I see a world where power matters more than rules. A sitting president was removed by force. Institutions reacted later. This tells me that international law protects the weak only when strong states allow it. That reality undermines the principles South Africa says it defends.
I question BRICS effectiveness. If BRICS cannot prevent or meaningfully respond to such an event, then its influence is limited.
• We issue statements.
• We condemn actions.
• We change nothing.
That makes BRICS look symbolic rather than strategic.
I also worry about the cost of our positioning. South Africa condemns the United States while depending on Western markets for trade, investment, and finance. I ask what we gain in return. Principles matter. So do jobs, exports, and growth.
I feel the impact closer to home through energy prices.
• Venezuela instability tightens oil supply.
• Fuel prices rise.
• Transport and food costs follow.
I pay for this through inflation, not through speeches at the UN.
I struggle with consistency. We speak loudly about sovereignty in Venezuela. We stay quieter when partners violate the same norms. That weakens our credibility and turns moral arguments into selective politics.
I see the deeper risk. Moving closer to BRICS powers may reduce Western pressure. It does not guarantee economic relief for ordinary South Africans. Dependence simply shifts from one bloc to another.
My conclusion is blunt. If South Africa’s foreign policy delivers symbolism without material benefit, then I carry the cost while elites collect the applause.
The recognition constitutes a violation of the Federal Republic of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a direct threat to peace in the Horn of Africa.
We uphold the African Union’s principle of uti possidetis the sanctity of inherited borders as the continent’s essential safeguard against conflict.
We distinguish unequivocally between decolonisation and secession. The former restores sovereignty; the latter dismantles it. Israel’s action validates fragmentation and risks a domino effect of instability.
South Africa urges the international community to reject this external interference and support a united, stable Somalia.
Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri Ministry Spokesperson
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
You saw a nation searching for identity through soccer. Selection focused on domestic leagues. Coaching structures lacked depth. Administration worked under pressure. Results still arrived. Momentum built fast.
The Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 changed everything. South Africa hosted the tournament. Clive Barker led the team. Senior players such as Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, and Mark Fish anchored the squad. Bafana Bafana defeated Tunisia 2 to 0 in the final at Soccer City. Attendance exceeded 80,000. Television audiences stretched across the continent. South Africa won a continental title four years after readmission. Few national teams matched such a rise.
FIFA rankings reflected progress. South Africa entered the top 20 during the late 1990s. Confidence followed. Qualification for the 1998 World Cup in France confirmed global arrival. The team drew three group matches against Denmark, France, and Saudi Arabia. Elimination followed on goal difference. Performance still earned respect.
African dominance continued. Bafana Bafana reached the AFCON final again in 1998 and lost to Egypt. The squad showed tactical discipline. Benni McCarthy emerged as a striker of international level. World Cup qualification followed again in 2002. Japan and South Korea hosted the tournament. South Africa finished level on points with Paraguay and Spain. Goal difference ended the campaign. Another narrow exit.
Between 2003 and 2009 decline set in. Coaching changes increased. Development systems struggled. Player exports to Europe slowed. AFCON qualification failures exposed planning gaps. FIFA awarded the 2010 World Cup to South Africa in 2004. Focus shifted to hosting. Competitive sharpness suffered.
The 2009 Confederations Cup offered a test. South Africa finished fourth. Victories over Iraq and New Zealand showed promise. Losses against Brazil highlighted limits. Preparation continued.
The 2010 World Cup delivered history. South Africa became the first African host. Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the opening goal of the tournament against Mexico. Stadiums filled. Infrastructure improved nationwide. Bafana Bafana defeated France 2 to 1 in the final group match. Elimination still followed due to goal difference. No host nation had exited at group stage before. Pride mixed with disappointment.
Post 2010 years proved difficult. AFCON 2013 took place in South Africa. The team failed to progress beyond the group stage. World Cup qualification for 2014 failed. Leadership instability returned. Youth pathways lacked clarity. Supporter confidence dropped.
