Transkei. In particular Holomisa became close to Chris Hani, whose MK soldiers even saved Holomisa from an attempted coup.

Hani spent most of his time in the Transkei, building up both MK and his own regional base there. He, too, was not above occasionally flattering ethnic pride, claiming that Xhosas had been Umkhonto's bravest fighters - a claim which produced bitter allegations of Xhosa favouritism within MK… Certainly, the contrast between Hani and his leadership rival, Thabo Mbeki, was striking: their pre-election strategies could not have been more different. Mbeki set out to charm the white business community, attempted to get the ANC to abandon economic sanctions, distanced himself from the communist party just as Hani was electing to take over as its leader, and was soon appearing in photographs driving his BMW and carousing at his birthday party with Sol Kerzner.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19505844 (071344ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / >>1955835, The truth about the Xhosa Nostra (Parts 1-5)

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>>>/qresearch/19505794

>>77748

>>>/qresearch/19505835

“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE XHOSA NOSTRA” [1997] – Part 4

https://hsf.org.za/publications/focus/issue-8-third-quarter-1997/the-truth-about-the-xhosa-nostra

Excerpts

Holomisa took dramatic revenge by appearing before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and testifying about Sigcau's acceptance of the R50,000 bribe from Kerzner. She took umbrage and complained to Mbeki, who apparently failing to realise that the R50,000 bribe was an old and established fact, decreed that Holomisa be disciplined. It was a fatal error, for it meant that by attempting to punish someone for what he had said before the commission, the ANC had put itself in the wrong, and therefore had continually to change the basis of its complaint. Holomisa was, in any case, one of its most popular figures - he had been elected top of the entire list by party delegates at the ANC conference of 1994. The lack of enthusiasm among Africans within the ANC for the role of prosecutor against Holomisa was reflected in the way this dirty job was handed to non-Africans (Asmal and Alec Erwin - with Asmal rescuing himself when he got the chance). Holomisa, for his part, burnt his bridges by public attacks on Mbeki (whom he saw as responsible for bringing Kerzner to the ANC), Tshwete, Tokyo Sexwale, Zola Skweiyia and others. The mess was completed when the case against Holomisa came apart with Mandela's admission that the ANC, all previous denials to the contrary notwithstanding, had indeed received R2 million from Kerzner.

This fact that this intense battle was viewed by other groups as essentially a fight among Xhosas (Mandela, Holomisa, Skweiyia, Tshwete, Sigcau, Mbeki) did not inhibit a broader feeling among such groups that the government was tipped too far towards Nguni interests, with a ministerial predominance in the two major Nguni groups (Zulus and Xhosas) cemented by the IFP's all-Zulu ministerial representation on the one hand and Mandela's care to bring in ANC Zulus such as Mrs Zuma, Jeff Hadebe and Sibusiso Bengu on the other. The position of the cabinet's Zulus was, however, seen as far weaker - they were politically divided and half belonged to the anathematised IFP - and attention centred on the notion of Xhosa favouritism.

A long list of grievances fed this charge. The appointment of Sigcau, a veteran of a corrupt homeland regime, was criticised even by the Weekly Mail as suggesting that the rules were somewhat different if one was a Xhosa princess. The way in which the Matanzima brothers were allowed to enjoy their retirement in peace was contrasted with the way Mangope, Cqozo and even Buthelezi were pursued and harassed. Zola Skweiyia's control over the public service was seen as placing this key patronage post under Xhosa control with a consequent pro-Xhosa bias in civil service appointments: the up-market civil service suburb of Centurion (the former Verwoerdburg) was said to be filling up with Xhosa newcomers.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19505882 (071349ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / >>1955835, The truth about the Xhosa Nostra (Parts 1-5)

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>>>/qresearch/18801499

>>77516

>A member of Muslim minority political party, Al Jama-ah councillor Kabelo Gwamanda, was elected as the new of mayor of the City of Joburg on Friday.

>>>/qresearch/19505794

>>77748

>>>/qresearch/19505835

>>77749

“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE XHOSA NOSTRA” [1997] – Part 5

https://hsf.org.za/publications/focus/issue-8-third-quarter-1997/the-truth-about-the-xhosa-nostra

Excerpts

Perhaps the heaviest symbolism of all, however, lay in the fact that the ANC's 1994 election list, carefully avoiding the all-Xhosa (Mandela, Tambo, Sisulu) line up of the past, had read: 1. Mandela (Xhosa) 2. Ramaphosa (Venda) 3. Mbeki (Xhosa) 4. Lekota (South Sotho), with Tokyo Sexwale the highest placed Northern Sotho. In short order Ramaphosa was marginalised, Lekota sacked and Sexwale apparently squeezed out, leaving a Xhosa-to-Xhosa succession once again. The fact that the ethnic groups of the Northern Province, the most solid ANC redoubt of all, were so weakly represented was a persistent grievance and has perhaps contributed to the rise of Tito Mboweni (Shangaan), the retention of the ineffective Sydney Mufamadi (Venda), the return from purdah of Peter Mokaba (North Sotho) and the touting of Joel Netshitenzhe (Venda) as a possible deputy president. Perhaps the most striking thing about such figures, however, is that all of them are, for the moment, still second or third rank players. There is no real heavyweight to replace Ramaphosa or Hani.

Powerful Asians

The paucity of representation for Tswanas and North and South Sothos has not been made more palatable by the large number of powerful Asians in the government, a fact noted with equal asperity by Coloureds who have just one representative in the cabinet (Trevor Manuel) and who have now seen Cheryl Carolus passed over for the top ANC post and talking of quitting politics entirely. Indeed, the best refutation of the hypothesis of a new Nguni hegemony lies in the fact that, as Africanists are quick to point out, the most over-represented group in government is neither Xhosa nor Zulu but Asian, with five full ministers - Asmal, Jay Naidoo, Mac Maharaj, Mohamed Valli Moosa and Dullah Omar and two others, Aziz and Essop Pahad who are full ministers in all but name.

Almost as remarkable as this over-representation of the million-odd Asians is the preponderance of Muslims, themselves a small minority within the Asian community. It is alleged by their opponents within the ANC that many recent foreign policy decisions have been taken by an all-Muslim, all-communist group consisting of Asmal, the two Pahad brothers and the deputy-director general of foreign affairs, Abdul Minty- which, if true, may well explain such strange gambits as the Syrian arms deal.

The allegations of a Xhosa Nostra at the heart of government are off target in other ways too. For a start, as the Dalinyebo-Matanzima, Hani-Mbeki and Holomisa affairs all show, Xhosa-speakers have generally been a badly divided group. Secondly, no part of the country has fared worse in the new South Africa than the Xhosa heartland of the Eastern Cape. The region is in an utter shambles, with corruption and waste on a huge scale. No baseline accounts yet exist for the Transkei and Ciskei even for 1994. Records have been destroyed and even the most elementary statistics are lacking - no one knows how many schools there are or how many children in them.

The number of state employees has risen from an estimated I 22,000 in 1994 to some 145,000. Many of them are supernumeraries, that is they get paid but have no jobs, but others are clearly phantoms, allowing the payment of double salaries. The region is now being run for the benefit of its civil service elite even more than it was under apartheid and the province has been reduced to finger-printing its civil servants in order to discover how many of them there really are.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19505959 (071401ZSEP23) Notable: Islamic banking continues to grow in South Africa (from 2021)

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>>77750

>It is alleged by their opponents within the ANC that many recent foreign policy decisions have been taken by an all-Muslim, all-communist group consisting of Asmal, the two Pahad brothers and the deputy-director general of foreign affairs, Abdul Minty- which, if true, may well explain such strange gambits as the Syrian arms deal.

“Islamic banking continues to grow in South Africa”

https://www.iol.co.za/personal-finance/my-money/banking/islamic-banking-continues-to-grow-in-south-africa-a3f94727-1e15-43cd-9848-f6e291aa0282

May 10, 2021

Underscoring the increase in demand, the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) said at its first Islamic Finance Conference held in September last year that much of what is required to help the country address its economic challenges can be found in the fundamental tenets of Islamic banking: fairness, transparency, risk-sharing and socio-economic responsibility.

https://banking.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Islamic-Banking-Paper-05112021.pdf

ISLAMIC BANKING IN SOUTH AFRICA

1. Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of the workings and principles of Islamic banking and finance.

2. Introduction

Islamic Banking refers to a method of banking that is based on Islamic Law (Shari’ah) which prohibits interest-based banking and encourages risk and reward sharing based banking. Islamic Banking is based on four main principles namely, the prohibition of interest, ethics by prohibiting investment in unlawful businesses, transparency, and equitable sharing of risk and reward primarily through the use of profit and loss sharing contracts.

Banks include;

Standard Bank - https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/personal/learn/what-is-shariah-banking

Absa Bank - https://www.absa.co.za/personal/bank/islamic-banking/explore/

Nedbank - https://personal.nedbank.co.za/learn/blog/shariah-compliant-wills-and-investments.html

Even the World bank - https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/financialsector/brief/islamic-finance

And so on…

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19506209 (071452ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / Davos 1999 - Nelson Mandela: WEF integrated ANC members when they were still in exile (video)

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>>77747

>In 1994 the South African Communist Party (SACP) was not an independent political entity, but a strong faction within the ANC, where its members held important leadership positions.

Then consider Klaus Schwab's words…

“Davos 1999 – Nelson Mandela” – WEF integrated ANC members when they were still in exile

https://youtu.be/vN6FBVeSuJA

3:18 – [Klaus Schwab]“I feel no one should forget South Africa’s transition to democracy is truly a miracle… The World Economic Forum takes great pride in having accompanied you and all South African, our friends, over the last decade. In the late 80s and early 90s, we were searching for ANC officials living in exile camps and integrated them already at that time into our community.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19506215 (071452ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / Davos 1999 - Nelson Mandela: WEF integrated ANC members when they were still in exile (video)

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>>77752

>https://youtu.be/vN6FBVeSuJA

Embedded

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19507133 (071749ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Russia and Ukraine Bun / Russia's long-lost relationship with South Africa's Afrikaans-speaking community (video)

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>>77717

>“Russia’s ‘African Village’: a beacon of hope for South African Boers amid growing tensions”

This is very curious. Playing both sides?

“Russia's long-lost relationship with South Africa's Afrikaans-speaking community”

https://youtu.be/_7ciUhhA7pc

Sep 5, 2023

The relationship between the Afrikaans-speaking people in Southern Africa and Russia dates back to the 1900s from the Anglo-Boer war, where valuable assistance was offered by Nicholas II of Russia, the former emperor of Russia.

5:17 – “South Africa was the first African nation to recognize the Russian Federation in December 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. [Ilya Igorevich Rogachev, Russian Ambassador] I can tell you that the year 2023 marks the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa.”

5:50 – “South Africa majority African National Congress government also has strong ties with Moscow for their assistance it led its fighters during the years of anti-apartheid struggle.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19508076 (072035ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Police Minister Bheki Cele leads security briefing on political killings in KZN (video)

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>>77670

>In this regard, Dr. King once wrote: This, I feel, is one of the greatest tragedies of Communism. Read Lenin as he says 'Lying, deceit and violence are justifiable means to bring about a classless society.' This is where the principle of nonviolence breaks with Communism and any other method which holds to the same belief. . . . So, in the long run, destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends, because the ends are pre-existent in the means.

“Police Minister Bheki Cele leads security briefing on political killings in KZN”

https://youtu.be/P1cHmOwM4B0

Sep 6, 2023

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on political killings in KZN will today brief the media on the latest successes of the police task team investigating these cases, following a meeting of the ministers of State Security, Justice, and Police.

Over the past 10 months, 17 councillors have been killed in the province. In the past month, two councillors have been killed in attacks in Nongoma and Pietermaritzburg, with two additional attempts on the lives of councillors in separate incidents.

“The three political parties affected by political killings”

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/the-three-political-parties-affected-by-political-killings/

07-09-2023 13:05

ANC, IFP, and NFP are the most affected parties in political killings in KZN, says Cele.

Following the increasing spate of political killings in Kwazulu-Natal, the inter-ministerial committee investigation into the matter has revealed that the African National Congress (ANC), National Freedom Party (NFP), and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) are the three political parties most affected by political killings.

According to reports, since 2011, out of the 52 councillors who were reported killed, the ANC had the highest number of killed, with 31, followed by the NFP with 14. The NFP has lost at least four of its councillors, while the EFF and ACDP have lost two and one, respectively, to date.

Cele revealed that 103 officials working in municipalities as office bearers and politicians were killed in KZN alone.

The number of political assassination cases has been on the rise since the end of the 1990s political unrest, with KZN registering the highest number of murder cases nationwide in the crime figures for 2022–23.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19512536 (081724ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Political killings: KZN continues to be the killing fields of SA (video)

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>>77755

>The number of political assassination cases has been on the rise since the end of the 1990s political unrest, with KZN registering the highest number of murder cases nationwide in the crime figures for 2022–23.

“Political killings | KZN continues to be the killing fields of SA”

https://youtu.be/x0Tv8uRmBg0

Sep 6, 2023 #DStv403

Nineteen councillors have been assassinated in KwaZulu-Natal - so far. This is just for this local government term alone - which is almost halfway through. According to SALGA in the province, these figures are only from September last year to date. Mabhunu Mkhize of the ANC in Msunduzi Municipality, in Pietermaritzburg is the latest councillor to be murdered in the province. UMgungundlovu, eThekwini and Zululand Districts are considered some of the leading hotspots for councillor killings in the province. eNCA’s Siphamandla Goge reports.

0:57 – ““We will not allow in KZN to be the killing fields of South Africa”… This was President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018. He just visited the family of slain ANC member and former councilor… Despite the president’s touch talk the killing of councilors continues in KwaZulu Natal.”

https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-rule-of-the-gun_Assassination-Witness_-1.pdf

The time frame for the search was 2000 to 2017.

The province that experienced the greatest number of hits in the recording period was KwaZuluNatal, followed by Gauteng and the Western Cape.

https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6a6bc4.html

The April 1994 democratic elections in South Africa seemed to signal an end to the political violence which had plagued the country for a decade. However, close observers of the situation in KwaZulu-Natal considered that most of the factors leading to violence in the province remained in place. They concluded that the victory of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in flawed provincial elections would not lead to peace.

Violence has continued since April 1994, although at a reduced level. Sixteen hundred people were killed in political violence in 1994 and 837 in 1995. Some 500,000 have been displaced from their homes - about six per cent of the population of the province.

CONTINUED VIOLENCE 1994-96

Continuing violence in the post-election period has generally been characterized by "political cleansing", mainly in rural areas. That is to say, it has been aimed at eliminating pockets of support for the minority party in any given area. As the local government elections approached in June 1996, the non-governmental Human Rights Committee identified 30 areas of the province where the ANC could not campaign and 22 which were corresponding "no-go areas" for the IFP. The Lower South Coast and the Mandini area have both been particular focuses of violence, as have parts of the Midlands, including Impendle and Bulwer.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19524643 (101755ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Victim recalls the morning a suspect chanted ‘Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer’ during farm attack”

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>>77627

>>77634

>>77648

“PICS: Victim recalls the morning a suspect chanted ‘Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer’ during farm attack”

https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/pics-victim-recalls-the-morning-a-suspect-chanted-kill-the-boer-kill-the-farmer-during-farm-attack-d2653a59-d696-40c5-afd5-5878ab34702d

Published Aug 30, 2023

Excerpts below

Durban – The victim of a farm attack shared details of the morning she and her husband were attacked by a gang.

One of the attackers is alleged to have chanted “Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer” during a farm attack almost two weeks ago.

Tim and Amanda Platt were attacked and robbed in a rental cottage 15km outside Pietermaritzburg in the early hours of August 17.

The cottage is about 20m from the main farmhouse.

Recalling what happened at about 1.45am that morning, Amanda said that she and her husband were in bed; he was asleep but she was awake.

“The whole incident took place in about 50 minutes, which felt like an eternity,” Amanda said.

“I shouted ‘just go’ and he leaned over the door grabbing me, hitting me on the arm with some object then he pulled me so hard trying to get me over it that my copper bangle changed shape, shouting ‘Kill the Boer! Kill the Farmer’.

“Police arrived four hours later at about 7am only. They took a statement from Tim only and not me,” Amanda continued.

Reacting to the incident, AfriForum’s community safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk said: “The chanting of ‘Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer’ is nothing else but the incitement of violence against a minority group. I can only assume that those who try to tell us that the song is just a metaphor, actually support these attacks.

“AfriForum has 168 neighbourhood and farm watches countrywide with roughly 11 000 trained volunteers. We will continue to expand these safety networks and continue to train more volunteers to fight back against this scourge of cowardly attacks. I applaud Mrs Platt for her bravery.”

Given the chanting of ‘Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer’ during a farm attack almost three weeks before, AfriForum will appear in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein on September 4 to appeal the Equality Court’s decision that the “Kill the Boer” chant is not hate speech.

AfriForum’s campaign officer for strategy and content Ernst van Zyl added: “As the evidence keeps mounting that chants like ‘Kill the Boer’ in fact have horrific real-world effects, it becomes increasingly difficult for those excusing it to not appear apathetic to violent crime victims when they happen to be farmers.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19524645 (101755ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Rule of Law Project enters 'Kill the Boer’ fray

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>>77757

“Rule of Law Project enters 'Kill the Boer’ fray”

https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/rule-of-law-project-enters-kill-the-boer-fray-a3290050-793a-4738-b6cd-e4e79eace50d

Published Sep 6, 2023

Johannesburg - The Rule of Law Project (RoLP) has become the latest organisation to enter the fray, seeking to appeal the Equality Court’s ruling that the singing of Dubul’ iBhunu (Kill the Boer) by the EFF and its leader Julius Malema was not hate speech.

As the court case brought by civil organisation AfriForum kicked off in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein on Monday, Rolp, an initiative of the Free Market Foundation (FMF), announced its entry into the spat.

The foundation said it entered the matter as a friend of the court in an effort to stand up for equality before the law against what it described as a “shocking ruling”.

“The Equality Court ruling undermines the principle of equality before the law, as there have been many cases in recent years of less prominent individuals who were ordered to pay heavy fines or serve jail time for far less heinous utterances,” said FMF CEO David Ansara.

“It can’t be that political elites like Julius Malema get off without so much as a slap on the wrist after deliberately inciting violence and calling for mass murder, yet ordinary citizens are treated far more harshly.”

The organisation said the decision by the courts created an impression of “double standards”, which implied that South Africans were not equal before the law, as ordinary citizens faced harsh sanctions if found guilty of hate speech while members of the high-ranking political class, like Malema, got off scot-free.

“We’re at risk of setting a dangerous precedent here, one that flies in the face of our Constitution,” Ansara added.

The organisation’s counsel, advocate Mark Oppenheimer, submitted in court that the ruling created a category of specially protected speech uttered by political role-players.

He added this elevated politicians over ordinary citizens and flew in the face of the fundamental requirement of the rule of law that no one was above the law.

