ANC

South Africa
Cyril Ramaphosa takes his time to appoint new ambassador to France

Since the sudden death of diplomat Nathi Mthethwa on 30 September 2025, the post of South African ambassador to France has been vacant. A new ambassador is not expected to arrive for another several months.

South Africa
Imminent arrival of conservative activist US ambassador set to ruffle feathers in Pretoria

New to the field of diplomacy, Leo Brent Bozell III, the new US ambassador, will arrive in Pretoria this week. The appointment of this American conservative comes amid tensions between the two countries.

Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Helen Zille, Brigitte Macron, Dominique Ouattara

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaUhuru Kenyatta and Gideon Moi's controversial phone call

South AfricaThe Democratic Alliance dodges drama

Ivory CoastBrigitte Macron and Dominique Ouattara get together again

Kenya
Ruto looks to bring onside rising star in west George Natembeya

The by-elections sped up the rise of the governor of Trans-Nzoia county. Seeking out new electors since the death of his ally Raila Odinga, the head of state is keen to secure the support of this opponent and is even willing to offer him a place in the front row for the forthcoming presidential campaign.

South Africa
ANC ministers divided over chromite tax

Two government heavyweights, Parks Tau and Gwede Mantashe, are at odds over the measures to be taken to revive the failing ferrochrome industry. Those under consideration have provoked strong opposition from mining groups, including Sibanye-Stillwater.

South Africa
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister finally appoints chief of staff

The academic Clarence Tshitereke has just joined Gwede Mantashe's ranks, thus putting an end to a search marked by the rejection of two other candidates.

Central African Republic, South Africa
Faustin-Archange Touadéra invited to G20 Summit in Johannesburg

With close ties to Pretoria, the Central African Republic president has been invited by Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the summit of the 20 biggest world powers, to be held in Johannesburg in late November.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NigeriaFinancier Farouk Gumel lends his services to Botswana

KenyaRosemary Nyawira Muchangi promotes youth in mining

South AfricaFaith Sebopela, regional leader of an ANC youth league under reconstruction

South Africa
ANC economic liberals want to appoint Nhlanhla Nene as head of revenue service

Several influential people in the business sphere are engaging in efforts to propel former finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, to the head of the South African Revenue Service

South Africa
Conservative US think tank Hudson Institute extends an ambivalent hand to Ramaphosa

The South African president has received an invitation to speak at the Hudson Institute during his upcoming visit to the United States. However, given that the organisation has become a hub for anti-ANC propagandists in recent months, he has not accepted the offer.

South Africa
Main banking lobby protests against government cacophony on customs tariffs

At the Banking Association of South Africa AGM, the CEO of Standard Bank has called on politicians to stop giving conflicting economic messages.

Kenya
William Ruto criss-crosses the country in advance of crucial by-elections

The 20 or so local elections and by-elections are a full-scale test for the government, which has been plagued by demonstrations for over a year.

South Africa
On the QT for the next AFRICOM exercise

The next joint exercise between Africa Command and the South African military is scheduled to take place in South Africa at the end of August. Discretion is required to avoid attracting the attention of the American authorities, whose diplomatic relations with Pretoria remain strained.