Afrikaners Coming To America

 

Afrikaners are coming to America. The Trump administration has given them refugee status. This is one of many attempts to undermine South Africa. Only 59 Afrikaners arrived in May under the new resettlement program. These arrivals are not refugees nor are they victims of persecution. The African National Congress has never passed any legislation to attack the white minority in South Africa. The white farmers continue to hold prejudiced convictions and are part of the reason inequality still remains in South Africa. The reason the resettlement program exists is due to the influence of Elon Musk. Musk wants to promote Afrikaner nationalism and white supremacist racism. Giving white immigrants priority is a way to counter America's demographic shift. Simultaneously, the Trump administration wants to break the BRICS alliance. The special treatment for Afrikaners demonstrates America's hatred for non-white immigrants. The United States has not given asylum to Iraqis, Afghans, Libyans, Somalians, or Syrians. The US bombed all of these countries and created a refugee crisis that effects Europe, Africa, and Asia. South Africa was too lenient on the Afrikaners. The ANC chose reconciliation, while Zimbabwe reclaimed the land that was stolen. The Apartheid regime is gone, but remanence of the structure still remains. It might be time for South Africa to consider expulsion of the Afrikaner population, if further offenses continue. Welcoming Afrikaners to America only further damages diplomatic relations. Considering that both the United States of America and Apartheid South Africa were born out of settler colonialism these developments make sense in a political context. The Afrikaners coming to America are going to be disappointed. They are moving to a country being more racially diverse. Their numbers are not enough to alter America's demographic changes.    

Ukraine Seeks Diplomatic Ties With South Africa

President Volodymyr Zelensky came to South Africa to strengthen diplomatic ties. The conversations with South African Cyril Ramaphosa ranged from trade and the situation in Eastern  Europe. The trip was cut short by news of bombings of the Ukrainian  capital of  Kyiv. The visit was really not about bilateral relations. It was President Zelensky's attempt to undermine Russia's diplomatic status with South Africa. The BRICS members do not favor sanctions  on Russia or the growing anti-Russian sentiment within the European Union. Attempts have been made for peace settlements or possible ceasefire. All have been rejected. South Africa hosting the Ukrainian president seems odd considering the past treatment of Africans residing in Ukraine. African students faced discriminatory treatment when fleeing Ukraine in 2022. Africans in Ukraine constantly face forms of prejudice and discrimination. Ukrainian forces are active in parts of Africa according to some reports. Ukraine has sent special forces to Sudan and Mali. The reason Ukraine did this was to undermine the Wagner Group and Russia diplomatic missions in Africa. These instances of interference demonstrate that Ukraine is not an ally of African nations. The 2023 African Union peace delegation to Ukraine was rebuffed and subject to harsh treatment. President Zelensky was demanding that European countries continue to support the war effort. Seeing as arms  are  dissipating Ukraine is looking elsewhere. South Africa is under no obligation to help Ukraine or any other European state. After the 2023 AU peace deal proposal, it is obvious Ukraine does not value African council. The Russia-Ukraine War does work to the benefit of Africa. If the European Union keeps funding the conflict it will weaken the UK, France, and Germany. This means Europe will no longer be able to militarily intervene in Africa. Chances of Ukrainian victory are narrow and South Africa has little to gain from a war torn nation.  

 

The Expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool and South Africa's Response

 

South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the United States. The reasons for the expulsion are motivated by economics, the intolerance of the Trump administration, and an attempt to undermine BRICS. There is speculation that Elon Musk is having indirect influence over US policy regarding South Africa. Musk an Afrikaner benefited from the Apartheid regime. The Trump administration has also offered white South Africans to come to America. These proposals are a projection of white nationalist sentiment. The attacks on South Africa are also intended to dissolve the BRICS alliance. Prior to the diplomatic dispute, President Donald Trump warned various nations about abandoning the US dollar. The emergent economies are going to see growth and this shifts the geopolitical power balance. The blatant racism was apparent seeing as it is rare this happens to a senior official. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was told he was no longer welcomed in the United States. When Rasool returned he was embraced by the South African Communist Party, ANC, and the South African public. The unprofessional conduct and discriminatory actions of the United States may have created more unity among South Africans. The government's response needs to be more forceful. Removal of US diplomats would be a proportional measure. If more criticisms about land reform come from the Trump administration, the ending of diplomatic ties should be considered. President Cyril Ramaphosa does have options, but if he does not act it will only harm South Africa's standing. Closing the embassy in the United States or imposing tariffs on American products are the more harsh  measures. South Africa could just request the US ambassador to leave. Regardless of what measure is taken, the expulsion of an ambassador for no reason demands retaliation.  