He added that equality before the law required that the rules of evidence were applied equally to parties in similar circumstances, yet the Equality Court both included and excluded expert and lay witness testimony for inappropriate reasons.

Oppenheimer also submitted that the finding that AfriForum had failed to show the song targeted people based on race and ethnicity posed a threat to Afrikaners as second-class citizens unworthy of protection.

“The Equality Court’s judgment undermines the founding value of non-racialism by implicitly creating different rules based on the race of the perpetrators and the victims.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19524649 (101757ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / AfriForum calls for SCA acting judge to recuse herself in ‘Kill the Boer’ case, citing bias

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>>77757

>>77758

“AfriForum calls for SCA acting judge to recuse herself in ‘Kill the Boer’ case, citing bias”

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/afriforum-calls-for-sca-acting-judge-to-recuse-herself-in-kill-the-boer-case-citing-bias-4eb044a4-53b7-4366-a396-6bbab020466d

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

AfriForum has called for acting Supreme Court of Appeals Judge Raylene Keightley to recuse herself from the ‘Kill the Boer’ case, accusing her of being bias against the non-profit organisation.

In October last year, the Equality Court dismissed a hate speech case against EFF leaders Julius Malema and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, ruling that the singing of kill the boer was not hate speech, but was in fact part of the Struggle, it should be allowed to be sung as freedom of speech and in the political arena.

AfriForum chief executive Kallie Kriel said their legal team had sent a letter to the SCA registrar on Friday requesting Keightley’s recusal as she had apparently lashed out against AfriForum in court in 2018, saying it was unable to move beyond it's “anachronistic” position.

Kriel said Keightley ruled against AfriForum in the Pretoria High Court case regarding Unisa’s decision to scrap Afrikaans as a language of instruction. She granted AfriForum leave to appeal against her ruling, but then apparently went on a rant against the organisation. The ruling was eventually overturned by the SCA and the Constitutional Court.

AfriForum said Keightley apparently said the organisation should consider applying for her recusal in future matters involving them.

“If Keightley, who is currently acting as Judge of Appeal, wanted a permanent appointment in the said court, she would have to appear before the Judicial Service Commission, of which Julius Malema is a member, and be recommended for the position by Malema and other members.

“AfriForum has always had high regard for the Supreme Court of Appeal and its judges, but this kind of conflict of interest and Keightley’s actions pose the danger that ordinary people may lose confidence in the courts,” said Kriel.

Kriel said they were calling on Keightley to follow her conscience and recuse herself from the panel of judges hearing the case, but if she did not, they would formally make an application in court to have her removed.

The organisation said they had reasonable suspicion that Keightley was bias against it.

Meanwhile; the matter of the singing of the song has been a divisive one, with Malema emphatically resisting any public pressure to stop singing the song, saying he would sing it when and where he wanted. He said he won in court and had the right to sing if he so wished.

Even one of the world's richest men, Elon Musk, chimed in, saying it was white genocide.

Former president Thabo Mbeki also questioned why Malema was insisting on singing the chant.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19524661 (101802ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / This is what sparked violence between ANC and IFP in late 80s, early 90s (video)

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>>>/qresearch/19465788

>In March, IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said he has been pushing for reconciliation between the ANC and IFP since the 90s.

>>77740

>>77755

>>77756

“[Dr. Zweli] Mkhize [ANC NEC member]: End of an era within the IFP” - https://youtu.be/o8SKTmzuvAQ

2:50 – “The sad part is that [Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s] passing away has happened before the conclusion of what he has been calling for which is the ultimate and total and full reconciliation between the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party. The real reason for it is the fact that Inkatha Freedom Party when it was formed was actually not a hostile movement of the African National Congress. It was supposed to be a part of the ANC.”

4:01 – “As the TRC, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, unfolded, it became clear that underlying all of this conflict was a driving force which was called a ‘third’ force. It was the Apartheid government… driving this machinery that caused the hostilities.” [Yet ANC was able to be headquartered in London and have meetings there to discuss their armed struggle. They even saw the IFP as a threat after having a meeting with Buthelezi there. See below for more details]

Headquarters of the African National Congress, at 28 Penton Street N1 London, 1978 to 1994. [https://ditsong.org.za/en/2022/08/18/anc-intelligence-communication-from-london-to-lusaka-radio-freedom/]

“EXPLAINER: This is what sparked violence between ANC and IFP in late 80s, early 90s” (Part 1)

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/explainer-this-is-what-sparked-violence-between-anc-and-ifp-in-late-80s-early-90s-2267a6c8-14e0-4bbc-9d42-2a4fec53b57b

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death on Saturday morning aged 95 has begun a debate about his legacy.

It also brought back memories of the black-on-black violence that left over 20,000 people dead in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

We explain what sparked the violence and how it ended.

In the 1960s the apartheid banned several anti-apartheid movements like the ANC and jailed prominent leaders like Nelson Mandela.

That move silenced all its critics and the fight for apartheid was significantly weakened as most leaders were either in jail or in exile.

In the 70s the ANC mission in exile came up with the strategy to mobilize along cultural lines and tasked its then ANC youth league member, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to form the then Inkatha Yenkululeko Yesizwe.

The party was to disguise itself by mobilising along cultural lines and having registered membership.

Buthelezi embraced the idea and he formed the party. Immediately after it was formed, Buthelezi had to take up the position of leading the KwaZulu Bantustan government.

The problem then started when the ANC wanted to stage an armed struggle and at the same time have South Africa sanctioned.

Buthelezi, during his lifetime, said he was against the use of violence to achieve the objective of liberating South Africa.

He said he was also against the use of sanctions to force the apartheid government to abandon its racial policies.

After a tense meeting with former ANC President, Oliver Tambo and other ANC leaders in London in 1979, the meeting ended in a bitter and defining stalemate, Buthelezi came back to SA deeply embittered.

“The 1979 London meeting would prove to be a pivotal point in the relationship between Inkatha and the ANC. It became the basis for ANC anti-Inkatha propaganda. In all his discussions with the ANC Mission in Exile Prince Buthelezi was adamant that Inkatha should remain Inkatha and that it should remain committed to the Black popular will which expressed itself in Inkatha's massive membership, which had doubled in 1977 and again doubled in 1978.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19524667 (101802ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / This is what sparked violence between ANC and IFP in late 80s, early 90s (video)

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>>77760

“EXPLAINER: This is what sparked violence between ANC and IFP in late 80s, early 90s” (Part 2)

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/explainer-this-is-what-sparked-violence-between-anc-and-ifp-in-late-80s-early-90s-2267a6c8-14e0-4bbc-9d42-2a4fec53b57b

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

“Inkatha rightly interpreted this massive increase of membership as a rejection by Black South Africans of the armed struggle. After the London meeting, for the first time in his career Mr. Tambo began criticising Buthelezi and Inkatha publicly. He had sided with those in his ranks who saw Inkatha as a threat and who wanted no evidence that black democratic opposition and black non-violent tactics and strategies were powerful forces for bringing about change,” IFP official archives recounted the meeting like this.

Buthelezi and the ANC took separate ways and the hostilities between the ANC and IFP began. Apartheid strategists saw an opportunity to ferment a full-blown conflict and ignited what later became to be known as the black on black violence.

Buthelezi over the years, tried to highlight what led to the divorce. To prove that the IFP was formed with the blessing of past ANC leaders, he repeatedly said that it used ANC colours because it was aligned with the ruling party.

In August 2019, while putting down some luggage by leaving his longtime IFP leadership position, he delivered a long speech at a conference held in the historic Zulu town of Ulundi in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

He tearfully - and once more - recalled the bitter and fatal fallout between the IFP and the ANC.

Towards the end of that part of the swan song speech, choking with emotions, he took a deep breath and the marquee went dead silent such that you could hear a pin drop. He said he would die happy if there would be a reconciliation between the ANC and IFP during his lifetime.

Speaking at KwaPhindangene on Sunday, ANC NEC member, Dr Zweli Mkhize acknowledged that the IFP was a project of the ANC even though they later had a fallout.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19532019 (112116ZSEP23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Johannesburg CBD: Speaker Colleen Makhubele says NGOs block efforts to remove people from hijacked buildings (video)

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>>77729

>>77730

>>77734

>>77736

“NGOs caused this.”

https://youtu.be/qIPQHpsYs0U

Sep 1, 2023

0:22 – “Kenny Kunene, the MMC for Transport in the City of Joburg, explains it succinctly, “But the biggest challenge for us as the City when we tried to respond to this, is the law. The law of South Africa protects criminality. The property laws of South Africa protect criminals who hijack buildings. Today in Turffontein, in Rosettenville, you go on holiday for a week when you come back people are staying in your house. When you try to take them out, they call the police, they say this person has rented the house to us, now they want to evict us. The police say you have to go to court to evict them. So the biggest problem to evict these criminals because once you say a building has been hijacked, a crime has been committed… So the problem is the law because the law says before you can take them out, you have to find an alternative place for them even if they are illegal in the country.”

1:28 – “The law that he is reffering to, all of those laws, were precedents set by the Constitutional Court through court cases brought in by foreign funded NGOs. Foreign funded NGOs have created the phenomenon of hijacked buildings around this entire country.”

https://www.sahistory.org.za/sites/default/files/archive-files/south_africa_anti-apartheid_ngos_in_tran.pdf

The repeal of apartheid legislation and the end of National Party rule changed all of this. The conflictual relationship between anti-apartheid NGOs and the state was transformed with the transition to democracy in South Africa. The 1994 elections, in which the ANC gained 63% of the vote, ushered in a new era and forced a shift from the politics of resistance to a politics of reconstruction (Marais, 1998). NGOs and state institutions now were seen as partners in a national project - the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)

The resources of NGOs have been carried into the transition process in three main ways:

(1)Many NGOs have been absorbed into, or fused with, the institutions of the new state; important policy positions, key personnel, and much funding have moved into the state.

(2)NGOs that were closest to the mass-based movements—and have survived the impact of assimilation into state structures—have, often by building on personal networks, repositioned themselves as NGOs with a complementary role to the new state by undertaking partnerships with government departments, developing policies, or providing welfare and development services.

(3)NGOs that have been liberal in orientation have recast themselves as NGOs taking up a position as "watchdogs" of the new state, advocating various policy positions and asserting their independence from the state with the intent of strengthening civil society.

Nelson Mandela (1996) has written: "Non-governmental organizations played an outstanding role during the dark days of apartheid. Today, many people who received their training within the NGO sector play important roles in government." In fact, to some, the acronym NGO is taken to stand for Now Government Official. In some respects the former shadow state has become the new state.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19542361 (131250ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Eskom Bun / High-profile individuals linked to Eskom corruption (video)

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“Politicians implicated in Eskom intelligence report” - https://youtu.be/R3894zJFZsI

“High-profile individuals linked to Eskom corruption”

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/high-profile-individuals-linked-to-eskom-corruption-e0e52607-bbdf-4b16-8bc4-a6ae0db2ea2f

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

The Special Investigating Unit and the Hawks are investigating high-profile individuals who are behind the looting and theft at Eskom.

Head of the Hawks Godfrey Lebeya said their investigations into Eskom corruption flows from a report that was initiated by former CEO André de Ruyter.

De Ruyter had previously said he told Pravin Gordhan, the Minister of Public Enterprises, and Sydney Mufamadi, the national security adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, that high-ranking politicians were involved in corruption at Eskom.

Mothibi and Lebeya said they have taken this report from De Ruyter to conduct investigations.

Lebeya said they want to put together evidence that will link prominent individuals to Eskom’s corruption.

“There were also prominent and influential persons that were mentioned. As the SIU indicated, there are names that have been mentioned in this report. We have analysed them and what we need is evidence to link them to specific crimes,” said Lebeya.

Head of the SIU, advocate Andy Mothibi and Lebeya were on Tuesday briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on corruption at the power utility.

Lebeya said the Hawks were investigating 150 cases at Eskom.

He said there was intimidation and threats against staff members by members of the cartels that are operating there.

In these cases they have been trying to gather evidence so that they will present dockets to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) with cases that were winnable in court.

“The gathered information needs to be corroborated. It is this corroboration that we are looking for that, indeed, some crimes may have been committed. We need to produce something that the NPA may take to court,” said Lebeya.

Lebeya said they will continue and apprehend those who are behind the theft and looting at Eskom.

De Ruyter said a few months ago that Eskom was losing R1 billion a month due to corruption.

Lebeya said there was a coal syndicate operating at Eskom.

Mothibi also told Scopa there was a syndicate dealing on the destruction of infrastructure and this forces Eskom to use emergency procurement to buy parts that are damaged at excessive costs.

It was these syndicates that both the SIU and Hawks were also investigating.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19542376 (131256ZSEP23) Notable: Floyd Shivambu warns IFP against infighting after Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death (video)

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>>>/qresearch/19315246

>[Floyd Shivambu] “Forward to seven tenament pillars, forward! Forward to socialism, forward! Forward to socialism, forward! Forward to expropriation of land without compensation, forward!”

>>77760

>In the 70s the ANC mission in exile came up with the strategy to mobilize along cultural lines and tasked its then ANC youth league member, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to form the then Inkatha Yenkululeko Yesizwe.

“EFF visits Mangosuthu Buthelezi's home” - https://youtu.be/1xODv_74lYw

2:01 – “The long overdue change which our people have been looking up to, to say that let us make 2024 to go 1994 where we then redefine South Africa’s politics without the ANC.”

“WATCH: Floyd Shivambu warns IFP against infighting after Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death”

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/watch-floyd-shivambu-warns-ifp-against-infighting-after-mangosuthu-buthelezis-death-6a666115-b5c1-4ca0-b1d7-492c5c7221d2

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president, Floyd Shivambu has cautioned the leadership and members of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) not to engage in factional battles after the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

According to Shivambu, if all members of the party want to honour Buthelezi’s legacy, they must avoid the temptation adding that the IFP is central to a coalition government next year.

Shivambu made the remarks on Tuesday at KwaPhindangene where he led the EFF’s delegation to mourn the late Zulu traditional prime minister who died aged 95 last Saturday.

He recalled how the EFF’s leadership met Buthelezi in 2014 to apologise for controversial remarks they had made while still members of the ANC Youth League.

“Do not use this opportunity … to cause internal strife and fights. The IFP is a solid organisation. It has a role to play here in KwaZulu-Natal.

“It must stand for what it stands for, it must not be divided with people fighting each other. You know how to handle your own issues.

“Don’t destroy the organisation, because if you do, you destroy the legacy of Umntwana ka Phindangene,” he said.

He highlighted that the IFP will be needed after next year’s provincial and national elections as there will be a change of guard at the provincial and national levels.

“You must have this organisation solid because generally what is going to happen in 2024 there is going to be a government that is not led by a party that is leading now.

“So, next year in KwaZulu-Natal there will be a different government. The IFP and the EFF and all other strategic organisations will be playing an important role.

“And definitely not the ANC, that is where we are going, so the IFP must remain steadfast in terms of what it stands for,” he added.

IFP President, Velenkosini Hlabisa also spoke after Shivambu and pledged that they will preserve Buthelezi’s legacy.

He hinted that they will be in touch with the EFF regarding several political issues.

Also pleading Buthelezi’s legacy to be preserved was Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, the son of the departed traditional leader.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19542397 (131304ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / >>195424147 Mkhwebane’s fate sealed, becomes first public protector removed from office (video)

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>>77607

>>>/qresearch/19400277

>>>/qresearch/19400311

>>>/qresearch/19400595

>CR17

“Holomisa presents alleged CR17 funding evidence to national assembly speaker” - https://youtu.be/fBxDb-AL3u8

“Mkhwebane’s fate sealed, becomes first public protector removed from office”

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/mkhwebane-first-public-protector-removed-office-11-september-2023/

September 11, 2023 | 5:24 pm

318 of the 400 MPs voted in favour of Section 194 committee report to remove Mkhwebane

Three hundred and eighteen of the 400 MPs voted in favour of the Parliament’s Section 194 Committee report for Mkhwebane to be removed. Forty-three voted no.

Cope’s Mosiuoa Lekota abstained from voting.

DA MP Siviwe Gwarube said her removal must serve as a lesson to the institution on the importance of selecting fit-for-purpose candidates at all times, given that a new public protector will be announced next Thursday.

“Today was not just a vote to remove the first head of a Chapter 9 institution but a confirmation of the DA’s relentless commitment to the rule of law and accountability,” said Gwarube.

‘Political witch hunt’

EFF treasurer general Omphile Maotwe said the report to remove Mkhwebane was the political witch hunt by the DA and supported by the ANC to punish Mkhwebane in order to protect President Cyril Ramaphosa.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said Mkhwebane was being targeted because she “hit a raw nerve” with her 2019 report.

“The ANC has closed ranks with a vengeance, and we are at the juncture where they are merely getting rid of her for doing her job too well,” said Holomisa.

“This House should come up with a mechanism to establish which companies are doing business with government and have donated to this campaign and why monies ended up in some cabinet members’ pockets as shown in [Mkhwebane’s 2019 report].”

ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina, ahead of the vote, said if party members voted against the party line, which was to vote for Mkhwebane to be removed, they would be dealt with, and the party is not afraid to part ways with them.

ANC MP Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was not in parliament for the vote.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19549266 (141328ZSEP23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun / BRICS expansion ‘will allow media to strengthen relations

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“BRICS expansion ‘will allow media to strengthen relations’”

https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/brics-expansion-will-allow-media-to-strengthen-relations-34883841-6a44-41ae-8369-b830c0eabc5c

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Durban – The CEO of TV BRICS Media Network, Janna Tolstikova, said the expansion of the BRICS member nations to 11 countries offered the media the opportunity to reach out and strengthen the ties of the people of the BRICS nations because it was all about people-to-people connections.

The TV BRICS Media Network has more than 50 national media partners in 11 countries, including African countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and Latin American countries such as Venezuela and Cuba, and is already in co-operation with several news sources in Argentina.

TV BRICS sees the growing role of information exchange between national media in strengthening relations between countries.

Tolstikova said being a joint partner in the international media network, TV BRICS constantly accumulate, prepare and distribute the information about the BRICS joint agenda as well as each member's national agenda using local media resources in all the member states.

“Our media network has been actively pursuing a policy of exchanging high-quality information with the BRICS countries since we were established six years ago.

“We integrate our national news content in other news agenda of local media that already has its own viewers or users.

“We collect and distribute local news stories prepared by the local editorial boards in our information exchange, making steps to bring those countries closer to each other.”

Tolstikova said the network was pleased to welcome local media companies from Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to join it in multilateral information exchange in order to speak up and to work together with BRICS national media.

“I believe the expansion of the bloc will give a new impetus to interaction between the already established members of the association and will bring BRICS to a completely new level of economic and cultural relations.

“The agenda is expanding and our mission is to focus on distributing a constructive, peaceful agenda related to existing and potential co-operation between countries.”

Tolstikova said the network paid attention to the social issues, education, health care and cultures of the BRICS countries.

