Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup for Inter Miami’s match against DC United on Saturday after missing the club’s previous game because of knee soreness.

The Argentine star forward didn’t play in Inter Miami scoreless draw against Orlando City on Wednesday. Before his absence in the midweek match, Messi appeared in six consecutive games, playing the central role in Miami’s rise to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.

Messi scored or assisted in five straight games until Inter Miami’s 3-2 win against Montreal last Saturday.

The likelihood of Messi playing in this match increased after he participated in team workouts the past two days.

The start of the match was in a weather delay after thunderstorms hit Chase Stadium before the clubs’ pregame drills.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Lionel Messi was kept off the scoresheet for the second consecutive match, but Inter Miami extended its unbeaten string with a 1-0 win over DC United on Saturday night.

Leo Campana scored four minutes into second half stoppage time as Miami, 6-0-3 since a 4-0 loss at the New York Red Bulls on March 23, avoided a second consecutive scoreless draw. Campana, who entered the match a minute earlier, received a pass from Sergio Busquets on the right wing and converted on a shot that landed inside the left post.

The win improved Eastern Conference-leading Miami to 9-2-4 with 31 points. DC United dropped to 4-5-5 and 17 points.

Miami has now won six and tied three since a 4-0 loss at New York Red Bulls on March 23.

Messi returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s match at Orlando because of knee soreness.

The Argentine star forward had at least one goal and assist in five consecutive matches until a 3-2 win at Montreal May 11. Messi began Saturday with a league-leading 12 assists.

Tightly-marked for most of the match, Messi found a slight opening in the 71st minute but his shot from 22 yards sailed high above the crossbar.

Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender preserved the shutout when he stopped a shot from United’s Jacob Murrell in the 86th minute.

The start of the match was delayed 25 minutes after thunderstorms hit Chase Stadium before the clubs’ pregame drills. The rain intensified again shortly after kickoff then subsided in the 30th minute.

Messi had two free kicks blocked by a wall of United defenders in the 21st and 39th minutes.

Both clubs continue their league schedule next Saturday, when Inter Miami visits Vancouver and DC United hosts Chicago.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party leader Jacob Zuma has told black people that they can only stop their suffering in South Africa through uniting to produce a two thirds majority vote for the MK Party at the May polls.

He addressed party members and supporters at the launch of the party’s election manifesto at the packed Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.

The party is one of the new entrants in the 2024 May polls, that is being described as a crucial election in a climate where South Africans are looking for solutions to a number of socio-economic challenges in the country.

Zuma says when you reflect on the socio-economic challenges, the black community is yet to be free.

“When we speak of unemployment, it’s black people. When we speak of living in shacks, it us. When you want jobs , you have to travel far,you earn little, you must take care of your home here and your home back home.”

Elections 2024 | MK Party launches its manifesto: Canny Maphanga reports:

Zuma, has also bemoaned Members of Parliament for what he has called their lack of care for the plight of ordinary South Africans. Zuma says the legislators in the country do not prioritise the interests of the citizens but are simply happy to occupy positions.

“Many of the people you vote for, you have only given them jobs. They don’t care about you. They just want to go to parliament. Even when they are in parliament, they don’t talk about the struggles we face. They just discuss their own matters. The only thing I hear them say, I’ve never heard them say anything else. A person stands up and says “point of order! Point of order!” what does that help us with? It doesn’t help us with anything.”

MK Party Elections 2024 Manifesto launch:

Additional Reporting Zoleka Qodashe

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Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) leader in Limpopo Marcelle Maritz says she is confident the party will acquire two or more seats in the Limpopo legislature after the looming general elections.

Maritz was speaking at her campaign trail in Louis Trichardt.

The party currently has one seat in the Limpopo legislature.

According to Maritz, she is optimistic that the VF Plus will garner more support ahead of the polls.

“The party brings hope so we are praying and hoping that people will see after 30 years what they have got in their votes. Their votes didn’t work for 30 years. Give us five years time to help all these challenges to be resolved, rebuild and restored. I do believe in the people and that they will do the right things by stopping to vote in a corrupt government. Therefore, I believe we will grow to two or three members in the legislature,” she says.

VF Plus supporters who attended the rally say they are also confident that the party will perform better in these elections.

