Big news: The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant. The charge? War crimes and crimes against humanity. Guess Bibi’s finally heading to The Hague… This is a developing story, so check out our website for more information. Meanwhile, as South Africa gears up to host the G20 in 2025, a historic first for the continent, there’s plenty to celebrate—but also much to question. Over in our lifestyle stories, From the Springboks’ forward-planning masterclass to Black Coffee’s vision for empowering the next generation of musicians, Mzansi is proving its resilience and innovation. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes and dance to Black Coffee when we wallop Wales on Saturday. Yet for all our brilliance, tensions over spaza shop regulations, the plight of zama zamas in Stilfontein, and Joburg’s ongoing infrastructure woes remind us of the remaining hurdles.
So, let’s dive into your weekly update of empowering and easy-to-understand news, brought to you by Verashni Pillay and the explain.co.za team. 😄
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▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 1. OUR TAKE: The Springboks are building for an even brighter future 🏉✨
The Springboks’ dominance in 2024 has been a masterclass in forward planning. This year has showcased not only their skill but their ability to create a sustainable legacy, solidifying their status as a rugby powerhouse.
Under Doctor Rassie Erasmus’ shrewd leadership and Siya Kolisi’s inspirational captaincy, SA has seen back-to-back World Cup wins, two Rugby Championship titles, a British & Irish Lions series win, the Freedom Cup and the Mandela Challenge Plate, which have all made their way into the Springboks’ heaving trophy cabinet.
But here’s the thing about true greatness: it’s never content. Erasmus is meticulously building for the future while keeping the team at the height of world rugby.
The numbers tell the story of this forward planning. Over 13 matches this year, the Springboks fielded 52 players, showcasing the depth of talent that no other country can even dream of, let alone replicate.
The squad’s depth is its greatest strength. Veterans like Handré Pollard and Eben Etzebeth provide stability, while younger stars such as Canan Moodie and Jaden Hendrikse push the boundaries of the game.
Even recent awards reflect this commitment to both experience and youth. Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Cheslin Kolbe are all nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award. Meanwhile, the emergence of young players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year) assures fans that the next generation is ready to take the baton.
Looking ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the team’s focus on innovation, depth, and adaptability sets them apart. Critics have pointed out the need for a more dynamic attacking strategy, but the Springboks’ ability to deliver under pressure has silenced most doubters.
Meanwhile, get ready for the Springboks to close out their season against Wales on Saturday evening in Cardiff at 19:40 (SA time).
While challenges such as increasing player demands and a packed schedule loom, this year has proven the Springboks are more than just a team—they’re a dynasty in the making, ready to dominate for years to come.
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ 2. BIG STORY: Stilfontein miners trapped underground are caught between law and survival
A Gauteng High Court preliminary ruling has thrown a lifeline to hundreds of zama zamas (illegal artisanal miners) trapped for weeks in abandoned mines in Stilfontein, North West. On Saturday, Judge Brenda Neukircher ordered police to allow essential supplies and permit miners to surface without interference until a final hearing, which will be heard later today.
The ruling came after an urgent application by the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which argued that the police blockade violated the miners’ constitutional rights to life and access to food and water.
Still, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says those “who resurface in good health will be processed and detained… The order does not prevent SAPS from performing its constitutional mandate.”
There have been weeks of tension in the mining town thanks to the government’s controversial “smoke-them-out” strategy, part of its national Operation Vala Umgodi campaign to eliminate illicit mining.
More than 1,000 zama zamas have been arrested after resurfacing. Many others remain trapped underground, with little access to food or water, creating a growing humanitarian crisis – though this isn’t close to the initial 30,000 number that was reported last week and subsequently debunked by authorities.
Many zama zamas are also undocumented migrants, afraid of being arrested or deported if they surface.
Police are hesitant to enter the mine shafts, fearing that some miners may be armed or involved in criminal syndicates. Reports suggest that some miners have resorted to eating vinegar and toothpaste to survive, and there are concerns that some may be too weak to leave the mine.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused criminal syndicates of exploiting vulnerable individuals. The South African Human Rights Commission is investigating whether the police blockade violated constitutional rights. At the same time, critics argue that the country’s failure to implement small-scale mining policies has contributed to the crisis. On Friday, families of illegal miners staged a peaceful protest.
For many in Stilfontein, illegal mining is not a choice but a desperate means of survival. According to Stats SA, the North West has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, with 54% of the population unemployed and 12,000 jobs lost in the second quarter alone.
As the nation awaits the court’s final ruling today, the crisis in Stilfontein highlights the tension between law enforcement priorities and humanitarian needs.
▁ ▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ BRIEFS
Trump’s cabinet picks spark global debates
Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House is already shaking up the global political landscape after he’s nominated several controversial figures for key cabinet positions. From a vaccine sceptic to a former Fox News host, Trump’s picks have raised eyebrows across both political aisles and prompted heated debates about their qualifications. These nominations are not only stirring the pot in Washington but can potentially affect US relations with South Africa significantly.
