Newspaper headlines from around the world - Monday, 14 July 2025
Here are the stories that made headlines on the front pages of newspapers worldwide on Monday, 14 July 2025. The New York Times front page reported that bruising tariffs threaten to curb America's global reach. The Washington Post reported that disquiet is growing among MAGA faithful. The Jerusalem Post's front page reported that the Prime Minister is set to brief the security panel on hostage and truce deal talks. The Daily Mail's front page reported on the Labour doctors' strike and the accusations of hypocrisy surrounding it. The Guardian's front page reported concerns over an alleged Israeli ethnic cleansing plan for Gaza.
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Police Trust Crisis in South Africa: Only 22% of public confident in SAPS, survey finds
South African police trust hits 27-year low at 22%, according to HSRC survey, amid political scandal and corruption allegations. New inquiry aims to restore public confidence and ensure accountability within law enforcement. Image: File Police trust in South Africa has reached its lowest level in 27 years, according to a Social Attitudes Survey released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Monday. The findings come amid a growing political crisis following damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The survey shows that only 22% of South Africans expressed confidence in the police in 2022, with similarly low levels recorded in 2023 and 2024/25. This marks the worst confidence ratings since data collection began in 1998. 'A majority of the adult public never expressed trust in the police,' said Dr Benjamin Roberts, HSRC research director and principal investigator of the study. 'The findings are expected to inform interventions aimed at restoring public faith in the police. By adopting a more community-focused and accountable approach to policing, we can work towards creating safer and more secure communities for all South Africans.' Trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS) has remained low for decades. Between 1998 and 2010, trust levels hovered between 39% and 42%. Confidence fell sharply after the 2012 Marikana massacre and dipped even lower following the July 2021 unrest, when only 27% of respondents expressed trust in the police, he said. Roberts, however, noted that confidence had almost returned to the 2011 level by the time of the 2015 survey round. He highlighted that the 2016 to 2020 period was characterised by modest fluctuation between 31% and 35%. ''The hard COVID-19 lockdown experience, which included instances of police brutality in enforcing lockdown regulations, did not appear to have had an aggregate effect on confidence levels based on the 2020 survey results. ''In 2021, public trust in the police dipped to a low of 27%. This appears to be linked to the July 2021 social unrest. Many criticised the poor performance of the police during the unrest. This was followed by a further 5 percentage point decline to 22% in 2022, with the 2023 and 2024/25 confidence levels almost unchanged, which may reflect increasing rates for certain crimes.'' The situation worsened in 2022, dropping to 22%, a historic low that has not recovered. 'The 2022, 2023, and 2024/25 figures are the lowest recorded in 27 years,' the HSRC report states. The release of the survey coincided with a major political scandal involving allegations of corruption and interference in police operations. At a press briefing in Durban on July 6, 2025, Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of disbanding a task team investigating political killings. He alleged that over 121 sensitive case dockets were removed and shelved, and claimed that Mchunu and other senior officials were protecting a syndicate involving politicians, police, prosecutors, and members of the judiciary. Mchunu denied the allegations, dismissing Mkhwanazi's claims as "baseless and without evidence." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In response to the fallout, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations. Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on immediate leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is expected to officially take up the post in August. Ramaphosa has tasked Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga with heading the commission, alongside senior advocates Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo. He stated that the inquiry would probe allegations that criminal networks have infiltrated police, intelligence, and prosecutorial agencies, manipulated investigations, and targeted whistleblowers. The commission will have powers to recommend suspensions, refer cases for urgent criminal investigation, and propose institutional reforms. The inquiry is expected to deliver interim reports after three and six months, with a final report submitted to Ramaphosa, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice. It will also assess existing oversight mechanisms, recommend disciplinary action and prosecutions, and suggest broader reforms to rebuild public trust in law enforcement. 'These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the police service and other arms of the state to perform their duties without fear or favour,' Ramaphosa said. The HSRC survey and the ongoing political crisis within SAPS highlight the depth of the legitimacy challenges facing law enforcement in South Africa. With trust in the police at its lowest recorded level in nearly three decades, efforts to rebuild confidence remain urgent. 'We hope that this work will be used to design interventions to restore the public's faith in the police,'' said Roberts. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
US tariff of 30% on SA exports: where to now?
