He said the NCA rejects plans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) and Mnangagwa to extend his time in office beyond 2028.

"The NCA's founding principles have been to advocate for constitutionalism, establishment of strong State institutions and observing the rule of law . What Zanu PF seeks to do must be resisted by all means; we will not allow them to strip citizens of the right to vote for the President of the country, extend the term of Parliament and sitting councillors without going to a referendum," said Madhuku.

In February, Zimbabwe’s cabinet backed draft legislation that could extend presidential terms from five to seven years. If approved, the proposal would allow 83-year-old President Mnangagwa, a longtime ally of former president Robert Mugabe and in power since 2017, to remain in office until 2030.

Madhuku, a University of Zimbabwe law professor, said his party will carry out a nationwide mobilisation campaign to encourage Zimbabweans to resist the proposed changes to the country’s Constitution.

Takudzwa Ngadziore, the youngest lawmaker in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, has also called for resistance to the proposed term extension. He described the move as a shift "from a military coup to a constitutional coup".

“This is not a call only for young people. It is a call for Zimbabweans: students, workers, informal traders, the elderly, even those within the ruling party who still believe in the ideals that gave birth to this country,” he told Global South World .

Ngadziore, who was elected to the National Assembly in 2023 under the youth quota representing Harare Province, also criticised Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“Young people cannot afford a basic, dignified standard of living. Parents cannot provide for their children . And yet you stand there and say you are a constitutionalist while your party advances a resolution to extend your term,” he said.

“I believe that what he's done is simply to raise a middle finger to a whole generation.”

The Western Cape has emerged as the centre of South Africa’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak, accounting for nearly three-quarters of confirmed cases and the majority of related deaths, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Of the 91 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded nationwide between January 2024 and January 18, 2026, 67 were reported in the province. The NICD said “the majority of confirmed cases and carriers (76%) are from the Western Cape,” with repeated clusters in households, communities and correctional facilities pointing to sustained transmission. Nineteen deaths have been recorded nationally, 12 of them in the Western Cape, giving an overall case fatality ratio of 21%. The NICD warned that diphtheria is “a highly contagious vaccine-preventable illness” that can be fatal if treatment is delayed.  

ANC sets up ‘war room’ ahead of municipal elections

The ANC has announced the creation of a dedicated “war room” to tackle persistent local government failures ahead of this year’s municipal elections, with water shortages and rural road infrastructure flagged as top priorities. Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the intervention would be led by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and focus on speeding up implementation across municipalities. “This is the year of decisive action to fix local government and ensure a viable economy,” Mashatile said , adding that water reticulation rather than dam capacity was at the heart of many shortages. The initiative follows internal party assessments pointing to weak policy implementation as a long-standing challenge.

Ramaphosa denies ANC is ‘selling the country’ to private sector

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against criticism within the ANC that the party has embraced neo-liberalism or is privatising state assets. Addressing the ANC National Executive Committee at its lekgotla, Ramaphosa said the government was “not privatising anything” but partnering with the private sector through concession-style agreements. “What we are doing is to bring in partners,” he said, citing roads, Eskom and Transnet as examples where private participation is structured on a “build, operate and transfer” basis, with assets ultimately returning to the state.  

Malema defiant ahead of sentencing in firearms case

EFF leader Julius Malema struck a defiant tone outside the East London Magistrate’s Court as his pre-sentencing hearing got underway following his conviction on firearms-related charges. “The revolution must continue,” Malema said, insisting that no prison sentence would make him retreat from his political beliefs. He accused AfriForum, which brought the private prosecution  of using the courts to fight political battles, saying, “I will never retreat, I will never surrender to white supremacy.” Malema added that he feared poverty and landlessness more than imprisonment, while also casting aspersions on the judiciary despite serving on the Judicial Service Commission.

