It seems that, for the first time in living memory, God and the Devil are represented on Earth by two Americans. In fact, the acrimonious spat between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump has revived the age-old clash between the sacred and the secular, albeit in a new and at times crude way. The two men could not be more different. Pope Leo XIV—the first American to hold the office—preaches peace, multilateralism, and the need to uphold international law, while Trump spouts racist, xenophobic, and misogynist rhetoric and advocates for war. The mild-mannered Pope insists on kindness, mercy, and justice, embodying spiritual power and espousing reconciliation. But the swaggering Trump, like a tyrannical Roman emperor, relies on violence, representing military power without moral legitimacy. Trump’s actions speak for themselves. Despite his absurd claim to have ended ten wars, he is waging an illegal war against Iran and has used force unilaterally in several other countries, all while enabling Israel’s bloody campaign in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. At home, Trump has launched a draconian mass-deportation campaign against immigrants of color, often from places he calls “shithole countries.” As part of his illusory bid to revive a white Christian America, Trump has also fueled Islamophobia. Ironically, his government’s massive cuts to social programs have hit poor white Americans—an important part of his base—particularly hard. Leo XIV, who was elected to the papacy in May 2025, initially avoided wading into US politics, despite being an obvious counterweight to Trump. But that began to change late last year, when the Pope urged US Catholic bishops to support immigrants and backed their statement criticizing the Trump administration’s draconian mass deportations. In January, the pontiff went further, calling for “the strengthening of supranational institutions, not their delegitimization”; stressing that the rule of law is “the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence”; and bemoaning the ascendance of a “diplomacy based on force.” The unprovoked US-Israeli attack on Iran brought the issue to a head. In an apparent rebuke of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who portrayed the conflict as a Christian crusade, Pope Leo XIV declared that “[God] does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” Soon after, he described threats to wipe out the Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable” and attacks on civilian infrastructure as “against international law,” while urging Americans to press their political leaders to choose peace over war. In posts on X, the pontiff said that a disciple of Christ is never on the side of those who “drop bombs” and condemned “the absurd and inhuman violence.” Following these increasingly pointed criticisms, Trump attacked the Pope directly, accusing him of being “WEAK on Crime,” “catering to the Radical Left,” and thinking “it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.” The pontiff, on an African tour, confidently retorted: “I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.” Pope Leo XIV, who worked and traveled for decades in Latin America and Africa, understands as well as anyone the global revulsion for Trump’s war and vile words. Crucially, after Trump lashed out at the pontiff, a similar sense of distaste is spreading among conservative Christians in the US. Trump’s decision to post a blasphemous image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure healing the sick did not help matters. It was a step too far even for his white evangelical base, many of whom view him as an anointed leader sent by God to save America from what they see as the evils of liberalism and multiculturalism. A high-profile spat with the leader of the Catholic Church has only served to underscore the chasm between Trump’s policies and Christ’s teachings, from the importance of loving one’s neighbor and welcoming the stranger to the idea that the meek will inherit the earth. Trump’s massive tax cuts for the rich are a far cry from Jesus’s embrace of the poor. Nowhere is this more visible than in the domain of war and peace. Pope Leo XIV’s patron saint is the North African-born Saint Augustine, often credited with originating just-war theory. The theory advocates force as a last resort for achieving peace, in which case conflict must be conducted by a properly constituted authority that follows the principle of proportionality and does not target civilians—by which measure, Trump’s war on Iran is hardly just. The United Nations’ founders had sought to embed this Christian concept in the UN Charter. But Trump sees no need for international law; the only constraint on his power, he insists, is his “own morality.” Soviet leader Joseph Stalin once reportedly quipped: “But how many divisions does the Roman Pope have?” But such dismissiveness reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of spiritual authority. Trump has made a similar mistake by attacking a popular pontiff (Pope Leo XIV has an 84% favorability rating among American Catholics). It seems likely that he underestimated the “soft power” of the world’s preeminent religious leader at his peril. A 2013 survey found that one in four Americans believed that US President Barack Obama may be the anti-Christ. Such conspiratorial delusions, partly stemming from Trump’s vile accusation that Obama was not born in the US, have helped bring to power a doomsday prophet who is systematically leading the world into war and economic ruin. Pope Leo XIV is right not to render unto this vacuous, violent, and vulgar Caesar the things that have never been Caesar’s. – Project Syndicate Professor Adekeye Adebajo is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship

