Author: WAJ Editor

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the end of apartheid and the UN’s role in combating it during his opening speech. He emphasized that genocide is a global moral failing, just as apartheid was recognized as a crime against humanity. Ramaphosa condemned the recent Hamas attack, which resulted in significant loss of life, while also criticizing Israel’s actions against Palestinians as collective punishment. He noted the ongoing violence in Gaza, citing over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and calling the situation a continuation of decades of oppression. He insisted that South Africa, having experienced apartheid, will not stand by silently and…

Stranded for 26 hours on the N3 during a snowstorm, a group of 15 senior citizens, with their knees frozen and spirits nearly broken, clung to their faith and prayed for a miracle. The group, led by 90-year-old Dorothy Rosenberg, was returning to Johannesburg in a minibus taxi after a holiday in Port Edward on Friday. They are part of a “sister group” of friends who often travel together. Heavy snowfall in parts of Free State and KwaZulu-Natal resulted in the closure of the N3 highway in both directions, between Harrismith and the Tugela Plaza. Many in the group had…

The Zimbabwe Accountants International (ZAI) has formed a strategic partnership with the UK-based risk solutions company, Diaspora Insurance, to provide financial security for over a thousand accounting professionals globally. Founded in 2022, ZAI unites more than 1,200 members from various regions, including South Africa, Dubai, Australia, Canada, the USA, and the UK. The organization creates “an inclusive space for Zimbabwean accountants to learn from each other, stay informed about industry trends, and access global opportunities in the accounting sector.” This partnership with Diaspora Insurance allows ZAI members to access customized funeral insurance products, providing immediate financial relief during times of…

Ambassador Martins Acha, a prominent philanthropist and community leader, received the esteemed Humanitarian Award at the John Ughulu Foundation’s Annual Moral Booster Awards held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Georgia. The event celebrated individuals making remarkable contributions to humanitarian efforts and community development. Acha was honored for his dedication to uplifting underserved communities through initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment via his Martins & Eno Acha Foundation, which provides essential resources to marginalized populations. In his acceptance speech, Acha emphasized the responsibility that accompanies such recognition: “This award inspires me to achieve even more in my career. Giving…

At least 30 bodies were discovered on a boat drifting off the coast of Senegal’s capital, according to the military on Monday, amid a rising number of migrants departing from West Africa. The navy was alerted to the vessel’s presence on Sunday evening and dispatched a patrol boat to the location, approximately 70 kilometers (38 nautical miles) from Dakar, as stated by Ibrahima Sow, a military spokesperson. “So far, we have counted 30 bodies,” Sow reported. The advanced decomposition of the bodies is complicating the identification process, and the military noted that investigations will yield further details about the death…

A Zimbabwe court has denied bail for opposition leader Jameson Timba and 64 supporters for the third time since their controversial arrest 14 weeks ago. Critics accuse the ruling ZANU-PF party of suppressing democracy and dissent since it came to power in 1980. Timba, leader of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), was arrested at his home on June 16 during a crackdown prior to a Southern African summit in July. Although they were acquitted of disorderly conduct on September 4, the charge of participating in an unlawful gathering still stands. The magistrate ruled that there were “no new circumstances”…

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, spoke at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing Nigeria’s long-standing dedication to international peace and security. “Since our initial deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has participated in 41 peacekeeping missions worldwide,” Badaru stated during the Summit of the Future’s interactive dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for peace and security, noting the deployment of over 200,000 troops in UN operations. He urged for reforms to the UN Security Council to ensure Africa’s representation through permanent seats, arguing that this would promote global stability. Through regional cooperation, Nigeria has taken part in peacekeeping missions…

On Sunday, Moroccan team FAR Rabat and Mali’s Djoliba AC were among five clubs to advance to the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. FAR Rabat, who had drawn 2-2 in the first leg, secured a strong 2-0 win against Sudan’s Al Merreikh, with goals from Hammoudan and Joël Beya, ensuring Morocco has two teams in the next round alongside Raja Casablanca.Ivorian clubs had mixed results; Stade d’Abidjan progressed despite a 2-1 loss to Milo FC, having won the first leg 2-0. In contrast, San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire’s champions, were eliminated after a goalless home draw and a…

