Fourth SANDF group set to return home
JOHANNESBURG - A fourth group of SANDF troops deployed to eastern DRC is expected to return to South Africa.
They were part of a SADC peacekeeping mission, now ending after the bloc decided to end its deployment.
Earlier this year, 14 South African soldiers were killed in clashes with M23 Rebels near Goma.
The final group is expected to arrive back in the country on Thursday.
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
The national dialogue must include the concerns of the Indian minority
Indian South Africans are descendants of indentured labourers. To build a just and cohesive future, the writer says South Africa must engage with every community's story, not only in the past tense, but in the living reality of today's challenges. Image: South African History Online PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a National Dialogue is a powerful call to action. It is not a mere event or ceremonial gathering, it is a participatory, unfolding process that will stretch from grassroots consultations to a National Convention, aiming to reset our democratic compact and imagine a shared South African future. As the first phase begins on August 15, it is vital that the concerns of all communities are placed firmly on the agenda. This includes the Indian minority, whose contributions and challenges remain under-recognised in national discourse. The National Dialogue promises to be inclusive, representative, and future-focused. Civil society, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, workers, youth, and other key voices are to be engaged in conversations that will culminate in a second National Convention. There, a common vision and programme of action will be adopted. An Eminent Persons Group will help guide this historic initiative, ensuring it is more than rhetoric, it must be renewed in action. Yet, if this dialogue is truly to reflect the diversity of our nation, it must acknowledge the unique experiences and present-day realities of Indian South Africans. The prognosis for this community, which has been rooted in South African soil since 1860, is shaped by a history of marginalisation, contemporary economic pressures, and a search for identity within a changing socio-political landscape. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Indian South Africans are descendants of indentured labourers and free migrants who came to work in the sugar cane fields of Natal, later becoming traders, workers, and professionals despite the systematic discrimination of colonialism and apartheid. From forced removals under the Group Areas Act to limited political representation under white rule, their history is one of struggle and resilience. Post-apartheid freedom offered formal equality, but the legacy of exclusion persists. Indian South Africans remain a small minority navigating between integration and the preservation of cultural identity. This balancing act is complicated by rising economic inequality, political fragmentation, and at times, resurgent xenophobia and racial scapegoating. Economically, the Indian community often occupies a middle-tier status, better off than many, but still vulnerable. Many small businesses, particularly in logistics, trade, and manufacturing, are threatened by infrastructure failures, load-shedding, and water shortages. While affirmative action is vital for redressing historical wrongs, it can create new forms of exclusion when not applied sensitively. The perception of Indian South Africans as a "privileged" group masks the deep inequalities within the community itself. In recent years, skilled professionals have increasingly sought stability abroad, while working-class Indians remain in under-resourced townships like Chatsworth, Phoenix, and Lenasia, grappling with drugs, unemployment, and crime. These townships are also increasingly diverse, as African and Indian communities live side by side, an opportunity for unity, but also a potential flashpoint if tensions are not addressed through inclusive dialogue. The Indian identity in South Africa is multifaceted, comprising Hindu, Muslim, and Christian faiths, and languages like Tamil, Hindi, and Gujarati. This internal diversity enriches the cultural landscape of the nation. Indian festivals, places of worship, and traditional practices remain vibrant, even as the younger generation increasingly blends identities and adopts cosmopolitan lifestyles. To build a just and cohesive future, South Africa must engage with every community's story, not only in the past tense, but in the living reality of today's challenges. For Indian South Africans, this means: recognising historical contributions and present vulnerabilities; ensuring meaningful political representation in both local and national processes; supporting economic resilience through inclusive growth strategies; protecting cultural expression while promoting intercultural solidarity; addressing township neglect, crime, and substance abuse with tailored, community - driven interventions. The National Dialogue provides a rare moment of reflection and reimagining. If we are to emerge stronger from the crises of our time - inequality, political division, climate shocks, and social fragmentation, we must build a South Africa where every community sees itself in the national mirror. Indian South Africans, while a minority, are not marginal to the national story. Their inclusion in this dialogue is not a favour; it is a necessity for a credible, durable, and democratic social compact. Let us speak not just of unity, but of justice, rooted in recognition, responsibility, and renewal. Jerald Vedan Image: Supplied
