South Africa

Saudi Arabia interested in joining BRICS group: South Africa president

19 October 2022; MEMO: Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in joining the BRICS economic group which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, said yesterday.

Ramaphosa, who has just returned from an official visit to Riyadh, said Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, had expressed the kingdom's desire to be part of BRICS.

"They are not the only country [seeking membership in BRICS]," local radio station ABC reported Ramaphosa saying.

South Africa on the cusp of billions of dollars in investments, says Pres Ramaphosa after “successful” Saudi Arabia visit

PRETORIA, Oct 18 (NNN-SANEWS) — President Cyril Ramaphosa says the “phenomenally successful” official State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the weekend has paved the way for billions of dollars’ worth of investments to flow into South Africa.

The visit to the Middle Eastern country was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and trade relations between the two countries.

South Africa, Saudi Arabia cement trade ties

PRETORIA, Oct 5 (NNN-SANEWS) — South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding to benefit both countries in the areas of trade and investment.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef signed the memorandum on behalf of their respective countries.

Prior to the signing ceremony, both Ministers witnessed the launch of the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council.

‘A servant queen’: World pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Across the globe, the death of Queen Elizabeth II has prompted reflections on the historic sweep of her reign and how she succeeded in presiding over the end of Britain’s colonial empire and embracing the independence of her former dominions.

Tributes to the queen’s life have poured in, from world leaders to rock stars to ordinary people — along with some criticism of the monarchy.

Turkiye holds panel on Security Council reform in Cape Town

31 August 2022; MEMO: Turkiye's Communications Directorate on Tuesday organised a panel on reform in the UN Security Council in Cape Town, Anadolu News Agency reports.

Moderated by Turkish scholar, Mursel Bayram, the panel brought together Turkish Professor, Suay Nilhan Acikalin, South African economist, William Gumede and Daryl Swanepoel, head of the South Africa-based civil society group, Inclusive Society Institute.

The panel kicked off with a video message from Turkiye's Communications Director, Fahrettin Altun.

South African miners mark 10th anniversary of killings

MARIKANA, South Africa (AP) — A somber gathering of about 5,000 people marked the 10th anniversary of what has become known as the Marikana massacre, when police opened fire on striking miners, killing 34 in 2012.

“10 Years of Betrayal,” said T-shirts worn by many at the commemoration, expressing bitterness that those killed have not received justice and that promises of better pay and conditions for the miners have not been fulfilled.

Palestinians deserve their land and freedom just like Ukrainians do: South African minister

09 August 2022; MEMO: South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has said that the people of Palestine deserve the same attention from the international community that the people of Ukraine receive. Pandor made her comment during a joint press conference with her US counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Johannesburg on Monday.

Blinken says US is “equal partner” with African countries

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The United States sees Africa’s 54 nations as “equal partners” in tackling global problems, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in South Africa Monday.

“Our strategy is rooted in the recognition that sub-Saharan Africa is a major geopolitical force — one that has shaped our past, is shaping our present, and will shape our future,” Blinken said at the University of Pretoria in a speech detailing the Biden administration’s policies for Africa.

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