As Johannesburg prepares to host the G20 summit, a stark contrast emerges between the polished, secure venue and the city’s inner-city decay. Just kilometers away from the summit site, over 100 derelict buildings stand as a testament to neglect, crime, and systemic failure. These structures, many hijacked by criminal gangs, are plagued by overflowing sewage, piles of rubbish, and unsafe living conditions. Residents like Sinqhiwe Goodman Sithole endure life without running water or electricity, relying on portable gas stoves for cooking and facing constant fire risks. The city’s attempts to address these issues, including a recent clean-up campaign, have yielded limited results. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mayor Dada Morero have acknowledged the challenges, but progress remains slow. The roots of the problem trace back to post-apartheid urban migration, underinvestment, and corruption, with former hijackers revealing collusion between criminals and local authorities. Evictions, though seemingly a solution, are legally and financially complex, leaving thousands of residents trapped in unsafe conditions. As global leaders gather to discuss economic cooperation, the plight of Johannesburg’s forgotten residents underscores the urgent need for meaningful urban reform.
作者： admin
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How the US overtook China as Africa’s biggest foreign investor
The global competition for critical minerals and metals, essential for powering modern technology, has intensified between the United States and China, with Africa emerging as a strategic battleground. The continent, rich in resources like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, plays a pivotal role in the supply chains for electric vehicles, AI data centers, and advanced weapon systems. China has long dominated this market, leveraging its domestic reserves and extensive investments in African mining operations. However, the US has recently surpassed China as the largest foreign direct investor in Africa, marking a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. According to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, the US invested $7.8 billion in Africa in 2023, compared to China’s $4 billion. This marks the first time since 2012 that the US has reclaimed the lead. The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019, has been instrumental in this effort, explicitly aiming to counter China’s influence in strategic regions. One beneficiary of this investment is Rwandan mining company Trinity Metals, which secured a $3.9 million grant from the DFC to develop its tin, tantalum, and tungsten mines. The company now exports tungsten to a processing plant in Pennsylvania, reflecting a growing trend of US-focused supply chains. However, economists like Sepo Haimambo of FNB Namibia caution African nations to assert their interests in negotiations with US entities. She advocates for diversified frameworks, such as joint ventures and local equity participation, to ensure long-term economic benefits. Meanwhile, US companies like ReElement Africa are building refineries in Africa to process minerals locally, aiming to capture more value and foster industrial development. Despite these efforts, some experts argue that US trade tariffs on African nations have dampened enthusiasm for American investments, potentially hindering the US from capitalizing on African discontent with Chinese projects. As the competition heats up, other nations like Brazil, India, and Japan are also increasing their presence in Africa, signaling a broader scramble for the continent’s mineral wealth.
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John Laws, veteran Australian talkback radio host nicknamed ‘Golden Tonsils’, dies aged 90
John Laws, the iconic Australian radio host renowned for his distinctive voice and dubbed the ‘Golden Tonsils,’ has died at the age of 90. Laws, whose broadcasting career spanned over seven decades, passed away peacefully at his Sydney home on Sunday, as confirmed by his family. His illustrious career included interviews with 17 Australian prime ministers and numerous celebrities, making him one of the highest-paid commercial radio hosts during his peak. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and actor Russell Crowe were among those who paid tribute, with Crowe describing Laws as a ‘mischievous mate’ and a ‘legend in the most Australian sense.’ Laws’ career was not without controversy, including a ‘cash-for-comment’ scandal in the 1990s and various breaches of broadcasting regulations. Despite these challenges, he remained a dominant figure in Australian radio, particularly in rural New South Wales, where his morning show attracted two million listeners at its height. Laws retired in November 2022 after a final 13-year stint at 2SM, capping off a career that also saw him inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame and awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, announced that Laws’ family will be offered a state funeral.
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COP30: Trump and many leaders are skipping it, so does the summit still have a point?
