数据管理系统

菜单

10:31:35

序号	标题 / 预览内容	原文长度	来源	发布时间入库时间	下载
3226070	无图 <p>이재웅 외교부 대변인과 마오닝(毛寧) 중국 외교부 대변인은 7.31.(목) 오후 서울에서 면담 및 만찬을 함께하고, 양국 국민 간 우호 증진을 위한 인적 교류 활성화, SNS를 포함한 뉴미디어 활용 등 공보 및 홍보 분야 협력 방안 등에 대해 의견을 교환하였다.</p><p>양 대변인은 특히 APEC 정상회의를 앞두고 양국 관계에 대한 긍정적 메시지 발신을 위해 협력해 나가는 한편, 9년 만에 재개된 양국 외교부 간 대변인 교류 모멘텀을 살려 향후 협력 관계를 한층 강화하기로 하였다.</p><p>붙임 : 행사 사진. 끝.</p> 한중 외교부 대변인 교류 행사 개최 상세보기\|보도자료 \| 외교부	查看 300	外交部	2025-07-31 08:00:00 2025-08-01 09:42:07	word
3226069	无图 <p> 미국을 방문 중인 조현 외교부 장관은 7.31.(목) 오후(현지시간) 마르코 루비오(Marco Rubio) 미국 국무장관과 취임 후 첫 한미 외교장관회담을 개최하고, 한미 동맹, 한미일 협력, 북한 문제 및 지역 정세 등에 대한 의견을 교환했다.</p><p>양 장관은 한미 관세 협상의 타결을 축하하고, 한미 정상회담의 성공적 개최와 다양한 성과 거양을 위해 일정 등 세부 사항을 긴밀히 조율해 나가기로 했다. 특히 양 장관은 조선 협력 강화 필요성에 공감하고 이를 구체화해 나가기 위한 범정부 협력 체계도 강화해 나가기로 했다.</p><p>양 장관은 한미동맹이 한반도는 물론 역내 평화·안정·번영의 핵심축임을 재확인했으며, 변화하는 역내 안보 및 경제 환경 속에서 동맹을 더욱 강화하고 전략적 중요성도 한층 높이는 방향으로 동맹을 현대화 해 나가야 한다는 데 의견을 같이 했다. 조 장관은 한미 동맹의 근간을 이루어 온 안보와 경제의 두 축에 더해 AI, 원자력, 퀀텀 등 첨단 기술 분야 협력을 토대로 한 기술 동맹을 양국 협력의 세 번째 축으로 발전시켜 나가길 희망한다고 했다.</p><p>또한, 양 장관은 한일 우호협력관계의 안정적 발전이 한미일 협력의 중요한 토대라는 데 인식을 같이했으며, 굳건한 한미 동맹을 기반으로 한미일 협력도 계속 발전시켜 나가기로 했다. 양 장관은 굳건한 연합방위태세를 유지하는 가운데, 북한의 완전한 비핵화 목표를 확고히 견지하기로 했다. 아울러, 양 장관은 북한 관련 상호 평가를 공유하고, 앞으로 북한 문제 관련 양국 간 긴밀한 소통과 공조를 이어가기로 했다. 양 장관은 이와 함께 지역 정세에 대해서도 논의하고 인태 지역의 평화와 안정을 위한 양국 간 협력을 증진해 나가기로 했다.</p><p>한편, 조 장관은 올해 경주에서 개최되는 APEC 정상회의에 트럼프 대통령을 초청하였음을 상기하면서, APEC 정상회의의 성공적 개최를 위한 미측의 지지와 협조를 당부했으며, 루비오 장관은 이를 잘 알고 있으며 적극 검토하겠다고 했다.</p><p>붙임 : 한미 외교장관 회담 사진. 끝.</p> 한미 외교장관회담(7.31.) 결과 상세보기\|보도자료 \| 외교부	查看 1028	外交部	2025-08-01 08:00:00 2025-08-01 09:42:07	word
3226068	无图 <p> 방미 중인 조현 외교부 장관은 7.31.(목) 오후 美 허드슨연구소 존 월터스(John Walters) 회장 등 회장단과 간담회를 갖고, 우리 신정부 외교정책을 설명하는 한편, 한미동맹 발전 방안 등에 대한 의견을 교환하였다.</p><p> 조 장관은 우리 신정부는 실용주의 기조 하에 세계질서 변화에 실용적으로 대처하는 글로벌 책임 강국을 만들고자 한다고 설명하고, 그 과정에서 우리 외교정책의 근간인 한미동맹과 한미일 협력을 지속 강화시켜 나갈 예정이라고 했다.</p><p> 조 장관은 특히 우리 정부가 한미동맹을 ‘미래형 포괄적 전략동맹’으로 발전시켜나가는 동시에 동맹에 대한 기여도 지속해나갈 예정이라고 하고, 워싱턴 D.C.의 대표적인 싱크탱크인 허드슨연구소가 한미동맹을 지속 지지하며 동맹 발전을 위한 역할을 지속해줄 것을 당부했다.</p><p> 월터스 회장은 조 장관의 방미를 환영한다고 하고, 미 조야에서는 한국 신정부에 대한 기대가 크다면서, 급변하는 외교 안보 환경 속에서 한미동맹이 한층 강화될 수 있도록 허드슨연구소도 미 조야에 한미동맹 인식 제고를 위해 힘쓸 것을 약속했다.</p><p> 또한, 월터스 회장은 양국이 안보·경제뿐 아니라 조선, AI, 에너지 등 미래 협력 분야에서의 협력 잠재력이 다대하다는 데 공감하고, 허드슨연구소도 동 분야에서의 구체적인 협력방안 발굴 등 협력 확대를 위해 아낌없이 지원하겠다고 했다.</p><p>붙임 : 간담회 사진. 끝.</p> 美 허드슨연구소 간담회(7.31.) 결과 상세보기\|보도자료 \| 외교부	查看 726	外交部	2025-08-01 08:00:00 2025-08-01 09:42:07	word
3226067	无图 <p>조현 외교부 장관은 한미 외교장관 회담 참석차 미국 워싱턴 D.C.를 방문한 계기에 7.31.(목) 오후(현지 시간) ▴로저 위커(Roger Wicker) 상원 군사위원장(공화/미시시피) 및 ▴짐 리쉬(Jim Risch) 상원 외교위원장(공화/아이다호)을 각각 면담, 신정부의 국정철학 및 대외정책을 설명하고, ▴한미동맹 및 한미일 협력 ▴북핵·북한 문제 ▴역내·글로벌 정세 등에 대한 의견을 교환하였다.</p><p>조 장관은 취임(7.21.) 직후 방미하여 제119대 미 연방의회에서 미국의 외교·국방 및 안보정책 전반을 책임지고 있는 두 위원장을 만나 기쁘게 생각한다고 하고, 신정부는 한미 양국 간 안보, 경제 협력에 이어 AI 반도체, SMR 등 과학기술 분야 협력을 촉진하여, ▴안보 ▴경제 ▴과학기술의 세 가지 기둥(three pillars)에 기반한 한미동맹이 급변하는 역내 안보 환경에 적극 대응해 나갈 수 있도록 할 것이라고 하였다.</p><p>위원장들은 한미동맹의 중요성에 대한 미 의회의 지지는 초당적이며 강력함을 재확인하고, 긴밀한 한미 간 협력이 지속 확대될 수 있도록 관심과 지원을 아끼지 않겠다고 하였다.</p><p>조 장관은 양국 간 범정부 차원에서 집중적으로 협상한 결과 타결된 관세 합의를 바탕으로 양국이 조선, 에너지, 반도체, AI 등 핵심 분야를 포괄하는 전략적 경제협력 관계를 강화해 나가길 바란다고 하였다. </p><p>위원장들은 이번 관세 합의 타결이 양국 관계에 중요한 계기가 될 것으로 평가하고, 조선 분야에서 세계 최고 역량을 보유한 우리 나라와의 협력에 대한 높은 기대를 표명하면서 실질적 성과 도출을 기대한다고 하였다.</p><p>위커 군사위원장은 역내 안보 위협을 효과적으로 억제하고 이에 대응하기 위한 미국과 동맹국들 간 협력 필요성을 강조하고, 북한의 위협을 억제하기 위한 주한미군 유지 등 미국의 대한 방위공약이 흔들림없이 지속될 것이라고 재확인하였다.</p><p>리쉬 외교위원장은 북한의 러시아 파병 등으로 역내 안보 정세가 급변하는 가운데 한미동맹에 대한 의회 내 초당적 지지는 불변하며, 주한미군을 포함한 한미 안보협력은 지속 유지될 것이라고 하였다.</p><p>이번 조 장관의 첫 방미 계기에 상원 외교위원장과 군사위원장과의 연쇄 면담이 성사된 것은 우리 신정부 출범에 대한 미 상원 차원의 높은 관심과 한미동맹 발전에 대한 의지를 보여준 것으로 평가된다. 정부는 앞으로도 미 의회의 한미 관계에 대한 초당적 신뢰를 바탕으로 한미 동맹을 미래형 포괄적 전략동맹으로 발전시키 위한 의회 외교를 계속 경주해 나갈 예정이다.</p><p>붙임 : 면담 사진. 끝.</p> 외교장관, 미 상원 군사·외교위원장 면담 상세보기\|보도자료 \| 외교부	查看 1307	外交部	2025-08-01 08:00:00 2025-08-01 09:42:07	word
3226066	无图 <p> <p> <p> What are you looking for? <p> <form> <fieldset> <legend>Content</legend> <label>Please enter a search term</label> Search </fieldset> </form> <p> Number of results found No suitable keywords found. Please enter your complete search term. </p> </p> Close search </p> </p> </p> “It is time now to end this war” – Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Israel and the Palestinian territories - Federal Foreign Office	查看 1240	德国外交部	2025-07-01 08:00:00 2025-08-01 09:31:02	word
3226065	无图 <p>China is widely portrayed as the superior force in the ongoing trade dispute with the U. S. As someone who has worked on Russia sanctions extensively, this parallels a lot of commentary in the immediate wake of the Ukraine invasion, when “Fortress Russia” was a frequently used phrase and Putin was often portrayed as a mastermind. The reality—both for Russia and China—is quite different. As we’ve documented in a series of posts and a recent paper, Russia is uniquely vulnerable to the recent wave of sanctions on the shadow fleet. China’s export-dependent growth model is similarly vulnerable to tariffs. This post documents key aspects of China’s exports after the imposition of U.S. tariffs. Overall exports are stable, even though those to the U.S. have fallen sharply. That could reflect transshipments or it could be due to China genuinely exporting to new markets. As this post argues, either possibility amounts to a deflationary shock for China, where CPI (consumer price index) inflation is already zero.</p>China’s transshipment of goods around US tariffs<p>The remarkable thing about China’s overall exports is that they are up slightly so far in 2025 (Figure 1), even though direct exports to the U.S. have fallen sharply (Figure 2). The fall in direct exports to the U.S. is easy to understand. There is growing evidence that tariffs are pushing up prices for goods likely to be imported from China. Those price increases reduce demand for Chinese imports. It’s less clear why China’s exports to other countries have risen so much, essentially providing a full offset.</p> US tariffs and deflation in China \| Brookings	查看 1591	美国布鲁金斯学会(Brookings)	2025-07-25 01:22:27 2025-08-01 09:30:43	word
3226064	无图 <p>While the Trump administration has been preoccupied with its trade war with Beijing, Beijing has adopted a two-pronged approach to bolster its own position in the Indo-Pacific region: pushing harder against those in the region that challenge China’s sovereignty claims, while pulling its stalwart partners and so-called swing states closer into its orbit. China has been steadily advancing its territorial claims along its periphery without eliciting much discernible pushback from the Trump administration. As Brookings scholar Lynn Kuok has noted, China in April “made its first on-the-ground, formal assertion of sovereignty over a previously unoccupied land feature in the South China Sea in more than a decade.” Meanwhile, Beijing has continued to ramp up pressure on Taiwan—most notably during its Strait Thunder-2025A exercise in April. These activities are likely designed to establish a “new normal” for Beijing’s coercive activities during the Trump administration. Simultaneously, China has pursued a “charm offensive” with friendly countries and so-called swing states in Southeast Asia.</p><p>From Beijing’s perspective, there are a number of compelling reasons to pursue this two-pronged strategy. President Donald Trump and his top foreign policy officials are utterly distracted by their multifront trade war, strikes on Iran, and their quixotic efforts to resolve the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The dearth of bandwidth at the top is compounded by the lack of staffing to address Beijing’s subtle salami slicing. Moreover, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his European Union counterpart in July that Beijing was worried that the United States would turn its full attention to China and the Indo-Pacific after the end of the Ukraine war, an assessment that would only give additional impetus to Beijing to consolidate its position in the region sooner rather than later.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s punitive and erratic tariff policy provides an opening for China to make headway with countries in the region at very little cost. To the extent that the administration has focused on China, its myopic focus on trade and technology issues seems to have distracted it from pushing back on Beijing’s coercive activities against U.S. allies and partners, leaving China with the space necessary to press forward on its periphery. The prospect of an in-person meeting this year between Trump and President Xi Jinping is only likely to further dampen the administration’s response to further provocations by Beijing against U.S. allies and partners in the region. Already, the Trump administration has blocked Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te from transiting New York to avoid irritating Beijing.</p><p>So far, the Trump administration’s response—or conspicuous lack thereof—would give Beijing little reason to change course. In fact, Washington’s silence is likely to invite further intensification of both China’s coercive activities and its efforts to woo the region in the coming year, allowing Beijing to enhance its strategic position at the U.S. expense. So far, Beijing’s approach is proving rather effective—and Beijing is poised to reap further gains this year if the administration devotes more time to pressuring U.S. allies and partners in the region than actually supporting them.</p>Fortifying the periphery for Trump 2.0<p>One week after Trump’s tariff hikes on April 2, Xi and the Politburo Standing Committee convened an unusual Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries. The events of the preceding weeks largely overshadowed this conference in Western press coverage, but it would have been a crucial forum for Xi to lay out his game plan for girding China’s position in Indo-Pacific for the second Trump administration. This conference was unlikely to have been orchestrated in response to the Trump administration’s Liberation Day tariffs on April 2, since this type of central conference involving Xi and the Chinese Communist Party’s top leadership typically takes months of behind-the-scenes preparations, but it was probably designed to provide a venue for Xi to promulgate updated guidance for how to handle the region during the second Trump administration.</p><p>The last time Xi held a similar work conference was in October 2013, just after he became the top leader—and shortly before China pivoted to a more assertive approach to its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea. In hindsight, this conference was an early portent of Xi’s shift away from the “hide and bide” foreign policy that had governed China’s foreign policy since the wake of the Tiananmen crackdown. China’s “periphery” has been a key part of its foreign policy since 1987, when the concept of “peripheral environment” appeared for the first time in The People’s Daily. Xi’s 2013 conference only elevated the concept’s importance. The most recent conference in April further augmented the role of peripheral diplomacy in China’s overall foreign policy, since Beijing gave the conference an upgraded protocol status. In his speech, Xi noted that China and its neighbors must “deepen development integration, build a high-level interconnection network, and strengthen industrial chain and supply chain cooperation,” likely in the face of Trump’s tariffs.</p>A charm offensive on the cheap<p>Days after the conference, Xi called Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia relations, and then embarked on a notable tour of Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.<sup>1</sup> The following month, in May, Premier Li Qiang—a close Xi ally whom Xi has entrusted with more responsibility than Li’s predecessor—visited Indonesia and met with Prabowo. He also attended a summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council in Malaysia at Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s invitation. Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia are some of the key “swing states” in Southeast Asia, commonly known for hedging between the great powers as the competition has unfolded. Xi deliberately targeted these neighboring states by making them his first foreign visit after the U.S. tariffs were imposed. Not only do these countries have deep trade relations with China and a demonstrated track record of supporting Chinese companies during the first trade war, but they are also appreciative of free trade policies. After the United States pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and enacted protectionist policies during the first Trump administration, these Southeast Asian states began to see China as the preeminent economic power in the region. Beijing is recapitulating its playbook from the first trade war by capitalizing on this moment of increasing U.S. protectionism to posture as these states’ most reliable economic power.