BRICS countries create network of telescopes to study short-duration space phenomena

Brazil is coordinating its participation through the National Astronomical Laboratory, and research centres in China and South Africa have also joined the project

Photo: Alfaguarilla / iStock

TV BRICS - 9 July 2026

Brazil, China and the Republic of South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the GOTTA–BRICS Pathfinder Network, an international observatory network. GOTTA (Global Open Transient Telescope Array) is a global open network of telescopes for observing transient phenomena. The aim of the project is to expand the capabilities for observing short-lived astronomical events, also known as transient phenomena. These include stellar flares, changes in the brightness of celestial bodies and other dynamic processes in space. This was reported on the Brazilian government’s website.

Sergey Lavrov: Russia stands ready to help strengthen food security across African continent

The sides agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, trade, healthcare and infrastructure while advancing preparations for the third Russia–Africa Summit

Photo: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

TV BRICS - 9 July 2026

Russia and the African Union intend to strengthen cooperation in the field of agriculture and expand the supply of food, fertilisers and other resources for agricultural production. These agreements were reached following high-level consultations between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, which took place on 7 July at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa. This was reported on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

215 Years of Venezuela Independence, Resilience and the Enduring Pursuit of Sovereignty
TDS

8 July 2026

Set in the surroundings of the Pretoria Art Museum, home to one of South Africa's most prominent busts of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, Venezuela's 215th Independence Day commemoration unfolded in an atmosphere of solemn reflection rather than celebration. At the foot of Bolívar's likeness, wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent double earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela. A book of condolences was opened, inviting members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives and friends of Venezuela to express messages of sympathy, solidarity and hope for the country's recovery and reconstruction.

Diplomacy's First Kiss: Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong Bids Farewell to South Africa 

By Anisha Pemjee

3 July 2026

"If I may say that diplomacy is my first love, then South Africa is my very first kiss. How sweet and memorable a first kiss is."

With these words, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong captured the affection and gratitude he feels for the country that marked the beginning of his diplomatic journey as he and his spouse Phuong Vu hosted a farewell celebrating Vietnamese cuisine in Pretoria.

At 250 the USA Continues to Shape the World

By Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee

3 July 2026

On 4 July 2026, the United States of America marks a remarkable milestone—250 years since thirteen colonies declared their independence and embarked upon a political experiment that would fundamentally reshape the course of modern history. Few nations have exerted such profound influence on the global imagination. From democracy and constitutional governance to technological innovation, scientific discovery, popular culture and economic enterprise, the American story has become inseparable from the story of the modern world itself.

Expert: Russia offers BRICS countries realistic vision for global energy transition

On the BRICSdialogue programme, an expert discussed scenarios for the development of the global energy sector

2 July 2026

The only realistic scenario for the development of the global energy sector is a "rational technological choice", which involves retaining hydrocarbons as the primary energy source whilst simultaneously increasing the share of renewable sources. This was stated by Aleksey Kulapin, Director General of the Russian Energy Agency (REA) under the Russian Ministry of Energy, on the TV BRICS programme BRICSdialogue.

The Philippines is a Nation Forged by Freedom, Connected by Friendship, and Looking Confidently to the Future
By Kirtan Bhana - TDS

1 July 2026

There are few countries whose national story is as compelling as that of the Philippines. An archipelago of more than 7,600 islands scattered across the western Pacific, the Republic of the Philippines is a nation where geography has shaped culture, resilience has defined identity, and history has cultivated an unwavering commitment to freedom.

China, Africa and the Shared Pursuit of Modernisation 
As China and Africa deepen a partnership rooted in similar historic experiences and mutual respect, a new model of development cooperation is taking shape

By Kirtan Bhana (The Article first appeared in ChinAfrica Magazine VOL. 18 - July 2026)

1 July 2026 - 105th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China - CPC

The book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, now in its fifth volume, is a primary record of one of the most remarkable transformations in human history and a window into the ideas that continue to shape the trajectory of China. 

A healthy environment for a prosperous South Africa

By Narend Singh

30 June 2026

South Africans often face a false choice, that we must either protect the environment or grow the economy. Our future depends on doing both.

Cyprus Celebrates EU Council Presidency Achievements at Pretoria Cultural Event

By Anisha Pemjee

29 June 2026

Cyprus assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2026 for a six-month term ending 30 June 2026. Its Presidency is being held under the theme: "An Autonomous Union. Open to the World." As its Presidency draws to a close, High Commissioner of Cyprus to South Africa, Antonis Mandritis hosted a cultural event where he outlined Cyprus’ achievements.

Why South Africa Matters in China's Vision of a New Global Order

Kirtan Bhana/TDS/GCIS

29 June 2026

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile's Working Visit to China signals far more than another diplomatic engagement. It reflects the emergence of a strategic partnership that is increasingly shaping Africa's industrial future and redefining the balance of power in an evolving multipolar world.