Let’s take a closer look:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary
Kennedy, an outspoken vaccine sceptic, has called COVID-19 vaccines “the deadliest ever made” and has promoted discredited conspiracy theories. If confirmed, he will oversee a $1.8 trillion public health budget, potentially derailing global vaccination initiatives. This, together with the Trump administration’s “American First” policy, may mean South Africa will find it harder to collaborate with the US on health programmes such as the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been running since 2003 and contributed $120 billion to the fight against HIV, greatly helping SA.
- Pete Hegseth, Defence Secretary
Hegseth, a Fox News host and military veteran, has no experience in government. Known for his criticism of diversity in the military, including female participation in combat roles and “woke” policies, he represents a sharp pivot toward hyper-conservative military values.
- Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel
A staunch supporter of Israel, Huckabee’s appointment signals a deepened US commitment to its ally. This could complicate South Africa’s pro-Palestinian stance, particularly as tensions rise in the Middle East.
- Chris Wright, Energy Secretary
Wright, a natural gas executive, represents Trump’s unwavering support for fossil fuels. His leadership could slow global efforts to combat climate change, which disproportionately impacts developing nations like South Africa. He would likely oppose the global push for rich countries to contribute to help Global South countries like ours cope with the worsening effects of climate breakdown, as well as fund the transition to renewable energy.
With the world watching, these choices signal a bumpy road ahead for US-South Africa relations—and potentially for global stability.
Tyson vs Paul and the absurd world of celebrity boxing
In a wild but ultimately disappointing matchup, Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, handed boxing legend Mike Tyson a painful defeat in their heavyweight bout on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The 58-year-old Tyson, once “the baddest man on the planet”, couldn’t quite keep up with the 27-year-old Paul, who was all speed and agility, dominating the fight from start to finish.
After the fight, Paul called Tyson the greatest to do it and said it was an honour to share the ring with him.
Despite the loss, the former world champion kept his head high, saying he was happy to have challenged himself. His knee brace might’ve slowed him down, but he said if that were a problem, he wouldn’t have stepped into the ring in the first place.
Tyson is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. He became the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title at 20 years old and was the first to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles simultaneously. Tyson’s aggressive style and knockout power (88% knockout-to-win ratio) made him an intimidating force in the ring.
Celebrity boxing matches kicked off in earnest in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Initially, they were mostly fun charity events or quirky TV segments. But everything changed in 2017 when Conor McGregor, then the UFC lightweight champ, stepped into the boxing ring with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what was dubbed “The Money Fight.” McGregor pocketed a cool $30 million, and Mayweather bagged $100 million, instantly mainstreaming celebrity boxing.
Closer to home, the headline-grabbing match between Cassper Nyovest and influencer Slik Talk back in 2021, created a media frenzy with spicy pre-fight trash talk and loads of spectacle. Zodwa Wabantu and Manaka Ranaka’s match two years later proved that South African women celebs can hold their own in boxing, too.
However, lovers of boxing, like former world champion Duke McKenzie, argue that these fights water down the sport’s authenticity.
Indeed, these matches may not win awards for technical skill. But it’s fast food for the fight world—messy, indulgent, and sometimes hard to digest—but undeniably entertaining. 💥
Soweto spaza shop regulations spark tensions
A notorious anti-immigrant group is trying to get rid of foreign spaza shop owners for good. 👀
Last week, we told you about the recent deaths of over 20 children thanks to food poisoning, mainly in Gauteng, prompting urgent calls for stricter regulation of spaza shops.
And so, on Friday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa called one of his famous “family meetings”, saying: “Few words can adequately convey our sadness and our pain as a nation.”
According to Ramaphosa, there have been 890 reported cases of food-borne illnesses since September. He said the National Institute for Communicable Diseases found evidence of the deadly pesticide Terbufos in snacks eaten by the Naledi Six, who died in Soweto. Terbufos has been banned in the European Union since 2009 but continues to be manufactured and exported from Europe — which campaigners have dubbed ‘double standards’.
Ramaphosa also mentioned the chemical Aldicarb, locally known as Galephirimi, linked to six deaths last year despite its ban in South Africa since 2016. Shockingly, Aldicarb is still sold openly in townships.
The president has called for the immediate closure of implicated spaza shops, mandatory registration of all spazas in 21 days, inspections for food establishments, and strengthened regulations on pesticide sale and use.
But tensions flared in Soweto on Monday as members of the xenophobic Operation Dudula movement blocked foreign shop owners from registering their businesses at the Jabulani Civic Centre. Dudula leader Zandile Dabula claimed, “South Africans are gatvol; we no longer want foreign nationals owning spaza shops.” Some South African owners, like Tseliso Nkomo, also voiced frustration, saying they were unfairly penalised despite running safe businesses.
Families of the deceased children are calling for accountability. Joshua Mabooi, whose daughter Lesedi died after eating poisoned snacks bought from a spaza shop in Alexandra, expressed doubt that the new measures would bring real change. “We’ve seen spaza shops shut down, only to reopen soon after,” he said.
