A Hamas delegation, featuring Basem Naim, visited South Africa to attend the Global Anti-Apartheid Conference on Palestine. The visit drew criticism from the ANC, the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, and others. It sparked debate about the Palestinian struggle, particularly following the October 7 attack. The controversy deepened as critics argued that hosting Hamas could … Read more

Germany intended to reclaim former colonies in Africa, seeing them as resource suppliers for the Nazi regime. While Hitler was not passionate about colonialism, he permitted plans for African expansion. The Berlin Conference in 1884 established German colonial territories, but Germany had limited involvement in Africa overall. During the 1930s, Nazi leadership discussed the potential … Read more

Enlightenment ideas spread to Northern Africa mainly through European colonization and intellectual exchange. These ideas introduced concepts of liberty, equality, and individual rights. However, the region’s ethnic diversity created challenges for pan-Africanism, limiting its widespread acceptance and impact. The influence of European Enlightenment thinkers prompted discussions around governance and rights. This led to a gradual … Read more

Emirates has canceled flights to South Africa due to operational reasons and government regulations. Key affected routes include those to Johannesburg and Durban. To check your booking or get travel updates, please visit emirates.com or use the Manage Your Booking feature for more information. Emirates offers rebooking options for affected passengers. Customers facing cancellations can … Read more

The Dalai Lama visited South Africa in 1996 and met President Nelson Mandela. He faced visa denials in 2004 and 2009, which kept him from events like Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s birthday celebration. His visits highlight the important historical and political significance of his presence in the country. In 2014, the Dalai Lama was invited to … Read more

Canada has banned flights from South Africa and nearby countries due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant. This travel ban affects foreign travelers from ten African nations. Canadians can return home via connecting flights but must show a negative test. These bilateral travel restrictions will be in place for the next two months. These travel restrictions … Read more

Yes, Billy Graham visited South Africa. He refused to hold Crusades for 20 years unless they were racially integrated. In March 1973, he conducted South Africa’s first fully integrated public events in Durban and Johannesburg. This action demonstrated his commitment to unity in a divided country. The influence of Billy Graham extended beyond mere attendance. … Read more

Yes, Ann Dunham, Barack Obama’s mother, visited Kenya in the 1980s. She made this trip after the death of her first husband, Barack Obama Sr. At that time, she was also pregnant with Barack. During her visit, she engaged in her work as an anthropologist and embraced her son’s Kenyan heritage. Ann Dunham’s family roots … Read more

Yes, African American soldiers significantly contributed to liberating concentration camps during WWII. The 761st Tank Battalion helped liberate Buchenwald. Their actions exposed the horrors of the Holocaust and underscored their important role in both the war and the civil rights movement, influencing future generations. These African American soldiers faced discrimination yet distinguished themselves through bravery. … Read more

Yes, about 1,700 African American soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. They played important roles, including serving in a barrage balloon battalion. Their efforts were crucial to the invasion, highlighting the significant participation of Black troops in World War II. The contributions of African American soldiers at Normandy laid the groundwork for … Read more