The People's Beautiful Game

‍Bafana Bafana boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their Group A clash at the Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe early on Thursday morning.

The South African team enter the history books as they progress to the next round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever thanks to a Thapelo Maseko goal in the 2nd half.

The victory marks a significant boost for Hugo Broos’ side following their 1-1 draw against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium last Thursday and keeps their hopes of progressing in the tournament firmly on track.

Bafana Bafana showed discipline and resilience throughout the match, successfully containing the South Korean attack before Maseko's winning goal handed South Africa a crucial victory. 

Thapelo Maseko was named Player of the Match after scoring the decisive goal that secured South Africa's historic win.

Situated in the heart of Pretoria’s automotive hub, Mercedes-Benz Menlyn stands as a benchmark for excellence in premium vehicle retail. As part of the renowned Bidvest McCarthy Mercedes-Benz group, the dealership has firmly established itself as the flagship location within the network—delivering an elevated customer experience that reflects the prestige and heritage of the Three-Pointed Star.

Introducing the New Mercedes-Benz CLA 

Taking centre stage in the showroom is the New Mercedes-Benz CLA—a bold expression of progressive design, cutting-edge technology, and refined performance.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola (right), with his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe in Pretoria (photo: Dirco)

South Africa and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding and strengthening bilateral relations, with International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola saying the two countries are determined to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors and contribute to peace and stability on the African continent.

Lamola hosted Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, in Pretoria as part of ongoing efforts to normalise and revitalise relations between the two countries.

Addressing the bilateral meeting, Lamola welcomed his counterpart and conveyed President Cyril Ramaphosa's greetings to Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

“Our two Heads of States share a profound and deep commitment to reset and re-energise our bilateral relations. Furthermore, they also have a common love for Africa and the great promise this continent holds for its people, their wishes for a stable, secure and prosperous Africa,” Lamola said. 

He said South Africa and Rwanda have a responsibility to work more closely together, noting that both countries emerged from painful histories.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa has secured commitments from Indian business leaders to expand investments in key sectors of the economy following the successful conclusion of the first leg of his working visit to India.

Addressing members of the media on Tuesday upon the conclusion of the first leg of his Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile described the visit as highly productive and said it had strengthened the long-standing strategic partnership between South Africa and India while opening new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The Deputy President is leading a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers on a working visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and positioning South Africa as a preferred investment destination. 

“We have come to the capital of India to build on the long-standing friendship and partnership between our two countries. Currently, India ranks among the top 10 investing countries in South Africa.

“The purpose of this visit has been to strengthen our trade and investment relations. As such, we engaged business associates, current investors in South Africa and India, and those who want to invest in our country,” Deputy President Mashatile said. 

South Africa and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, advancing African integration and promoting the continent's interests on the global stage following the State Visit of Kenyan President William Ruto to South Africa on 4 June 2026.

President Ruto was welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the two leaders held bilateral discussions focused on trade, investment, regional integration, peace and security, global governance reform and cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Ramaphosa described the visit as a reflection of the enduring relationship between the two countries.

"It is a profound honour and a personal joy to welcome President Ruto and the Kenyan delegation to South Africa. This reciprocal State Visit is a celebration of the friendship and solidarity that binds our two nations," he said.

The visit built on the foundation established during President Ramaphosa's State Visit to Kenya in November 2022 and ongoing engagements through the South Africa-Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation.

As two of Africa's leading economies, both leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation in advancing the continent's development agenda.

‍Pictured (l-r) ANC First Deputy Secretary-General, Nomvula Mokonyane, Ambassador Roman Ambarov and Ronnie Kasrils (photo: TDS)

Russia Day, celebrated annually on June 12, is an occasion for reflection on the rich historical journey of a nation whose contributions to literature, philosophy, science, technology and global affairs have shaped the modern world.

The holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) on June 12, 1990, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the modern Russian state. Two years later, in 1992, the RSFSR was officially renamed the Russian Federation, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country's long and distinguished history. In 2002 the holiday formally became known as Russia Day.

Russia's story is one of remarkable achievement and resilience. It is the homeland of literary giants such as Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Alexander Pushkin, whose works continue to influence global thought and culture. It is a nation that has produced pioneering scientists, engineers and innovators whose discoveries have expanded humanity's understanding of the world and beyond. From the achievements of the Soviet space programme to contemporary advances in science and technology, Russia remains an important contributor to human progress.

This spirit of achievement and national renewal was celebrated far from Moscow, in Pretoria, where the Embassy of the Russian Federation hosted a reception to commemorate Russia Day. Guests enjoyed traditional Russian hospitality, cuisine and, naturally, Russian vodka, alongside South African wines in a symbolic celebration of the friendship between the peoples of Russia and South Africa.

Chair of IBIA, Mr Adrian Tolson, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Arsenio Domingues, Premier of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, Ambassador of South Africa to the Hellenic Republic, Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, Executive Director of IBIA, Mr Alexander Prokopakis and Elena Wilson, Marketing & Business Development Lead of IBIA

The South African Embassy in Greece has identified the maritime sector as one of the key sectors in strengthening economic relations and cooperation. With its strategic geographical location along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, South Africa provides opportunities for potential investors and partners. It has advanced infrastructure in its ports and endeavours to offer quality maritime services, bunkering, repairs, logistics and trade facilitation for vessels and cargo moving between Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. 

Among other economic initiatives, the South African Embassy in Athens has forged a partnership with the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) and hosted a Posidonia Reception at South Africa’s Official Residence on 31 May 2026.

During the event, the Ambassador of South Africa to the Hellenic Republic, Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela thanked the Chair of IBIA, Mr Adrian Tolson and the Executive Director, Mr Alexander Prokopakis for the partnership since 2024.

‍AAD Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha (photo: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS)

South Africa has declared itself ready to host the 13th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and airshow, as the country marks 100 days to go before the continent’s premier aerospace and defence event takes place.

The highly anticipated exhibition is expected to draw hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, government representatives and defence stakeholders from around the world, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a key player in the global aerospace and defence sector.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha said extensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure the success of the event, which is expected to be one of the largest editions of the exhibition to date.

“We are looking to host no fewer than 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. In terms of official delegations, we have invited more than 200. We are targeting 100 confirmed delegations from 100 countries. No fewer than 60,000 people are expected to pass through the air force base between 16 and 20 September 2026,” she said.

• Go, Africa, go! It's Our Time to Shine
• One Nation, 32 million Coaches: The World Cup Effect in Ghana
• The People's Beautiful Game: FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins in Mexico City
• From Soccer City to the Azteca-Bafana Bafana, Africa's Hope and Football's Great Reunion
• Pichincha - A Victory that Echoes Across Continents
• Celebrating Sagarmatha: Nepal, South Africa and the Summit of Shared Aspirations
• Any Hope for Panafricanism: Any Future for Continental Free Trade?
• One of most remarkable stories of modern economy: BRICS experts reflect on group’s 20th Anniversary
• King Makhosonke II Dies at 65, Leaving a Legacy of Unity and Service
• Knowledge as raw material: why education and science are becoming foundation of future economy
• Xi calls on China, DPRK to consolidate trust, boost practical cooperation
• Vietnam ready to work with countries to build a safer, more resilient and prosperous Asia-Pacific
• Vladimir Putin: "Since BRICS establishment, member states have significantly increased high-tech exports"
• Experts: infrastructure, energy and agriculture – priorities for Russia–South Africa cooperation
• Ramaphosa outlines economic recovery plan as global tensions threaten growth
• Global justice in healthcare: BRICS cooperation in production of medical technologies

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