Reports earlier on Thursday quoted presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya as saying France acted after “sustained pressure” from the United States, including an alleged threat by Washington to boycott if South Africa attended.

Speaking to journalists later the same day, Ramaphosa contradicted that account. He said he had no information indicating any country, “the United States or any other country”, had leaned on France to rescind the invitation.

The president also sought to downplay the diplomatic significance of not being invited, noting that South Africa is not a member of the G7 and does not attend every year. Many countries are not invited to the forum, he said, and South Africa participates only when asked to present a message or engage on specific issues.

The conflicting statements have raised questions about what prompted the change in plans and whether the decision reflects shifting politics among G7 members.

However, Ramaphosa’s office has not provided a detailed explanation for why the invitation was withdrawn, beyond the president’s insistence that it was not the result of US pressure.

“There should be no panic in South Africa; panic kills,” Mantashe said, insisting that vessels carrying cargo for South Africa have not faced interruptions or threats while transiting the strait.

His comments came as MPs pressed the government on whether the country is prepared for sustained disruptions.

Mantashe acknowledged that while supply may still be flowing, South Africa cannot escape price pressures if global oil costs continue rising. With the next fuel price adjustment expected soon, he said motorists should brace for the possibility of higher pump prices driven by events beyond Pretoria’s control.

He argued that South Africa’s long-term protection against recurring oil shocks would require developing domestic petroleum resources. “The only way is to drill, drill, drill and produce our own petroleum,” he said.

Mantashe said, government will keep monitoring shipping and supply conditions while engaging partners, including through the BRICS bloc.

The scramble comes as Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and fuel shipping corridor, have rattled energy markets and forced buyers to diversify supply routes and suppliers. 

Dangote refinery officials said trading firms that buy its products have been shipping fuel across the continent, including to Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tanzania and Togo this month, with Tanzania receiving its first arrival from the refinery, according to a company representative cited in the report. 

While demand for Dangote’s output is rising abroad, the refinery has also adjusted prices at home in response to swings in crude markets. Nigerian media and market reports have described multiple price moves this month as global oil prices surged and then shifted again amid war-related uncertainty. 

Dangote, Africa’s largest refinery, plans to expand capacity further in the coming years, and the latest round of inquiries highlights how the plant is increasingly being viewed as a regional backstop when traditional import routes are disrupted. 

That frustration is being driven by several flashpoints at once. They include US criticism of South Africa’s transformation policies, land reform, farm attacks, and Pretoria’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

For many South Africans, the problem is not just disagreement with the US. It is the sense that America is attempting to dictate domestic policy.

This perception has been sharpened by claims from Donald Trump that South Africa is enabling a “white genocide” through attacks on farmers. The South African government has rejected that claim, as have civil society groups and international observers. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said farm attacks are a serious crime problem, but not genocide.

The issue has become even more contentious because of Gaza .

South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ has placed Pretoria in direct conflict with Washington, one of Israel’s strongest allies. On 13 March, the US formally intervened in the case, arguing that Israel does not have the specific intent required to prove genocide under the Genocide Convention.

Washington also said civilian deaths in urban warfare do not by themselves prove genocidal intent.

That position has angered many in South Africa, who see a double standard.

Tensions have also grown because of recent remarks by US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III. He reportedly expressed frustration over Pretoria’s failure to act on Washington’s so-called “five asks”, which include broad-based black economic empowerment, farm attacks, the ‘Kill the Boer’ song, land expropriation, critical minerals and digital transformation.

That language has been poorly received within the ANC, which sees it as a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty and post-apartheid policy choices. ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane criticised the ambassador for making “undiplomatic statements”.

For the ANC, the dispute may also bring political benefit. With the 2026 local government elections approaching, the party has an opportunity to present itself once again as a defender of national sovereignty in the face of outside pressure.

At the same time, Ramaphosa’s international investment adviser, Alistair Ruiters, has emerged as South Africa’s key channel to US officials, operating as a chief negotiator with Washington while based in Pretoria. Officials have indicated that part of Ruiters’ effectiveness comes from being located in the Presidency, allowing faster decision-making and giving US counterparts access to someone close to the highest office.

The vacancy follows a turbulent period in the relationship. Ramaphosa’s previous envoy to the second Trump administration, Ebrahim Rasool, was declared persona non grata and expelled after comments made during a public webinar. Soon after, Ramaphosa appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy, but the Trump administration reportedly denied him a diplomatic visa.

Government officials have told Daily Maverick that, in a shifting diplomatic scene, an unorthodox approach may work better, especially given what they describe as the Trump administration’s preference for unconventional channels. For now, South Africa appears to be relying on a mix of an acting head of mission in Washington and a Presidency-linked negotiator at home, rather than risking another high-profile ambassadorial standoff.

Meanwhile, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed on March 11 that it had démarched Leo Brent Bozell III, less than a month after he arrived in the country, after comments he made about the struggle song “Kill the Boer” sparked a diplomatic backlash.  

