Latest news with #NelsonMandela
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Diplomacy is not dead, the world has just forgotten how to use it
A satellite image shows the Fordow nuclear facility in Iran in this handout image dated June 14, 2025 (MAXAR TECHNOLOGY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS) Last week, the United States launched a large-scale aerial attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, dropping 30 000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The Strait of Hormuz has been . The question now is not whether diplomacy is dead in the Middle East, but whether anyone remembers what it looks like. And if they don't, we in South Africa should remind them. Just over three decades ago, our country faced what many believed was an irreversible path to civil war. Between 1990 and 1994, nearly 15 000 South Africans were killed in And yet, the leaders of this country – President FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, men from utterly different histories – chose dialogue over destruction. Together, they chose peace. They didn't just sign a document, they built the architecture of peace from scratch. They negotiated an What is happening now in Iran and Israel has its own unique causes. Since the collapse of the The US Israel, seeing this as an existential threat, launched pre-emptive strikes on The UN Charter, under If this sounds familiar, it's because history has shown us again and again what happens when diplomacy is abandoned and self-defence becomes synonymous with brutal force. But force is not policy. Bombs do not build stability. We know this because we have lived it. South Africa's transition succeeded not because we had the perfect Constitution waiting in a drawer or because our society had magically healed. It succeeded because both sides accepted that dialogue was less costly than bloodshed. They knew that without talks, there would be nothing left to govern. The But again and again, our leaders returned to the table. They understood that the process – imperfect, fragile, maddening – was more powerful than any one grievance. And this is the same lesson that must be applied in the Middle East. We must believe that there is nothing inevitable about war between Israel and Iran. Just as the Yes, Oslo ultimately failed. But its failure was not a repudiation of diplomacy; it was a failure of political courage to sustain it. The same can be said of the JCPOA. It was an imperfect but effective mechanism to prevent nuclear escalation. Iran complied . The international community verified . But it was unilaterally abandoned in 2018. The current crisis is the direct result. We know that diplomacy is not a naïve ideal. It is the first principle of international law. The Under And we have, over the years, seen other nations learn this. These were not miracles. They were choices. What would it take for the Middle East to choose peace? First, open channels unconditionally. Mandela Quiet diplomacy – through back-channels, third-party intermediaries, or regional platforms – is not weakness. It is how war is prevented. Second, include all parties. In South Africa, the ANC, the National Party, the IFP and even fringe groups were eventually brought into dialogue. In the Middle East, that means involving not just the US, Iran and Israel, but also the Gulf States, Turkey and actors like Hezbollah that hold sway over real conditions on the ground. Exclusion breeds sabotage. Inclusion creates accountability. Third, restore or renegotiate the nuclear deal. The JCPOA's technical architecture can still serve as a basis for limiting enrichment, lifting sanctions and guaranteeing regional security. The cost of inaction (or even indifference) is far greater than the political difficulty of re-engagement. Fourth, create guarantees. Whether through the UN or a new regional mechanism, a peace framework must include verification, economic support and political cover for leaders taking risks . Finally, appeal to people, not just governments. Leaders must prepare their populations for compromise. In South Africa, that meant referendums, unity talks and mass civic engagement (like the United Democratic Front). It was not easy. But it worked. The FW de Klerk Foundation believes in constitutionalism, dialogue and international law. We do not pretend that every context is the same, or that South Africa's path is easily copied. But we do know that peace is possible, even when it seems impossible. That truth is not negotiable. And it is not too late. Let the world remember that the best outcomes are built not from domination, but from diplomacy. Let the Middle East remember that peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of dialogue. And let the leaders of today remember that if Mandela and de Klerk could forge a new country from the ashes of division, then surely, even in the rubble of conflict, nations can find a path back to peace. Ismail Joosub is Manager of Constitutional Advancement at the FW de Klerk Foundation.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Inside the Zurich grande dame hotel where the Lionesses will stay for Euro 2025
The UEFA Women's Euros will be held in Switzerland this year and England's champions are in for a treat as they defend their title. The Lionesses' den for the tournament will be the five-star grande dame of Zurich, the Dolder Grand. This turreted fairytale castle of a hotel, which opened in 1899 and has hosted iconic figures from Sophia Loren to Nelson Mandela, is all about luxury. The squad will find Lamborghinis and Bentleys in the car park rather than Fiats or Vauxhalls, while hallways are lined with valuable artworks. Guests will be wearing Hermès or Chanel and carrying the results of a day's shopping in Zurich's gilded streets. Two Norman Foster-designed wings made of steel and glass flank the hotel's belle époque old building, tastefully blending contemporary design with the likes of sweeping staircases and opulent chandeliers. All 175 rooms are large for Zurich and made for lounging. Most have south-facing balconies and offer views of the lake or forest, while even entry-level rooms have bathtubs. The players may well be hoping for a suite, as these come with their own saunas and whirlpool bathtubs, as well as butler service. This time, in short, England has stepped its hotel game up a gear. The four-star, more corporate Lensbury in Teddington was the Lionesses' base back