“We believe that peaceful content can truly unite the member countries of the bloc, at the same time in reaching and strengthening ties of the people of the BRICS because it is all about people-to-people connections.

“New participants are representatives of different continents, different cultures and representatives of traditions and this opens up an unusual and interesting world for the audiences of the TV BRICS partner media resources… a new world that will now be available to all of us through proper media coverage pursued by local journalists.”

In August, Tolstikova addressed the BRICS Media Forum in Johannesburg, in a panel session on “Strengthening Exchanges: The Role of Media in Fostering Africa's Economic Growth”.

She highlighted the value of presenting information to the global community through Africa’s own national media, along with its vision from local journalists and creators.

“Africa’s media resources should have access to freely perform its own vision to global audiences. This would allow them to talk more about Africa’s economic agenda, the struggles its countries face and what solutions Africa has to offer the world. [Does the world really want to follow Africa’s example?]

“This can be done through an international information exchange that shapes the national agenda of each country to the audience of another country, and brings them closer and builds a base for further connections and mutual interests in various fields. We believe it helps to stimulate the development of each country and to enhance the common growth between the countries when we put a light on any field using media tools.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19552219 (142244ZSEP23) Notable: Updated BRICS Summit Bun

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Updated BRICS Summit Bun

>>77499 Ramaphosa expected to go to Moscow in an attempt to convince Putin to attend BRICS summit virtually (video)

>>77500 BRICS expansion will accelerate creation of a new world order

>>77504 BRICS Summit: Police Minister and SAPS high level delegation visit China

>>77506, >>77728 (from General Research) Macron asks for invitation to BRICS summit - media

>>77591, >>77592 Why Putin won’t go to South Africa for the BRICS summit in August (Parts 1&2)

>>77718 “Call to support farmers” hosted by South Africa which does not

>>77719, >>77720 Dr. Iqbal Survé's speech at 2023 BRICS Media Forum” - “I now want to address the New World Order.” (Parts 1&2) (videeo)

>>77721 BRICS Summit: One-on-one with Dr. Patrice Motsepe (video)

>>77722 (from Canada #46) BRICS Summit, Day One: Xi Hypes the ‘Global South’, Putin Sees ‘Alternative to G7’, Modi Touts Indian Economy, Lula Calls for Common Currency, Ramaphosa Stresses Ties Between Members

>>77723 “Six countries, including Egypt and Ethiopia join BRICS” also Iran, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (video)

>>77724 BRICS Summit 2023 LIVE: South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa Meets China's President Xi Jinping (video)

>>77727 Two fighter jets spotted in Sandton for three days since the beginning of 15th BRICS Summit

>>77767 BRICS expansion ‘will allow media to strengthen relations

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19552225 (142244ZSEP23) Notable: Castleton Commodities International Bun

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Castleton Commodities International Bun

>>77702 Henry R. Slack, Chairman of Castleton Commodities International LLC (CCI)

>>77703, >>77708 William C. Reed II, Chief Executive Officer, CCI, serves on the board of the Night Stalker Foundation

>>77704 Eileen A. Aptman, Director of CCI, Member of George Soros’ Open Society Foundation Investment Committee

>>77705 Kristen Eshak Weldon, Board member of CCI, Managing Director and Global Head of BlackRock Alternative Investors Sustainable Investing

>>77706 Michael J. Zimmerman, Vice Chairman CCI, was a Managing Director at Salomon Brothers Inc

>>77707 People who worked for companies [Enron, Lehman Brothers, Arthur Andersen] which folded, found a home at CCI

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19552227 (142244ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Covid & Other Pestilence Bun

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Updated Covid & Other Pestilence Bun

>>77458 (from Canada #42) Secrets of Manufactured Consent

>>77532 Covid Is Genocide - A Biological Warfare Crime - Dr. David Martin Speaks To The European Parliament (video)

>>77608 Mark Suzman, CEO, Board Member, Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation and Helen Suzman’s nephew (video)

>>77715 Aspen's vaccines deal with Serum Institute of India: Stavros Nicolaou (video)

>>77742, >>77743 “Big pharma bullied SA govt on Covid-19 vaccines, newly released contracts obtained by Health Justice Initiative show (Parts 1&2)

>>77744 The Health Justice Initiative v The Minister of Health and Information Officer, Department of Health

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19552228 (142244ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Eskom Bun

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Updated Eskom Bun

>>77421 Winter load shedding warning: From bad to worse - right back to bad

>>77422, >>77423 Andre de Ruyter to be served court papers in Germany: report (Parts 1&2)

>>77424, >>77425 South Africa prepares for Stage 9 load-shedding (Parts 1&2)

>>77427 Jan Oberholzer discusses Jacques Pauw’s “distasteful article” [English Translation] (video)

>>77428 “De Ruyter's claims on Eskom graft wild and untested" - News24 [Jacques Pauw] (video)

>>77432, >>77433, >>77434 SA’s new third force poses a grave threat to democracy (Parts 1-3)

>>77435 Ramaphosa deploys 900 soldiers to guard Eskom power stations

>>77439, >>77440 “Set aside Eskom judgment", says Pravin Gordhan (Parts 1&2)

>>77441 SIU demands answers on appointment of intelligence operation by De Ruyter at Eskom

>>77442 Eskom expected to implement up to Stage 10 load shedding

>>77443 Agri SA bemoans impact of load shedding on Food Security

>>77444 Countrywide blackout’: Botswana went dark on Monday

>>77445 SASRIA will not pay claims related to grid failure (video)

>>77449, >>77450 MPs rap Eskom brass on the knuckles for forcing De Ruyter out instead of probing claims (Parts 1&2)

>>77452, >>77453 "Gordhan told De Ruyter to gather intelligence somehow," Scopa told (Parts 1&2; video)

>>77529 Eskom rescues technicians from dangerous Joburg areas (video)

>>77567 Eskom confirms the return of Stage 6 load shedding “until further notice”

>>77642 R400 000 to kill Eskom employee

>>77725 SA charts energy growth path with China

>>77726 The donation is exactly that’: Ramokgopa clears the air on China’s R170m donation to South Africa

>>77764 High-profile individuals linked to Eskom corruption (video)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19552251 (142248ZSEP23) Notable: Updated Russia and Ukraine Bun

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Updated Russia and Ukraine Bun

>>77455 Why would Russia’s Kalashnikov make a NATO-friendly assault rifle? - AK-19

>>77456 Cyril's Rubicon? RW Johnson on arms-to-Russia torpedo for SA's motor industry, AGOA, ARV supplies (video)

>>77472 Joint Press Conference between PM Lee Hsien Loong and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (video)

>>77473 Another “Plot for Peace”? Jean-Yves Ollivier founded Brazzaville Foundation (video)

>>77510, >>77522, >>77523, >>77531 Unapproved dangerous’ goods on plane spark diplomatic spat between Poland and South Africa (video)

>>77511 (from General Research) Zelensky offers zero flexibility to African leaders

>>77518, >>77519 The arms dealer behind the African peace mission to Ukraine (Parts 1&2)

>>77520 Yoweri K Museveni Tweet about African ‘peace mission’ meeting

>>77521 Cyril Ramaphosa hails ‘historic’ Ukraine peace mission after talks (video)

>>77525, >>77526 Protection services delayed before Russia peace mission “due to aviation insurance exclusions” (Parts 1&2)

>>77527 Ramaphosa’s plane “failed to get clearance to fly over Italian airspace”

>>77530 (from General) NATO member threatens African aid cuts over support for Russia

>>77561 “Carping Point: There are so many things we will never know about that Ukraine trip”

>>77602 Lady with Cookies: Victoria Nuland Is Going to South Africa (video)

>>77717 Russia’s ‘African Village’: a beacon of hope for South African Boers amid growing tensions

>>77754 Russia's long-lost relationship with South Africa's Afrikaans-speaking community (video)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19552253 (142248ZSEP23) Notable: Taxi Strike Bun

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Taxi Strike Bun

>>77638 United Kingdom issues travel alert over Cape Town taxi violence (video)

>>77639 Eskom withdraws services in six Cape Town areas after petrol-bombing of vehicle

>>77640 Update on Western Cape taxi strike (video)

>>77641 The Bloody South African TAXI WAR(Kill or Be Killed)

>>77643 W Cape Taxi Stayaway: Confirmation of Avanza driver killed, commuters left in distress (video)

>>77664 'No talks with taxi operators if violence persists (video)

>>77665 Transport Minister and JP Smith in war of words over taxi strike

>>77668 Taxi strike in Cape Town leads to violence, deaths: Gugu Nonjinge (video)

>>77669 Cape Town taxi strike: DA calls for accountability from Bheki Cele

>>77671 Taxi industry law unto itself - Sandile Swana (video)

>>77672 South African Taxi Industry: the establishment of SANTACO 2014

>>77673 From 2011: South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) to launch taxi industry training academy

>>77674, >>77675 From 2010: Address at the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) launch of The TR3 2020 Strategy by Mr Sibusiso Ndebele, Minister of Transport

>>77676, >>77677 Riot and strike warning for South Africa (Parts 1&2)

>>77678 A great relief’ — Santaco calls off Western Cape taxi strike (video)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19561102 (161415ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / ANC, EFF eyeing political points, using Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death for political gains

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“ANC, EFF eyeing political points”, "using Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death for political gains"

https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/anc-eff-eyeing-political-points-3c5a6230-597b-43c5-a586-10477b8908db

Published Sep 15, 2023

Durban — The DA IN KwaZulu-Natal has lashed out at the ANC and the EFF for what it called using Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death for political gains.

Both the EFF and the ANC national leadership visited KwaPhindangene residence in Ulundi north of the province to pay their respects on Tuesday.

During their visits, the parties indicated their willingness to form a coalition with the IFP after next year’s elections in honour of Buthelezi’s legacy and wishes. However, the DA labelled them as “political hyenas” who were “unashamed to scavenge” for political points over Inkosi Buthelezi’s dead body.

DA provincial chairperson Dean Macpherson said it was unfortunate for the ANC and the EFF to use Buthelezi’s death to score political points, because they did not want him while he was still alive. He added that it was recorded that despite Buthelezi’s impassioned plea to reconcile with the ANC before his death, the party never took him seriously and ignored him until his death.

On the EFF gestures, Macpherson said it was also known that the party dumped the IFP after demanding it be given uMhlathuze Local Municipality, which the IFP rejected. Macpherson questioned the party’s U-turn since the IFP had not changed its position on uMhlathuze.

The IFP and the DA have cemented their relationship in uMhlathuze, which resulted in the appointment of the DA deputy mayor Christo Botha.

“The ANC and the EFF made a fool of Shenge’s grieving family by saying things they knew wouldn’t happen. If the ANC and the EFF really wanted to restore the working relationship with Inkosi Buthelezi and the IFP why did they wait for him to die first? These are political hyenas who went to KwaPhindangene to scavenge for political points over uMntwana’s dead body,” said Macpherson.

ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile, who led his party’s delegation to KwaPhindangene on Tuesday, said the ANC would ensure that the IFP and ANC’s relationship was restored to fulfil Buthelezi’s wishes. He added that uMntwana waKwaPhindangene died crying for the renewal of his ANC membership card and that after the funeral the party would meet the IFP to finish the reconciliation process.

When asked what caused the delay until Buthelezi’s death, Mashatile said the party was still processing the matter and the office of the secretary-general was busy processing Buthelezi’s membership card. He did not want to respond to questions on how their working relationship would be restored since the IFP was now part of the moonshot pact.

EFF deputy president Floyd Shivhambu called on the IFP not to use Buthelezi’s death to cause internal strife. He said the IFP would be needed next year to form a government that would not be led by the ANC.

IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa said the ball was in the ANC’s court. The ANC’s seriousness in reconciling with the IFP was also questioned by IFP stalwart Musa Zondi, who is now spokesperson for the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Foundation.

Speaking at Buthelezi’s memorial on Wednesday, Zondi said that as much he welcomed the ANC’s promise to restore working relations with the IFP, he wanted to know why the ANC had waited until Buthelezi’s death.

Nelson Mandela Bay University-based political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu said he preferred to adopt a wait-and-see approach since politicians were good at making promises, but lacking in implementation.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19561121 (161421ZSEP23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / NGOs are blocking SA’s energy development, says Mantashe

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>>77763

>“NGOs caused this.”

>>77446

>“Meet Dr Patrick Moore: Greenpeace co-founder who left the organisation hijacked by political left”

“NGOs are blocking SA’s energy development, says Mantashe”

https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/ngos-are-blocking-sas-energy-development-says-mantashe-1e798e5c-2547-4251-9a1e-e53905b32b76

Published Sep 14, 2023

Cape Town - Several civil organisations protested outside the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday, where the 3rd annual Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference took place.

Activists and concerned residents from across communities in and around Cape Town gathered for the protest, calling for solutions to be sought in the renewable energy sector, as opposed to new investments in oil and gas exploration.

Organisations present included Green Connection, South African Faith Communities’ Environmental Institute (Safcei), Project 90 By 2030, Climate Justice Charter Movement, Feed The Future For Life, African Climate Alliance, Save Our Sacred Lands, and Extinction Rebellion Cape Town.

Student Qhama Kali from Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) said: “We need to stop what we are doing, this polluting the air and burning fossil fuels. We need to move to more sustainable energy like solar, wind, hydro, instead of using coal because coal pollutes the air and endangers everyone.”

Kali said more engagements should take place with affected communities on “what they wanted”.

SAFCEI co-ordinator Sizwe Manqele said: “We are here today because we believe that God created this world for all of us, and so as people of faith we want to make sure that justice gets done.

“That the oil and gas extraction is not only happening in the name of profit, but that we do justice by leaving it in the soil and finding alternative means to have energy, such as renewable energy.

“Not much is being said on the negative effects of organic matter extraction, and that it impacts people negatively in terms of pollution and illnesses that people get due to this, and that's not to mention the money that people do not get due to the whole oil and gas extraction.”

Mantashe was present at the two-day conference, convened by the department and Petroleum Agency SA and the South African Oil & Gas Alliance.

The theme for this year’s conference is "Oil and gas development to address Southern Africa’s energy challenges while ensuring a Just Energy Transition”. The conference will conclude on Thursday.

During his keynote address, Mantashe said South Africa had a responsibility to “exploit deposits” and convert this into wealth for the country.

“And that wealth can help us deal with all the problems that we’re faced with – unemployment, poverty, inequality. You can only successfully fight those if we have access to resources.

“Development and climate change must co-exist. If they don't co-exist, there is a problem because in Africa, more than seven million people have no access to electricity. So when we talk about decarbonisation, your message becomes hollow on the continent.”

Mantashe said the country continues to face opposition from non-governmental organisations, which he claimed were foreign funded.

“Many of the NGOs that take us to court have unlimited resources, they're funded by foreign entities. It is deliberate to block development. It's not an accident, it's a deliberate problem that is directed at blocking development in a poor country like South Africa, and we’re determined to fight off that obstacle to development.”

Mantashe ended off by saying that South Africa was “open for business” to the global community and investors. He said the government would be supporting oil exploration in the West Coast and East Coast.

“All those explorations we’ll support and we’ll take that fight to the end.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19561124 (161422ZSEP23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / South Africa needs a ‘war room’ to expedite oil and gas projects (Parts 1&2)

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>>77775

“South Africa needs a ‘war room’ to expedite oil and gas projects” 1 of 2

https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/south-africa-needs-a-war-room-to-expedite-oil-and-gas-projects-4e9436fe-326b-42db-afb5-10b94b7900ca

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

South Africa needed a “war room” to boost its oil and gas developments and to better coordinate government departments on these projects, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Pinky Kekana said yesterday.

She said in an address to the Southern Africa Oil & Gas Conference 2023 that, “Mozambique is up and running, Namibia is up and running, South Africa wake up!”

She said that the Petroleum Agency for South Africa (PASA) estimated South Africa potentially held 27 billion barrels of oil and 60 trillion cubic metres gas offshore, let alone the onshore resources, but development in the sector remains weak due to a number of factors including weak infrastructure, insufficient investment and technological issues.

She said the “war room” should comprise all the relevant government departments, so that “there is one centre” for these developments, promoting “one message”, and various government departments did not pull investors in different directions, she said.

Adrian Strydom, the CEO at the South African Oil and Gas Alliance, said the growth of the sector had “game-changing potential for the region and we cannot afford to ignore this.

“The load shedding we are experiencing was an indication of the need to allow for all the energy technologies and resources to be explored,” he said.

Dr Bongani Sayidini, the chief operating officer at PASA, said South Africa had sufficient gas resources to realise the aims of its gas sector policies. Internationally, gas utilisation as a primary source of energy in developed countries had averaged 24%, but in South Africa this figure was less than 3%.

A government integrated resource development plan had stated a target to increase this to 16% by 2030.

What little existing regional gas supply there was to the country, to Sasol via the Pande Temane fields in Mozambique, was expected to decrease sharply from 2026 as the reserves were depleted - an event Sasol had already notified its many industrial off-take partners of.

Dr Sayidini said apart from the estimated 60 trillion cubic feet of gas (tcf) offshore of South Africa, there were also some 200tcf of gas onshore.

“We do have the gas,” he said, citing production estimates from the West, Southern and Eastern coast offshore exploration areas.

He said the Ibuhesi gas find on the West Coast operated by Sunbird Energy, which was discovered many years ago, had become a “stranded asset” as the project developers could not find a close and big enough market to justify developing the field.

A similar situation had arisen with Namibia’s Kudu Gas Fields, but “given where we are at with the Just Energy Transition”, moves were afoot to monetise the fields.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19561128 (161422ZSEP23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / South Africa needs a ‘war room’ to expedite oil and gas projects (Parts 1&2)

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“South Africa needs a ‘war room’ to expedite oil and gas projects” 2 of 2

https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/south-africa-needs-a-war-room-to-expedite-oil-and-gas-projects-4e9436fe-326b-42db-afb5-10b94b7900ca

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

On the south coast, regulatory approvals was still underway for the significant Brulpadda and Luiperd gas discoveries operated by TotalEnergies in the 11B and 12B offshore blocks. Along the east coast, seismic surveys were suspended by court action by stakeholders.

He said in Mpumalanga, on land close to the existing gas infrastructure near Secunda and many electrical power stations, the Kinektico Energy Company had discovered significant liquid natural gas (LNG) resources that might be able to mitigate the potential negative impacts of gas depletion to Sasol.

Nick de Blocq, the CEO at Kinektico Energy, said they had spudded 41 wells over 12 years and each had been successful, with a 42nd well currently being spudded.

He said this “100% strike rate” rate was unheard of in the gas industry, and in addition, the quality of the gas was exceptional, comprising up to 98% methane, while the rest was nitrogen. There was also no need to frack or do horizontal drilling.

The gas would also maybe find a market at the nearby coal mines, which were having to burn large quantities of diesel due to load shedding.