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
A look inside the Gupta mansions going up for auction
Three high-class Gupta mansions in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, will be up for auction on 24 July 2025. This follows the business rescue for the family's company, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, which the properties fall under. Park Village Auction's Clive Lazarus described the sale as signalling the 'beginning of the end' of the seven-year saga. The viewing of the properties, handled by Park Village Auctions, will be held between 6 and 20 July 2025. The first mansion will be the triple-storey residence at 5 Saxonwold Drive, featuring eight bedrooms, extensive living and entertainment areas, an indoor swimming pool, an expansive rooftop patio, staff accommodation, and ample garaging. The mansion measures up to 4,207 sqm. The 5 Saxonwold Drive mansion. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Indoor swimming pool. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The next property available for auction is the number 7 Saxonwold Drive, also a triple storey, has a staggering 17 en-suite bedrooms. The property features a triple-volume foyer, multiple lounges, a cinema lounge, staff accommodation and even a beauty salon. The 7 Saxonwold Drive property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. A salon inside the property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Last but not least on the list is number 3 Saxonwold Drive single-storey three-bedroom home with a single garage, storeroom, and staff accommodation. The number 3 Saxonwold Drive. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The entire contents of each house, namely furniture and appliances, will be sold as a single lot (not individual items) following each respective property. To be part of the bid, you have to register and pay the relevant refundable deposits. Viewings of the properties will be held on 6, 13, 19 and 20 July 2025 from 10:00 to 16:00. The Saxonwold properties once hosted prominent figures such as the former Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, who confessed at the Zondo commission about bribes and corruption he encountered during a meeting at one of the Gupta residences. The family's business, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, has been involved in two legal battles, including business rescue proceedings following financial distress and disputes over property development with municipal authorities. The company owned a substantial portfolio of properties, including those adjacent to the infamous Saxonwold compound in Johannesburg. Notably, these properties were embroiled in litigation with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), allegedly owing R726,695 in rates and taxes as of 2022. After years of several appeals at the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Appellate Division finally ruled, allowing the Confident Concepts properties to go up for auction and 'hopefully lead to a long-awaited payday for creditors,' says Lazarus. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
Surviving to thriving: SPCA shares heartwarming update on Bobby
The SPCA has shared a heartwarming update on Bobby, a dog rescued after it was spotted in a viral TikTok video earlier this month. Images of the emaciated dog – who had been forced to eat plastic to survive – left many South Africans enraged and calling for action. Johannesburg content creator Sasha Tshiamo and the dog's owners are now facing charges of animal cruelty. Earlier this month, a TikTok video featuring Sasha Tshiamo dancing was posted on the X platform. The video quickly went viral because of an emaciated dog in the background. The animal's ribcage was clearly visible, and it appeared lethargic. Following a nationwide call, the SPCA stepped in, removing the dog – affectionately nicknamed 'Bobby' – from her shocking living conditions. The animal activists revealed that both the dog's owner – who willingly surrendered the animal – and the influencer were now facing animal cruelty charges. In a social media post, the SPCA shared an update about Bobby, who appeared to be thriving under their care. In a video clip, brave Bobby is seen wearing a winter jersey as she frolics in a garden and happily poses for pictures. The heartwarming caption read: 'One sad video, one brave dog, one second chance. 'Bobby's story didn't end in the background – it's only just begun! From a shadow of herself to a brave and beautiful girl. It turns out that all Bobby needed was a little love and some treats.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by NSPCA (@ According to the SPCA, Bobby will soon be up for adoption. The SPCA has repeatedly warned the public that animal abusers can be criminally charged under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The act – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment. The SPCA rescued a starving dog that captured the hearts of South Africans. Content creator Sasha Tshiamo is now facing animal cruelty charges over the viral video. Images via X: @nspca_sa Offenders could also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
