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South Africa Ruling: Husbands Can Legally Take Wives’ Surnames After Marriage
Johannesburg, South Africa On 11 September 2025, the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that husbands may legally adopt their wives’ surnames, ending a long-standing gender-based restriction under South African law. BusinessTech+3AP News+3News24+3
Key Findings of the Ruling
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The Court declared Section 26(1)(a)-(c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (51 of 1992), as well as Regulation 18(2)(a) of the Regulations on the Registration of Births and Deaths, unconstitutional because they discriminated on the basis of gender. BusinessTech+3Saflii+3SABC News+3
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Under the old law, only women could change their surname by taking their husband’s name. Men were barred from taking their wife’s surname or creating a double-barrelled surname that includes the wife’s name. Saflii+2News24+2
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The Court found this unequal treatment violated Section 9(1) and 9(3) of the South African Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of gender. Saflii+1
What Happens Now
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The ruling does not immediately change all existing legal frameworks. The Court has given Parliament 24 months to amend the law to align with constitutional requirements. During this period, interim remedies apply. BusinessTech+2The Citizen+2
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Pending legislative reform, the Court ordered a “reading-in” remedy. This means that in practice, men can assume their wives’ surnames or combine surnames (e.g., double-barrelled) under the now-invalidated sections while the law is being fixed. News24+2The Citizen+2
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The Home Affairs Department was among the respondents, and the Minister of Home Affairs will be responsible for implementing changes. Saflii+2News24+2
Reactions & Significance
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The decision is widely described as a landmark step for gender equality in South Africa, removing a law rooted in colonial and patriarchal tradition. The Citizen+2IOL+2
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Some have celebrated the ruling as a move toward personal freedom and equality in marriage. Others have expressed concern about cultural tradition, identity, and administrative challenges in changing surnames. AP News+1
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The cost of the legal challenge was ordered to be paid by the Home Affairs Department. The Citizen+1
What to Watch For
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How Parliament will draft amendments to the Births and Deaths Registration Act and what specific changes will be made.
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How the registration systems and administrative processes will adapt (how easy it becomes for people to change surnames, update official documents, etc.).
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Social and cultural response: whether there will be acceptance or resistance, and how communities interpret the impact on family identity and tradition.
Source Credit:
AP News; News24; BusinessTech; SABC News; IOL; Constitutional Court judgment (South Africa) all published September 2025. SABC News+3AP News+3News24+3
Ethiopia Celebrates Enkutatash 2018: Ethiopian New Year Begins Sept 11, 2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Today, Thursday, September 11, 2025, Ethiopians and Eritreans mark the beginning of the year 2018 in the Ethiopian calendar, a celebration known as Enkutatash (in Amharic: እንቁጣጣሽ). Ethiopian Calendar+1
Enkutatash falls on 1 Mäskäräm, the first day of the Ethiopian year, which usually corresponds to September 11 in the Gregorian calendar — except in leap years, when it falls on September 12. Wikipedia+2Ethiopian Calendar+2
The Ethiopian calendar is about 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar, owing to different calculations tied to the Annunciation of Christ. As of today, while many parts of the world observe the year 2025 (Gregorian), Ethiopia is now in the year 2018. Ethiopian Calendar+1
What is Enkutatash and how it is celebrated:
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The name “Enkutatash” means “Gift of Jewels”, which harks back to tradition when the Queen of Sheba returned from her visit to King Solomon, and her subjects celebrated with gifts. Wikipedia+1
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The holiday signals the end of the rainy season and the blossoming of the Meskel flowers (often called Adey Abeba), which color the landscapes in many parts of Ethiopia. Wikipedia+2ethiopianholidays.com+2
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Customs include visiting churches in the morning, families gathering for traditional meals, wearing new clothes, young girls collecting and giving flowers, and exchanging greetings and well wishes. Wikipedia+2ethiopianholidays.com+2
Why this matters:
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Enkutatash is a deeply rooted cultural and religious holiday that unites communities through shared history, faith, and festivities.
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It is a reminder of Ethiopia’s unique calendar system, which continues to be widely used in civil, religious, and social life in the country. Wikipedia
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The holiday is also an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and looking ahead with hope and optimism as the year begins.
Source Credit:
Based on information from Wikipedia Enkutatash / Ethiopian Calendar and EthiopianCalendar.net (2025).
Bill Gates’ Ghana’s Health Investment: What’s True About the Hormonal IUD Claims?
August / September 2025 Numerous media outlets have circulated claims that Bill Gates has invested “over $25 billion” in philanthropic projects across Africa covering health, agriculture, gender equality, nutrition, and sanitation, and that he expressed surprise at Africa’s resistance to the hormonal IUD, offering more investment if the measure is accepted. However, fact-checking reveals key parts of that report are inaccurate or unverified.
