Hon. Gen. Jeje Odongo Meets with Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhang Lizhong

Summary In hindsight, the impasse regarding the now-canceled VAT increase of 0.5 percentage points, which caused a fallout between the DA and ANC, the largest partners in the GNU, could have been averted, according to DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen. The disagreement highlights the complexities of political negotiations within the coalition. Steenhuisen's remarks suggest that better communication and collaboration might have prevented the conflict over the VAT increase. Full Article

The MK Party is raising a critical issue regarding the recent reversal of the VAT increase, questioning how Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and his department will manage the administrative challenges that have emerged due to their delayed decision-making. This "million-dollar" question highlights concerns about the impact on businesses facing complications from the government's actions. The party seeks clarity on strategies to mitigate the "nightmare" that has resulted from the late reversal, emphasizing the need for...

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed militia M23 announced a joint commitment to cease hostilities and seek a lasting peace agreement, surprising observers given prior statements from President Felix Tshisekedi about not negotiating directly with M23. The United States and the UN have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, which claims to defend the interests of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in Congo. Despite the announcement and ongoing negotiations in Qatar, skepticism remains about the potential for...

Summary of Carthaginian Demographics and Identity Research indicates that while Phoenicians traveled to Carthage, they likely represented only a small fraction of its population, as evidenced by the lack of Phoenician women for male colonists. Marriages between Carthaginian nobles and regional princes suggest local partnerships, correlating with a demographic shift around the sixth century B.C. that saw cultural changes and a new dialect emerge. The findings emphasize that Carthaginian identity was complex, intertwined with myths...

A father found guilty of almost 800 charges relating to the possession of child pornography, the rape of his own daughter, and human trafficking was sentenced to double life imprisonment in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha on Thursday. The court's decision highlights the severity of the crimes committed, reflecting a commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals. This case underscores the critical need for awareness and action against such heinous acts...

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) has reversed a proposed 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) increase, which faced strong opposition from coalition partner Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties. The finance ministry stated that this reversal, just days before implementation, would lead to a significant revenue deficit of 75 billion rand, potentially resulting in further tax increases or spending cuts. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana acknowledged the decision would necessitate revisiting expenditure plans, as...