Ronald Lamola warns against xenophobia and fake news at Commonwealth Africa Speakers’ Conference
via The Citizen4 min read
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Commonwealth Africa Speakers’ Conference on June 16, 2026, issued a strong warning against xenophobic violence in South Africa. He emphasized that migration must be managed lawfully and humanely, condemning fake news that fuels unrest. Lamola highlighted the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising, and the upcoming World Refugee Day as significant contexts. He stated there is no excuse for violence against foreign nationals, calling such acts a "blight on our democracy" and a betrayal of constitutional promises. Lamola clarified that anti-illegal immigrant groups planning a national shutdown do not represent the South African government's position, asserting that immigration law enforcement is solely the state's responsibility. He warned against vigilantism and the exploitation of migration concerns for political, personal, or criminal agendas. While not directly referencing World Health Organisation Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's condemnation of xenophobic threats, Lamola stressed the need to separate facts from fake news, particularly regarding reported deaths. He confirmed that two Mozambican nationals were killed in Mossel Bay, an incident condemned by the government and under police investigation, but stated that no other foreign nationals, including Ni
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Tony Yengeni, a prominent figure in the MK party, called on supporters to deliver a “birthday present” to Jacob Zuma in the November 4 elections by securing a two-thirds majority. Yengeni made these remarks during a Youth Day commemoration event at Mayine Sports Grounds in Ermelo, Msukaligwa, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. He emphasized that the 84-year-old Zuma is “alive and walking on his own two feet,” despite a recent stumble on stage during a celebration. The MK party has experienced significant growth, becoming the third-largest party nationally with 15% support in a 2024 poll by The Brenthurst Foundation, and the largest in KwaZulu-Natal with 45% of the vote. This success has been attributed to “personality politics.” In January, former President Thabo Mbeki suggested that the apartheid government’s national security management system was “activated” to aid the MK party’s electoral success, to the detriment of the ANC. Mbeki alleged that elements of this disbanded apartheid-era system influenced the MK party's performance in the 2024 elections, questioning why the ANC's support declined. The MK party rejected Mbeki’s comments, calling them “politically reckless, socially dangerous and intellectually dishonest,” and accused him of portraying the party as a creation of “counter-revolutionary forces.” The party also criticized Mbeki's handling of South Africa's HIV/Aids crisis during his presidency.
South Africans are invited to participate in the 'Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026' campaign, a global initiative offering international exposure for innovative ideas in health, wellness, cycling, and smart healthcare technologies. Launched in Johannesburg by Impilo Global Events and Taiwanese stakeholders, the campaign encourages South African innovators, entrepreneurs, universities, NGOs, healthcare professionals, researchers, sports scientists, and community leaders to submit proposals. These proposals should combine local implementation with Taiwanese technologies and expertise to address health challenges in South Africa. The initiative aims to provide participants with international exposure, foster cross-border partnerships, and offer opportunities to compete for global awards. CJ Lo, director of the economic division at the Taipei liaison office in South Africa, noted Taiwan's leadership in healthcare innovation. Three global winning proposals will each receive a $30,000 award. The top six finalists will be invited to Taiwan for enterprise visits, health innovation experiences, and professional pitch coaching, while the top 20 finalists will receive one-on-one mentorship and collaboration opportunities with Taiwanese enterprises. In 2025, the campaign attracted 638 proposals from 55 countries. Ellen Hsu, director of the Taiwan trade centre Johannesburg, expressed optimism about South Africa's potential, citing impressive proposals received despite limited promotion last ye
Police in the Western Cape have confiscated over R100 million in counterfeit luxury goods, including fake Bafana Bafana jerseys, from the Bellville Shopping Complex. This action follows two multidisciplinary operations conducted within a week by the South African Police Service's National and Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units. The first operation, a week prior, resulted in the seizure of goods valued at over R98 million. The most recent raid on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, targeted more than 40 shops and yielded counterfeit branded clothing, shoes, bags, watches, sunglasses, caps, and packaging estimated at R10 million. SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk stated that these operations are part of nationwide efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods, which pose a threat to public safety, legitimate businesses, and the country's economy. The Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, and brand protectors supported the operations.