Top jurists warn of strain on constitutional democracy

Prominent jurists Dennis Davis and Geoff Budlender SC have raised concerns about the long-term health of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, warning that persistent failures to realise socioeconomic rights are fuelling public disillusionment. Davis said inequality is now worse than at the adoption of the constitution, calling the government’s economic policy record since 1994 a “monumental failure”. Both jurists noted growing political pressure to amend or discard the constitution, with Davis warning that parties sceptical of the current constitutional order now command a significant share of the vote. While stressing that South Africa has not crossed into authoritarianism, they cautioned that the warning signs are mounting.

Key proposed changes

One of the proposals would introduce an educational requirement for presidential candidates, making proof of a certain level of education a condition for running for the office.

Another proposal seeks to formalise the presidential swearing-in process, including specifying the authority before which the oath is taken and who administers it.

The draft amendments would also allow the president to call early local elections , a power not clearly defined under current rules.

In the judicial sector, the proposals suggest removing the requirement for Supreme Judicial Council approval for certain judicial appointments and transfers, arguing that the president already serves as head of the council.

There is also a proposal to extend the term of the Speaker of the National Assembly from three to six years, to ensure continuity and institutional stability.

Other changes include adjusting the parliamentary session calendar, allowing more flexibility in opening sessions in September while maintaining a 10-month duration. 

Judiciary and elections  

The draft amendments propose changes to the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council, removing some appointed and representative members and adding the Attorney General of the Supreme Court.

On elections, the government wants to expand the oversight role of the Independent National Election Authority, while assigning logistical and material preparations to the public administration.

Two transitional provisions are also proposed. One would allow for temporary measures to avoid constitutional gaps, particularly during the partial renewal of parliament. The other would set clear deadlines for institutions to comply with new legal structures following reforms. The proposals were presented during a special seminar overseen by Prime Minister Sifi Gharib, attended by senior government officials, political party leaders and representatives of the Independent National Election Authority.

Malawi’s Parliament has approved Bill No. 2 of 2025, a constitutional amendment that embeds the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) into the supreme law without any changes. Out of 224 MPs, 199 voted in favour while 25 were absent, with no dissenting votes recorded. The amendment, introduced by Mzimba South MP Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, defines the purpose and management of the CDF and places it under the authority of Members of Parliament “as prescribed by an Act of Parliament.” A motion by Dedza Central MP Joshua Malango fast-tracked the vote, ending debate and limiting scrutiny. Critics warn that granting MPs constitutional control over the fund risks deepening patronage politics and weakening accountability. Supporters argue it ensures predictable development financing for constituencies. Parliament is now expected to draft accompanying legislation governing fund management and reporting.

Malawi becomes early adopter of injectable HIV prevention drug

Malawi has authorised the use of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, becoming the fourth African nation to approve the medicine. The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority approved a 46-day expedited review. National AIDS Commission Executive Director Dr Beatrice Matanje described the approval as a major milestone in reducing new infections, noting that biannual injections ease the burden of adherence. PMRA Director General Mphatso Kawaye said the decision reflects efforts to accelerate access to life-saving innovations, supported by collaboration with the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organisation. South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have already approved the drug, with first consignments expected by year-end. Malawi continues to face high HIV prevalence, with an estimated 950,000 people living with the disease.

Preparations intensify for 2025 Africa Netball Cup

The Netball Association of Malawi has confirmed that preparations are well underway to host the 2025 Africa Netball Cup from December 8–14 at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe. Nine national teams—Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini—will compete for the continental title. The Local Organising Committee is finalising upgrades to courts, training facilities and logistics ahead of the event. LOC chairperson Limbani Matola said hosting the tournament is an opportunity to showcase Malawi’s sporting talent and inspire young players. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting both women’s and men’s netball as Africa Netball continues its campaign for the sport’s inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Rural connectivity expands through Starlink-powered project

Fast Networks Malawi has delivered a major rural connectivity project using Starlink technology to provide affordable internet access in underserved areas. Over six months, the organisation and its partners—including the Internet Society, Unconnected.org, World Mobile, 48.org, the Ministry of Education, Xulendo and Inethi South Africa—developed a mesh network extending connectivity far beyond each Starlink terminal’s range. The project connected 67 schools and established 20 rural WiFi hotspots, enabling clinics, trading centres and additional schools to access online resources. Low-cost community vouchers help subsidise Starlink subscriptions for schools, supporting long-term sustainability. Co-founder Barros Atupele Mweso said communities previously without internet access are now digitally engaged, though challenges remain, including device shortages, low digital literacy and maintenance costs.

