USA – The USA has said in a memo that it is going to slash military assistance and cooperation with the South African military and will remove South Africa's military attaché from the US.
The March 13 memo, authored by America's State Department and directed to the Defense Security Agency's chief
financial officer, indicates that an order by Donald Trump directs that all aid to South Africa should be stopped.
The order also declares that all South African soldiers who are training in the USA will be sent back to South Africa at the earliest.
The nation's military attaché, Brig. Gen. Richard Maponyane, was told that he and his assistants are no longer welcome in the USA and must go back home.
There were also threats that there
would be targeted sanctions against specific South Africans.
Sources: BusinessTech, IOL
1 April 2025
MYANMAR – Last week, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, killing more than 2,000 people in the grisly disaster.
In Myanmar, the heart-wrenching number of 2,065 lives lost have been confirmed, and more than 3,900 have been injured, while another 270 remain missing. In Thailand, about 19 persons lost their lives due to the quake.
A week of national mourning has been declared, and a minute of silence will be observed today in remembrance of the victims.
Several people have resorted to sleeping outside, their homes made uninhabitable and anxieties remaining over the threat of aftershocks.
Sources: The Citizen & News Wires
1 April 2025
A planned protest demanding Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation resulted in a nationwide shutdown, with citizens staying indoors due to heavy security presence. Led by war veteran Blessed Geza, the protest had a low turnout, and police dispersed the few demonstrators with teargas.
Many shops, schools, and public transport services were closed, with the streets largely empty. Security was tightened, with roadblocks and patrols in Harare. The protest stemmed from allegations that Mnangagwa plans to extend his term beyond 2028, despite constitutional limits. Geza and some citizens have called for Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to take over, though the government denies any rift between the two leaders.
While the ruling Zanu-PF dismissed the protest as ineffective, analysts argue the shutdown was a strong political statement. Religious leaders have urged calm, warning against further instability in the already struggling nation.
Source: BBC
1 April 2025
European Union leaders are convening in Brussels for an emergency summit to endorse the €800 billion "ReArm Europe" plan, aimed at strengthening Europe's defense industry and military capabilities. This initiative includes a €150 billion loan scheme and the removal of fiscal penalties on €650 billion in additional defense spending. The urgency of this plan follows French President Emmanuel Macron's warning about Russia's direct threat to Europe and his advocacy for stronger European military autonomy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also attending the summit to seek further military aid and security guarantees. [ 6 March 2025 ]
A powerful storm system has swept across the Southern United States, bringing blizzard conditions, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. In Mississippi, three fatalities have been reported due to the severe weather. Oklahoma experienced significant structural damage, including roofs torn off buildings. The storm has also led to numerous power outages and flight cancellations across the affected regions. [ 6 March 2025 ]
On March 5, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. He threatened severe consequences if his demands were not met, stating that Hamas members "will not be safe" and advising their leaders to leave Gaza. This warning came after President Trump met with eight freed Israeli hostages in the Oval Office.
The tone of the message is strong and aggressive, emphasizing that there will be repercussions if his demands are not met.
South African authorities arrested over 2,000 Zimbabweans attempting to illegally cross the Beitbridge Border Post during the festive season. The Border Management Authority (BMA) credited new technology, including drones and body cameras, along with military operations, for the detection of 2,188 border jumpers. In total, over 58,000 illegal crossings were intercepted nationwide. Many Zimbabweans migrate to South Africa due to economic hardship, seeking low-wage jobs. Authorities are calling for increased resources to strengthen border security. Zimbabweans, along with other illegal migrants, are often blamed for crime and unemployment in South Africa. [ 17 FEB 2025 ]
Two Sydney nurses, Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, were suspended from practicing in Australia after being caught on camera making violent threats against an Israeli man and other Jewish patients. The two, who initially posed as doctors, made antisemitic remarks during an online video chat, including threats to kill Israeli patients at their hospital. Their registrations were immediately revoked by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW, and they are now barred from working in healthcare.
Australian officials condemned their actions, stating that discrimination and hate have no place in the healthcare system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the nurses were referred to the police for a criminal investigation. The incident coincided with Australia passing a new hate crimes bill, imposing mandatory penalties for certain offenses. [ 17 FEB 2025 ]
U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order penalizing South Africa over its recently enacted Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows land seizures without compensation. The order halts U.S. aid to South Africa and promotes resettlement for Afrikaner farmers, citing concerns over racial discrimination. It also criticizes South Africa’s foreign policy, including its support for Palestine in the ICC, ties with China, Russia, and Iran, and accusations against Israel in the ICJ.
The South African government rejected the order, calling it factually inaccurate and part of a misinformation campaign. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) criticized the ruling ANC’s policies and plans to take legal action while engaging U.S. officials. Meanwhile, Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called for stronger ties with BRICS nations in response to U.S. actions. The issue has heightened tensions between Pretoria and Washington.
[ 17 FEB 2025 ]
A kayaker, Adrian Simancas, feared for his life when a humpback whale swallowed his kayak off the coast of Chile in the Strait of Magellan. His father, nearby in another kayak, captured the dramatic moment on camera. Simancas initially thought he had been completely swallowed but was quickly released. After resurfacing, he worried about his father’s safety and the risk of hypothermia in the freezing waters. Fortunately, both made it safely to shore. The Strait of Magellan, a major tourist attraction in Patagonia, is known for its rich marine life.
[ 17 FEB 2025 ]
