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☆ Reaction to expert panel report on South Africa's Ramaphosa
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former minister and chairwoman of the African Union Commission, attends the 54th National Conference of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa December 17, 2017. REUTERS/Siphiwe SibekoJOHANNESBURG, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Cyril Ramaphosa's future as South African president was in question on Thursday, a day after a panel report found preliminary evidence he may have committed serious misconduct. "We need to look at the report, study its implications very carefully, follow the parliamentary processes and allow matters to take their course." NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA, EX-WIFE OF FORMER PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA"I think the president has to step aside now and answer to the case." JOHN STEENHUISEN, LEADER OF MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY, THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (DA)"The report is clear and unambiguous.

☆ Explainer: The Phala Phala farmgate scandal hanging over South Africa's Ramaphosa
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Wendell Roelf | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing. But with less than a month to go before the party chooses its next candidate, he is battling for political survival. HOW IT ALL STARTEDEverything changed for Ramaphosa when South Africa's former spy chief, Arthur Fraser, walked into a police station in June and accused him of money laundering and covering up a large theft of cash. Ramaphosa, acknowledged there had been a break-in and said that cash proceeds from the sale of game had been stolen. RAMIFICATIONSThe affair has been a huge embarrassment for Ramaphosa who has repeatedly spoken about taking a tough line on graft.

☆ South Africa President Ramaphosa is facing the threat of impeachment over 'Farmgate' scandal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa could face impeachment after an independent panel found that he may have violated anti-corruption law during the investigation of a robbery at his farm. In what has become known as the "Farmgate" scandal, Ramaphosa is alleged to have covered up a $4 million theft from his Phala Phala farm in the north east of the country in 2020. Ramaphosa staunchly denies the allegations and has not been charged with any crimes. Ramaphosa delayed a planned parliamentary appearance on Thursday to consider the panel's findings, while his spokesman Vincent Magwenya also canceled a scheduled media briefing. "I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me."

☆ S.African foreign minister: panel report on Ramaphosa 'troubling moment'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Foreign Minister of South Africa Naledi Pandor addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Mike SegarJOHANNESBURG, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A panel report that found preliminary evidence that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have violated his oath of office is a "troubling moment" for the government and governing party, South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor said in an interview at the Reuters NEXT conference. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes. Pandor added that she was still reading the panel report on the robbery at Ramaphosa's farm and that she did not want to rush into the public space with additional comments. Reporting by Tim Cocks and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Alexander Winning, James Macharia ChegeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Cyril Ramaphosa facing impeachment calls
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( David Mckenzie | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Johannesburg CNN —South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is facing calls to step down from opposition leaders and even senior figures in his ruling African National Congress party after an independent panel found there is initial evidence that he could have violated his oath of office. President Ramaphosa most likely did breach a number of Constitutional provisions and has a case to answer. The panel was appointed by the speaker of parliament after a motion from a smaller opposition party. The National Assembly will consider the report and may institute impeachment proceedings – though the ANC does hold a majority of seats. Ramaphosa took office after his predecessor Jacob Zuma was forced to resign because of multiple allegations of Corruption.

[1/2] South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his State of the Nation Address at parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, June 20, 2019. REUTERS/Rodger Bosch/Pool via REUTERSJOHANNESBURG, Dec 1 (Reuters) - President Cyril Ramaphosa, the anti-apartheid champion who become one of South Africa's wealthiest businessmen and then its most powerful politician, was battling for his political survival on Thursday. Ramaphosa was the leading negotiator for the African National Congress (ANC) during talks that led to a peaceful end to apartheid in 1994, which enabled Nelson Mandela to become South Africa's first Black president. Shanduka Holdings, which is unlisted, has become one of the biggest black-owned groups in the country, holding 10% stakes in South Africa's biggest bank, Standard Bank, and insurer Liberty. Ramaphosa's negotiating skills at constitutional talks in the early 1990s won him grudging respect from South Africa's last white president, F.W.

[1/3] South African president Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at the Green Hydrogen Summit at Century City in Cape Town, South Africa, November 29, 2022. The inquiry centred on the theft of a millions of dollars of cash from the billionaire president's farm in 2020, which came to light in June. The country's biggest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has called for an early election and the report has plunged the governing African National Congress (ANC) into crisis. The ANC's executive committee is due to meet to discuss the panel report on Thursday evening. Asked by Reuters about a local media report that Ramaphosa was due to address the nation on Thursday, Ramaphosa's spokesman Vincent Magwenya said: "An announcement is imminent.

☆ Cyril Ramaphosa: South African president resists calls to resign
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( David Mckenzie | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Johannesburg, South Africa CNN —After days of speculation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa looks set to fight calls for his resignation despite a damning report that found he could have covered up the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars at his private game farm. Prior to the release of the report, Ramaphosa was widely expected to win a second term as ANC leader. And will never do so,” he said while addressing members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party in June this year. President Ramaphosa most likely did breach a number of Constitutional provisions and has a case to answer. Some allies of former president Zuma are now openly asking for Ramaphosa to step down.

