Latest news with #Dirco

Junior SA soccer players are stranded in Portugal after academy failed to buy return-flight tickets

Daily Maverick

3 days ago

Sport
Daily Maverick

Junior SA soccer players are stranded in Portugal after academy failed to buy return-flight tickets

A Cape Town-based soccer academy sent 35 young athletes to Spain to compete in a tournament. More than a week after the tournament ended, only 13 have arrived back in South Africa, with the other 25 stranded in Europe. Twenty-five junior soccer players from Cape Town are currently stranded in Portugal, alongside three coaches, after the local soccer academy, which sent them over to take part in a tournament, failed to purchase return-flight tickets to South Africa. BT Football Academy sent a group of 35 teenagers, aged between 13 and 18, alongside four coaches, to participate in the Donosti Cup in Spain, an annual age-group soccer tournament which takes place in San Sebastián. Parents of these young athletes paid R50,000 for the expenses of the trip, which was supposed to be nine days, from 6 July until 15 July, with the tournament taking place from 7 July until 13 July. Currently 25 kids (five girls, 20 boys) and three coaches are stranded in Lisbon, Portugal, after travelling to the neighbouring country by bus, after 10 children – whose parents forked out an extra R15,000 to have their children returned to South Africa – and one coach are now at home. The reason provided for the lack of return tickets for the athletes was because of the exorbitant prices at the time they wanted to make the purchase, impacted by delays in the visa application process. 'Unfortunately, our preparations were significantly impacted by delays in securing visa appointment slots,' a statement by BT Football Academy read. 'Despite our early attempts to begin the visa process, we were only granted appointments much later than planned. 'As a result, visas were received merely a week before the intended departure. This created immense pressure on our team to secure flights within an extremely short timeframe. 'The cost of return flights so close to the departure date proved unaffordable.' Essentially, the tickets were booked, but the academy gambled on cheaper return-flight prices to fall within the budget. Unfortunately, ticket prices did not come down in the interim, leaving about a R15,000 shortfall per member stranded in Portugal. 'Very unfortunate' The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) is aware of the situation but, according to spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, its hands are tied. 'This is very unfortunate and we hope that all those involved will take responsibility and we encourage all South Africans with the means to assist where possible,' Phiri said to Daily Maverick in WhatsApp communication. 'Unfortunately, this is not a case [which] would fall directly within the ambit of our consular services. But we will endeavour to explore all avenues to assist.' The young athletes were sent to Spain with the return tickets booked but not purchased, due to the prices at the time. Had the children not gone, BT Football Academy would have encountered a massive financial loss, according to BT Football Academy CEO and founder Brandon Timmy. 'When we bought the tickets, it was already late [in the process] and the return-ticket price at the time, upon receiving the visas, was extremely high,' Timmy told CapeTalk radio. 'Parents paid a lot of money to make this happen. From our side, we also had to pay money to the tournament organisers because it came with accommodation fees. 'If we had not received our visas and bought the flight tickets, there would've been a [financial] massive loss.' According to BT Football Academy's press statement, it had attempted to secure funding through government assistance, but to no avail. 'In anticipation of this challenge, we had reached out well in advance to various government departments and ministers seeking financial assistance,' the statement read. 'Regrettably, no response was received, neither via email nor telephonically, despite repeated efforts.' No communication BT Football Academy also acknowledged their poor communication to concerned parents in their statement. 'We acknowledge that our limited communication has caused concern,' it said. 'Please understand that we are working around the clock to find solutions to bring all players back home as soon as possible. 'The financial strain is heavy, but our commitment to our players and their families is unwavering. 'We are deeply grateful for the understanding, compassion and support we've received from parents, especially those whose children have previously toured with us and continue to stand by us during this unprecedented situation. 'This is the first time we have faced such a challenge and it is not reflective of our past.' Currently, the 25 young athletes and three coaches are in a hostel in Portugal waiting to secure flight tickets to return to South Africa. DM

