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The South African
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
Togo elections face backlash over reform and indefinite rule
Togo elections on 17 July elected leaders for 117 municipalities in nationwide municipal polls. Security forces deployed across major cities ahead of the elections as tensions escalated following opposition-led protests on 16 July 2025. The elections follow a constitutional reform in May 2024, shifting Togo to a parliamentary system. Furthermore, President Faure Gnassingbé was appointed President of the Council of Ministers (PCM) in May 2025. This role holds executive power and has no term limits, sparking outrage. Approximately 4.5 million voters were registered for the election, according to Togo's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Youth-led protests erupted in Lomé in late June 2025, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Faure Gnassingbé. Demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. The civil society coalition Togo Debout reported seven deaths, including two minors. The discovery of bodies in lagoons near Lomé prompted calls for an international investigation. The government attributed deaths to drowning, citing seasonal flooding risks. Togo's Catholic bishops urged independent enquiries into alleged abuses. Opposition parties condemned the reforms as a 'constitutional coup' in joint statements. Opposition leaders rejected the election as illegitimate, criticising the constitutional reforms as a strategy to consolidate the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party's dominance. The June 6 Citizens Movement (M66) launched in early June 2025 in response to the new constitution, leading online protest campaigns and calling on Togolese youth to mobilise against the regime. International arrest warrants targeted M66 activists abroad, including in France and the United States (US). Security Minister Calixte Madjoulba announced that authorities were actively investigating M66 activists and had issued international arrest warrants against them for 'inciting unrest', while Territorial Administration Minister Hodabalo Anate labelled the movement's protest calls as 'acts of subversion' tantamount to terrorism. Early voting for security forces occurred on 14 July 2025 to ensure election day readiness. Observers noted calm at polling stations but warned of underlying tensions nationwide. Supporters of the ruling UNIR party continue to advocate for national stability, highlighting progress under President Faure Gnassingbé. Opposition leaders stressed the need for democratic accountability and local governance reform. The election outcome will test Gnassingbé's popularity amid growing dissent. In addition, results are expected within days, with international observers monitoring closely. WILL TOGO'S ELECTION RESULTS SIGNAL CHANGE OR CEMENT DYNASTIC RULE? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Not just Siya - 'Connie Ferguson' appears in AI investment scam
Scammers are using sophisticated technology to dupe the public into another investment scam, this time involving actress Connie Ferguson. Like Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, the veteran TV star's image has been doctored using AI. On the X platform, South Africans have been sharing videos of another investment scam, this time using popular TV veteran Connie Ferguson. Using AI technology, the actress appears to tell the public: 'This business is 100% legit and has helped so many lives out there. Trust me, you will never regret doing business with me.' Earlier this week, Siya Kolisi's likeness appeared in an AI video, accompanied by the voice in an accent of what seemed to be a Nigerian man. On her official Instagram account, Connie Ferguson recently alerted the public to another scam, this time using an old clip of her. The actress posted screenshots of the scammer who sent her WhatsApp messages, ironically pretending to be her. Cautioning her followers, Connie Ferguson captioned the clip: 'SCAMMERS ARE DOING THE MOST! Be vigilant! I DO NOT offer any investment opportunity in business! Thieves are AI now to convince you that they are whoever they say they are! 'Do not easily part with money you worked so hard for! If it's too good to be true, it usually is! Have you never asked yourself why they are the ones who always have to call you and you can't call them back? Don't be manipulated into losing your common sense because times are hard. 'Again, IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT USUALLY IS!' 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.
