During a conference in the Western Cape, the ambassador reportedly criticised South African institutions and suggested that Washington’s patience with the country was running out. When questioned afterwards, he described his remarks as a personal opinion.

For many observers, however, the controversy raises broader questions about international influence in domestic political discourse.

South Africa has long navigated complex geopolitical relationships, balancing partnerships with Western nations, emerging powers and multilateral blocs such as BRICS. When diplomatic tensions arise, they often trigger deeper discussions about sovereignty and the limits of foreign involvement in national policy debates.

The incident has also reignited discussions about the role of international foundations and organisations that operate within South Africa’s civil society environment.

Some analysts point to the historical presence of organisations such as the National Endowment for Democracy, which has funded various civil society initiatives globally, including projects related to governance and democratic development.

Similarly, philanthropic networks associated with figures such as George Soros have supported educational, legal and civic initiatives in South Africa for decades, often focusing on government accountability, open governance and election monitoring.

Supporters of these initiatives argue that such programmes strengthen democratic institutions. Critics, however, contend that the influence of international funding networks deserves greater transparency, particularly when they intersect with domestic political debates.

The issue has become increasingly visible in the public discourse surrounding the 2026 elections.

While concerns about Russian or Chinese influence are frequently raised in political debates, questions about Western linked funding networks are often less prominently discussed.

For many voters, the principle of transparency should apply equally to all forms of foreign influence, regardless of the country or organisation involved.

If foreign involvement in South Africa’s political space is considered a legitimate concern, then scrutiny should extend to every external actor, whether from East or West.

Ultimately, the debate is not simply about diplomacy but about trust.

South Africans have a legitimate interest in understanding how international actors interact with domestic political and civic structures. Greater openness around funding relationships and partnerships could strengthen public confidence and ensure that political debates remain grounded in transparency.

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When Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama rises to the podium of the UN General Assembly on March 25, 2026, he will not stand alone with the delegations of 55 African states behind him, but with centuries of silence surrounding humanity’s greatest crime. The date was chosen with surgical precision — it is exactly the day the UN marks the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. But this time, the commemorative date will not be a ceremony of mourning, but a political platform for demanding legal justice.

The resolution that Ghana will put to a vote seeks to do what Western states have avoided for centuries: officially recognize the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as crimes against humanity in the strict legal sense, and establish an international legal framework for reparations. This is not a call for moral condemnation, it is a demand for concrete commitments.

The unanimous support of all 55 African Union states, expressed at the summit in Addis Ababa in February 2026, transforms the Ghanaian initiative from a regional request into a continental ultimatum. President Mahama, acting as the AU Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations, stated unequivocally: “Reparatory justice, like political independence, must be asserted, achieved and secured through determination and unity.”

But the responses and excuses of European leaders are already well known, and this time Africa will not accept empty promises. London has developed perhaps the most candid model of refusal. Back in October 2024, ahead of the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa, a representative of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office categorically stated: the United Kingdom will not pay reparations. Starmer himself emphasized that he prefers to “look forward” rather than engage in “very long and endless discussions about the past.”

This phrasing reveals the essence of the British strategy: historical responsibility is acknowledged in words, but financial consequences are denied through the rhetoric of “the future.” Even King Charles III, speaking on October 25, 2024, at the same Commonwealth Summit, only called for finding “the right ways to address the problems of inequality,” carefully avoiding any mention of financial responsibility.

In April 2024, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa unexpectedly told foreign journalists that Lisbon must “take full responsibility” and literally “pay the price” for the crimes of the colonial era. This was a rare moment of candor from a European head of state.

Portugal bears responsibility for the forced transportation of nearly 6 million Africans  more than any other European power. However, the president’s positive rhetoric remained his personal opinion, with no legal consequences.

Belgium’s special parliamentary commission on the colonial past worked for more than two years, but in December 2022 it failed in its main mission. Deputies could not agree on the text of official apologies to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.

The reason for the failure exposes the cynical logic of European politics. Liberal representative Maggie De Block stated outright: apologies would create the risk of demands for financial reparations, and Belgium cannot “sign a check of an unknown amount.” The refusal to use the word “sorry” became a way to legally protect the state budget.