A decade ago, the COP21 summit in Paris symbolized a united global front against climate change, with leaders like David Cameron, Xi Jinping, and Barack Obama standing shoulder to shoulder. Fast forward to COP30 in Brazil, and the scene is starkly different. Key figures such as Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and US President Donald Trump were notably absent, reflecting a broader disengagement from multilateral climate efforts. Trump’s administration has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, rolled back clean energy initiatives, and prioritized fossil fuel dominance, positioning the US as a global energy superpower. This shift has created a rift with China, which is aggressively advancing its clean energy agenda, now accounting for 40% of its economic growth. The EU, caught in the middle, faces the dilemma of balancing economic security with climate goals. As global emissions continue to rise, the efficacy of annual COP summits is being questioned, with calls for more focused, smaller-scale discussions. Despite these challenges, COP30 aims to secure funding for rainforest preservation, underscoring the ongoing importance of international climate cooperation.
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McIlroy swaps fairways for the fast lane at Yas Marina Circuit
Renowned golfer Rory McIlroy, a Career Grand Slam winner and the reigning Race to Dubai champion, recently swapped the tranquility of the golf course for the high-octane world of motorsport. McIlroy joined professional driver Francesca Pardini at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for an exhilarating experience. The event, captured by European Tour Productions, showcased McIlroy’s transition from the fairways to the fast lane, where he reached speeds of up to 180 mph. The exclusive behind-the-scenes footage highlighted McIlroy’s preparation, from suiting up to walking the track, and the intense forces he experienced during high-speed laps. Integrated WHOOP biometric data provided insights into McIlroy’s heart rate and stress levels, illustrating the adrenaline rush of the experience. This unique event not only highlighted McIlroy’s versatility but also showcased Yas Island as a premier multi-sport destination, offering world-class facilities from championship golf at Yas Links to motorsport at the Yas Marina Circuit.
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Shanghai hosts 6th intl 3E talent fair
Shanghai’s Changning district became a focal point for global talent and innovation as it hosted the 6th International 3E (Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise) Fair at the Gubei Civic Center on November 8. The event, co-organized by the Changning District Talent Work Leading Group Office, the Changning District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and Hongqiao Neighborhood, brought together international professionals, industry leaders, and experts to explore strategies for fostering talent development and community integration in Shanghai. Since its launch in 2020, the 3E Fair has grown into a cornerstone of Shanghai’s talent recruitment efforts, hosting over 60 events, attracting 5,500 participants, and engaging nearly 300 multinational and local enterprises. This year’s edition introduced several innovative initiatives, including the Hongqiao CoLab, a collaborative platform connecting top universities like Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tongji University with industry leaders in artificial intelligence and frontier technologies. Additionally, the Hongqiao Top HR Association was established to enhance recruitment coordination among 28 leading enterprises, while the Hongqiao Link project was unveiled to support international families through social networks and community-building efforts. The fair also featured updates on visa facilitation and one-stop services, presented by the Changning Public Security Bureau and the Shanghai Hongqiao Overseas Talent Service Center. Chen Feng, director of Hongqiao Sub-district Office, highlighted the event’s role in driving synergy between talent development and regional growth, solidifying its status as a flagship initiative for Hongqiao and Changning.
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Rai overcomes Fleetwood in a play-off to win Abu Dhabi title
Aaron Rai secured his second Rolex Series title at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a thrilling play-off victory against Tommy Fleetwood on Sunday. The English golfer, who began the final round with a one-shot lead, faced a challenging start as Fleetwood surged ahead with an early advantage. However, Rai staged a remarkable comeback with four consecutive birdies on the front nine, reclaiming the top spot. The duo engaged in a roller-coaster battle, with Fleetwood regaining control before Rai’s late brilliance on the 16th and 17th holes tied the score heading into the final hole. Despite missing a chance to win in regulation on the 18th green, Rai clinched victory with a decisive birdie putt at the first extra hole, marking his third DP World Tour win. Rai’s final round of 67 included seven birdies and two bogeys, finishing at 25 under par, while Fleetwood carded a bogey-free 66 with an eagle and four birdies. Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy shot a ten-under-par 62, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Nicolai Højgaard. Rai, who started the week ranked 55th in the season-long standings, now heads to the DP World Tour Championship as the Tour’s most recent winner. Reflecting on his victory, Rai praised Fleetwood’s sportsmanship and credited his caddie, Jason Timmis, for helping him stay focused after a critical missed putt on the 14th hole. The emotional win was celebrated with his father, Amrik, as Rai expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experience.
