Stewardship — keeping what we have in trust for our children — lies at the heart of  sustainability, and Africa must tell its own story in its own voice. 

This was the message from a panel discussion hosted by Nelson Mandela University’s (NMU’s) Mandela Institute for Sustainable Futures (MISF) earlier this month, which explored how sustainability can be framed in an African context. 

The event brought together thought leaders from South Africa and Nigeria, who emphasised that African solutions must be indigenous, inclusive and innovative. 

In his keynote address, Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at NMU, highlighted Africa’s rich resources and the need to redefine sustainability through African epistemologies, or ways of knowing. 

“A subject like history should be reintroduced — we relegated it to oblivion. In 1994 we had the  opportunity to commission books and we squandered it,” he said, calling for African-centred books to be commissioned to trace African inventions. 

He was critical of both colonial legacies and post-colonial African leadership failures. “Africans are thinking but not implementing — we should have progressed much faster but we cannot blame the West for all of our wrongs,” he said. 

“How do we shift the narrative that Africans have to catch up?” he asked, stressing that African leaders needed to take responsibility and work collaboratively with academics to address sustainability issues. 

But he cautioned that research should not be conducted purely for the sake of research; it had to be in service of society. 

The conversation underscored the power of narrative in changing attitudes, advocating for pan Africanist intentionality and the celebration of African achievements. 

From Nigeria, Dr Nneka Okekearu, director of the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, echoed this, saying that Africa’s sustainability story must remain true to its roots while looking to the future. 

Her key takeaways were: 

• Africa has always been sustainable; our roots run deep. 

• Entrepreneurs are our changemakers; turning ideas into action. 

• Inclusion matters; everyone has a role to play. 

• Innovation is local; homegrown solutions are thriving. 

• Circular is the future; waste less, do more. 

• Tell our story; Africa’s voice, Africa’s way. 

• You are the movement; build it together. 

“Let us celebrate local success stories, scale what is working and share South Africa’s unique voice globally,” she said, stressing the importance of youth and women’s empowerment and the circular economy. 

She also gave inspiring examples of African-led sustainable entrepreneurship. These include: 

Chioma Ogbudimkpa, founder and creative director of Redbutton, is a sustainable women’s fashion brand that fuses African aesthetics, local materials and art to create apparel using yarns made from the invasive water hyacinth. 

Amara Nwuneli has transformed a landfill in Lagos into a youth-led, community-based  recycling initiative. 

Ecotutu is a Nigerian start-up that provides solar-powered food storage for farmers using sustainable cooling technology. 

“Africa’s entrepreneurs are our changemakers,” she said. 

Dr Mia Strand, a postdoctoral research fellow with NMU’s Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, challenged participants to centre African ways of knowing in ocean conservation and sustainability. 

She highlighted the legacies of colonialism in conservation, which often silenced indigenous voices and imposed external models. 

“How can we centre ubuntu and communalism in ocean sustainability? How do we make sure we do not reproduce and reinforce coloniality?” she asked. 

She made a strong call for global cognitive justice, noting: “It is important that this process is African-led — the United Nations sustainable development goal 14, Life Below Water, is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and consideration must be given to specific context. 

“What and whose research, methods and knowledges are we including, and not including?

“How do we come together to make this an inclusive process, to ensure that it is actually informed  by African ways of knowing and being with the ocean, and connecting with the ocean?” 

The panel, facilitated by Dr Shashi Cullinan Cook, said that framing sustainability in Africa demanded more than just replicating global frameworks. It called for intentional, African-led visioning, inclusion of indigenous knowledge and empowerment of local communities to take  ownership of their sustainable future.

This article looks at the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa and the recent Central Basin decant in Boksburg Lake and compares it with a best practice example in Japan. It demonstrates how environment, social and governance (ESG) practices are relevant to transform the way governments and businesses operate. 

