South Africa provokes Taiwan, and Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala house hit twice
·18 Oct 2024
Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:
- Tensions rise with Taiwan: The South African government is provoking a conflict with Taiwan by demanding the relocation of its office from Pretoria, which is reportedly under pressure from China. In response, Taiwan is threatening to suspend educational exchanges, tighten visa requirements for South Africans, and request that South Africa move its office from Taipei, according to Taiwanese media. [Daily Maverick]
- Eight arrested in spaza shop looting: Eight people have been arrested in Sharpeville and Boipatong in connection with recent violence and looting. Among them, three foreign nationals were caught with illegal firearms. Meanwhile, police are continuing their search for those responsible for the murder of a tuck shop owner on Wednesday. [eNCA]
- Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala house hit: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s house at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo was hit for a second time, with burglars breaking in only months after the burglary of February 2020 in which millions of rand in dollars were stolen. [News 24]
- SA reach Women’s T20 World Cup final: Anneke Bosch led South Africa to the Women’s T20 World Cup final with an impressive 74 not out, helping them defeat Australia by eight wickets in Dubai. Chasing 135 runs, South Africa reached their target with 16 balls to spare. Bosch’s innings included eight fours and a six, while skipper Laura Wolvaardt added 42. They will face either the West Indies or New Zealand in the final on Sunday. [EWN]
- Markets: The South African rand weakened on Thursday, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar after U.S. retail sales data exceeded expectations, highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy. On Friday (18 October), the rand was trading at R17.62 to the dollar, R22.95 to the pound, and R19.11 to the euro. Oil is trading at $74.70 a barrel. [Reuters]
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