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Two Major League Baseball pitchers charged in sports gambling scheme
Two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians, Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz and Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera, have been charged in connection with a sprawling sports betting and money laundering scheme, as announced by federal prosecutors and the FBI on Sunday. The indictment alleges that the players accepted bribes to manipulate pitches during Major League Baseball (MLB) games, enabling illegal wagers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to authorities, the scheme not only provided an unfair advantage to certain bettors but also tarnished the integrity of America’s beloved pastime. Both players have vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Prosecutors claim that Clase and Ortiz coordinated with co-conspirators to place fraudulent bets on online sportsbooks, receiving kickbacks in exchange for insider information. For instance, before a game on June 27, 2025, Ortiz allegedly received $7,000 to throw a rigged pitch, while Clase arranged the scheme for the same amount. Clase is also accused of withdrawing $50,000 in cash, with $15,000 allegedly used by a co-conspirator to bet on the pitch. The rigged pitches reportedly helped co-conspirators win $60,000 and $400,000, respectively. US Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., emphasized the broader implications of the scandal, stating that such corruption undermines public trust in sports. Ortiz was arrested in Boston, while Clase remains at large. Both players were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave during an MLB investigation into sports gambling. They face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. The Cleveland Guardians have pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and the league. Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, maintains his client’s innocence, asserting that Ortiz never influenced a game improperly. Clase’s representative, Kelvin Nova, has also denied the allegations, stating that Clase does not engage in betting. This case follows recent FBI arrests in similar schemes involving an NBA player, a coach, and members of New York crime families.
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‘Chaos has gone’ – quiet streets on Texas border after Trump crackdown
The Trump administration has significantly intensified enforcement efforts along the entire US-Mexico border, particularly in the El Paso area, leading to a stark reduction in migrant crossings. This shift marks a dramatic change from the chaotic scenes witnessed during the Biden administration, where migrant encampments and overcrowded shelters were commonplace.
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‘I just want to breathe’: Delhi protesters demand action on toxic pollution
In a desperate plea for clean air, dozens of protesters gathered in New Delhi on Sunday, demanding urgent government action to combat the city’s toxic pollution. The Indian capital, home to 30 million people, is frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. A thick haze of hazardous microparticles, known as PM2.5, blanketed the skyline, with levels soaring up to 60 times the United Nations’ daily health limits. These cancer-causing particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream, posing severe health risks. Protesters, including parents with masked children, carried placards with messages like ‘I miss breathing’ and ‘I just want to breathe.’ The demonstration took place near India Gate, where PM2.5 levels were over 13 times the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum. ‘I am here because I don’t want to become a climate refugee,’ said Namrata Yadav, a mother who joined the rally. Tanvi Kusum, a lawyer, expressed frustration, stating, ‘Year after year, it is the same story, but there is no solution.’ Despite government measures such as partial transport restrictions and water trucks spraying mist to clear particulate matter, the pollution crisis persists. A recent study in The Lancet Planetary Health linked 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 to air pollution. The United Nations children’s agency warns that polluted air increases children’s risk of acute respiratory infections. As the protest grew, police detained several activists, confiscating their banners and placards, citing a lack of protest permits. The event underscored the growing public outcry for meaningful action to address Delhi’s deadly air quality crisis.