☆ South Africa's economy at a pivotal point as outlook improves but political, energy risks remain
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

South Africa's long-awaited economic reforms have begun to improve the country's outlook, but the age-old problems of political uncertainty and a failing power system still pose significant risks. But deep divisions within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and his own cabinet have made for sluggish progress. However, political frailties and persistent issues at a state-owned utility continue to pose present economic risks. Montana said that in order to secure sustained economic growth, the South African government will need to prioritize energy sustainability. "Energy will require financial assistance from international players, but they will also need to ensure that it doesn't have a negative impact on South African society," he said.

☆ Sorting electricity issue in South Africa like 'fixing a plane as it's flying': Cyril Ramaphosa
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSorting electricity issue in South Africa like 'fixing a plane as it's flying': Cyril RamaphosaCNBC correspondent Arabile Gumede discusses South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to the U.K., the future of trade between the two countries, and the electricity issue that he has to face back home.

This time round, Charles III hosted the first state visit of his reign and welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the UK. The South African state visit was Charles’s first big diplomatic test. But this week, the prominence of the Prince and Princess of Wales during the state visit indicated that the couple have been elevated into crucial central roles. PHOTOS OF THE WEEKHere’s a few of our favorite shots from the first state visit King Charles hosted as monarch. Stefan Rousseau/WPA Pool/Getty ImagesThe state visit also allowed UK PM Rishi Sunak the opportunity to welcome Ramaphosa to 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting.

☆ King Charles welcomes South Africa’s Ramaphosa for first state visit
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

King Charles hosted his first state visit since becoming British monarch on Tuesday, welcoming South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Buckingham Palace. Charles, 74, rolled out the traditional pomp and ceremony for the first time as head of state, as Britain seeks to bolster its relations with its biggest trading partner in Africa. Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit Westminster Abbey to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and see the memorial stone for former South African President Nelson Mandela. The Prince and Princess of Wales stand with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) at the Corinthia Hotel in London. The last state visit to Britain by a South African leader was that of President Jacob Zuma in 2010 when he was met by Charles and Camilla at the start of the trip.

☆ South Africa’s Leader Wins a Crucial A.N.C. Political Battle
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( John Eligon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At the gathering, held every five years, members choose the A.N.C.’s top officials, including their president, and the party’s president typically serves as the country’s president. National elections are set for 2024, and the A.N.C. has won an outright majority of votes in every national election since South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. Mr. Ramaphosa won nominations from 2,037 branches, more than double that of his closest challenger, Zweli Mkhize. But analysts cautioned not to make too much of the results because the contest could change drastically by the time the conference begins.

☆ South African court orders Zuma back to jail after ruling medical parole was unlawful
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CAPE TOWN, Nov 21 (Reuters) - South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled on Monday that the decision to release former President Jacob Zuma on early medical parole was "unlawful" and that he should return to prison to finish his sentence for contempt of court. Zuma was released on medical parole in September 2021 after only serving a fraction of the sentence. But in December, the high court set aside the parole decision and ordered him to return to jail. Zuma appealed that ruling and judgement was delivered on Monday after the department of correctional services said in October that his prison sentence has finished. It also found that the decision by the former national commissioner of correctional services to grant Zuma medical parole against the advice of the Medical Parole Advisory Board, a specialist body, was unlawful.

☆ ‘I believe movement is life,’ says Didier Drogba, the winner of inaugural CNN ‘Off the Pitch’ prize at Dubai Globe Soccer Awards
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Eoin Mcsweeney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNNTo recognize the foundation’s achievements, Drogba has been awarded the inaugural CNN “Off the Pitch” prize, in partnership with Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Now in its 13th edition, this year’s ceremony on November 17, comes just three days before the beginning of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. “It means a lot to me and to the people working at the foundation,” Drogba told CNN’s Becky Anderson. So, the more you move, the more you are active, the more you are healthy,” Drogba told CNN. So that’s the impact, a message like this one from a football player can achieve [that],” Drogba told CNN.

☆ South Africa's Ramaphosa focuses on the poor as he seeks ANC re-election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( Tim Cocks | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Ramaphosa was concluding the African National Congress (ANC) executive committee meeting before an elective conference next month chooses the party's candidate for 2024 national elections. The president faces multiple challengers from within the party, mostly allied to his predecessor Jacob Zuma. Much may depend on whether Ramaphosa is seen as the best candidate to revive the fortunes of the ANC, the popularity of which is at an all-time low. He also pledged to forge ahead with policies to improve the standard of public education and introduce universal health insurance. The ANC's black empowerment initiatives were also mentioned, with Ramaphosa saying the measures need to be more "broad-based".

☆ Factbox: G20 summit: Which leaders will attend Bali summit?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

It will also mark the first face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping since Biden became president. CHINA'S PRESIDENT XI JINPINGXi's visit to Southeast Asia will be only his second foreign trip since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY (VIRTUAL)Indonesia invited Zelenskiy to attend the summit as an obsever, although the Indonesian foreign ministry has said he will appear at the summit virtually. INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODIModi is due to symbolically take over the G20 presidency from current chair Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali. He also committed to work closely with the Indonesian president to help deliver a successful summit.