From 2015 to 2019 rebuilding gained urgency. South Africa missed AFCON 2015. Administrators shifted focus to youth. Under 23 teams received more attention. Domestic leagues increased minutes for young players. Results slowly improved. AFCON 2019 qualification followed. The team reached the quarterfinals in Egypt. Egypt fell 1 to 0 in Cairo. Discipline and work rate defined the run.
A turning point arrived in 2021. Hugo Broos took charge. Structure returned. Player roles gained clarity. Defensive shape improved. AFCON 2021 took place in early 2022 due to scheduling changes. Bafana Bafana reached the semifinals. Penalties ended the run. Third place followed after victory over Burkina Faso. Organization replaced chaos.
AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast confirmed progress. South Africa reached the semifinals again. Penalty shootouts defined the journey. A third place finish followed after victory over DR Congo. Ronwen Williams saved four penalties during the tournament. Goalkeeping became a national talking point.
World Cup qualification campaigns continued. The team competed in a demanding African zone. Consistency improved. Squad depth still required work. Domestic based players carried much of the load. European based players added experience.
Key records define the era. Aaron Mokoena earned 107 caps. Benni McCarthy scored 31 international goals. South Africa qualified for four World Cups. Victories remain rare at finals level. Progress stays uneven.
You see clear lessons from this history. Stable leadership matters. Youth development needs long term planning. Domestic leagues shape national success. Tournament hosting alone does not guarantee results. Tactical clarity improves performance faster than constant changes.
Bafana Bafana stands as a team shaped by national history. Early success set expectations high. Later struggles exposed weaknesses. Recent tournaments show recovery signs. The next step requires consistency across cycles. You judge progress through results, structure, and player growth. The journey from 1992 to today proves resilience defines South African soccer.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Crime index: 82.0
Estimated homicide rate: 45 per 100,000
This city ranks first globally due to high levels of violent crime, armed robbery, and murder.
Pretoria, South Africa
Crime index: 81.8
Estimated homicide rate: 38 per 100,000
Violent crime and carjackings remain persistent across multiple districts.
Caracas, Venezuela
Crime index: 81.5
Estimated homicide rate: 100 per 100,000
Economic collapse and armed gangs continue to drive extreme violence.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Crime index: 81.2
Estimated homicide rate: 54 per 100,000
Gang violence and weak law enforcement contribute to instability.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Crime index: 80.8
Estimated homicide rate: 41 per 100,000
South Africa’s largest city faces serious issues with armed robbery, murder, and organized crime.
Durban, South Africa
Crime index: 80.6
Estimated homicide rate: 44 per 100,000
Gang violence and port related crime play a major role.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Crime index: 79.7
Estimated homicide rate: 42 per 100,000
Long standing gang activity keeps violence levels high.
Gqeberha, South Africa
Crime index: 78.1
Estimated homicide rate: 37 per 100,000
Violent crime remains widespread across residential and business areas.
Memphis, United States
Crime index: 77.4
Estimated homicide rate: 58 per 100,000
Gun violence and organized crime drive the city’s high ranking.
Salvador, Brazil
Crime index: 76.7
Estimated homicide rate: 47 per 100,000
Drug related violence continues to impact public safety.
South African Cities Under the Spotlight
South Africa stands out with five cities in the global top 10. This is the highest number from any single country.
Cape Town deserves special mention. It ranks outside the top 10 on the crime index but remains one of the deadliest cities by murder rate.
Cape Town, South Africa
Estimated homicide rate: 66 per 100,000
This places it among the highest murder rates recorded globally.
National Context
South Africa recorded more than 26,000 murders in the most recent annual reporting period. That equals over 70 killings per day. Illegal firearms, gang activity, and slow court processes remain key drivers.
What the Numbers Mean for You
Homicide rates above 20 per 100,000 are considered very high globally. Rates above 40 signal extreme danger. Many cities on this list exceed that threshold by a wide margin.
Crime levels vary within cities. Some areas remain relatively safe. Others face daily violence.
These rankings highlight urgent public safety challenges. They also show where targeted policing and social investment are most needed.
