current events

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has divulged some staggering statistics: 1,319 fatalities attributed to diphtheria have been recorded between epidemiological week 19 of 2022 and week 10 of 2025. These figures raise critical questions about our vaccination efforts and highlight alarming deficiencies in coverage across the nation. In total, there have been at least 42,642 suspected cases spanning 37 states and over 350 local government areas. Out of these, 25,812 have been confirmed, yet 5,470…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jude has unleashed chaos across Southern Africa, particularly in the regions of Malawi and Mozambique. Although the storm made landfall in northern Mozambique, its effects rippled through southern Malawi, leaving behind a trail of destruction characterized by heavy rainfall that inundated 13 districts. As the winds howled and the skies opened up, at least 11,000 individuals found their lives upended. Homes were swept away by relentless torrents, while vital crops that had promised…

Human Rights Watch has called upon Mozambican authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent attack on opposition members in Maputo. This incident unfolded during a significant moment—the signing of a peace accord between President Daniel Chapo and various opposition parties, notably excluding former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who led hundreds in a peaceful march that day. The stark contrast between the peaceful intentions of the demonstrators and the violent response they…

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

In a significant development for African football, Patrice Motsepe, the prominent South African mining executive, has secured his position as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second consecutive term, doing so without any opposition. This confirmation of his leadership signals both continuity and the potential for further progress within the organization. At 63, Motsepe stands as a notable figure not just in the realm of sports but also in business, with his family's trust owning Mamelodi…

In a dramatic twist of events, self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, welcome an unexpected chapter in their ongoing saga. As the leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, they cultivated a prominent following in South Africa. However, the clouds of legal troubles have loomed ominously over their heads. Back in 2020, the couple made an audacious escape from South Africa, leaving behind a trail of serious allegations. Accusations of defrauding investors to the tune of R102 million…

The South African Parliament recently witnessed the unveiling of the 2025 Budget by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. This moment was particularly significant, especially after an intensive round of deliberations among Cabinet ministers. In a surprising twist, the ministers decided to convene once more to evaluate a reworked budget, ultimately rejecting it due to its contentious proposal for a 2% increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT). The discussions were fraught, bringing to mind the age-old adage: "two heads are better than…

The Nigerian political landscape is at a pivotal juncture as President Bola Tinubu reaches out to the country's youth, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future. During the recent inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee in Abuja, he extended an open invitation for genuine interaction and feedback, underscoring his belief that young voices should be heard and incorporated into the nation's governance. “Your ideas matter,” Tinubu asserted, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the vibrant…