Dirco slams report SA collaborated with Hamas to attack Israel

The Citizen

3 days ago

Politics
The Citizen

Dirco slams report SA collaborated with Hamas to attack Israel

Dirco was responding to journalist Paula Slier's blog post published in the Times of Israel on Friday, July 11, 2025. The International Relations Department (Dirco) says assertions that the South African government knowingly collaborated with Hamas ahead of the October 7 attacks on Israel are a 'misstep, granting oxygen to demonstrably unverified assertions.' Dirco was responding to journalist Paula Slier's blog post published in the Times of Israel on Friday, July 11, 2025. 'SA collaborating with Iran' In the post, Slier writes about a $400 million lawsuit being prepared in the United States (US) against President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the South African government of knowingly collaborating with Hamas ahead of the October 7 attacks on Israel, attacks in which at least 47 American citizens were killed or taken hostage. 'The case, built on recommendations by UK-based consultant Justin Lewis, claims to have uncovered new material evidence of coordination between South African officials, Hamas, and Iran in the months leading up to the massacre. It's a staggering allegation: that South Africa's diplomatic support for Hamas wasn't just rhetorical solidarity, but active complicity,' Slier wrote. 'Bemusement' In an open letter to Slier and the Times of Israel on Sunday, Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said he observed with a 'degree of bemusement Slier's recent forays into the blogosphere of the Times of Israel.' 'On July 11, 2025, you saw fit to amplify the extreme, dangerous, and unsubstantiated assertions of one Justin Lewis. A mere two days later, you claim that this is 'a lobbying and advocacy effort based on unverified allegations'. 'However, instead of apologising to your readers for violating the most basic tenets of ethical journalism, and taking steps to mitigate the damage you have caused, you chose once again to amplify these reckless allegations, vowing to pursue them, notwithstanding the lack of evidence!' Phiri wrote. ALSO READ: Israel strikes Catholic church in Gaza, killing three [VIDEO] Litigation In the blog post referred to by Phiri, written by Slier two days late, wrote that while Lewis had said he submitted recommendations, 'he is not personally involved in any litigation process and cannot confirm that a lawsuit is being filed. He advises third parties who may be considering such action.' 'This does not negate the seriousness of the questions raised, nor the significance of South Africa's diplomatic posture toward Hamas and Iran, which continues to generate global concern. But it does shift the emphasis: this is not yet a legal case; it is a lobbying and advocacy effort based on unverified allegations,' Slier wrote. 'Almost all the responses to my previous blog post were positive. But I've also heard from concerned colleagues and friends in the media, urging me to look again at the man behind these claims. And they're right'. False claims Phiri said the claims against Pretoria are untrue. 'For the record, to say that these claims are unverified and baseless is a perfectly rational response to someone, like Mr Lewis, who clearly has a penchant for misinformation and lies. 'What is not rational is to ignore a growing body of evidence and information from experts in search of non-existent evidence that South Africa could not have possibly conceived on its own, the interpretation of upholding international law by invoking the provisions of the genocide convention,' Phiri said. ALSO READ: Hague group announce steps to hold Israel accountable at Bogotá Summit [VIDEO] Research Phiri outlined desktop research points from LinkedIn that he claims could have been used to verify similar sensational claims made about the First Minister of Scotland by Lewis, who is a non-lawyer but a farmer and entrepreneur by profession. 'The 'information' you are referring to is an email to an organisation referred to as the Media Research Council (MRC) in which Mr. Lewis commenced his missive with a litany of pronouncements'. 'He proceeded to tell the MRC evidence exists confirming that the SA government, led at that time by its main political party the ANC knew about Hamas' intended attack on the state of Israel before it happened in October 2023 and that elements within the SA government, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DIRCO) (sic), actively encouraged and enjoined its support of Hamas political strategy by acting as its agent for access to the ICC and the ICJ, which access to the court (ICJ), Hamas did not have as a non-signatory, as alleged.' SA ICJ case According to Phiri, further details in the email state that as part of a political strategy, preparations were made prior to the October 7 atrocity against Israel, to put in place mechanisms to approach the ICC and ICJ for protection from the state of Israel's anticipated response. 'As a layman, the example I use is that of assisting a neighbour to burn his house down, then rushing to court to claim insurance protection from your insurer (as your neighbour is a non-signatory).' 'Tea One might reasonably be surprised that a mere email from a third party, clearly well-versed in the art of name-dropping luminaries—some, like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson, no longer with us, alongside the rather incongruous mention of British royalty and former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng—could trigger a media inquiry,' Lewis wrote. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza 'Gaping holes' Phiri said his own 'rudimentary desktop research swiftly illuminated the gaping holes' in Lewis's narrative and credibility, including that Lewis styles himself a 'non-lawyer' yet claims to have 'worked with two Chief Justices' of our Republic. 'In what capacity? South African judges, by the very nature of our judicial system, do not conduct investigations, let alone work with members of the public directly on legal matters.' 'Misstep' Phiri said Slier's July 11 blog entry in the Times of Israel 'regrettably mirrored this precise misstep, granting oxygen to demonstrably unverified assertions.' 'You further compounded the error by endorsing Mr Lewis's contention that the South African media had, in some grand conspiracy, ignored his 'information'. In doing so, you effectively impugned the integrity of our media as a whole, suggesting it functions as a purveyor of misinformation or propaganda.' ALSO READ: Israel accused of starving Gaza 'by design' — South Africa addresses ICJ No politics Phiri added that South Africa's case against Israel has nothing to do with politics, nor with religion or ethnicity. 'It is about the conduct of a State that has signed the UN Charter, the Genocide Convention and numerous international instruments and manifestly and repeatedly violated them. It is about the equal application of international law. 'Our support for the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is predicated on the enduring need to address the manifestation of an illegal settler colonial occupation,' Phiri said. Mandela month However, Slier has continued to ask whether Pretoria knew about Hamas' attack. 'The broader question: what did South Africa know about Hamas's intentions before October 7, and what role has it played diplomatically since? – remains valid and urgent. But it must be pursued through verified facts, credible sources, and balanced reporting. 'I intend to continue reporting on this story. In the coming days, I'll be speaking to a range of analysts and legal experts to assess both the claims and the implications. If evidence surfaces of collaboration, foreknowledge, or financial consequences, I will report on it. But I will do so transparently and carefully,' Slier said. ALSO READ: Israel bombs café during children's birthday party in Gaza — 39 killed

