At the Brics Summit in Johannesburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended Russia's actions in Ukraine, attributing them to a response to Western aggression in Donbas. He emphasized the Brics group's role in establishing a multipolar world order. The summit also focused on Brics expansion, with support from leaders like China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that many countries are interested in joining Brics. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed a willingness to contribute to peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.

At the 15th annual Brics summit in Johannesburg, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa took a united stand against Western dominance in trade and finance. South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa discussed expanding Brics membership and called for multilateralism and reform of global finance institutions. Brazil's president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva advocated for a new trade unit within Brics, while China's commerce minister Wang Wentao, speaking for President Xi Jinping, opposed hegemony and welcomed new members. Russia's president Vladimir Putin, via a pre-recorded speech, highlighted Brics' economic superiority over the G7 and proposed trading in national currencies. India's prime minister Narendra Modi presented India as a growing economy with significant advancements in infrastructure and renewable energy.

Vladimir Putin has canceled his attendance at the Brics summit in Johannesburg, with Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to attend in his place. South Africa's presidency confirmed the change amid legal pressure from the Democratic Alliance party to enforce an ICC arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes related to the Ukraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, which has ties to Putin's regime, has been hesitant to commit to the arrest, citing potential repercussions including a declaration of war against Russia. The ANC has previously ignored an ICC warrant, allowing Sudan's Omar al-Bashir to leave the country in 2015. Ramaphosa's affidavit to the Gauteng high court argues that arresting Putin would undermine peace efforts and be an unconstitutional act of war. Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen criticized the government's justifications as

The article discusses the historical acknowledgment and apology from Laura Trevelyan, a descendant of Charles Trevelyan, known for his role in the Irish Famine and profiting from Caribbean slavery. While Laura has made reparations to Grenada, she suggests the British state should be responsible for reparations to the Irish. The piece criticizes the British Empire's violent past, including the torture camps in Kenya post-WWII, and the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) ignorance of British history. It also touches on the contemporary political scene in Britain, including the economic challenges and the role of Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick. The article calls for a better understanding of British history and suggests that reparations are less effective than understanding and cooperation.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new vaccine production facility in Cape Town, marking a significant step towards vaccine equity in Africa. The plant, developed by US-based biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, aims to produce second-generation Covid-19 shots for distribution across the continent. Despite the current low vaccination rates in Africa, as reported by the WHO, the facility is expected to produce a billion doses annually by 2025. Soon-Shiong's company, ImmunityBio Inc, is developing a T-cell vaccine that targets the virus's core proteins and is undergoing clinical trials. The initiative also includes a knowledge transfer and capacity building in South Africa, with future plans to develop treatments for other diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV/Aids.

South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa is facing calls to take action against hundreds of officials implicated in Covid-19-related fraud and corruption, as revealed by the Special Investigations Unit's report. The investigation uncovered irregularities in 62% of the contracts examined, totaling 14.3 billion rand. The SIU has referred 224 government officials for disciplinary action, three for executive action, and recommended 330 companies for blacklisting. The Democratic Alliance has urged the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute those responsible swiftly.

A South African court has ruled former president Jacob Zuma's medical parole unlawful, ordering his return to prison to complete a 15-month sentence for contempt of court. Zuma was released on September 5th due to an undisclosed medical condition, despite the medical parole advisory board's rejection of his application. National commissioner Arthur Fraser, who authorized the release, has defended his decision but refused to provide medical records to the court. Zuma's presidency was marked by allegations of public sector corruption, and his imprisonment in July led to violent protests and unrest. The Democratic Alliance party hailed the court's decision as a victory for the rule of law. Zuma's lawyers are seeking to appeal, claiming he is terminally ill.

An individual recounts their experience of entering Ireland from South Africa amidst the implementation of new travel restrictions due to the Omicron variant. Despite arriving before the restrictions were enforced, the individual decided to comply with the new rules, which included a 10-day self-isolation and two mandatory PCR tests. However, they faced delays and miscommunication from the Health Service Executive (HSE), receiving their first official contact more than 48 hours after arrival and encountering issues with the scheduling of PCR tests. The article questions the effectiveness of the restrictions and the HSE's ability to manage the situation.

As Newcastle United prepares to kick off against West Ham, the NUFC Fans Foodbank calls for community support amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, economic hardships, and social media squabbles. The article emphasizes the harsh realities faced by locals struggling with basic necessities and the need for a united response. The Fans Foodbank, which will be present at all home matches, is organizing a public meeting to discuss ending Foodbank dependence and highlights the importance of community unity regardless of individual opinions on football or politics.

Mitspa Nzakomba Oyoka, a 27-year-old Congolese national and nightclub cleaner, was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Western Cape High Court for the 2018 murder of Irish aid worker John Curran in Cape Town. Initially claiming self-defense, Oyoka later admitted that Curran posed no threat and pleaded guilty to murder, theft of Curran's phone, fraud, and being in South Africa illegally. The sentences will run concurrently, and Oyoka will be deported after serving his time. Curran, a former school principal, was working for the Irish NGO Mellon Educate at the time of his death.

Mitspa Nzakomba Oyoka, a 27-year-old Congolese national, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of Irish aid worker John Curran in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2018. Initially claiming self-defense, Oyoka later admitted that Curran posed no threat during their encounter. Oyoka also apologized to Curran's family and pleaded guilty to additional charges of theft, fraud, and violating the Immigration Act. The sentences for these crimes will run concurrently, and Oyoka will be deported after serving his sentence. Curran, who worked for the Irish NGO Mellon Educate, was found with 26 stab wounds and blunt force trauma to the skull.

South African President Jacob Zuma is reportedly planning to dismiss Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, according to the South African Communist Party (SACP), a coalition partner in the ANC-led government. The SACP dismissed claims that Gordhan and Jonas were using an international investor roadshow to seek support for regime change. The SACP threatened to withdraw its members from cabinet posts if the dismissals occurred. The tension within the ANC has escalated amid rumors of a cabinet reshuffle and perceptions of corruption. Gordhan, known for his anti-corruption efforts, has been at odds with Zuma since his reappointment in 2015. The political uncertainty has led the opposition party, Democratic Alliance, to plan a motion of no confidence against Zuma.

South African President Jacob Zuma is facing widespread calls to resign after he dismissed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, leading to political turmoil and economic repercussions. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and religious leaders, as well as members within Zuma's own party, the African National Congress (ANC), have intensified their opposition. The sacking of Gordhan was followed by a downgrade of South Africa's credit rating to junk status by Standard and Poor's. Further concerns arise as Fitch and Moody's also review the country's credit rating. Critics argue that Gordhan's removal was due to his anti-corruption stance and fiscal prudence, which clashed with Zuma's development plans. Despite the opposition, Zuma retains significant support within the ANC, and the outcome of a national working committee meeting suggests he still holds power within the party.