Malawi’s parliament has opened a third formal investigation into the June 2024 military aircraft crash that killed former vice-president Saulos Chilima and eight others, renewing scrutiny of aviation oversight and unresolved questions left by two earlier probes. The parliamentary inquiry, announced last month, is the most expansive investigation yet into the disaster. Lawmakers say they will exhume the remains of all nine victims for post-mortem examinations, summon more than 150 witnesses and review aviation safety oversight, aircraft maintenance records and forensic evidence linked to the crash. The scale of the inquiry reflects persistent doubts about whether earlier investigations fully explained the circumstances surrounding the accident. Parliamentary ad-hoc committee chairperson Walter Nyamilandu Manda said the committee had completed the preparatory processes required before beginning its work. “The parliamentary ad hoc committee established to conduct a fresh inquiry into the Chikangawa plane crash has successfully concluded its preparatory work and is now ready to commence investigations,” he said. On 10 June 2024, a Dornier 228-202(K) operated by the Malawi Defence Force departed the capital, Lilongwe, bound for the northern city of Mzuzu. The twin-engine turboprop, manufactured in 1987 and commonly used for government transport, was carrying Chilima and eight other passengers. The aircraft never reached its destination. It crashed into rising terrain inside the Chikangawa Forest Reserve in northern Malawi, killing everyone on board. Malawi requested technical assistance from Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU), the authority responsible for investigating accidents involving German-manufactured aircraft. The BFU’s final report, published in October 2025, concluded that pilot error was the primary cause of the crash.  Investigators determined that the crew continued flying under visual flight rules despite encountering instrument meteorological conditions, where reduced visibility requires navigation using cockpit instruments. The aircraft ultimately struck terrain after the crew lost situational awareness. A separate Malawian government commission of inquiry reached similar conclusions, citing adverse weather and pilot judgement as the principal factors behind the accident. While the two investigations established a technical explanation for the crash, they left broader questions unresolved, particularly regarding aircraft equipment, maintenance standards and institutional oversight. The BFU investigation highlighted several deficiencies that complicated efforts to reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments. The Dornier 228 involved in the crash was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, commonly known as “black boxes”.  These devices typically capture cockpit conversations and detailed aircraft performance data used to determine what occurred before an accident.Malawian aviation regulations did not require such recorders for aircraft in that category. As a result, BFU investigators relied largely on information recovered from a Garmin navigation unit found in the wreckage. The report also found that the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter, designed to automatically broadcast a distress signal after a crash, contained a battery that had expired in 2004. Investigators were told that replacement parts or funding had not been available. Although search teams eventually located the wreckage in dense forest, the inoperative beacon raised broader concerns about maintenance practices within Malawi’s military aviation fleet. The Malawi Air Force has not been quoted publicly responding directly to that finding, which is attributed to the BFU report.  Persistent public scepticism about the earlier investigations prompted lawmakers to establish the parliamentary inquiry. According to parliamentary statements, the investigation will proceed along three tracks: a health, safety, security and environmental audit; a forensic review aimed at identifying previously overlooked evidence; and post-mortem examinations of the crash victims. The decision to exhume the remains of all nine victims has proven particularly contentious. No post-mortem examinations were conducted when the bodies were recovered in June 2024. Under international aviation investigation practices, such examinations can help determine whether medical or toxicological factors may have affected a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft. Nearly two years have passed since the crash, raising questions about the potential degradation of forensic evidence. The exhumations also carry cultural sensitivity. Burial practices in Malawi hold deep spiritual and social significance and the disturbance of graves can be distressing for families and communities. Parliament has indicated that more than 150 witnesses may be called, including officials from aviation authorities, the military and government departments involved in authorising the flight. The scale of the witness list suggests that decisions related to aircraft readiness, weather assessment and operational approval may have involved multiple institutions. The committee aims to present its findings within 90 days.  The investigation has also become entangled in political debate. The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which governed the country when the crash occurred, initially declined to participate in the parliamentary inquiry. Party leaders, including opposition leader Simplex Chithyola Banda, argued that their involvement could undermine the independence of the investigation, noting that two earlier inquiries were conducted during the MCP-led administration. However, by 27 March, the party reversed its position and agreed to participate after consultations with the speaker of parliament, Sameer Suleman, regarding the committee’s composition. The plane crash has come to symbolise deeper concerns about aviation oversight in Malawi. The BFU report issued safety recommendations to Malawian aviation and defence authorities.  Whether those recommendations have been implemented has not been publicly confirmed and is likely to become a central question for the parliamentary committee. Military aviation in many lower-income countries operates under regulatory frameworks that differ from those governing commercial airlines.  However, the absence of flight recorders and a functioning emergency beacon on a state aircraft carrying a sitting vice-president has raised broader questions about oversight, maintenance and institutional accountability. Nearly two years after the crash, Malawi’s institutions are still seeking a definitive account of what happened on 10 June 2024. If the parliamentary investigation proceeds without political deadlock and produces credible findings, it could provide the most comprehensive explanation yet of the accident and the systemic weaknesses it exposed. For the families of the nine victims who died on a remote hillside in northern Malawi, the question that first emerged after the crash remains unresolved.  The country’s third investigation has begun. Whether it will be the last remains uncertain. Collins Mtika is a veteran journalist and the Mail & Guardian’s special Correspondent in Mzuzu, Malawi. This article was made possible by a partnership with the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM) — www.investigative-malawi.org

After months at sea, India's all-women crew from the armed forces arrives in Cape Town, ready for the final leg of their historic circumnavigation back to Mumbai.