Mamdani lived in Cape Town from 1996 to 1999. He was between five and seven years old. His father, academic Mahmood Mamdani, worked at the University of Cape Town during that period. The family settled in a city still adjusting to life after apartheid. Mamdani often references this time when speaking about inequality and social responsibility. Exposure to diverse communities at a young age influenced how he views public service.
Born in Uganda to Ugandan Indian parents, Mamdani grew up across continents. His childhood moved between Africa and the United States. His parents were active in academic and social movements. You can trace his political values to those early environments. Education, activism, and public debate were part of daily life.
Those experiences fed into a clear political platform. Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist. His campaign focused on practical issues affecting city residents. You hear consistent themes across his speeches and policy proposals.
Key priorities from his campaign included:
Immigrant rights and protections for undocumented workers.
Stronger labor rights and support for unions.
Housing affordability through public investment.
Public safety reforms centered on community based solutions.
Mamdani won the mayoral election in November 2025. He took office in January 2026. At age 33 he became the youngest mayor New York City has seen in more than a century. Voter turnout among young and immigrant communities increased during the election. Campaign data showed strong support in neighborhoods with high immigrant populations.
His victory resonated beyond the United States. South African activists and political organizations reacted quickly. The Economic Freedom Fighters publicly welcomed the result. Supporters framed the win as proof of global progressive momentum.
For you as a reader, Mamdani’s story shows how early life experiences shape leadership. His years in Cape Town and Uganda continue to influence how he governs New York City. Those roots inform decisions on inclusion, equity, and community safety.
Radio marked the starting point in his career. In 2008, YFM hired him for overnight shifts. Persistence led to daytime programming. By 2011, Prime Mode placed his voice before a wider audience.
Television expanded his public reach. In 2012, SABC 1 appointed him co host of Live AMP which gave him a national exposure. He connected youth audiences with direct delivery and humour that made him a household name. SABC 3 later added him to The Man Cave with several seasons aired.
Radio work continued across platforms. 5FM and Gagasi FM formed part of his journey with digital media in focus. The Shady Podcast was launched with DJ PH. His no-hold bared approach to topics, that mixed community commentary with political criticism grew his online listenership through regular releases and direct discussion.
Business interests developed alongside broadcasting. He founded JT VIP Elite Guarding and VIP Protection Services. The company handled event and property security. Work in Johannesburg CBD increased. Zambesi House became a central site under supervision.
Private life centred on family. He raised three sons. Strong ties with relatives in KwaZulu Natal remained.
Tension rose during December 2025. Protection orders followed reported threats linked to CBD security disputes.
On 16 December 2025, gunmen shot Warrick Stock in Johannesburg CBD shortly after arrival at a work site. He died at age 40.
Tributes followed from broadcasters, artists, and listeners. Public memory focused on work ethic, honesty, and reach across South African media.
X focuses on long video, creator payouts, and broad entertainment. The original Twitter focused on short posts, rapid discovery, and real time conversation. Many users still want a space built around fast text updates. Short form posting dropped on X after the change. Internal analytics from public reports showed lower engagement on text posts compared to video. This suggests strong demand for a platform that takes text seriously.
X introduced heavy verification systems. The original Twitter used a simpler trust model. Users who want quick public conversation without multiple paid layers may prefer a renewed Twitter. Paid verification grew, but adoption remained limited compared to the full user base. This shows users want clarity in identity features.
X expanded into payments, shopping, and long form media. This created complexity. Many users want a focused communication app. They want direct messaging, short posts, and quick discovery tools. App usage data across the industry shows that simple apps keep higher daily activity. Focus increases retention.
X uses more algorithmic filtering. The original Twitter offered a stronger chronological experience. Many users miss fast timelines that update without extra ranking. Research on feed behavior shows users spend more time when they control what they see.
A returning Twitter could offer a lighter design, faster loading, and stronger privacy choices. These features attract users who want speed and predictability. A focused app also lowers operational costs, which increases long term stability.
Brands and newsrooms also want a reliable real time channel. Many shifted to multiple platforms after the change to X. A restored Twitter with stable tools could regain trust from these groups.