He said they had registered the gas project with the President’s Special Infrastructure Project (SIP) Commission, in the hope that it would help to expedite the regulatory guidelines and other processes when it came to develop the project further.

Thabang Audat, the chief director at the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources, who worked with the team responsible for the draft Gas Master Plan 2023, said they were advocating for a future mix of energy sources, not just gas, but that a clear policy on the development of the gas industry was required.

A middle-case scenario was for gas to be phased in as feedstock, to replace coal, for Eskom’s power stations, as they were decommissioned during the next few years to 2035.

He said LNG might need to be imported by ships in the future to account for the declining gas from the Pande Temane gas field in Mozambique, which would require the flow of the gas pipeline from Richards Bay to Secunda to be reversed.

He said South Africa was in an energy crisis, and the various rounds of renewable energy projects had not yet been enough to alleviate this crisis. LNG, which was a cleaner source of energy than coal, “is necessary to complement renewable energy”.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19589096 (211602ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / It is called a Tournament when a hit is out on a Councillor. KZN killing fields (video)

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>>>/qresearch/19588990

>That people’s war was supposed to be actually… turned on the white minority that was ruling the country but it was turned on other black people… about 20 000 black people died.

The violence continues…

“It is called a Tournament when a hit is out on a Councillor. KZN killing fields.”

https://youtu.be/KFOq7z7r8YE

Sep 18, 2023

2:34 – “”So frequent are the killings that they are now colloquially referred to as tournaments in northern parts of the province where killings are rife.” You remember in the run-up to the 1994 elections where many people, thousands of people were killed in political violence and when Mangosuthu Buthelezi passed on, a lot of people blamed him for being quiet when this happened back in the day.”

Source;

“Killing Councillors | 'The tournament is done': KZN councillors gunned down to win political fights”

https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/killing-councillors-the-tournament-is-done-kzn-councillors-gunned-down-to-win-political-fights-20230918

“ANC councillor gunned down in KZN” [SEPTEMBER 20, 2023]

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/anc-councillor-gunned-down-in-kzn-b9ab998b-1edb-4670-8312-5b2a271e6e15

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

African National Congress (ANC) councillor Mzwandile Shandu is the latest victim of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal after he was gunned down on Wednesday.

Shandu was a councillor in Ward 7 under Mkhambathini Local Municipality.

According to the regional spokesperson, Njabulo Mtolo, the details surrounding the shooting are still a bit sketchy.

His death comes after he survived an assassination attempt in August when he was attending a ceremony held at the KwaMahleka location in Mbumbulu.

"It is very unfortunate that this incident took place just a few weeks after there was a failed attempt on his life. Also, just a few weeks after yet another ANC Councillor, Comrade Mubhungu Mkhize, was brutally killed,’’ said Mtolo.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19589131 (211608ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Western Cape: “Murdered ANC councillor had survived two previous assassination attempts

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>>>/qresearch/19588990

>“I’m very pleased that you mentioned it… I’m very pleased because of that lie, that ANC lie. When it was public knowledge that the ANC was going to kill me as a South African, I didn’t have an army, Transkei had an army, Ciskei had an army but I had no army. I had a small police force which I could not even issue firearm licenses to them. Licenses were issued by Pretoria because we were not independent. So when I was going to be killed, I had to tell the government that I needed protection. So the government said to […], he must choose about 200 people to be trained in VIP protection to protect me, to protect my ministers, to protect our building. Just 200 people… They took them. We didn’t know where they were trained. It eventually came out that they were trained in the Caprivi. Then during what you call the conflicts… that’s when this lie comes in where it is said that they were a hit squad for the IFP. What nonsense. I mean any person with anything between his ears can just see this. You cannot say when ANC had 1000s of MK that 200 people could fight an army of the ANC with 1000s of people… You cannot believe a fantasy like that.”

The Apartheid government was better at protecting its own people than the ANC.

Western Cape: “Murdered ANC councillor had survived two previous assassination attempts”

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-09-20-murdered-anc-councillor-had-survived-two-previous-assassination-attempts/

20 September 2023 - 22:08

Western Cape police are investigating the murder of an ANC councillor who was gunned down outside his home.

Arthur Gqeba was shot just before midnight in Vredenburg on Friday. The 40-year-old Saldanha Bay councillor had survived two previous attempts on his life.

ANC provincial spokesperson Muhammad Khalid Sayed said the party’s provincial secretary Neville Delport was aware of the threats to Gqeba’s life. Delport is the former ANC west coast regional secretary.

“Delport, at the time he was the regional secretary, was most certainly aware of the two assassination attempts on the late comrade Arthur Gqeba,” said Sayed. “In this capacity he, together with the regional leadership, immediately took the matter up and mandated the ANC chief whip in the Saldanha Bay municipality to raise the issue with the speaker and security was provided. That was the intervention that the ANC managed to push.”

He said the ANC was not in a position to provide security.

“ANC is not necessarily able to provide security. That is the responsibility of government — particularly the government structure where the public representative is serving and that provision was made,” he said. “But the major concern was that the municipality withdrew the security and the ANC expressed its dismay at that — even inside council.”

Sayed said Delport was not aware of the motive of the killing.

“According to the provincial secretary, it is very important for security to be ramped up by the local government — not only for ANC councillors but for councillors at large. Councillors are at the cutting edge of service delivery issues which are linked to tensions in communities where there is huge competition.

Ethne Lawrence, the spokesperson for Saldanha Bay municipality, would not be drawn to comment on why Gqeba’s security was withdrawn.

“Saldanha Bay Municipality is saddened by the loss of councillor Arthur Gqeba and we strongly condemn this violent and brutal attack,” . said Lawrence.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19590370 (211959ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / AfriForum’s latest report on farm attacks/murders offers a perspective on the nationality of arrested farm attackers (video)

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>>>/qresearch/19549059

>>77757

“Unmasking the Truth: ANC's Claims on Farm Murders/Attacks Exposed!”

https://youtu.be/IbSH0sADm68

Streamed live on Sep 20, 2023

AfriForum’s latest report on farm attacks/murders offers a perspective on the nationality of arrested farm attackers.

Jacques Broodryk and I dive into the numbers and expose the ANC’s lies.

https://afriforum.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Rural-injustice-The-low-prosecution-rates-for-farm-attacks-and-murders-September-2023-3.pdf

https://twitter.com/JacquesBroodryk

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19590376 (212000ZSEP23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun / Lawyers 'in cahoots' with deeds office in hijacking of buildings (video)

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“Lawyers 'in cahoots' with deeds office in hijacking of buildings”

https://youtu.be/6HiWBxOQ-w8

Sep 21, 2023

Lawyers have allegedly been implicated in the hijacking of buildings in the Joburg city centre. Investigations by the city show that some are in cahoots with the deeds office, allegedly allowing for the ownership of buildings to be changed. Joburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku says they have an undercover unit working hard to uncover the building hijackers.

“COJ closing in on suspected kingpins of hijacked buildings”

https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/coj-closing-in-on-suspected-kingpins-of-hijacked-buildings/

21 September 2023, 6:40 AM

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety in Johannesburg, Mgcini Tshwaku, has reported significant progress in identifying several suspected masterminds behind the hijacking of buildings in the inner city.

Tshwaku made this revelation during a recent operation conducted by City Power, which involved disconnecting electricity to numerous hijacked buildings in the Jeppestown area.

According to Tshwaku, a notable development is that many of the suspected kingpins behind these hijackings are legal professionals, specifically lawyers. It has come to light that some occupants of these buildings are making rental payments to trusts overseen by these lawyers, diverting funds that should rightfully go to the city.

This practice has raised concerns about the legitimacy of these arrangements.

One lawyer named Jan de Baas, residing in Florida, is among those implicated in the hijacking of the Tigerburg building, which comprises approximately 125 units. Authorities are actively pursuing leads and gathering evidence to build cases against these alleged criminal networks.

Tshwaku emphasized that law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to address this issue, with undercover units deployed to gather crucial intelligence. The city is determined to clamp down on these illicit activities and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

The crackdown on hijacked buildings in Johannesburg comes on the backdrop of numerous building fires in the inner city. It also reflects ongoing efforts to restore law and order, improve living conditions for residents, and combat illegal activities that have plagued the inner city for years.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19607319 (251345ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland

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>>>/qresearch/19607266

>>>/qresearch/19607282

>>>/qresearch/19400245

>Marikana Massacre survivors continue their civil case against Ramaphosa

>>77695

>One was Harry Oppenheimer [HFO], the elderly epitome of English mining capital and an early promoter of black trade union rights (he had, incidentally, made a modest contribution of R5 000 to the Weekly Mail’s start-up costs); the other was Cyril Ramaphosa, a young, fiery, rabble-rousing revolutionary riding to prominence in the NUM [National Union of Mineworkers].

Both Tiny Rowland and Harry Oppenheimer mentored Cyril Ramaphosa and had their businesses in London

“ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland.” [2017] – Part 1

https://nation.africa/kenya/news/africa/anc-leader-ramaphosa-and-the-tidy-legacy-of-lonrho-s-rowland-1248538

Saturday, December 23, 2017 — updated on July 03, 2020

Dollar millionaire Cyril Ramaphosa, the new African National Congress (ANC) president, is on the road to becoming South Africa's president - perhaps.

Had British mining billionaire Roland "Tiny" Rowland his business mentor been alive today, he would have toasted to a super victory.

Mr Rowland always moulded his trusted lieutenants in his own lavish image.

When he died in 1998, Mr Rowland was eulogised as "secretive, ruthless and contemptuous of anything that smacked of Establishment hypocrisy".

In Tom Bower's biography, Mr Rowland is said to have made a remark aboard one of his Gulfstream Jets as he looked down on vast lands in Africa:

"These African leaders are so corrupt that there's not a single one of them whom I could not buy."

MINE WORKERS

In all the countries that his company Lonrho operated, Mr Rowland knew how to connect business with political power.

Today, Mr Ramaphosa is the majority stake owner of what remained of Lonrho empire in South Africa the world's third largest platinum mine in Highveld platinum belt.

While for years he was the mask of Lonrho's mines (renamed Lonmin), Mr Ramaphosa is now its face.

Lonmin was the scene of Marikana massacre of August 2012 when police shot at striking mine workers.

It was later found that it was Ramaphosa who in a chain of emails released to the Farlam inquiry who called for the police to move in.

He wrote: "The terrible events that have unfolded cannot be described as a labour dispute. They are plainly dastardly criminal and must be characterised as such…”

ELITE

In his tenure, Mr Rowland left a legacy in Lonrho where the company balanced both the political and business interests by seeking services of those close to the political elite.

In Kenya, and when he reigned in wealth and power, Mr Rowland's Lonrho empire was always at the hands of those close to State House.

In the Jomo Kenyatta years, he had picked Udi Gecaga, Kenyatta's son-in-law, to manage his local interests.

But as soon as Kenyatta died in 1978, Mr Rowland quickly fired Mr Gecaga, easily forgetting that this was the man who once saved him from a boardroom coup in London in 1973 led by Sir Basil Smallpeice, administrative adviser to the Royal Household, and Nicholas Elliott, the former head of M16.

He even went further to disparage Mr Gecaga describing his tenure as "a mistake I truly regret".

APARTHEID

In South Africa, Mr Rowland was one of the secret financiers of African National Congress and when Oliver Tambo had a heart attack on August 12, 1989, a Lonrho jet was sent to take him to London for treatment

[Also, “Rowland's Lonrho purchased the ANC's Johannesburg headquarters for them, and is bankrolling a planned new ANC newspaper.” https://larouchepub.com/eiw/public/1993/eirv20n19-19930514/eirv20n19-19930514_036-did_british_intelligence_kill_ha.pdf]

The Executive Intelligence Review later reported that in 1992, a year before he was forced out as CEO, Mr Rowland purchased a mansion in the Sandhurst section of Sandton, a posh Johannesburg suburb, for Cyril Ramaphosa, then ANC's secretary general.

When he died of cancer in 1998, Nelson Mandela described him as "a long-standing friend in the struggle against apartheid".

But he was a double-dealer whose efforts on behalf of the British establishment was to make sure that ANC did not disrupt or nationalise the apartheid economic systems including the mines and farms.

But to understand how Mr Rowland and Lonrho worked, let us bring the story closer home.

MARK TOO

After Mr Gecaga was forced out, Mr Rowland picked President Moi's homeboy, Mark Too, who was known as Bwana Dawa because he could help fix any problem.

Mr Rowland did not know Mark Too, though he was an employee in Lonrho's Uasin Gishu-based East African Tanning and Extract Company (EATEC).

On the day they met, Mr Rowland was at the Norfolk wondering who could connect him to President Moi.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19607326 (251348ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland

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>>77782

“ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland.” [2017] – Part 2

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ANC+leader+Ramaphosa+and+the+tidy+legacy+of+Lonrho%27s+Rowland.-a0520242867

Somebody pointed to Mark Too who made the call and Mr Rowland got an appointment.

For that call and no other qualification he became Lonrho's point man in Kenya.

MOI UNIVERSITY

Apparently, Mr Too, a man who could leave Moi in stitches, was the only person who was allowed to see President Moi after six o'clock in the evening or "even after midnight" - according to David Kimaiyo, then head of Presidential Escort.

In firing Mr Gecaga, and by picking Mr Too, the mining baron hoped to have direct contact to the political elite.

And that is why he donated 1,000 acres for the construction of Moi University and managed to bring in British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to sponsor the building of the university library, which is named after her.

There was a reason for this. Mr Rowland on behalf of Thatcher's government was in covert business in southern Africa by delivering arms to the apartheid regime, and being the contact person for National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita) rebels in Angola - according to Hennie van Vuuren's new book Apartheid, Guns and Money: A Tale of Profit.

AIRPORT LAND

He would always arrange international travel for Unita rebels and then transfer them back to their bolt-holes in Cuango Valley where illicit mining of diamond had become the lifeline of both guerrillas and some international wheeler dealers.

Mr Rowland also donated the land on which Moi International Airport is built, albeit with some controversy.

While this land was a donation to "the President", the government sent its valuer to value it.

He came up with a figure of Sh150 million. Parliament was later told that Lonrho sent another valuer who gave a figure of S10 million.

The next was a circus because the government opted to purchase the gift from "the President" and it went with Lonrho's figure an illegality since the government does not rely on private valuers.

FALLOUT

While it paid Sh200 million for the land, the government decided to offset the balance by giving Tiny Rowland the Uplands Bacon Factory land in Kiambu, which was owned by a private organisation Uplands Pigs Producers Association. The rest is a story for another day.

But when Mark Too fell out with President Moi, he was tossed around like a ball and finally, he was forced to resign by the new Lonrho chief executive, Mr Keith Atkinson, who said that Mr Too left due to "pressure of work". It was a lie.

Mr Rowland was also the king of dirty games, too.

-When he fell out with Moi, his Observer newspaper ran a string of articles exposing corruption and political assassinations in Kenya under Moi, especially that of Dr Robert Ouko.

BRIBES

Again, when the British government once decided to investigate the affairs of Lonrho, the investigators, Allan Heyman and Sir William Slimmings, reported in a 1000-page dossier that the company was guilty of "bribery, larceny, sanctions busting, and corruption", which characterised the years that Mr Rowland was in charge.-

Interestingly, it was reported that most copies of this report, which was printed in Her Majesty's letterhead, were instantly purchased by Lonrho and most people did not manage to get to know its content; a series of payments from Mr Rowland's private accounts disguised as "special payments" and which the investigators said they were bribes.

As the Independent newspaper once wrote: "He was a master at seducing the British establishment.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19607357 (251401ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland

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>>77782

>>77783

>>>/qresearch/19400745

>Kojo [Mills] is the former acting CEO and a co-founder of Shanduka Group, a South African investment company that has a multi-industry portfolio of 30+ investments valued in excess of $1 billion. He was also previously the Managing Director of Shanduka’s R300 million private equity fund, Shanduka Value Partners Fund I... Prior to joining DLJ, he was employed as a financial analyst at Salomon Brothers Inc. [Harry Oppenheimer's son-in-law, Hank Slacks, was on the board of Salomon Brothers >>77702] He is currently a director of numerous companies including Invictus Africa Group, Shanduka Group and Stanbic Bank Ghana, the Ghanaian subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group of South Africa.

“ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland.” [2017] – Part 3

https://nation.africa/kenya/news/africa/anc-leader-ramaphosa-and-the-tidy-legacy-of-lonrho-s-rowland-1248538

"By a mixture of charm and financial inducements he persuaded a parade of well-connected, if second-rank, politicians on to Lonrho's board, from Duncan Sandys to Sir Edward du Cann."

OLIVER TAMBO

That is the man who bankrolled some ANC bigwigs with fast cars, land, cash and houses.

Even during apartheid years, ANC leader Oliver Tambo who was in exile for over 30 years had unrestricted use to the Lonrho jet.

With the end of apartheid, the new ANC government came up with a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), which allowed multinationals operating there to give a slice of their stake to Africans.

In 1994, Ramaphosa had just lost out to Thabo Mbeki for the position of ANC deputy president.

According to Anthony Butler's biography, Ramaphosa sulked and declined President Nelson Mandela's offer to be foreign minister.

He also did not attend Mandela's inauguration on May 10, 1994.

He left to join the likes of Dr Nthato Motlana, Mandela's doctor, to form the black-owned companies, which were to line up and get shares in the multinational corporations for a song.

These companies were owned by the elites within ANC and that is how the majority were short-charged in South Africa.

JULIUS MALEMA

Critics have ever since dismissed this policy as "a token corporate blackwash" and said that it only enriched a few individuals at the expense of majority.

And that explains the kind of problems the ANC has been having with Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which has been promising to scrap the programme.

The second notable critic is retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said BEE only serves a few black elite and left millions in "dehumanising poverty".

And the third is former President Thabo Mbeki's brother, Moeletsi Mbeki, who says BEE is "a device for white-dominated corporations to build bridges with the ANC elite It doesn't create wealth or add value to the economy".

SHANDUKA RESOURCES

Mr Moeletsi's main concern is that a "new class of rich blacks, many of them ANC politicians and former politicians, has emerged in South Africa whose interests are virtually indistinguishable from those of the old economic oligarchy…"

The jury is still out on whether BEE or what the South Africans now call Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBEE) has achieved its aims among the poor South Africans or whether it perpetuates "institutionalised corruption" as Mr Moeletsi puts it.

To take advantage of this state policy (forget the ANC politics), Mr Ramaphosa first joined New Africa Investment Limited (NAIL), which was brokering deals, and had an investment banking company called Pleiade Investment Corporation.

He later formed his own Shanduka Resources, which became the BEE partner of Lonmin the new name for Lonhro's mining unit.

WEALTH

For a man who in 1982 was only a secretary general for 300,000-strong National Union of Mine Workers (NUM), his rise into wealth is also the story of South Africa's black elite.

It is also the story of many other politicos in Africa.

