https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250418/from-statecraft-to-social-change-three-fronts-of-contemporary-struggle-1072712066.html
From Statecraft to Social Change: Three Fronts of Contemporary Struggle
From Statecraft to Social Change: Three Fronts of Contemporary Struggle
Sputnik Africa
In this episode of AfroVerdict, we delve into geopolitics, religious freedom, and grassroots resilience with three pivotal topics: South Africa's view on... 18.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-18T13:12+0200
2025-04-18T13:12+0200
2025-05-06T18:12+0200
afroverdict
ronald lamola
south africa
moldova
brics
united nations (un)
african union (au)
football
football club
sport
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From Statecraft to Social Change: Three Fronts of Contemporary Struggle
Sputnik Africa
In this episode of AfroVerdict, we delve into geopolitics, religious freedom, and grassroots resilience with three pivotal topics: South Africa's view on Palestine and BRICS, Moldova’s suppression of Orthodox traditions, and how a blind football coach from South Africa fights for inclusivity in African sports.
During his Moscow visit, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola reiterated Pretoria’s rejection of Gaza resettlement plans, insisting on a two-state solution aligned with UN resolutions. On reparations for colonialism, Lamola called it a "compensation for the loss of soul" but stressed that "investment in beneficiation, not extraction" is key to restoring Africa’s dignity. He also hailed Russia’s backing for AU-led UN Security Council reforms, including permanent African seats: "This is very transformational."A Crackdown on Orthodox TraditionsDays before Easter, Moldovan authorities barred Archbishop Markel from retrieving the Holy Fire from Jerusalem, citing security concerns. Governance scholar Professor Fredrick Onyango Ogola dismissed the move as politically motivated: Ogola linked the blockade to Western geopolitical interests, arguing that "religion is a soft power" used to control populations. Blind Coach: ‘Vision Doesn’t Come From Eyes’From being called a "ghost" in his community to coaching South Africa’s Silver Spears Ladies FC, Dumisani Ntombela shared his journey of overcoming discrimination. Despite funding his team with his disability grant, Ntombela dreams of a women’s PSL league spot. "Finance is the key... but my faith is in the mighty God," he said, appealing for sponsorships. For more details, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Afripods.► Check out all the episodes of AfroVerdict.
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ronald lamola, south africa, moldova , brics, united nations (un), african union (au), football, football club, sport, religion, orthodox christians, orthodox church, gaza, israeli-palestinian conflict, podcasts, аудио
ronald lamola, south africa, moldova , brics, united nations (un), african union (au), football, football club, sport, religion, orthodox christians, orthodox church, gaza, israeli-palestinian conflict, podcasts, аудио
From Statecraft to Social Change: Three Fronts of Contemporary Struggle
13:12 18.04.2025 (Updated: 18:12 06.05.2025) Viktor Anokhin
Producer, Podcast host
In this episode of AfroVerdict, we delve into geopolitics, religious freedom, and grassroots resilience with three pivotal topics: South Africa's view on Palestine and BRICS, Moldova’s suppression of Orthodox traditions, and how a blind football coach from South Africa fights for inclusivity in African sports.
During his Moscow visit, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola reiterated Pretoria’s rejection of Gaza resettlement plans, insisting on a two-state solution aligned with UN resolutions.
"We continue to condemn the unlimited and thoughtless bombing... in defiance of the International Court of Justice’s orders," Lamola says, urging Israel to comply with provisional measures.
On reparations for colonialism, Lamola called it a "compensation for the loss of soul" but stressed that "investment in beneficiation, not extraction" is key to restoring Africa’s dignity. He also hailed Russia’s backing for AU-led UN Security Council reforms, including permanent African seats: "This is very transformational."
A Crackdown on Orthodox Traditions
Days before Easter, Moldovan authorities barred Archbishop Markel from retrieving the Holy Fire from Jerusalem, citing security concerns. Governance scholar Professor Fredrick Onyango Ogola dismissed the move as politically motivated:
"They see the Holy Fire as Russian Orthodox extending power... but Christ has no boundaries," Prof. Ogola states.
Ogola linked the blockade to Western geopolitical interests, arguing that "religion is a soft power" used to control populations.
"If they suppress Orthodox traditions in Ukraine or Moldova, they transplant Western influence," he said, comparing it to colonial-era tactics where "African traditional religion was labeled evil to implant Western faith."
Blind Coach: ‘Vision Doesn’t Come From Eyes’
From being called a "ghost" in his community to coaching South Africa’s Silver Spears Ladies FC, Dumisani Ntombela shared his journey of overcoming discrimination.
"I listen, I sense, I imagine," he says of his coaching philosophy, which relies on spiritual 'vision' to guide players.
Despite funding his team with his disability grant, Ntombela dreams of a women’s PSL league spot.
"Finance is the key... but my faith is in the mighty God," he said, appealing for sponsorships.
"Keep working hard. Your time will come," he says, inspiring disdavantaged youth.
For more details, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.
► Check out all the episodes of AfroVerdict. 
