May 2024 News Archive – Top Stories You Missed
May was a jam‑packed month on Voice of Africa Daily. We covered everything from a historic U.S. court ruling to the latest football drama, plus several big moves across the African continent. Below you’ll find quick snapshots of the most talked‑about pieces, so you can get up to speed without scrolling through dozens of articles.
Politics & International Headlines
The biggest splash came when former U.S. President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Scholars at Berkeley called it a win for the rule of law, but warned that the ruling could fuel more polarization as the 2024 election looms.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem bill, bringing back "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" just in time for Democracy Day on June 12. The change sparked lively debate online about national identity and heritage.
Meanwhile, Israel’s airstrikes in Rafah kept drawing global condemnation, with UN officials urging an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians. Across the continent, Pakistan announced a public holiday on May 28 to mark Youm‑e‑Takbeer, celebrating its 1998 nuclear tests and reinforcing national unity.
Kenya’s President William Ruto made headlines after a quirky meeting with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal during a U.S. state visit – the height difference alone sparked memes worldwide. And in Ghana, music icon Stevie Wonder was granted citizenship as part of the “Year of Return” push to reconnect the African diaspora.
Sports & Entertainment Highlights
Disney dropped the Moana 2 trailer, teasing a new oceanic adventure starring Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson. Fans are already counting down to its November 29 release, hoping for fresh songs from Grammy‑winning artists.
European football kept fans on edge: Sevilla faced Barcelona in what turned out to be Xavi Hernández’s farewell match as Barca coach; Hansi Flick was tipped to overhaul Barcelona if he takes over; and Vincent Kompany was named Bayern Munich’s new head coach after Thomas Tuchel’s exit. The Puskás Arena in Budapest also landed the 2026 Champions League final, marking Hungary’s first time hosting the event.
In the Premier League, Manchester City chased a fourth straight title while Arsenal eyed their first since 2004. Tottenham vs. Manchester City delivered live updates that kept readers glued to every minute. Over in the NBA, the Knicks fell short in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers, ending a roller‑coaster season.
MLS announced Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium as the host for the 2025 All‑Star game, promising a summer showcase of music and food. And back in MLS action, Lionel Messi’s much‑anticipated return to Inter Miami was delayed by severe weather, turning what could have been a smooth debut into a tense wait.
Lastly, South Africa’s traffic crews warned drivers about road closures around Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium ahead of the ANC Siyanqoba rally – a reminder that politics can affect everyday commutes too.
Trump's Historic Conviction: A Victory for Rule of Law, Future Election Impact Remains Uncertain
May 31, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
Donald Trump's conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records marks a significant moment in American history. Berkeley scholars note it as a triumph for the rule of law but are uncertain about its impact on the 2024 election, citing factors like partisan polarization and potential erosion of Trump's support.
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Moana 2 Trailer Unveiled: Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson Return for an Epic Oceanic Adventure
May 30, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
Disney's Moana 2 trailer teases an epic return of Moana and Maui, three years after the original. The plot follows Moana's new voyage, prompted by her wayfinding ancestors, with a new crew and unexpected dangers. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film features music from Grammy-winning artists. Catch its release in cinemas on 29 November 2024.
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President Tinubu Reaffirms National Identity by Reinstating Old National Anthem
May 29, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the National Anthem bill into law, reinstating 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee' as the national anthem. Senate President Godswill Akpabio shared this news at a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives. This change will take effect on June 12, Democracy Day, with a ceremonial flag-off.
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Israel’s Persistent Rafah Airstrikes Face Global Condemnation Amid Pleas for Ceasefire
May 28, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
Israel continues airstrikes in Rafah, Gaza, despite international pleas for a ceasefire. The recent attacks have led to severe casualties and displacement, with at least 45 people, including women and children, killed. The UN and other international bodies call for an end to the military action, urging adherence to humanitarian laws.
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Pakistan Declares Public Holiday to Honor Youm-e-Takbeer, Celebrating Nuclear Achievements
May 27, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government has announced that May 28 will be a public holiday in Pakistan to celebrate Youm-e-Takbeer. This day commemorates Pakistan's 1998 nuclear tests, marking a significant milestone in the nation's defense capabilities. The holiday underscores the unity and collective efforts in bolstering national security.
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Sevilla vs Barcelona: Confirmed Lineups and Xavi Hernandez’s Farewell
May 27, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
The last matchday of La Liga brings Sevilla face-to-face with Barcelona, marking an important match as it signifies the end of Xavi Hernandez's era as Barca coach. The match, held at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, features key players from both teams in gripping competition.
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Traffic Alert: Road Closures Around FNB Stadium for ANC Siyanqoba Rally
May 25, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
This weekend, roads surrounding the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg will experience closures due to the ANC Siyanqoba Rally. Motorists are urged to consider alternative routes such as the N1, M1, and N12 highways. The rally marks the final campaign push before the national elections, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders expected to speak.
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Hansi Flick Predicted to Overhaul Barcelona with Major Changes if He Succeeds Xavi
May 24, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
Hansi Flick is the frontrunner to take over as Barcelona manager from Xavi, and he is expected to bring substantial changes to the team's style of play. Known for direct instructions and intense training, Flick aims to create a team with a robust press to dominate opponents. His approach balances discipline with empathy, potentially leading to a major shift in Barcelona's strategy next season.
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Vincent Kompany Appointed as Bayern Munich Head Coach After Thomas Tuchel's Exit
May 23, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
Vincent Kompany, a former Manchester City legend, is set to become the new head coach of Bayern Munich following Thomas Tuchel's departure. Despite a challenging stint with Burnley, Kompany’s potential lies in his dynamic 4-2-3-1 system. Bayern struggled to secure managers like Ralf Rangnick and Julian Nagelsmann but now turns to Kompany for a fresh beginning.
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Puskás Arena in Budapest Named Host for 2026 Champions League Final
May 23, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
In a historic move, Budapest's Puskás Arena will host the 2026 UEFA Champions League final, marking Hungary's first time accommodating this prestigious event. This highlights Hungary's growing significance in the football world. The venue has previously hosted major European football events, thanks to the efforts of the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ).
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President Ruto's Memorable Encounter with NBA Icon Shaquille O'Neal Sparks Online Buzz
May 22, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
President William Ruto of Kenya met NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal during his state visit to the US, sparking an internet frenzy due to their stark height difference. The interaction took place at the Martin Luther King Jnr National Historical Park in Atlanta, accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman. The visit aims to attract significant investments to Kenya.
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New York Knicks' Inspiring Season Concludes with Heartbreaking Game 7 Defeat to Indiana Pacers
May 20, 2024, Posted by : Ra'eesa Moosa
The New York Knicks' season ended with a heartbreaking 130-109 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of their playoff series. Despite home-court advantage and a valiant effort, injuries and defensive struggles proved too much. The Pacers shot a remarkable 70 percent, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Boston Celtics.
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