In 2002, the public learnt about acid mine drainage (AMD) when it occurred in the West Rand near Krugersdorp, Gauteng. This led to serious concerns about the effect of mining on the environment. 

Additional concerns arose about the government’s response to AMD from a policy perspective. During that time only an inter-ministerial committee document of 2010 on AMD existed. 

Shortly after, the AMD Emergency Works Project was implemented, and the short-term treatment of AMD commenced in the three basins of the Witwatersrand (as per the IMC document) from 2012 to 2016.

My research from 2011 to 2017 found that the evolving policy response and social dynamics of AMD were not sufficiently synchronised to deal with similar predicaments in the future. 

In 2017, the first draft of the Mine Water Management Policy surfaced and was approved in 2022. This policy sets the tone for the desirable management of mine water in South Africa but envisions that treated AMD will contribute to South Africa’s water dilemma only by 2040. Thus, a long-term treatment does not exist and in the interim, potential decanting is possible, further affecting communities and the environment. 

In June 2025, the media reported that the central basin had decanted and the water in Boksburg Lake was not being fit for use. But it’s those very people who are dependent on the water who may not heed to the warning, let alone know about it. 

Several initiatives (such as the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, the National Integrated Water Security Framework and the Vaal Anti-Pollution Forum) have surfaced to address the serious water crisis in South Africa. The government has put forward the importance of partnerships, that of the private sector and stakeholder participation. But pivotal to these partnerships is the involvement of communities to achieve environmental sustainability. 

The master plan identifies key actions in the water sector and provides the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders such as the three tiers of government and the private sector. 

Japanese example

Japan’s island of Teshima provides a best practice example of how governments, businesses and communities can work in partnership towards environmental sustainability.

In the 1970s, almost a million tonnes of toxic waste was dumped by a company on the western end of the island and open air burning began, harming the community of Teshima. The Kagawa Prefecture (equivalent to local government) certified that the waste was unharmful and provided the authorisation for the disposal. The company had sought the permit under the pretence of earthworm farming. 

In 1990, the Hyogo Prefectural Police started investigating the concerns raised by the public and exposed the company for violating the Waste Management Act and the illegal dumping stopped. Massive amounts of waste were left on Teshima. 

The Kagawa Prefecture was of the view that the waste was not classified incorrectly, no impact would be inflicted on the environment and treatment of the waste was not required. 

In 1993, resident movements were formed and the Teshima community applied for a pollution conciliation for the waste to be removed. In 2000 an agreement was reached to have the waste removed. The Environmental Disputes Coordination Commission took measures of the landfill site due to the environmental risks not being immediately present. 

In the 1980s Japan adopted a “pollution must be covered up and hidden” approach. After an almost two-decade long rehabilitation process, this has led to tighter laws and increased fines for illegal waste disposal. 

This is one of Japan’s most dreadful cases and yet one of its biggest victories in terms of environmental justice. The residents suffered for more than 40 years. The cost of the disposal was 80 billion yen (R9 billion), funded by public funds, the prefectural government and the national government. 

In Teshima the biodiversity is not restored to its natural state and enhancing tourism of the island will take time, but the residents are committed to playing a contributory role, which in essence depicts environmental sustainability. 

Teshima draws similarities with the Grootvlei Mine. Grootvlei had their water-use licence renewed and revoked over a period of years because of non-compliance and was a major contributor of AMD. Similarly, public funds are used for the environmental rehabilitation process. 

Japan is an example of a well-established state and South Africa is still developing, and criticism can stem from such a comparison. But Japan and South Africa are part of the G20, which aims to bring together the world’s major developed and developing economies to discuss global economic and social issues. 

The key takeaway from the comparison is the importance of communities for environmental justice and ultimately environmental sustainability. We have similar strong-willed communities in South Africa. Disadvantaged communities are victims of AMD residual. 

As we aim for environmental sustainability in South Africa, the answers are closer than we think. Communities are critical stakeholders — the residents and the employees.