Indian killed, another kidnapped in suspected Niger terror attack

The Citizen

6 days ago

The Citizen

Indian killed, another kidnapped in suspected Niger terror attack

India has condemned an armed attack in Niger as violence in the region continues to rise. An Indian national was killed and another abducted in what India's embassy termed a 'terrorist' attack in southwestern Niger, while a third is listed as missing, it said in a statement. Local sources said unidentified armed attackers ambushed a Nigerien army unit providing security at a construction site for an electrical line in the Dosso region, around 100 kilometres (63 miles) from the capital Niamey. Urging Indian nationals in Niger to be 'vigilant', India's embassy in Niamey said it was in contact with the employer and families of the victims as well as the Nigerian government to facilitate repatriation of the dead man's remains. It said it was also working to secure the release of the person abducted in the attack, which took place Tuesday near the Nigerian border. Local sources and social media posts suggested at least one Nigerien soldier was killed in the attack, which authorities had not yet commented on Friday. Violence in Niger Niger, under military rule following a 2023 coup, has faced around a decade of violence perpetrated by jihadists affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. ALSO READ: Dirco slams old travel advisory about terrorism in South Africa The Dosso region borders both Nigeria and Benin, where attacks regularly target civilians, the army and also a giant oil pipeline transporting crude from Niger to Benin. The authorities generally blame such attacks on 'terrorists' or 'bandits'. Dosso borders the western town of Tillaberi near the borders with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which has become a stronghold for jihadist groups. April 25 attack According to official Indian sources, five Indian technicians were kidnapped in an April 25 attack just north of the nearby town of Sakoira. Twelve Nigerien soldiers were killed in that attack. Earlier this month, three Indian nationals working in Mali were kidnapped from a cement factory in the west of the country. NOW READ: Durban man previously accused of terrorism wants to run for election

