The Albanese Blunder How a Rogue Official Sparked a Diplomatic Drama

Loading player...
During her Nelson Mandela Lecture in Sandton, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese - known for her outspoken stance on Palestine - was confronted by a sheriff attempting to serve her with court papers from the US. The bizarre move, reportedly orchestrated by a rogue official in South Africa’s Department of Justice, set off alarms at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and among organisers, including Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor. It later emerged that the official may have been duped by a US-based Zionist lobby intent on discrediting Albanese through a defamation suit. Human rights lawyer Nicole Fritz joins Phemelo to unpack how a paperwork blunder spiralled into a geopolitical storm.
28 Oct 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

SADC Summit focuses on migration, security and jobs

SADC leaders are meeting in Durban for the 46th Ordinary Summit, with migration, regional security, economic development and job creation high on the agenda. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to take over as chair of the 16-member bloc, with South Africa leading SADC for the next year. Ramaphosa says migration…
17 Aug 3PM 14 min

Iran warns of possible offensive action against US

Iran is signalling it could take a more offensive approach in its conflict with the United States as a ceasefire agreement expires. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it is ready to respond to any US ground operations, with officials warning of “strategic surprises”. Tensions remain high over the Strait…
17 Aug 3PM 16 min

State allowed to reopen Usindiso fire case

The state has been given the go-ahead to reopen its case against Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, accused of setting fire to the Usindiso building in Johannesburg, where 76 people died in August 2023. The move follows discrepancies over the identities of some of the victims. Mdlalose faces 76 murder charges, as…
17 Aug 2PM 9 min

Court orders Manamela to reinstate NSFAS board

The High Court has ordered Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to reinstate the NSFAS board, while suspending the appointment of Professor Sizwe Mathebula as administrator. The court questioned the minister’s failure to consult the board and raised concerns about Mathebula’s suitability to oversee billions in public funds, citing adverse findings…
17 Aug 2PM 10 min

Matlala details R15m loan to service SAPS contract

Alleged tender kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission he borrowed R15 million from North West businessman Suleman Carrim to service his Medicare 24 contract with the SAPS. Matlala’s testimony has been postponed to next Monday, pending an affidavit on issues surrounding the contract. He declined to answer…
17 Aug 2PM 5 min