Embedding ESG in business operations can only be done if employees are involved in the process and there is a shared vision for success. 

Investors use ESG frameworks to assess a company’s sustainability efforts and societal impact. 

Investors are more likely to invest in Japan because of past success stories such as Teshima, which the community was at the forefront of. The same can be adopted in South Africa. If the government is really working towards a sustainable environment and businesses are really considering being ESG driven, or implementing the long-term solution to AMD by 2040 as policy evolves, such partnerships are essential. 

Dr Suvania Naidoo is an author and an NRF Y rated researcher. The information provided on Teshima comes from her time spent in Japan, Setouchi Olive Foundation documentation, a site visit to Teshima and presentations from researchers at Okayama University. A version of this article was previously published in Mining Weekly.

The presence of anti-retroviral (ARV) residues in drinking water may be “harmless”  —prolonged exposure to the broader population may lead to antimicrobial resistance, said the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the department of water and sanitation. 

Last week, the Mail & Guardian reported on a study by North-West University, which found that significant concentrations of ARVs have been detected in South Africa’s water sources, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants.

Current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, underlining the need for technological advancements, the authors said.

The drugs most frequently detected were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms. South Africa has the most extensive HIV treatment programme of its kind in the world.

Aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems were affected. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages — viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment — were significantly affected. Such disruptions could lead to bacterial blooms and reduced water quality, the authors said.

“The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may intervene with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects,” said the study, warning that the presence of antiretrovirals in water “can be considered a hidden or latent risk”.

“Humans are also exposed to these compounds via drinking water, and at concentrations exceeding calculated hazard quotients,” the authors said. “Although not found in this study, humans and other organisms may potentially ingest antiretrovirals and their breakdown products via aquatic organisms such as fish.”

Concentrations of ARVs in some water sources exceeded acceptable thresholds, posing potential long-term health risks to people. 

Nearly all antiretrovirals were found in natural systems and some in drinking water, although none were found in the fish tissue samples, nor were antiretroviral metabolites found. 

Since early 2000, the WRC, along with local and international partner research organisations, has commissioned several studies on the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water resources and drinking water. 

Its research has focused on CECs such as microplastics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals that could potentially pose risks to human health and the environment. These studies inform the water quality guidelines and regulations issued by the department.

One of the studies related to ARVs was undertaken by the University of North West. “As reported in the media, the study found traces of ARVs in water samples taken from rivers and potable water sources, the joint statement said.

“This can be attributed to the pharmacological process where the active part of the medication is absorbed by the body, leaving the residual to be discharged from the body, subsequently finding its way into the sewage system. These traces of ARVs can then also be present in water that has been extracted from the rivers by municipalities to be treated and supplied as potable water.”

Globally, CECs are increasingly recognised as a concern for water quality, especially in wastewater and reclaimed wastewater for potable reuse, as well as agricultural water uses. 

“However, CECs are a relatively new area of research globally, particularly relating to the causes and effects of CEC, the human health risks, treatment methods to remove CECs, and potential regulatory measures that can be taken to address the problem.”

The WRC research has focused on increasing understanding of the sources, pathways, and potential effects of CECs on water resources.

The South African National Standard SANS241 for water quality is based on World Health Organisation standards, ensuring that the human health risks are mitigated, said the statement. This has enabled the department to implement the blue and green drop programmes to provide information to the public on the performance of municipal water and wastewater systems relative to SANS241.

“The traces of pharmaceuticals, microplastics and other such CECs that have been found in water resources in South Africa are very small quantities, measured in nanograms (one billionth of a gram). Conventional water and wastewater treatment technologies are designed to remove much larger contaminants such as particles of faeces and bacteria.”

Higher concentrations of traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants, which means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, “because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove CECs. 

“Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the drinking water samples. There is a possibility that high concentrations of ARVs in sewage or municipal wastewater might reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment works in removing bacteria from the wastewater. Further research is required in this regard.”