To cut a long story short, in 2010, Mr Ramaphosa joined the board of Lonmin as a non-executive director after his Shanduka Resources took majority control by owning 50.03 per cent in R2.8 billion (Sh280 billion) transaction.

Those who have gone through the works of Prof Steven Langdon on how multinationals behave in Africa, will quickly place Mr Ramaphosa within the league of "African insiders" who are given shares by the multinational corporations (MNCs) in return for political and business support.

It is a known practice among the MNCs and has been prevalent since the 1960s.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19612958 (261612ZSEP23) Notable: BizNews: “President” Trump will want his pound of flesh from SA… Tough renegotiations of AGOA likely” - Dr Edward Mienie (video)

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It is interesting to listen to Dr Edward Mienie and then consider the New York Post’s article and his biography.

“one of the dirtiest tricks in electoral history was played on the American people by 51 former intelligence officials, who used the false alarm of “Russian interference” to stop Donald Trump winning a second term as president.” https://nypost.com/2022/10/19/its-been-two-years-since-51-intelligence-agents-interfered-with-an-election-they-still-wont-apologize/

““President” Trump will want his pound of flesh from SA… Tough renegotiations of AGOA likely” - Dr Edward Mienie

https://youtu.be/ZhRFlLJ2ks4

Sep 23, 2023

If Donald Trump returns to the White House for another stint of President of the US, he may want to renegotiate the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). And those could be tough negotiations because Trump would want his pound of flesh. So says Dr Edward Mienie, the Executive Director of the Strategic Studies Programme & Partnerships and Professor of Strategic & Security Studies at the University of North Georgia in Atlanta. Dr Mienie, a former diplomat for both the National Party (NP) and the African National Congress (ANC) governments, speaks to BizNews as speculation mounts across the world that Trump could pull of another “unthinkable” political victory that would bring about significant shifts in US foreign policy.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19613032 (261634ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / Apartheid intelligence agents were amalgamated into the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa

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>>77785

>>>/qresearch/19612976

>>>/qresearch/19612985

>>>/qresearch/19612992

>>>/qresearch/19613024

Take note

Apartheid intelligence agents were amalgamated into the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa

https://www.academia.edu/35539213/Compilation_of_Intelligence_Agencies_in_the_Continent_of_Africa_and_its_High_Technology_Equipment

The NIA was formed in 1994 following South Africa’s first multi-racial elections. It was created to take over from the domestic intelligence segment of the then National Intelligence Service (NIS) with the foreign intelligence functions being taken over by the South African Secret Service (SASS). Both the SASS and NIA were created as part of the Intelligence Act of 1994. They were created out of the six intelligence organisations consisted of the NIS, Department of Intelligence and Security (ANC), Pan African Security Service (PAC), and the three intelligence services of Venda [former Bantustan], Transkei [former Bantustan] and Bophuthatswana [former Bantustan]. These two new organisation’s would consist of a total of 4000 people with 2130 from the NIS, 910 from DIS (ANC), 340 from Bophuthatswana Intelligence and Internal Security Service (BISS), 233 from Transkei Intelligence Service (TIS), 76 Venda National Intelligence Service (VNIS) and rest from the PASS (PAS)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19617536 (271340ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / NCA: Crime in SA: Kidnappings on the rise (video)

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“Crime in SA | Kidnappings on the rise”

https://youtu.be/14LGQZBiw2E

Sep 27, 2023

There has been an increase in kidnapping cases across the country. Police Minister Bheki Cele says this form of crime is being carried out by a particular group of people. He says some of the suspects arrested recently have been linked to 56 other kidnappings. Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, gives us more insights into new kidnapping trends.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19617552 (271344ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun / Solidarity fights to stop ANC “capture” of schools (video)

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>>77787

Is this part of the reason why we have such crime? Students only need 30% to pass in South African and then cannot find work.

“Solidarity fights to stop ANC “capture” of schools”

https://youtu.be/Z0-fnh05T7o

Sep 27, 2023

Solidarity is gearing up the fight the African National Congress (ANC) government in court to stop it from “capturing” South Africa’s schools - and stripping parents of a say in the education of their children. BizNews speaks to Solidarity’s Johnell van Vollenhoven after a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee - in which the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) “used their numbers to obtain a majority” - accepted the BELA Amendment Bill this week. The Amendment Bill was therefore accepted for submission to the National Assembly (NA). This is the next step in the process of making it into law. Van Vollenhoven says such as law would mean “that we as parents and our governing bodies that we choose to govern our schools will be stripped of their powers”. The Bill was accepted despite widespread objection from the public with nearly 9 000 of the 11 000 inputs against the amendment of existing laws. “…they are not interested in looking at what the people are saying, they are only interested in pushing through their own ideology in this regard,” Van Vollenhoven charges. - Chris Steyn

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19617556 (271345ZSEP23) Notable: Final Lady R Probe Bun / DA opposes Lady R report being classified (video)

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“DA opposes Lady R report being classified”

https://youtu.be/yJMvRXqA1Y4

Sep 27, 2023

The Democratic Alliance is in court to challenge the classification of the Lady R report. In an application filed in the Pretoria High Court, the party is challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s bid to keep the report into alleged weapons smuggling to Russia secret. Last month, the panel led by Judge President Phineas Mojapelo, found no evidence that weapons had been loaded onto the ship.

DA MP Glyniss Breytenbach speaks to Xoli Mngambi about the legal challenge.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19624252 (281351ZSEP23) Notable: Le Cercle Bun / Secret CIA-funded group linked to UK Ministersand South Africa

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“SECRET ‘CIA-FUNDED’ GROUP [Le Cercle] LINKED TO UK MINISTERS” and South Africa

https://www.declassifieduk.org/secret-cia-funded-group-linked-to-uk-ministers/

9 DECEMBER 2021

Excerpts below

The group, known as Le Cercle, was described by former Conservative minister Alan Clark in his diaries as “a right-wing think (or rather thought) tank, funded by the CIA, which churns Cold War concepts around”.

Le Cercle has existed since the 1950s but has no public presence, and has never revealed its funders. Even the group’s existence is only occasionally disclosed. It is unclear how influential Le Cercle – which is believed to meet twice a year, once in Washington DC and once elsewhere – actually is.

Declassified has found that eight current Conservative parliamentarians are associated with the group. Two current ministers – business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and his deputy minister Greg Hands – have been funded by Le Cercle.

Rory Stewart, who served as a justice minister under Theresa May, was previously chair of Le Cercle.

Several high-profile US figures are also linked to the group. US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who sat on America’s most powerful court from 1986 until his death in 2016, attended at least one Le Cercle meeting while sitting on the court.

Current education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, a former business minister, is another previous chair of Le Cercle.

Zahawi and Stewart both claim, despite their senior roles in Le Cercle, that they don’t know how the networking group is funded. A “Whitehall security source” told the Daily Telegraph that Stewart was an MI6 officer before he entered politics.

Le Cercle was founded in the 1950s by conservative French prime minister Antoine Pinay, and Konrad Adenauer, the former German Chancellor. Described as “one of the most influential, secretive, and…exclusive political clubs in the West”, it is also known as the Pinay Cercle.

The only significant article on Le Cercle published in the British press appeared in the Independent in 1997. It named [Former foreign minister Alan] Duncan, then a Conservative MP, as one of the group’s “leading political lights”.

Duncan, minister for Europe and the Americas from 2016-19, is a former oil trader with close links to the UK’s allied regimes in the Gulf.

He was the key government official involved in evicting Julian Assange from the Ecuadorian embassy in 2019. Declassified last week revealed that Duncan is a 40-year “good friend” of Lord Chief Justice Ian Burnett, the judge who will soon decide Julian Assange’s fate in his extradition case.

Attendees at Le Cercle meetings have included the former US director of national intelligence, John Negroponte, former US national security advisers Henry Kissinger and John Bolton, as well as the former US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Margaret Thatcher is also listed as a one-time attendee. It is not known if any of these political figures attended while in post.

“American regulars” were said to include two directors of the CIA: William Colby, who headed the agency from 1973-76, and William J. Casey, who was director from 1981-87.

Le Cercle’s current political activities are unclear. South African researcher Hennie van Vuuren found declassified documents in Pretoria which showed Le Cercle “had support for apartheid South Africa at the top of their agenda”.

The apartheid regime, he found, “helped fund the organisation, and hosted several meetings.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19624263 (281353ZSEP23) Notable: Le Cercle Bun / Declassified: Apartheid Profits - Le Cercle, the Phantom Profiteers

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>>77790

>South African researcher Hennie van Vuuren found declassified documents in Pretoria which showed Le Cercle “had support for apartheid South Africa at the top of their agenda”.

>The apartheid regime, he found, “helped fund the organisation, and hosted several meetings.”

“Declassified: Apartheid Profits – Le Cercle, the Phantom Profiteers”

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-10-24-declassified-apartheid-profits-le-cercle-the-phantom-profiteers/#.W0XZGNgzbVo

24 Oct 2017

Excerpts below

South Africa helped fund the organisation, and hosted several meetings. It was welcomed into this fold by people such as Le Cercle luminary and chairman Julian Amery.

Amery followed in the footsteps his father Leo Amery who had been a former British colonial secretary and an ally of jingoists such as Alfred Milner, and rose to become a pillar of Britain’s conservative political establishment. Between 1950 and the early 1990s he was a regular visitor to South Africa, meeting with the business and economic elite. He would on a number of occasions find respite between meeting PW Botha’s securocrats by lounging about Harry Oppenheimer’s Milkwood mansion, North of Durban.

As detailed in a previous article in this series, The Sanctions Busters’ Toolkit, the Khan Committee was set up in 1991 by FW de Klerk to investigate apartheid’s secret projects. The report characterised Le Cercle as an “informal forum of influential representatives of a conservative cast of of mind from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Oman, the USA and South Africa”. It concluded that it was a “valuable source of advice and friendship” for Pretoria. The feeling was mutual. Le Cercle benefited from Pretoria’s donations and, in return, South Africa gained access to influential friends and key intelligence.

In addition to providing donations, South Africa also hosted several of Le Cercle’s bi-annual meetings. With Oman, it was the only country outside of the USA and Europe to host a meeting. In January 1984, South Africa hosted its first gathering in Stellenbosch. The 30 attendees included former French ministers, German MPs, UK politicians and US securocrats. To create some distance from the government’s involvement, the official host was Le Cercle member and head of the South African Army, General CA Fraser. Despite this, newly declassified documents reveal that the Department of Foreign Affairs planned the meeting, including providing low-priced South African Airways (SAA) tickets and upgrades at no cost.

South Africa’s business elite also came to the party to assist. Some VIP guests were accommodated at the Rupert-owned Fleur du Cap residence in Somerset West. Both the head of Anglo American, Gavin Relly, and Barclay Bank’s Basil Hersov received personal invitations to the next Le Cercle meeting planned to take place in July 1984 in Bavaria. Along with Julian Ogilvie Thompson from De Beers and the Rembrandt Group’s Anton Rupert, the four businessmen were thereafter on most Le Cercle invitation lists from that period which we have had access to.

The ties between Le Cercle and the apartheid regime were strengthened over the years with two more meetings taking place in South Africa in 1988 and 1991.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19624303 (281359ZSEP23) Notable: Le Cercle Bun / Meet “Le Cercle” - making Bilderberg look like amateurs (Parts 1&2)

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>>77790

>>77791

>>>/qresearch/19607567

>This was thanks to Lonrho chairperson Sir Edward du Cann, who was instrumental in getting [Margaret] Thatcher elected as leader of the Conservative Party in 1975.

“Meet “Le Cercle” – making Bilderberg look like amateurs” (Part 1)

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/geopolitics/meet-le-cercle-making-bilderberg-look-like-amateurs/

Excerpts below

Le Cercle originally set up as a Franco-German alliance, is a deep state milieu – an environment where powerful figures can secretly meet. They are careful to commit as little as possible to paper or p.c. – making them hard to hack, leak or track – and for good reason. It is smaller and considerably more secretive than Bilderberg.

Its purpose is to subvert the democratic principles and processes of individual countries and are by nature ideologically ‘hawkish’ – distributing propaganda, stoking fear of communist plots from Russia, vote rigging and hacking the accounts of politicians and prominent global figures. Promoting the ‘war on terror’ has been a major factor in their activities of recent years and in so doing broker weapons deals and setting up false flag operations the world over to suit its own agenda. It is reported that ‘Gladio‘ style attacks, much like the clandestine NATO “stay-behind” sabotage, guerrilla warfare and assassination operations in Europe have been conducted along with illegal business operations, financial fraud and arms dealing – all attributed to this group.

Brian Crozier, the author and well-known Cold-Warrior with close ties to MI6 and the CIA, is a senior member. Anthony Cavendish, the former senior MI5 man, is an old Cercle hand. Nicholas Elliot, the ex-MI6 officer, used to go to their meetings.

Bilderberg meetings usually end with mass protests, arrests and ample media coverage, Le Cercle meetings go unreported.

Attendees of Le Cercle are generally found to be part of the deep state – i.e. mostly made up of politicians, spooks, bankers, diplomats, military officers, editors and publishers or experts in geopolitical products such as energy. All are deep political actors with real influence. Members are almost exclusively from western or western-oriented countries. It is noteworthy that many important members tend to be affiliated with aristocratic circles in London and accusations of links to fascism and synarchist (rule by a secret elite) are anything but uncommon in this milieu.

The earliest known public reference to Le Cercle was probably in Time Out magazine’s 1975 leaked documents from the Institute for the Study of Conflict. To date there have been no American commercially-controlled media sources known to have mentioned the group.

There are reports that “throughout the 1970s Le Cercle was actively influencing elections in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Belgium.”

Earlier documents in the Langemann Papers from November 1979 quote a planning paper by Brian Crozier about a Cercle complex operation “to affect a change of government in the United Kingdom that saw Margaret Thatcher into No10 Downing Street. The operation was set up three years earlier known as “Shield Group.”

It is noteworthy, although unconnected to Le Circle from this research that David Cameron sold three nuclear weapons (with the sanction of Margaret Thatcher), of a foreign state (south Africa’s collapsed apartheid regime), put them in unsafe hands (Oman) resulting in the Conservative party banking of nearly £19 million which then sets the pretext for a conflict that kills a million people in Iraq. All these events are highly likely to be linked one way or another to the activities of members of Le Circle.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19624319 (281401ZSEP23) Notable: Le Cercle Bun / Meet “Le Cercle” - making Bilderberg look like amateurs (Parts 1&2)

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>>77790

>>77791

>>77792

“Meet “Le Cercle” – making Bilderberg look like amateurs” (Part 2)

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/geopolitics/meet-le-cercle-making-bilderberg-look-like-amateurs/

Excerpts below

Le Cercle’s interest in “terrorism” and arms dealing lends support to the suggestion that it may have been important in devising the “War on Terror”.

It seems unlikely to be a coincidence that at least three members of this group (Brian Crozier, Robert Moss, Gerhard Lowenthal) gave presentations at the 1979 Jerusalem Conference on International Terrorism, the seminal event in the development of the establishment’s “War on Terror” narrative. Many of the other speakers were closely connected to known members.

Joël van der Reijden (Dutch investigative reporter specialising in the Deep State) infers that Le Cercle may be connected to the Strategy of Tension that the world has been experiencing in recent decades.

Ted Shackley was involved in oil deals after he left the CIA in 1979, facilitated by his close friend and fellow Cercle member, Conrad Gerber and oil smuggler John Deuss.

Funding for the group has changed over the years. The group states that it is “privately funded”. Multinational companies including Philips, Shell, the Ford Foundation and Standard Elektrik Lorenz have given the group money.

Robin Ramsay, editor of Lobster Magazine believes the CIA funds (Globalisation and Covert Politics Report) the group, a claim that Alan Clark also makes in his diaries. In the 1980s, the South African government was a major source of funds.

John E Lewis writes in his book The Mammoth Book of Cover-Ups (extract page) that Le Cercle was funded, amongst others, by the CIA for its “militant anti-leftism as it wars against it enemies more than jaws about them.”In the last few years Le Cercle has become even more secretive with its activities largely unknown.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19624449 (281422ZSEP23) Notable: Le Cercle Bun / Le Cercle has ties to pedophiles and the Order of Malta (Parts 1&2)

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>>77790

>>77791

>>77792

>>77793

>>>/qresearch/19624337

>>>/qresearch/19624350

>>77794

Le Cercle has ties to pedophiles and the Order of Malta (Part 2)

https://visupview.blogspot.com/2016/04/le-cercle-clerical-fascism-and_2.html

Excerpts Below

David Atkinson: Conservative MP from 1977 till 2005 who was close to the Thatcher regime; reputedly a closet homosexual as well as a pedophile; his son described him as a pedophile, but later recanted; was very close to Cercle chairman Jonathan Aitken, serving as vice-president of Aitken's Christian Solidarity Worldwide organization.

Julian Lewis: Conservative MP who became a key member of Crozier's 6I network in the 1980s; during the early '90s the now defunct Scallywag magazine was investigating a pedophile network centered around Wrexham that may have been linked to the Westminster group; Lewis was alleged to been involved in the cover-up

And seemingly here is Lewis, a figure very close to Crozier, attempting to cover up a major pedophile scandal. It is interesting to note that both Lewis and Leigh have also been accused of pedophile. So have at least three British Cercle members who became chairmen of the group: Julian Amery, Jonathan Aitken (who apparently has been on multiple "retreats" organized by the Jesuits) and Norman Lamont (a member of the Catholic order known as the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George). The evidence is not as strong against these figures as those mentioned above, but none the less this would strongly indicate that the Cercle network was aware of the elite pedophile networks in England.

There are other potential links as well. For instance, both Maurice Oldfield and Peter Heyman, the former Director-General and Deputy Director-General of MI6 respectively, have been implicated in Britain's pedophile networks (such as here and here, respectively). Crozier himself was of course very close to MI6 while one of the 6I founders, Nicholas Elliott, was one of the most storied MI6 officers of the twentieth century. Crozier and Elliott were both friendly with Oldfield, and Elliott surely knew Hayman, but these relationships do not seem to have been especially strong. Still, it surely would have been useful to Crozier and Elliott being aware of Oldfield and Heyman's involvement in such things.

And here is this mysterious international body, Le Cercle, that seemingly had ties to both the pedophile rings in Britain and Belgium. Indeed, both Brian Crozier and Jean Violet (who both had served as Cercle chairman at different ties) may have been deeply involved with both networks via the 6I and the Academy, which were essentially intelligence networks for Cercle. And that would mean that Cerlce's intelligence wing would be well positioned to, say, blackmail prominent politicians in either country....

All of this is rather curious and yet has largely flown under the radar of both of mainstream media as well as the "alternative." No doubt the exposurer of Monarch programming amongst British performers took precedence among the latter, though such "researchers" would stand a much better chance of finding credible evidence of some type of cult (or possibly multiple ones) in the Cercle complex. Still, its hard to ignore the Machiavellian mastermind that is Gary Glitter....