</p><p>For its own sake, Beijing wants to strengthen its trade relations with these countries to bolster its ability to withstand Trump’s tariffs as the trade war potentially intensifies. Beijing is specifically targeting ASEAN countries to build up a new market for its exports. Since January, China has not advanced significant new initiatives in the region, like new large-scale infrastructure funds, beyond the largely symbolic gestures of head of state visits and the signing of new memorandums of understanding.<sup>2</sup> Indeed, the Chinese leadership’s official assessment at its April conference was that, “at present, China’s relations with neighboring countries are at their best in modern times.” Given that favorable assessment, Beijing likely judges that it does not need to offer much more to pull countries closer. Xi’s penurious policy also reflects his likely calculation that the United States is in the middle of making mistakes in managing its allies and partners in the region and does not want to expend any resources wooing them until the dust has settled.</p>Probing at Sandy Cay<p>Beijing’s charm offensive is only part of the story in its approach to Southeast Asia. Beijing almost always tests new U.S. administrations’ commitment to its allies and partners in the region during the first year, so the real question was not whether but when Beijing would make a move. China’s assertion of sovereignty over Sandy Cay in April looks like just such an opening gambit. Notably, China’s move came just weeks after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the region and demonstrated remarkable continuity with previous administrations by reiterating the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines alliance. Shortly after that visit and just ahead of Balikatan 2025—the annual, major joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States—the Chinese Coast Guard unfurled a flag on Sandy Cay in the northern Thitu Reefs of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Although this move did not create new facts on the ground—indeed, the Philippines responded in kind a week later—it laid the groundwork for Beijing to make bigger muscle movements not just at Sandy Cay but also around nearby Thitu. As Kuok points out, Thitu lies so close to Sandy Cay that their territorial seas overlap, meaning that a Chinese claim to Sandy Cay introduces a competing claim into the waters around Thitu.</p><p>China’s move was notable, especially since it is not clear what provoked Beijing’s actions. This year’s Balikatan exercise was actually smaller than it had been in recent years, and previously, the Chinese Coast Guard only responded through statements and an increased ship presence in the South China Sea.<sup>3</sup> It is possible that some unreported incident on the water prompted Beijing’s action, but the situation at Sandy Cay seems similar to Beijing’s probing of the U.S. commitment to the Philippines early in the Biden administration. In March 2021, shortly after Biden’s inauguration, more than 200 Chinese vessels were moored at Whitsun Reef, a feature within a Philippines-claimed feature that is within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Biden administration responded with a series of cabinet-level engagements with the Philippines, issued public and private statements that China’s actions near Whitsun Reef were “impeding the lawful rights” of the Philippines, and called on China “to stop using its maritime militia to intimidate and provoke.” The U.S. State Department spokesperson that month said the United States stands with the Philippines against the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) maritime vessels near Whitsun Reef, and former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan called his Philippine counterpart to discuss shared concerns. The following month, in April 2021, then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Philippines Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin, Jr., to share concerns over China’s actions. The Chinese vessels dispersed over the ensuing weeks.</p><p>In the case of Sandy Cay, Beijing’s bet was well-placed. Three months after the incident in April, the Trump administration has registered little to no public response to the flag planting, beyond White House National Security Council Spokesperson James Hewitt initially saying, “The reports of China seizing Sandy Cay reef are deeply concerning, if true.” Beijing likely interpreted the lack of response on the water or comment from a cabinet-level official as a green light to keep pressing its claim. Indeed, just a month later, in May, China water-cannoned Philippine vessels operating in the vicinity of Sandy Cay. In late May and early June, during regular meetings with their Filipino counterparts, both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth condemned Beijing’s destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea, but they did not specifically mention Sandy Cay. In fact, there was not even a single press release or press briefing comment regarding Beijing’s behavior. During Hegseth’s Shangri-La Dialogue speech at The International Institute for Strategic Studies in late May, he called out China’s harassment of its neighbors and made an overture to the ASEAN defense leaders in the audience: “China seeks to intimidate you in your own waters.” Most recently, Rubio made a statement on the ninth anniversary of the Philippines-China South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, calling on China to abide by the 2016 ruling and “cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.” These comments would have been made regardless of Beijing’s recent actions in the South China Sea—and Beijing knows this. Beijing was trying to see if the United States would respond in any meaningful way to its salami-slicing behavior—and it did not.</p>Thunder in the Taiwan Strait<p>Although Beijing considers Taiwan part of China rather than its periphery, some of the same dynamics—particularly vis-à-vis the United States—seem to be animating China’s approach to the Lai administration. China is likely probing how hard it can pressure Taiwan under the Lai administration—which Beijing loathes—before eliciting a U.S. response. So far, the Trump administration has not had a discernible response to PRC activities in the Strait, even though Beijing has lowered its threshold for undertaking large-scale exercises around Taiwan over the past several years. Beijing’s push—and the lack of U.S. pushback—could result in Beijing establishing a new normal for its military activities around Taiwan during the Trump administration.</p><p>The most recent significant activity came in early April with the Strait Thunder-2025A exercise. This was one of Beijing’s largest exercises to date, with 135 aircraft sorties and more than 30 vessels surrounding the island. This exercise was on par with Beijing’s October 2024 Joint Sword-2024B exercise, which was just below the scale of the exercises after then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Beijing launched Strait Thunder in response to the Lai administration labelling China a “foreign hostile force” and ramping up anti-espionage forces in mid-March.</p><p>Although the escalating tit-for-tat dynamic between China and Taiwan has a logic of its own, the possibility of a U.S. response is always part of Beijing’s calculation on Taiwan issues. Yet again, the Trump administration’s response to the exercises was minimal, with no public response from the Department of Defense and a one-line response from the State Department spokesperson, who said that “China’s aggressive military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region’s security and the world’s prosperity at risk.”So far, the Trump administration has announced no arms sales in 2025, despite rumors of consideration within the administration, and instead has only issued demands for Taiwan to increase defense spending.</p>Conclusion<p>The Trump administration’s quiescence in response to the PRC’s regional provocations and diplomacy is actually a bit of a departure for the still-young administration. To its credit, the Trump administration in its first 100 days made some laudable early moves to send reassuring signals to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific that were at odds with Trump’s tendency to see allies as more of a liability than an asset. These initial overtures included convening a Quad foreign ministerial meeting one day after Inauguration Day, followed by early visits from key regional partners like Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notably, even as Vice President JD Vance was excoriating U.S. European allies at the Munich Security Conference in February, Rubio was holding a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and Republic of Korea counterparts. Hegseth’s aforementioned visits to the region likewise conveyed a reassuring message. Nevertheless, the administration’s preoccupation with wars in the Middle East and Europe and its view that allies and partners are more liabilities than assets likely blunted the effect of this initial diplomacy in the region.<sup>4</sup></p><p>The tariffs unleashed on Liberation Day probably undid much, if not all, of the hard work that went into that initial—and still very much inchoate—regional diplomacy and gave ample room to Beijing to undermine allies’ faith in the U.S.’s reliability. Signs of unease among allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific are also already beginning to mount in response to the administration’s actions. Australia is anxious about the Trump administration’s announcement that it would review the trilateral Australia-U.S.-U.K. security initiative known as AUKUS, which comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s inactivity in the face of an unprecedented People’s Liberation Army Navy live-fire drill in the Tasman Sea near Australia in February. Trump again threatened to escalate tariffs to 25% against key allies South Korea and Japan in July because they would not acquiesce to his demands, prompting Ishiba to publicly muse about Japan’s need to wean itself from the United States in key areas. Beijing is indeed testing the new administration’s commitment to allies and partners in the region—and it has likely found the results to be reassuring.</p><p>It may not be too late for the administration to recalibrate Beijing’s expectations, but it will require more than just Hegseth attending the Shangri-La Dialogue—which in Southeast Asia is just table stakes. It will require focus and follow-through that so far have been lacking, as the trade war and international hotspots like the Middle East seemingly have consumed the Trump administration’s bandwidth. More recently, the administration, to its credit, hosted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos for a series of meetings and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to their mutual defense treaty in the South China Sea. But dissuading Beijing from further escalation will also require tangible actions such as continued arms sales to Taiwan, as well as Taiwan Strait transits and freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. The administration could also respond asymmetrically to Beijing’s provocations by employing its economic tools.</p><p>By themselves, these actions have never deterred China in the past and are unlikely to do so moving forward. But Beijing will interpret their absence in the wake of these provocations as a green light to keep salami slicing across the region. In the absence of U.S. pushback, the only limiting factors on Beijing’s coercion will be the twin dynamics of the region’s ingrained skepticism about Beijing and Beijing’s desire to preserve a façade of amity with its neighbors. It will take time to marshal other options for dealing with Beijing’s coercion, but in the meantime, a distracted Trump administration risks defaulting to a “reverse Roosevelt” in the Indo-Pacific by speaking loudly about U.S. power in the region and wielding a small stick.</p> Beijing bolsters its position in the Indo-Pacific with little US pushback \| Brookings	查看 18883	美国布鲁金斯学会(Brookings)	2025-07-29 00:00:00 2025-08-01 09:30:43	word
