The Holy Month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

By Kirtan Bhana - TDS
 
19 March 2025 

In the broader Islamic world, including South Africa, Ramadan and Iftar hold the same deep spiritual meaning. The gathering hosted by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mr Faisal Al-Harbi in Pretoria on 7 March is an example of how Muslims come together to observe Ramadan’s significance. For the guests at the Iftar observance, it is an opportunity to experience the communal and spiritual essence of the holy month, building bridges of understanding and solidarity among diverse cultures and backgrounds while honouring the shared values of faith, charity, and community that Ramadan embodies.

The Flying Ship - Russian Movie Night

By Anisha Pemjee

17 March 2025

‘The Flying Ship’ was this month’s featured film at the ever-popular Russian Movie Night event in Pretoria, South Africa. The audience was treated to a fantastical musical comedy based on the 1979 Soviet cartoon of the same name. Rooted in folklore, the story is filled with magical creatures and enchanting elements.

China's Consumer-Centered Approach, Sustaining Growth in a New Era
By Kirtan Bhana - TDS/BFM

17 March 2025

China’s meteoric rise as a global power over the past few decades is a testament to the country’s unique blend of governance, economic policy, and social focus. As the world watches the dawn of a new era for China, the significance of the country's people-centred approach cannot be overstated. At the heart of this model is the system of governance encapsulated by the annual Two Sessions (Lianghui), where delegates from all walks of life come together to debate, plan, and implement the country’s five-year plans. These gatherings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) serve not just as legislative functions but as vital expressions of China’s democratic focus—rooted in its commitment to its people.

Why the Global South should embrace self-reliance amid seismic shifts

Kirtan Bhana - CGTN Opinion

17 March 2025

The expulsion of the South African Ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool, watched by the world with a mixture of surprise and contemplation, adds to a long list of contentious and dramatic moves made by U.S. President Donald Trump, characterized by abrupt, and often unpredictable, policy shifts. The incident serves as a crucial moment for reflection, particularly for the Global South countries, which now find themselves at a crossroads.

Cuba Joins BRICS

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

17 March 2025 

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, hosted his Cuban counterpart, Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, for high-level bilateral talks in Pretoria on Monday, 10 March 2025. The discussions sought to reinforce the long-standing strategic partnership between South Africa and Cuba, fostering deeper cooperation in various sectors.

EU affirms strategic partnership with SA

15 March 2025

Amidst the changing global landscape, European Council President António Costa has emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership between South Africa and European Union (EU). Addressing the opening of the 8th South Africa-European Union (SA-EU) Summit, Costa said the EU and South Africa are not just partners but are strategic allies, bound by shared values of democracy, human rights, rule of law and multilateralism.

A Jordanian Iftar: A Celebration of Faith, Culture, and Diplomacy

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

15 March 2025

In the spirit of Ramadan, Dr. Wasfi Ayyad, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to South Africa, hosted Iftar at his official residence in Pretoria. The event brought together diplomats, community members, and friends of Jordan to share in the time-honored tradition of breaking fast during the Islamic holy month.

Honouring Russian volunteers in Utrecht

14 March 2025

On 14 March 2025, Ambassador-designate of the Russian Federation to South Africa Mr. Roman Ambarov participated in annual commemorative events in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, to honour the memory of Russian volunteers who took part in the Second Anglo-Boer War.

The South African Royal Princesses elect their Leadership

TDS/SARPN

13 March 2025

On 8 March 2025, International Women's Day, South African Princesses from various parts of South Africa gathered in Midrand, in Gauteng Province, South Africa to officially launch the South African Royal Princesses Network - SARPN as well as elect new leadership. The Network whose role includes nation building, social cohesion, fight against GBV and contribution to rural development and gender empowerment was founded by Princess Stella Sigcau II from the Mpondo Kingdom in the Eastern Cape in 2019. 

China-Africa cooperation energizes joint pursuit of modernization

by Xinhua writer Zhang Jian

11 March 2025

At the bustling Port of Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire, cargo ships glide in and out as towering cranes hum with ceaseless activity. Once a bottleneck for trade, the port now stands as a symbol of transformation thanks to its recent expansion fueled by Chinese investment.

Xi stresses role of education in supporting sci-tech, talent development

BEIJING, 8 March 2025 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday stressed strengthening the role of education in supporting scientific and technological advancement as well as talent development.