Just one week before her 100th birthday, Johanna Mathina Schoeman faced a life-altering fall that led to a hip fracture. Yet, this beloved matriarch turned a potential tragedy into a celebration of resilience, surrounded by family and friends who transformed her hospital ward into a festive sanctuary.

National Coloured Congress (NCC) party leader and MP Fadiel Adams will remain in custody after making his first appearance on charges of fraud and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. The Pinetown Magistrate’s court ruled on Thursday that he will remain in custody at a secret location until his bail application resumes next week. According to police, Adams was arrested over allegations that he interfered with ongoing investigations into the murder of the late ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa. This is a developing story

With the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) set to hand down its long-awaited Phala Phala judgment on Friday, 8 May, the controversy could again place President Cyril Ramaphosa under pressure. The ruling will come more than 500 days after the ConCourt heard arguments in a legal challenge by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) in November 2024. Why did the EFF and ATM approach the ConCourt? The parties turned to the apex court after parliament declined to adopt the Section 89 independent panel report, which could have triggered an impeachment inquiry against the president. The panel concluded that there was sufficient basis for Ramaphosa to answer questions about the theft of approximately $580 000 (about R9.6 million) allegedly stolen from his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in February 2020. However, in December 2022, the National Assembly voted against referring the report for an impeachment process. The ANC used its majority at the time, with MPs following the party’s instruction to reject the findings. A further attempt in March 2023 to establish an ad hoc parliamentary committee to probe the matter also failed. What happened at the Phala Phala farm? The scandal only became public in June 2022, when former State Security Agency (SSA) boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa and the head of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS), Wally Rhoode, with the South African Police Service (Saps), alleging that the pair had concealed the theft of $4 million (around R65.5 million). Ramaphosa later confirmed that a burglary took place, but maintained that the cash was payment for the sale of Ankole cattle to Sudanese businessman, Hazim Mustafa, who had not yet collected the livestock. Further allegations by Fraser suggested that Rhoode improperly used state resources to investigate the theft and manage its fallout. Alleged mastermind Imanuwela David, former cleaner at the farm, Froliana Joseph, and her brother Ndilinasho David Joseph are currently on trial at the Modimolle Regional Court in connection with the incident. Three accused are facing charges including housebreaking, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary. David also faces a separate money laundering charge and remains in custody. What has happened so far? Fraser’s allegations triggered wide-ranging institutional scrutiny, prompting parliament to appoint a Section 89 panel chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. The panel’s findings nearly forced Ramaphosa to step down, though he ultimately remained in office. Subsequent investigations by the Public Protector, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), and the South African Revenue Service (Sars) cleared the president of wrongdoing. However, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) concluded in its report that Rhoode deliberately covered up the break-in at Phala Phala farm in addition to kidnapping the suspects and interrogating them. What the ConCourt may decide The upcoming ruling could have significant political consequences. If the ConCourt finds in favour of the EFF and ATM, parliament may be compelled to reconsider the Section 89 report, potentially reopening the path toward an impeachment inquiry. However, if the judgment upholds the National Assembly’s position, it would confirm earlier outcomes that found no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing by Ramaphosa. The apex court previously threw out Ramaphosa’s application seeking to set aside the Section 89 report in March 2023. It held that “no case has been made out for exclusive jurisdiction or direct access”. Presidency response ahead of judgment Ahead of the ruling, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, refrained from pre-empting the outcome and stressed that the Presidency would respect the court’s decision. “We are awaiting the judgment, like you are, and everybody else. “You’ve heard the president several times, being consistent in his respect for due process, in his respect for the judiciary, and in his support and commitment to respecting the role of the courts in resolving matters of dispute, which is something that’s well expressed and covered within our constitutional framework. “We will be watching and listening, and going through the judgment as I’m sure all of you will,” Magwenya said during a media briefing on Wednesday, 6 May.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is moving ahead with plans to rebuild its historic Jagger Library, five years after a devastating wildfire destroyed the landmark structure and much of its irreplaceable African Studies collection. The blaze, which swept across parts of Table Mountain in April 2021, caused widespread damage across the slopes of the mountain and surrounding areas, including the UCT campus and nearby residences in Newlands. At the height of the fire, students were evacuated as flames rapidly spread through university buildings. Cultural loss and restoration efforts The original Jagger Library, built in 1931, was completely gutted in the fire. It housed the university’s African Studies Collection, archives, rare documents, and a major reading room that served researchers from across the continent and beyond. While some materials were salvaged and moved to temporary storage facilities in Mowbray for conservation, much of the collection was lost or severely damaged. R250 million vision for a new future UCT now plans to rebuild the library as a space that “celebrates African memory, identity and creative expression”. The proposed redevelopment is estimated to cost around R250 million. However, the institution currently has insurance cover of approximately R98 million, leaving a funding shortfall of about R150 million that it aims to raise through donations and partnerships. According to university officials, a re-imagining process completed in 2022 has shaped the vision for the rebuilt structure, and the institution is now preparing to launch a formal tender process. ‘Opportunity in loss’ A public exhibition titled Opportunity in Loss is currently on display at the site of the damaged building, showcasing archival remnants, historical photographs, and documentation of what the library once held. The display forms part of broader engagement efforts aimed at highlighting both the cultural loss and the future potential of the site. UCT Libraries Executive Director Ujala Satgoor said the exhibition reflects progress made since the fire while inviting public participation in the rebuilding process. She added that fundraising efforts will continue, encouraging alumni, donors, and stakeholders to contribute to restoring one of South Africa’s most significant academic heritage sites. A landmark in transition For many, the rebuilding of the Jagger Library represents more than architectural restoration – it is an attempt to reclaim and reimagine a critical repository of African scholarship, memory, and identity that was lost in one of Cape Town’s most destructive urban fires. Money worth spending? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