Here’s a breakdown of what is confirmed, what is uncertain or wrong, and what sources have said:
✅ What is Verified
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$2.5 Billion Pledge to Women’s Health by 2030
On 4 August 2025, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation officially committed US$2.5 billion over the period to 2030 toward women’s health innovations. This funding aims to address often neglected areas such as obstetric care, maternal immunization, menstrual and gynecological health, contraceptive innovation, sexually transmitted infections, and maternal nutrition. Reuters+2Gates Foundation+2 -
Focus on Contraceptive Innovation, Including Hormonal IUDs
The women’s health innovations include work on contraceptive methods such as hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) with long-acting potential (e.g. up to 8 years), and a contraceptive patch, among other options. These are designed to be more accessible and suitable for low- and middle-income settings. Business Insider Africa+2Reuters+2
🚫 What Is Not Supported (Misreports or False Claims)
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No Evidence Gates Says He Has Invested More Than $25 Billion in Africa in Those Areas
There is no credible source confirming Gates has publicly stated he has already invested over US$25 billion in those specific sectors (health, agriculture, gender equality, nutrition, sanitation) across Africa. The most recent clearly verified figure is the $2.5 billion for women’s health R&D. Reuters+2Business Insider Africa+2 -
No Confirmed Statement from Gates About “Surprise at Resistance” to Hormonal IUD
The claim that Gates said he was surprised by resistance to hormonal IUDs in Africa is not substantiated in reliable reports. Fact‐checking organisations have looked into viral posts connecting such statements to Gates or national leaders, and many have been found to be false or unverified. For example, Namibia’s presidency declared a post purporting a rejection of hormonal IUD trials was fake. Reuters+2Africa Check+2 -
No Public Offer Explicitly Tied to Acceptance of the Measure
The idea that Gates said he would invest more if the measure (i.e. adoption of hormonal IUDs or removal of “resistance”) is accepted is not found in credible sources.
🔍 Additional Context & Key Takeaways
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The $2.5B commitment is part of a broader move by the Gates Foundation to fill gaps in research, development, and equitable access to essential women’s health services and innovations. This includes exploring long-acting contraceptives and working to make them more accessible. Reuters+2Gates Foundation+2
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The hormonal IUD in question is being developed and offered with attention to cost, acceptability, safety, and regulatory requirements. It is not unique to Africa — such IUDs have been in use in other regions, but the innovation lies in adapting them for affordability, supply logistics, and cultural fit. Business Insider Africa+1
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Misinformation has circulated, especially claims that national leaders have rejected proposals or have made statements that suit a certain narrative. Fact checkers (Reuters, PesaCheck, AfricaCheck) have found many of these claims to be false or without source. Reuters+2Africa Check+2
What This Means Going Forward
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Public discourse should be cautious: it’s important to verify statements especially around sensitive issues like contraceptive access, health policy, and women’s empowerment.
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There is real investment from the Gates Foundation, but headlines exaggerating the scale (e.g. “$25 billion invested already”) are misleading.
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If more transparency emerges (in interviews, foundation reports, etc.) about Gates’ views on resistance to specific family planning methods, those should be carefully documented and fact-checked.
Source Credit:
Based primarily on reports from Reuters, Gates Foundation publications, Business Insider Africa, PesaCheck, and AfricaCheck (August-September 2025).
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Returns Safely to Sierra Leone After UK Visit
Freetown, Sierra Leone Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has landed safely in Freetown following a successful journey from the United Kingdom. FMB shared the news with gratitude, saying “Alhamdulillah” upon her arrival, confirming her safe return. Facebook+1
According to official and social media announcements, the First Lady and her entourage arrived via Freetown International Airport shortly after their UK trip. Facebook+1 The UK visit reportedly involved meetings, engagements, or events in line with her roles in advocacy, public diplomacy, and development work. (Details of her schedule during the stay have not been fully published as of this writing.)
Her safe return carries significance for many in Sierra Leone, who view her activities abroad as not just diplomatic but also central to her ongoing campaigns — particularly around women’s empowerment, human capital development, girls’ education, and social welfare. FMB’s messages often generate interest because of her public roles, including leadership in national and pan-African initiatives.
What This Means:
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The First Lady will likely resume her national and advocacy priorities with renewed momentum following her international engagements.
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Stakeholders and followers may expect updates about what was achieved during the UK trip, including possible partnerships or initiatives announced or started there.
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Her return is a public reassurance of continuity in her advocacy work and international representation of Sierra Leone.
