5 August 2025: 'Iran asks Taliban for spy kill list to exploit Britain's lost database' and other world headlines
A bundle of newspapers on the table. Image: The South African/CANVA
Here are the stories that made headlines on the front pages of newspapers worldwide on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. The New York Times front page reported that, with fate in his hands, Netanyahu fumbled it. The Washington Post reported that Netanyahu has dismissed the attorney general. The Jerusalem Post's front page reported that Netanyahu has decided on the full reoccupation of the Gaza Strip. China Daily's front page reported that World Heritage Sites bear new fruit. The Daily Mail's front page reported that Iran 'asked the Taliban for a spy kill list' to exploit Britain's lost database exposing MI6 spies and special forces. The Guardian's front page reported that police warned of mass arrests at a Palestine Action protest.
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
'Zuma has no mandate': SA Government slams use of national flag in Morocco
Minister Ronald Lamola has slammed MK Party leader Jacob Zuma for abusing the South African flag during his meeting in Morocco last month. Image: GCIS The Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Romald Lamola has expressed concern to the Kingdom of Morocco over what he described as an 'abuse of the national symbol' following a visit by former president and Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma. Zuma met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on July 15, 2025. 'While we recognize and respect Morocco's sovereign right to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols - in this instance, the South African national flag, during the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the foreign minister of the Kingdom of Morocco,' said Lamola. Zuma, who was accompanied by the MK Party's Head of Presidency, Magasela Mzobe, was photographed alongside Moroccan officials with both South African and Moroccan flags displayed prominently. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the department viewed this as a breach of diplomatic norms. 'The use of the South African national flag in a meeting with a member of a political party in opposition, which is a non-state actor, constitutes an abuse of existing protocol and decorum and undermines official bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco.' He added that national symbols such as the flag inherently convey official state endorsement, and their use in such contexts 'elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement'. 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 'This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African state.' Phiri stated that South Africa had made it clear to Morocco that such portrayals could not be recognised as official bilateral engagements and that any implications drawn from the meeting were 'firmly rejected'. 'The government of the Republic of South Africa holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official state endorsement of non-governmental engagements is inappropriate, irrespective of the setting,' he said. 'In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign states and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions.' He said adherence to these shared principles was essential for the continued development of positive relations between the two countries. Zuma's visit sparked widespread condemnation from political parties, including the ANC. IOL News previously reported that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula labelled Zuma a 'sellout' for supporting Morocco. The Western Sahara, a sparsely populated desert region on Africa's northwest coast, was formerly a Spanish colony. Morocco annexed the territory in 1975, resulting in a decades-long territorial dispute with the indigenous Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side by side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara,' said Mbalula. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. Whatever his reasons, we are not surprised. The decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. History will remember him for that.' Former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu also criticised Zuma's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, calling it 'opportunistic' and a departure from the anti-colonial principles of liberation movements. 'This move contradicts our history of supporting oppressed peoples,' Shivambu said in a social media post. Dr David Nyekorach-Matsanga, chair of the Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates, issued a statement condemning Zuma's stance, calling it a 'betrayal of African solidarity' and a violation of African Union (AU) principles. 'Endorsing this occupation equates to endorsing colonialism,' the statement read. 'It dishonours the legacy of the late Muammar Gaddafi, a key defender of the Sahrawi cause. Western Sahara is a recognised member of the AU, and its right to self-determination is protected under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.'