Sky-high duties will hit dozens of US trading partners, as Trump pushes for more "reciprocal" or 'fair' trading terms. The new tariff of 30% president Donald Trump levied on South African exports to the US, as well as tariffs up to 50% on other countries, have reignited global tensions as the 90 day pause on the tariffs announced in April came to an end last week. Bianca Botes, director at Citadel Global, points out that it signals a sharp escalation in Trump's protectionist agenda. The latest round of tariffs include: Japan and South Korea: both were hit with 25% tariffs from 1 August. Trump cited trade imbalances and is pushing for local production in the US as the reason. Dozens are in the firing line, with over a dozen countries, including South Africa (30%), Bangladesh (35%), Brazil (50%) and Thailand (36%) facing increased tariffs. More are expected to follow, with an announcement of 30% tariffs for Mexico and the EU on the weekend. Brics, commodities and pharmaceuticals: A blanket 10% additional tariff on Brics imports was announced, along with a 50% duty on all copper imports, as well as a possible 200% tax on pharmaceuticals. ALSO READ: Ordinary South Africans will feel impact of US tariffs Lacklustre reaction from markets in response to US tariffs The market reaction was lacklustre and Botes says it seems that the markets are waiting for the dust to settle with minor responses in equities, which are currently hovering near record highs and some weakening in emerging market currencies, but not nearly to the extent that we witnessed in April. She also noted a global pushback, with affected countries exploring retaliatory measures or seeking last–minute talks, while the White House insists that 1 August is a firm deadline. 'The rest of July could be pivotal. Between Trump's hard tariff line and the Fed's cautious monetary policy stance, economic uncertainty is running high. Trump's aggressive approach may disrupt global supply chains and relations with allies and emerging markets alike. All eyes are now on incoming data and how markets, governments and central banks respond to what could be an unpredictable end to the month.' ALSO READ: Trump's new 30% tariff less about trade and more about power No mention of 10% US tariff for Brics in South Africa's letter Lisette IJssel de Schepper, chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research, says although Trump warned that any country adopting the anti-American policies of Brics would face an additional 10% tariff, there was no mention of this in the letter South Africa received. Fellow Brics member Brazil got slapped with a 50% tariff on Wednesday. 'Unlike most countries facing reciprocal tariffs, Brazil runs a trade surplus with the US, importing more from the US than it exports, Trump makes it clear in his letter that the reason is political and he intends to penalise Brazil for the 'witch hunt' on former president Jair Bolsonaro.' De Schepper points out that Brazil is the US's largest coffee supplier and a significant supplier of iron ore. 'Trump, perhaps fearing that some of the reciprocal tariffs may be struck down by the courts, has ordered a so-called section 301 investigation into Brazil specifically. While this will take time, it could be a basis for sustained tariffs going forward.' ALSO READ: China's clever trade deal with Africa – removal of tariffs on most goods Trump: US tariffs based on 'common sense, deficits and raw numbers' President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the announcement of the US's tariff by saying that the calculation it is based on uses the wrong data. Trump explained later in the week that the reciprocal tariffs are based on 'common sense, deficits, how we have been over the years and raw numbers'. She says arguing about the accuracy of data is therefore unlikely to sway his position. 'Hopefully, by highlighting what South Africa can offer the US and being pragmatic, there is some scope to wiggle down the tariff, as some other countries have successfully done. 'However, the 'worst case' of a 10% universal tariff that government hoped for now looks to be turning into a best case. However, a fair point made by the Financial Times is that there is unlikely to be a 'definitive policy' in a Trump world. While we expect the impact on the entire economy to be relatively small, some motor manufacturing and pockets of agricultural produce will be hit hard.' ALSO READ: Where Trump's tariffs will hurt most US 30% tariff on SA a seismic event, not a diplomatic spat Dr Ernst van Biljon, head lecturer and programme coordinator for M Com in supply chain management at the IMM Graduate School, says the sweeping 30% US tariff on 'any and all South African products,' is far more than a diplomatic spat. It is a seismic event poised to send ripple effects through global and South African supply chains, demanding an urgent re-evaluation of supply chain strategies. 'While global markets have always been dynamic, this escalation signals a deeper shift: the weaponisation of trade policy as a geopolitical tool.' He says from a global perspective, these tariffs immediately compel US-based importers and retailers to de-risk their supply chains. 'The 30% duty instantly inflates the cost of South African goods, making them less competitive on American shelves. This is not just about price but about the very viability of product lines. 