WATCH: SANDF troops arrive from DRC

SANDF soldiers landing
BLOEMFONTEIN - Another group of SANDF soldiers has arrived in Bloemfontein, returning from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Their return forms part of a phased withdrawal following SADC's decision to end its peacekeeping mission in the region.
It comes just months after deadly clashes with M23 rebels claimed the lives of 14 South African soldiers.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

TimesLIVE

an hour ago

• TimesLIVE

Skills for a changing world: embracing the youth for meaningful economic participation

Amid a rapidly transforming global economy, one truth remains constant: South Africa's greatest asset is its young people. This Youth Month, as we reflect on the courage of the 1976 generation, we must also confront the urgent task before us — ensuring today's youth are equipped with the skills they need not only to participate in the economy, but to lead and shape it. We are not short of talent or ambition. Young people are brimming with ideas, energy and vision. What they lack are pathways. The skills crisis we face is not just about education — it's about access, equity and relevance. The exclusion of black South Africans from meaningful skills training under apartheid has left deep scars. Designed to limit, not uplift, apartheid's education and labour policies robbed generations of the opportunity to thrive. Today's high youth unemployment — over 45% — is not just an economic failure; it is the legacy of a deliberate historical injustice. Yet we cannot only look to the past. Our failure to reform outdated models of education and training is also perpetuating the crisis. Too many of our systems are still preparing young people for jobs that no longer exist. I agree with Deputy President Paul Mashatile's statement during his Youth Day address that, 'South Africa must address the structural challenges in its economy to tackle inequality and the growing mismatch between education and labour market demands'. He went on to say: 'There is urgent need to future-proof our young people with adaptable skills and the necessary capabilities to navigate the evolving labour market and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy and industries in an era of rapid technological and social transformation.' Being conscious of what has contributed to the issues young people face, we must now concentrate on paths rather than pit stops. As stated explicitly by Mashatile, , 'This is more than just a financial issue. It is a moral emergency. It affects our whole society and demands urgent action from all sectors, including government, business and communities at large.' Let us commit to a South Africa where a girl in a rural village has the same opportunity to code, create and lead as anyone else. Let us build systems that don't just prepare youth for work but prepare them to reshape the future of work No-one should be left behind; we must ensure that every young South African leaves school with a tangible next step: into a job, a business, a skill or further education. To prepare for the South African economy of the future, we must: Modernise education, especially Stem and TVET; Expand digital and green infrastructure in townships and rural areas; Reform public procurement to favour youth- and women-owned businesses; Support fintech solutions for youth credit access; and Embed entrepreneurial education and financial literacy from an early age. The 21st century economy demands a new vision that includes digitisation, climate change, artificial intelligence and the rise of the green economy, which is reshaping work. We must therefore prioritise: Digital skills — from coding to cybersecurity and data analytics; ensure authenticity in AI and data analytics, we must centre human behaviour, acknowledging its influence on data, algorithms and decisions. This means designing systems that are not only intelligent but also ethical, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve; Green skills — including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and climate resilience; Entrepreneurial and co-operative skills — empowering youth to create rather than wait for opportunities; Critical thinking and civic engagement — enabling youth to understand and transform their environments; and Land Skills — including agribusiness management, mechanisation, drone technology, commercial and enterprise development, industrial and economic skills. These skills should further include export market and trade skills. Skills development must not just serve the labour market; it must serve society. Young people must be equipped not only to find work, but to build a more just, sustainable and inclusive economy. This is where the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) comes into the picture. The HRDC aims to reduce the scourge of poverty, inequality and unemployment through creating platforms for social partners to deliberate on the country's skills and human capital development. Our economic transformation must be people-centred. Skills must foster critical consciousness, not just compliance. As education theorist Paulo Freire argues, we must move from 'banking education' to empowering pedagogy — helping youth understand their world and act to change it. Young people must take up opportunities that are available to them to build a better future. Government has made available initiatives like: the Youth Employment Service; NYDA grants; Sefa loans; the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which provide valuable stepping stones; and a South African National Service Institute (Sansi), which create a range of nationwide interventions and programmes with sustainable and clearly defined opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, coding and robotics, energy and related value chains, among many others. The Youth of 1976 have paved the path and we do not start from scratch. Let us commit to a South Africa where a girl in a rural village has the same opportunity to code, create and lead as anyone else. Let us build systems that don't just prepare youth for work but prepare them to reshape the future of work. The future imagined and fought for by the generation of 1976 is the one of dignity, equity and shared prosperity. In the words of the Mashatile, young people deserve nothing less than a future in which their skills, creativity and determination may thrive in a world that is constantly changing. • Gadija Brown, special economic adviser to the deputy president

The South African

an hour ago

• The South African

Large male baboon goes on the rampage in Rondebosch [videos]

The South African was sent videos and confirmed reports on Friday of a large male baboon moving between houses in Rondebosch. This comes amid concerns of increasing encounters between baboons on the South Peninsula and residents in Cape Town's southern suburbs. An earlier report, published on Friday morning, urged residents to be cautious after a young male baboon had been seen making his way through Wynberg towards Newlands. In a second video, it appears a trap had been set for the primate. It initially looked successful before the baboon broke free again. More to follow… 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

an hour ago

• The South African

Paul Mashatile highlights South Africa's role as chair of the G20

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the importance of solidarity and collaboration in today's rapidly evolving global landscape. Delivering a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University, the Deputy President explained that South Africa's Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) comes at a time characterised by geopolitical tensions and economic disparities. 'As we gather here today, amidst the tumultuous global crises characterised by rising geopolitical tensions, trade wars, unemployment, inequality, poverty, armed conflicts, and climate catastrophe, it has become very clear that the world needs solidarity now more than ever,' the Deputy President said on Thursday. Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Russia this week for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations. The visit focuses on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology. Deputy President Mashatile's speech highlighted South Africa's role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability' articulates the necessary principles of fostering a more inclusive global community. 'Only through exercising solidarity and identifying with each other's struggles can we do justice to the notion of international community or 'Ubuntu'.' Deputy President Mashatile reiterated the importance of global solidarity, urging those present to work together to create a more equitable world. 'We aim to capitalise on the prospects of globalisation while limiting its risks and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress and technological advancement are shared by all,' he said. He called for unity, adding that 'we must build upon that legacy and strengthen our cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation'. Universities like St. Petersburg State University can play a pivotal role in bridging the priorities of BRICS, the African Union, and the G20. 'Our future lies in knowledge economies, and your institution is a natural partner in this effort,' Mashatile added. The country's second-in-command praised the university's Faculty of International Relations and the Institute for African Studies for their engagement with scholars across Africa. He extended an invitation for deeper collaborations with leading South African institutions, emphasising the mutual benefits that such partnerships could foster. The Deputy President highlighted the university's impressive legacy, noting that it has produced numerous renowned figures, including President Vladimir Putin and the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. 'The presence of so many renowned scholars, leaders, and diplomats here today is a testament to the university's continued relevance in shaping discourse on global affairs.' The Deputy President reflected on the historical ties between South Africa and Russia, expressing gratitude for the support received during the anti-apartheid struggle. Despite the prevailing geopolitical environment, he said South Africa is steadfast in its commitment to this course. '… And with our G20 Presidency, we possess a unique opportunity to influence the global discourse on critical issues.' The G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. He announced the country's G20 Presidency will, through its four overarching priorities, seek to address challenges that stifle the ability of the Global South to achieve desired levels of growth and development. In addition, South Africa will take steps to enhance disaster resilience and response. The country also aims to ensure debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilise financing for a Just Energy Transition, and seek to leverage critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. 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.