President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Kingdom of Spain

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President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Kingdom of Spain 

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Kingdom of Spain on a working visit, 16 to 18 April 2026

President Ramaphosa to partake in the Defence of democracy initiative on a working visit to Spain

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning , 16 April 2026 , arrived in the Kingdom of Spain on a working visit from  16 to 18 April 2026 to participate at the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.

 

On consecutive days, the President will have an audience with the King of Spain, His Majesty Felipe VI, in Madrid, followed by a bilateral engagement with the President of the Government of Spain, His Excellency Dr Pedro Sánchez, in Barcelona, ahead of the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.

 

The initiative "In Defence of Democracy" is an international effort initially launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the rise of extremism, polarization, and disinformation— phenomena that erode social cohesion and threaten democratic institutions.

 

The first meeting was held in 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together countries from different regions and representatives of international organizations, who agreed on the need for permanent coordination to safeguard democratic values.

 

The forthcoming Initiative will be a meeting in response to attacks against the multilateral system, disdain for international law, threats of territorial expansion and normalising the use of threats and coercion in international relations.

 

President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks at the plenary on Extremism and Inequality, following commissioning the The G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.

 

In Madrid , The President’s diary includes  championing South Africa's investment drive through engagements with Spanish companies and  addresing the South Africa - Spain Business Forum.

 

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation , Mr Ronald Lamola , and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition , Mr Parks Tau.

 

President Ramaphosa will also have an engagement with the Global Progressive Mobilisation Group on the margins of the In Defence of Democracy Initiative

 

The Working Visit comes after President Sánchez undertook an Official Visit to South Africa in 2022, during which an invitation to undertake a reciprocal visit was extended to President Ramaphosa.

 

South Africa and Spain maintain close and friendly bilateral relations, underpinned by strong and significant political ties.The relations consistently upholds the values of unity and dialogue, and that stands firm in defence of multilateralism at a time when these principles are increasingly under strain. 

 

Spain’s commitment to cooperation, respect for international law, and constructive engagement on global challenges reflects values that resonate deeply with South Africa. 

 

Spain recognises South Africa as a strategic partner as it seeks to significantly strengthen its political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation with the African continent. 

 

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Spain increased by 8.3% from US$2,9 billion in 2024 to US$3,1 billion in 2025, which is an important indicator of the strengthening economic partnership between the two countries.

 

Over the past decade, more than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa, creating over 20 000 jobs.

 

President Ramaphosa’s engagement with both King Felipe VI and President Sánchez will provide opportunities to review the current status of bilateral cooperation and to advance discussions on the areas of mutual interest between South Africa and Spain, with particular focus on trade and investment, education, renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, multilateralism and peace and security. 

 

Programme:

Friday, 17 April 2026

Address to the South Africa - Spain Business Forum

Time: 9h30

Venue:  Spain Chamber of Commerce, Madrid

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa audience with His Majesty  King Felipe VI

Venue: Zarzuela Royal Palace, Madrid

 

Saturday, 18 April 2026

 President Cyril Ramaphosa bilateral meeting with President Pedro Sánchez of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain

Venue: Fira de Barcelona

 

Remarks to the plenary on Extremism and Inequality

Time: 10h30

Venue: Fira de Barcelona

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Progress in Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Strategy

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Progress in Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Strategy

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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Minister John Steenhuisen announces progress in foot and mouth disease vaccination strategy

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, is pleased to report early data indicates that the current mass Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination strategy is yielding positive results. Crucially, there have been no new breakthroughs in herds that have already been vaccinated, providing a clear indication that the vaccines are effective and the strategy is working to protect the national herd. Since February 2026 up until 26 March 2026, provinces have vaccinated a total of 2 033 289 animals.

Current outbreak situation

While outbreaks have been reported across all nine provinces, the intensity varies significantly. As of 10 April 2026, a total of 1 317 cases has been recorded. Free State (328) and North West (247) currently report the highest number of cases, while Northern Cape (3) remains the least affected.

Eastern Cape reported 71 cases; Gauteng 241; KwaZulu-Natal 225; Limpopo 49; Mpumalanga 140 and Western Cape 13.

“The recent increase in reported numbers is due to improved government capacity. We have strengthened surveillance and implemented a centralised reporting system, allowing for earlier detection and faster data capture. Furthermore, heightened awareness has helped identify “sub-clinical” cases – where animals carry the virus without showing obvious symptoms – which previously might have gone unnoticed,” Minister Steenhuisen said.

Vaccine roll-out and industry partnership

The department has successfully secured a steady supply of vaccines. To date, four million doses have been received – 2.5 million doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and 1.5 million doses from Dollvet in Turkey. An additional two million doses from Dollvet are expected to arrive by the end of April. An order for five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó has already been placed with Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). The process to import has begun and 3.5 million doses of the ordered five million doses is expected to arrive before end of April 2026.

Vaccination is being managed through a risk-based approach, prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible animals. This strategy has seen significant success in the dairy sector:

All recorded dairies in Free State have been vaccinated. The Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) has been requested to provide information on any dairy farms that have not been vaccinated.

All major dairies in Western Cape have been fully attended to.

KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape have received the largest allocations due to their high animal populations, with over 78 000 doses already provided to the MPO in Eastern Cape alone.

KwaZulu-Natal had allocated 250 000 doses to the MPO and an additional 100 000 doses has recently been allocated.

The Routine Vaccination Scheme (RVS-FMD)

On 10 April 2026, Minister Steenhuisen officially announced the intention to publish the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (RVS-FMD) under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).

The closing date for comments is 17 April 2026. All submissions should be directed to Dr EM Mogajane at the FMD Command Centre (FMDcommandcent@nda.gov.za). Following the consolidation of these comments, the final scheme is envisaged for publication on 24 April 2026.