in 2022, when England hosted the tournament. This certainly wasn't slumming it, but with off-season prices there starting at around £130 it isn't fair to compare it to the Dolder, whose comparative rate is £648. For the 2023 World Cup, business hotel brand the Crowne Plaza was chosen, in Terrigal, Australia. These clearly served as excellent bases, as the team reached the World Cup final in 2023 and beat Germany 2-1 in the Euros final in 2022. Perhaps it was these successes, and the subsequent surge in support, that has led to the decision to book a hotel befitting of this century's most successful England team. A group from the FA went to 23 different base-camp options before deciding the Dolder was the one. Manager Sarina Wiegman described finding the right 'home from home' as 'one of the most important elements for tournament football'. It's certainly a much more characterful choice than the utility-focused hotels often chosen as the accommodation for sports teams. And so, some 55 people, including players and staff, will be heading to the Dolder, deep in the forest on the Adlisberg mountain. Sitting high above Lake Zurich, many rooms have breathtaking views over the water towards the Glarner Alps, but as remote as this may sound, the players will only have a 20-minute drive to their training ground at Sportanlage Au. Plus, the squad can get into the city in around 10 minutes, if they have time for some sightseeing (I would suggest the Fifa Museum might be of interest). The hotel's gym and spa is the perfect place to recuperate after a tough game. Captain Leah Williamson and her teammates can choose between doing laps in the 25-metre indoor pool, or relaxing those muscles in the sauna or outdoor hot tub while enjoying views over the lake. Fellow guests may see them relaxing on one of the loungers on the terrace, or testing their mettle in the cold plunge pool. The hotel also offers forest bathing sessions and guided meditation (ideal for getting in the zone), as well as yoga, Pilates and even ballet lessons. If I can insist upon anything, though, it would be that the players treat themselves to a massage, which starts at £190 for 60 minutes. I came out feeling like I had just discovered what a massage should really feel like. The squad will be travelling with two chefs and a nutritionist, who will work with the hotel's catering team to create the breakfasts, lunches and dinners of champions. A pity not to be able to enjoy two-Michelin starred The Restaurant, while even the more casual Saltz may prove difficult to resist, with its hearty central European dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and potato gratin. Perhaps after the final. The choice of venue will also help meet UEFA's sustainability recommendations, which encourage squads to use low-emission transport rather than fly to the games. England's opening fixture against France on Saturday July 5 and the next one against the Netherlands on Wednesday July 9 will both be at Zurich's Stadion Letzigrund, while the last group stage match against Wales will be in neighbouring St Gallen, 50 miles away. The players could even use Switzerland's famously efficient train system if they make it to the final in Basel. The men's team failed on this count in 2024, when its choice of the beautiful but remote GolfResort Weimarer Land in central Germany meant they had to fly to many of their matches. The Dolder's manager described hosting the Lionesses as an 'honour' for the hotel, so they are sure to receive the warmest of welcomes and, as in the most recent World Cup, will have an area decorated in the colours of England. Let's hope the team does as well in this tournament as it did last time – if only to stay in the lap of luxury a little longer.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Joburg residents are worried about air pollution
New data from Breathe Cities reveals that 92% of surveyed Johannesburg residents expressed concern about air pollution. 78% of surveyed residents who experience one or more health symptoms believe they suffer from these symptoms as a result of air pollution. However, despite these concerns, only 5% of the 3,000 respondents are aware of the existing local air quality initiatives. As part of Youth Month, residents will also be able to #PauseAndBreathe together in-person during the Hike for the Environment event at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. The hike is organised by the City of Johannesburg and it will feature a guided nature walk, youth exhibits and interactive activities for the attendees to show their support for a cleaner, healthier Johannesburg. In response, the City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with Breathe Cities, an initiative that supports 14 cities to reduce air pollution, is launching #PauseAndBreathe, an activation that aims to inspire public support and bridge the gap between concern and awareness. To increase levels of awareness around air quality solutions, the City of Johannesburg is calling on all residents, wherever they are, to pause and breathe in a powerful city-led moment of unity on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at 12 midday, to show support for action on air pollution. Residents are encouraged to take part in #PauseAndBreathe by: Taking a personal moment of reflection at 12 pm on 28 June. Residents can post their picture wherever they are, whether it's with family or friends at home or enjoying Joburg's open spaces and great outdoors. Joining the in-person event against pollution at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort on 28 June where many joburgers will be gathering for #PauseAndBreathe. This gathering will serve as a visually striking centrepiece for the day, bringing together people committed to clean air in a natural setting. RSVP link . Posting your message of support and advocacy on social media using the hashtags #CleanAirJozi #PauseAndBreathe #Jozicares Head to the city's social channels to learn more about the action being taken in Joburg and how you can get involved. Whether you join in on June 28 at the nature reserve or simply pause wherever you are, at 12 midday on the 28th of June, Joburg is taking a moment to pause and reflect on the air quality of our beloved city. 'Youth month honours the power of unity among Johannesburg's youth - a force that continues to inspire real change. The challenge of air pollution demands innovative action, that's why I'm excited to present this new call to action for a healthier and more equitable Joburg. I urge everyone to join this collective #PauseAndBreathe moment as we each reflect on how we can make a meaningful difference together in our communities,' the campaign statement read. 'Nelson Mandela focused on human rights, but he pushed for environmental justice and sustainable action. He understood that the environment has a direct impact on people. The right to good air quality is included in our constitution. We have the right to an environment that is not harmful to our health and well being. Our air quality is currently 3.8 times more [harmful] than the standard stipulated by WHO. As active citizens we must stand together and campaign for cleaner air,' said Catherine Constantinides, Environmental Activist & Human Rights Defender.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating Youth Month through legacy and action
