South Africa

SA President Rhamaposa becomes first head of state to sign ‘Free Barghouti’ pledge

Marwan Barghouti is a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, which carried out many of the suicide bombings and shooting attacks of the Second Intifada.

|ByMATHILDA HELLER
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a national statement at the World Climate Action Summit during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 1, 2023.
Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations hold placards as they take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026.

At least 130 Nigerians seek repatriation from South Africa after protests, Nigerian FM says

They were the first to apply to a new scheme to repatriate citizens launched by Nigeria's government, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said.

|ByREUTERS
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, near Tristan da Cunha, May 4, 2026.

Three dead, three sick in suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship, WHO confirms

"The risk to the wider public remains low," said Hans Kluge, WHO Europe's regional director, in his own X post. "There is no need for panic or travel restrictions."

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM, REUTERS
Dozens of large and small stone flakes and production waste found at the Jojosi excavation site in eastern South Africa, April 11, 2026.

Early humans in South Africa used dedicated quarries for stone as long as 220,000 years ago - study

Based on this, researchers suggest that early homo sapiens planned for the long-term acquisition of resources earlier than previously thought.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Israel responds to South Africa, declares chargé d'affaires persona non grata

SA foreign affairs ministry accused Israeli diplomat Seidman of "unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice which pose a direct challenge to South Africa's sovereignty."

JANUARY 30, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
ARIEL SEIDMAN, Israel’s Chargé d’Affaires in South Africa.

Weeks after tragic attack, Australian educators visit Israel for KKL-JNF seminar

Coming just weeks after the deadly Bondi Beach, the visit was of significant importance to the attendees.

JANUARY 19, 2026ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER
Australian educators visit Israel as part of a KKL-JNF visit, weeks after the Bondi Beach terror attack, January 2026.

Homeward bound: Why South African Jews are making aliyah to Israel now - opinion

Recently, the Jewish Agency introduced an aliyah project aimed specifically at South African couples aged 60+ with family already in Israel, who cannot afford to purchase a home here.

JANUARY 17, 2026ByBRENDA KATTEN
South African Jews, aged 60 and over, recently arrived via a Jewish Agency aliyah project, meet at Telfed - South African Zionist Federation in Raanana.

Jerusalem highlights: January 16-22

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

JANUARY 16, 2026ByHAGAY HACOHEN
Graphic novel ‘Between the River and the Sea’ by Hillel Cohen.

‘Foreign power’ attempted to use South Africa art entry as ‘proxy’ against Israel

South African Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie cancelled a working agreement with Art Periodic, citing concerns that the installation was intended to promote a message about the Israel-Hamas War.

JANUARY 13, 2026ByMICHAEL STARR
South Africa's Minister Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie during a press conference on June 18, 2025.

Inside the unexpected cultural renaissance happening in Beit Shemesh

From Shlock Rock to major Israeli theater productions, Beit Shemesh’s cultural center is turning the city into an unexpected arts destination.

JANUARY 10, 2026ByALAN ROSENBAUM
Lenny Solomon at the keyboard with the Shlock Rock band at the 40th anniversary concert in Beit Shemesh.

China, Russia, Iran start 'BRICS Plus' naval exercises in South African waters

BRICS Plus is an expansion of a geopolitical bloc originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - and seen by members as a counterweight to the US.

JANUARY 10, 2026ByREUTERS
A Russian vessel arrives at the Simon's Town Naval base ahead of the BRICS Plus countries which include China, Russia and Iran for a joint naval exercises in South Africa's, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 9, 2026.

Grapevine: Puttin' in the Ritz

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

JANUARY 10, 2026ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
The majestic King David Hotel in Jerusalem

Morris Kahn, Jewish billionaire owner of Amdocs and SpaceIL founder, dead at 96

Kahn was widely regarded as a pillar of Israeli hi-tech and philanthropy, channeling his wealth into science education, medical research, and ocean conservation.

JANUARY 1, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Morris Kahn attends a ceremony at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 6, 2019

Belgium joins South Africa’s ICJ genocide case against Israel over Gaza war

South Africa initially brought the accusation against Israel before the court over alleged violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to the war in Gaza in December 2023. 

DECEMBER 24, 2025BySHOSHANA BAKER, LARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF
Judges arrive at the International Court of Justice at the start of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the ICJ in December last year, The Hague, Netherlands May 17, 2024.