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19627135 (281945ZSEP23) Notable: AfriForum presents politically inconvenient facts about land and land reform before parliament (video)

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“AfriForum presents politically inconvenient facts about land and land reform before parliament”

https://youtu.be/R1qXo1Cgnbg

Sep 28, 2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum today continued its fight against the Expropriation Bill [B23-2020] with an oral presentation before the Select Committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure in the Parliamentary Precinct (National Council of Provinces) in Cape Town. This follows after a further opportunity for public comments was opened regarding this controversial bill.

Ernst van Zyl, AfriForum's Head of Public Relations, presented the Parliamentary Committee with a list of politically inconvenient facts about land and land reform in South Africa, as well as a list of AfriForum's solutions.

Add your voice to AfriForum's challenge by visiting www.onteiening.co.za.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19631925 (291526ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun / Squid Game’: Have we [South Africans] become desensitized to hyper-violence

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>>77797

>We are really disappointed by the acts of immorality displayed in this incident. On top of the robbery and the murder of an innocent soul, people had the audacity to steal from the truck though its driver was lying motionless in the pool of blood, inside the truck. People seems to have lost their moral campus.

People have become desensitized and desperate

“Squid Game | Official Trailer | Netflix” - https://youtu.be/oqxAJKy0ii4

“‘Squid Game’: Have we [South Africans] become desensitized to hyper-violence?”

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/breaking-squid-game-have-we-become-desensitized-to-hyper-violence-in-movies-watch/

06-10-2021 12:12

If you’ve watched Netflix’s Squid Game, chances are you might not have flinched much. As South Africans, we’re used to hearing, reading and even experiencing a gruesome amount of violence on a regular basis.

According to the Gallup Law and Order Index poll, SA was listed as the fifth most dangerous country in the world in 2020 – and our crime rate has been compared to a literal warzone.

We’re only a few steps behind Afghanistan – who are now living under the terrifying rule of the Taliban, who govern the country with an iron clad fist and dictate the movements of every citizen.

‘IF YOU LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA, YOU ARE ALREADY PLAYING SQUID GAME’

Squid Game – the South Korean “survival drama” about an ordinary, yet gravely desperate group of people who risk their lives in the hopes of getting cold, hard cash under extremely dangerous circumstances – sounds like some not so far-fetched for many South Africans who live in abject poverty.

Despite being in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, murder, gender-based violence/rape and violent crimes continue to top SA’s crimes stats for the first quarter of the financial year (2020/2021), as noted by Police Minister Bheki Cele

He said in his speech in August: “Contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offences and all categories of assault registered a 60, 6% increase, compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year.”

With this being said, many tweeps think that Mzansi has much in common with the hit Netflix series, albeit the somewhat child-like references.

“If you live in South Africa you are already playing Squid Game”, posted one tweep. “South Africa is the real Squid Game for Females…one step and it’s lights out”, said another

“Survive the streets and get your pay,” said a third.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19635994 (300229ZSEP23) Notable: Final ANC Bun

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Final ANC Bun

>>77426 President Ramaphosa reveals that a health revolution is on the way (video)

>>77484 “Killer cholera hits amid decade-long bickering over Hammanskraal water crisis - and tender scandals”

>>77485, >>77486 Life in the Time of Cholera - the SA reality as ANC governance falls behind 19th Century civilization (Parts 1&2)

>>77493 Proposed water licensing regulations requiring up to 75% black South African shareholding place tenuous food security at further risk

>>77512, >>77513, >>77514, >>77515 ‘Section 194 Inquiry won’t be distracted by gossip,’ says ANC MP on Mkhwebane extortion claims

>>77515 "The biggest corruption scandal to hit SA's Parliament" - Mkhwebane shares alleged bribe clips (video)

>>77568, >>77569 ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses 26th ANC Youth League National Conference (Parts 1&2) (video)

>>77570 ANC - "VIP'S OF VIOLENCE" c.1987 (video)

>>77572 The ANC Method Violence 1986 (video)

>>77593, >>77594 George Soros and South Africa’s transition from Apartheid to Robbery Capitalism (Parts 1&2)

>>77595 The Looting of Africa under corrupt African leaders? George Soros Open Society

>>77596 Who are the Menell Family? EFF question links to Ramaphosa - Urban Foundation

>>77597 Address by President Nelson Mandela at the Memorial for Clive Menell

>>77598, >>77599, >>77600 Mandela and Zuma gold mine 'exploiting workers (Parts 1-3)

>>77601 Nelson Mandela Foundation says farewell to a long-serving mentor Irene Menell

>>77603, >>77604, >>77605 Afrika Tikkun

>>77606, >>77607 Jeff Koorbanally on the Rupert family and Project Spider Web - influencing policy in S Africa (Parts 1&2) (video and pdf)

>>77609, >>77610, >>77611 Document: Memorandum of Understanding in the matter between; Dated: February 1993 (Parts 1-3)

>>77612, >>77613, >>77614, >>77615>>77616, >>77617, >>77618 Project Hammer (Parts 1-7)

>>77619, >>77620, >>77621, >>77622 Celebrated Anti-Apartheid activist, cleric and former patron of the UDF, Dr. Allan Boesak responds to Popo Molefe’s invitation to UDF40 (Parts 1-4)

>>77623 Harry Oppenheimer biography shows the South African mining magnate’s hand in economic policies

>>77624, >>77625, >>77626 Richard Goldstone

>>77629, >>77630, >>77631, >>77632, >>77633, >>77635 Popo Molefe, AZAPO, & UDF

>>77644, >>77645, >>77646, >>77647 Carl Niehaus (video)

>>77657 South Africa's ANC controls eight of nine provinces - why the Western Cape will remain elusive in the 2024 elections (video)

>>77662, >>77663 Illegal guns fuel violent crime, wreak deadly havoc in South Africa (video)

>>77670 “Why Won't Mandela Renounce Violence?” 1990 (video)

>>77737 ANC remains committed to reform and development, says Ramaphosa

>>77738, >>77739 Fikile Mbalula reacts to Ace Magashule’s new party” - African Congress for Transformation (ACT) (video)

>>77740, >>77741 List of Former ANC members establishing/re-launching parties (Parts 1&2)

>>77747 South African Communist Party, “a strong faction within the ANC“

>>77748, >>>/qresearch/1955835, >>77749, >>77750 The truth about the Xhosa Nostra (Parts 1-5)

>>77752, >>77753 Davos 1999 - Nelson Mandela: WEF integrated ANC members when they were still in exile (video)

>>77760, >>77761 This is what sparked violence between ANC and IFP in late 80s, early 90s (video)

>>77766, >>>/qresearch/195424147 Mkhwebane’s fate sealed, becomes first public protector removed from office (video)

>>77774 ANC, EFF eyeing political points, using Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s death for political gains

>>77782, >>77783, >>77784 ANC leader Ramaphosa and the tidy legacy of Lonrho's Rowland

>>77786 Apartheid intelligence agents were amalgamated into the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa

>>77788 Solidarity fights to stop ANC “capture” of schools (video)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19636006 (300231ZSEP23) Notable: Le Cercle Bun

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Le Cercle Bun

>>77790 Secret CIA-funded group linked to UK Ministersand South Africa

>>77791 Declassified: Apartheid Profits - Le Cercle, the Phantom Profiteers

>>77792, >>77793 Meet “Le Cercle” - making Bilderberg look like amateurs (Parts 1&2)

>>77794, >>77795 Le Cercle has ties to pedophiles and the Order of Malta (Parts 1&2)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19636010 (300232ZSEP23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun

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Final Commodities Bun

>>77481, >>77482 Glencore Subsidiary Buys Sherwin Alumina at Bankruptcy Auction

>>77483 Bribery Scandal To Cost Glencore $1.1 Billion, While Billionaire Execs Avoid Blame—For Now

>>77490 Botswana says it is still keen on De Beers partnership, confident of new deal

>>77491 Glencore to honour pre-existing Russia contracts, no new deals

>>77534 Economic sabotage: Mantashe accuses Lesotho government after 31 illegal miners die in Free State mine (video)

>>77556 Amari Holdings vs Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC)

>>77562 Both Amaplat Mauritius Ltd and Amari Nickel Holdings Zimbabwe Ltd have the same address in Mauritius

>>77563, >>77564 Fronts, False Invoices, and Offshore Financial Façades Raise Questions About Tagwirei Mine Purchase (video)

>>77696 How illegal mining has continued to thrive in SA (video)

>>77697, >>77698 Anglo American and the rise of modern South Africa” [May 1985] (Parts 1&2)

>>77699, >>77700, >>77701 A South African Empire Reaches to U.S.” [April 11, 1982] (Parts 1-3)

>>77709, >>77710 Companies and Financial Institutions Benefiting from Violations of Human Rights” [Anglo American and AngloGold Ashanti] (Parts 1&2)

>>77711 Glencore 'used relationship' with Ramaphosa to 'extort' Eskom, former CEO Brian Molefe claims (video)

>>77712 Disgraced Glencore comes out swinging in defence of Ramaphosa

>>77713 Glencore and Xstrata ties go back to the beginning before the merger

>>77714 Macsteel’s founder Eric Samson passes away

>>77775 NGOs are blocking SA’s energy development, says Mantashe

>>77776, >>77777 South Africa needs a ‘war room’ to expedite oil and gas projects (Parts 1&2)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19636018 (300233ZSEP23) Notable: Final Johannesburg Bun

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Final Johannesburg Bun

>>77587, >>77588, >>77589 Johannesburg Blast

>>77729 Joburg CBD fire - A disaster ‘waiting to happen’ as death toll climbs to 74 (video)

>>77730, >>77763 Johannesburg CBD: Speaker Colleen Makhubele says NGOs block efforts to remove people from hijacked buildings (video)

>>77731 Joburg CBD Fire: Inside the dilapidated hijacked buildings that sprawl the Johannesburg city centre

>>77732 Johannesburg is accelerating its plans to become a smart city

>>77733 Cities at risk; Building a resilient future for the world’s urban centres

>>77734 Johannesburg fire: what are 'hijacked buildings' and why are they dangerous? (video)

>>77735 Joburg fire: [city-owned building,] Shelter for abused women was hijacked, cops had made arrests

>>77736 JHB CBD Fire: Marshalltown building was apartheid-era centre for receiving foreign nationals (video)

>>77781 Lawyers 'in cahoots' with deeds office in hijacking of buildings (video)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19636019 (300233ZSEP23) Notable: Final Lady R Probe Bun

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Final Lady R Probe Bun

>>77447 US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety: “US had found that [Russian ship] Lady R was loaded with weapons.” (video)

>>77451 Ramaphosa to appoint retired judge to probe Russian ship

>>77454 US may have better insight about alleged weapons SA gave to Russia- Bruce (video)

>>77457 (from General) 'It's a serious issue': White House responds to claims South Africa passed weapons to Russia

>>77459 US ambassador to SA has ‘apologised unreservedly’: Dirco after demarche

>>77460 SACP accuses Brigety of Reckless Behaviour due to his utterances (video)

>>77464 U.S. accusation a veiled threat? (video)

>>77465, >>77466 US Unlikely To Sanction South Africa In Russia Weapons Dispute

>>77469 U.S. says relationship with South Africa strong despite claim ally supplying arms to Russia

>>77470, >>77471 Russia denies weapons were loaded onto the Lady R (Parts 1&2)

>>77475, >>77476 DA reacts to appointment of panel to probe docking of Russian vessel (video)

>>77476 Phineas Mojapelo to head Ramaphosa's panel into Russian vessel matter (video)

>>77496, >>77497 President Ramaphosa must expand Lady R probe to include Nato (Parts 1&2)

>>77501 Secrecy surrounding Lady R probe questioned

>>77590 Russian plane at Air Force Base and the Lady R - "ANC has not been playing open cards"

>>77688 Hawks' senior member killed by SANDF special forces unit'” - Links to an Ethiopian abduction and Lady R (video)

>>77745 Panel finds no evidence of arms loaded on to Lady R, claims Ramaphosa - but will still keep the full report secret (video)

>>77746 Lady R executive summary report released (with pdf)

>>77789 DA opposes Lady R report being classified (video)

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19636028 (300235ZSEP23) Notable: Final Violence and Crime Bun

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Final Violence and Crime Bun

>>77429, >>77430 Saps History - George Fivaz

>>77431 Stratom: What it actually was and means

>>77438 Wave of bombings hits Graskop and Hazyview

>>77467 Cosatu - ‘Farmers rape and murder their workers’: HRC – ‘It’s not a human rights violation’

>>77468 Maclear farmer (74) tortured for 13 hours - Attackers make themselves dinner

>>77492 Second Major Railway Grinds To Halt In South Africa

>>77502 SA Presidency acknowledges receipt of call for farm murder commission, eight farmers murdered in a week

>>77503 Farm attacks and farm murders are being driven by false narratives

>>77553, >>77560 SANDF union reveals how N1 highway assault victims were pushed off the road by VIP ‘blue light bullies (video)

>>77554 “Acting public protector denies Phala Phala report was a 'whitewash'” (video)

>>77565, >>77566 Highway truck attacks aimed at creating ‘mayhem and disruption’ (video)

>>77627, >>77628 Elon Musk urges Ramaphosa to address Malema’s ‘Kill the Boer’ chant (Parts 1&2)

>>77634 21 Farm attacks, 4 farm murders in South Africa, July 2023

>>77650, >>77651, >>77652, >>77653, >>77654, >>77655, >>77656 The origins of South Africa's farm murder epidemic (Parts 1-7)

>>77658, >>77659, >>77660, >>77661 Zama-Zamas (video)

>>77666 ‘Anti-white racism’: Farmers being targeted in South Africa (video)

>>77667 Elon Musk Calls For Cancelling New York Times Over ‘Genocide Support’

>>77676, >>77677 Riot and strike warning for South Africa (Parts 1-2)

>>77690 Julius Malema cries "Kill the Boer" at rally: Could South Africa end up going the way of Zimbabwe? (video)

>>77716 Factually incorrect police statistics about farm murders raise serious questions

>>77755 Police Minister Bheki Cele leads security briefing on political killings in KZN (video)

>>77756 Political killings: KZN continues to be the killing fields of SA (video)

>>77757 Victim recalls the morning a suspect chanted ‘Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer’ during farm attack”

>>77758 Rule of Law Project enters 'Kill the Boer’ fray

>>77759 AfriForum calls for SCA acting judge to recuse herself in ‘Kill the Boer’ case, citing bias

>>77778 It is called a Tournament when a hit is out on a Councillor. KZN killing fields (video)

>>77779 Western Cape: “Murdered ANC councillor had survived two previous assassination attempts

>>77780 AfriForum’s latest report on farm attacks/murders offers a perspective on the nationality of arrested farm attackers (video)

>>77787 NCA: Crime in SA: Kidnappings on the rise (video)

>>77797 Truck driver fatally shot in Marite, dairy products looted from truck by local community

>>77798 Squid Game’: Have we [South Africans] become desensitized to hyper-violence

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19660255 (032116ZOCT23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Two Top Execs at South Africa's Port and Rail Operator Resign

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Two Top Execs at South Africa's Port and Rail Operator Resign

Published Oct 2, 2023 9:51 PM by The Maritime Executive

The CEO and CFO of South African state logistics company Transnet resigned last Friday. The departure of Transnet’s CEO Portia Derby was a culmination of pressure from business and labor groups, which have expressed concern over a deepening operational crisis at the company.

One of the major pain points for Transnet has been with its rail management division. Shortages of freight trains and destruction of railway infrastructure have resulted in massive disruptions, especially for the iron ore industry, which relies on rail to deliver its product to seaports.

According to recent data by the lobby group Minerals Council of South Africa, the country’s mining output has fallen to below pre-pandemic levels with electricity outages and rail disruptions cited as the leading causes. Mining output and sales for the 12 months to May 2023 were down by an average of four percent year-on-year.

These problems saw Transnet declare an annual loss of $302 million in the 2022/23 financial year. Transnet said the financial year was challenging with cable theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure reaching “crisis levels.”. Operational inefficiencies have also become common especially at Durban, South Africa’s largest container port. Trucks congestion at the entrances of major ports is now a huge barrier to movement of goods.

Displeased with Transnet services, the Durban Chamber of Commerce recently wrote to the Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan requesting the resignation of the company’s senior management team.

“We would like to bring to your attention our concern regarding the current CEO and her executive team. The business community of e eThekwini has reached a point where we can no longer tolerate poor service delivery at the Port of Durban,” wrote the Chamber.

In the wake of Portia Derby’s resignation, Transnet Group said Michelle Phillips - currently the head of Transnet Pipelines - would take over as the acting CEO. In addition, Transnet’s chief financial officer Nonkululeko Dlamini also departed, taking up the same position at South Africa’s telecommunications company Telkom.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Portia Derby in 2020 to head Transnet, filling a position which had remained vacant for almost two years. In 2018, Transnet fired its former CEO, Siyabonga Gama, for what the board described as “serious violations of his financial, procurement and fiduciary responsibilities.” Gama has denied the allegations.

https://maritime-executive.com/article/two-top-execs-at-south-africa-s-port-and-rail-operator-resign

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692232 (081231ZOCT23) Notable: Violence and Crime Bun Part One / Property developer Shafiq Naser killed by assassins on superbikes in Cape Town

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“Israeli businessman Shafiq Nasser killed in Cape Town” - https://youtu.be/x0tQOvqrfHY

Police in the Western Cape are on a manhunt for the killer of Israeli businessman Shafiq Nasser. According to reports, a gunman on a motorbike shot and killed Nasser near Montague Gardens, in Cape Town yesterday. His cousin was also killed almost a year ago while visiting him in South Africa.

The businessman and some family members fled Israel following accusations of being involved in criminal activities.

“Property developer Shafiq Naser killed by assassins on superbikes in Cape Town”

https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/property-developer-shafiq-naser-killed-by-assassins-on-superbikes-in-cape-town-c277a34c-1ed1-448a-9c59-b9d100e2e9bc

Published Oct 5, 2023

A Palestinian property developer is dead after two gunmen on motorbikes fired several shots at him in peak-hour traffic close to his home in Sandrift, Milnerton.

The killing of Shafiq Naser comes almost a year after his brother, Abdel Fattah Nassar, was shot dead in a gun battle near the V&A Waterfront.

Nassar is believed to have been involved in the Israeli underworld and had, according to reports, sought refuge in Cape Town from the gangland killings in that country.

Naser owned Naser Construction, based at Century City, and had been involved in the development of buildings in and around Cape Town according to filings with the City council.

The latest killing comes after the Global Organised Crime Index showed that South Africa ranked seventh in the world, and was a hotbed for organised criminal activities, including drug trafficking, cash-in-transit operations, poaching syndicates and robberies.

Mafia-style groups, well-armed and associated with high levels of violence, are increasingly prominent, particularly in major cities such as Cape Town, Joburg and Durban.