South Africa Repeals Expropriation Act 63 of 1975

 

South Africa is engaging in a new policy of land reform. The repeal of the Expropriation Act 63 of 1975 represents an effort to eliminate the remains of the Apartheid regime. Land distribution was made unequal by racist laws and practices from 1948 to 1994. The majority of South Africans want to see land distribution. White farmers in the past exploited land and labor, while the black majority was impoverished. The repeal of the Expropriation Act 63 of 1975 is constitutional. A concern about property rights have been discussed by those who oppose reforms. The land was stolen by the Afrikaners and similar to Zimbabwe many were displaced. The expropriation of land under the new law is not to enrich or displace populations. It is giving justice to those who were under colonial rule and racial segregation. The debate over compensation will be contentious. The South African Constitution and courts have to determine if compensation is to be given. Section 12 explains the conditions for transactions. Some object to this on the basis of the basis of the oppression that was inflicted by the white minority ruled regime. Afrikaners continue to benefit from past violence and discriminatory practices of the past. Repeal old laws and new legislation might not be enough. The ANC must embark on wider economic empowerment programs. Strengthening the rand and expanding trade across Africa ensures a better future. Land reform and distribution is the first step to South Africa's economic improvement. 

The 2024 BRICS Summit

 

BRICS met for its sixteenth summit in 2024. It was hosted in Kazan, Russia. BRICS is expanding with more nations seeking to join. The challenge is that there are some tensions between some members. Venezuela and Brazil are experiencing a decline in diplomatic  relations. Brazil vetoed Venezuela's entry into BRICS. President Lula Da Silva questioned Venezuela's election results and appears to be drifting further away from President Nicolas Maduro. China and India do have border disputes. The atmosphere was different. Global South nations are asserting their economic independence. Since 2009 BRICS was an informal association of emerging economies in Asia, South America, and Africa. Since then it has become an important factor in the world economy. Attempts made by NATO to isolate Russia internationally were not successful. Seeing as the Russian Federation faces hostility from the European Union, diplomatic ties are sought elsewhere. A growing movement has emerged for creating a new currency and replacing the dollar. African and Asian nations are going to be a great force in the 21st century. Natural resources and a new currency are methods of challenging the dominance of EU countries. More members can be an advantage, but it brings complications. Argentina was set to join, yet reversed it decision. The reason was the country elected a right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei. Saudi Arabia has not taken the offer to become a member. Being a member of BRICS remaining western aligned would be difficult. Most EU countries and the United States see BRICS as an adversary. BRICS could also shield against sanctions unfairly placed on countries from Europe and North America. The 2024 BRICS summit marks an important geopolitical shift.   

Nelson Mandela Speaks of Tolerance (2006)

 

Nelson Mandela gave a PSA message that was broadcast on CBS. The subject of the short PSA was discussing tolerance. No one is born as Mandela stated hating other based on their race, religion, or background. Hatred is learned, but tolerance can be taught as Mandela expressed. Humanity can have the capcity to love and do right Mandela asserted. The former president and freedom fighter dedicated his life to fighting the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Two years after this message South Africa had an outbreak of xenophobic violence in 2008. South Africa continues to grapple with racism and inequality. The Boer ownership of farms continues to represent the long legacy of colonial oppression. South Africa has not become the rainbow nation that Nelson Mandela envisioned. A new way of  political thought needs to be promoted that encourages Pan-African ideas. There needs to be more than just tolerance; there must be acceptance of various groups. It will take time for South Africa to reach a point of tolerance. 