'Supply chains in the US will face pressure to absorb costs, pass them to consumers, or seek alternative sourcing. This could accelerate trends towards 'friend-shoring' or 'near-shoring', where companies prioritise suppliers in politically aligned or geographically closer nations. 'The ability to guarantee consistent product availability and predictable pricing, even if it means re-evaluating long-standing supplier relationships, will become a key differentiator.' ALSO READ: Trump tariffs unsettle SA farmers as Africa eyes agricultural growth US tariffs could trigger global re-routing of goods Furthermore, he says, the tariffs could trigger a global re-routing of goods. 'South African products previously destined for the US might now seek new markets, potentially increasing supply in other regions and creating new competitive dynamics.' He warns that South African businesses cannot simply 'find new markets' or pivot messaging but must reimagine their entire value chain strategies. This means investing in regional value chain integration, leveraging SADC, Brics and AfCFTA frameworks and accelerating partial local beneficiation to improve resilience. For South Africa, the implications are immediate and profound, Van Bijon says. 'Businesses, particularly those in export-heavy sectors like agriculture, must urgently identify and cultivate new international markets beyond the US. 'This requires intensive market research and in the case of China, considerable persistence, to understand new consumer preferences and tailor product offerings and brand narratives for diverse audiences in Asia, the Gulf and within the African continent. 'Specific sectors such as citrus, wine, nuts and automotive components are directly in the crosshairs. Producers in these industries should consider building capacity for processing at source and establishing stronger ties with fast-growing Asian and Middle Eastern markets.' ALSO READ: Government must intervene with US tariffs, act stronger with police corruption Waiving US tariffs on goods made in the US? He says the US offer to waive tariffs if companies 'build or manufacture product within the United States' presents a stark choice. 'While some large corporations might consider this, it threatens to hollow out local manufacturing capabilities and job creation. 'From a domestic supply chain standpoint, this situation could galvanise 'Buy Local' campaigns, fostering national pride and consumer loyalty towards South African-made goods to bolster internal demand.' In addition, Van Biljon says, companies should assess opportunities to increase local supplier development and upstream integration to reduce reliance on single-market exports. 'Strengthening links with regional and Asian supply partners can enhance both resilience and cost competitiveness. 'The true opportunity is not in survival but in transformation — future-proofing South Africa's role in global supply chains through strategy, value creation and new market development.'
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Sisulu foundation urges Ramaphosa to resign over corruption response
The Walter & Albertina Sisulu Foundation has fiercely criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for what it calls a 'bureaucratic theatre' in response to South Africa's deepening corruption crisis within law enforcement and the justice system. The Foundation has called for his immediate resignation, accusing him of substituting action with political performance. The Foundation praised KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for exposing collusion between police, politicians, and criminal syndicates. It described his stance as a bold step in confronting entrenched corruption. It hailed Mkhwanazi's revelations as a turning point in the fight against corruption, organised crime, human trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and systemic violence. Ramaphosa recently placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on paid leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister. The Foundation rejected these moves as superficial and manipulative. 'Yes, these moves are legally permissible, but legality is not legitimacy,' it said. 'This worn-out script no longer inspires confidence, it provokes outrage.' The Foundation accused Mchunu of obstructing accountability, highlighting his alleged role in halting disciplinary proceedings against senior officials implicated in forensic reports. It argued that Ramaphosa's decision to sideline him without consequence fits a pattern of shielding power rather than exercising it with integrity. The Foundation strongly criticised Ramaphosa's decision to launch yet another commission of inquiry, this time under Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. It described the move as an empty gesture meant to delay consequences and deflect responsibility. 'Commissions have become the illusion of action,' the Foundation said. The unresolved Phala Phala scandal also featured in the Foundation's statement. It warned that Ramaphosa's lack of transparency over the matter continues to erode his moral authority and the constitutional integrity he pledged to uphold. In its most damning remarks, the Foundation accused Ramaphosa of betraying the principles of ethical governance. 'You cannot preach dialogue while insulating political elites from accountability,' it said. 'Dialogue without consequence is theatre.' 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.
