IOL Logo
Thursday, May 22, 2025

Latest News & Developments

religious belief

Ranjiv Nirghin takes the helm as president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha

Advocate Ranjiv Nirghin has been elected as the new president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, succeeding the late Ashwin Trikamjee. With years of experience in various roles within the organisation, Nirghin aims to promote unity and uphold Hindu Dharma in a diverse society.

News South Africa
Thobeka Ngema|Published

Honouring Swami Nischalananda: A legacy of unity and spiritual awakening

As South Africa prepares to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Swami Nischalananda, his profound impact on the Hindu community and his enduring message of unity, knowledge, and selfless service is highlighted.

News South Africa Kwazulu Natal
Thobeka Ngema|Published

Opinion | How religion shapes a free and democratic South Africa

As South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, Nico Koopman explores how diverse religious views contribute to building a free and democratic society grounded in dignity and justice.

Weekend Argus Opinion
Opinion|Published

How the State bungled the Timothy Omotoso rape trial

In a stunning legal conclusion to an eight-year trial, televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges including racketeering and sexual assault. Judge Irma Schoeman delivered a scathing assessment of the prosecution's work, citing 'desultory' cross-examination and failure to properly challenge the accused's testimony.

Cape Times News
Chevon Booysen|Published

Nigerian televangelist walks free: Judge slams State's 'desultory' handling of Omotoso case

In a stunning legal conclusion to an eight-year trial, televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges including racketeering and sexual assault. Judge Irma Schoeman delivered a scathing assessment of the prosecution's work, citing 'desultory' cross-examination and failure to properly challenge the accused's testimony - raising serious questions about the handling of high-profile sexual violence cases in South Africa.

News Crime and Courts
Chevon Booysen|Published

Church leaders fight back against government control plans

Religious leaders are mounting fierce opposition to unprecedented government proposals that would require churches to obtain licenses and submit to state oversight. Freedom of Religion SA warns this threatens constitutional rights, while authorities argue it's necessary to protect vulnerable congregants.

Saturday Star News
Staff Reporter|Published

South African Christian leaders stand against US claims of white victimisation

Over 300 South African Christian leaders dismiss US claims of white victimisation.

News South Africa
Dhivana Rajgopaul|Published

Inside the extraordinary life of a Western Cape man living in a cave for nearly two decades

Discover the extraordinary life of a man who has embraced off-grid living in a cave for 18 years, transforming his dwelling into a sanctuary filled with faith and creativity.

News South Africa Western Cape
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba responds to Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation amid abuse scandal

Archbishop Makoba noted that while abuse cases had surfaced in the region in recent years, the church has been taking significant steps to prevent such harm in the future.

News World
Thobeka Mthembu|Published

Demands for Church of England reform after abuse scandal

The leader of the world's Anglican communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, said this week, he was resigning following a damning report that concluded the Church of England covered up a serial abuse case.

News World
Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby quits over abuse scandal

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said this week, he was resigning following a damning report that concluded the Church of England covered up a serial abuse case.

News World
Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

Denouncing Bishop Diocesan College’s hypocrisy: A call to action against Zionist apartheid

As a country that has endured apartheid, we know all too well the realities of segregation, racial superiority, and systematic oppression. Zionism, in its essence, mirrors the very policies that once subjugated the majority of South Africans under apartheid.

Opinion
Faiez Jacobs|Published

Who is ‘Brother Enigma?’ Understanding the viral self-proclaimed prophet

Brother Enigma’s outspoken opinions about Jesus, as well as his Bible quotations, are what sparked the entire craze around him.

Lifestyle Health Mind
Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

Thousands in London for October 7 memorial waving ‘bring them home’ flags

Attendees waved Israeli flags and bring them home placards with the faces of hostages still held by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip at the commemoration in Hyde Park in central London.

News World
Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

Pope lands in Catholic-majority East Timor to rock star welcome

Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on September 9, for the third stop of an Asia-Pacific tour, the longest of the 87-year-old’s papacy.

News World
Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

At 87, pope defies expectations with epic tour

By embarking aged 87 on the farthest journey of his papacy, Pope Francis is doing something some believed impossible - and seeking to silence those who doubt his ability to fulfil his role.

iOS World
Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

Local organisations call for global community to intervene following murders, looting and rapes in Bangladesh

Local organisations have shown support for minority groups under attack in Bangladesh, following the stepping down of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has since fled the country.

News South Africa Kwazulu Natal
Se-Anne Rall|Published

Saudi to pay SA pilgrims over R14. 5 million compensation

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (Sahuc) has announced that the South Arabian ministry of Hajj and Umrah together with the service provider, have agreed to pay over 3 million to 3 500 pilgrims in the country who participated in the pilgrimage 2023, due to inadequate service delivery.

News Feel Good
Simon Majadibodu and Tshegofatso Malatsi|Published

No place to pray for Muslim workers in Italian city

Since November a fraction of the city's Muslims who have been banned from praying inside their two cultural centres by Monfalcone's far-right mayor.

News World
Michael Andisile Mayalo|Published

Politicians are targeting churches for electoral support

ANC leaders, like Panyaza Lesufi, visit Gauteng churches for election support, raising skepticism over political motives. Analysts caution against exploiting churches for political gain, urging integrity in the relationship.

News Politics
Christopher Buda|Published

Preaching ethics, morality new struggle for religious leaders

OPINION: Given the challenges our country is faced with, religious formations must be visible, writes Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu.

Saturday Star
Published

Controversy struck under 19’s cricketer, David Teeger snaps up seven distinctions in matric results

The controversial SA U19’s cricketer David Teeger - who labelled Israeli soldiers involved in the bombardment of Gaza as heroes - has passed his matric exams with an impressive seven distinctions, King Edward VII School school announced on Friday.

News Politics
Sihle Mlambo|Published

‘My mother was supposed to spend her 70th birthday in Mecca’, says victim of alleged Umrah swindler Shahied Davids

Shahied Davids will be appearing in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday for bail.

News Crime and Courts
Robin-Lee Francke|Published

South African halaal body, MJC, boycotts Israeli goods

The Muslim Judicial Council’s Halaal Trust announced it would decline, refuse, and not certify any goods or services emanating from Israel.

News Politics
Kailene Pillay|Published

Ambassador Getrude Mongella urges South Africans to unite for a better nation at TIFSA conference

Mongella also encouraged South Africans to spread the Ubuntu philosophy to other African nations and develop the continent.

News Politics
Kailene Pillay|Published