3226063	有图 <p> South Africans are bearing the brunt of undocumented migration, overwhelmed services, and a government slow to respond. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cries-of-a-nation-overwhelmed.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Entrance to the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo, 4 April 2023. Picture: Nigel Sibanda</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Poet Robert Frost in Mending Walls said that good fences make good neighbours. </p><p>South Africa keeps finding itself in situations where it has to keep defending its borders. </p><p>Today, its citizens are at a point where they must justify the desire for South Africa’s provisions to be adequate without leaving its people scrambling, while also providing for its undocumented neighbours. </p><p>We are living with ghosts who work and have access to state provisions, but we don’t even really know who they are. </p><p>This is the case raised by movements such as March and March and Operation Dudula. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> SANDF soldier trampled to death by herd of elephants in Limpopo </p> </p> </p><p>While many of us may differ with them on how to restore a semblance of order, many may agree that their cause is long overdue. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Foreign national arrested for mass Umlazi murder</p><p>When Tom London went on social media to lament the state of Helen Joseph Hospital, many rallied in support of his move to a private hospital. Funds were raised, and he was moved to Morningside Hospital for private care. </p><p>London complained that doctors treated patients as cockroaches. We agreed that some reform was needed. </p><p>The celebration of staff at state facilities as seen across social media platforms, of the work and initiatives by Operation Dudula and March and March reiterates, staff did in fact feel overwhelmed. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> SANDF soldier trampled to death by herd of elephants in Limpopo </p> </p> <p> <p> Thailand, Cambodia clash with jets and rockets in deadly border row </p> </p> </p><p>The nurses are accused of taking long breaks but they’ve worked as slaves throughout the day. </p><p>This is because they are stretched – they are servicing far greater numbers. While we may be angry, the people on the front lines are stretched. They are the voices that also lend a whisper of their exhaustion to movements that say, abahambe (let them go). </p><p>This is no phenomenon, this is the voice of the real people. </p><p>ALSO READ: 22 arrested after illegal workers and weapons found in Roodepoort factory raid</p><p> </p><p>The people of Lesotho are notorious for illegal mining, our neighbours from Mozambique are synonymous with vehicle theft. </p><p>The Zimbabweans are considered as petty thieves and Nigerians are known as traffickers of drugs and humans. </p><p>This in no way vindicates South Africans as perpetrators of crime, but we have moved from a national to an international crisis because we are unable to attribute these crimes to known people. How, when most are undocumented? </p><p>Swaziland has now taken five US convicts in, with 150 more expected. The spill over, South Africa. </p><p> </p><p>Do our neighbours and their leaders really respect South Africa? </p><p>The people are clearly tired and have become the voice the government lacks. Now, the question remains: would good fences not have made good neighbours?</p><p>NOW READ: ‘We are not xenophobic’: No justification to favour foreign academics over South Africans, says ANC MP</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics border Columns foreign nationals </p> Cries of a nation overwhelmed \| The Citizen	查看 3894	《公民报》	2025-07-31 11:00:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226062	有图 <p> Once a home for activists of all races, the ANC now faces an identity challenge as racial divisions in politics deepen. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SA-political-unity.png" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>South Africa should be striving for racial harmony in all facets of life – and not just on the sporting front. Picture: Gallo Images</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Does the ANC really need whites in its ranks? ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji sparked this controversial debate when he said he wants to see more racial diversity in the party. </p><p>He made the remarks during a youth rally in the Eastern Cape at the weekend, where he expressed concern over the lack of white participation in the youth league. </p><p>Malatji questioned why, decades after democracy, young white South Africans are still largely absent from the ANC’s structures, especially considering the pivotal role played by figures like Joe Slovo, Denis Goldberg and other white comrades during the liberation struggle. </p><p>“We have to ask ourselves,” Malatji said, “why white youth do not see the ANC as their home any more. Why did they join in the past, and what’s pushing them away now?” </p><p>His comments come at a time when South African politics remains racially polarised. While the ANC continues to dominate the black vote, it has seen declining support among other racial groups. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Kunene controversy exposes ethics crisis in politics </p> </p> </p><p>Meanwhile, opposition parties like the DA and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) are struggling with their own identity challenges. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The DA, in particular, appears unsure whether it is a black-led liberal party or a white-dominated opposition. </p><p>As Malatji pointed out, the DA “doesn’t know whether it is a black or white party” – an identity crisis that speaks volumes about the broader racial tensions that still shape voter behaviour. </p><p>ALSO READ: ‘I don’t see white people here’: Malatji laments lack of diversity in the ANCYL</p><p>The ANC, once celebrated as a nonracial movement, was a political home to South Africans of all races during the fight against apartheid. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Kunene controversy exposes ethics crisis in politics </p> </p> <p> <p> ‘I don’t see white people here’: Malatji laments lack of diversity in the ANCYL </p> </p> </p><p>Leaders such as Slovo, Ruth First and Beyers Naudé symbolised the inclusive, values-driven vision of the ANC. </p><p>Today, that image is fading. The ANC’s inability to attract white youth is not just a numbers issue – it is a reflection of a deeper identity crisis and a drift away from its founding ethos. </p><p>There are several reasons why white South Africans, particularly the youth, feel disconnected from the ANC today. </p><p>First, race-based policies such as affirmative action and broad-based black economic empowerment, though aimed at redressing historic injustices, are often perceived by some as exclusionary or even hostile. </p><p> </p><p>This perception, whether fair or not, creates emotional and ideological distance. Second, the ANC’s track record in governance has hurt its credibility. </p><p>Years of corruption scandals, poor service delivery and internal factional battles have driven many away – regardless of race. </p><p>For middle-class voters, both black and white, trust in the party’s ability to lead effectively has eroded. </p><p>ALSO READ: ‘Extend that apology to black South Africans,’ says ActionSA over Macpherson’s hobo comment</p><p> </p><p>Malatji, however, believes the presence of white voices is essential – not only for symbolic reasons but also for restoring a sense of shared purpose. “Bringing in white youth isn’t about chasing votes,” he said. </p><p>“It’s about restoring a vision of unity that was central to the liberation movement.” </p><p>In other words, inclusivity strengthens the ANC’s moral and political legitimacy. It reaffirms the principle that the party belongs to all South Africans, not just one group. </p><p>Yet despite these intentions, the racial divide in voting remains deeply entrenched. Last year’s general election showed that most South Africans still vote largely along racial lines. </p><p> </p><p>Black voters remain loyal to the ANC, EFF, Inkatha Freedom Party and lately uMkhonto weSizwe party, while the majority of white voters support the DA or FF+. </p><p>Coloured and Indian voters are split across smaller parties, often guided by regional or economic concerns. </p><p>This racialised voting pattern has been reinforced by South Africa’s unequal society, where race still closely aligns with access to education, wealth and services. </p><p>Political parties, whether intentionally or not, often speak past each other – targeting specific racial or cultural groups rather than building a shared national narrative. </p><p>ALSO READ: Half a million white South Africans have left the country in 25 years</p><p>So what would it take for the ANC – or any party – to truly bridge this divide? First, parties need to rebuild public trust through clean governance, transparency and delivery. Actions speak louder than speeches. </p><p>Second, they must embrace inclusive language and stop relying on racial identity as a political tool. </p><p>Third, they need to actively engage young people of all races – especially in schools, universities and communities – where future leadership is shaped. </p><p>In the past, many whites, coloureds and Indians joined the ANC not just because it was a black-led movement, but because it stood for justice, democracy and human rights. </p><p>Today, that moral clarity is harder to find. The ANC will need to rediscover and live out those founding values if it hopes to regain that kind of cross-racial support. </p><p>Malatji’s comments, while controversial to some, may be an important reminder that the struggle for a nonracial South Africa is far from over. </p><p>Whether the ANC – or any other party – can build a truly inclusive future depends on whether they are willing to listen, reform and lead with integrity. </p><p>The road to unity is long. But acknowledging the gap, as Malatji has done, is at least a start.</p><p>NOW READ: Does Africa still need liberation parties?</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) politics race </p> South Africa's road to political unity is long \| The Citizen	查看 6768	《公民报》	2025-07-31 11:20:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226061	有图 <p> Montana residents report foul-smelling water as Tshwane investigates discolouration and odour at a major reservoir. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Smelly-water-sparks-concern.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Picture: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Residents in the northern parts of Gauteng say there is something fishy going on with the water because a reservoir smells like a dam. </p><p>City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the city was investigating reports of smelly and discoloured water in the Montana supply zone and at the Montana reservoir, which is supplied by the Roodeplaat water treatment works. </p>Smelly or discoloured water in Montana<p>“The city’s technical team is working to determine the cause of the odour with a view to restoring the quality of the water supplied to the reservoir. </p><p>“In the interim, an alternative supply through Rand Water’s backup system has been implemented to ensure safe and consistent provision of potable water to the affected areas,” he said. </p><p>ALSO READ: Uproar as Tshwane cuts power to three police stations</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Gauteng braces for a chilly, dry weekend with clear skies </p> </p> </p><p>Bokaba said residents will be updated as soon as the cause has been determined and corrective action has been confirmed. </p><p> </p><p> </p>Affected areas<p>The areas affected include parts of Annlin, Christiaansville, Cynthia Vale, De Onderstepoort, Derdepoort, Doornpoort, Hartebeestfontein, Kenley, Wonderboom, Magalieskruin, Sinoville, Kozeni, Montana and Pumulani. </p><p>Ward 5 councillor Arnold van Niekerk said the reservoir was closed after the first complaint was lodged on 3 May and removed from the Roodeplaat feed to the Rand Water feed.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics City of Tshwane(COT) Gauteng water </p> Tshwane's smelly water sparks concern \| The Citizen	查看 2095	《公民报》	2025-07-31 11:40:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226060	有图 <p> A shocking video shows a toddler forced to inhale drugs, highlighting South Africa’s growing moral decay and broken parenthood. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/When-adults-fail-their-children.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Image for illustrative purposes: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>In a way, we have to be thankful for camera phones and social media for exposing the seamier side of life in South Africa. </p><p>But the latest viral video is not only horrifying, it says something about the slow-motion collapse of our morality. </p><p>This week, a woman was allegedly filmed encouraging her three-year-old boy to take a puff from a makeshift glass pipe said to be stuffed with dagga and mandrax. </p><p>As the child staggered around, other adults were heard laughing in the video. </p><p>Fortunately, antidrugs activists in Joburg removed the child – with the help of the police– and there is now an investigation into child abuse. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Man masquerading as pastor sentenced to life for raping at least 10 children in KZN </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Mother in custody after video of 3-year-old boy allegedly smoking drugs [VIDEO]</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Given that inhaling these sort of substances could seriously affect the health of a child, we would suggest that charges of attempted murder also be brought. </p><p>But what does this say about adults, about mothers, in present-day South Africa? </p><p>We saw Kelly Smith being jailed for setting up the abduction of her daughter, Joshlin, and then we had Tiffany Meek arrested – and later denied bail – on charges of murdering her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee. </p><p>Bleeding hearts can blame socioeconomic circumstances all they want, but we say that these ongoing tragedies are the sign of depraved – and not deprived – people.</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Man masquerading as pastor sentenced to life for raping at least 10 children in KZN </p> </p> <p> <p> Two children killed, their pregnant mom critical after being hit by car in KZN </p> </p> </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics children Editorials </p> When adults fail their children \| The Citizen	查看 2445	《公民报》	2025-07-31 12:00:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226059	有图 <p> From aluminium powder to Dragon’s Blood extract, fingerprint detection remains both a science and an art in modern forensics. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fingerprints-in-crime-1200x1000-1.png" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Fingerprint dusting. Picture: Supplied</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Fingerprints have been the mainstay of crime scenes and criminal investigations for the longest time. </p><p>While newer technology like DNA can catch almost anyone, fingerprints remain one of the most reliable sources of evidence. </p><p>A crime scene expert who demonstrated the process to The Citizen said these silent imprints continue to play a critical role in solving crimes. </p><p>“People often imagine you just dust a surface and a perfect print appears,” he said. </p><p>“But it is not that simple. Every surface behaves differently. Glass is one thing, cardboard another and fabrics are more challenging still. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Soshanguve ID fraud bust: 42 identity books, smart ID cards seized </p> </p> </p><p>“It is about understanding both the science and the material with which you are working.” </p><p> </p><p> </p>The chemical composition of fingerprints<p>Most fingerprints are invisible to the naked eye, he said. </p><p>“They consist of fatty acids, amino acids, natrium chloride, water and other organic components that cling to whatever a person touches. To make them visible, powders, chemical procedures and flame processes are used. </p><p>“Black powder is the standard choice for lighter surfaces, while aluminium powder works better on darker ones.” </p><p>Then there are magnetic powders. This powder excess can be removed from a vertical surface. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Soshanguve ID fraud bust: 42 identity books, smart ID cards seized </p> </p> <p> <p> Hero Kameeldrift father gunned down protecting family — just hours before son’s 6th birthday </p> </p> </p><p>More unusual compounds like a powder called Dragon’s Blood extract can be used on difficult materials such as bamboo. </p><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img30.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript>A flame process used to make fingerprints visible. Picture: Supplied<p>ALSO READ: Pensioner with ‘invisible fingerprints’ refused a driving permit</p>Time and environment impact fingerprint recovery<p>“You must also consider how long the print has been there. If it has been exposed to sunlight, heat, moisture, contamination of the crime scene, or people walking through the scene like paramedics, the chances of getting a clean print drop quickly.” </p><p>Porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard or fabric require different approaches. </p><p> </p><p>It is even possible to dust a leaf using gold dust, a plastic bag and a smooth-surfaced label on a porous CCTV camera body. </p>High-tech tools enhance traditional methods<p>Copper powder is used for car dashboards. Laboratory techniques using reagents react with the chemicals in the fingerprint residue, while compounds like blue oxide reveal patterns on items like pillow cases. </p><p>Tough prints can also be heated to make them appear. He demonstrated with a piece of paper, a set of dusted prints and a cigarette lighter. </p><p>In some cases, special lighting or laser-based methods bring out faint ridges. </p><p> </p>‘A silent witness’<p>Advanced systems like automated fingerprint identification systems compare thousands of prints and return matches fast. </p><p>In one recent case, a fingerprint over three decades old was retrieved from a cabin in Canada that had remained untouched. </p><p>“A fingerprint is like a silent witness,” the expert said. </p><p>“It does not just show who was there. It can suggest when and even how they interacted with something. </p><p> </p><p>“That is the beauty of forensics. It is science, but it is also about piecing together the human story behind the evidence.”</p><p>NOW READ: Evidence challenged in Jayden-Lee Meek murder investigation</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Crime Crime Intelligence DNA </p> Why fingerprints haven’t faded as crime scene evidence \| The Citizen	查看 4491	《公民报》	2025-07-31 12:20:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226058	有图 <p> ActionSA has intensified its anticorruption campaign, targeting the Rustenburg local municipality over R335 million in alleged illegal contracts. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Herman-Mashaba-1200x741-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba. Picture: Nigel Sibanda</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has taken his anticorruption battle to Rustenburg as he vows to root out the scourge at all municipalities in North West, which is beset by widespread financial mismanagement. </p><p>Mashaba led a delegation of the party’s councillors and members in Rustenburg yesterday in a show of solidarity against the endemic corruption in the Rustenburg local municipality, which has been in the news for several years over alleged corruption revolving around awarding of contracts to illegally appointed service providers. </p><p>Mashaba was flanked by the party’s Rustenburg councillor and North West provincial secretary Ofentse Kombe and councillor Thamziwe Nkaelang, who both laid fraud and corruption charges against municipal manager Ashmar Khuduge at Rustenburg police station. </p>AG report highlights serious financial violations<p>Acting on the auditorgeneral’s report that flagged a number of unauthorised expenditures by the municipality, the party further accused Khuduge of serious financial misconduct in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act. </p><p>The law holds an accounting officer accountable for failing to act on financial mismanagement in the municipality or department they lead. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Soshanguve ID fraud bust: 42 identity books, smart ID cards seized </p> </p> </p>R10.4m legal fees and R335m tenders under scrutiny<p>Khuduge allegedly failed to prevent unauthorised expenditure or to take reasonable steps to prevent an unauthorised expending of R10.4 million for the 2024-25 financial year on unsolicited legal fees in violation of the law.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>A further R335 million was allegedly illegally spent on issuing contracts to a service provider without following supply chain protocols for the 2023-24 financial year. </p><p>ALSO READ: Probe into rot at North West’s Madibeng local municipality</p>Failure to act fosters culture of impunity<p>It is suspected that corruption occurred in the issuing of the contracts which Khuduge allegedly failed to prevent as the municipality’s accounting officer. </p><p>The AG’s report indicated the unauthorised deviation from supply chain management regulations was a violation of law. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Soshanguve ID fraud bust: 42 identity books, smart ID cards seized </p> </p> <p> <p> ActionSA reports Macpherson to parliament’s ethics committee for alleged ‘racist’ remarks </p> </p> </p>‘We are not ending there’<p>Mashaba said: “As ActionSA we asked small parties to join our Green Umbrella campaign under ActionSA for a strong battle against corruption. </p><p>“These are serious charges that warrant an investigation and action by the law enforcement agencies. </p><p>“We are not ending there. We will ask our MP to take up the matter and we will bring it to the attention of the public protector and minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs.” </p><p>He said the party laid charges against Khuduge and submitted evidence of his violation of the law in the form of the auditor-general’s report, which reveals massive unauthorised expenditure and violation of supply chain protocol in issuing of contract tenders in Rustenburg. </p><p> </p><p>Kombe said the municipality’s failure to probe the allegations fostered a culture of impunity.</p><p>NOW READ: Outa urges probe into R56 million Polokwane tender scandal</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics ActionSA fraud North West Province Rustenburg </p> ActionSA lays fraud charges against NW municipal manager \| The Citizen	查看 4146	《公民报》	2025-07-31 12:40:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226057	有图 <p> With over half a million white South Africans gone, Stats SA reveals a shrinking population and deepening racial rifts. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Race-relations-slide-after-democracy.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Picture: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The fact that more than half a million white South Africans have left the country in the past 25 years should surprise no-one. </p><p>Emigration is a fact of life, both in South Africa and around the world, as people move to improve their lives and the lives of their families. </p><p>Although that figure represents about 22 000 people per year, the other numbers in the latest Stats SA reporting on demographics in our country paint a broader picture of how the white community is shrinking, not only in terms of absolute numbers, but also in terms of its proportion of society. </p><p>In the past 25 years – a generation – whites have gone from making up just under 10% of the population to just more than 7% currently. </p><p>It is also true that, while many whites are dismayed about crime, black economic empowerment and political powerlessness, the biggest exodus of them occurred in the lead up to, and after, the 1994 elections, which brought democracy to South Africa. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Liberation movements fighting for survival and new injustices </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Half a million white South Africans have left the country in 25 years</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Many of those who left then had fears about living under a black government – fears which are undergoing something of a revival lately in the wake of the tub-thumping being done in Washington by groups like AfriForum. </p><p>Even as the Stats SA report was released this week, ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji was asking why there are no whites in the ANC organisation for younger people. </p><p>Given that much of the ANC’s rhetoric concerns alleged bad deeds of whites and apartheid, that should not surprise you, comrade Collen. </p><p>Yet, with the diminishing size of the white community, do parties like the ANC even need to continue to pretend that they are nonracial? </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Liberation movements fighting for survival and new injustices </p> </p> <p> <p> Apartheid cop sentenced for Caiphus Nyoka murder, judge says he can use time in jail to write book </p> </p> </p><p>And as right-wing groups attract more whites with their victimhood gospel, it looks as though the races will only drift further apart in the future.</p><p>NOW READ: SA’s health recovery underway after deep scars left by Mbeki’s Aids denial</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics apartheid Editorials white </p> Race relations slide after democracy \| The Citizen	查看 3024	《公民报》	2025-07-31 13:00:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226056	有图 <p> The principal was suspended without pay for allowing her husband to help with gardening duties at the high school. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ED_514693-scaled.