This weekend is shaping up to be a defining moment in the Western Cape schoolboy rugby season, with several high-stakes fixtures expected to shake up the rankings. From Stellenbosch to Riversdale and Cape Town, the province’s top sides are bracing for a packed schedule that could redraw the competitive landscape heading into the final stretch of the campaign. READ | Updated Top 20 SA schools rugby First XV rankings Friday night spotlight: Paul Roos vs Durbanville The action begins under lights in Stellenbosch, where Paul Roos host Durbanville in a clash that pits established dominance against ambitious newcomers. Paul Roos have been one of the standout sides this season, with their only blemish coming against top-ranked Stellenberg. Strong performances at the Absa Wildeklawer tournament, including wins over Garsfontein and Oakdale, have further underlined their momentum. Durbanville, meanwhile, have had some mixed results, but have shown enough resilience to remain dangerous opponents. Headline clash: Oakdale vs Stellenberg The weekend’s marquee fixture sees Oakdale hosting Stellenberg at the famously intimidating “Die Plaas”. Stellenberg arrive as the top-ranked side and benchmark for schoolboy rugby in the province, but Oakdale are building momentum at the right time, having narrowly lost a tight contest against Paul Roos. A victory for Oakdale – combined with favourable results elsewhere – could see a dramatic reshuffle at the top of the standings. Paarl Gim eye statement win Elsewhere, Paarl Gimnasium will look to assert their dominance when they take on Boland Landbou. Paarl Gim have been in impressive attacking form and will be expected to win convincingly, while Boland Landbou will be aiming to arrest a dip in results after a difficult run. Cape Town derby: Rondebosch vs SACS In Cape Town, Rondebosch face SACS in a derby carrying both pride and ranking implications. SACS come into the fixture on a three-match winning streak, while Rondebosch are unbeaten in their last two outings – setting the stage for a tightly contested encounter. A weekend with national implications With Stellenberg defending top spot, Paul Roos building pressure, and Oakdale peaking at the right time, the Western Cape’s school rugby hierarchy is under serious threat of upheaval. By Saturday evening, the province’s pecking order – and possibly parts of the national schoolboy rugby picture – could look very different. Western Cape Fist XV matches this weekend Oakdale vs Stellenberg Rondebosch vs SACS Bishops vs Wynberg Paul Roos vs Durbanville Paarl Gim vs Boland Landbou Outeniqua vs Daniel Pienaar Parel Vallei vs DF Akademie Milnerton vs Bellville Brackenfell vs Worcester Gim Strand vs Tygerberg Punt vs Framesby Langenhoven Gim vs Charlie Hofmeyr Hugenote vs Drostdy Swartland vs Robertson How closely do you follow schoolboy rugby? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

As the so-called Magnificent Seven pour billions into AI, the chip makers selling them hardware are getting rich.

Hexion has launched a 30PB South African archive platform focused on sovereignty and cybersecurity.