South Africa's presidency of the G20 in 2025 presents a unique opportunity to prioritize Africa's development on the global stage. President Cyril Ramaphosa aims to advance an Africa-centric agenda, focusing on inclusive growth, food security, and sustainable development. The presidency will involve extensive coordination with previous and future G20 leaders, including Brazil and the US. Challenges include managing high debt levels in African countries and potential trade tensions with the US under President Donald Trump. South Africa's strategic approach aims to ensure continuity and effective implementation of its initiatives.

Southern Africa's 2024 general elections marked a significant shift as former liberation movements, long dominant in the region, faced declining voter support. In South Africa, the African National Congress suffered its worst election result, leading to a coalition government. Botswana's Democratic Party was ousted, and Mozambique's ruling party faced accusations of electoral fraud, sparking protests. Namibia's ruling party retained power but with reduced support. Analysts suggest these trends mirror the decline of liberation movements elsewhere in Africa, as younger generations seek change. The future of similar parties in Angola and Zimbabwe hinges on the credibility of upcoming elections.

The article explores the concept of 'strange bedfellows' in the context of political and social alliances, highlighting the collaboration between former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon UK, and Ineos in addressing poverty through initiatives like Multibank. It critiques the current political landscape, drawing parallels with historical events and figures, and emphasizes the need for government action to address poverty and social inequality. The narrative underscores the importance of embracing diverse partnerships to achieve social progress, while criticizing the persistence of foodbanks as a symptom of societal failure.

South Africa's opposition parties, particularly the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK), are experiencing internal turmoil following defections of senior leaders from the EFF to MK. This disarray is undermining efforts to form a united opposition front against the government of national unity led by the African National Congress (ANC). The EFF's support has declined, and its leadership style is under scrutiny. The situation is seen as advantageous for the unity government, allowing it time to stabilize. Analysts suggest that self-interest and leadership issues are driving the defections, while MK is perceived as a vehicle for Zuma's political ambitions amid ongoing corruption charges.

In Mozambique, anti-government protests erupted following disputed election results, with opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane claiming victory over ruling party Frelimo's candidate, Daniel Chapo. The protests, largely driven by disaffected youth, have led to violent clashes with security forces, resulting in over 20 deaths. International observers criticized the election as unfair, and human rights groups condemned the use of force. The crisis is seen as the most significant challenge to Frelimo since the civil war's end in 1992, with regional tensions rising as South Africa closed a major border crossing due to the unrest.

South Africa's national unity government faces internal tensions over differing views on the Russia-Ukraine war, with the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) at odds. President Cyril Ramaphosa's friendly stance towards Russia at the BRICS Summit has sparked criticism from DA leader John Steenhuisen. The ANC's nonaligned position on the conflict is seen by critics as influenced by ties with Russia. The coalition's consensus-based decision-making is challenged by these foreign policy disagreements. Despite the tensions, experts believe the coalition will remain intact, with larger domestic issues posing greater threats to its stability.

Daniel Chapo, the ruling party candidate from Frelimo, has been declared the winner of Mozambique's presidential election, securing 70.67% of the vote amid allegations of vote-rigging by opposition parties and international observers. The election, held on October 9th, also saw Frelimo gaining parliamentary seats, while new entrant Podemos and Renamo trailed behind. Tensions have escalated with protests and civil unrest following the announcement, particularly after the killing of Venâncio Mondlane's aides, which has been condemned by international bodies. The EU's election observation mission reported irregularities, and Mondlane has called for a national strike to protest the alleged election rigging.

The 38th Tyneside Irish Festival, a long-standing cultural event in Britain, will feature a unique art exhibition, 'Peace Heroines,' showcasing women's roles in fostering peace in Belfast. The festival includes performances by harpist Fiana Ni Chonnaill, storytelling by Pat Speight, and a bread-making show by Manchan Mangam. Highlights include a lecture on Bernadette Devlin McAliskey and a film screening on peace and reconciliation. The festival aims to celebrate Irish culture and promote peace, reflecting on its origins during The Troubles.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the current global governance structures at the UN Summit of the Future, advocating for more inclusive representation, particularly for the Global South. The African Union has long sought reform of the UN Security Council, pushing for permanent seats for African nations. Despite some Western proposals for reform, African nations remain skeptical, viewing them as insufficient. The Brics group, including South Africa, is seen as a growing influence, though not necessarily in opposition to the West. Experts emphasize the need for reform rather than replacement of existing global governance institutions.

The play 'Love it if We Beat Them' is a well-received production that intertwines themes of football, politics, and community life, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals and families in the North East of England. It offers a humorous yet poignant exploration of regional history, the role of women, and the complexities of political and sporting ideologies. The play is praised for its writing, production, and performances, particularly those of Eve Tucker, Jessica Johnson, David Nellist, and Daniel Watson. It challenges the audience to consider the balance between idealism and practicality in politics and life, while celebrating the enduring spirit of the community.