Darren Olivier
@darren.africandefence.net
Director at African Defence Review (@africandefence)
Covering African conflicts with a specific focus on Southern Africa.
Email: [email protected]
Signal: darren.13
Covering African conflicts with a specific focus on Southern Africa.
Email: [email protected]
Signal: darren.13
Reposted by Darren Olivier
A Chief of Logistics registered project to erect a perimeter fence around an Eastern Cape military training area – which has claimed six civilian lives from unexploded ordnance – has not materialised due to a lack of funding.
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
MPs claim defence “defunding” shouldn’t stop fence erection at 6 SAI after multiple deaths - DefenceWeb
A Chief of Logistics registered project to erect a perimeter fence around an Eastern Cape military training area - which has claimed six civilian lives from
defenceweb.co.za
December 2, 2025 at 11:56 AM
A Chief of Logistics registered project to erect a perimeter fence around an Eastern Cape military training area – which has claimed six civilian lives from unexploded ordnance – has not materialised due to a lack of funding.
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Minister Angie Motshekga’s Department of Defence (DoD) and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) do not have any ghost workers on the payroll but fraudulently paid over R34 million as salaries between May 2022 and March 2023.
defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-s...
defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-s...
SA Department of Defence paid R34 million plus in fraudulent salaries - DefenceWeb
Minister Angie Motshekga’s Department of Defence (DoD) and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) do not have any ghost workers on the payroll but fraudulently
defenceweb.co.za
December 2, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Minister Angie Motshekga’s Department of Defence (DoD) and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) do not have any ghost workers on the payroll but fraudulently paid over R34 million as salaries between May 2022 and March 2023.
defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-s...
defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-s...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
The United Nations (UN) is in process of downsizing its MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and this is seeing the return of South African troops and equipment, including the Quick Reaction Force and Composite Helicopter Unit. defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
UN downsizing sees SANDF troops and equipment return from the DRC - DefenceWeb
The United Nations (UN) is in process of downsizing its MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and this is seeing the return of South
defenceweb.co.za
December 2, 2025 at 11:58 AM
The United Nations (UN) is in process of downsizing its MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and this is seeing the return of South African troops and equipment, including the Quick Reaction Force and Composite Helicopter Unit. defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
December 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Nelson Mandela, like Oliver Tambo, knew that defeating the apartheid government on the battlefield was not possible and sought a way of ending the bloodshed by trying to create conditions for talks. This is the fifth in a six-part series on Mandela’s leadership.
Mandela’s inclusive and unthreatening manner integral to SA’s negotiated settlement (Part 5) | Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za
December 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Nelson Mandela, like Oliver Tambo, knew that defeating the apartheid government on the battlefield was not possible and sought a way of ending the bloodshed by trying to create conditions for talks. This is the fifth in a six-part series on Mandela’s leadership.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
‘Er was geen bodyguardtraining. We gingen oorlog voeren.’ Zeventien Zuid-Afrikaanse mannen zouden onder valse voorwendsels naar Rusland zijn gelokt. Plots bevonden ze zich op het strijdtoneel tussen Oekraïne en Rusland. Een van de namen die opduikt in het onderzoek is die van Duduzile Zuma-Sambud...
‘We willen hier niet sterven’: hoe 17 Zuid-Afrikanen door leugens van dochter ex-president naar oorlogsfront werden gelokt
www.demorgen.be
November 29, 2025 at 4:21 PM
‘Er was geen bodyguardtraining. We gingen oorlog voeren.’ Zeventien Zuid-Afrikaanse mannen zouden onder valse voorwendsels naar Rusland zijn gelokt. Plots bevonden ze zich op het strijdtoneel tussen Oekraïne en Rusland. Een van de namen die opduikt in het onderzoek is die van Duduzile Zuma-Sambud...
Some more great pics coming out of Exercise VUKUHLOME.
The SANDF’s field photographers have outdone themselves this year.
The SANDF’s field photographers have outdone themselves this year.
November 26, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Some more great pics coming out of Exercise VUKUHLOME.
The SANDF’s field photographers have outdone themselves this year.
The SANDF’s field photographers have outdone themselves this year.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
EU partners with Africa to step up clean power and infrastructure
➡️ https://l.euronews.com/Al9G
➡️ https://l.euronews.com/Al9G
November 25, 2025 at 11:23 PM
EU partners with Africa to step up clean power and infrastructure
➡️ https://l.euronews.com/Al9G
➡️ https://l.euronews.com/Al9G
Reposted by Darren Olivier
A scrap metal collector from Makhanda was killed in late September when unexploded ordnance detonated while he was trespassing at the 6 SA Infantry Battalion’s training area. Six civilians have been killed or injured by unexploded ordnance at the base.