Dirco calls for global action to stop Israel's ‘genocide' in Gaza

The Citizen

16-07-2025

Politics
The Citizen

Dirco calls for global action to stop Israel's ‘genocide' in Gaza

Delegates from 30 countries are discussing how to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Director-General Zane Dangor says there are continued and urgent calls from UN Member States and the international community for a ceasefire in Gaza. Dangor spoke to delegates from 30 countries meeting in Colombia's capital, Bogota, on Tuesday to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and ways that nations can try to stop Israel's military offensive in the enclave. Conference The two-day conference organised by Colombia and South Africa is being attended mostly by developing nations, although Spain, Ireland and China have also sent delegates. The conference is co-chaired by South Africa and Colombia, which last year suspended coal exports to Israeli power plants. It includes the participation of members of The Hague Group, a coalition of eight countries that earlier this year pledged to cut military ties with Israel and comply with an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza Genocide Many of the participating nations have described the violence as genocide against the Palestinians. Dangor stated that the meeting comes one year after the General Assembly passed a resolution that affirmed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory opinion that found that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful. He said the resolution affirming the ICJ's advisory opinion was supported by the overwhelming majority of member states. 'The carnage we see in Palestine today is testament to Israel's grand exceptionalism from accountability to international law and norms. All states have the obligation to act on these directives. We do not have the luxury of time. This is happening now.' Durante la Conferencia Ministerial de Emergencia sobre Palestina, que se desarrolla en Bogotá, Zane Dangor, secretario general del Departamento de Relaciones Internacionales y Cooperación de Sudáfrica, explicó el propósito de este encuentro. — Cancillería Colombia (@CancilleriaCol) July 15, 2025 'Impunity continues unabated' Dangor added that the 'impunity continues unabated'. 'Israel continues with its violence against Palestinians, with forced evacuations, and targeted attacks on schools and medical facilities being the order of the day. An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, exacerbated by further denials of safe access to, and delivery of, desperately needed aid, has been unfolding before our eyes.' Dangor warned that enabling Israel to simply ignore decisions of the courts and the United Nations with no consequence is negatively impacting the integrity of international law, including international humanitarian law and the organisations that are tasked with its administration. 'Israel's continued disregard for the rulings of the ICJ undermines the integrity of the court and harms the capacity of the institutions of global governance to end impunity. 'This is unacceptable, and we should not be complicit in Israel's endeavours to irreparably harm the institutions that were established to hold all of us accountable to the goals of a more peaceful and just world,' Dangor said. ALSO READ: Israel bombs café during children's birthday party in Gaza — 39 killed International law Dangor said the international community cannot proclaim that the importance of international law, including that of the UN Charter, applies in some situations and not in others. 'We should not pick and choose which binding orders of the ICJ to abide by and which to set aside or simply ignore. 'Israel's unlawful actions are enabled when we seek to rationalise their actions. The crime of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of apartheid are not complex, they are unlawful,' Dangor said. Humanitarian support He added that the violence and restrictions under Israeli occupation have rendered the mandates of humanitarian and development organisations virtually impossible to fulfil. 'Humanitarian support provided by member states is regularly obstructed and destroyed by Israeli authorities, or is being allowed to be destroyed by right-wing and extreme elements. 'As Member States of the UN who have pledged our commitment to upholding the UN Charter, we have the ultimate responsibility to ensure and protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,' he said. Dangor said Israel's government must immediately halt the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza, which is causing 'untold suffering and trauma'. 'The government of Israel, as the occupying power, must uphold its obligations under international law, protect and uphold the rights of Palestinians, refrain from excessive and lethal use of force and guarantee unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, including healthcare and other essential services in the West Bank and Gaza.' 'Concrete actions' The United Nations's special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory Francesca Albanese said that it is time for nations around the world to take concrete actions to stop Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza. 'Each state must immediately review and suspend all ties with the State of Israel … and ensure its private sector does the same,' Albanese said. 'The Israeli economy is structured to sustain the occupation that has now turned genocidal.' Gaza death toll More than 58 000 people have been killed since Israel launched the assault in October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israeli forces have also imposed several total blockades on the territory throughout the war, pushing Gaza's 2.3 million residents to the brink of starvation. Analysts say it's not clear whether the conference's participating countries have enough leverage over Israel to force it to change its policies in Gaza. ALSO READ: SA among 38 countries to present at ICJ hearings on Israel's actions

Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi drags Mchunu

The Citizen

06-07-2025

Politics
The Citizen

Latest news with #Dirco

Junior SA soccer players are stranded in Portugal after academy failed to buy return-flight tickets

Dirco slams report SA collaborated with Hamas to attack Israel

Indian killed, another kidnapped in suspected Niger terror attack

Dirco calls for global action to stop Israel's ‘genocide' in Gaza

Top 10 stories of the day: Mkhwanazi drags Mchunu

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