The Increase of Protests Across Africa

 

The African continent is seeing a wave of public discord. A number of demonstrations have occurred related to the cost of living and low wages. This is another example of how IMF and World Bank policies have never been helpful to African nations. What induced this new wave of protests was the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. The pandemic did not just cause devastation to public health; the economy suffered. Business closed, unemployment increased, and inflation put a strain on the public. South Africa and Morocco saw the most protests in the five year span. The frustration has gotten so intense it has escalated into riots. The data reveals a total of  5,039 demonstrations related to economic inequality. Most of the protests were peaceful, but it was recorded that 13% erupted in violence. Food security is directly linked to some of the protests. Inflation directly effects food prices, which becomes a dire concern. Sudan's protests have multiple causes related to the military government , civil war, and authoritarian oppression. Tunisia's economy has not recovered from the rule of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Nigeria squanders its oil wealth and the DRC is fighting another M23 rebel insurrection. Africa is rich in resources, but corrupt governments and foreign interventions are undermining economic development. Algeria, Uganda, and Kenya also share the same issue of a cost of living crisis. This is not unique to Africa. The cost of living crisis is spreading. Africa is just experiencing it earlier. The ramifications of a cost of living crisis means political  instability.   

South Africa's International Court of Justice Case Against Israel

 

South Africa has filed an International Court of Justice case against Israel. The Israel-Gaza War has been seen by most African states as an extension of settler colonialism. What South Africa argues is that Israel is engaging in a genocide in Gaza. Israel denies that it is committing atrocities, but reports are showing growing numbers of civilian deaths. Hamas does not have the ability to defeat Israel or depose its government. What is happening is deportation and murder of the population of Gaza. Arab states have not done much to stop Israel's aggression. The Gulf monarchies are aligned with the West so their inaction is expected. Syria cannot effectively fight considering it has not won the civil war. Subject to bombings by Israel, Syria would need to be unified again to be formidable. Iran , the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah are the only forces capable of stopping Israeli expansion. Arab states could have easily done what South Africa did. If Egypt does the same, it might convince others to follow. South Africa's ICJ case has another motivation. Israel was an ally of Apartheid South Africa. The Apartheid regime and Israel had economic agreements. They were doing weapons exchanges and expanding the arms industry . Both countries were also exchanging nuclear weapons technology. Under Apartheid, Jews were deemed white and were not subject to the same restrictions as the black population. Israel in public condemned the Apartheid regime in the 1950s and 1960s. The reality was that it was collaborating with it and was only making statements to not endanger relations with newly independent African  states. The shift came with the Yom Kippur War when most African states developed a more negative view of Israel. The conquest and theft of land reminded many leaders of their anti-colonial struggles. The embrace of Prime Minister John Vorster by Israel demonstrated the country had no respect for human rights. The ICJ case is punishment for the past relationship with the Apartheid regime. South Africans experienced apartheid and there is no desire to see it emerge in another part of the world. This is why South Africa will side with the Palestinian cause. 

A Major Goal of The New Development Bank

 

The New Development Bank has outlined major objectives in the coming years. The focus will be on Africa. The NDB founded by BRICS wants to see changes in the global economy. The New Development Bank will finance infrastructure and digital projects. Investments will also be made in education. Such a policy makes sense considering the jobs of the future will require more skills and knowledge. A fourth industrial revolution is coming and the Global South should not be left behind. The African continent has large amounts of natural resources. This means it is a significant force in the world market. NDB President Dilma Rousseff  noted that direct foreign investment in Africa went from 4.9% in 2010 to 8.8 % in 2021. Rousseff described African nations as  quality partners. The challenges that remain are related to expanding payment mechanisms Rousseff added. Cooperation, stability of the continent, and banking procedures remain persistent obstacles. Economic growth is not slowing down in Africa. The result of this is that the New Development Bank's importance will be elevated. 

More Countries Want To Join BRICS

 

BRICS might be getting more members. A total of 30 countries are attempting to be part of the economic alliance. The development represents that the Global South is becoming more united in relation to economic matters. The details of which countries will get membership have not been disclosed. Much of the information related to possible members was from South African BRICS ambassador Anil Sookal. The countries that want to be part of the alliance include Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, the UAE, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. The controversial additions would the Gulf monarchies and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates tend to be in alignment with Europe and North America. Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban regime and tends to isolate itself from the wider world. Pakistan has serious tensions with India and Sudan has fallen into civil war. Countries that are unstable, have disputes with other members, or are too close to the West might bring complications to the economic alliance. The challenges could be negated by one currency among members and a series of diplomatic agreements. Many nations want to move away from the US dollar and challenge the US-EU led global economy. The addition of new members also the world is heading to a multipolar power system. At some point the world will not be influenced by a sole superpower. Developing countries could most likely benefit more from BRICS. The IMF and World Bank have failed to produced programs that create economic stability or industrialization. Leaders of BRICS will meet in Johannesburg , South Africa to discuss bring more countries into the alliance, trade, currency, and concerns related to the global economy.    