The WRC and the department said that there is limited knowledge of environmental toxicity, potential adverse effects on ecosystems and viral resistance of these compounds. “CECs in water is a growing global problem and area of attention around the world.

“Globally, the level of CEC compounds in water is generally not yet regulated. This is partly due to their presence often being below water quality detection limits. However, due to their continuous production, lack of appropriate disposal, constant input into the environment and presence in water resources, albeit in small concentrations, there is now increasing global research into the issue.”

Rand Water said it has been monitoring ARVs since 2015. “Rand Water, like other research institutions, detected ARVs in the natural waters located downstream of wastewater treatment plants.”

The bulk water services provider abstracts water from the Vaal Dam, which is located upstream of these wastewater treatment plants. “Rand Water has not detected ARVs at the point of abstraction in the Vaal Dam and concomitantly in any of its treated final drinking water.”

“Rand Water assures the public that drinking water remains safe for human consumption.

Rand Water, as the remains committed to protecting the health of consumers by providing potable water that complies with SANS241 standards and safe for human consumption.”

For the study, North-West University sampled water upstream and downstream of wastewater treatment plants — specifically Sunderland Ridge, Vlakplaats, Waterval, Olifantsfontein River, Welgedacht, Zeekoegat, Flip Human and Baragwanath — in northern and southern Gauteng. Sampling sites included the Jukskei, Hennops, Klip and Crocodile rivers. The Mooi River, which is close to Khutsong in North West and downstream of Wonderfonteinspruit in Gauteng, was also sampled. 

The most frequently detected compound was fluconazole (28 detections from 72 samples), with concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 1.8 μg/L (micrograms per litre). Nevirapine and efavirenz were the second-most detected compounds, both with 22 out of 72 samples. On average, lopinavir and efavirenz had the highest concentrations of the compounds analysed. Didanosine and zidovudine were the least detected compounds — two and six out of 72.

Jessica Alba appears to be enjoying her summer after filing for divorce from her estranged husband, Cash Warren.

Alba, 44, sparked romance rumors after she was spotted boarding a plane headed back to Los Angeles from Cancun with “Captain America” star Danny Ramirez, TMZ reported. The outlet reported that the two spent time together in the sun-soaked town.

Despite the reported quick getaway, sources told People magazine that Alba isn’t dating anyone seriously, and is instead relishing in her new role as a single woman months after the “Honey” actress petitioned a Los Angeles court to end her 16-year marriage.

JESSICA ALBA EMBRACES SELF-CARE AND SUMMER VIBES IN BIKINI PHOTOS

In video obtained by TMZ, Ramirez, 32, and the “Fantastic Four” actress both attempted to go incognito by wearing snapback hats as they left Mexico for L.A. on Sunday afternoon. 

JESSICA ALBA SHOWS OFF NEW TATTOO FOLLOWING SPLIT WITH HUSBAND CASH WARREN

Upon arrival in the City of Angels, Alba and Ramirez walked closely together as they were escorted through a private terminal by a security guard.

Alba and Ramirez’s representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Ramirez portrayed Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia in “Top Gun: Maverick,” and played Falcon in “Captain America: Brave New World.” 

He’ll reprise his Marvel character for “Avengers: Doomsday,” which also stars Robert Downey Jr., Pedro Pascal and Chris Hemsworth.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Alba has reportedly been on a few dates since announcing her split from Warren in February, insiders told People.

“She’s been getting a lot of attention since the divorce. She’s flattered and definitely enjoying being single again,” sources said. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

“She’s gone on some dates, but it’s nothing serious — she’s focused on herself and her kids. She’s not interested in a relationship right now.”

The mother-of-three is “excited” to dive back into work, and will soon begin filming “The Mark” in Australia with Orlando Bloom, who recently ended his engagement with Katy Perry.

“She’s in a great place. She’s excited to get back to filming. She’s doing what she loves and keeping her circle tight,” the source told People.