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
Unfenced army base outside Makhanda claims another life - DefenceWeb
A scrap metal collector from Makhanda was killed in late September when unexploded ordnance detonated while he was trespassing at the 6 SA Infantry
defenceweb.co.za
November 24, 2025 at 4:06 PM
A scrap metal collector from Makhanda was killed in late September when unexploded ordnance detonated while he was trespassing at the 6 SA Infantry Battalion’s training area. Six civilians have been killed or injured by unexploded ordnance at the base.
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Border management has been a “misunderstood” and “strategically neglected” space in the South African landscape, according to South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato.
defenceweb.co.za/border-secur...
defenceweb.co.za/border-secur...
BMA outlines technological revolution at Border Management Conference 2025 - DefenceWeb
Border management has been a “misunderstood” and “strategically neglected” space in the South African landscape, according to South Africa’s Border Management
defenceweb.co.za
November 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Border management has been a “misunderstood” and “strategically neglected” space in the South African landscape, according to South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato.
defenceweb.co.za/border-secur...
defenceweb.co.za/border-secur...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Given the ever-increasing demand for WiFi connectivity in the military, the South African Army Signal Formation has rolled out WiFi at its Combat Training Centre (CTC) for Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2025.
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
WiFi to the fore - and the field - DefenceWeb
Given the ever-increasing demand for WiFi connectivity in the military, the South African Army Signal Formation has rolled out WiFi at its Combat Training
defenceweb.co.za
November 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Given the ever-increasing demand for WiFi connectivity in the military, the South African Army Signal Formation has rolled out WiFi at its Combat Training Centre (CTC) for Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2025.
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
defenceweb.co.za/land/land-la...
Impressive system coming from an interesting new player in the South African defence space.
With successful capability trials completed Centurion-based Centauri Technologies is living up to its “from concept to combat” motto with the TriAD counter-drone system. defenceweb.co.za/industry/ind...
South African counter-drone system earns capability pass mark - DefenceWeb
With successful capability trials completed Centurion-based Centauri Technologies is living up to its “from concept to combat” motto with the TriAD
defenceweb.co.za
November 25, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Impressive system coming from an interesting new player in the South African defence space.
Some great pics coming out of the SANDF Exercise VUKUHLOME stable parade this year.
VUKUHLOME is the SANDF's annual force preparation exercise held at Combat Training Centre Lohatlha in the Northern Cape.
VUKUHLOME is the SANDF's annual force preparation exercise held at Combat Training Centre Lohatlha in the Northern Cape.
November 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Some great pics coming out of the SANDF Exercise VUKUHLOME stable parade this year.
VUKUHLOME is the SANDF's annual force preparation exercise held at Combat Training Centre Lohatlha in the Northern Cape.
VUKUHLOME is the SANDF's annual force preparation exercise held at Combat Training Centre Lohatlha in the Northern Cape.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa showcased the nation’s capacity for successful international relations and collaboration. The summit bolstered its diplomatic standing while exceeding expectations in hospitality, underscoring the importance of international support in addressing global ...
After the Bell: G20 highlights — how South Africa put its best foot forward | Daily Maverick
www.dailymaverick.co.za
November 24, 2025 at 9:17 PM
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa showcased the nation’s capacity for successful international relations and collaboration. The summit bolstered its diplomatic standing while exceeding expectations in hospitality, underscoring the importance of international support in addressing global ...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg has been undermined by US opposition, increasing global competition and fading ambition on the environment.
South Africa’s G20 presidency demonstrates the challenge of inclusion in a fractious world
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg has been undermined by US opposition, increasing global competition and fading ambition on the environment. Yet it could still exemplify multilateralism in an e...
www.chathamhouse.org
November 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg has been undermined by US opposition, increasing global competition and fading ambition on the environment.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
"The summit declaration was a critical win, but the story is not over." Great
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
View: South Africa, the G20, and the new US presidency
The absence of the US at the G20 summit could threaten the future of Africa’s global voice, argues a development expert.
www.semafor.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
"The summit declaration was a critical win, but the story is not over." Great
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
@Semafor column by Hannah Ryder on how the US might continue "pressure enacted by absence" by denying South Africa a platform at the G20. www.semafor.com/article/11/2...
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Reposted by Darren Olivier
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen talked up the bloc’s credentials on trade, investment and green energy on the first of the two-day EU-African Union summit in Angola on Monday.