The South African
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Latest Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs news
Orlando Pirates will begin their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign with a packed August schedule that includes three home fixtures and two trips away. With the new season's expectations high as ever, the Buccaneers will be eager to hit the ground running and stake an early claim in the title race. Three of their first five opponents finished mid-table or lower last season, while one – Orbit College FC – is a newly promoted side. On paper, this gives Orlando Pirates an excellent platform to secure early points and build momentum before the league intensifies. Orlando Pirates train in Marbella, Spain for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Image: @orlandopirates/X 9 August: Sekhukhune United (Home) A familiar opening challenge at Orlando Stadium. Sekhukhune finished as high as fourth place last season. Nevertheless, Orlando Pirates have to deliver a statement win in front of the Ghost. 12 August: Marumo Gallants (Away)… Full story here. According to the leading South African football page on X and Facebook, Unplayable, the two new jerseys have gone on sale in Eswatini… Full story here. 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.
The South African
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: PSL goalkeeper and fixtures
The name of Renaldo Leaner has become rather popular with Kaizer Chiefs supporters since the end of last season. The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Elsies River, Cape Town, caught Kaizer Chiefs' attention after superb performances for Sekhukhune United and Bafana Bafana. According to reports, Amakhosi, who are expected to part ways with Fiacre Ntwari, are interested in Leaner but have not made formal enquiries yet. Images: New Kaizer Chiefs kit spotted in Eswatini Kaizer Chiefs target Renaldo Leaner in action for Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership. Image: Goal In apparent preparation, the club known as Babina Noko has signed two goalkeepers: Toaster Nsabata from Zambia and Manuel Sapunga, the goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea, formerly with Polokwane City. Confirmed: Orlando P 'The two reinforcements provide Babina Noko with squad depth in the goalkeeping department, making Leaner available for transfer….Full report here. Under the guidance of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, Kaizer Chiefs have another opportunity to reclaim the glory days after a frustrating and inconsistent previous season. Early momentum will be crucial for a team under pressure to deliver. The first five fixtures offer a mixture of tough away days and key home opportunities. How well Kaizer Chiefs handle this opening stretch could set the tone for the rest of their campaign. Here's a closer look at Kaizer Chiefs' first five fixtures of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season… 10 August: Stellenbosch (Away) Amakhosi begin their season on the road against Stellenbosch at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Stellies have developed into a competitive side, especially at home, and Steve Barker's side will ask big questions of Kaizer Chiefs. 13 August: Polokwane City (Home)… Full story here. 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.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Psychic on 'vision' of Jayden-Lee Meek murder: 'He was tortured, violated'
Kandis Starr – the US paranormal justice expert who predicted what happened to missing Joslin Smith – has shared her 'vision' of the night Jayden-Lee Meek was murdered in May. This week, the 11-year-old's mother, Tiffany Nicole, was arrested on charges of his murder, defeating the ends of justice, and crimen injuria. This week, Jayden-Lee Meek's mother, Tiffany, made her first appearance at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court in connection with her son's death. Shocked and disturbed social media users have reposted previous interviews made by Tiffany, in which they identified 'ref flags'. Some have revisited comments made by US psychic Kandis Starr, in which she shared a 'vision' of what happened to the 11-year-old video. Last month, Kandis – whose videos of missing Joslin Smith have gone viral – posted two videos about Jayden-Lee Meek's death. Kandis Starr has shared her readings on what she believes happened to Joslin Smith and Jayden-Lee Meek. Images via X In the first one, the paranormal justice expert shared a 'vision of what happened', which she claims was 'disturbing' and had her in tears. She said: 'Three male figures are connected to his death, two of them murdered the boy, and one of them is related or linked to the mother'. Kandis believes Jayden-Lee Meek was 'tortured' and 'violated' for 'hours' before his death. She believes the boy's death was related to illegal dealings that went wrong. She continued: 'Laying him [his body] on the step was a statement, but it was also a warning. They still want their money. This could be drugs and guns. It was very intentional.' 'The baby had nothing to do with it'. In a second video, Kandis Starr claimed to 'channel' the spirit of Jayden-Lee Meek, who reportedly had the following to say… 'A man hurt me…I was afraid. Kidnapped, threw me in the back seat'. 'A mattress…two of them together. They're bad' 'The uncle? Dad, dad, dad…Auntie?' 'They push me in there. They had a gun? Help!' 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.