In January, the Honest Co. founder announced her split from Warren after 20 years together.

APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST

“I’ve been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years – both as an individual and in partnership with Cash,” she wrote on Instagram. 

“I’m proud of how we’ve grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it’s now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals.”

She added, “We are moving forward with love and kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family. Our children remain our highest priority and we request privacy at this time.”

Alba and Warren met on the set of “Fantastic Four” in 2004 and tied the knot in 2008.

In the divorce petition filed in February and obtained by Fox News Digital, the pair requested joint custody of their three children — Honor, 16; Haven, 13; and Hayes, 7.

A former intern for New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared in a resurfaced video calling activism “jihad” while encouraging protesters to get suspended or arrested in defiance of “settler colonialism.”

The footage of Hadeeqa Malik shows her calling out Muslims who haven’t taken to the streets. 

“The true believer knows that none of this is in vain, that this is all Jihad,” said Malik in the recently resurfaced video, using the Muslim term for holy war. 

MAMDANI’S FATHER SITS ON COUNCIL OF ANTI-ISRAEL GROUP TIED TO TERROR, LEGITIMIZES ROLE OF SUICIDE BOMBERS

“So, the conversation of doxing, the conversation of getting arrested and suspended, I think it’s time for Muslims to start to say, ‘All right, all right, so what? Do what you want. I’m going to do what I got to do,'” she added. 

Malik served as a communications, outreach, policy, and constituent services intern at Mamdani’s state Assembly office during the summer of 2024. 

A photo shows the pair smiling for a selfie. Her profile also said she recently began work as an outreach coordinator for the Counsel on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR. 

She also served as the president of City College of New York chapter for Students for Justice in Palestine from June 2024 to June 2025, her profile states. 

UNEARTHED MAMDANI COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WRITINGS PROMOTE ANTI-ISRAEL BOYCOTT, RAIL AGAINST ‘WHITE PRIVILEGE’

Over the more than two-hour video during a webinar, Malik responded to concerns about protesters possibly getting doxed, suspended and arrested.

“How gangster are you?” she asked. “And I know everybody has their own families and has an education and everything. It’s just a question.”

She noted that getting suspended or doxed is “bound to happen… when you’re doing something for the sake of Allah here in the West it will never, ever be in vain, and the true believer does not fear that.”

In another video, Malik was seen screaming at a reportedly Muslim New York police officer at an anti-Israel protest. 

“Let’s read the badges of the pigs,” she said, as she read the names of the officers aloud. The composed Muslim officer was singled out as she appeared to say he brought shame on his name.  

“To the pigs who can call themselves by the name of Islam, put some respect on their names!” she said. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdani’s campaign and attempted to reach out to Malik.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R., scored a victory on Friday when the state of Florida’s university system approved a new accreditor to overhaul higher education.

Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee formed the Commission for Public Higher Education, a consortium of six public universities offering a new accreditation model. Florida’s Board of Governors approved the creation of the Commission for Public Higher Education at their latest meeting on July 11.

“The Commission for Public Higher Education is a consortium of six public university systems that are committed to streamlining accreditation standards and prioritizing student outcomes. It will be an accreditation model created by public universities for public colleges and universities,” a spokesperson for the board told Fox News Digital.

FLORIDA STANDS UP AGAINST WOKE MIND VIRUS AND REJECTS LEFTIST UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT WHO PROMISED ‘DEI 2.0’

The Commission will create a “first-of-its-kind accreditation model for public higher education institutions that will offer high-quality, efficient services prioritizing academic excellence, student outcomes and achievement.”

DeSantis said during a press conference at Florida Atlantic University that there was a need for “alternative accreditation.”

“The accreditors are telling them they have to do these things,” he said. “So, when we said, ‘No DEI,’ the accreditors are telling these universities, ‘No, no, no, you’re not going to get accredited unless you do DEI.’ Who the heck are they to say what our universities have to do? They’re telling them they can’t follow state law? Are you kidding me? Nobody elected them to make that judgment at all.” 

