On May 21, 2025, the US government met with SA’s presidency to discuss key issues that threaten SA and the USA’s longstanding alliance.
This follows the first group of Afrikaner refugees being granted asylum in the USA under the executive order by President Trump.
False claims of white genocide and persecution continue to threaten the stability of social and political relations.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump publicly addressed accusations of white genocide in South Africa, highlighting the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 as proof of these claims. Trump followed this up by issuing an executive order granting Afrikaners refugee status in the U.S.A. Three months later, the first group of refugees departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport on Sunday, May 11.
AfriForum’s media manager, Ilze Nieuwoudt said: “AfriForum is not involved in the resettlement programme of the refugees but has been involved in the debate as it has developed over the past few months.”
The highly anticipated meeting happened on May 21 at the White House. Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni. Interestingly, the entourage also included golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and billionaire Johaan Rupert.
During the meeting, Ramaphosa expressed “joy” and said he wanted to “reset the relationship between the United States and South Africa” due to the longstanding alliance.
Trump’s attempt to corner Ramaphosa and his delegates by playing video clips of Julius Malema singing the controversial, ‘Kill The Boer’ (an Apartheid-era struggle song) at an EFF rally was unsuccessful. Another clip included former president, Jacob Zuma singing ‘Dubula iBhunu’ (Shoot the Boer) at an ANC rally.
South African Research Chair in Mobility & the Politics of Difference in the African Centre of Migration and Society at Wits University, Dr. Loren B. Landau, said that by any standards, white Afrikaners do not face persecution.
“Individuals may face discrimination or threats, but if you look at landownership, employment, government leadership, and business, Afrikaners are overrepresented.”
Echoing Landau’s statements, Director of Wits University’s Centre for Diversity Studies, Professor Nicky Falkof, highlighted that legitimate refugees are still being excluded while privileged white Afrikaner refugees get the “red carpet treatment” from the U.S.A.
“The less airtime we give to these ridiculous, self-serving, hysterical, sensationalist far-right mythologies, the better,” Falkof asserted.
Worried of the risks and the potential fallout, Falkof warns that racial violence could be on the horizon, with retaliation from armed local far-right groups looming due to the current misinformation crisis that is radicalising their political stances and ideologies.
Ramaphosa addressed Trump’s misinformed claims as false and urged that Trump listen to South African voices, including those of his white friends in the room.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note. Ramaphosa said that he still expects the U.S. to remain a key ally, especially with the upcoming G20 summit in November 2025.
FEATURED IMAGE: Digital artwork showing the flags of South Africa and the United States of America, with side-by-side portraits of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump while a fire rages beneath them. Graphic: Katlego Makhutle
Sinners is a genre-defying film that follows twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, as they return to their hometown to open a jazz club for their neighbourhood – with terrifyingly unexpected consequences.
Sinners is a supernatural horror epic that will surely leave viewers hooked and inspired
Ryan Coogler makes history by retaining creative control and getting the box office first-dollar gross
The film seamlessly blends music and horror with rich African American culture
Set in the 1930s in Mississippi, the opening night of the club unwittingly summons bloodthirsty vampires, leading to an epic final battle that sees the film take on an unnerving and damning climax. While Sinners incorporates musical and horror elements with American gothic fantasy, director, Ryan Coogler is keen to highlight that the film transcends typical genre boundaries.
By setting the story in the racist deep south of the United States, Coogler creates a narrative that is both chilling and thought-provoking. He flips the white saviour complex on its head through the film’s main vampire and antagonist, Remmick. Smoke is a noble protagonist & Michael B. Jordan did an amazing job playing the twins – with Stack being a terrific and nuanced villain.
The film’s scene stealer is Wunmi Mosaku. Her arresting performance as a hoodoo practitioner and Smoke’s wife, Annie, brings a quiet grace that warms the big screen. The chemistry between Smoke and Annie is palpable and their relationship really anchored the storyline’s emotional pull.
Sinners isn’t just a bold cinematic vision – it also stands as a landmark in filmmaker autonomy. In a rare deal with Warner Bros., Coogler secured first-dollar gross, meaning he earns from the film’s very first ticket sale, a privilege usually reserved for box office royalty. He also retained final cut rights, giving him full creative control over the film’s edit.