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>EFF member protest outside the Pretoria High School For Girls after an alleged racist incident on July 30, 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Beeld/Deaan Vivier</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The suspension without pay of the principal of Pretoria High School for Girl for letting her husband assist with maintaining the school gardens without compensation has been described as absurd and unfair. </p><p>DA Gauteng shadow MEC for education Sergio Isa Dos Santos said finding Philippa Erasmus guilty shows a department more focused on saving face than on achieving justice or improving educational outcomes. </p>DA accuses department of political harassment<p>“We call on Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane to reverse this decision and put an end to the ongoing harassment and humiliation of this dedicated principal,” he said. </p><p>“This outcome reinforces our consistent assertion that under Matome, the department will go to great lengths to justify its political vendetta against Erasmus.” </p><p>Dos Santos said the Gauteng department of education’s persecution of Erasmus, who has now been found guilty on a “frivolous charge” because her husband Mike volunteered to assist with landscaping, was “unacceptable and delays progressive learning and teaching at the school”. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Man gets life sentence for raping minor with Down syndrome, claims victim is his girlfriend </p> </p> </p>Original racism claims dismissed, charges shift<p>Dos Santos said the initial investigation focused on allegations of racism, for which she was cleared. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“Instead of accepting this outcome, the department strayed from the original terms of reference in a desperate attempt to find evidence that could prove the principal’s guilt and subsequent punishment.” </p><p>ALSO READ: Pretoria Girls High principal found guilty of misconduct</p><p>Teacher union SAOU spokesperson Dems Nel said Erasmus was suspended and “labelled a racist for no reason”. </p><p>“Despite the fact that there were numerous allegations of racism at the school, Erasmus was never charged with this. She was charged with failing to implement the school’s code of conduct,” said Nel. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Man gets life sentence for raping minor with Down syndrome, claims victim is his girlfriend </p> </p> <p> <p> Likely to destroy evidence: Accused’s bail bid rejected in Ditebogo Phalane murder case </p> </p> </p><p>“SAOU represented Erasmus during the disciplinary hearing and she was found not guilty on the charge.”</p>Union steps in <p>Nel said the SAOU had to step in and refer a dispute to the Education Labour Relations Council to ensure that she was reinstated as principal. </p><p>“The department of education appointed a law firm to conduct an investigation and she was, upon completion of the investigation, charged based on the outcome of such investigation,” he said. </p><p>“The purpose of the investigation was to determine if there was racism at the school. To date, the contents of the report have not been made public, and not even the persons charged have had the opportunity to see what the investigation yielded and to be able to respond. </p><p> </p>‘This is unfair’<p>“This is unfair and the SAOU is still pursuing the matter through the information regulator to obtain the report,” he added. </p><p>ALSO READ: Western Cape school principal gets job back after demotion over ‘kwedini’ remark to his deputy</p><p>Nel said it was true that she was found guilty of charge 2, which dealt with the appointment of the school’s financial manager, as well as charge 3, which dealt with her husband’s involvement in managing the school’s gardeners and the use of the school’s vehicle. </p><p>“After mitigating and aggravating circumstances were submitted, a sanction of suspension without pay for three months was imposed. The presiding officer chose not to implement any of the other possible sanctions,” he added. </p><p> </p>Legal processes still ongoing<p>Nel said the SAOU and Erasmus were currently working through the information and, after all possible options have been considered, “will make an informed decision on whether or not to take the matter further”. </p><p>“The department failed to deal with the grievance and the SAOU then brought a court application to ask for an interdict to compel the employer to deal with the grievance,” he said. </p><p>“The department has failed to file its opposing affidavit to the application and the SAOU is currently waiting for the case to be set down.” </p><p>Nel said the SAOU already lodged a grievance in 2024 “regarding the way in which our members were treated by the employer before and during the investigation”. </p><p> </p><p>The department had not yet commented by the time of publication.</p><p>NOW READ: ‘Something wrong’ with management at Pretoria Girls High – Sasco</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics high school misconduct Pretoria suspension </p> DA and SAOU slam Pretoria Girls High principal’s suspension \| The Citizen	查看 5495	《公民报》	2025-07-31 13:40:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226055	有图 <p> Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus called it unfair to phase an older player out of his plans if he was still performing, but would ensure there are back-ups. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Springbok-coach-Rassie-Erasmus-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p> <p> <p>Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said he was building squad depth but still backing his experienced players to be fit at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said aside from issues in their game play, the team is in a good place halfway through its four-year preparation cycle for the next World Cup.</p><p>When also asked whether some senior players would still be considered for the 2027 global showpiece in Australia, he said selection would be fair – If older players are still performing, they will be there.</p><p>Erasmus was speaking to media amid their two-week training camp in Johannesburg ahead of their Rugby Championship title defence. This begins with games against Australia in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 16 and 23 August, respectively.</p>Gap in player experience<p>Thirty-seven Test-capped players are included in the squad for those games, with eight capable Springboks acting as backup. </p><p>Three Junior Springbok stars who helped their team win the World Rugby U20 Championship joined the camp, as Erasmus seeks depth and eyes all “possibilities of players” in the coming months and years.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Springbok coaches zero in on players after trimming squad for Rugby Champs </p> </p> </p><p>When asked about preparation for 2027, Erasmus said, “I can’t really say there are any problems – I am not saying with our game, there are lots of things we must fix.” </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>He said during Covid, players lost out on rugby from school level all the way to domestic and international level. Erasmus saw the result of that in the quality of players currently aged 20 to 26. But he was adapting to this.</p><p>“You lose two years of guys developing. But overall, apart from that I’ll be looking for excuses because I think we are pretty much on track. </p><p>“But we are trying to focus on the now without forgetting the future. We know 2027 is going to be big but if we don’t do well leading up to it, we might lose momentum.”</p>Older Springboks will be selected if they perform<p>The Springboks have a number of older players who may retire in the coming years. Siya Kolisi, 34, Cobus Reinach, 35, Bongi Mbonambi, 34, Damian de Allende, 33, Eben Etzebeth, 33, Faf de Klerk, 33, Franco Mostert, 34, Makazole Mapimpi, 35, Vincent Koch, 35, and Willie le Roux, 35, are among them. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Springbok coaches zero in on players after trimming squad for Rugby Champs </p> </p> <p> <p> Rassie: U20 stars won’t play for Springboks this year </p> </p> </p><p>Erasmus said age was not as important as ability. “Probably all of us will be involved until 2027 if I don’t get fired before then,” he smiled.</p><p>However, he said, “Trying to calculate which guys will be there in 2027, that’s why we had a camp with 45 guys here. Because we are not 100% sure.</p><p>“Some guys we feel iffy, some guys we think will definitely make it. Some guys are just freaks of athletes, like Johnny Sexton who can play until they are 38. But you don’t get a lot of those.”</p><p>That was why he was trying to build a large player base.</p><p> </p><p>“They plan their rugby lives around their age and how well they can play. So if they are still in the top one to three in their positions until 2026, we’ll probably play those guys. But making plans like we did, having bigger groups, making sure the younger guys coming through are quite comfortable… I think we are okay.”</p><p>In recent history, Schalk Brits played in the 2019 World Cup at the age of 38, and Duane Vermeulen was 37 at the2023 World Cup.</p><p>Likewise,Deon Fouriewas the oldest player to make his Springbok debut, at 36. He was 37 when he played in the 2023 World Cup.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Rassie Erasmus Rugby World Cup Springboks (Bokke/Boks) </p> Rassie looks at player ages, prep for 2027 World Cup \| The Citizen	查看 4564	《公民报》	2025-07-31 13:58:39 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226054	有图 <p> Shared bikes, cashless apps and order in public spaces show how China has turned smart ideas into everyday efficiency. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/China-pedals-ahead-with-innovation.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Woman riding electric scooter. Picture: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>When China invented toilet paper more than 1 000 years ago, while the rest of the world was still using primitive hygiene methods, nobody imagined it would remain a leader even in modern innovations. </p><p>There was disorder when Beijing launched the concept of shared bicycles to enhance public transportation and improve accessibility for the people and Western media crowed about the problems. </p><p>But there is now order in the system management with effective control, robust security and proper oversight by the owning companies and Chinese authorities. Strict policing has significantly reduced crime throughout China. </p><p>Although there was some parking chaos, theft and abandoned bicycles, the system began to work as it facilitated easy travel in the busy Beijing streets. </p><p>China’s shared bikes are being hailed as one of the four big inventions to come out of the country in modern times, aside from the highspeed railway, online shopping and mobile payments. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> SA and China agree to collaborate on AI and innovation </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: SA and China agree to collaborate on AI and innovation</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Shared bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for the “last mile” of Chinese people’s commute. </p><p>You unlock the bicycles by opening an app and scanning the QR code. After you park the bike at the parking spot, it will automatically charge your Alipay or WeChat Pay account. In general, the starting price is 1.5 yuan (about R3.70) including 15 minutes of riding, then 1 yuan every 15 minutes thereafter. </p><p>The shared bikes are run by private companies such as Mobike, Hellobike, and Meituan Bike, but the government is also involved in governance. </p><p>The Chinese government controls the number of bicycles and participates in the recycling of used bicycles, aiming to strengthen the management of the industry. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> SA and China agree to collaborate on AI and innovation </p> </p> <p> <p> India overtakes China in smartphone exports to the United States </p> </p> </p><p>Last week, I visited China with fellow journalists from South Africa, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. We were warmly welcomed by our colleagues at Global People magazine. </p><p>ALSO READ: India overtakes China in smartphone exports to the United States</p><p>During our brief visit to Peking University in Beijing, Edwin Tshivhidzo, a colleague from SANews, tested one of the bicycles. </p><p>He certainly brought a lot of humour and entertainment from the media. </p><p> </p><p>You can stay safe from law enforcement issues while using the bicycles in China as long as you adhere to the equipment usage rules and follow the road rules. </p><p>In fact, the police are supportive of cyclists in China, a country with such a minimal crime rate that it leaves a South African like me quite envious. </p><p>During our travels through Beijing on our assigned two buses, I noticed several young people engrossed in their cellphones while simultaneously riding bicycles or motorbikes. </p><p>ALSO READ: China to offer childcare subsidies in bid to boost birth rate</p><p> </p><p>They were likely using WeChat, a popular app in China. WeChat serves as a multipurpose platform, combining the features from various American social media apps such as Facebook, X, WhatsApp and Instagram, while also incorporating online banking functionalities. </p><p>During the 10 days spent in China, we encountered no more than half a dozen police officers in all the places we visited, including the capital city of Beijing, as well as Lhasa and Nyingchi in the Xizang autonomous region. </p><p>In Beijing, we saw a few uniformed officers directing traffic, while Lhasa and Nyingchi were peaceful and did not require a significant law enforcement presence – only security guards primarily monitoring entrances to buildings. </p><p>I must confess, before I went to Tibet, I was expecting thin monks who lived in suffering in isolated mountain sites. </p><p> </p><p>Instead, they were a jubilant bunch enjoying an urban environment that China created for them – a story for another day.</p><p>NOW READ: Liberation movements fighting for survival and new injustices</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics China Columns technology </p> China pedals ahead with innovation \| The Citizen	查看 4938	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:00:00 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226053	有图 <p> The veteran jockey will call it a day on Thursday. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Piere-Strydom-retirement.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Veteran jockey Piere Strydom will call it a day on Thursday. Picture: Wayne Marks</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Piere “Striker” Strydom has his last rides before retirement at the Vaal racecourse on Thursday. The great jockey will be keen to leave on a winning note – and a multitude of punters will be willing him on by backing the four horses he’ll partner.</p><p>His rides for the day are:</p><p>Race 3: Xenophon</p><p>Race 5: Nkwenkwezi</p><p>Race 8: After Hours</p><p>Race 9: Summer Winter</p><p>All four runners have winning chances, though none is the proverbial penalty kick.</p><p>The multiplier bet known variously as All To Come, Multi or Accumulator will be a popular choice among Strydom fans – with all four to win or, perhaps, a couple of them to place.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Farewell to Striker — Piere Strydom’s historic day on the banks of the Vaal </p> </p> </p><p>A Betway Multi with Xenophon to win at 2.20, Nkwenkwezi and After Hours to place at 1.45 each, and Summer Winter to win at 2.70 would yield 10.65.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>All four to win would deliver 104.30 for the R1 wager unit.</p><p>Three-year-old filly Xenophon is most tipsters’ fancy and warrants a straight Win bet at 2.30. But it’s worth noting that young rival Power Of Pearls (2.90) has been backed ante-post – despite returning from a six-month break, which followed a promising debut.</p><p>Nkwenkwezi (4.20) is well overdue a maiden win but bumps likely favourite Babette’s Feast (2.70). Exactas, Trifectas and Quartets with these two would be the wise way to go.</p><p>A similar strategy could apply in the case of Strydom’s penultimate ride. Veteran After Hours (4.00) always puts his best hoof forward but bumps up against juvenile stablemate Palace Prince (2.70), who is also in good form.</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Farewell to Striker — Piere Strydom’s historic day on the banks of the Vaal </p> </p> <p> <p> Brilliant racing at Glorious Goodwood </p> </p> </p><p>The lucky last for the six-time champion jockey is one-time winner Summer Winter (2.70). The promising filly gives weight to all of The Navy Lark, Global Thunder, Predatrice and Deal Maker.</p><p>Nonetheless, there’ll be many sentimental Win bets riding on her.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics horse racing news </p> Strike with Striker: Master jockey aims to go out with a bang at the Vaal \| The Citizen	查看 2775	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:11:11 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226052	有图 <p> Matlou said that the review process had placed increased pressure on local offices, and it was crucial for leadership to be accessible. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Themba-Matlou-Sassa-CEO-1200x800-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Themba Matlou Sassa CEO. Picture: Oratile Mashilo/ The Citizen </p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has mobilised its senior leadership to provide direct support to grant beneficiaries during the August payment cycle, particularly those affected by the ongoing review process.</p><p>In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sassa CEO Themba Matlou called on executives and senior managers across all nine regions to assist at local offices to ensure that no beneficiary is left unattended.</p><p>“We are intent on driving to assist all our clients to have their grants reviewed as seamlessly as possible so that no one leaves our offices without being assisted and being burdened with back and forth,” said Matlou.</p>On-the-ground leadership expected<p>Matlou emphasised that the review process had placed increased pressure on local offices, and it was crucial for leadership to be visible and accessible.</p><p>He said this hands-on approach would help speed up support services and reduce the burden on ordinary citizens waiting in long queues.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Sassa grants to be paid next week: Here’s when to collect your money </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ:Sassa grants: Here are the August payment dates and amounts</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“I have asked the executives and senior managers to be visible to clients, ensure that enquiries regarding the 4th payment date are addressed promptly and professionally,” Matlou said.</p>Safeguarding the system<p>The CEO described the grant reviews as essential to preserving the integrity of the system.</p><p>“They are the best tool to safeguard the government fiscus, thus ensuring that social grants are paid to the eligible beneficiaries while strengthening the integrity of the system and curbing fraudulent activities internally and externally,” he explained.</p><p>ALSO READ:Sassa delivers grants and IDs to Harding</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Sassa grants to be paid next week: Here’s when to collect your money </p> </p> <p> <p> Sassa confirms removal of its name from Ubuntu Life cards </p> </p> </p><p>While assuring that the majority of payments would proceed without hindrance, Matlou said the agency was determined not to allow operational lapses to impact vulnerable beneficiaries.</p><p>“The ongoing social grants reviews have put a spotlight on us as an organisation and tested our capacity to handle the inflow to our local offices,” he said.</p>Call for cooperation<p>Matlou urged all affected beneficiaries to cooperate and visit their nearest Sassa local offices with the necessary documents for their reviews and personal information updates. He stressed that beneficiaries should not be alarmed by the process.</p><p>Required documents include:</p><p> </p>A valid South African IDProof of income or unemploymentThree months’ bank statementsProof of residenceMarriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)Death certificates (if relevant)Any supporting documents based on the grant type<p>NOW READ: Sassa grants to be paid next week: Here’s when to collect your money</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Grants SASSA SRD grant South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) </p> Sassa CEO calls on senior officials to assist beneficiaries	查看 3780	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:20:20 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226051	有图 <p> The court noted the municipality had properly anticipated the need for a stay application from the outset of the review proceedings. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Zimbabwean-man-accusedof-raping-landlords-daughter-denied-bail-2.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Image: iStock </p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Ngqushwa Local Municipality has won permission in the Labour Court in Gqeberha to delay paying a fired employee R700 152 while it challenges the order in court.</p><p>Acting Judge Coen De Kock also approved the cash-strapped municipality’s request to provide only R150 000 as security instead of the standard 24-month remuneration requirement.</p><p>The municipality disagreed with an arbitration ruling that ordered it to rehire employee B Mangesi and pay him R700 152 in backpay.</p>Background of the dispute<p>The case centres on an arbitration award issued by the second respondent, Ntombekhaya Sesani, on 13 May 2025.</p><p>The award reinstated employee B Mangesi, represented by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), effective from 26 May 2025.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Hawks successfully oppose bail in case of a Pakistani national’s kidnapping </p> </p> </p><p>The municipality was ordered to pay R700 152 in backpay by 23 May 2025.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Ngqushwa Local Municipality filed for review of the award on 20 May 2025, well within the prescribed six-week period.</p><p>The municipality immediately flagged its intention to seek a stay of enforcement and permission to provide reduced security.</p><p>According to the judgment, the municipality was served with a certified award on 18 June 2025, enabling enforcement proceedings.</p><p>ALSO READ: Man sentenced to life for murder of KZN ward councillor</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Hawks successfully oppose bail in case of a Pakistani national’s kidnapping </p> </p> <p> <p> Swedish court jails four over killing of rapper C.Gambino </p> </p> </p><p>After filing a security bond of R150 000 on 19 June, the municipality’s attorneys requested an undertaking from the employee’s legal team that enforcement would not proceed.</p><p>When the seven-day deadline expired on 30 June without response, the employee’s attorney stated the municipality was “at liberty to approach the court on an urgent basis for appropriate relief.”</p>Court finds application urgent <p>De Kock ruled that the application was genuinely urgent given the timeline of events.</p><p>The court noted the municipality had properly anticipated the need for a stay application from the outset of the review proceedings.</p><p> </p><p>“The applicant’s actions in the way they anticipated the need to ask for a stay and the need to seek an exemption from the security to be furnished in terms of section 145 (8) are commended by this court,” De Kock stated.</p><p>ALSO READ: Ex-municipal manager linked to Magaqa’s killing remains behind bars, ANCYL responds</p><p>Additionally, the court emphasised that urgency was not self-created by the municipality.</p><p>De Kock found that urgency arose only when it became clear the employee would pursue enforcement despite the timely review application and provision of security, albeit at a reduced amount.</p><p> </p>Stay of enforcement granted<p>The court granted the stay application, finding no reason to refuse it given the municipality’s compliance with procedural requirements.</p><p>De Kock noted there was no indication that the review proceedings were brought to frustrate the enforcement of the award.</p><p>The court accepted that failure to grant the stay would severely prejudice the municipality.</p><p>Assets could be attached and sold potentially below market value, while the municipality’s ability to deliver services to residents would be impacted.</p><p> </p><p>“The applicant will suffer irreparable harm if the enforcement of the award is not stayed,” the judgment stated.</p><p>ALSO READ: Zuma and MK party case should’ve started in High Court, ConCourt hears [VIDEOS]</p><p>The court noted the municipality had conducted a thorough investigation into what security amount it could afford without affecting operations.</p><p>This distinguished the case from others where litigants arbitrarily decide on security amounts without justification.</p>Reduced security approved<p>De Kock exercised discretion under section 145(7) of the Labour Relations Act to accept the R150 000 security as sufficient.</p><p>The court found no reason to reject the municipality’s determination of what it could afford without interrupting constitutional and statutory obligations to provide municipal services.