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PRESIDENTIAL PICK REJECTED BY STATE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OVER PAST DEI SUPPORT

“What we’ve seen develop is an accreditation cartel and the accreditors by-and-large are all singing from the same sheet of music, and it’s not what the state of Florida wants to see reflected in its universities in many different respects,” he continued.

A Department of Education spokesperson in June directed Fox News Digital to President Donald Trump’s executive order issued in April that called for accountability and reform to the accreditation process in higher education after claiming that past accrediting bodies “abused their enormous authority.” 

The executive order cited accredited institutions offering “undergraduate and graduate programs with a negative return on investment” and compelling the “adoption of discriminatory ideology, rather than on student outcomes” in order to access federal aid.

DeSantis said the members of the new accrediting body have been working with the Department of Education to expedite the process of acquiring approval from the federal government.

“The Business Plan provides the mission and goals of CPHE and outlines the upcoming work for the entity to receive approval as a recognized institutional accreditor from the U.S. Department of Education,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The Department of Education did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital‘s request for comment.

The old adage goes: Where there is smoke, there is fire. And the metaphorical smoke billowed during the first day of SEC Media Days on Monday around college football legend Nick Saban.

Rumors about Saban returning to the sport he left more than a year ago ramped up.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy brought some of the rumors into the atmosphere during an interview on the “Mac and Cube” radio show in Birmingham.

“A very much in-the-know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire, they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching,” McElroy said. “He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.”

McElroy did say he believed, personally, Saban was finished during an appearance on ESPN.

“I’d be shocked (if he came back). … There are people connected to the sports world that think he’s not done. Now, interpret that however you will. People that would be somewhat knowledgeable about something like this, yes,” he said.

DEION SANDERS CALLS FOR UNIFORM CRACKDOWN IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 

Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin said he believed Saban will be back on the sidelines — whether it’s in college football or the pros.

“He’s not going to need me to hire him,” Kiffin said, via the Clarion Ledger. “I don’t think he’s done. I think he’ll be back. Whether that’s college or NFL I think he’ll be back.”

LSU Tigers head coach Brina Kelly seemed to be all for Saban coming back to the sport.

“It’d be better for college football if Nick Saban is coaching,” he said, via On3 Sports. “Period. There’s nobody better to develop players and certainly build championship programs.”

Saban left Alabama after several national championships. He suggested the advent of name, image and likeness and the lawlessness of the transfer portal were the reasons why he stepped away from the sport.

It’s unclear whether Saban would entertain the idea of a return. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Democratic, Republican and independent candidates for New York City mayor don’t often agree on much, but they appear to be in lock-step over the view that New Yorkers want someone different than former Governor Andrew Cuomo to run the Big Apple.

Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa, the Democratic and Republican nominees for New York City mayor, were quick to respond to Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that he will stay in the race as an independent after the former governor of New York lost his Democratic primary a few weeks ago. While blasting Cuomo, the pair also used the opportunity to slam incumbent independent mayoral candidate Eric Adams, who, on Monday, said Cuomo “had his opportunity” already, but New Yorkers no longer buy his message.

“Andrew is a double-digit loser in the primary. He lost by 12 points. He had his opportunity. He spent $25 million to get his message out. New York has heard it. He did not sell it,” Adams said at a Monday press conference. The comments followed a separate press release his campaign put out Sunday amid rumors Cuomo would be re-joining the race as an Independent, saying that Cuomo’s “political double-dealing” was the reason why New Yorkers have “lost trust” in him.

MAMDANI LANDS ENDORSEMENT OF A TOP CUOMO BACKER IN NYC MAYORAL PRIMARY

“I welcome everyone to this race, and I am as confident as I have been since three weeks ago on primary night when we faced Andrew Cuomo,” Democratic Party nominee Mamdani said at a Monday press conference following Cuomo’s announcement. “We did so because of the fact that while Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams trip over themselves to make deals in back rooms with billionaires, we are focused on fighting for working New Yorkers. I think he’s struggling to come to terms with what [Cuomo’s primary loss] meant.”