The filing was made under Article 63 of the ICJ’s statute, which allows states that are parties to a treaty, in this case the 1948 Genocide Convention, to intervene when the court is interpreting that treaty, even if they are not a direct party to the dispute.

The ICJ’s case docket shows that Namibia, Hungary and Fiji also filed declarations of intervention on March 12, while the Netherlands and Iceland filed on March 11, widening international involvement in the long-running case.

South Africa launched the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza in breach of the Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied the allegation.

The case is still at the written-arguments stage. South Africa filed its main memorial in October 2024, and Israel has received extensions for its counter-memorial, with the latest deadline set for March 12. Any final ruling is expected to take years.

The controversy has reignited debate over the chant after South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled in March 2025 that the phrase does not amount to hate speech under South African law, following a case brought by AfriForum.

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) moved to back Bozell on the chant, even while rejecting claims of “white genocide.” In a statement after PA leader Gayton McKenzie met Bozell, the party said a chant calling for the killing of a specific group is “totally unacceptable” and “hate speech, pure and simple,” adding, “No historical context can justify repeating language that celebrates the killing of fellow citizens.”

But the ANC and EFF were among those who attacked Bozell’s intervention, arguing a foreign ambassador should not undermine South Africa’s institutions or weigh into domestic political disputes. Parliament’s justice committee chair Xola Nqola also supported Dirco’s rebuke, saying, “Contemptuous remarks regarding our judicial system undermine the rule of law that both South Africa and the US state they uphold.”

On the other side, the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) defended Bozell and said it agreed with what it described as US “ conditions ” for improved ties, including denouncing the chant and scrapping the Expropriation Act and BBBEE. Dirco said it would keep monitoring the ambassador’s public conduct, while the department’s director-general said Bozell had apologised and expressed regret, including for remarks that appeared to question the judiciary.

“My instructions are not to proceed with the bail applications,” Hodes said, adding that the pair intend to enter plea discussions with the state.

Hodes asked that the matter be transferred back to the regional court to facilitate the negotiations. The state confirmed the arrangement and requested a postponement. The case returns to court on March 17.

Mugabe and Matonhodze were arrested following a shooting at Mugabe’s home in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on February 19, in which a 23-year-old gardener was seriously injured.

They face charges including attempted murder , possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. Mugabe also faces a separate charge of being in South Africa illegally under the Immigration Act.

The move followed remarks Bozell made at a BizNews conference in Hermanus, where he was quoted as saying, “I am sorry, I don’t care what your courts say, it’s hate speech,” referring to the chant.  

In March 2025, South Africa’s Constitutional Court refused AfriForum leave to appeal earlier rulings and effectively upheld findings that the chant does not constitute hate speech under South African law . 

Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa welcomes public engagement by foreign diplomats, but stressed it must be consistent with diplomatic etiquette and international protocols. He said the department called in Bozell to explain what it described as “undiplomatic remarks”, including comments that appeared to undermine the judiciary.  

Dirco Director-General Zane Dangor said Bozell expressed regret and apologised for the comments, adding this was the department’s second meeting with the ambassador since his arrival in February.  

Asked for comment, a US State Department official said Washington does not discuss private diplomatic conversations.  

“I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there,” he said . “I’m chasing them, when is it going to be?”

Hamilton, who has described himself as “half-African,” said he feels pressure as potential dates are discussed. “They’re setting certain dates. I’m like, damn, I could be running out of time, so I’m going to be here for a while until that happens,” he said.

Despite his campaign, an African grand prix does not appear close to being added to the calendar. Hamilton said F1 bosses are “really trying,” but acknowledged no race is imminent.

In recent years, proposals have included Rwanda as a potential host, while talks to bring F1 back to South Africa, including a return to Kyalami near Johannesburg and a possible street race in Cape Town, have stalled. South Africa has since revived its bid to host a race, but no deal has been confirmed.

“Another area where progress has been made is South Africa’s ambition to return to the Formula One calendar. We have now secured the necessary government guarantee, which represents a major milestone,” McKenzie said .

He added that discussions are focused on “aligning the commercial and promotional aspects required to host a race,” and thanked private companies backing the push.

“I would like to thank the companies that have stepped forward to support this vision, especially Betway, Discovery, MTN, Canal Plus and SuperSport. Their willingness to invest in Formula One in South Africa shows that the private sector believes in South Africa’s ability to host world-class events,” he said.

McKenzie suggested Middle East instability could create an opening for new hosts, saying there have been questions about what would happen to races in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

Red Bull has also requested a meeting to support South Africa’s bid, a sign of growing momentum behind the campaign to return F1 to South African soil.

In the same briefing, McKenzie also addressed calls for African countries to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States , saying South Africa does not support a boycott and that football “should not become a casualty of geopolitics.”

Investigators allege the couple persuaded an unnamed foreign national to channel funds into a series of purported ventures, including stock market investments, property developments, energy projects and the purchase of a private jet. 

Authorities said the suspects cultivated credibility over time, promising returns of up to 11%, before the victim transferred more than one billion baht (approximately $31.8 million).