</p><p>The judgment referenced section 152(1)(b) of the constitution, which requires municipalities to provide services to communities.</p><p>The court was satisfied that the municipality has sufficient assets to comply with the award if the review application fails. It made no order as to costs.</p><p>READ NEXT: Cop and prosecutor get bail in R1.6 million extortion case</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics courts Gqeberha judgment labour court South African Municipal Workers" Union (SAMWU) </p> Labour court grants municipality stay of enforcement	查看 5474	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:32:32 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226050	有图 <p> No rain is expected, but frost is possible in parts of the province, says Saws. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/chilly-weather-1-1200x800-2.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>Picture: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>While the weather will be cold, Gauteng is set for a calm and settled start to the new month, offering residents a chance to enjoy clear winter skies without the disruption of rain.</p><p>According to the South African Weather Service (Saws), partly cloudy conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the country, with isolated showers. Otherwise, the weather is expected to be fine and cold to cool, but it will be warm in places in the north.</p><p>Saws forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said that while partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers are expected in some eastern parts of the country, Gauteng will remain dry throughout the weekend.</p><p>“It will be fine and cold over the southern areas of the province, but cool in places in the north.</p><p>“No precipitation is expected, with possible frost in places in the south in the morning,” said Thobela.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> MK party and Zuma suffer blow as ConCourt rules in Ramaphosa’s favour [VIDEO] </p> </p> </p>Pretoria forecast: Cold mornings, clear skies<p>Pretoria residents will wake up to cold mornings with temperatures dropping to 6°C on both Saturday and Sunday.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Clear skies are expected to persist throughout the day, with Saturday’s maximum temperature reaching 18°C and Sunday slightly warmer at 19°C.</p><p>ALSO READ: Weather alert: Strong winds in the three Capes</p><p>Humidity levels are expected to hover between 40% and 75% during the day, while wind speeds will remain light, peaking at 10km/h in the early hours of Saturday.</p><p>Winds will shift from easterly in the morning to south-westerly by the evening.</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> MK party and Zuma suffer blow as ConCourt rules in Ramaphosa’s favour [VIDEO] </p> </p> <p> <p> Vodacom scores ConCourt win over Please Call Me inventor Nkosana Makate </p> </p> </p><p>No rain is forecast for the capital city over the weekend.</p>Johannesburg: Cold but dry conditions to continue<p>Johannesburg will also see crisp conditions with no rainfall expected. Saturday morning will start off at a chilly 5°C, with daytime highs peaking at 16°C.</p><p>On Sunday, temperatures will range from 5°C in the morning to a mild 18°C in the afternoon.</p><p>Residents can expect mostly clear skies across both days, with humidity levels sitting around 60% on Sunday morning.</p><p> </p><p>Winds will remain gentle throughout the weekend, not exceeding 5km/h.</p><p>NOW READ:Snow alert: Weather service warns of cold and wet conditions</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Editor’s Choice Gauteng South African Weather Service (Saws) </p> Gauteng braces for a chilly, dry weekend with clear skies \| The Citizen	查看 3165	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:46:09 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226049	有图 <p> The council must find a solution to the tariff mess. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ekurhuleni-Tembisa-electricity-charge.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p> <p> <p>Ekurhuleni is not permitted to implement a different charge than what was approved by Nersa, unless it applies for a change in the approved rates, says an expert. Picture: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is expected to present a report to council on Thursday about the suspension of certain fixed charges for electricity. But the mess might be bigger than the city’s communications indicate.</p><p>Xhakazarecently suspendedthe fixed charge of R109.78 (excluding Vat) for specifically single-phase non-indigent households (A2 tariffs) following violent protest in Tembisa, where residents were furious about the charge.</p><p>This was already an 54% increase compared with the previous year.</p><p>The suspension was meant to:</p>Enable comprehensive, inclusive and orderly engagement with affected communities.Ensure that legitimate concerns raised by residents were systematically and effectively addressed.Mitigate the risk of recurrence of destructive and violent events such as those experienced in Tembisa during 2022.<p>In a press release issued on 22 July, Xhakaza explains at great length that Ekurhuleni is compelled by the energy regulator Nersa to levy fixed charges “aimed at ensuring adequate investment in infrastructure maintenance, long-term sustainability of electricity supply and equitable distribution of operational costs across all communities.”</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Thembisa protest turns violent: Ekurhuleni mayor calls urgent meeting as residents and police clash </p> </p> </p><p>He further emphasises that the charges are informed by a cost-of-supply (CoS) study.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Traffic delays after residents shut down Thembisa over electricity tariff hike [VIDEO]</p><p>What Xhakaza failed to admit, is that the only fixed charge Ekurhuleni could lawfully have implemented is much higher, at R142.51 and that these consumers are not the only ones who are lawfully required to pay considerably more than the amount implemented.</p><p>To complicate matters further, on 1 July Ekurhuleni implemented the higher tariffs Nersa approved. After a storm of protest from councillors who relied on the numbers they approved with the budget, the city “corrected its mistake” and reverted to the lower council-approved tariffs a day later.</p><p>The amounts in the budget, which are currently implemented, and those Ekurhuleni asked Nersa to approve, differ substantially regarding residential customers in terms of fixed charges as well as the unit cost.</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Thembisa protest turns violent: Ekurhuleni mayor calls urgent meeting as residents and police clash </p> </p> <p> <p> Traffic delays after residents shut down Thembisa over electricity tariff hike [VIDEO] </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni mayor to suspend electricity tariff hike after protests in Thembisa</p><p>Nersa approved exactly what Ekurhuleni applied for.</p><p>Schedule F – approved by council</p><p>A2 Residential – non-indigent</p><p> </p><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tembisa-Schedule-F.png" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript><p>Nersa approved:</p><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Nersa-approved-tariff.png" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript><p>Source: Nersa.org.za</p><p>A resident of Ekurhuleni with a single-phase connection that is on this tariff, currently pays R627 (excluding Vat) if he uses 200 kWh/m according to the council-approved tariffs, while the tariffs approved by Nersa would have resulted in a bill of R708.25 for the same amount of electricity.</p><p> </p><p>The difference is more than 12% for single-phase customers. Those with a three-phase connection using the same amount of electricity would see an even bigger difference of 15%.</p><p>That means Ekurhuleni added a considerable mark-up to the tariffs it consulted the public on and approved in council. Whether it was a mistake or a deliberate effort to mislead council and consumers about the extent of the increase, is not clear.</p><p>ALSO READ: Experts warn of unintended consequences of giving in to Thembisa demands</p><p>Moneyweb tried to engage the city about the matter, but was told by a spokesperson that the electricity tariffs are expected to be discussed in council on Thursday.</p><p> </p><p>Following Xhakaza’s statement that the tariffs are based on a CoS study, the question arises how the city then arrived at two different sets of tariffs and if the council-approved tariffs that he quoted are indeed cost-based, why it would submit higher tariffs to Nersa that would result in an over-recovery. Further, did Nersa interrogate how the city arrived at the numbers?</p><p>Electricity pricing expert Deon Conradie confirms that Ekurhuleni is not permitted to implement a different charge than was approved by Nersa, unless it goes back and applies for a change in the approved rates.</p><p>He is of the opinion that the council as implementor can decide not to implement the tariff charge and take the loss of income on the chin, or stop the implementation temporarily until they have received approval from Nersa to change the tariff.</p><p>How big that loss will be, is not clear at this stage. In the statement announcing the suspension, the city however states that the decision was taken after “assessment of potential risks.”</p><p>Several sources told Moneyweb they are trying to engage Nersa on the matter. Moneyweb sent questions to Nersa on 8 July, but has not received a response, despite several efforts to follow up on the enquiry.</p><p>Nersa for the first time this year published both the tariff applications it received from municipalities as well as the approved tariffs. Conradie advises consumers in all municipalities to check these tariffs against those approved by council to make sure there are no discrepancies.</p><p>This article was republished from Moneyweb. Readtheoriginal here.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Ekurhuleni metro electricity tariffs National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) </p> How Ekurhuleni under-charged Tembisa for electricity	查看 6856	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:50:32 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226048	有图 <p> The sister told the court during trial that she had forgiven her brother. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Northern-Cape-High-Court-murder-life-sentence-tik-crystal-meth.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p> <p> <p>Picture: iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>A 39-year-old man who killed his sister’s one-year-old child while under the influence of the drug tik (crystal meth) has avoided a life sentence.</p><p>The accused, referred to only as D.F., was recently sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberly.</p>Background<p>D.F. faced four charges of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), kidnapping, murder, and housebreaking with intent to commit a crime.</p><p>He had already spent approximately two years and four months in custody at the time of sentencing, awaiting the conclusion of his trial.</p><p>Although the judgment did not provide detailed facts about the incident, arrest, or trial proceedings, it confirmed that D.F., who was 34 at the time of the offence, underwent a 30-day psychiatric evaluation due to his history of drug addiction.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Vehicle used in brutal child murder forfeited to state </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Mother in custody after video of 3-year-old boy allegedly smoking drugs [VIDEO]</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>A psychiatric report concluded that the accused was mentally fit to stand trial, but had been so heavily intoxicated at the time of the offences that his ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions was negatively impacted. </p><p>As a result, the 39-year-old man was not convicted on the original charges, but rather under Section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act (CLAA), which applies to crimes committed while an individual is voluntarily intoxicated.</p>Correctional services report<p>A witness for the state, Ms Klaaste, a correctional services officer, had presented a report to the court during the trial, arguing against a non-custodial sentence under Section 276(1)(h) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).