A 2026 return would not replace X. It would fill a specific gap. It would target users who want clarity, speed, and text first communication. This gap still exists. This demand still exists. This creates real potential for a comeback.
Data already shows the shift. GitHub reports developers finish tasks up to 46 percent faster with AI suggestion tools. Teams using prompt driven workflows close tickets in fewer hours. Solo developers ship products in weeks instead of months. Speed changes habits. Speed changes careers.
Vibing coding favors clarity over memorization. You state what you want. You refine output with short feedback. You work in loops. Each loop tightens the result. This style rewards sharp thinking. This style punishes vague input. Your words shape your product.
You do not need long years of language study to start. You need problem sense. You need product sense. You need testing skill. A student with strong prompts now builds full apps. A small shop now runs tasks once reserved for large teams. Entry cost drops.
Work roles already shift. Front end developers spend more time on layout logic and user flow. Back end developers focus on data rules and security. Product managers write prompts and review output. The line between tech and non tech shrinks each month.
Quality still needs your control. Vibing coding does not remove review. You test every function. You read every output. You log failures. You fix gaps with clear feedback. Teams that skip review face bugs at scale. Teams that audit every step move faster with fewer outages.
Your daily workflow changes fast. You start with a clear brief. You define inputs and outputs. You ask for a first draft. You review. You refine. You ship. You repeat. Five steps replace hours of manual assembly. Discipline keeps results clean.
Education adapts next. Schools shift from rote syntax drills to system thinking. Students learn how to frame problems. Students learn how to test results. Early pilots show higher project completion rates during one term. Skills align with real work sooner.
Business impact grows each quarter. Startups cut early build costs. Agencies serve more clients per month. Internal teams clear backlogs at higher rates. Time savings shift toward research and strategy. You gain space for product risk and market tests.
Collaboration style also shifts. Designers write prompts alongside developers. Analysts generate queries without waiting for engineering queues. Meetings focus on goals and constraints, not on line by line build plans. Shared language beats shared syntax. Teams move with fewer handoffs.
Hiring signals change. Portfolios show problem framing and test design. Recruiters scan for prompt logs and output audits. Interviews test how you guide systems under pressure. Titles matter less than results. Proof replaces pedigree in many reviews.
Risk rises with speed. Data leaks follow weak prompt controls. Model bias enters products through careless inputs. You set guardrails through rules and review gates. You log every request. You secure every key. Responsibility stays with your team.
The future of building favors those who steer systems with intent. You gain leverage through words and tests. You ship faster with fewer hands on keys. Vibing coding rewards focus and feedback. Your next career move starts with one well written prompt.
Teams that delay training fall behind schedule targets after one year, based on internal reports from early adopters. Momentum compounds.
After work he walks home with tired legs and a full head of lyrics. His room is small. A cheap laptop sits on a cracked desk. He records at night when the street grows quiet. He saves every note on a worn flash drive. Studio time costs more than he earns in a day. He takes extra shifts. He skips parties. He buys strings instead of sneakers.
Some days are hard. A manager shouts. A customer insults him. His hands ache from counting change. He thinks of quitting. Then he plays back a rough track and hears his own voice cut through the noise. The doubt fades.
On payday he deposits most of his money into a separate account labeled music. Bit by bit the balance grows. One month he finally books his first real session. When he steps into the booth he feels fear and pride at once. The boy from retail records future.
Express appreciation and gratitude: Let your partner know how much you appreciate them and all that they do for you.
Practice empathy: Try to understand and share your partner's feelings, even when they are different from your own.
Communicate openly and honestly: Be open and honest in your communication with your partner. This can help to build trust and strengthen your relationship.
Show respect: Treat your partner with respect and consideration, even when you disagree.
Be supportive: Offer your support and encouragement to your partner in their goals and aspirations.
Be flexible: Be open to trying new things and making changes to meet your partner's needs.
Practice forgiveness: Everyone makes mistakes, so it is important to be willing to forgive and move forward in a positive direction.
Make an effort to spend quality time together: Set aside time to connect with your partner and focus on each other.
Practice good self-care: Taking care of yourself can help you to be more present and available for your partner.