African Leaders Are Proposing A Peace Plan To The Russia-Ukraine War

 

African leaders have grown concerned about the war in Ukraine. Now, an effort is being made to formulate a plan for peace with South Africa taking leading the mission. African leaders will head to both Moscow and Kiev. President Cyril Ramaphosa has made phone calls to both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky. There remains doubts about success. The attempt should be praised, considering the European Union has done little. The peace mission demonstrates that African nations are becoming more influential on the international stage. Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Uganda, and Egypt are expected to have their heads of state attend the peace mission. President Hakainde Hichilema ( Zambia ) ,  President Dennis Sassou Nguesso (the Republic of the Congo ), President Macky Sall ( Senegal) ,  President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and President  Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are expected to make their arguments for peace. Many attending are longtime leaders, with the exception of President Hichilema who has been head of state since 2021. Other African leaders cannot attend due to internal matters. Sudan and Ethiopia are dealing with both ethnic conflict and civil war. The DRC grapples with an insurgency. Having more countries in the delegation could be helpful. Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Zimbabwe, or Namibia could have joined the peace mission. The African peace mission should be deemed a positive development in European affairs. Peace will never come as long as NATO expands and the arms industry profits from the Russia-Ukraine War. The US, UK, France, and Germany want to see the conflict extended. South Africa was accused of sending weapons to Russia, but there remains to be evidence of such a transaction. It is clear that some European leaders want the peace mission to fail, for a number of reasons. Preserving the arms trade and dismantling Russia are objectives of those who want the war to escalate. What happens next depends on the terms prosed in a peace settlement.   

BRICS Is Developing A New Currency

 

BRICS has been planning on developing a new currency. This development indicates that the world might be shifting away from the US dollar. The motivations of some members of the emerging economies do vary. China seeks to be more competitive in the global market. Russia wants more economic connections in Asia and Africa seeing as relations in Europe are in decline. India wants to expand economic growth. Brazil has a desire to unlock more business opportunities. South Africa has been exploring ways to combat economic inequality. The motivations to move away from the US dollar differ among BRICS members. One currency among members of emergent economics could be useful. There markets would not be so dependent on the US or Europe. Tensions between members could cause such a project to be stalled. India and China have had border disputes. All members do not agree about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. If the currency is successful, questions remain about the chance of more countries becoming members. The global financial system is headed for a drastic change. Multipolarity will not just effect international affairs, but also the world economy. The name proposed for this new currency would be called the R5. Doing this could mean that sanctions could no longer harm Global South nations. It is not certain if the R5 would protect nations from a global financial collapse. The Global South appears to be asserting a type of economic independence. The measure of success depends on how economically secure citizens are and if the currency maintains a high value.  

South Africa Pledges Its Support To The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic

 

South Africa will continue to support the  Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. The Western Saharawi has been struggling to get its independence from Morocco since 1975. Algeria has also maintained close involvement with the Saharawi Arab Republic. Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Brahim Ghali discussed  bilateral relations. The growing concern is the abuse of the Moroccan government of the Saharawi people. South Africa expressed its desire to have the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara extended. A major shift in African politics is happening. The events of the Arab Spring , terrorism in West Africa, and foreign interventions has made South Africa recalculate its diplomatic relations. The Polisario Front emerged when both Morocco and Mauritania invaded the territory. Prior to this, it was a Spanish colony. Morocco was under French control. The Polisario Front was able to expel Mauritania, but the war with Morocco continued. A UN ceasefire was established in 1991 and a referendum  on independence was suppose to take place. Years passed and this never came to fruition. The ceasefire collapsed in 2020. Nations began reversing their support for the Polisario Front. Spain did this due to the fact it was a source of contention with Morocco. The African Union recognizes the  the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. Reports of violence by Morocco in the Western Sahara will alienate the kingdom. This will also ham relations with South Africa and other African states. King Mohammed VI has moved the Moroccan kingdom closer to Israel and the West. The reason for this change was fears of another Arab Spring. Foreign support would ensure the monarchy's survival. The actions from 2020 to present make it impossible for South Africa to cordial relations with Morocco. South Africa will in the coming years become closer to the SADR.  

