ICYMI: South Africa and The United States of America Have Had a Conflict-Ridden 2025: A Timeline of Diplomatic Tensions and Strained Relations

 

By Qotoyi Xolani 

January 2025:

January 23: South Africa enacts the Expropriation Act, allowing land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions.

February 2025:

Early February: AfriForum and the trade union Solidarity send delegations to Washington, D.C., to voice concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies. They meet with U.S. officials, advocating for targeted sanctions against corrupt South African officials rather than broad economic measures that could harm ordinary citizens.

February 7: President Donald Trump issues Executive Order 14204, suspending U.S. aid to South Africa. The order cites concerns over land reform policies and South Africa’s foreign alliances, particularly its legal actions against Israel and relations with Iran. Additionally, Trump offers refugee status to Afrikaners, citing alleged racial discrimination.

February 9: The Afrikaner community largely declines Trump’s offer of refugee status, expressing a desire to remain in South Africa.

February 15: Afrikaner groups gather at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria to thank President Trump and Elon Musk for their interest in South African affairs.

Late February: President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns AfriForum and Solidarity’s actions in the U.S., labeling them as “unpatriotic” and accusing them of undermining South Africa’s sovereignty.

March 2025:

March 14: South African Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, criticizes the Trump administration during a webinar, labeling its policies as a “white supremacist response” to increasing diversity.

March 15: In response to Rasool’s remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declares the ambassador “persona non grata,” effectively expelling him from the U.S.

March 17: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses regret over the expulsion and emphasizes the importance of mending relations with the U.S., acknowledging it as a key trading partner.

The trajectory of U.S.-South Africa relations will largely depend on forthcoming diplomatic engagements and each nation’s willingness to address the underlying issues contributing to the current discord.

Student Outshines Master: A Full Circle Moment in South African Football

Vodacom Challenge - Manchester United v Kaizer Chiefs

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 18: Arthur Zwane and Patrice Evra in action during the Vodacom Challenge match between the Kaizer Chiefs and Manchester United at Newlands Stadium July 18, 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa Under Coach Mushin Etuğral. (Photo by Touchline/Getty Images)

By Qotoyi Xolani 

In a game where we saw the future of South African football with Emile Witbooi’s senior debut at only 16 years an equally significant storyline emerged—a student outshining his master. 

Arthur Zwane’s victory over his former coach, Muhsin Ertuğral, was more than just a tactical battle; it was a symbolic moment that highlighted the changing of the guard in South African football.

Zwane, who played under Ertuğral at Kaizer Chiefs, is now the head coach of AmaZulu FC. His team’s victory over Ertuğral’s Cape Town City is symbolic of how Zwane has not only developed as a coach but has also surpassed the expectations set by his mentor. 

This win is particularly poignant as it comes at a time when Zwane is proving himself in the South African football scene, despite the challenges he faced in the past.

A key part of the story lies in Zwane’s journey from being fired as Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach to now finding himself in a position of power with AmaZulu. When Zwane took over at AmaZulu, the club was struggling near the bottom of the league. Under his leadership, AmaZulu has steadily climbed up the ranks, now sitting in 5th place in the league standings. In contrast, Kaizer Chiefs, the club where Zwane spent most of his playing and coaching career, is currently languishing in 8th place.

Zwane’s victory over Ertuğral and his current success with AmaZulu is just one example of how former players-turned-coaches can shape the football landscape. His journey—from being dismissed by Kaizer Chiefs to now guiding AmaZulu to success—was not just about redemption but about surpassing expectations. It serves as a reminder that football is not only about players on the field but also the journey of those who shape and guide the next generation of talent.

As the football world continues to evolve, it’s clear that the line between student and master is fluid, with each generation of coaches bringing new ideas, innovations, and triumphs to the sport.