Vladimir Putin will not be going to Johannesburg for the 15th Brics Summit, the South African presidency announced in a press release, and in his place will be Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; reportedly, the country would have been forced to arrest Putin

An increase in the budget deficit and debt was forecasted for the next three years; for the next fiscal year, the deficit is expected to be 4,3% of GDP, up from the previous estimate of 3,7%

The first certificates officially recognising Muslim marriages have been issued by the South Africa's Department of Home Affairs: a significant step for the Islamic community, which has contributed to the country's history for over 350 years

The country has ordered Taiwan to move its embassy from Pretoria to Johannesburg by the end of the month, a final sign of strengthening relations with China