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
MK party wants Russian war ship to have access to SA
The MK party expressed it's unwavering support for Russia. The MK party has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene after a Russian Baltic fleet training ship carrying 300 sailors was allegedly refused access for sailors to disembark. The Smolny arrived in Cape Town on 5 August 2025, reportedly to restock, replenish and resupply the ship. According to the Baltic Fleet's press service, the Smolny called in at a number of ports, including Cuba's Havana, Venezuela's La Guaira, South Africa's Cape Town, Namibia's Walvis Bay, Angola's Luanda, Cameroon's Douala, and Benin's Cotonou. GNU condemned MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the party condemns 'the so-called government of national unity's (GNU)' decision to deny access to sailors. 'The ship has made a short visit to South Africa: an act that indicates that the Russian government views South Africa as a mutual ally and a partner in friendly trade relations. 'Denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia. 'The MK Party, therefore, distances itself from the so-called GNU's decision to refuse the Russian sailors port entry into the City of Cape Town and reaffirms that we cannot support a government that seeks to undermine long-term bilateral ties and trading relations with the Russian state,' Ndhlela said. ALSO READ: US ambassador Reuben Brigety refuses to be drawn into Russian ship Lady R saga Supporting Russia Ndhlela added that South Africa maintains a 'neutral stance' on international affairs. 'As the Official Opposition, we extend a firm warning to the so-called GNU not to undermine international relations between Russia and South Africa. The MK Party maintains a pro-Russia stance and stands in firm opposition to Western imperialism and hegemonic influence. 'We support the Russian state and we will never tire in defending the right to self-determination and a multi-polar global world order. 'Our stance and position as MK Party is that of assuming an ally position to the Russian state. Russia has been a loyal, honest partner to South Africa and for over 60 years, Russia has never sold out on the support and aid to South African liberation movements,' Ndhlela said. The Baltic Fleet's training ship "Smolny" (Project 887) arrived at the port of Cape Town, South Africa. 📸 TG-ch. "RusConsCT" (Aug. 5) — Massimo Frantarelli (@MrFrantarelli) August 6, 2025 'Good relations' Ndhlela said the MK party 'reaffirms' its commitment to maintaining good relations and called upon the 'so-called GNU to grant access to the Russian sailors.' 'This is an unnecessary international stand-off which SA cannot afford to wage as a battle. We demand that Mr. Ramaphosa urgently intervene in this matter. 'His continuous absence from leadership at critical moments has undermined the South African government, weakened the economy and, with this Russian ship incident, threatens to strain South Africa's relations with Russia,' Ndhlela said. The Citizen has contacted the Border Management Authority (BMA) for comment. This will be included in the story once received. ALSO READ: Zuma demands Ramaphosa resign by Friday, or else…
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Appeal launched against Shell's approval to drill off Northern Cape coast
Shell were given approval for the 3 200m-deep well by the mineral resources department but environmentalists are questioning the decision. Environmentalists are appealing the government's decision to grant Shell permission to drill deep into the Northern Cape coast. The Department of Mineral Resources granted Shell environmental authorisation for the site in early July, allowing for drilling up to depths of 3 200m. Citing concerns from fishing communities and heritage organisations over the possible infringement of cultural rights, appellants highlighted what they believe are holes in Shell's initial submission. Third-deepest well in the world Shell's Northern Cape Ultra Deep (NCUD) oil and gas project could tap into deep-sea reserves located off the South African coast between Lamberts Bay and Namibia. If Shell is successful, the well would become the third deepest offshore site in the world. Organisations opposed to the project believe the oil giant's environmental impact assessment report did not cover the required criteria. Natural Justice and The Green Connection's appeal states that the modelling used to determine Shell's ability to close the well in the event of a disaster was inadequate. Additionally, full emergency plans were not disclosed, raising the suspicion of the environmentalists. 'How could decision-makers have considered all the risks or fully assess the adequacy of the various contingency plans, without having detailed, site-specific emergency response plans,' stated Neville van Rooy, Community Outreach Coordinator at The Green Connection. The Citizen reached out to Shell for comment. Any response will be included once received. Inadequate emergency plans The plan listed by Shell in the impact report involved the installation of a capping stack within three weeks of a disaster. The appellants questioned whether such an installation was possible at the required depth, within the stipulated timeframe, as Shell's models were based on existing sites, not the conditions specific to the NCUD. The Green Connection's legal advisor, Shahil Singh, said the perceived lack of transparency violated legal protections and sections of the constitution. 'These omissions are not minor. It may violate the principles of South African environmental law, which demand transparency, precaution, and public participation,' said Singh. Noting Shell's failed attempt to drill off the Eastern Cape coast several years ago, which was halted by court action, Singh said this scenario created a 'pattern' of attempting to dodge oversight. 'It is exploitation — because it doesn't uplift communities nor protect the environment — but destroys instead. 'We cannot stand by while our ocean and our future are sacrificed for short-term corporate profit,' Singh concluded. NOW READ: Money was what pushed Shell out of South Africa – expert