</p><p>She stressed the seriousness of D.F’s actions and the inadequacy of state-run rehabilitation services outside prison due to overcrowding and placement delays. </p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Vehicle used in brutal child murder forfeited to state </p> </p> <p> <p> Witbank church robbery and kidnapping ends in two arrests </p> </p> </p><p>Private facilities, she told the court, were too expensive and unaffordable for the accused.</p><p>READ MORE:Criminal record? These are the options for children bust with drugs</p><p>Klaaste testified that the Kimberley Correctional Centre had a full-time doctor and trained nursing staff with experience in managing mental health conditions. </p><p>This, she added, would enable D.F to take his prescribed medication consistently for his chronic drug-induced psychotic mood disorder and epilepsy. </p><p> </p><p>Such support was not available at the Hopetown Correctional Centre, which is closer to D.F’s home and family.</p>Northern Cape High Court sentencing<p>In delivering his judgment, Northern Cape High Court Judge Lawrence Lever considered the nature of the offences, the accused’s personal circumstances, and the broader interests of society. </p><p>D.F’s background included a Grade 11 education, casual work on a farm earning R1 200 every two weeks, and fatherhood to two children. </p><p>The judge also took into account the 39-year-old man’s time already served in custody and the fact that he committed the offences while in a drug-induced psychotic state.</p><p> </p><p>“Dr Kirimi described the accused as acting as if he were an automaton,” the judgment reads.</p><p>Lever also reflected on the testimony of D.F’s sister, who was both the victim of the assault and the mother of the deceased child. </p><p>READ MORE: Why isn’t it more difficult to do drugs in South Africa?</p><p>While acknowledging the deep impact of her child’s death, she told the court she had forgiven her brother. </p><p> </p><p>She also shared that she had suffered from drug addiction herself, starting before D.F., and that her brother had once tried to help her overcome it, which she ultimately did.</p><p>“Ms F seemed to understand her brother’s addiction. She also seemed to have a genuine desire to help him.</p><p>“It is clear from the evidence placed before this court prior to the conviction of the accused and during the sentencing process that abuse of the drug tik was central to this tragedy. That were it not for his addiction, this tragedy would not have happened,” Lever said.</p>Minimum sentence not applicable<p>Noting the seriousness of the murder and kidnapping, the judge concluded that the prescribed minimum sentences for serious offences, including life imprisonment under Section 51 of the CLAA, did not apply in this case.</p><p>Referring to a previous judgment, Lever said that although punishment must fit both the criminal and the crime, “it is appropriate to show the accused a measure of mercy” under the circumstances.</p><p>“The accused must also receive treatment to optimise his chances of rehabilitation and optimise the chances of preventing a similar tragedy in the future.”</p><p>Lever, therefore, imposed a custodial sentence, ordering that D.F serve his sentence at the Kimberley Correctional Centre.</p><p>The court handed down sentences for each conviction: five years for murder, three years for kidnapping, six months for assault, and three months for housebreaking, which will run concurrently.</p><p>As a result, D.F received an effective sentence of five years’ imprisonment, which includes the more than two years he has already served in custody during the trial process.</p><p>NOW READ: Drug-addicted mother who killed son and went to church gets 20 years</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics crystal meth drugs Editor’s Choice kidnapping Murder Northern Cape </p> Northern Cape man who killed sister's baby while high on tik escapes life sentence	查看 6350	《公民报》	2025-07-31 14:55:46 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226047	有图 <p> Turns out we are able to smell over a trillion different smells. That’s probably why it’s so easy to smell a rat in parliament. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/iStock-2160521335.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p> <p> <p>The human body: Even more incredible inside. Picture iStock</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Okay. So, forget about wokery and body positive, naked stares into the mirror for a moment. Your body is already perfect, designed as if it came straight from Silicon Valley’s best geniuses, and when nothing goes wrong, it works like clockwork. No reboots required.</p><p>And even though you may think you know your body, what happens underneath your skin is more than just what we know on the surface. It’s incredible, it’s delicate, and sometimes downright scary. Isaac Asimov’s science fiction has nothing on the mysteries of the human composition. </p>Your stomach lining gets replaced every three to four days<p>Did you know that if your body didn’t do this, it would end up digesting itself? It renews constantly, because stem cells are working away in the gastric depths of your body to keep your gut from becoming your next meal.</p><p>ALSO READ: South Africans living longer: Here’s the life expectancy rate in 2025</p>Your brain devours a fifth of all your energy<p>This has nothing to do with intellect but everything to do with keeping the machine going. Even though your brain weighs in at only two per cent of your total body weight, it burns up almost 20% of all available energy. Whether you’re thinking, dreaming at night or simply picking your nose, it all takes energy, and your brain is processing it.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> MK party and Zuma suffer blow as ConCourt rules in Ramaphosa’s favour [VIDEO] </p> </p> </p><p>Also Read: Here’s how you can use sex to heal</p><p> </p><p> </p>By weight, bones are stronger than steel<p>Gram for gram, your bones can take a better beating than a metal rod. Bone handles around 1195 kilogrammes per centimetre.And unlike steel, which must be welded with joints to fix, bones can also heal.</p>Livers are clean, but they self-respawn too<p>You can cut off three-quarters of your liver and share it with Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lecter. It will bounce back and regenerate itself. No other organ does this.</p>Like our pets, humans also shed<p>Actually, people lose about 30 000 to 40 000 skin cells a minute. It’s enough to fill thousands of snow globes. In a way, bits of you never leave the boardroom.</p>Your small intestine is about as long as a short bus<p>Can you believe that your small intestine is coiled, like a hosepipe, inside your body? Stretched out, it’s as long as a short bus, around six or seven metres.</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> MK party and Zuma suffer blow as ConCourt rules in Ramaphosa’s favour [VIDEO] </p> </p> <p> <p> Vodacom scores ConCourt win over Please Call Me inventor Nkosana Makate </p> </p> </p>Your nose can identify over a trillion smells<p>So maybe there is something to snooty wine tasters’ notes of lemongrass and teff in that expensive bottle of Chardonnay. Turns out we are able to smell more than a trillion different smells. That’s probably why it’s so easy to smell a rat in parliament.</p>You’re shorter in the afternoons<p>Thanks to gravity, your spinal discs decompress while you sleep, giving you up to a centimetre of bonus height when you wake up. Later in the day, you’re much, much shorter again.</p>Skeletons rebuild themselves every 10 years<p>Now, only if that meant wrinkles are ironed out every decade. Cosmetic brands would be out of business, and what would you do with that Botox appointment? But the human skeleton, your own skull and bones, rebuilds itself all the time. Old bones are broken down and replaced by fresh stock every ten years.</p>You don’t see your blinks<p>If only load shedding could be edited from our minds. We all blink around 20000 times a day, but we never see our own blackouts. That’s because our brains edit them out before our conscious minds even get to notice them. Imagine if this were possible with failing state-owned companies.</p><p> </p>Your heart beats are around 100 000 times a day<p>Imagine falling in love at this pace. Not even Casanova would be able to keep up. But it’s incredible for a muscle that’s the size of your fist. It packs a helluva punch.</p><p>*Please note that all facts were validated through referenced academic literature. Sources available on request.</p><p>Also Read: Why Gen Z fears phones</p><p> </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics body Editor’s Choice Health interest </p> 11 insane facts about your body \| The Citizen	查看 4919	《公民报》	2025-07-31 15:20:41 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word
3226046	有图 <p> "Yes, I understand he"s only done today"s session and yesterday, very little," said Arteta. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Viktor-Gyokeres-scaled.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p> <p> <p>Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres takes part in a training session at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Wednesday, ahead of a friendly exhibition football match against Tottenham Hotspur which will be played on Thursday. Photo: Peter PARKS / AFP)</p> </p> <p> <p> <i></i><p> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <i> </i> </p> </p> </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Viktor Gyokeres could make his Arsenal debut in the cauldron of a north London derby this week in front of 50,000 Hong Kong fans, manager Mikel Arteta said on Wednesday.</p><p>The $67 million Swedish striker came through an open training session at Kai Tak stadium, where Arsenal will take on Tottenham on Thursday in the bitter rivals’ first clash outside of the UK.</p><p>ALSO READ: Goalkeeper Trafford returns to Man City from Burnley</p><p>Gyokeres joined up with Arsenal on their Asia tour only three days ago, after signing from Sporting Lisbon, but will get some time on the pitch if the club medical team think he is ready, said Arteta.</p><p>He is playing fitness catch-up with his new teammates, though, who came through pre-season friendlies in Singapore last week against AC Milan and Newcastle.</p><p>“Yes, I understand he’s only done today’s session and yesterday, very little,” Arteta told reporters.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Arteta ready to smash Arsenal transfer budget to sign striker </p> </p> </p><p>“We’re going to assess tonight how he is, if the medical staff are happy as well with his condition to participate tomorrow night, it’s a possibility.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“With the rest of the squad, everybody is OK.”</p><p>The 27-year-old Gyokeres fired Sporting to the Portuguese championship last season with 39 goals and made global headlines when he netted a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.</p><p>The striker, who has chosen to wear the number 14 shirt made famous by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese side.</p><p>He has joined Arsenal on a five-year deal which could cost the north London club up to $89 million with performance-related add-ons.</p><p> </p><p> RELATED ARTICLES <p> <p> <p> Arteta ready to smash Arsenal transfer budget to sign striker </p> </p> <p> <p> Arteta wants Arsenal to use Liverpool guard of honour as title fuel </p> </p> </p><p>His arrival took Arsenal’s close-season spending to around $267 million.</p><p>They have also signed defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Christian Norgaard and forward Noni Madueke.</p><p>Arteta was clearly pleased at the business the club has carried out in the transfer window so far, as he seeks to be the first Arsenal manager to win the Premier League since Arsene Wenger in the 2003/04 season.</p><p>“I am extremely happy with the way that we have approached the window and how aggressive we’ve been,” said Arteta, who has finished runner-up in the Premier League for the past three seasons.</p><p> </p><p>Arsenal captain Martin Odegaardsaid he was excited to play with his fellow Scandinavian, Gyokeres, calling him “a very complete” player.</p><p>“I think you’ve all seen what he’s done in his career so far, especially the last season at Sporting, and the numbers speak for themselves,” Norwegian international Odegaard said.</p><p>ALSO READ: Portugal’s Joao Felix joins Ronaldo at Al Nassr in Saudi</p><p>“You know, he’s physical, strong, fast, good finisher and intelligent as well.</p><p>“So I think he’s a very complete striker,” said Odegaard.</p><p> </p><p>“Really excited to have him with the team. And he’s only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality and the energy and the willingness.”</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Arsenal F.C. Mikel Arteta Tottenham Hotspur F.C. (Spurs) </p> New Gunner Gyokeres could debut against Tottenham in Hong Kong	查看 4334	《公民报》	2025-07-31 15:22:05 2025-08-01 06:50:18	word

8895 1 356 Next»