It is important to remember that relationships involve two people, and both parties have a role to play in building and maintaining a strong and healthy relationship. Each person's unique characteristics and needs will also influence the way they approach and contribute to the relationship.
You must practice with clear goals. Do not just play. Train specific skills. Work on timing. Work on tone. Use a metronome. Record yourself. Listen with honesty. Fix what sounds weak. Repeat until it improves.
You must listen as much as you play. Study great musicians. Pay attention to phrasing, space, and control. Copy what works. Shape it into your own sound. Your style grows from informed choices, not chance.
You must learn basic music theory. Know your scales. Know your keys. Know common progressions. This makes you faster in rehearsals and sharper in the studio. It also makes you reliable.
You must respect time. Arrive early. Learn your parts before practice. Do not waste the time of other musicians. Respect builds reputation. Reputation brings opportunity.
You must train your ear. Work on pitch. Work on rhythm. Sing what you practice. A strong ear improves every part of your playing.
You must care for your body. Sleep enough. Drink water. Protect your hearing. Your body is your primary instrument.
You must play with others. Music improves through interaction. You learn timing from drummers. You learn control from bass players. You learn dynamics from singers.
You must stay teachable. Feedback is data. Use what helps. Ignore what does not.
You must handle rejection. It will happen. It is part of the process. Let your work respond, not your emotions.
A good musician serves the song. You play to support the message, not your ego. When you commit to the work, progress follows.
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Another day at Knight Wave Radio… and the crew is out in the warehouse digging through boxes for retro gold. We unearth forgotten 80s/90s camcorder tapes, a rotary phone, and other analog relics—then roll everything out to the dock to capture and preserve the memories before they fade.
The Shark starts broadcasting “The Shark Show” without permission—already live, already confident, already chaos. As Jason tries to shut it down, the Knight Wave Radio–wrapped food truck sponsor rolls past the window and then lightly bumps the radio station like it’s part of the plan. Call lights go wild, everyone panics, and Jesus stays calm with one simple line: “Maybe
Knight Wave Radio delivers another faith-friendly comedy short as the crew discovers their daily schedule is nothing but CHAOS. When Grandpa Knight calls it “honest,” the talking shark demands to know what time he gets to yell. Just when the chaos peaks, a calm, blue-collar Jesus adds one simple word: PAUSE.
Naturally, the whiteboard immediately falls off the wall.
Blending slapstick humor, surreal workplace comedy,
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DA’s Starlink plan drawn up before election, document reveals
Confidential submission shows the DA proposed to bring Elon Musk’s company into SA market under a new government
https://www.sundaytimes.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-12-20-das-starlink-plan-drawn-up-before-election-document-reveals/Taiwan: Knife attacker kills three after smoke bombing Taipei metro
The suspect's spree began at Taipei's main metro before he moved to another station nearby.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx251p7k23moStarz Takes U.S. Rights to Series 'The Nowhere Man'
Starz has acquired U.S. Rights to South African series 'The Nowhere Man' with Bonko Khoz and Naturi Naughton-Lewis.
https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/starz-u-s-rights-the-nowhere-man-naturi-naughton-lewis-1236611745/The Life and Times of DJ Warras
Warrick Stock, known to audiences as DJ Warras, was born on 27 November 1985 in Durban. He grew up in KwaZulu Natal before moving to Johannesburg as a teenager.
https://bluetick.app/news/697Afrikaner refugees: Kenyans found illegally working at US asylum claim centre in South Africa
The seven Kenyans had previously been denied working visas and will now be deported, South Africa says.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2468q3y75vo?at_format=image&at_campaign_type=owned&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_medium=social&at_bbc_team=editorial&utm_social_post_id=625476373&at_ptr_name=twitter&at_link_id=AD01D866-DB35-11F0-B00C-DF08D74A4555&utm_social_handle_id=36670025&at_link_origin=BBCAfrica&at_link_type=web_linkFormer Bok Women captain dies
SA Rugby has paid tribute to former Springbok Women captain Lusanda Dumke, who died in East London in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/former-bok-women-captain-dies/