Former Sudanese president Omer al-Bashir, along with three senior officials, has been transferred from military detention to a hospital in Merowe, Northern State, due to declining health, as reported by Bashir’s lawyer. Al-Bashir, ex-Defense Minister Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein, and former Youth and Sports Minister Youssef Abdel Fattah were moved from the Wadi Seidna military facility after a medical report indicated they required care not available at the military hospital. Former Vice President Bakri Hassan Saleh had been transferred to the same hospital three weeks earlier. Bashir’s lawyer stated that the former president and the others are facing age-related health issues…

The Yunus Emre Institute and Turkish Cultural Centre in Johannesburg organized Turkish cooking classes that provided South African participants with a memorable experience. Over five weeks, they learned to prepare various Turkish dishes while enjoying the company of one another. In the first week, participants made Künefe, Lentil Soup, and Cacık (a yogurt and cucumber appetizer). The second week included Alinazik, Eggplant Salad, and Yayla Soup. Subsequent weeks featured Tomato Soup, Köfte (Turkish meatballs), Hummus, Sütlaç (rice pudding), Chicken Soup, and Bulgur Pilaf. During the final week, participants showcased their culinary skills by preparing the dishes they had learned. Top…

The main opposition party in Tanzania, CHADEMA, will hold a demonstration on Monday, September 23 in Dar es Salaam. High security measures have been taken since September 20 for the demonstration, which is expected to attract a large number of people. Police have closed the area where the demonstration will be held. CHADEMA’s chairman Mr. Freeman Mbowe announced today that the party’s scheduled demonstrations will take place on Monday, September 23, 2024. He stated that the protests will be peaceful and are intended to honor leaders who have disappeared or been killed under questionable circumstances. During a session on X…

The 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will see prominent African teams in the group stages, including defending champions Al Ahly SC, along with former title holders Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and TP Mazembe, who all secured their spots on Saturday. In South Africa, Orlando Pirates qualified for the group stages for the first time in five years by defeating Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0, achieving a 3-0 aggregate victory thanks to a late goal from Monnapule Saleng. Mamelodi Sundowns also progressed, dominating Eswatini’s Mbabane Swallows with another 4-0 win, finishing with an aggregate score of 8-0. Reigning champions Al Ahly easily…

On Friday evening, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad FC became the first team to secure a spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group Stages after a tense match against Burkinabe club AS Douanes in Algiers. Belouizdad faced a tough challenge from their opponents, who had won the first leg 1-0. Taking advantage of their home field, the Algerians equalized the aggregate score just before halftime with a stunning goal from Abderrahmane Mesiane. In the second half, both teams pressed for the crucial winning goal, but were thwarted by strong defending and goalkeeping. The match ended 1-1 on aggregate, leading to a…

Zanzibar’s President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi attended the second edition of the ‘Fahari ya Zanzibar’ festival on Friday, highlighting significant progress in reducing unemployment over the past three years. At the festival’s opening in Zanzibar’s new international trade fair area in Nyamanzi, Unguja West B District, he cited recent data from the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) indicating that many young people are finding employment. He noted that the success since ZEEA’s establishment in 2022 aligns with last year’s festival theme, “Empower the Citizens, Create Jobs by Strengthening the Sustainable Economy,” and supports the objectives outlined in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi…

Tanzania started the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers today, facing Mali at the UDSM Grounds in Dar es Salaam. The opening matches also include Cameroon against Ghana and Lesotho versus Malawi, both taking place at Gymkhana Club Ground in Dar es Salaam. The tournament will continue over the next few weeks, wrapping up at the end of the month at the Gymkhana and UDSM Oval venues. This event marks the beginning of the qualification process for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with teams vying for spots in the regional finals.The qualification process includes multiple stages, starting with…

Egypt has reportedly acquired Chinese J-10C fighter jets, indicating Beijing’s increasing influence in the Middle East and regional nations’ efforts to diversify their military sources, thereby reducing dependence on the United States. As reported by the Bulgarian defense news agency Bulgarian Military, Egypt placed its initial order for the J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” on August 19. This makes Egypt the second country, after Pakistan, to purchase the J-10C, a versatile 4.5-generation multirole fighter known for its advanced combat capabilities at a competitive price. The J-10C is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is recognized for its air superiority, drawing…