Farouk Chothia

London

Senior Producer at BBC

Writer at Freelance

Senior Producer BBC African Service

Articles

South African journalist's decomposed body found, colleagues say

6 days ago | bbc.com | Farouk Chothia

Shock as missing South African journalist's decomposed body foundSibusiso Aserie Ndlovu FacebookSibusiso Aserie Ndlovu's colleagues were hoping he would be found aliveThe bodies of a journalist and his partner have been found in South Africa in an advanced stage of decomposition, more than two months after they went missing, local media groups have said.
South Africa's Julius Malema hits out after not getting UK visa

1 week ago | bbc.com | Farouk Chothia

South African opposition politician hits out after failing to get UK visaGallo Images via GettyJulius Malema is known for his fiery rhetoric against Western powersSouth African firebrand opposition politician Julius Malema says he has been denied a visa to attend a conference in the UK on 10 May. Malema said the UK had no "substantial justification" for its decision, and he saw it as an "attempt to silence a dissenting political perspective".
South Africa and Ukraine woo each other - as relationships with Trump turn sour

2 weeks ago | nz.news.yahoo.com | Farouk Chothia

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has ended an historic visit to South Africa, signalling a dramatic improvement in the once-strained relations between the two nations. The visit marked a diplomatic breakthrough for the Ukrainian leader in his efforts to counter Russia's strong - and growing - influence in Africa.
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to meet South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa to counter Russia

3 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Farouk Chothia

Ramaphosa sees Zelensky's visit as an attempt to boost his credentials as a peacemaker, saying their talks will focus on efforts to find "a path to peace". The South African leader added that he and Putin had held a phone conversation ahead of Zelensky's visit. "We further committed to working together towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict," he added.
Zimbabwe to scrap tariffs on US goods in goodwill gesture to Trump

1 month ago | bbc.com | Farouk Chothia

President Mnangawa says he wants improved relations, days after Donald Trump said the US would impose an 18% tariff on Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe to scrap tariffs on US goods in goodwill gesture to Trump

1 month ago | bbc.co.uk | Farouk Chothia

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Critics says Zimbabwe's president is trying to "appease" the Trump administrationZimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced he will suspend tariffs on goods imported from the US in an attempt to build a "positive relationship" with President Donald Trump's administration. The move comes days after Trump imposed 18% tariffs on Zimbabwean exports to the US.
Is Government of National Unity (GNU) between ANC and DA about to fall apart?

1 month ago | bbc.com | Farouk Chothia

Is South Africa's coalition government about to fall apart? AFPDA leader John Steenhuisen pictured with President Ramaphosa (L) and Deputy President Paul Mashatile (R) not long after their coalition was formedSouth Africa's coalition government is on shaky ground, with the sharp divisions between its two biggest parties - the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) - exposed in a crucial vote on the national budget.
Uganda deploys forces to Juba, military chief says

2 months ago | bbc.com | Farouk Chothia

Uganda deploys troops to South Sudan - military chiefAFPGen Muhoozi Kainerugaba described South Sudan's President Salva Kiir as a brother to his own head of stateUganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan's capital, Juba, to help President Salva Kiir to "secure it", Uganda's military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said. The move comes as tensions escalate between Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, raising fears that their fragile peace deal could collapse and a conflict could resume.
Death of a great South African playwright

2 months ago | msn.com | Farouk Chothia

Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
A great South African playwright

2 months ago | bbc.com | Farouk Chothia

Athol Fugard: Death of a great South African playwrightGetty ImagesAthol Fugard, who has died aged 92, was widely acclaimed as one of South Africa's greatest playwrights. The son of an Afrikaner mother, he was best known for his politically charged plays challenging the racist system of apartheid. Paying tribute to Fugard, South Africa's Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie hailed him as "a fearless storyteller who laid bare the harsh realities of apartheid through his plays".