
Cartoon of the day: 9 June 2025
Not all comrades are equal.
While South Africa celebrates the winners of this year's Comrades Marathon, the political comrades are far from winning the country they run.
Tete Dijana won his third Comrades Marathon Down Run on Sunday, beating last year's champion Piet Wiersma.
In the ladies' race, Gerda Steyn won her fourth Comrades Marathon title. She finished ahead of Russia's Alexandra Morozova, while Shelmisth Muriuki became the first Kenyan woman to make the marathon's podium, finishing in third place.
Steyn became only the second woman, after Russian athlete Elena Nurgalieva, to win the race more than three times.
'So many things have to go right in the lead-up to the race, and in your life, to get to the point where you're in the finishing straight, just about to win the Comrades.
'It takes so many pieces of the puzzle for that to happen, and that moment is short, but it is so meaningful and impactful. So I try and share it a bit because that moment is so big you can't experience it all by holding it in yourself,' she said after the race.
ALSO READ: 'It changes me': Emotional Gerda Steyn delighted with fourth Comrades win
Comrades of the worst kind
Meanwhile, comrades of a different kind have been competing for political moemishes.
Jacob Zuma last week reminded the country that his MK party is still incredibly divided after it redeployed secretary-general Floyd Shivambu over his visit to Malawi and fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri.
EFF leader Julius Malema reacted to his former deputy's troubles but had drama of his own. US President Donald Trump's advisor, Pastor Mark Burns, last week called on Malema to apologise for singing 'Kill the Boer.'
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa has also been battering off critics, this time of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). On Friday, he questioned whether their opposition was rooted in 'greed' or 'jealousy'.
Meanwhile, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is still licking his political wounds after his son was appointed chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta board, and then dismissed amid public outcry.
NOW READ: 'We should be grateful we have a government that listens': Ramaphosa says Seta board appointments a 'mistake'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Malema looks to revive support base in KZN with Youth Day rally
EFF leader Julius Malema EFF is expected to address supporters in Durban on Sunday at the party's national Youth Day event. Image: Phando Jikelo/Parliament of SA EFF leader Julius Malema is expected to address supporters in Durban on Sunday at the party's national Youth Day event as it looks to rejuvenate its support in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of next year's local government elections. The event will be held at King Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi, with the EFF saying it wants to pay a special focus on Umlazi to increase its seats in the eThekwini Municipality. The party has tasked its eThekwini councillor Thami Xuma, who also chairs the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, to work on the ground in Umlazi to ensure that the party retains the almost 28,000 votes it received in the 2021 local government elections. Umlazi is the province's biggest township, with a population of close to a million. On Tuesday Xuma said that the party had identified Umlazi as a potential area where it can get more votes to boost its numbers in eThekwini in next year's local government elections. He said the party wants to do well in all municipalities in the province, but eThekwini was crucial as it is the only Metro and has a big budget. 'Umlazi is the biggest township in the province so as a pro-poor party we have decided to target the township to sell our pro-poor policies. There are many people who still live in poor conditions in the informal settlements here, those are our people who resonate with our pro-poor policies so I will be here until elections next year engaging with them and listening to their problems,' said Xuma. Out of 168, 000 votes the party received in the 2021 elections which gave the party 24 seats in eThekwini, Umlazi contributed about 30 000. However, in last year's general election, the party dropped to 11,000 votes in eThekwini. The party performed badly in last year's national general elections which prompted the national leadership to sack the provincial secretary Nkululeko Ngubane and provincial treasurer Wakeni Chuma last month. Ngubane was replaced by Vukani Ndlovu who is also a councillor in eThekwini. A source in the party said its poor performance last year was attributed to the lack of leadership that resonated and appealed to traditionalists - other parties like the MK Party and the IFP has this in Jacob Zuma and Velenkosini Hlabisa respectively. 'This is a very complex province. You may have good policies here, however, that alone will not help because people here also look at your personality and see whether you are part of them or not,' said a source. [email protected]

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: India Taps BRICS to Strengthen Energy
This picture taken on January 11, 2024, shows employees working at a manufacturing plant of blades for wind turbines owned by India's Adani Group in Mundra. India, a major global oil consumer relying heavily on imports, has historically been susceptible to fluctuations in Western oil prices and geopolitical pressures. This vulnerability, stemming from importing over 85% of its crude oil, exposed the nation to supply disruptions and external political factors. However, collaborative efforts within BRICS are now reshaping India's energy approach. Energy is evolving into a strategic tool for global influence, diminishing reliance on traditional markets and challenging established power dynamics. This shift marks a move away from mere commodity dependence toward a more geopolitically nuanced energy strategy. Diversification through BRICS Partnerships India has drastically increased its crude oil imports from Russia. As Western sanctions against Moscow intensified in 2023, Indian refineries leveraged discounted Russian oil. Consequently, Russia's share of India's total oil imports surged from under 2% before the Ukraine war to over 40% by mid-2024. This wasn't a simple chance to save money; it symbolised a larger strategy to break away from supply chains and financial networks dominated by the West. India's strengthening ties with Iran, a key energy provider in the Global South and recent BRICS addition, suggest a push to revitalise the stalled Chabahar Port project and restart oil imports previously stopped due to U.S. sanctions. BRICS collaboration provides a buffer against such unilateral limitations by promoting alternative trade methods, such as local currency settlements, the BRICS Pay system, and possible substitutes for SWIFT. These resources directly bolster India's energy independence. The partnership between India and the UAE, a fellow BRICS member, holds significant importance. Abu Dhabi is not just a key oil provider, but also invests in India's strategic petroleum reserves and related infrastructure. Further strengthening this robust South-South energy alliance, the UAE's sovereign wealth funds have jointly invested in India's renewable energy projects, demonstrating a comprehensive collaboration spanning both