governance

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring public safety, a curfew has been instated in Okahandja, effective immediately. The president of the nation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has taken to the airwaves to reassure citizens that security forces are fully engaged in restoring a sense of normalcy and safety. This isn't simply an administrative response; it’s a concerted effort to safeguard communities that have been on edge. Have we ever considered just how fragile our sense of security is? Too often, it takes a crisis for us to truly…

In a significant political development, Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has garnered the support of influential political allies, paving the way for his declaration as president for the next five years. This action is reminiscent of the recent decisions made by leaders in similarly governed nations, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. Together, these countries form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all under military rule, creating a landscape that raises questions about democracy in the region. Earlier this…

In a shocking turn of events, Namibia's Agriculture Minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been dismissed from his position amid serious accusations. Five years after the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl, he was arrested following attempts to bribe the now 21-year-old survivor into withdrawing her case. Hengari’s appearance in court saw him denied bail, facing a daunting array of charges: kidnapping, rape, and assault. The echoes of this scandal resonate deeply within the fabric of Namibian society, where gender-based…

The City of Harare has embarked on an urgent and comprehensive response to a daunting bed bug outbreak in Mbare flats. In a coordinated effort, the local authority activated its Incident Management System (IMS), designating a dedicated incident manager to orchestrate an effective action plan aimed at mitigating this public health challenge. The campaign commenced on April 7, marking the start of an ambitious plan that encompasses three cycles of fumigation. Initially targeting 5,450 rooms, the latest report indicates that…

In a striking turn of events, the legal representatives for the "Majority Bloc" have reversed their earlier stance, asserting that the Supreme Court does, indeed, possess jurisdiction over the ongoing dispute within the House of Representatives. This shift is significant, as the bloc is ardently pursuing the removal of Speaker Fonati Koffa, who has recently found himself at the center of controversy. On April 23, the Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling, deeming the attempts by the "Majority Bloc" to oust Koffa…

At just 36, Captain Ibrahim Traore has carved a remarkable niche for himself as the youngest head of state globally, seizing control through a military coup in 2022. Yet, beneath the veneer of youthful vigor lies a precarious foundation; Traore himself has weathered numerous attempts at coups, making his position seem less a triumph and more a continual struggle for stability, as observed by Enoch Randy Aikins, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. Since taking office, Traore has voiced a fervent commitment to…

Recently, at least 190 families in Cape Town found themselves in a precarious situation, forced to evacuate their homes as flames threatened their neighborhoods. The South Peninsula, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community, became a stage for nature’s fury, as fire crews valiantly battled on multiple fronts against at least five active fire lines. The audacity of these blazes is heightened by the fierce winds sweeping across the area. These conditions not only exacerbate the fire's reach but…

In a striking opening to her inaugural State of the Nation address, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah unveiled a vision that could reshape the educational landscape. The cornerstone of her proposal? A remarkable 100% government subsidy for tertiary education, set to take effect in the 2026 academic year. Such an initiative sparks excitement, evoking a sense of hope among countless students dreaming of higher education. The prospect of a debt-free educational journey potentially transforms lives and futures. One can't help…

In a poignant gesture that acknowledges a challenging past, French President Emmanuel Macron recently articulated his intent to seek “forgiveness” for France’s colonial domination over Madagascar. This statement comes as part of a broader commitment to revisit the historical narrative, beginning with the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era. Madagascar, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, endured French colonial rule from 1896 until it regained full sovereignty in 1960. This period marked…