Group, which includes Western rivals Russia and China, also to welcome Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia in 2024; Tehran hails 'strategic victory for Iran's foreign policy'

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says decision for Russian leader not to attend was by 'mutual agreement,' allowing him to avoid dilemma of whether to execute warrant

Sharon Bar-li was escorted out of regional assembly, apparently at behest of South Africa and Algeria, as Israel's status continues to split 55-member bloc

Sharon Bar-li was escorted out of regional assembly, apparently at behest of South Africa and Algeria, in move one official says was coordinated by Iran

South African archbishop left instructions for a simple funeral with cheap pine coffin; will be cremated, then buried in church where he railed against apartheid from pulpit

Cyril Ramaphosa self-isolating and has delegated responsibilities to the deputy president; no indication if he was infected with Omicron variant first identified in South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says blacklisting his nation is 'scientifically unjustified'; UN health director in Africa says it may only slightly reduce the spread of COVID

Cyril Ramaphosa vows to find instigators of violence following jailing of his predecessor Jacob Zuma

72 people have died, more than 1,200 people arrested since former president Jacob Zuma began 15-month jail term, sparking protests that swiftly turned violent

Looting swiftly follows protests over jailing of country's graft-accused former president Jacob Zuma, viewed by many as defender of the poor