US moves to escort stranded ships from Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions

Loading player...
The United States is preparing to launch a major operation to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions linked to the Iran conflict disrupt one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. President Donald Trump says the initiative - dubbed “Project Freedom” - will deploy military assets to assist hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers trapped in the region. Iran has condemned the move, calling it a violation of ceasefire conditions. With global markets rattled and crews reporting dwindling supplies amid drone and missile activity, the situation remains volatile. Phemelo speaks to Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogue, Thembisa Fakude.
4 May 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Opposition parties slam Dada Morero’s State of the City Address

Dada Morero has unveiled Johannesburg’s 2026 State of the City Address, outlining plans to turn around the city’s finances and service delivery failures. But some opposition parties have dismissed the speech as “empty promises”, arguing that residents are still battling collapsing infrastructure, power outages and deepening financial strain. Phemelo speaks…
20 May 4PM 32 min

DA submits petition against Gauteng school budget cuts

More than 16,000 Gauteng residents have signed a DA-led petition calling for the immediate reversal of controversial budget cuts affecting Quintile 5 public schools. The party says the 64% cuts are pushing schools deeper into crisis, with many struggling to pay for electricity, maintain infrastructure and support learner programmes. The…
20 May 4PM 21 min

MK Party suspends Nhlamulo Ndlela, appoints Sifiso Mahlangu as new spokesperson

The MK Party has suspended former national spokesperson and MP Nhlamulo Ndlela over allegations of misconduct, sowing divisions within the party and bringing it into disrepute. The party says Ndlela has been barred from representing MK in any capacity and ordered to return all party property, including laptops, documents and…
20 May 3PM 17 min

SA Listed Property: Stability Amid Uncertainty

Listed property is barely positive for 2026 — up just 0.1% after a volatile March. Analyst Keillen Ndlovu breaks down the impact of the Middle East conflict, rising municipal charges, sector consolidation, Iberian deal‑making, and the surge in Joburg’s residential developments. Plus: what to watch in the second half of…
19 May 5PM 17 min