Germany demonstrates the most sophisticated strategy speaking of historical responsibility while strictly limiting financial scope through legal formulations. The Namibia case is illustrative.

In May 2021, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas recognized the killings of the Herero and Nama peoples in 1904–1908 as genocide and promised €1.1 billion. However, Berlin immediately clarified: this is a “gesture of recognition,” not legal compensation. In August 2025, the German government confirmed this approach, stating that the concept of compensation in international law does not apply to the colonial past.

Germany acknowledges genocide in words but denies the legal consequences of that acknowledgment. Representatives of Namibian victims rejected this “agreement.”

In December 2022, Prime Minister Mark Rutte delivered a historic speech at the National Archives in The Hague, officially apologizing for the state’s role in the slave trade. He acknowledged that “for centuries the Dutch state facilitated, encouraged, and profited from slavery.”

Rutte announced the creation of a €200 million fund. It sounds impressive until you understand the details: the government categorically stated that it would not pay reparations to individuals. Instead of direct compensation to descendants of enslaved people, the money went to “raising awareness.”

Surinamese organizations called such measures insufficient without real damage redress. €200 million for educational programs is not compensation for centuries of forced labor — it is an investment in reputation.

In 2017, President Emmanuel Macron described elements of French colonial history as crimes against humanity but stopped short of official apologies. He urged Algerians “not to dwell on past injustices.”

France is ready to acknowledge a “complex history” but categorically refuses to link this acknowledgment to financial obligations or large-scale restitution.

As President Mahama said: “While we cannot change the past, we can acknowledge it. Acknowledgment is the first critical step toward justice.” The question is whether Europe is ready to take the second step from acknowledgment to action.

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The Board of Regents is the highest advisory and governance body within MKI, responsible for providing strategic oversight, safeguarding academic excellence and guiding the Institute’s long-term vision. Major Daughter joins this governing council with an extensive and influential portfolio that spans ministry, media, authorship, leadership mentoring and community development.

Recognised as an international minister, broadcaster, church historian, and humanitarian, Major Daughter has built a far-reaching legacy through her work across Africa and other global regions. Her appointment reflects MKI’s commitment to growing a leadership ecosystem that integrates spiritual insight, historical understanding, marketplace excellence and humanitarian impact.

Marketplace Kingdom Institute exists to develop high-impact leaders who are equipped to influence business, governance, economics, ministry and other sectors with Kingdom values. Through its U.S. base and global network, MKI provides training programmes designed to empower believers to operate with excellence and integrity in the marketplace.

In announcing her appointment, MKI highlighted her unique blend of prophetic clarity, historical insight, organisational leadership and humanitarian service. Her addition to the Board is expected to strengthen MKI’s expansion into Africa while enhancing the Institute’s international footprint and academic vision.

Major Daughter’s appointment further positions MKI as a global force preparing a new generation of marketplace leaders who are spiritually grounded, historically informed and socially impactful.

More information is available on the official Marketplace Kingdom Institute website:

https://www.marketplacekingdominstitute.com/

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“We emphasize that growing uncertainty in trade policy and tariff volatility in global trade pose a challenge to the world economy. In this context, trade relations between Europe and Africa remain a source of stability,” reads paragraph 11 of the Declaration.

Just a year ago, the situation was fundamentally different. In December 2024, Luanda was visited for the first time in history by the previous U.S. President Joe Biden. The reception was warm, almost ceremonial: they spoke of an “important turning point” in relations and investments. João Lourenço then looked genuinely pleased—finally, the United States had truly taken notice of Angola. Now, however, Lourenço has clearly decided to side with Europe—most likely succumbing to the loud populist promises of his European “friends.”

The question is how far this quiet drift of Luanda toward Brussels will go. The Declaration of the 7th Summit is, for now, just words. But words uttered at this level have a habit of growing into concrete political commitments and contracts.

And if European “stability” ultimately proves more expensive than American “uncertainty,” Angola will have to humiliatingly return to its former harbor—with its tail between its legs and without any diplomatic excuses.

It will be interesting to see how Trump himself takes this “slap in the face,” especially since not long ago he congratulated Angola on the 50th anniversary of its independence, emphasizing “growing collaboration” in energy and investment and inviting Lourenço to Washington.