Mamdani added that while Cuomo may have envisioned himself as becoming the next mayor, the Democratic primary results showed NYC’s “hunger for a new kind of politics.” 

“I understand that it is difficult for the former governor to come to terms with [his loss] because it is a repudiation of the politics that he has practiced that he has known for so many years, and it is that same politics that we are turning the page on.”

MAMDANI’S FAILURE TO WALK BACK THESE POSITIONS COULD CAUSE RECKONING IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY: ‘FIVE-ALARM WARNING’

Sliwa, the GOP’s nominee in the NYC mayoral race, also took the opportunity Monday following Cuomo’s announcement he would be re-entering the race to slam not just Cuomo, but Adams as well, telling Fox News Digital the two are working eagerly to “cling to relevance.”

“Andrew Cuomo lost his primary and hides in the Hamptons. Eric Adams skipped his and fled to Fort Lauderdale. Now they’re both running as independents to cling to relevance,” Sliwa said Monday. “I’m the only candidate with a major party nomination, a 50-year record of serving New Yorkers, and a real path to victory. While they play musical chairs on a sinking ship, I’m out campaigning in NYC, listening, leading, and fighting to win it for the people. Let the voters decide this November.”

In response to the criticism, a campaign representative for Cuomo zeroed in on Adams’ comments.

“This is a primary that the mayor didn’t participate in because he knew he’d lose,” Rich Azzopardi told Fox News Digital. “The governor got 36,000 more votes three weeks ago than the mayor got four years ago, when he was at the height of his popularity and people actually wanted to give him a chance.”

Azzopardi also pointed to an email Cuomo sent to supporters Monday noting he “made mistakes in the primary,” such as being too comfortable with polling that showed he was the front-runner. The email also spoke to Mamdani, but did not directly address Sliwa.   

“I do not believe that New York City voters affirmatively voted for a socialist form of government that is hostile to business and economic growth, and I do believe that Zohran Mamdani poses a serious threat to the future of the city we love. I will give it my all to stop him,” the email from Cuomo stated.

“I also believe that all of us who love New York City must be united in running the strongest possible candidate against Zohran Mamdani in the November general election for mayor.  Our common goal must be to run the strongest candidate against Mr. Mamdani. That is why I have accepted the proposal put forth by former Governor David Paterson and candidate Jim Walden that, in mid-September, we will determine which candidate is strongest against Mamdani and all other candidates will stand down, rather than act as spoilers and guarantee Mamdani’s election.”

On Monday, incumbent mayor Adams slammed the proposal mentioned by Cuomo in his email to supporters, which seeks to get the rest of the campaign field to pledge to consolidate around the strongest non-Mamdani candidate.

“This proposal that was put out. It was Andrew’s proposal. He uses people to put things out that he really would like to come later and say, ‘OK, I endorse what an independent person is doing,'” Adams said Monday.

Some Democratic strategists are so desperate for the party to start performing better, that they’re hoping for the economy to tank. 

A report from The Hill on Tuesday quoted several Democratic strategists reflecting on what they see as the dismal state of the Democratic Party. One said the party should be “praying” for a depression as a lifeline for their declining popularity following President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. 

“This is a nightmare scenario for the Dems right now,” an anonymous strategist told the outlet. “We better pray long and hard that the country is going to be in a f‑‑‑— depression, because I don’t know how else we find ourselves out of this mess.”

MAHER CALLS OUT SNL FOR ‘ZOMBIE LIE’ THAT REPUBLICANS ARE RACIST, WARNS THEY ARE ‘NOT HELPING’

The Hill report prefaced that sobering impression of the Democratic Party by noting its current low approval numbers.

