Ghana postpones South African President Ramaphosa's visit amid xenophobia tensions
via The Namibian3 min read
Ghana has postponed a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, initially scheduled for the first week of August, due to heightened tensions surrounding xenophobic rallies in South Africa. Government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that deferring the visit was deemed best given the current climate. South African presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya affirmed the country's commitment to cooperation and stated that diplomatic channels would be used to find a new date, clarifying that the visit was a bilateral meeting, not a state visit as described by Ghanaian officials. Diplomatic strain increased after a video circulated showing a Ghanaian national in South Africa being told to "go fix his country." Ghana has since repatriated over 900 citizens, with more expected. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Malawi, and Kenya, are also repatriating nationals due to anti-foreigner protests in South Africa. Ramaphosa has acknowledged the right to peaceful protest and pledged to address irregular migration. The situation escalated further when Ghana condemned the alleged killing of Bahiru Isak, a Ghanaian national, during anti-immigration protests, a claim South African authorities dispute, stating the only Ghanaian victim, Kwabena Boagen, died from unrelated causes. South Africa's justice minister accused Ghana of spreading false information. A legal dispute exists over the residency status of Ghanaian nationals in South Africa, with both countries lacking e
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Namibia Football Association NFA is awaiting guidance from the Confederation of African Football CAF regarding Unam FC's request to compete in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup. This follows CAF's extension of the club licensing deadline from June 30 to July 25, potentially allowing Unam FC, winners of the NFA Cup, to complete the necessary licensing process. NFA general secretary Mabos Vries confirmed receiving Unam FC's request. Namibia's two CAF club competition slots were provisionally allocated before the NFA Cup final, with African Stars nominated for the league champion slot. The NFA had nominated the league runners-up for the Confederation Cup to secure the second continental slot, as the NFA Cup final concluded on June 30. Following Unam FC's victory and CAF's deadline extension, the club formally requested consideration for the Confederation Cup. The NFA has since asked CAF for clarification on whether the extension permits new nominations or only applies to clubs already in the licensing process. Vries stated that the decision rests with CAF, and the NFA has sent a follow-up letter due to the urgency. If approved, Unam FC would still need to meet CAF's licensing requirements, including governance, infrastructure, legal, and administrative criteria. Football supporters await CAF's response.
Chinese businesswoman Stina Wu has been appointed special economic advisor to Eunice Iipinge, the president of the Pan African Women鈥檚 Organisation Pawo. Iipinge confirmed the appointment, citing Wu's distinguished leadership, contributions to business development, investment promotion, and entrepreneurship, as well as her commitment to women's economic empowerment in Namibia and across Africa. Iipinge stated that Wu's experience in building strategic partnerships, attracting international investment, supporting enterprise development, and promoting inclusive economic growth will strengthen Pawo鈥檚 programs aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for African women. Wu expressed her honor in accepting the role, describing it as a personal milestone and a call to greater service, pledging to promote women鈥檚 economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, investment, innovation, and sustainable development throughout Africa.
Must ReadThe Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard evidence detailing an alleged plot to remove the then Inspector-General of Intelligence IGI, Setlhomamaru Dintwe, by coercing him to lie. Evidence leader advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC presented messages allegedly exchanged between embattled Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan and tobacco industry figure Mohammadh Sayed, some of which also implicated EFF leader Julius Malema. The alleged scheme involved Malema ensuring that questions from Khan, concerning Timmy Marimuthu, were posed to Dintwe via Parliament. The intention, according to Chaskalson, was for Dintwe to lie in his response, providing grounds for his removal from a position where he oversaw Khan. Malema has denied any involvement in such a plot through an affidavit submitted to the commission. The commission also heard about Malema's alleged implication in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal, with Chaskalson referencing a message where Malema reportedly sought information about a complainant in a fraud case related to the bank. Furthermore, former VBS chair Tshifiwa Matodzi, who pleaded guilty, stated he paid money to individuals, including Malema, for political protection. Notices were sent to Sayed and Malema regarding their potential implication in evidence related to Khan, with only Malema responding via affidavit. Messages between Sayed and Khan also suggested Malema's involvement in supporting Khan against disciplinary action. Malema's affidavit stated he could n