New $100 million cement plant inaugurated 

Malawi has commissioned a $100 million Portland Cement Manufacturing Plant in Balaka, a township in Southern Malawi, hailed as a catalyst for economic transformation. Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka presided over the commissioning, calling it a testament to Malawi’s commitment to strengthening its manufacturing base and boosting foreign exchange reserves. The project aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises manufacturing-led growth and job creation. Mwanamveka said the plant represents resilience in overcoming long-standing challenges in the manufacturing sector and reaffirmed government support for both local and foreign investors contributing to national development.

The ruling sets a new ceiling of 95 years for land-use rights in Nusantara and makes clear that even this maximum must be revisited periodically. The judges said the earlier arrangement failed the Constitution’s test of fairness and public interest, which obliges the state to manage land for the benefit of all citizens, not lock it up for generations.

The case was brought by a member of the Dayak community and a resident of Sepaku, East Kalimantan, where the new capital is being built. They argued that 190-year rights would sideline local people , weaken safeguards against land grabs and reduce the state’s ability to correct mistakes or respond to changing needs over time.

The project, budgeted at roughly US$30 billion, has relied on long tenure as a key selling point for private capital.

Politically, the ruling adds pressure to a flagship plan championed by former president Joko Widodo and inherited by his successor, Prabowo Subianto. While Prabowo has pledged to press ahead, his administration is also shifting resources toward social programmes and Danantara, a new sovereign wealth vehicle expected to manage up to US$1 trillion in state assets.

Djibouti is preparing for significant constitutional changes as the National Assembly moves forward with a broad review of the country’s supreme law. Central to the reform is a proposal to extend the upper age limit for presidential candidates, a move officials describe as part of a wider strategy to modernise state structures and keep pace with global political and demographic shifts. Government leaders argue that the update reflects the nation’s evolving governance needs and reinforces Djibouti’s vision of adapting its institutions for long-term stability and competitiveness. Critics, however, are watching closely, noting that such reforms often carry long-term consequences for democratic participation and leadership renewal.

Recovering illicit assets

Djibouti has reaffirmed its tough stance against corruption and cross-border financial crime. The country participated in the ARIN-MENA General Assembly in Jeddah, showcasing its continued commitment to strengthening legal frameworks and improving regional coordination on asset recovery. Authorities highlighted recent efforts to track illicit financial flows and reclaim stolen public funds, stressing that this work forms a core part of Djibouti’s strategy to build a transparent financial ecosystem and enhance investor confidence. The government emphasised that accountability and international cooperation are essential to sustainable development and good governance in the nation.

Rebirth of Somalia state

National discourse also revisited Djibouti’s diplomatic legacy, particularly the historic role it played in Somalia’s state-building process through the Arta Conference of 2000. A reflective editorial praised the initiative as a shining example of Djibouti’s political foresight and peace-oriented diplomacy, describing it as a turning point that helped lay the foundation for Somalia’s transitional institutions after years of conflict. This reflection underscores Djibouti’s longstanding position as a mediator in regional crises and reinforces narratives positioning the country as an influential voice in advancing stability across the Horn of Africa.

Regional conflicts

Building on that legacy, President Ismail Omar Guelleh has proposed converting the Arta Peace Conference Memorial into a permanent peace-building institute dedicated to conflict resolution on the continent. The envisioned institution would serve as a regional hub for dialogue, research and preventative diplomacy, strengthening Africa’s capacity to manage disputes internally. According to the presidency, institutionalising peace work within Djibouti would not only honour the success of the Arta initiative but also align with the country’s aspirations to serve as a bridge for cooperation in a region frequently challenged by political tensions and security risks.