FF Plus presents its plan to rebuild South Africa:

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African Transformation Movement (ATM) President Vuyo Zungula says they will do more to improve the lives of South Africans if elected into power. He was addressing supporters at a rally in Sipaqeni, Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape, where he also handed over a house to an impoverished family. 

The family of seven, is headed by a 25-year-old, who has six siblings. They had been living in a dilapidating two-room mud house. 

The 25-year-old, who has been looking after her siblings alone for the past three years, said owning or getting a decent home was a relief for her and her family.

Meanwhile, Zungula said decent homes and access to education are some of the party’s top priorities.

“As we’ve done with this particular household, we are doing it across the different provinces and across the country with limited resources because we have a political will as the party to who what is right by the people,” he says.

He adds: “We want to emphasise that with only two seats and with limited representation across the entire country, when it comes to councillors, we have done a lot as a party. We are just asking people that on May 29, the increase our power.”

2024 Elections I African Transformation Movement launching its election manifesto in Soweto

10 SA Rappers Who Champion Local Languages. South Africa’s hip-hop scene pulsates with global beats, but a powerful current runs deep beneath the surface – the vibrant energy of indigenous languages. In a nation brimming with diverse cultures and dialects, there are SA rappers who stand out not only for their musical talents but also for their unwavering dedication to championing local languages.

Here, we shine a spotlight on 10 South African rappers who are at the forefront of this linguistic revolution, weaving tales of heritage and identity through their verses.

K.O (Mr. Cashtime)

With his slick rhymes and infectious beats, K.O effortlessly blends English with his native Zulu, creating a unique sonic experience that resonates with audiences across the nation. His commitment to promoting Zulu culture is evident in tracks like “Supa Dupa,” where he seamlessly switches between languages, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

Okmalumkoolkat

Okmalumkoolkat, the Durban-born wordsmith, is known for his eclectic style and infectious energy. His music, delivered in a mix of English and isiZulu, transports listeners to the vibrant streets of the Durban township, where the rhythm of life pulses through every verse. Tracks like “Amaloboblo,” “Gqi!” and “Drip Siphi Iskorobho” masterfully intertwine the essence of the local language, enriching the tapestry of his musical journey.

Sjava

Sjava’s soul-stirring music transcends language barriers, speaking directly to the heart of the listener. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, his music is a celebration of isiZulu culture, with each verse carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and heritage. From “Isina Muva” to “Isibuko” Sjava has released music projects that represented South Africa on global stages such as the BET.

YoungstaCPT

Cape Town’s very own YoungstaCPT is a master wordsmith, effortlessly blending English and Afrikaans in his rhymes. Through his music, he sheds light on the complexities of growing up in the Cape Flats, tackling social issues and celebrating the unique culture of the Western Cape.

Blxckie

Blxckie isn’t just rapping, he’s crafting a sonic tapestry. This Durban-born artist uses Zulu as vibrant threads, breathing life into his music and forging a unique connection with his South African audience. Even though he uses English in most of his songs, Zulu isn’t just an accent, it’s an identity marker.

It’s the rhythm of the streets he grew up on, the language that carries the laughter and struggles of his community. Tracks like “Sika,” “Kwenzekile,” and “Nikhumbulekile,” among others, bear testament to the rapper’s deep-rooted pride in his heritage.

Blaklez

Blaklez’s introspective lyrics and soulful delivery have earned him a dedicated following in the South African rap scene. Hailing from Pretoria, he proudly raps in Setswana, infusing his music with a sense of authenticity and cultural pride that resonates with audiences nationwide.

Zakwe

Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Zakwe is another Zulu rapper with a raw and authentic style that resonates with audiences far and wide. His lyrics, delivered in isiZulu, paint a vivid picture of township life, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the everyday South African. Tracks like “Sebentin” showcase his lyrical dexterity and unwavering pride in his heritage.

Emtee

Emtee raps like a Johannesburg street corner come alive. He weaves Sesotho and Setswana effortlessly into his rhymes, breathing life into his music with the rhythmic soul of his heritage. It’s not just about slang or code-switching – Emtee’s local language is the very fabric of his expression, painting vivid pictures and connecting with his audience on a deeply personal level.

