For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: South Africa's GDP grew 0.8% in the second quarter; US enlists 'Amerikaners' group in refugee scheme for white South Africans; And, ICC starts hearing on charges against Uganda's fugitive warlord

South Africa's GDP grew 0.8% in the second quarter

South Africa’s GDP increased by 0.8% in the second quarter, following an increase of 0.1% in the first quarter of the year, Statistics South Africa has reported.

The manufacturing industry increased by 1.8%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth, with seven of the ten manufacturing divisions having reported positive growth rates. The largest positive contributions were reported for the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division and the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.7%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for retail trade, motor trade, accommodation and food and beverages.

The mining and quarrying industry increased by 3.7%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. The largest positive contributors were platinum group metals, gold and chromium ore.

US enlists 'Amerikaners' group in refugee scheme for white South Africans

A group called Amerikaners, set up by white South Africans hoping to take up US President Donald Trump's offer of resettlement, has been enlisted by his administration to help identify suitable applicants for the controversial programme.

Trump established the refugee programme in February for "Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination", referring to an ethnic group descended mostly from Dutch settlers.

According to a statement posted on the website of the US embassy in South Africa yesterday, the Amerikaners group is now a "designated Department of State referral partner" for the programme.

The group will gather information from potential applicants to assess whether their case is eligible for referral, and refer cases to the State Department for access to the US Refugee Admissions Program, the statement said.

South Africa's government strongly opposes the programme, saying allegations of discrimination are unfounded and that members of the white minority it targets - the most economically privileged group in South Africa - do not meet the definition of refugees.

The US administration has discussed bringing some 30 000 white South Africans to the country in the coming year, which would require it to greatly ramp up the programme. As of early August, less than 100 had arrived.

And, ICC starts hearing on charges against Uganda's fugitive warlord

International Criminal Court judges today began hearings to finalise charges against fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony.

Legal experts say the proceedings could act as a blueprint for other high-profile ICC suspects at large, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Kony, the leader of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army, is the ICC's longest-standing fugitive. An arrest warrant was issued against him in 2005.

ICC prosecutors are looking to charge him with 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, using child soldiers, sexual slavery, forced marriage and forced pregnancy, between 2002 and 2005.

In 2022 the ICC prosecutor's office announced that it wanted to revive the case by having confirmation of charges hearings without Kony present. After renewed efforts to find Kony failed, judges allowed in absentia hearings.

A panel of three judges will have to confirm the charges after the hearings, where court-appointed lawyers will represent Kony's interests.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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