Siya Kolisi singing the national anthem at the Cape Town Stadium. Today, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is intertwined into South Africa's national anthem, alongside parts of Die Stem van Suid-Afrika, symbolising 'unity' in a post-apartheid era, as declared by Nelson Mandela in 1994. Image: Ayanda Ndamane /Independent Newspapers June is Youth Month in South Africa, a time to honour the fearless spirit of young people who dare to dream, act, and shape the future. While we commemorate the historic uprising of June 16, 1976, when Soweto's youth stood resilient against an oppressive system, Youth Month is more than a reflection on the past; it's a call to action for today's generation. It's a reminder that your ideas, no matter how small they seem, can ignite change that will echo across time and borders. Take inspiration fromEnoch Sontonga, a young visionary whose creativity left an indelible mark on Africa. This Youth Month, let's ignite that same courage and drive in you to turn your ideas into reality. The Legacy of Enoch Sontonga, A Young Dreamer's Impact In 1897, a 24-year-old Xhosa teacher and choirmaster named Enoch Mankayi Sontonga sat in a Methodist mission school in Nancefield, near Johannesburg, and penned a hymn that would become a beacon of hope for millions of people across Southern Africa. He was born around 1873 in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, and he was a product of the Lovedale Mission Training College, where he honed his skills as an educator and poet. At just 24, he composed Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika ('God Bless Africa'), a prayer for unity and liberation, initially intended for his school choir. Little did he know that his words and melody would transcend his lifetime, becoming a pan-African anthem of resilience and freedom. First performed publicly in 1899 at the ordination of Reverend John Hlengani Mboweni, the hymn gained traction when John Langalibalele Dube's Ohlange Institute choir sang it at the South African Native National Congress in 1912. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ By 1925, the African National Congress (ANC) adopted it as their official closing anthem, and it became a defiant cry against apartheid, banned by the regime for its association with the liberation struggle. After Sontonga's untimely death in 1905 at age 32, Xhosa poet Samuel Mqhayi added seven stanzas in 1927, deepening its call for Africa's redemption. Today, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is intertwined into South Africa's national anthem, alongside parts of Die Stem van Suid-Afrika, symbolising 'unity' in a post-apartheid era, as declared by Nelson Mandela in 1994. Beyond South Africa, its melody has been adopted as the national anthem of Tanzania (Mungu Ibariki Afrika), Zambia, and briefly Zimbabwe and Namibia, proving the universal power of a young person's vision. Sontonga, who died young and relatively unknown, shows us that age is no barrier to impact. His story challenges you to act on your ideas now, trusting they can ripple far beyond your immediate world. Sandile Mlangeni is a 2019 GP-based Activator. He is passionate about youth activism. Image: Supplied Your Ideas Matter: Turning Vision into Action Sontonga and the youth of 1976 share a common thread: they didn't let their age or circumstances define their potential. You, too, have the power to execute your ideas, whether it's starting a community project, launching a business, or creating art that speaks to your truth. Here's how to channel that energy this Youth Month: 1. Start Small, Dream Big: Sontonga wrote Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika for his school choir, not imagining it would become a continental anthem. Your idea doesn't need to be grand from the start. Write that poem, code that app, or pitch that project. Small steps can lead to monumental outcomes. 2. Embrace Resilience: The Soweto youth faced unimaginable odds, yet their courage persisted. When setbacks hit, whether it's funding, doubt, or failure, keep pushing. Resilience turns ideas into reality. 3. Collaborate and Connect: Sontonga's hymn grew through the voices of choirs and activists who carried it forward. Find your community friends, mentors, or online networks who share your vision and can amplify your impact. 4. Act Now: At 24, Sontonga didn't wait for the 'perfect moment.' The youth of 1976 didn't hesitate to demand change. Your age is your strength; your energy, fresh perspective, and boldness are assets. Seize this moment. June 16, 1976, The Resilience of Youth. Youth Month's roots lie in the courage of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students, some as young as 13, marched against the apartheid government's imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. On June 16, these young people faced brutal repression; hundreds were killed, including Hector Pieterson, whose image became a symbol of resistance. Their defiance wasn't just a protest; it was a declaration that the youth could challenge injustice and demand a better future. Their resilience galvanised the anti-apartheid movement, proving that young voices could shift the course of history. The lesson from 1976 isn't just about rebellion, it's about conviction. Those students didn't wait for permission or for someone older to lead. They saw a problem, organised, and acted, despite the risks. Their legacy reminds us that youth is not a time to wait but a time to move, to create, to build.