On Wednesday, Naser was driving his Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV on Bosmansdam Road when two gunmen on two motorcycles shot at him after the traffic lights on Freedom Way, adjacent to the Sable Square shopping centre.

Milnerton Community Policing Forum vice chairperson Jacqui Pember said Naser's assassination had left the local community in shock.

"The Milnerton CPF finds it quite disturbing that an incident like this has occurred in broad daylight with such blatant disregard for anyone else who may be in the vicinity.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692436 (081322ZOCT23) Notable: Africarare Ubuntuland Partners with HAQQ to Innovate Sharia Law Education and Ethical Community Engagement in Mixed Reality

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>>>/qresearch/19636071

>>77751 Islamic banking continues to grow in South Africa (from 2021)

“Africarare Ubuntuland Partners with HAQQ to Innovate Sharia Law Education and Ethical Community Engagement in Mixed Reality”

https://southafricatoday.net/business/africarare-ubuntuland-partners-with-haqq-to-innovate-sharia-law-education-and-ethical-community-engagement-in-mixed-reality/

October 5, 2023

Africarare, the AI-powered mixed reality platform, is set to redefine ethical finance education through a pioneering collaboration with HAQQ. This ethics-first L1 blockchain brings together sustainability-focused developers, validators, open-source contributors, and Muslim innovators in sustainable finance.

This strategic alliance aims to elevate Africarare’s immersive experiences within Ubuntuland by seamlessly integrating ethical finance principles with community-driven decentralised technologies. Simultaneously, it bolsters HAQQ‘s presence in Africa, a burgeoning region for blockchain and cryptocurrency, by empowering local communities through Sharia-compliant financial literacy.

Africarare’s Ubuntuland will host two distinct 12×12 virtual villages, a hallmark of this groundbreaking venture:

1. Sharia Law Education: A dedicated zone within the virtual villages will offer users immersive encounters with Sharia law within the realm of ethical digital finance. Through interactive AI agents and mixed-reality settings, users will gain a deep understanding of this crucial aspect of financial ethics.

2. Exhibition Area: Showcasing HAQQ‘s network partnerships and projects, this virtual space will vividly highlight the global impact and collaborative achievements that HAQQ has garnered over time.

3. Auditorium for Live Events: A cutting-edge virtual auditorium will be erected to host live events, seminars, product unveilings, and assorted initiatives. This platform will serve as a global stage for thought leadership in ethical digital finance.

Expressing excitement about the partnership, Africarare CEO Mic Mann stated, “Our collaboration with the HAQQ Network is a significant stride towards Futureproofing Africa. It allows us to provide valuable insights and education on Sharia Law and the evolving landscape of the digital economy.”

Echoing this sentiment, HAQQ‘s CEO, Alex Malkov, remarked, “Our partnership with Africarare Ubuntuland marks the establishment of an unparalleled educational hub. Together, we amplify the message of ethical finance and innovation across Africa and beyond. At HAQQ, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving change while upholding our ethical principles.”

The Africarare Ubuntuland and HAQQ partnership ushers in a new era of mixed reality, merging ethical digital finance education with community engagement on a platform engineered to revolutionise learning, connections, and growth within a Sharia-compliant ecosystem.

About Africarare Ubuntuland

Africarare is an inclusive AI-powered web3 platform that enables connection, collaboration and e-commerce amongst individuals, brands, and communities by leveraging AI and mixed reality, uniquely positioned in the high-growth African market. Africarare has a bold vision to serve over a billion people and break barriers by leveraging the power of AI and mixed reality. With a focus on Africa and communities worldwide, Africarare aims to create an inclusive platform that empowers individuals, brands, and communities to unleash their potential. Learn more at www.africarare.io

About HAQQ

HAQQ is an ethics-first L1 blockchain that brings together sustainability-centred developers, validators, open-source contributors, and Muslim innovators in sustainable finance with its native asset – Islamic Coin. As an EVM-equivalent chain built using the Cosmos SDK, HAQQ‘s innovative technology allows for the seamless deployment of smart contracts from other EVM chains. HAQQ aims to create a fairer, more sustainable financial system by balancing Shariah-compliant philosophy with cutting-edge technology using Shariah Oracle – an on-chain registry of Halal Certificates that assures compliance with Islamic principles. HAQQ ensures that its users interact exclusively with whitelisted Shariah-compliant dApps, minimising unethical or Haram activity within the network. Learn more about HAQQ at haqq.network.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692443 (081322ZOCT23) Notable: South Africa: The Halal Kingdom, Although it holds the world’s smallest percentage of Muslims

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>>169559

“South Africa: The Halal Kingdom”, “Although it holds the world’s smallest percentage of Muslims”

https://jamiat.org.za/south-africa-the-halal-kingdom/

Although it holds the world’s smallest percentage of Muslims, there are grounds for asserting that South Africa has a highly advanced halal certification programme. The Rainbow Nation is considered one of the five largest producers of halal products worldwide.

And because it comprises 25 per cent of the African continent’s gross domestic product (GDP), significant opportunities exist for halal trade.

The story of this development is intricately entwined with South Africa’s unique and painful history, as the fight against apartheid gained momentum in the second half of the last century.

Halal certification was introduced in the 1960s, under the supervision of the Ulama (religious leader of the Muslim community), but was limited to meat slaughterhouses and abattoirs. In the 1970s, oversight was extended to poultry, and in the 1980s to other consumables. In 1996, the South African National Halal Authority (SANHA) established itself as the pre-eminent halal certification body.

This is despite the fact that South Africa’s Muslim community is not large. For instance, Pretoria, one of the country’s three capital cities, is home to a population of around 50 million, of which 79 per cent are Christian, two per cent Muslim, 0.1 per cent Jewish, 1.2 per cent Hindu, 3.7 per cent other beliefs, and 14 per cent with no religious affiliation. The Muslim population is estimated to be 1.2 million officially, and over two million unofficially.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692449 (081323ZOCT23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Africa Might Emerge As A Major Supplier Of Halal Food

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>>169559

>>169560

“[South] Africa Might Emerge As A Major Supplier Of Halal Food”

https://news.africa-business.com/post/africa-supplier-of-halal-food

With the Belt and Road Initiative poised to transform market access across Asia, potential partnerships with African companies are opening as they seek to target Asian consumers. In particular, many South African halal food producers have high hopes that Hong Kong could prove the ideal gateway for boosting their exports across the region.

By 2030, the global Muslim population is estimated to number some 2.2 billion, representing about a quarter of the world’s consumers. This substantial demographic shift will result in increasing demand for halal products. The global halal food industry is estimated to be worth US$2.3 trillion, and South Africa is among many countries hoping to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market.

Despite its relatively small Muslim population, South Africa is a world-leader in producing and – importantly – certifying halal products. The country’s exporters see Asia as one of the fastest-growing markets for halal goods; by 2030, it’s projected that Asia will be home to 80 per cent of the world’s Muslim population.

“South Africa has long had a significant number of domestic producers of halal food,” said Ebi Lockhat, a spokesman for the South African National Halaal Authority, the country’s leading halal certifying body. “Those manufacturers are now starting to become active internationally. This has seen many of them attend trade events across the Muslim world, while looking to establish a firm presence in the international markets.”

South Africa’s halal production system is subject to high certification standards, ensuring compliance with the requirements of Muslim consumers. Eating only properly-certified food is mandatory for practising Muslims, with such proof of compliance providing an assurance that all such foodstuffs have been produced according to Islamic law.

In line with this, plans are now in place to further enhance South Africa’s position within the sector. This includes the launch of a government-backed US$67 million halal food-processing industrial park. This new facility will ramp up South Africa’s halal food export capacity, with the aim of doubling its share of the global market. A feasibility study is underway in the Cape Town area to determine the best location for the proposed park.

When completed, the park will comprise a cluster of halal manufacturing and service firms. South Africa’s Western Cape provincial government also hopes to attract a globally recognised halal certifying body to operate out of the site.

Halal Food Industry In Africa

For the provincial government, growing the halal industry is now a key focus as it looks to boost growth and create new jobs in the region. “This industry is growing at an estimated annual rate of 20 per cent,” said Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities. “This is why we are now looking for significant growth in the size of the province’s halal industry.

“Certification is also hugely important. In addition to developing a guide to the current certification standards, we will work with the appropriate certification bodies in order to try and establish a single standard, one that is in line with global market demands.”

The new park is being planned in collaboration with the Malaysian government, which has itself identified a shortfall in the provision of halal food for the world’s growing Muslim population.

As a result, the Western Cape Fine Food Initiative, another partner in the proposed park, and the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology signed a long-term cooperation agreement to foster partnerships between the two countries’ halal industries.

The Market For Halal Food

China is also looking to increase its share of the global halal food market. This move has been partly spurred by the country’s adoption of the far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative. Significantly, many of the countries along the proposed Belt and Road routes have substantial Muslim populations.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692458 (081326ZOCT23) Notable: Violence and Crime Bun Part One / ‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding (Parts 1-3)

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>>169559

>>169560

>>169561

Is it then coincidence that…?

“‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding” – Part 1

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa-isis-jihadist-terrorism-funding-money-laundering-organised-crime-latest/

13 Jun 2023 11:01 am

South Africa has never been touched by Islamist attacks. Its three-decade-old democracy is solid, and its financial system is respected.

Yet experts say the continent’s most industrialised nation is now a nerve centre for jihadist financing in Africa.

South Afica ‘now a hub’ for transfer of money to IS branches

“South Africa is open hunting ground,” Pretoria-based counter-terrorism expert Jasmine Opperman told AFP.

Islamist financiers gather money in the country and transfer it into “the hands of terrorism,” she said, adding it was internationally recognised “that we are now a hub”.

It’s a stark indictment for a country that, apart from the odd alerts issued by the US embassy, hardly registers on the radar of extremist activities worldwide.

Yet Opperman’s assessment is widely shared by analysts across Africa, Europe and the United States (US).

Red flags were first raised last year when the US government levied sanctions on several South Africans it accused of belonging to an Islamic State (IS) cell.

The group facilitated the transfer of money to IS branches across Africa, according to Washington.

It “provided technical, financial, or material support to the terrorist group,” the US treasury said in November.

Complacency by SA authorities

Some analysts have suggested that jihadist financing flourished because South African authorities grew complacent at the lack of visible Islamist activity.

“I don’t think South Africa realised it. It was the Americans who said, ‘something not okay is going on in your country,'” Hans-Jakob Schindler, director of the Counter-Extremism Project think-tank, told AFP.

“The entire government is now put to task,” he said.

South Africa grey-listed

One of the clearest signs something was amiss came in March this year when the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global illicit cash flow watchdog that aims to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing, placed South Africa on its “grey list” over gaps in monitoring and stemming illegal financial activities.

A cocktail of conditions, including a functional financial system, liberties, porous borders, corruption and criminality have made South Africa fertile ground for Islamists to raise funds, experts say.

A lot of the money comes from organised crime syndicates which raise funds through drugs and precious minerals trafficking, as well as kidnapping for ransom.

Extortion, with the use of fake Tinder profiles to lure victims, is also widespread.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692463 (081326ZOCT23) Notable: Violence and Crime Bun Part One / ‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding (Parts 1-3)

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>>169562

“‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding” – Part 2

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa-isis-jihadist-terrorism-funding-money-laundering-organised-crime-latest/

13 Jun 2023 11:01 am

‘Organised crime is rife’ in South Africa

Kidnapping cases doubled to 4,000 between July and September last year, compared to the previous quarter, police statistics show.

“Organised crime itself is rife in South Africa,” said Opperman.

To avoid detection, the money is then transferred to Islamist cells across the continent in small remittances that don’t raise eyebrows.

Some R6.3 billion was wired from South Africa to Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria and Bangladesh through mobile money transfer using nearly 57,000 unregistered phone SIM cards between 2020 and 2021, according to an investigation by a South African weekly newspaper, the Sunday Times.

The hawala system, an informal method of payment based on trust that is far more difficult to trace than bank transfers, is also used to siphon money away.

Some money sent abroad is genuinely aimed at supporting family, and it’s unclear just how much jihadists raise.

But experts believe they are awash with cash, likely making “more money than they need,” Schindler said.

IS internal documents seen by experts show that of the money raised on the continent, the IS in Somalia keeps 50% while 25% is split between cells in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the balance going to IS central.

‘Waiting for proof’ – Farhad Hoomer

One of the suspects listed by the United States as an IS cell leader is Durban-based Farhad Hoomer, 47.

He was sanctioned last year for “playing an increasingly central role in facilitating the transfer of funds from the top of the Isis hierarchy to branches across Africa”.

Hoomer denied being an IS cell leader, telling AFP by phone from Durban that he “was surprised” by the sanctioning.

“I’m waiting for the proof. It’s one year waiting for the proof,” he said.

Hoomer was arrested by South African police in 2018 for allegedly planning to deploy improvised incendiary devices near mosques and retail shops. Authorities brought dozens of charges against him, which were however later dropped.

Terrorists ‘exploit democratic nature’ of South Africa

Tore Hamming, a fellow at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, told AFP those involved in jihadist financing were “pretty well-known extremist figures from South Africa who have been active in the extremist milieu for a good number of years.”

The jihadists capitalise on “open financial structures”, he added.

Martin Ewi, a regional organised crime observatory coordinator with the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies, said a number of individuals were currently being investigated, with detectives “digging” up cases as far back as 2017.

“Terrorists have exploited the country’s democratic nature… to use it as a hub for mobilising financing” and other resources, Ewi told AFP.

In a recent note the US-based intelligence and security think-tank Soufan Center concluded that South Africa has “emerged as a financial hub for Isis in Africa”, using another name for IS.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19692470 (081327ZOCT23) Notable: Violence and Crime Bun Part One / ‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding (Parts 1-3)

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>>169562

>>169563

“‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding” – Part 3

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa-isis-jihadist-terrorism-funding-money-laundering-organised-crime-latest/

13 Jun 2023 11:01 am

‘Increase of funds’

Cells based in the country are backing the “operational work” of IS “more widely”, said the Soufan Center.

These revelations come as the continent is increasingly becoming a favoured sanctuary for the jihadist group after the 2019 loss of the “caliphate” following US-led international counter-offensives in both Iraq and Syria.

IS has seen its most striking rise recently across Africa, with a presence in the Sahel region, through to Lake Chad, all the way to the DR Congo, Mozambique and Somalia.

“In the last five years, Africa itself has become more and more important for ISIS,” said Schindler.

But South Africa’s role in international terrorism dates back more than a decade, according to Ryan Cummings, analyst with the Cape Town based Signal Risk security advisory firm.

It has been a “perceived financial hub for extremist groups for quite a while,” he said citing intelligence evidence that suggested Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab used South Africa to move funds after the 2013 attack on the Westgate mall in Kenya’s capital.

There are reports of “an increase of funds… flowing from South Africa” to Mozambique, and the IS affiliate in the DR Congo, said Cummings.

Laws to bolster fight

South Africa is now boosting efforts to get off the FATF grey list.

Several pieces of legislation have been rushed through parliament in recent months, notably one on anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing.

On 19 May, Security Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told lawmakers that her office, along with other agencies, will “continue to develop and implement… measures to ensure that South Africa’s territory is not used to plan, facilitate or carry out acts of terrorism and acquire, move, store and use funds in support of terrorism”. [More lip service]

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19731387 (132202ZOCT23) Notable: (General Research #24226) Eight UN peacekeepers detained over sex abuse claims in DR Congo

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General Research #24226 >>83173

Eight UN peacekeepers detained over sex abuse claims in DR Congo

The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) announced on Wednesday that it had taken "strong measures" against peacekeepers suspected of "serious misconduct".

According to internal documents of the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, seen by AFP, the eight peacekeepers deployed in Beni, eastern DR Congo, were arrested on October 1 and an officer suspended a week later in connection with alleged sexual exploitation and violence.

All belong to the South African contingent of the UN force, and may be involved in what internal reports describe as a "systematic widespread violation" of UN rules.

"The Office of Internal Oversight Services has been apprised and precautionary measures have already been taken in accordance with the UN Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy," MONUSCO said in a statement late Wednesday.

The measures taken "include the suspension, detention and confinement of the peacekeepers concerned", the UN force said, adding that it "strongly condemns such behaviour, which is unworthy of UN personnel".

https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20231012-eight-un-peacekeepers-detained-over-sex-abuse-claims-in-dr-congo

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19782021 (221643ZOCT23) Notable: ANCYL President Collen Malatji has told President Cyril Ramaphosa to close the Israeli embassy

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>>169566

>Patrisse Cullors, Co-Founder Black Lives Matters: “Palestine is our generation in South Africa”

>>>/qresearch/19782005

>“South Africa and the Cuban communist project”

>>169562

>“‘Open hunting ground’: South Africa in spotlight again over [Jihadist] terror funding”

“ANCYL President Collen Malatji has told President Cyril Ramaphosa to close the Israeli embassy”

https://youtu.be/b8Dt0y638AY

0:29 – “We are in a revolution.”

0:36 – “All we do is to protest and walk around. The days of protesting and walking around went to an end. We’re saying that we must stand up and act like the people of Palestine.”

0:54 – “The ANC is the ruling party here… Every time you vote for the DA and the PA, you must know you are voting for Israel Apartheid.”

“WATCH: ANC calls for Israeli embassy to be shut”

https://www.jacarandafm.com/news/news/watch-anc-calls-israeli-embassy-be-shut/

Updated Oct. 20, 2023, 7:01 p.m.

Excerpts below

The ANC and its alliance partners have called for the Israeli embassy in Pretoria to be closed amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas

The ANC, SACP, Cosatu, joined various civil society and faith-based organisations in a march to the embassy on Friday.

The South African government has expressed solidarity and support for the people of Palestine while also condemning the killing of civilians on both sides.

The governing party has over the years held pickets outside the Israeli embassy in support of Palestine.

In May 2021, the then deputy secretary-general, Jessie Duarte who was leading the picket called on the Israeli government to “take their knees off the Palestinians” or close their embassy in the country.

ANCYL President Collen Malatji has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to close the Israeli embassy in Pretoria.

"We are here today, and we are told that the Ambassador of Israel is not here. Now we are calling upon the president of the ANC and that of the country Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to immediate expel them.

"This embassy here must be removed with immediate effect.

"If the president doesn't remove them by Friday, we are coming back here on Friday to occupy these buildings.

"We are calling upon all companies of Israel to immediately leave South Africa, starting with that Woolworths that you love so much," said Malatji.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19782035 (221645ZOCT23) Notable: Ramaphosa Rules Out South Africa Abandoning Neutral Stance on War in Ukraine

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>>169567

>The ANC, SACP, Cosatu, joined various civil society and faith-based organisations in a march to the embassy on Friday.

>The South African government has expressed solidarity and support for the people of Palestine while also condemning the killing of civilians on both sides.

