Germany and South Africa advocate for renewed US-Iran dialogue following collapsed talks
via The Citizen2 min read
Germany and South Africa have called for renewed US-Iran negotiations to achieve a peaceful resolution after talks in Pakistan failed over the weekend. Meeting in Berlin, Foreign Ministers Johann Wadephul and Ronald Lamola emphasized the importance of maintaining the fragile ceasefire agreed on April 6, 2026, warning that renewed conflict would destabilize international security. Wadephul expressed optimism about the ceasefire and urged both sides to continue negotiations. Lamola stated that Pretoria condemned US-Israeli attacks on Iran as a violation of international law, just as it condemned Iran鈥檚 attacks on its neighbors. He expressed disappointment that negotiations ended abruptly and reiterated South Africa's belief in diplomacy and its anti-war stance. Lamola also criticized the US announcement to block vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from Iranian ports. The ministers signed a 15-point plan to upgrade cooperation between their countries to a strategic partnership. This includes increased German support for South Africa's Just Energy Transition Partnership with a 200 million euro climate-related concessional loan and technical cooperation for grid and renewable energy investments. Germany also deepened its science and technology partnership in areas like energy transition, artificial intelligence, quantum research, and cybersecurity. The nations agreed to intensify cooperation in green hydrogen, battery value chains, critical raw materials, and vaccin
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.