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Politics
- Fast Company
Who is Zohran Mamdani and what happens next in the NYC mayoral election?
Zohran Mamdani, 33, a New York City assemblymember who was practically a political unknown prior to his campaign, is the presumptive winner of the New York mayoral primary. On Tuesday evening, Mamdani led the first-choice vote count with 44% of the vote. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, trailing at 36%, conceded the race in a major upset. On Wednesday morning, Mamdani spoke to supporters in an emotional speech in which he quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' 'New Yorkers have a city where they can do more than just struggle, one where those who toil in the night can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the day, where hard work is repaid with a stable life,' he continued. 'The mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump's fascism, to stop masked ice agents from deporting our mayor, and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party, a party where we fight for working people with no apology.' When will all the votes be counted? Due to New York City's ranked voting system, which allows voters to cast five votes on their ballot, the final tally will take some time. Since none of the candidates received more than 50% of the vote on Tuesday night, ranked choice voting will determine the true winner (though Mamdani is the clear presumptive winner) until a candidate reaches that threshold. According to The Associated Press, ranked-choice tabulations won't start until July 1, so the city has time to receive mail-in ballots. New Yorkers and other interested parties can stay up-to-date with the latest counts on the New York Times ' live election result page. Find it here. What to know about Zohran Mamdani Tuesday night's historic win makes Mandani the first Muslim candidate to ever win the mayoral primary in the state of New York. He did so by running his campaign on issues including making New York City an affordable place for residents, by freezing rent, making childcare free, and making public transportation accessible to everyone. He also wants to increase taxes on big corporations, as well as the wealthiest New Yorkers. Mamdani positioned himself as a candidate who will fight for the people to make their lives better and easier—something many don't feel their leaders are all that concerned with at present. He also proved during his campaign that he would not back down in the face of name-calling and propaganda. The young candidate managed to captivate New York voters, a population that's heavily Jewish, while speaking up for Palestinian rights. In this contentious political climate, that's not a small task. As the war between Israel and Hamas wages on in Gaza, pro-Palestine speech has been heavily politicized, and even deemed 'hate speech' or anti-semetic in some cases. But Mamdani has repeatedly pushed back on the narrative that speaking out against the war is anti-semetic. What has the reaction to Zohran Mamdani's win been? Mamdani's presumptive win Tuesday has set off a massive reaction across the country and on social media. There seems to be a strong feeling that the candidate's win could set off a firestorm of candidates with similar, socialist views being elected elsewhere in the nation. 'Congratulations to @zohrankmamdani on an historic victory tonight,' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Mamdani, posted on Instagram. 'It's time we acknowledge that not all Democrats are the same. We've got people, they've got money.' While those who wanted to see the young candidate take the race are thrilled with the presumed victory, not everyone is so pleased. The historic results have sparked outrage among MAGA supporters. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted a series of tweets on X in which she floated the idea that a Muslim mayor could lead to attacks on NYC. 'There will be another 9/11 in NYC and @ZohranKMamdani will be to blame,' she wrote. 'New Yorkers forgot all about the victims of 9/11 killed by Muslims,' Loomer continued. 'Now a Muslim Communist will be the mayor of New York City. Get out while you can,' Loomer wrote, adding the unfounded view that Mamdani is 'literally supported by terrorists.' When is the NYC mayor general election? While Mamdani's presumed win is a huge victory for Democratic socialists, he still has to win the general election. Mamdani will take on Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, the lone Republican who entered the race. Sliwa is the founder of The Guardian Angels, a nonprofit known for its volunteer crime-fighting patrols. It's possible Andrew Cuomo will run again in the general election, too, facing off with Mamdani a second time. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and attorney Jim Walden will run as Independents. The general election will take place this November.