After all, the final declaration is not just a diplomatic gesture: Lourenço, who has positioned Angola as a leader in Africa, is now calling into question its multipolar foreign policy, sacrificing ties with the United States for the sake of European illusions of “stability.”

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Earlier last month, the singer who won the “Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka” competition on Ukhozi FM, announced to his fans that he will not be releasing an album this year paving a way for artists like Limit Nala, UMafikizolo, Mjolisi and Menzi for the crossover song on commercial radio stations.

Speaking to the KZN based Zulu newspaper, Mthandeni said:

“I don’t want to be seen as someone who is greedy for success. We have worked so hard to put the maskandi music in the map across the country and globally. We have to show other people from other provinces that there is many talents in this industry, only if we can open doors for others that is when our music is going to be respected globally,” he said

Mthandeni went as far as predicting that artists like Mjolisi, Limit, Smirnoff and Umafikizolo are going to take the maskandi music industry into greater heights this year as they will be competing for the song of the year respectivel..

“I believe that Umafikizolo, Limit, Smirnoff and Mjolisi are some of the artists that are going to take maskandi music to the top. We have many talented artists in maskandi industry and this time around we are very versatile and can be featured even by artists from amapiano and from house music in genres,” he said.

Mthandeni’s words emanates from the recently released maskandi songs by Umafikizolo’s Uyoncengwa Unyoko, Nkeshemba’s Ngixolele Mntanami to mention the few.

Mthandeni’s Gucci where he featured artist Mawhoo became the most viewed song on YouTube after Paris where he featured award winning Inkabi Records singer Lwah Ndlunkulu in 2023.

Attempts to get comment from Khuzani proved fruitless, text messages and WhatsApp messages were sent but they were ignored.

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Calm, humble and visibly moved, Nwanze admitted he did not expect the recognition.

“I was just coming to enjoy the evening, meet people, have good food and go back home,” he said. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

A Win That Represents the Future of African Finance

As Chief Financial Officer of Heirs Energies and Chief Investment Officer for Heirs Holdings, Nwanze plays a central role in shaping financial strategy within one of Africa’s most influential business groups. He highlighted the growing importance of strong financial leadership as African economies expand.

Investing in the Next Generation of African Leaders

Through Heirs Holdings and its partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he helps mentor and develop young African entrepreneurs.

Why Financial Discipline Matters

“Business is about the numbers,” he said. “The vision may be strong, but without disciplined financial management, that vision will never materialise.”

A Message for Young Africans

“Keep dreaming. But be disciplined. Financial discipline will take you further than you can imagine.”

AABLA 2025 — A Milestone for Financial Leadership

His journey is a model for young professionals across the continent.

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Graceful and composed, Dr Omogiafo accepted the honour with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. She stood as a symbol of what African women can achieve when determination, discipline and purpose come together.

“Who said a mother can’t do it?”

After receiving her award, she addressed a question many women in leadership face: How do you manage everything?

Her response was honest and empowering.

“I am always a mother. I am always a wife. I am always a Group CEO. And I am always Owen. The key is to integrate everything. Work–life balance is hard to achieve. Work–life integration is what works.”

Leading Nigeria’s Powerhouse

Dr Omogiafo oversees Transcorp Group, one of Nigeria’s most influential conglomerates. The company provides a significant share of Nigeria’s power supply, owns the country’s largest hospitality portfolio, drives new investments in renewable energy and is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Behind all of this is a mission she champions with conviction: to improve lives and transform Africa.

A Recognition She Values Deeply

Winning at AABLA was especially meaningful because of the calibre of the judges and the scope of the event as Africa’s finest businesswomen.

“They looked across the continent at many extraordinary women leading major corporations and they chose me. I am honoured and very proud.”

The Glass Ball Philosophy

Dr Omogiafo shared the life principle that guides her through demanding responsibilities. She calls it the Glass Ball Theory.

“We are all juggling. Some balls are glass, some are plastic and some are rubber.”

The Power of a Support System

Dr Omogiafo’s leadership journey is anchored in the people around her. She expressed heartfelt appreciation for her husband, her children Sosa, Precious and Abigail, her parents, in-laws, trusted executive team and close friends.