As grieving families search for justice and communities wrestle with their anger, the real challenge remains: how to enforce safety without further fracturing our already divided society. 💔
Black Coffee’s next chapter: Empowering the future of music 🎶✨
Grammy-winning DJ and producer Black Coffee is once again proving he’s more than just a global music icon—he’s a visionary determined to leave a lasting legacy. While his hypnotic beats have taken him to the world’s biggest stages, his latest project brings the focus back home to South Africa.
Speaking at a media briefing in Parktown, Johannesburg on Friday, Black Coffee announced plans to establish a music college under the Black Coffee Foundation. “I am about to do a project that is close to my heart,” he said, revealing his vision to equip aspiring young musicians with world-class skills. By tapping into his global network, Black Coffee aims to fundraise internationally to support the initiative, which he sees as critical for nurturing the next generation of talent.
This announcement comes as Black Coffee continues to push boundaries for African music. His rise from humble beginnings in Durban to becoming one of the most sought-after DJs globally is a testament to his perseverance and innovation. His groundbreaking Madison Square Garden show in October last year was not just a personal milestone but a moment of cultural pride, proving the growing global appetite for Afro-inspired beats.
The proposed college will focus on more than just creating superstars. Black Coffee emphasised the importance of empowering artists with industry knowledge and life skills. His goal? To build a sustainable future for South African music that uplifts communities and provides opportunities for young creatives who might otherwise be overlooked.
His initiative joins other efforts by South African icons to give back, like local actress Connie Ferguson’s foundation and DJ Zinhle’s work with aspiring female DJs.
For Black Coffee and others, it’s clear the spotlight isn’t just a destination—it’s a platform to inspire and create change.
Joburg Civic Centre’s refurbishment woes continue
An iconic Joburg monument is crumbling, and officials are scared they’re running out of time to save it.
The Johannesburg Civic Centre Precinct in Braamfontein, once the symbol of the city’s administration, is now a safety hazard and a growing crime den. The 16-storey main building, built in 1975, has not been in use since September last year after a second fire broke out and the building, which used to house the mayor’s office, was deemed too unsafe for use. It’s riddled with cracks and leaks, and homeless people have started using the building as a shelter.
On a recent site visit to the precinct, Joburg council speaker Nobuhle Mthembu said the visit was to determine whether the building could be repaired so that the 48,000 civil servants who once worked there could return to work. Many of these civil servants are now being housed in rented offices across Braamfontein or working from home.
How much do the rentals for the civil servants cost the taxpayer? That is, believe it or not, currently unknown. City of Joburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said the procurement process was still “in progress.”
Meanwhile, repairs to the precinct would cost around R1bn, according to updated estimates from a 2019 report by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC). Razing the buildings and rebuilding could cost up to R3 billion.
The decline of the civic centre, unfortunately, mirrors the decline of Jozi over the years. If it’s not hijacked buildings catching fire, it’s repair work not being fixed. The damage caused by the gas explosion on Lilian Ngoyi (formerly Bree) Street last year has still not been fixed. There’s also the looming water crisis, which frustrates residents to no end. Hopefully, come the 2026 local government elections, residents show the power of their votes. If there’s anything 2024 showed us is that it’s possible.
South Africa gears up to host G20 Summit in 2025
SA is set to take the global stage as host of the G20 Summit in 2025, becoming the first African country to lead the prestigious forum of major economies. The announcement followed this year’s summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where leaders discussed global issues under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”
The G20, or Global 20, is made up of 19 wealthy and developing countries and the European Union. It brings together country leaders over challenges like economic stability, climate change, and sustainable development.
This year’s summit also welcomed the African Union as a permanent member, a significant win for the continent.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statements at this year’s summit emphasised food security, global governance reforms, and a multilateral approach to ending the ongoing conflict in Palestine. He also backed Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s plan to tax the super-rich and his goal to eradicate hunger for 500 million people by 2030.
But the summit wasn’t without its challenges. Leaders failed to agree on clear commitments to phase out fossil fuels, while Ukraine dominated discussions without direct mention of Russia’s role in the conflict. The G20’s attempt to address climate finance also left questions unanswered, with no clear plan for who will foot the bill.
Then there was Brazil’s first lady, Janja Lula da Silva, throwing an f-bomb at billionaire businessman Elon Musk. 🤭 Speaking about the need to regulate social media to combat misinformation, Janja said: “I’m not afraid of you, f*** you, Elon Musk.”
As South Africa prepares to lead in 2025, its chosen theme—“Fostering Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development”—will focus on unemployment, poverty, and inequality, along with climate change and debt relief for developing nations. The logistical challenges ahead are daunting, but this is an opportunity to prove South Africa’s capability on the world stage.
If we can keep the lights on, fix the potholes, and ensure the catering doesn’t run out of milk tart, South Africa might just pull it off. 🌍
That’s it from us at The Wrap, an award-winning product of explain.co.za – simple news summaries for busy people. 💁🏾♀
The Wrap is sponsored by explain’s agency division. We specialise in content marketing for purpose-driven organisations, often with a pan-African reach. Mail info@explain.co.za for a quote.
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