Newspaper headlines from around the world - Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Here are the stories that made headlines on the front pages of newspapers worldwide on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. The Washington Post reported that Harvard argues for free speech. The Jerusalem Post's front page reported that the IDF struck Houthi targets in Hodeidah. China Daily's front page reported that the summit is a key moment for China-EU ties. The Daily Mail's front page reported that Britain is facing societal collapse, warns Farage. The Guardian's front page reported that Israel launched an offensive on a Gaza aid hub amid fears of starvation.
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IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
How ANC hopes to stop Trump's sanctions
A US House Committee has passed a bill aimed at reassessing the United States' bilateral relationship with South Africa. Image: Armand Hough /Independent Newspapers THE ANC has expressed its intention to vigorously oppose the Trump administration's attempt to isolate it by imposing sanctions against the party after US lawmakers voted to advance a bill that proposes reviewing the relationship with South Africa. The US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 was now to be sent to the full House of Representatives, where parliamentarians will vote for it. However many bills at this stage never go to a vote, reports Reuters. The committee's approval took the bill a step further and underscored tensions between Washington and Pretoria as South Africa seeks to fend off a looming 30% U.S. tariff and counter President Donald Trump's false claims of white "genocide". The bill was introduced by US Congressman Ronny Jackson to punish ANC leaders for supporting America's enemies, such as China, Russia, and Iran. 'South Africa has brazenly abandoned its relationship with the United States to align with China, Russia, Iran, and terrorist organisations, a betrayal that demands serious consequences,' Daily Investor quoted Jackson. In the Bill, Jackson claims that the South African government's foreign policy actions have long ceased to reflect its stated stance of nonalignment, and now directly favour China, the Russian Federation, and Hamas, a known proxy of Iran, and thereby undermine US national security and foreign policy interests. Certain ANC leaders, who are predicted to be the target of the bill, have been accused of mismanaging South Africa's state resources, which led to the poor performance of state-owned entities such as Eskom, resulting in load shedding, and Transnet's failure to operate train transport. President Cyril Ramaphosa could be among the first leaders to be impacted by the sanctions for publicly accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide against residents of Gaza on October 14, 2023. The ANC is now pinning its hope on the Democrats, who opposed the apartheid government, to protect its leaders, including Ramaphosa. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said: 'There are many Democrats, including those who were part of the anti-apartheid movements, who will stand up to caution Americans against supporting a president (Trump) who wants to censor and undermine the sovereignty of other nations.' Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC would vigorously oppose an attempt to isolate it from the rest of the nation by reimposing sanctions against it. 'Remember, we come from a history where sanctions were imposed against the apartheid system. 'But also the ANC was isolated by some of those countries that were working closely with the apartheid government, including the United States,' she said. Weighing on the matter, Good Party secretary general Brett Herron said that the passing of the Bill was another blow to the country's hopes to be able to undo punitive trade tariffs set for introduction by the US next week. 'The US and SA are sovereign nations led by politicians with a mandate from their citizens. The US is an important trading partner, with more than enough economic muscle to hurt South Africa - an important consideration. 'SA's options, in response, are to back down or double down on its values. Backing down would be a poor choice. The first move the President should make is to appoint a trusted ambassador skilled in diplomacy. As stated last week, a briefing from the SA President on developments in the relationship with the US is overdue.' Cape Times
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Questions Keep Mounting — Will the NCACC Break Its Silence on July 25?
