Newspaper headlines from around the world - Wednesday, 23 July 2025
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The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Botswana Issues Apology to Bridgette Motsepe Over False Corruption Claims
In a significant development marking a shift in regional diplomacy and justice, the government of Botswana has formally apologised to South African businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe for false accusations of corruption and money laundering that surfaced in 2019. The retraction comes after Botswana's High Court confirmed last month that the claims were baseless and made without credible evidence. Motsepe, a well-known mining entrepreneur and philanthropist, was thrust into a political and financial scandal six years ago when Botswana investigator Jako Hubona alleged she was involved in laundering funds stolen from the Bank of Botswana. The accusations went further, suggesting that she co-signed accounts used for the alleged movement of illicit money and was even involved in financing terrorism. Those claims, echoed at the time by the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime as well as the country's intelligence services, caused diplomatic strain between Botswana and South Africa, and severely impacted Motsepe's reputation in international business circles. In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday evening, the Botswana government officially distanced itself from the allegations and took responsibility for the damage caused. 'The allegations made by Jako Hubona against Bridgette Motsepe and supported by the government bodies he mentioned are entirely false and were made recklessly,' the statement read. 'The government of Botswana, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services and Mr Hubona unconditionally retract their allegations and apologise to Mrs Motsepe for making them.' This public apology signals a clear departure from the previous administration's posture. Under President Duma Boko, elected earlier this year on a platform of legal reform and regional cooperation, Botswana has moved to restore credibility in its institutions and rebuild relationships in the Southern African Development Community. President Boko's administration described the saga as a failure of both process and ethics. 'The new human rights-based government of Botswana under the leadership of advocate Duma Boko reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and assures the public that fabrications of the nature that have occurred will never recur,' the statement added. Motsepe, who is also the sister-in-law of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has not yet issued a formal response, but sources close to her confirmed she is considering legal action for damages caused by the years of reputational harm. Political analysts suggest that the apology is not only a legal and diplomatic necessity but also a strategic move by Botswana to stabilise relations with its neighbour amid broader efforts to attract foreign investment and rebuild institutional trust. South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation welcomed the apology, noting that the matter had weighed heavily on bilateral relations in recent years. 'We trust this marks a new chapter of openness and mutual respect between our two countries,' the department said.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Botswana Issues Apology to Bridgette Motsepe Over False Corruption Claims
In a significant development marking a shift in regional diplomacy and justice, the government of Botswana has formally apologised to South African businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe for false accusations of corruption and money laundering that surfaced in 2019. The retraction comes after Botswana's High Court confirmed last month that the claims were baseless and made without credible evidence. Motsepe, a well-known mining entrepreneur and philanthropist, was thrust into a political and financial scandal six years ago when Botswana investigator Jako Hubona alleged she was involved in laundering funds stolen from the Bank of Botswana. The accusations went further, suggesting that she co-signed accounts used for the alleged movement of illicit money and was even involved in financing terrorism. Those claims, echoed at the time by the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime as well as the country's intelligence services, caused diplomatic strain between Botswana and South Africa, and severely impacted Motsepe's reputation in international business circles. In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday evening, the Botswana government officially distanced itself from the allegations and took responsibility for the damage caused.'The allegations made by Jako Hubona against Bridgette Motsepe and supported by the government bodies he mentioned are entirely false and were made recklessly,' the statement read. 'The government of Botswana, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services and Mr Hubona unconditionally retract their allegations and apologise to Mrs Motsepe for making them.' This public apology signals a clear departure from the previous administration's posture. Under President Duma Boko, elected earlier this year on a platform of legal reform and regional cooperation, Botswana has moved to restore credibility in its institutions and rebuild relationships in the Southern African Development Community. President Boko's administration described the saga as a failure of both process and ethics. 'The new human rights-based government of Botswana under the leadership of advocate Duma Boko reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and assures the public that fabrications of the nature that have occurred will never recur,' the statement who is also the sister-in-law of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has not yet issued a formal response, but sources close to her confirmed she is considering legal action for damages caused by the years of reputational harm. Political analysts suggest that the apology is not only a legal and diplomatic necessity but also a strategic move by Botswana to stabilise relations with its neighbour amid broader efforts to attract foreign investment and rebuild institutional trust. South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation welcomed the apology, noting that the matter had weighed heavily on bilateral relations in recent years. 'We trust this marks a new chapter of openness and mutual respect between our two countries,' the department said.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Gayton's new man, but who really is Liam Jacobs?
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) President, Gayton McKenzie, announced the appointment of rising star Liam Jacobs to replace the suspended Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Kenny Kunene. Image: Supplied Liam Jacobs, at just 24 years old, is quickly becoming a notable figure in South African politics. Recently recommended by Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie to replace Kenny Kunene as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in Johannesburg, Jacobs is on the verge of stepping into a prominent leadership role in one of the country's largest cities. Born in 2001 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, Jacobs showed an early interest in politics and community service. He pursued his studies at the University of Pretoria, where he completed an honours degree in Politics, Economics, and Philosophy. His academic background reflects a strong foundation in understanding governance, economic issues, and philosophical questions about society and leadership. Jacobs began his political journey through student activism, eventually becoming the Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) in October 2022. In this role, he was recognised for championing inclusivity and pushing for greater youth representation in political decision-making. His leadership in DASO positioned him as a rising star within the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's official opposition party. Following the 2024 general elections, Jacobs was elected as a Member of Parliament for the DA, serving on the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts, and Culture. Despite this promising start, Jacobs became disillusioned with the DA. 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 ✕ Ad loading He publicly expressed feeling used and frustrated by the party's internal politics and dynamics. In June 2025, he announced his departure from the DA, declaring his move to the Patriotic Alliance with the words, 'I am finally home.' The PA, under the leadership of Gayton McKenzie, has been growing in influence, particularly in urban centres like Johannesburg. McKenzie welcomed Jacobs warmly, highlighting his leadership potential and commitment. Following Jacobs' defection, McKenzie recommended him to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero to fill the MMC for Transport position, a critical role responsible for managing and improving the city's transport infrastructure. McKenzie expressed confidence in Jacobs, stating, 'This is your chance now to show people that you can lead. You have shown people your heart. Do not disappoint them.' Jacobs' appointment is still pending, as Mayor Morero consults with coalition partners before filling the vacant mayoral committee positions of transport and finance. Beyond politics, Jacobs has demonstrated a strong commitment to community activism. In late 2023, during a severe water crisis in Kimberley, he filed a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission, advocating for improved access to clean water for residents. This action reflected his dedication to addressing pressing social issues and holding authorities accountable. If appointed MMC for Transport, Jacobs will face significant challenges. Johannesburg struggles with issues such as deteriorating roads, traffic congestion, and public transport inefficiencies. Addressing these problems will require strong leadership, innovative thinking, and effective coordination with various stakeholders. For a young politician who has already experienced the complexities and challenges of South African party politics, this new role offers an opportunity to demonstrate his capability and commitment to public service. As he prepares to take on this responsibility, many will be watching to see if Liam Jacobs can translate his passion and energy into tangible improvements for Johannesburg's residents. Would you like me to help draft statements or interviews from Jacobs or others for this story?