Most strikingly, he negotiated a reverse of ownership after 25 years, allowing the film’s rights to revert fully to him-which is nearly unheard of in Hollywood and reflects a growing shift toward creator-led power in studio filmmaking. The film’s cinematographer, Autumn Durald Arkapow, previously worked on Black Panther with Coogler. Coogler says “This cast reminds me of the Panther films, but in a way it’s maybe more exciting in that when audiences watch this…” noting that the cast built a community during filming much like the Black Panther cast.
Sinners is a love letter to the art of filmmaking and music. Collaborating closely with iconic composer Raphael Saadiq, Coogler ensures that the film’s music and score is integral to its storytelling. The fusion of blues and jazz music through Miles Caton’s character, Sammie, serves as a conduit for understanding the complexities of Black religious identity while navigating an artistic calling in music.
Sammie, a cousin of the twins, was the best character and Caton’s complex performance is arguably the strongest. It was heartfelt, relatable and his richly husky singing voice fills the entire cinema. I absolutely loved the immersive cinematography and sound production; it was crisp and spectacular! The awe-inspiring montage showing the different eras and cultures of Black music was an enthralling choice to include. It was beautiful, but felt out of place in the storyline’s progression and it took me out of the movie for a second – which isn’t something I always like when I’m tuning in.
Overall, the film is jarring and nuanced but in a captivating way that will surely inspire dialogue amongst viewers. A definite must-watch for anyone who enjoys a solid & well-written movie.
Vuvu Rating: 9.5/10
FEATURED IMAGE: Sinners Theatrical Poster Release Photo: Supplied/Wikipedia
Dr. Malose Langa’s book has gained critical acclaim for bringing a focus and care to an often-neglected group in society.
Professor Malose Langa’s book highlights the importance of healing and intervention for young black men
Dr. Langa’s work is critical for understanding collective violence and masculinity in post-apartheid South Africa
Safe spaces can be established once we give grace to young men in society and acknowledge all expressions of masculinity
Toxic masculinity, patriarchy and hypermasculinity are some of the popularised phrases that have come to dominate discourse on violence and manhood in South Africa.
The Wits Division of Student Affairs held a Postgraduate Book Club first meeting in April, at Senate Room-East Campus hosted the book Becoming Men: Black Masculinities in a South African Township, authored by Wits academic & Professor of Psychology Dr. Malose Langa.
The book follows thirty-two boys from adolescence into early adulthood, capturing their evolving identities and masculinities amid the pressures of absent fathers, peer pressure, and systemic poverty as they grow up in Alexandra, one of Johannesburg’s most complex and crime-ridden townships.
In the aftermath of the robust discussion at the book club, Wits Vuvuzela looks at the man behind the engaging book.
Dr. Langa has nearly twenty years of experience as a private practice psychologist with a background in psycho-legal work, leveraging his LLB in his research of masculinity, collective violence and abuse. Langa is a board member of Gun Free South Africa and has authored research reports about the Marikana Massacre and the Community Work Programme (CWP) for the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR).
Additionally, Langa contributes to various academic and media platforms, including The Conversation and Bhekisisa and, he is an associate researcher at the Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP). Listen to Langa discuss some of the insights he learned during his study for the book:
Video: Katlego Makhutle
His research focuses on risky behaviours in youth, collective trauma, and developing black masculinities in post-apartheid South Africa. Langa has co-authored The Smoke That Calls, a research report analyzing collective violence and protests in post-apartheid South Africa. Langa has recently been appointed as the lead researcher for a concept paper on positive masculinities for the upcoming G20 Summit 2025, hosted in Johannesburg.
In response to a question about his career highlights, Dr. Langa expresses gratitude over watching the boys choose better life paths, despite their circumstances, noting his pride in wearing a suit designed by one of the boys during an inaugural lecture.
The Sunday Times CNA Literary Award for Non-Fiction winner for 2021 notes that the messages society gives young boys in their early development often shapes large portions of their identities. Langa’s approach is both analytical and compassionate, using psychoanalytic insights to reveal how young men grapple with conflicting models of manhood by often embracing negative behaviours like aggression and risk-taking, while also yearning for gentler, more emotionally intelligent alternatives.