conventional and clean energy sectors. BRICS as a Platform for Energy Sovereignty BRICS transcends a mere convenient alliance, rapidly evolving into a powerful instrument for its members to achieve energy sovereignty. The group's advocacy for dedollarisation, balanced global governance, and cooperation among developing nations is significantly altering the structure of the global energy sector. For India, this shift means a broader range of energy providers, advantageous trade arrangements, and increased independence in its energy-related international relations. Established in 2015, the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform has facilitated joint studies, technology exchanges, and policy dialogues that significantly contribute to India's energy planning. Notably, India hosted the BRICS Energy Dialogue in 2022, advocating for joint investments in upstream oil and gas exploration and South-South capacity building. This has led to tangible collaborative projects in Africa and Central Asia. In these regions, BRICS members, including Indian public sector undertakings such as ONGC Videsh, are jointly developing oil fields and refining infrastructure. India's dedication to energy transition gains significant backing from BRICS. Notably, India collaborates with China and Brazil to promote solar energy through the International Solar Alliance. Moreover, BRICS' green finance instruments, such as the New Development Bank (NDB), are channeling funds into India's clean energy ventures. These include solar parks in Madhya Pradesh and wind energy farms in Gujarat. Strategic Autonomy and Global Realignment India's energy security is intrinsically tied to the broader geopolitical shift towards a multipolar world. The Global South, historically marked by unequal dependencies, is now asserting its strategic independence. BRICS plays a pivotal role in this transformation, providing India with political and economic stability against the pressure tactics of established powers. This is especially crucial during global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, sanctions, or financial crises. While concerns exist that stronger energy partnerships with nations such as Russia or Iran could complicate India's relations with Western powers, India's foreign policy is driven by strategic autonomy, not non-alignment. Western nations must recognize that a self-assured Global South will not sacrifice its energy security to geopolitical maneuvers. Energy as Empowerment India's strategic energy realignment within BRICS signifies a profound move towards economic autonomy, not merely a simple shift. Through these alliances, India actively reduces price volatility, ensures stable, extended-term energy resources, and cultivates an energy sector that reflects both its developmental goals and its strategic position in global politics. As the Global South's influence grows, BRICS establishes a framework for a fairer, more secure energy future, positioning India – with its significant population and development goals – as a key player. In an era of energy instability and geopolitical competition, BRICS presents India with strategic advantages, extending beyond mere oil resources. Written By: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Sesona Mdlokovana Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group UAE & African Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on Twitter for daily BRICS+ updates and instagram @brics_daily

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump to discuss trade relations at G7 Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his US counterpart Donald Trump are set to meet, for the second time, at the G7 Summit expected to be held in Canada this weekend. Image: Supplied / GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada this weekend. The meeting will focus on key issues, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and US-SA tariffs. Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump comes after South Africa submitted a revised framework proposal to the US, aiming to expand trade and investment relations between the two countries. The US imposed tariffs on South African imports in April, with a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs of 30% against South African exports. The tariffs were part of a broader set of 'liberation day' tariffs imposed by Trump on all US trading partners. However, they were later reduced to a base rate of 10%, with the expectation that countries would use the 90 days to propose solutions addressing the US's trade deficit concerns. 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 Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump will be his second in about three weeks, following their encounter at the White House last month. During their previous meeting, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of the US's role in the G20 Summit and invited Trump to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this year. Trump agreed to attend, and Ramaphosa sees this as a positive development for bilateral relations. According to sources close to Ramaphosa, the meeting agenda will include discussions on AGOA, providing duty-free access to the US market for some African products. The agreement is set to expire in September, and South Africa is eager to see it renewed. Ramaphosa will also raise concerns about US-SA tariffs, urging the US not to increase them beyond the current 10% if negotiations on a new trade framework are not concluded by July 9. The sources further said the meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump was significant, given the current state of US-SA trade relations. 'The business sector has expressed concerns about the rise of tariffs, and Ramaphosa is under pressure to come up with answers. A successful meeting could help to ease tensions and pave the way for improved trade relations between the two countries,' the source added. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya had not responded to questions as to what to expect at the upcoming meeting. However, Ramaphosa, while speaking to journalists on Tuesday after he announced the date for the National Dialogue on various issues affecting the country, confirmed that he would be meeting Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ramaphosa said he was invited by Carney, who holds the presidency of the G7, and would also use the opportunity to talk about the G20 Summit to be hosted by South Africa in November, where Trump will take over the presidency. 'We're going to use it as a platform to begin to consolidate what we want to achieve in November when the leaders' summit takes place here (in Johannesburg),' he said. Last month, Ramaphosa and his delegation included Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. His goals for that meeting included resetting US-SA relations and beginning serious engagement with the US on trade and investment. He emphasised that South Africa did not 'go kowtowing' to the White House but rather took the initiative to engage with the US. 'For us, it's important for us as a nation to reposition ourselves in the very turbulent geopolitical architecture or situation that we have,' Ramaphosa said at the time. Business Unity South Africa could not respond to inquiries regarding expectations of Ramaphosa's upcoming meeting, citing the absence of its CEO, Khulekani Mathe, who is in Switzerland on a work visit.