Source Credit:
Information collected from First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s social media posts and related announcements on Facebook by “Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone” and related Sierra Leonean public pages. Published recently (as of this week). Facebook+1
Fatima Maada Bio to Speak at AEGC 2025 in New York During UNGA80
New York, USA Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has been confirmed as a featured speaker at the African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) Summit 2025, which will take place September 21–22, 2025, alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City. Sierraloaded
The AEGC Summit is a prominent forum for African and international leaders to engage on the continent’s economic agenda. This year’s summit will focus on core issues such as trade, industrialization, innovation, sustainable financing, and ensuring inclusive growth. Sierraloaded
Dr. Bio’s participation is particularly noted for her advocacy and experience in human capital development and women’s leadership. She is internationally known for her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign and her leadership role with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), efforts that spotlight the protection, empowerment, and advancement of girls and women. Sierraloaded
Her appearance at AEGC also underscores Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic engagement under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, sending a message that the nation is committed to policies that leave no one behind. Sierraloaded
Key expectations from her address include:
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Emphasis on women’s economic empowerment as essential for national development.
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Call for investment in education, skills training, and human capital to strengthen workforce competitiveness.
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Stress on inclusive governance and policies that ensure marginalized groups benefit.
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Advocacy for partnerships between Africa and global actors in innovation, digital development, and trade expansion.
What This Means:
Dr. Bio’s presence at AEGC 2025 adds momentum to a narrative where Africa is not just a subject of global economic policy but a shaper of it. For Sierra Leone, it reinforces its image as an active participant in international development discussions. For women and youth across Africa, her role serves as a model of leadership and inclusion in high-level global forums.
Who Is Khalil al-Hayya? Key Hamas Figures Targeted in Israel’s Doha Airstrike
On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a targeted airstrike in Doha, Qatar, aimed at senior Hamas leaders amid active ceasefire negotiations. Among those targeted was Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s key negotiator and one of the five-member acting leadership council. Al-Hayya survived the strike, but tragically, his son Humam and his office director Jihad Labad were killed—along with three bodyguards and a Qatari security officer.
Who Is Khalil al-Hayya?
Born in 1960 in Gaza City, al-Hayya joined Hamas in 1987 and climbed its ranks to become deputy chairman and later acting head of the Political Bureau .
After the deaths of leaders like Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, he emerged as a central figure, especially in ceasefire diplomacy, operating from Qatar as a liaison with Arab states and international mediators .
He has endured personal losses in past Israeli attacks, including the death of his entire eldest son’s family during the 2014 war .
Regional Fallout
The strike disrupted ongoing mediation efforts. Qatar denounced the attack as a violation of sovereignty and international law, and global actors—including the UN, EU, Turkey, Egypt, and others—condemned the incident . The attack marked a dangerous escalation, striking diplomatic negotiations head-on.
Supreme Court to Rule on Legality of Trump’s Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to fast-track a major case on whether former President Trump lawfully imposed sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) . Oral arguments are now scheduled for the first week of November 2025 .
Lower courts—including the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Court of International Trade—ruled that Trump overstepped his presidential authority, finding that the IEEPA does not explicitly authorize tariffs or taxes without clear congressional approval .
The Trump administration contends that the tariffs were essential for national security and economic stability, warning of catastrophic consequences—including trade retaliation and potential loss of negotiating leverage—if the ruling is upheld .
A ruling against the administration could have staggering financial consequences: the U.S. may be required to refund between $750 billion and $1 trillion in collected duties .
Conclusion
This case is poised to redefine the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches in U.S. trade policy, with far-reaching implications for future emergencies and presidential authority.
Black Man Files Lawsuit After Being Shot by Police With Hands Raised
Demetrize Carter, a 45-year-old Black man from Oklahoma City, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit after being shot in the chest by police at a high school football game in August 2023. Carter alleges he was unarmed, posed no threat, and had his hands raised in surrender at the time of the shooting .
The lawsuit names Officer Shawn Hogue, as well as the City of Del City, the police chief, and the school district. It accuses the officer of excessive force and claims racial bias influenced the shooting, citing previous negative encounters between Carter and the officer .
While Officer Hogue was cleared of criminal wrongdoing after bodycam footage review, Carter’s legal team insists the video and motive remain under scrutiny, arguing his Fourth Amendment rights were violated .
OAFLAD Unveils Call to Action for Women and Girls at Africa Climate Summit
At the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) launched a new Call to Action: “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict.”
Opened by Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Rachel Ruto, the event gathered over 150 participants, partners, and member states. Keynote speakers—including Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah (African Union Commission) and Prof. Senait Fisseha (Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation)—highlighted the urgent need for women-centered climate solutions.
The campaign, unveiled by OAFLAD President H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, calls on governments and partners to:
Integrate gender-responsive adaptation and peacebuilding.
Ensure equitable access to climate finance for women and displaced populations.
Empower women and girls as leaders of resilience.
Partners like UN Women, WHO, IOM, and EGPAF stressed the vulnerabilities of displaced women and girls amid climate and conflict pressures.
🔗 Watch the campaign video: [YouTube Link]
📌 Source: OAFLAD / Africa Climate Summit
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