Langa’s work is a critical resource in understanding the complexities of black male youth in South African townships and beyond. His best-selling book is a greater call to action for creating spaces where young men can redefine what it means to be a man.
Dr. Langa briefly describes his experience working with the boys & shares some words of wisdom. Video: Katlego Makhutle
FEATURED IMAGE: Dr. Malose Langa at Wits University’s Postgraduate Book Club – Senate Room Photo: Katlego Makhutle
TikTok’s Creator Rewards programme has yet to be implemented in African countries, and South African are looking to government for help.
Minister Solly Malatsi advocated for the monetization of TikTok at The Safer Internet Summit held in Cape Town
TikTok needs to improve its monetization features for content creators in South Africa and on the continent
TikTok has committed to further engagements with the Minister
TikTok has faced increasing pressure from its African users for monetization and expand its outreach programmes to African countries. TikTok has 17.6-million users in South Africa (SA), with most of them unable to get monetized through the Creator Rewards programme.
Despite SA having more users, countries such as South Korea and Chile enjoy access to the Creator Reward Programme, enabling their creators to sustain themselves through their content creation
At the Safer Internet Summit, Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, made a call to action for TikTok to implement monetization tools for all African users. The TikTok-sponsored summit gathered political leaders, digital media consultants, & experts to discuss online safety and policies.
Carmen Ramsay (22), a Political Science graduate from the University of Pretoria, said that she left the app due to feeling demotivated from creating lifestyle content that she wasn’t making enough money from.
“We are all in the same market but it’s actually harder for us…we spend so much more effort, money & time into actually creating content that can compete with international level content creators,” she said.
Siphesihle Ntombela (24), a Bachelor of Education graduate at Wits University, stated that content creators should focus more on creating profitable spaces for their content and audiences. Ntombela is weary of government intervention, stating: “If the government is involved, I think content creators would have to register with government organisations and have contracts.”
Content creator, Brendan Roberts, has been advocating for this programme to be implemented and has been working to ensure that users understand that this would not be the case. The fund would simply make it possible for creators to generate income from videos that go viral and have high engagement numbers.
Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Business Administration student Lesego Makinita (24), popularly known as @lesegothebrand on TikTok, argued that the app helps people make ends meet. People such as teachers use the app to connect with their students & to make extra income. Sharing his wisdom gained as a content creator, Lesego advises upcoming content creators by saying: “authenticity is where it’s at…your perspective is your currency & these brands are looking for that. Plan, put in the time, & be consistent. ”
TikTok has informed the minister that they are committed to further engagements with South Africa. Malatsi enthused that economic justice needs to happen & that TikTok must ensure improved online safety measures and policy protocols.
FEATURED IMAGE: TikTok app logo on the screen and a finger about to touch it. Photo: Adobe Stock
The IPID has dropped its charges against KZN’s Provincial Police Commissioner due to a lack of evidence.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially dropped its charges against the Provincial Police Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The case, launched on March 19, was a result of an anonymous tip off against Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
According to EyeWitness News, he was accused of having cleared allegations against a prison official, Feroz Khan, who was alleged to have interfered in a drug dealing case.
There’s been a lot of noise around Mkhwanazi lately. Under his leadership, KZN has seen a more assertive police force that isn’t afraid to take the fight to criminals. As recent as January 30, the police were involved in a shootout with Inanda West Gang, a notorious gang that has been terrorising communities in northern Durban.
Mkhwanazi has publicly declared war on gang crime and gun violence, with over 100 suspects getting killed during confrontations with KZN police units. It’s no surprise that figures like National Assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Police Ian Cameron have raised concerns about the political undertones of the IPID’s case against Mkhwanazi.
There are questions worth asking. Was this ever really about justice, or just a way to sideline a cop who doesn’t play politics? The latest crime stats from the South African Police Service (SAPS), ranging from October to December 2024, show a 1.6% decrease in contact crime. KZN showed a significant decrease in murders by 9.5% amongst other contact-related crimes.
