Atomic Energy Education and Industry at the heart of Nuclear Day in Johannesburg

By Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee

7 October 2026

The peaceful use of nuclear technology presents an important opportunity for Africa as the continent addresses interconnected challenges of energy security, industrialisation, water scarcity, climate change and the development of advanced scientific skills. These issues were at the centre of Nuclear Day: Industrial and Educational Partnership Seminar – “Nuclear Technologies and Education: Energy and Non-Energy Solutions”, held in Johannesburg on 1 October 2026 by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in South Africa and Lesotho and Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.

South African artists to participate in the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026

7 October 2026 

Opera and Jazz singer Jamakazi Bazana and African music singer, poet and storyteller Bongi Kotta Ramushwana will participate in HKPAX 2026 that takes place from 9 to 13 October 2026. Organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and themed "Passion in Motion", the second edition of this global flagship event serves as a premier marketplace and exchange platform for international performing arts professionals while offering spectacular showcases to the public.

From Historic Solidarity to Practical Partnership

Council of Arab Ambassadors in South Africa hosts President of the Pan-African Parliament

Pretoria — 5 October 2026

The Council of Arab Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Africa hosted H.E. Dr. Fathih Boutebik, President of the Pan-African Parliament, at an extraordinary meeting in Pretoria to discuss ways to strengthen the Arab–African partnership and advance parliamentary cooperation.

If internal discipline matches the external ambition, the 21st Century can indeed be Africa's
By Kester Kenn Klomegah, Moscow Bureau Chief, The Diplomatic Society

2 October 2026

The 81st UNGA, which is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations, was held late September 2026, in New York. It attracted global leaders and several delegations, who delivered powerful and thought provoking speeches, topics ranging from political governance, economic development, conflicts and slavery, to cultural and humanitarian questions. Bilateral and multilateral issues also dominated the General Assembly. In this indepth interview after the UNGA, Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International and Professor of Practice (Public Policy), JCERC University, Jaipur, discusses important aspects, emerging trends, and future perspectives at the UN General Assembly, and its likely dimensions of impact and influence on Asia and Africa. Here are the interview excerpts:

Xi calls for firm confidence, solid steps for China's national rejuvenation
By Xinhua

1 October 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on the nation to forge ahead with firm confidence and take solid steps to achieve the great national rejuvenation.

A Māori Welcome and a Celebration of Heritage at IDSA Coffee Morning

By Anisha Pemjee – TDS

30 September 2026

The warmth of New Zealand hospitality met the cultural diversity of Pretoria’s diplomatic community when the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) held its September Coffee Morning at the New Zealand High Commission on 28 September.

Evgeny Solntsev, Governor of Orenburg Region: region ranks first in Russia in solar power generation
In an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, the head of the Orenburg Region spoke about the development of the Special Economic Zone, attracting investment and new opportunities for businesses from BRICS countries

TVBRICS

30 September 2026

Let us look at the figures for Orenburg Region’s foreign trade turnover in 2025. The figure exceeded US$3 billion. Among the key partners are China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India and Iran. What share do BRICS countries and the group’s partners account for in the region’s trade structure? How has deeper cooperation with them recently affected the region’s economy?

We see growth year after year. Last year, the figure increased by 11.6 per cent. The total share of our products on the sales market is around 24.7 per cent. BRICS countries account for a quarter of all our products. Good-neighbourly relations with Kazakhstan are very important for us. Then come China and India. We primarily focus on these countries because they are our closest neighbours.

Russia’s Lavrov at UNGA recognizing  the world moving faster than its institutions

By Kester Kenn Klomegah, Moscow Bureau Chief, The Diplomatic Society

29 September 2026

On the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has intensified Russia’s coordination with African leaders, re-emphasising the importance of reforms while undertaking strategic steps towards transforming and reshaping Africa’s architecture to ensure economic sovereignty within the framework of an emerging multipolarity.

Jamaica’s Spirit Comes Alive Through Dance in South Africa

By Anisha Pemjee

28 September 2026

Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence was celebrated in South Africa with an exhilarating performance by L’ACADCO: A United Caribbean Dance Force, bringing the rhythm, movement and cultural spirit of Jamaica to the University of Johannesburg.

President Ramaphosa calls for UN backing on panel on inequality

25 September 2026

New York, USA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the United Nations General Assembly to back the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality (IPI), saying the time has come to turn growing international concern over inequality into coordinated global action.

IBSA ministers reaffirm South-South cooperation amid push for fairer global order

26 September 2026

New York, USA — India, Brazil and South Africa have reaffirmed the role of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum as a vehicle for strengthening South-South cooperation and advancing a more representative multilateral system amid growing global geopolitical and economic challenges.