Yet South Africa remains neutral concerning the Ukraine/Russia conflict…

“Africa Day | President Ramaphsoa defends SA's position on Russia's war with Ukraine” - https://youtu.be/I8pnd2gwM4A

“Ramaphosa Rules Out South Africa Abandoning Neutral Stance on War in Ukraine”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-25/ramaphosa-rules-out-south-africa-abandoning-non-aligned-stance#xj4y7vzkg

May 25, 2023

South Africa’s president insisted his country won’t be drawn into taking sides in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, even as it faces pressure from some of its main trading partners to change course.

“Some countries, including our own, are being threatened with penalties for pursuing an independent foreign policy and for adopting a position of non-alignment,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a speech on the outskirts of Johannesburg on Thursday. “We will maintain our position on the peaceful resolution of conflict wherever those conflicts occur.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/19952053 (211001ZNOV23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Chronic congestion building along the east coast of South Africa

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Chronic congestion building along the east coast of South Africa

Sam Chambers November 21, 2023

Massive ship queues are forming off the east coast of South Africa where dire handling capabilities at the ports of Durban and Richards Bay are causing consternation.

At Durban, which ranks among the poorest boxports productivity-wise in the world, there are 63 ships backed up with Transnet, the country’s port operator, warning it could take up to February to clear the backlog.

Liners have instituted congestion surcharges as well as announcing some dropped calls to South Africa in the wake of the growing queues which sees more than 70,000 containers stranded off Durban.

“The problem of port congestion is a complex one and it is something that was due to happen at some point, as a result of many years of underinvestment in equipment and its maintenance,” said Transnet chairperson, Andile Sangqu. “We need to caution that this is going to take some time as the lead times for some of the equipment is anything from 12 to 18 months.”

Transnet group CEO Michelle Phillips described the ongoing crisis at the port of Durban as “Rome is burning”. She said a damaging combination of a lack of maintenance and inadequate investment in infrastructure meant the old equipment simply could not withstand the weather.

At Richards Bay, meanwhile, a key dry bulk export terminal, Transnet is holding an emergency meeting today with port officials and the industry to work on a plan to address the port’s many problems.

The country’s Road Freight Association said this week the truck congestion at Richards Bay was a consequence of the country’s failed rail system, which should be used to transport goods.

This comes after Transnet suspended the receiving of goods at the port from trucks due to heavy traffic on the roads.

https://splash247.com/chronic-congestion-building-along-the-east-coast-of-south-africa/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20027327 (050552ZDEC23) Notable: (General Research #24583) Harvard’s Shocking Admission: Affirmative Action and Critical Race Theory Killed South Africa

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General Research #24583 >>>/qresearch/20027306

Harvard’s Shocking Admission: Affirmative Action and Critical Race Theory Killed South Africa

November 29, 2023

On those bleak corners of the Internet that fret about economic growth, social cohesion, and other boring stuff, there’s a common question: What the heck happened in 1971?

On one chart after another for the United States, there is a pattern of steady growth and improvement in life that suddenly goes haywire right around 1971. Wage growth stagnated for all but the richest Americans. Inequality explodes. Housing prices began a long upward march that has yet to level out. Fertility rates crashed while illegitimacy surged. And so on, and so on.

Many other nations have data that tells a similar story, around a similar time. But one nation has a very different year that marks a shift in fortunes. In South Africa, the question could well be, “What the heck happened in 1994?”

In that country, life expectancies grew until the early 1990s, when they suddenly went into reverse, driven heavily by an explosion of AIDS.

Primary school enrollment in the country peaked in the early 1990s but then started to go down, reaching only the low 80s by the mid-2010s.

From 1997 onward, South Africa has never come close to matching the (already high) unemployment rate it had in 1994.

Man, what the heck happened to South Africa in the early 90s?

Not too long ago, South Africa was a darling of the global neoliberal order. The nation hosted a soccer World Cup (where its fans ruined things with the abominable vuvuzela). It had that schmaltzy feel-good movie with Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman. The BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India, and China gave South Africa a sympathy invite to join the newly-renamed BRICS cabal. South Africa was the nation that would prove a post-colonial, post-European majoritarian multiracial democracy would astonish the world.

A new report from Harvard sums it up thusly:

The early 1990s marked a victory for generations of freedom fighters, and the future of an inclusive South Africa was set in motion. There was no telling what could be accomplished with the full force of South Africa’s human capabilities, creativity, and resilience in combination with its industrialized economy and established comparative advantages in global trade. […] The Rainbow Nation seemed poised to leverage its substantial economic assets at full strength. In 1995, South Africa supported the 47th most complex economy in the world — on par with China (ranked 46th) and far ahead of any other African nation (Tunisia was next at 66th). There was good reason to believe that the economy would grow rapidly, and opportunity would expand to many more South Africans.

Uh, yeah, about that.

You all know how well things went. But what’s incredible is that now even Harvard is giving up on the country.

Courtesy of the university’s “Growth Lab” at the Center for International Development, we have a lengthy 178-page paper titled “Growth Through Inclusion in South Africa.” But despite the title, the paper is actually about how the drive for “inclusion” has caused growth to disappear from the unfortunate country:

South Africa’s economy is stagnating and, in fact, losing capabilities, export diversity, and competitiveness. While the racial composition of wealth at the top has changed, wealth concentration in South Africa has not and remains very high. Moreover, the broader structures of the economy have not allowed for the inclusion of the labor and talents of South Africans — black, white, and otherwise.

The report is a gruesome, piece-by-piece dissection of South Africa’s failed economy, dressed up in just enough euphemisms to be publishable while allowing the more alert and informed to see the truth.

More:

https://revolver.news/2023/11/harvard-report-reluctantly-tells-the-truth-about-what-killed-south-africa/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20056501 (110531ZDEC23) Notable: Final Covid & Other Pestilence Bun / (Canada #50) Here We Go: CDC Issues Health Alert Over Deadly, Fast-Spreading Strain of Monkeypox

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Anons actually in Africa heard of this?

Canada #50 >>111717

Here We Go: CDC Issues Health Alert Over Deadly, Fast-Spreading Strain of Monkeypox

by Jim Hᴏft Dec. 9, 2023

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Thursday to inform clinicians and health departments nationwide about the emergence and spread of a deadly subtype of the monkeypox virus, known as Clade I, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This health advisory, part of the CDC’s Health Alert Network (HAN), underscores the necessity for heightened vigilance, particularly among travelers returning from the DRC. Clade I, distinguished as a distinct genetic grouping of the monkeypox virus, has not been reported in the United States to date, according to the health alert.

There is currently an outbreak of deadly monkeypox in 22 out of 26 provinces, including urban areas in Congo.

However, the possibility of its appearance in travelers necessitates increased awareness and diagnostic readiness among healthcare professionals.

Symptoms of Clade I mpox resemble those of other forms of the virus, including a widespread rash and lymphadenopathy. Clinicians are urged to promptly notify state health departments upon encountering patients exhibiting these symptoms, particularly those with recent travel history to the DRC.

The CDC also emphasizes the importance of lesion specimen submissions for clade-specific testing in such cases.

Though vaccine coverage in the U.S. is low, the CDC reasserts that vaccines such as JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 are expected to be effective against both Clade I and Clade II MPXV infections. Medical experts are urged to recommend vaccination for all eligible patients.

In a separate travel advisory, the CDC has strongly advised travelers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to exercise heightened caution. Key recommendations include avoiding contact with individuals who are ill, maintaining a distance from wild animals, and refraining from consuming or handling game meat.

New York Post reported:

A deadly, fast-spreading strain of the monkeypox virus has the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on high alert.''

The variant of the virus, which causes the severe disease known as mpox, kills up to 10% of the people who are infected, according to the World Health Organization.''

“The virus variant is known to be more virulent. If it adapts better to human-to-human transmission, that presents a risk,” Rosamund Lewis of the WHO’s mpox surveillance team told Reuters.

Last year, a less-deadly variant of the monkeypox virus known as Clade II spread worldwide (a clade is a genetic subtype of virus). More than 31,000 Americans were diagnosed with mpox during last year’s outbreak, and 55 died.

But now, the rapid spread of the deadlier Clade I subtype of the virus has been reported by health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the disease has spread to 22 of the DRC’s 26 provinces.

In the same week, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen issued a new alert for the COVID “Pirola” variant and recommended masking up for those who are feeling symptoms.

“Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Learn about how to reduce your risk of getting sick from these viruses, and if they are spreading in your community,” the CDC stated.

We can really tell that it is now election season.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/12/here-we-go-cdc-issues-health-alert-deadly/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20065199 (130038ZDEC23) Notable: Updated ANC Bun | Updated BRICS Bun / (General Research #24627) West sees BRICS expansion as direct threat analyst

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General Research #24627 >>106900

West sees BRICS expansion as direct threat analyst

The growing alliance is forcing neocolonial powers to rethink their ?parasitic? relationship with the Global South, Jackie Shandu told RT

The West views the expansion of BRICS as an existential threat because a larger alliance jeopardizes the West's "parasitic" relationship with the Global South, independent analyst Jackie Shandu told RT on Sunday.

Cooperation between BRICS and the EU, as proposed earlier this week by South Africa's chief representative to the EU, Tokozile Xasa, means "the West will no longer be able to enjoy all the wealth and riches that it does directly at the expense of the rest of the world," Shandu said.

Because exploiting weaker countries has "kept the West in this position of being highly industrialized, high-income, and very wealthy economies and nations," the expansion of BRICS, which has allowed the developing world, particularly Africa, to hold its own on the global stage, "poses a direct threat to that very parasitic relationship," he explained.

BRICS envisions itself as a competitor to "the current western-dominated global economic order and the military industrial complex," which provides that order with a "monopoly on being able to mete out brute force," Shandu continued.

"A more organized BRICS takes more than half the world away from the undemocratic dictatorship of institutions such as the IMF [and] the World Bank" and makes the UN Security Council more democratic, he said.

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/274060819/west-sees-brics-expansion-as-direct-threat-analyst

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20114651 (221438ZDEC23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / (Canada #50) Oil Tumbles After Angola Announces It Is Leaving OPEC

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Canada #50 >>111958

Oil Tumbles After Angola Announces It Is Leaving OPEC

BY TYLER DURDEN THURSDAY, DEC 21,2023

Confirming a move which had been widely expected after the internal acrimony at the last OPEC+ meeting, moments ago Angola - also known as China's gas station in Africa - announced it was leaving OPEC, the country's news agency ANGOP reported on Thursday, quoting the African producer’s oil minister Diamantino de Azevedo.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, led by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, the news agency noted. Jornal de Angola also reported the news.

As OilPrice notes, Angola and another African OPEC member, Nigeria, had a spat with the other cartel members before the latest meeting regarding their oil production quotas.

At a meeting in June, Angola and Nigeria were given lower crude oil production quotas as part of the OPEC+ agreement, after the two producers had underperformed and failed to pump to their quotas for years, due to a lack of investment in new fields and maturing older oilfields.

The most recent spat within OPEC about the African countries’ quotas was one of the reasons for the cartel to postpone its latest meeting within a few days.

African OPEC members Angola, Congo, and Nigeria were forced to commit to lower output in 2024, and the originally scheduled November 26 meeting could potentially have pressured them to make further production cuts, as the Saudis expressed discontent over compliance with the deal as it shoulders the bulk of the burden.

Before the meeting at the end of November, Angola said it was not considering quitting the cartel.

“There’s no thinking in that direction,” Angola OPEC governor Estevao Pedro told Bloomberg at the time, assuring markets that Africa’s second-largest producer had no intentions of rocking the boat to that extent.

However, it seems now that Angola doesn’t see an OPEC membership as beneficial anymore after the recent spats over its production quota.

Angola, which joined OPEC in 2007, holds untapped oil and gas resources estimated at 9 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves.

The news sent oil, which had caught a bid in recent days on fears about a protracted Red Sea blockage, sharply lower and back to Tuesday levels.

https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/oil-tumbles-after-angola-announces-it-leaving-opec

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20115757 (221932ZDEC23) Notable: Final Commodities Bun / Red Sea Ripples: Prolonged Voyages, Soaring Fuel Costs, and Escalating Carbon Emissions Concerns

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Red Sea Ripples: Prolonged Voyages, Soaring Fuel Costs, and Escalating Carbon Emissions Concerns

John Konrad December 22, 2023

by John Konrad (gCaptain) South African bunker traders are facing a unique challenge as an influx of ships, diverted from the Red Sea due to threats from Houthi rebels, are overwhelming African ports. This situation has extended voyages between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe by up to two weeks, making stops at South African ports like Durban and Cape Town essential for ships to top up their fuel. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the escalating costs and availability of fuel, as well as growing apprehensions about carbon emissions.

Carbon Intensity

The diversion of maritime traffic from the Red Sea, driven by security concerns, leads to a significant, albeit unintended, environmental consequence: heightened carbon emissions. This could be challenging for ship owners because, starting January 1st 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will require all ships to meet new the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements. This system is designed to evaluate ships’ carbon emissions and apply corresponding financial rewards or penalties. To adhere to these standards, numerous vessels are planning to operate at reduced speeds. However, the longer journey necessitated by rerouting around Africa – approximately 12,000 nautical miles – might compel ships to increase their speed to compensate for delays, potentially contravening emission targets.

Additionally, a 2020 mandate from the IMO stipulates the use of very-low-sulfur fuels (VLSFO) or the installation of emission scrubbers on ships. This regulation restricts fuel choices for vessels that haven’t invested in scrubbers and limiting the options for ships trying to refuel in overwhelmed ports.

As of now, there’s no official statement from the IMO or other regulatory authorities regarding any potential suspension or modification of these carbon-related mandates in light of the new routing challenges.

Fuel Stocks

While there is confidence in major South African ports like Durban having sufficient fuel stocks, including high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), and marine gas oil (MGO), the costs are a major concern. Fuel prices in South Africa are significantly higher than major bunkering ports like Singapore and Rotterdam due to the heavy reliance on imported fuels and limited local production. For instance, Durban’s pricing for HSFO (High Sulphur Fuel Oil) is approximately a thousand dollars higher per ton compared to Singapore, whereas the price difference for VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) between the two cities is under one hundred dollars.

An additional challenge comes from the shutdown of offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, near Port Elizabeth, after revenue service officials arrested tankers servicing the facility on tax evasion charges, causing a shift in demand to other ports. The situation is further complicated by South Africa’s sole oil refinery near Cape Town, which is inadequate to meet the increasing demand. The vast majority of the marine fuels used in the country’s ports are imported, leading to higher costs. These costs could skyrocket as tanker market rates rise due to the Red Sea disruption.

A report by Linsen Nambi Bunkering Services sheds light on the decline in the bunker market over the past 15 years in South Africa, with a 61% decrease in bunker supplies. This is attributed to insufficient investment in both local refineries and terminal infrastructure, impacting the ability to produce and deliver marine fuel efficiently. South Africa is also suffering from a slow decline in the reliability of the electrical grid and infrastructure serving ports.

Despite these challenges, bunker fuel manager Gavin Naidoo from Linsen Nambi told Tradewinds that the existing infrastructure can cope with the surge in demand, with Durban operating at only 20% of its capacity. However, he noted that the response to this demand surge also hinges on whether oil companies can provide adequate fuel supplies.

The congestion from an excess of ships seeking to refuel could further escalate operational expenses, as South African ports struggle to cope with the overwhelming demand.

https://gcaptain.com/red-sea-ripples-prolonged-voyages-soaring-fuel-costs-and-escalating-carbon-emissions-concerns/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20177955 (032323ZJAN24) Notable: Updated ANC Bun | Updated BRICS Bun / (Canada #51) Saudi Arabia officially joins BRICS – state media

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Canada #51 >>119122

Saudi Arabia officially joins BRICS -- state media

The group has welcomed five new members, with further expansion expected later this year

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced that it has joined the BRICS+ group, with the news carried by state TV.

Riyadh has been in negotiations on its accession to the group for months, with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stating last August that all the details on the move would be evaluated before an “appropriate decision” was taken.

At the time, the foreign minister said the BRICS group was “a beneficial and important channel” for bolstering economic cooperation between member countries.

The group, which until January 1 included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, welcomed five new members on New Year’s Day. Apart from Saudi Arabia, it now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE. Another prospective member, Argentina, made an abrupt U-turn on its accession plans after the presidential election in the country was won by Javier Milei late last year.

The group is expected to grow even larger later this year, with Venezuela seeking to become a permanent member at the next summit in Russia in October 2024.

Moscow has assumed the one-year rotating presidency of the group, with President Vladimir Putin pledging to “facilitate the harmonious integration” of new partners. Some 30 other countries have already expressed their intent in participating in the group’s activities in one form or another, Putin noted.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro spoke on the matter with the Spanish-language edition of Le Monde Diplomatique in an interview published on Monday, arguing that the group represents “humanity’s future,” given its vast economic power.

According to the IMF figures, the expanded BRICS now surpasses the G7, an informal group of the leading Western countries, in terms of GDP at purchasing power parity, accounting for 36% of the world total.

Maduro also slammed the move by his Argentine counterpart, arguing that the decision to scrap the BRICS+ plans was “one of the clumsiest and stupidest things Milei has done” to his country to date. With his decision, Milei has effectively taken the country back to the 19th century, seeking to turn it into a “vassal of the imperial unipolar world,” Maduro suggested.

https://www.rt.com/news/590048-saudi-arabia-joins-brics/

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20227263 (112138ZJAN24) Notable: Initial Covid & Other Pestilence Bun | Initial Cyril Ramaphosa Bun | Initial ICJ Suit Bun / (Canada #51) Israel Calls South Africa The "Legal Arm Of Hamas" After 1st Day Of Hague Genocide Case

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Canada #51 >>>/qresearch/20226282

Israel Calls South Africa The "Legal Arm Of Hamas" After 1st Day Of Hague Genocide Case

by Tyler Durden Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

After the opening day of hearings at The Hague for South African's genocide case against Israel, the Israeli Foreign Ministry blasted the South African government, saying it is "functioning as the legal arm of Hamas."

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lior Haia further called the proceedings "one of the greatest displays of hypocrisy in history" soon after the first day wrapped up.

He also said that South Africa "seeks to allow Hamas to return to commit the war crimes, crimes against humanity and sexual crimes they committed repeatedly on October 7," in a statement posted to X, additionally calling South Africa's lawyers "the representatives of Hamas at the court."

For the first day of its International Court of Justice case (ICJ, or also commonly called the World Court), South Africa urged an "end to the targeting of healthcare workers, facilities, ambulances and civilians, including women and children" and "a permanent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution for lasting peace."

Despite it having no power to actually make this happen, other than symbolic censure, Pretoria is demanding that the court impose an order for Israel to immediately halt fighting and abide by a ceasefire.

According to a summary of South Africa's filing at the court:

The case lists the killing of Palestinians in Gaza in large numbers, especially children; the destruction of their homes; their expulsion and displacement; and a blockade on food, water and medical assistance to the strip as acts of genocide. It also includes the destruction of essential health services crucial for the survival of pregnant women and babies as further crimes of genocide against Israel.