As the investigative spotlight shines on RDM, the deafening silence from NCACC for nearly two months now only amplifies the urgency of the situation. Image: Supplied Over the past year, multiple reports have pointed to South African-produced weapons appearing in military conflict zones, including Ukraine and Israel. These allegations have placed the country's arms control system under a spotlight, particularly as South Africa continues to promote a foreign policy rooted in neutrality and peaceful diplomacy. If confirmed, these developments could trigger serious diplomatic and legal consequences, underscoring the need for tighter monitoring and public accountability in arms exports. The pressure has now reached the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) the body responsible for overseeing South Africa's weapons trade. After members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) submitted documents reportedly detailing violations by arms-exporting companies, the NCACC has yet to issue any response. The allegations include concerns about where exported weapons are ending up and whether proper checks have been followed. With no official statement to date, criticism of the NCACC's silence has only intensified. Parliament has already made its dissatisfaction clear. During a recent engagement with the committee, members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence expressed deep frustration over unanswered questions particularly around export permits, the identification of recipient nations, and verification of how exported arms are being used. Lawmakers signaled growing concern that the NCACC has been unwilling to engage publicly on these pressing matters. Meanwhile, civil society organisations have echoed similar concerns. Many point to the committee's lack of updated disclosures and the absence of detailed reporting on South Africa's arms trade. International observers, too, have noted this silence. In a field as sensitive as weapons exports, the expectation is that oversight bodies act with transparency and consistency values the NCACC is now being accused of neglecting. All eyes are now on the committee's upcoming meeting, scheduled for July 25. Opportunity for the NCACC to either begin rebuilding public trust or deepen concerns over its credibility. Stakeholders across politics, civil society, and the international community will be watching closely to see whether the body chooses to break its silence and offer meaningful information about arms trade compliance with both domestic laws and international obligations. Ultimately, this moment could mark a shift in how arms oversight is handled in South Africa. By committing to clear communication and firm oversight, the NCACC has a chance to reaffirm its role as a responsible regulatory authority. But continued silence, especially amid serious allegations and global scrutiny, risks damaging not just public confidence at home but South Africa's reputation abroad. Bayethe Msimang Amid rising concerns over South African arms appearing in conflict zones, the NCACC faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance. Will they break their silence on July 25 and restore public trust? Image: IOL * Bayethe Msimang is an independent writer, commentator and analyst. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Restoring faith: addressing the crisis in the South African Police Service
Over time, trust in the SAPS has diminished, primarily due to inadequacies in addressing critical crime-related issues, which have often been handled ineffectively or unsatisfactorily, says the writer. Image: Armand Hough THE transformation of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was predicated on the aspiration to reshape the policing paradigm in alignment with its new identity as a service-oriented institution. At its inception, a segment of the South African populace extended their support to the SAPS, seeking a reformed policing approach consistent with the Bill of Rights enshrined in the national constitution. However, over time, trust in the SAPS has diminished, primarily due to inadequacies in addressing critical crime-related issues, which have often been handled ineffectively or unsatisfactorily. The discourse surrounding service delivery within SAPS has increasingly infiltrated community conversations. In regions where service delivery is perceived as satisfactory, there exists a collaborative synergy between communities and SAPS, reflecting the principles of community partnership. Conversely, in areas plagued by high rates of crime and criminal behaviour, residents and discontented business owners have begun to lose faith in SAPS's capacity to fulfil its constitutional mandate of ensuring the safety and security of citizens. This erosion of trust highlights the challenges faced by SAPS in meeting its obligations and underscores the need for ongoing evaluation and reform within the policing framework. The transformation of the SAPS represents a significant shift in the approach to policing within the country, grounded in the aspiration to create a service-oriented law enforcement agency. 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 ✕ This transformation was envisioned as a means to align policing practices with democratic principles, specifically those articulated in the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution. Upon its inception, a considerable portion of the South African population expressed optimism for this reformed police service, perceiving it as an opportunity for the SAPS to contribute positively to societal safety and justice. However, as time has progressed, public trust in the SAPS has considerably eroded. This decline can be attributed to a range of factors, notably the persistent inadequacies in addressing crime-related issues. Many incidents of violent crime, corruption, and misconduct have been reported, wherein the responses from SAPS have often been perceived as ineffective or lacking accountability. Such failures have fostered a growing disillusionment among citizens who had initially supported the reformed mandate of the service. Service delivery by the SAPS has become a prevalent topic of discussion within households and communities across various regions. In neighbourhoods where residents experience a satisfactory level of service delivery, a sense of collaboration emerges between the community and the police. This partnership is often manifested through