Some commentators have tried to paint his approach as ruthless and unduly lethal, with the DA leading the charge of pressuring SAPS to implement body cams for everyday operations. However, if that means showing up, cracking down on drug networks and, sending a clear message to criminals, then maybe it’s what the rest of the country needs to adapt to.
Recent data from the IPID in the fiscal year of 2023-2024 reported significant concerns regarding the use of force by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and they additionally reported 187 deaths resulting from police action in KZN, the highest in all provinces. This alarming number was countered by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, who argues that these were results of police acting in self-defence against suspects.
Law enforcement can’t be effective when it’s second-guessed at every turn by people who’ve never been put in highly threatening situations. Communities under siege from gangs and drug dealers don’t need long lectures, they need decisive action. Mkhwanazi has been open in recent interviews about the fact that being soft on crime simply doesn’t work in this country and he’s not wrong.
Perhaps, it is time we let more leaders like him do just that, even if we disagree with the methods at hand. A stronger law enforcement system is needed now more than ever, with a balanced reform of policing and law enforcement protocols. That will assist in ensuring that all crime is addressed fairly, immediately and without bias against SAPS.
FEATURED IMAGE: Katlego Makhutle. Photo: File/Paul Botes
A career in the arts is considered risky because of inconsistent pay, scarce work opportunities and instability – issues that were brought to the fore by a recent appeal from a veteran actress.
Nandi Nyembe took to social media to ask the public for assistance with her medical bills
The Performers Protection Amendment Bill was sent to the Constitutional Court by the president in October 2024
Performing artists and students need to rally together and form a stronger collective voice
Legendary actress, Nandi Nyembe (53) opened up about her career and personal challenges with job insecurity and royalties as a veteran performing artist.
In a recent podcast with Sunday World, the Zone 14 and Adulting actress laid bare the precarity of the screen performance industry in South Africa as she discussed her struggles with getting medical assistance.
Despite her lengthy and illustrious resume, Nyembe took to social media on April 1 to ask for assistance from the public. Her video went viral, prompting the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie to respond with a R20 000 donation.
Nyembe’s story has become all too familiar. In South Africa, there are currently no royalties for live and on-screen performers.
The Performers Protection Amendment Bill of 2016 was drafted by the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition and sent to the Constitutional Court last year. The amended bill seeks toimplement changes and provide legal protections for live & on-screen performers and artists, who range from acting and theatre to musicians and dancers. The South African Actors Guild says the bill would “help give actors their rightful place in the economy”.
Miss Earth SA third runner-up, Thembi Mathebula (23), described feeling quite sad hearing about Nyembe’s public outcry. The Honors in Theatre and Performance student, majoring in Directing and Cultural Policy Management, emphasised the importance of policy implementation to intervene in this crisis. “Policy makers need to sit down and actually put a stamp on it and say, what do we do when something like this happens?” Mathebula said.
Choreographer Douglas Sekete (52), a postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PDGA) student at Wits Drama for Life, said artists can often go three months without a job. When an opportunity finally comes, the public can often assume that because the artist or performer is working, they are wealthy.
“When the job comes & it pays you like R45 000,00 and you’ve got bills that you need to pay, the public will assume that (because) you appear on TV so you must have this X amount of money, but in a true sense, no. You are left with R2 000, 00, and you have to punch for another job, which may take some time again,” he said.
Collen Makua (32), another PDGA student and artist, stated that the issue isn’t necessarily financial literacy amongst performers in the arts and entertainment sector but the instability of employment opportunities.
Makua highlighted the lack of training programmes and overall decreasing financial support from the state and private entities directed towards the arts sector.
Both Sekete and Makua emphasised the need to create a strong collective voice for all creatives in the arts and entertainment sector. While there’s no clear word on the Bill’s status and its implementation, Nyembe’s story is a reminder of the urgency of legislative intervention in the entertainment industry.
FEATURED IMAGE: Actress Nandi Nyembe. Photo: Actor Spaces/ Gabriel McCreadie
Societal expectations and experiences can often place pressure on people’s relationships. With Valentine’s Day coming up we have asked individuals questions about their views on certain relationship dynamics especially when it comes to the most anticipated day of the year for some lovers, Valentines Day. Viewers shared their beliefs and Siyanda and Katlego talk about […]