“Not only do polls show the Democrats’ approval ratings at historic lows, but they’re still scrambling to identify a national leader almost half a year after Trump’s return to the White House — dynamics that are raising alarm bells in certain corners of the party,” the outlet stated.

The Hill also cited one recent poll conducted by Democratic super PAC Unite the Country between May and June. The survey found that the Democratic Party has lost ground since losing to Trump in November. Many of those polled said they found the Democratic Party “out of touch,” “weak,” and “woke.”

Strategist and senior adviser to Unite the Country, Rodell Mollineau, told The Hill that “it’s going to be hard” for the party to move forward.

“It’s hard to message when you’re in the wilderness, which is what we are right now,” he said. “When voters don’t think that you care about their issues, and they don’t think that you’re going to fight for them, that becomes a problem.” 

Brad Bannon, another strategist, told The Hill, “Sadly, Democrats are still stuck in the same mud that they were in six months ago. We are still as unpopular as we were when Trump was inaugurated in January.”

He did, however, express hope that the passage of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” would give his party an opening to mount a counterattack against their Republican opponents.

MARK CUBAN SAYS LIBERAL ALTERNATIVE TO X HAS BECOME ‘HATEFUL’ DUE TO LEFTIST GROUPTHINK

“Because of MAGA missteps, Democrats now finally have tools to use to build a new foundation,” Bannon said. “The secret sauce for the opposition is to use the Medicaid cuts, immigration deportations and high tariff taxes to blister Trump for his failure to keep his campaign promise to bring down high prices on the first day of the second administration.”

Other prominent voices in the party have grown exasperated with Democratic leaders in the months since Trump’s election. 

Billionaire business mogul Mark Cuban slammed Democrats for their post-election strategy on the “Pod Save America” podcast Sunday.

“It’s just ‘Trump sucks.’ That’s the underlying thought of everything the Democrats do. ‘Trump sucks.’ Trump says the sky is blue. ‘Trump sucks.’ That’s not the way to win! It’s just not! Because it’s not about Trump — it’s about the people of the United States of America — and what’s good for them! And how do you get them to a place where they’re in a better position, and it’s less stressful for them.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Former Democratic mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, ripped the state of his party in a recent CNN interview, telling host Dana Bash, “Just to give you a sense of how bad we are – the Democratic Party is less popular than Elon Musk right now. That should be like a wake-up call – how bad.”

The White House and the Democratic Party did not immediately reply to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

President Donald Trump joined Chelsea players on stage as they celebrated the FIFA Club World Cup championship following a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

Trump was with the players as he handed out awards and medals on the field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. But at least one Chelsea star was left puzzled over the president’s appearance during the celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy, so I was a bit confused,” Chelsea’s Cole Palmer said after the match.

Palmer scored two goals and assisted on another in the win. He received the Golden Ball as the top player of the tournament.

Palmer was pleased with his performance, as Paris Saint-Germain appeared to be the favorites going into the final.

“It’s a great feeling. Even better because obviously everyone doubted us before the game,” he said. “The gaffer put a great gameplan out, and obviously, he knew where the space was going to be.”

TRUMP JOKES ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CALL SOCCER ‘FOOTBALL’ IN US, NAMES GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME

Trump was spotted in a suite with his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his wife Leena Al Ashqar. The president and Infantino have tightened their relationship in recent months as the U.S. prepares for the FIFA World Cup next year.

Trump and the FIFA executive have strengthened their relationship since he took office. He established the White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in North America. He named Andrew Giuliani the executive director of the task force.

Expected to be one of the largest international sporting events, the World Cup’s host cities are anticipating nearly half a million visitors with a potential economic impact of up to $480 million that will benefit the tourism, hospitality and retail industries.

The international tournament, spanning North America, will begin in June 2026 and is the first World Cup in more than two decades to take place in multiple countries. The majority of games will take place in the U.S. in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia and East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.