A satellite launched from SpaceX disappeared, cryptocurrencies remain volatile, and South Africa’s politics is consistent in the dramatic. Keep reading for more of what has been happening over the past few weeks.
Dynasty Update
If you missed it, have a look at our articles from our political analyst Dr Ivor Sarakinsky on his opinions in the lead up to the ANC Elective Conference:
1 – New ANC Leader to Inherit a Poisoned Chalice
2 – The Chasm between Electoral and Nomination Processes
3 – The Moment of Truth
4 – Cyril Ramaphosa 2017: A Pyrrhic Victory?
5 – A Test of CR’s Leadership – Unchanging Forces Embedded in the ANC
Global News
- After saying that he would “100%” participate if Robert Mueller called him for an interview regarding Russian involvement in the US elections, President Trump has since backtracked saying that an interview is “unlikely”.
- Donald Trump, when discussing immigrant policy, apparently asked, why America accepts immigrants from “shithole countries” like Haiti and African nations rather than places like Norway. Another diplomatic win for the President.
- A mudslide in California has caused devastation with 20 people confirmed dead and four reported as missing.
- A report, commissioned by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, has been published stating that leaving the European Union without a trade deal could cost the British economy half a million jobs. Even so, there has been a 52% drop off in December 2017, of job postings in the Finance industry in the city of London, follow the link for more information and to see the graph.
- Angela Merkel has reached a coalition agreement with the Social Democrats to relieve political gridlock and affirm her position as Chancellor of Germany.
- Bitcoin fell to $13 000 over the past week amidst rumours that South Korea could be following China’s footsteps in banning cryptocurrency trading. Follow the link to a very interesting article, it also demonstrates the volatility and vulnerability of cryptocurrencies.
- After reports that SpaceX lost their satellite, codename Zuma, they responded that the launch went according to plan. Since the mission is shrouded in top-secret mystery, it is difficult to know.
Local News
- For the second year in a row, Ramphosa will be the leading the South African team in Davos. Other attendees will be Donald Trump, the first sitting US President in almost two decades to attend and the first ever Indian Prime Minister.
- Cyril Ramphosa delivered the national executive committee’s January 8th statement, at the 106th ANC’s anniversary celebrations in East London. His report was received favourably, addressing South Africa’s economic stability, land reform, and the unity of the ANC. Stephen Grootes, from the Daily Maverick, provides his analysis here.
- If you missed it, Cyril Ramphosa won the ANC Conference’s Presidential Elections. Although this is favourable when compared to another Zuma coming into the role, the Top 6 of the ANC is split between the contesting teams. It is yet to be seen what this will mean for Ramaphosa, policy implementation, and the removal of President Zuma.
- SARS’ head IT honcho Kgabo Hlahla has allegedly been dismissed. Hlahla was removed from the revenue service due to non-disclosure and his occupancy of two government jobs at the same time.