It’s the growl of the township, the swagger of the street, and the heartbeat of a generation all rolled into one. Emtee’s music isn’t just hip-hop, it’s a cultural tapestry woven with the threads of his mother tongue.

Yanga Chief

Yanga Chief’s rhymes aren’t imprisoned by the confines of English. He breaks free, wielding isiXhosa and isiZulu like sculptor’s chisels, shaping his message with precision and depth. This linguistic creativeness isn’t just about showcasing his culture; it’s about creating a unique soundscape that feels distinctly South African. Songs like “Ntoni Na,” “Utatakho” and Mbali Yam give a clear indication that Chief prides himself in his home language.

Kwesta

Kwesta raps with the soul of South Africa on his tongue. He weaves isiZulu, his native language, into his music, not just as catchy phrases, but as threads that stitch together the fabric of his stories. It’s the language of the streets he grew up on. Kwesta’s music isn’t just hip-hop, it’s a cultural experience, and the use of vernacular is the key that unlocks it for a whole generation.

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South Africans living abroad have cast their votes in the 2024 General Elections on the second day of a three-day exercise.

Over 76,000 voters across 111 missions worldwide are exercising their right to vote in this year’s elections, which are expected to conclude on May 29th in South Africa.

On Friday it was a turn of those who are in the Middle East and on Saturday it was Asia, Europe, North and South America, and countries on the African continent.

There was an intermittent flow of South Africans at a polling station in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

At an estimated 200 nationals, the number of South Africans living in Dar es Salaam is relatively small compared to other parts of the world.

Officials say some of them travelled hundreds of kilometers to vote in the commercial capital Dar es salaam – a demonstration of high voter enthusiasm in the diaspora.

Elections 2024 | SA expats vote – Isaac Lukando updates from Tanzania:

South Africans living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  also used their opportunity to cast their ballots, as polls opened for the diaspora in the central African country. More than 4,000 South Africans have been registered to vote.

The vast majority of them are soldiers engaged in peacekeeping.

The South African ambassador to the DRC, Abel Mxolisi Shilubane described the exercise as peaceful.

Elections 2024 | South Africans in DRC cast their ballots: Chris Ocamringa reports:

About 240 South Africans are eligible to vote in Maseru in Lesotho. On Saturday, the voting station opened on time and without much hassles.

By 11am, at least 20 people had already cast their vote.

2024 Elections | South Africans in Lesotho cast their votes:

In Zimbabwe close to 200 voters were expected to show up at the South African mission in Harare.

Elections 2024 | SA Embassy in Zimbabwe ready to assist South African voters: Desiree Moodley

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says voters at 102 missions with a Monday to Friday work week were given one day to vote.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, with over 24,000 registered voters, has been allocated two days to vote.

Votes cast abroad will be transported back to South Africa to be counted after the May 29th vote.

South Africans abroad hope that, despite being thousands of miles from home, their voices will also be heard.

2024 Elections | South Africans abroad come out in their numbers to vote: Sophie Mokoena:

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The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) says it wants to increase its presence in the country and have seats in the provincial legislatures so that it can ultimately lead communities and provide services. The party took its election campaign to Botshabelo in the Free State to garner votes.

Formed in 2015 to tackle issues such as water and sanitation, housing and education, the F4SD says it wants to extend its footprint to all corners of the country, to bring real change and better service delivery to the people.

The party also wants to see the merger of the office of the Auditor-General and that of the Public Protector.

“We are anti-corruption that is why we are saying people who commit corruption they must be arrested. People who don’t care about service delivery they must be arrested. One of our manifesto is that we want to criminalise lack of service delivery because people are dying due to lack of water. People are dying because of potholes our government doesn’t care. We want to see the office AG and the office of Public Protector being one office. So that the issue of wasteful expenditure, fruitless expenditure people held accountable,” says Dr Mbahare Kekana, the president of F4SD.

Some of the party supporters say they want a better life after the 29th of May general elections.

“I’m from the ECD since being in the ECD I’ve never heard a political party speaking on behalf of ECD. This is the first party I heard doing that. So I see it as important for people to vote especially youth for the their future3.”

“This forum deals with 80% service delivery and 20% politics so the importance of voting for F4SD is that services will delivered to the people.”

The party has promised real change and accountability should it be voted into power.