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IFP Deepens Historic Zambia Ties as It Welcomes Patriotic Front Delegation

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IFP Deepens Historic Zambia Ties as It Welcomes Patriotic Front Delegation

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA

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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has welcomed a high-level delegation from Zambia’s opposition Patriotic Front, marking a significant moment in strengthening continental solidarity and cooperation among like-minded political formations.

The delegation was officially received by the IFP’s National Chairperson, Hon. Blessed Gwala; Secretary General, Hon. Siphosethu Ngcobo; and General Secretary of Administration, Hon. Mfanje Mbango.

Led by the President of the Patriotic Front and Pomodzi Alliance, Hon. Makebi Zulu, and comprising former Ministers and senior officials, the delegation has described the visit as a strategic opportunity to deepen diplomatic, cultural, and historical ties between the peoples and institutions of Zambia and South Africa.

As part of their programme, the delegation will, on Thursday, 16 April 2026, pay a courtesy visit to the resting place of the Founder of the IFP, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, where they will lay a wreath in honour of his enduring legacy and contribution to principled leadership on the African continent.

The IFP shares a long-standing and historic relationship with Zambia. The party acknowledges the pivotal role played by Zambia’s founding President, the late Dr Kenneth Kaunda, whose counsel helped shape the formation of Inkatha Freedom Party, then Inkatha yeNkululeko yeSizwe, in 1975. During a visit by Prince Buthelezi to Zambia in 1974, Dr Kaunda advised the establishment of a membership-based organisation to unify and mobilise South Africans in the struggle for freedom. This visit also served to express gratitude to President Kaunda for providing sanctuary to South African exiles.

The IFP views this engagement as a reaffirmation of its commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships across the African continent, grounded in shared values of democracy, good governance, and respect for cultural heritage.

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THE APPOINTMENT OF ROELF MEYER AS SOUTH AFRICA’S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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THE APPOINTMENT OF ROELF MEYER AS SOUTH AFRICA’S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rejects the appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This appointment is not only politically tone-deaf but is a deliberate insult to our democratic struggle. 

Roelf Meyer’s history locates him as a central figure within the apartheid state, having risen through the ranks of the National Party, the political instrument that engineered and enforced racial oppression in South Africa. Meyer served as a Member of Parliament for the National Party from 1979, at a time when apartheid was at its most brutal, characterised by bannings, detentions without trial, violent repression of dissent, and the systemic exclusion of Black South Africans from political and economic life. 

He went on to hold several key positions within the apartheid government, including Deputy Minister of Law and Order and later Minister of Defence. The Department of Law and Order was directly responsible for the police machinery that enforced apartheid laws, crushed political opposition, and maintained a regime built on fear and violence.

As Minister of Defence, Meyer was part of the political leadership overseeing the South African Defence Force (SADF), which was deeply implicated in cross-border destabilisation campaigns, regional wars, and internal repression. His involvement in the transition process in the 1990’s cannot be used to sanitise or erase his earlier role in upholding apartheid.

It is important to recall that revolutionaries such as Chris Hani were never naïve about figures like Meyer. Hani consistently warned against romanticising members of the apartheid regime who suddenly rebranded themselves as democrats. He cautioned that individuals such as Roelf Meyer, along with other National Party operatives, had not fundamentally transformed their worldview, but were instead adapting in order to preserve white economic power under new political conditions.

It is therefore deeply offensive that the appointment of Roelf Meyer comes in the same period in which South Africa commemorates the assassination of Chris Hani. The EFF refuses to accept a situation where, in the shadow of Hani’s martyrdom, the democratic state elevates former apartheid functionaries into positions of international representation.

This contradiction exposes a government that has abandoned the revolutionary nature of our struggle and is now willing to rehabilitate those who once upheld oppression, in order to appease global powers.

At a time when the United States itself is grappling with entrenched racism and the resurgence of right-wing, white supremacist politics, South Africa should be asserting a bold, uncompromising anti-imperialist posture, not deploying individuals whose past aligns with systems of racial domination.

The EFF, therefore, firmly rejects the narrative that such an appointment represents “experience” or “stability.” Instead, it reflects a dangerous willingness by the current administration to appease Trump’s white supremacist whims by presenting a figure who is palatable to white power structures.

The EFF calls for the immediate withdrawal of this appointment, and for the selection of a representative who embodies the true revolutionary values of our country.

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Home Affairs clarifies policy position on Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders

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Home Affairs clarifies policy position on Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders

BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA 

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The Department of Home Affairs wishes to correct recent media misinterpretations following a television interview with Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Newzroom Afrika. The interview, which discussed the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, has led to confusion regarding the status of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders.

The Department wishes to state categorically that there has been no change in policy regarding the status of ZEP holders. Current permits will remain valid until 29 May 2027, as per the extension granted by the Minister in June 2025.

Consistent with the conditions of their permits, the holders of ZEP do not qualify for permanent residence permits.

The Department is currently engaged in a rigorous public consultation process regarding the future of both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). This process is essential to ensure that any final decision is fair, transparent, and legally sound.

In November 2021, after consulting Cabinet, the Department released a public. statement announcing the decision to terminate the ZEP programme.

Following the legal challenge by the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), the court mandated that the Department conduct a process compliant with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000.

The Department is fully committed to the court order. Consultation with government stakeholders was concluded yesterday in Tshwane. These consultations will result in a comprehensive policy position on ZEP and LEP permits. A detailed report with clear recommendations will be presented to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.

The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to finding a sustainable and fair solution to this long-standing matter relating to permit holders. It is imperative to avoid the spread of misinformation that may cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens, permit holders and other stakeholders.

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