Von der Leyen touts EU over China in battle for influence at Africa summit
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen talked up the bloc’s credentials on trade, investment and green energy on the first of the two-day EU-African Union summit in Angola on Monday.
euobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:53 PM
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen talked up the bloc’s credentials on trade, investment and green energy on the first of the two-day EU-African Union summit in Angola on Monday.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
The whole "orders are presumed to be lawful" thing doesn't really hold up because then why do we give so many briefs about the rules of engagement, left and right limits, etc.
Service members are supposed to have a basic understanding of what is and isn't allowed.
Service members are supposed to have a basic understanding of what is and isn't allowed.
November 24, 2025 at 5:59 PM
The whole "orders are presumed to be lawful" thing doesn't really hold up because then why do we give so many briefs about the rules of engagement, left and right limits, etc.
Service members are supposed to have a basic understanding of what is and isn't allowed.
Service members are supposed to have a basic understanding of what is and isn't allowed.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Really looks like the United States is about to launch a regime change war against Venezuela with:
-No casus belli
-No authorization from Congress
-No allies or international support
-No plan for a post-Maduro Venezuela
-No preparation for any sort of stabilization or containment of the fallout
-No casus belli
-No authorization from Congress
-No allies or international support
-No plan for a post-Maduro Venezuela
-No preparation for any sort of stabilization or containment of the fallout
November 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Really looks like the United States is about to launch a regime change war against Venezuela with:
-No casus belli
-No authorization from Congress
-No allies or international support
-No plan for a post-Maduro Venezuela
-No preparation for any sort of stabilization or containment of the fallout
-No casus belli
-No authorization from Congress
-No allies or international support
-No plan for a post-Maduro Venezuela
-No preparation for any sort of stabilization or containment of the fallout
Reposted by Darren Olivier
If you're at all interested in how culture & politics intertwine, check out this thread about the connections between South African music & the South African anti-apartheid struggle. Includes a 1970 broadcast from the ANC's Radio Freedom. And some very cool music. 👇🏽
i fact-checked this beautiful piece about South Africa's exiled jazz musicians: www.parapraxismagazine.com/articles/lik...
Like Deepening Thunder into Our Hearts — Parapraxis
Sounding South African Exile Francis Gooding
www.parapraxismagazine.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
If you're at all interested in how culture & politics intertwine, check out this thread about the connections between South African music & the South African anti-apartheid struggle. Includes a 1970 broadcast from the ANC's Radio Freedom. And some very cool music. 👇🏽
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Meta halted internal research that purportedly showed (young) people who stopped using Facebook became less depressed and anxious, according to an unredacted legal filing released on Friday. www.cnbc.com/2025/11/23/m...
Meta halted internal research suggesting social media harm, court filing alleges
Meta is alleged to have halted internal research suggesting social media harm, according to court documents.
www.cnbc.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Meta halted internal research that purportedly showed (young) people who stopped using Facebook became less depressed and anxious, according to an unredacted legal filing released on Friday. www.cnbc.com/2025/11/23/m...
I like Bluesky, but I really hope it becomes more popular for global geopolitical & conflict news and discussion. This week's G20 summit was far more active & vibrant on X than on here, and I feel that's a tragedy. It continues to validate staying on a platform that everyone should ideally leave.
November 24, 2025 at 12:37 PM
I like Bluesky, but I really hope it becomes more popular for global geopolitical & conflict news and discussion. This week's G20 summit was far more active & vibrant on X than on here, and I feel that's a tragedy. It continues to validate staying on a platform that everyone should ideally leave.
Reposted by Darren Olivier
Can the World Move On Without the U.S.? G20 Leaders Gave It a Shot.
'“We are a partner that plays by the rules,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “We listen to our partners.”'
'“We are a partner that plays by the rules,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “We listen to our partners.”'
Can the World Move On Without the U.S.? G20 Leaders Gave It a Shot.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Can the World Move On Without the U.S.? G20 Leaders Gave It a Shot.
'“We are a partner that plays by the rules,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “We listen to our partners.”'
'“We are a partner that plays by the rules,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “We listen to our partners.”'
Reposted by Darren Olivier
The drug lenacapavir will be distributed to Eswatini and Zambia — the first step toward providing at least 2 million doses to the countries with the highest HIV burden, largely in Africa, by 2028.
A 'breakthrough' drug to prevent HIV, an 'unprecedented' rollout
The drug lenacapavir will be distributed to Eswatini and Zambia — the first step toward providing at least 2 million doses to the countries with the highest HIV burden, largely in Africa, by 2028.
n.pr
November 24, 2025 at 12:24 AM
The drug lenacapavir will be distributed to Eswatini and Zambia — the first step toward providing at least 2 million doses to the countries with the highest HIV burden, largely in Africa, by 2028.