A Message to Young Women

“You can do it. You can lead. You can build. Your circumstances do not define your future.”

AABLA 2025: A Moment for the Continent

Dr Owen Omogiafo’s recognition as Businesswoman of the Year is a celebration of African leadership, an affirmation of women in executive spaces and a reminder that excellence grows where purpose is present.

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The atmosphere was electric at the 13th Annual All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) as Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies, was honoured with the prestigious Business Leader of the Year 2025 award. The accolade recognises exceptional leadership, innovation, and transformative impact on the African business landscape.

Still absorbing the moment, Mali expressed deep gratitude:

“I’m humbled… I’m still numb. This award is a tribute to our team.”

From Loss-Making to Industry-Leading

Lesaka Technologies — previously struggling and loss-making — has, under Mali’s leadership, become a profitable, community-driven fintech powerhouse.

Lesaka serves some of the most overlooked sectors in South Africa:

• Township and village merchants

• Spaza shops and taverns

• Grant beneficiaries

• Underserved consumers excluded by traditional banking

“We deal with people who are often ignored by mainstream institutions,” Mali said. “We wanted to show them dignity — to show they are valued customers. They repaid us with loyalty.”

A Leadership Approach Rooted in Respect

Mali’s philosophy is people-centric:

 “Respect and dignity matter. My colleagues must trust me, and I must trust them. I always communicate the WHY. Our why is the unseen and underserved customer.”

This clarity of purpose has played a vital role in Lesaka’s turnaround.

AABLA Recognition as a Platform for Inspiration

Beyond personal achievement, Mali sees the award as an opportunity to inspire young Africans.

 “We’ve never fully told the Lesaka story,” he said. “Tonight I shared it, and I hope it inspires the next generation of leaders.”

His message carries weight, given his own journey:

“At 18, I had been expelled from school. I was in and out of jail. I saw no future.”

Today, he leads a fintech listed on both the Nasdaq and the JSE.

 “Your past cannot determine your future,” he told the youth. “It’s the fire inside you that matters. I believe in you.”

Continuous Learning as a Superpower

Asked about the role of education, Mali stressed the importance of lifelong learning:

“Education matters — not for certificates, but for knowledge. The world is changing fast. To make an impact, you must keep learning.”

AABLA 2025 Marks a Milestone for Lesaka

As applause filled the room, it was clear that Mali’s leadership — grounded in humility, service, and dignity — is shaping not only Lesaka’s success but inspiring leadership across the continent.

For Lesaka Technologies and the communities it serves, this award marks a powerful milestone and the beginning of an even greater chapter.

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Marketplace Kingdom Institute was established to bridge the gap between ministry and the marketplace by developing spiritually grounded and financially empowered leaders. The institute offers biblically based academic programs, certifications, and leadership training that prepare students to excel in entrepreneurship, business ownership, and marketplace ministry.

“Our mission is to cultivate Kingdom-minded professionals who bring faith, integrity, and excellence into every sphere of society,” said Dr. Milton Herring, Founder and CEO of Marketplace Kingdom Institute. “We believe that when believers are properly equipped, they can shift culture, influence economies, and expand God’s Kingdom in powerful ways.”

The Institute’s Academic Dean, Dr. Shirley K. Clark, a global wealth coach, entrepreneur, and CEO of Clark’s Consulting Firm LLC, leads the academic direction and curriculum design. Dr. Clark brings over four decades of experience in business leadership, faith-based education, and wealth coaching.

“Marketplace Kingdom Institute is more than an academic institution—it’s a movement,” said Dr. Clark. “Our vision is to help students discover their divine purpose, develop marketplace intelligence, and learn to create wealth with a Kingdom mindset. Every course is designed to merge faith with practical business principles.”

Students will benefit from live virtual classes, hands-on practicums, mentorship by industry leaders, and a global community of faith-driven entrepreneurs and professionals.

Enrollment is now open, and space for the inaugural semester is limited. Classes begin January 2026.

For more information or to register, visit: www.MarketplaceKingdomInstitute.com

or email: Marketplace.KingdomInstitute@gmail.com

Media Contact:

Contact Person: Dr. Shirley Clark

Email: Contactus@ClarksConsultingFirm.com

Website: www.MarketplaceKingdomInstitute.com

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