community policing initiatives that emphasise proactive engagement, crime prevention strategies, and mutual accountability. In these instances, positive relationships can lead to increased trust and a more cooperative environment, fostering a sense of safety and security. In stark contrast, in areas characterised by high crime rates and pervasive criminality, residents and local business owners express significant dissatisfaction with the SAPS. As crime continues to disrupt their daily lives and unaddressed issues escalate, the erosion of trust becomes pronounced. Community members often report feelings of vulnerability and frustration, leading to a widespread belief that SAPS is failing to uphold its fundamental constitutional mandate of safeguarding citizens. This growing disconnect has the potential to create a cycle of mistrust, where communities become increasingly disengaged from collaborative efforts with law enforcement, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by the SAPS. The South African policing system is currently grappling with a profound legitimacy crisis, a reality starkly highlighted by a recent survey reported by IOL on July 15, 2025. This survey reveals that a mere 22% of South Africans express confidence in the SAPS, a statistic that starkly underscores the growing chasm of trust between the public and the institutions sworn to safeguard their well-being. Such disillusionment is not unexpected, particularly in light of persistent allegations of corruption, inadequate service delivery and an alarming inability to respond effectively to the surge in criminal activities. For a significant portion of the population, their interactions with law enforcement are often characterised by feelings of frustration, fear or even neglect rather than the intended sense of protection. This pervasive sentiment necessitates a critical re-evaluation of the SAPS. Rooting out corruption and rebuilding ethical foundations in the SAPS In recent years, the SAPS has faced mounting scrutiny over its integrity and operational efficacy. The pervasive issue of internal corruption has eroded public trust which has positioned SAPS not as a protector but as a source of mistrust within local communities in South Africa. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering accountability and ethical conduct among police officers. One promising solution is the establishment of a Special Anti-Corruption Police Tribunal specifically designed to expedite the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases involving SAPS personnel. This tribunal would operate independently, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the integrity of the criminal justice processes when it comes to police misconduct. Additionally, the launch of a "Clean Badge" campaign could encourage officers to voluntarily commit to integrity pledges with external panels carrying out rigorous vetting processes. Such measures not only promote a culture of accountability but also empower officers who are dedicated to upholding ethical standards. Equally essential is the introduction of a comprehensive whistleblower protection and reward program within SAPS. By safeguarding those who report corruption or unethical behaviour, the police service can create an environment where integrity is valued and encouraged rather than overlooked. Modernising policing infrastructure and digital systems Beyond ethical issues, SAPS grapples with significant operational challenges stemming from resource shortages and outdated technology. The introduction of a robust digital transformation strategy is critical in addressing these challenges. Allocating budget resources towards modern technologies such as e-dockets, predictive policing software and integrated CCTV systems can significantly enhance operational efficiency. To further streamline operations, non-core functions including fleet maintenance, IT infrastructure and call centre operations should be outsourced to reputable service providers. This strategy not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates risks associated with mismanagement of resources. A centralised SAPS performance dashboard should be made accessible to the public which could enhance transparency by displaying critical metrics such as arrest/conviction rates and response times, thus holding the police accountable to the communities they serve. Rebuilding community-police relations through participatory policing A critical challenge facing SAPS is the perception that it operates as an occupying force rather than as a community partner. Strengthening community-police relations is paramount for restoring public confidence. Initiatives such as the introduction of Community Safety Councils in each municipality can foster collaboration between SAPS, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), local NGOs and school safety representatives. These councils should have the authority to co-design local safety plans by ensuring that community voices are heard and integrated into policing strategies. Expanding community constable programs by recruiting vetted youth from local populations coupled with training in human rights, conflict resolution and crime prevention can foster trust and cooperation between the police and the communities. Furthermore, implementing financial incentives for officers dedicated to long-term service in high-crime areas can foster stability and foster healthier community relationships. Concluding remarks The erosion of public confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) transcends the realm of policing as it represents a profound national crisis that threatens the foundational pillars of safety, justice and the rule of law. A mere 22% of the population expresses trust in the police which indicates that over three-quarters of South Africans feel vulnerable and marginalised. This disconcerting reality is not just a challenge but a crisis that demands urgent attention. Restoring faith in SAPS necessitates far more than changes such as new uniforms or catchy slogans, it calls for a bold vision characterised by transformative leadership and substantial structural reforms. It is imperative to recommit to principles of ethical, community-oriented policing which places the public at the heart of law enforcement efforts. Professor Nirmala Gopal Image: File Professor Nirmala Gopal is an academic leader: School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. THE POST