Queen Elizabeth And The Imperial Legacy

 

Queen Elizabeth has passed away. She had been a fixture of the United Kingdom for half a century. While the press in both the US and UK praise the longtime Queen, they  ignore the sordid imperial legacy during the last years of the British Empire. Although a constitutional monarchy, it virtually ruled over Hong Kong, Jamaica, and India. The British Empire was not willing to grant independence to the African and Asian colonies after World War II. Wars had to be fought for the cause of national liberation. Queen Elizabeth put a more tolerable image of empire, when it was not longer acceptable as a political entity. Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, and Yemen people took up arms to fight the British. The Anglo-Jewish War brought an end to the British mandate in Palestine. White settlers refused to acknowledge that times had changed. The exact amount of causalities from the anti-colonial wars may never be known. While there is no evidence that the Queen was directly involved in abuses, she was complicit in them. The stance against South Africa was only taken by Queen Elizabeth when more African states gained independence in the 1960s. Rhodesia was an issue even before the Universal Declaration of Independence. She headed the Commonwealth which was designed to maintain British influence in the former colonies. It was and continues to be more paternalistic and condescending rather than a partnership of equals. Over the past five decades a  public relations campaign was designed  to make he seem like a humanitarian figure. The attempts to sanitize the history of violence by the British Empire has come under new scrutiny. It was reported 10 years ago thousands of documents related to abuses in the colonies were destroyed. Those documents related to colonial abuses remain in the Foreign Office archive. Queen Elizabeth was more so a symbol for those who believed in the myth of benevolent empire. The history exposes how nostalgia distorts  the public's understanding of events. The British Empire has a different meaning to African and Asian peoples. The negative effects are still resonating in global affairs.       

Desmond Tutu Wins The Nobel Prize (1984)

 

Desmond Tutu( 1931-2021)  was a priest, theologian, and anti-apartheid activist. He was one of the figures leading the fight against white minority rule. His efforts got him recognition and in 1984 he won the Nobel Prize. Tutu was criticized for taking a stance that was based on non-violent resistance . The Apartheid regime was inflicting serious harm to the black population with torture and police brutality. Peaceful methods would not be effective against a government based on violence. Tutu was interviewed by Dan Rather in this news report. Desmond Tutu explained South Africans were frustrated with the policy of constructive engagement. The policy really was a means of protecting the regime from international criticism. By 1994 the regime was defeated not by violent means, but through a democratic election. Tutu continued to remain active and also criticized the ANC for failing to adhere to its political promises . 

F.W. de Klerk's Last Public Statement (2021)

 F.W. de Klerk (1936-2021) released a  public statement before his death. The last president of Apartheid South Africa made an apology for the damage the system caused to the African, Colored, and Indian population.The question remains why this was not done earlier. Guilt could have been the motivation. The regime killed and abused the black majority in order to preserve the political and economic dominance of whites. The National Party continued to be active even with the end of the Apartheid regime in 1994. The party would dissolve in 1997. It then formed into the New National Party in attempt to improve its image. Klerk won a Nobel Prize, which he shared with Nelson Mandela. Although seen as a peaceful mediator , he did not confront the numerous human rights abuses by the security services  during his presidency. The public statement he released expresses the need to uphold the constitution and maintain the independence of the judiciary. The need for job creation and economic empowerment is critical to South Africa's future. F.W. de Klerk discussion on the rule of law seemed contradictory. He presided over a regime that did not acknowledge it and was not happy that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed to investigate abuses. F.W. de Klerk will remain a controversial figure in South African history.       

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest Occur After Former South African President Jacob Zuma Is Jailed

 

President Jacob Zuma has been jailed. The accusations of corruption brought criminal charges. The aftermath was that demonstrations broke out from the verdict. An appeal was denied was denied by the high court. Currently, demonstrations are being held in various cities and townships. The military has been deployed to deal with the violence and reported looting in the country. His support among the rural poor is strong and Zuma does retain loyal followers. President Zuma was a dominant force in South African politics. He was charged wit contempt of court for refusing to appear to answer questions about corruption during his administration from 2009 to 2018. The reason Zuma has support is that he was willing to programs of economic distribution . This is very popular among South Africans who experience the harsh conditions of economic inequality. The apartheid regime impoverished the black majority and the ANC has failed to reverse the damage of the past. President Jacob Zuma promised a change that was refreshing to young voters living in poverty. The reason supports still follow him was that he was actually trying to improve the conditions of South Africa. Despite charges related to money laundering, arms deals, and contempt of court many think this has a political motivation. The imprisonment of former Jacob Zuma will only divide the country more.