☆ What to watch on Tuesday at COP27
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov 8 (Reuters) - World leaders will take the stage again on Tuesday as the COP27 climate summit enters its second full day. Among the expected speakers are outspoken advocates for measures to compensate poor, climate-vulnerable countries for damage already being wrought by global warming. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will also speak on Tuesday, along with European Council President Charles Michel, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and dozens of others. U.S. President Joe Biden won't arrive until next week, but his delegation will open its pavilion at the COP27 venue on Tuesday and Special Envoy John Kerry and John Podesta, Biden's senior adviser on clean energy innovation will be there. Reporting by Valerie Volcovici and Sarah McFarlane, editing by Deepa BabingtonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Ramaphosa said South Africa was speaking to international partners to identify additional funding sources, calling for "a significantly larger grant component" in support pledges. The 1.5 trillion rand plan includes about 1 trillion rand of electricity financing needs, 128 billion rand for new energy vehicles and 319 billion rand for green hydrogen. The head of South Africa's presidential climate finance task team said there was a funding gap of about 700 billion rand for the plan. If successful, South Africa's energy transition plan could be a model for other coal-dependent emerging economies in the global fight against climate change. ($1 = 17.9540 rand)Additional reporting by Anait Miridzhanian Editing by James Macharia Chege, Kirsten DonovanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

France, Spain and Finland said their rules are already structured to automatically take account of market tensions. The data tracked German, Italian, French, Spanish and Dutch bonds, markets which account for the vast majority of euro zone debt with nearly 8 trillion euros outstanding. So governments expect, and some formally require their primary dealers - banks that buy government debt at auctions and then sell to investors and manage its trading - to keep those tight. The euro zone is roughly 60% the size of the U.S. economy but it relies on Germany's 1.6 trillion euro bond market as a safe haven - a fraction of the $23-trillion U.S. Treasury market. Smaller governments pay premium over bigger rating peersEfforts by debt officials are welcomed by European primary dealers, whose numbers have dwindled in recent years because of shrinking profit margins and tougher regulation.

☆ South Africa's new Zulu king officially recognised by government
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Supporters of new AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini arrive ahead of the final ceremony of his coronation in Durban, South Africa, October 29, 2022. REUTERS/Rogan WardDURBAN, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Misuzulu, who has promised to unite his nation and protect tradition, was officially recognised as the AmaZulu King by the South African government on Saturday in the first Zulu coronation since 1971. Misuzulu kaZwelithini, 48, was crowned the king of South Africa's largest ethnic group in a customary celebration in August but required recognition from Ramaphosa to fully access government resources and support. Misuzulu's father, King Zwelithini, passed away in March 2021 after reining since 1971. King Misuzulu reigns over a divided royal family, with another faction, that includes some of his late father's wives and some of his siblings from the other palaces, recognising King Zwelithini's first-born son Prince Simakade as king.

☆ South Africa will allow a Russian oligarch to moor his superyacht in Cape Town as it continues on epic global cruise avoiding Western sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The yacht, owned by sanctioned billionaire Alexei Mordashov, is now headed to Cape Town, South Africa. Nord has now left the city state, and is sailing towards South Africa where it is expected to moor on November 9, Marine Traffic data shows. When it arrives in South Africa, it will be allowed to dock, despite outcry from some in the country. "South Africa has no legal obligation to abide by sanctions imposed by the US and EU," Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, per the BBC. South Africa was among the 35 countries which abstained from a UN resolution in March which demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

☆ South Africa's Ramaphosa to give response to graft inquiry
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAPE TOWN, Oct 23 (Reuters) - South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday submits his response to recommendations from a state inquiry into alleged corruption during his predecessor's presidency. A judicial commission of inquiry was established to examine allegations of high-level graft during former president Jacob Zuma's nine years in power from 2009 to 2018. The inquiry found that Zuma had allowed businessmen close to him - brothers Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta - to plunder state resources and influence policy, commonly known as 'state capture' in South Africa. Ramaphosa's written response has not been published, but a presidential statement said he is expected to address the nation on Sunday evening. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Wendell Roelf Editing by David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ New money is pouring into Singapore, but a series of recent multimillion-dollar real-estate transactions show the old status symbols are as popular as ever
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-07 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Good Class Bungalows, or GCBs, are powerful status symbols for old and new money alike in Singapore. With land this scarce, the most elite level of property on the island is the Good Class Bungalow, or GCB. New money, old status symbolWith new money pouring into Singapore, a series of recent multimillion-dollar real-estate transactions show these old status symbols are as popular as ever. And in 2019, British billionaire inventor James Dyson purchased an SG$50 million bungalow opposite Singapore's Botanic Gardens, per the Straits Times. Moreover, some prospective Good Class Bungalow renters are not even living in these properties.

And Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest next to her husband, Prince Philip. ET) the last members of the public were allowed into Westminster Hall to see Elizabeth’s coffin lying-in-state. The hall, which was built more than 1,000 years ago, has now been closed in preparation for the grandest funeral in British living memory. Mourners gather along The Mall ahead of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday in London. From Westminster Hall, it will be taken in a procession to Westminster Abbey, just across Parliament Square, for the state funeral.

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