The Criminal Court approved warrants on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The CIB said the case formed part of a broader effort to dismantle transnational scam operations that have proliferated across mainland Southeast Asia in recent years. 

Smith was previously linked to alleged scam networks operating out of Cambodia, an epicentre of a fast-growing illicit industry that has drawn increasing regional and international scrutiny.

Last week, Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office said it had moved to seize assets worth more than $410 million connected to Smith and other individuals under investigation in related fraud cases.

Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said the warrants were consistent with the government’s policy of pursuing financial crime “regardless of who they are.” 

In December, Anutin acknowledged he knew Smith but said they were not close.

“These developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences,” the statement read in part.

Ramaphosa urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint” and to act in line with international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. The statement also stressed that UN Charter provisions on self-defence apply when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion, adding that “anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law.”

The warning comes as the US-Israel operation triggered Iranian retaliation, with missile and drone attacks reported against targets linked to the US and Israel across parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war.

The fighting has also disrupted air travel, with multiple countries closing or restricting their airspace and major hubs suspending flights, stranding travellers and forcing airlines to reroute services .

The court produced two judgments with different reasoning. Justice Zukisa Tshiqi found section 27 unconstitutional, saying the DMA does not give the National Assembly a clear way to disapprove disaster regulations that can significantly affect rights.

But Justice Leona Theron’s second judgment overruled that view and dismissed the appeal, stressing that a state of disaster is fundamentally different from a state of emergency. “Under a national state of disaster, the state will still be required to justify each and every limitation of a constitutional right in section 36(1),” the judgment said .

“A declaration of a national state of disaster neither suspends the constitutional order nor dilutes it. A state of emergency allows the executive to cut across all laws and the Bill of Rights,” the court explained.

Theron’s judgment also said there is no constitutional requirement for the DMA to spell out special oversight mechanisms because parliamentary oversight is an “obligatory component” of the Constitution.

In a joint statement, the groups said they plan to launch an international petition urging the United States to appoint a special envoy “dedicated to engaging with the Afrikaner community and other cultural minorities in South Africa”.

They added that the petition would also ask the US “to recognise the pursuit of self-governance as a legitimate and peaceful solution”, and said it would be submitted to the US President and State Department once it reaches 100,000 signatures.

But South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said domestic issues should be handled through local institutions, rejecting what it described as external intervention.

“South Africa is a sovereign Republic, not a foreign protectorate. The Afrikaner identity is diverse and multi-ethnic, not a narrow racial group requiring foreign referees,” Dirco spokesperson Crispin Phiri told The Citizen . “We can solve South African challenges with South African hands, without a foreign crutch.”

Lex Libertas and the NYYRC also outlined further plans in Washington, including a public vigil on the National Mall featuring 3,000 white crosses to symbolise victims of farm attacks, and a request for the US Congress to hold a public hearing on South Africa and “structural policy solutions.”

The programme, which started last year in Lagos and later moved to Nairobi, is designed to support emerging women in music, including artists, songwriters and producers, through mentorship, networking and practical sessions. Applications for the South African edition close on 28 February.

Following Tems’ empowerment programme, British R&B artist Ella Mai will perform live in South Africa with two scheduled shows in April 2026. She will first take the stage at Sun City Superbowl on April 25 as part of the Konka Kulture Weekend, then headline a concert at GrandWest in Cape Town on 26 April.

Event organisers emphasise the special nature of Ella Mai’s South African run, noting demand is expected to be high with only two shows confirmed. Both concerts are presented in partnership with Vertex Events and local promoters, signalling continued international interest in South African live music markets.

The Presidency confirmed that four of the men returned to South Africa on Friday, February 20. Eleven others were expected to return home soon, while two would follow at a later stage.

On Tuesday, February 24, the government said that 11 of the 17 men were set to return after the initial four arrived last week. Two remained in Russia, with one receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

“Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements,” presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin, who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home,” Magwenya said.

An investigation into their recruitment is ongoing, as under South African law, working as a mercenary or fighting on behalf of another government is illegal unless authorised by the state.

Last Friday, two European researchers linked South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party , founded by former president Jacob Zuma, to alleged efforts to recruit Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The researchers claimed that some migrants were lured with job offers and later pushed into military service.

The MK Party was mentioned among South African actors connected to recruitment efforts. The researchers also linked former member of the National Assembly Zuma-Sambudla, who is also the daughter of Jacob Zuma, to the allegations.

In November 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned from Parliament following allegations that she helped lure 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her resignation came after police announced that she was under investigation over claims that she had enticed South Africans to travel to Russia.

The allegations emerged after the group of men, aged between 20 and 39, reportedly ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

The response was uniform: "No vacant bed available". By 12:50 am GMT, Charles Amissah was dead —not for lack of medical expertise or a responding ambulance, but for lack of a piece of furniture.

His tragic death has reignited fury over Ghana’s "no bed syndrome," a systemic failure where emergency care is routinely denied based on physical space. 

However, a look into healthcare systems across sub-Saharan Africa reveals that Amissah’s death is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a continental crisis where hospital beds have become a tool of lethal exclusion.

The Ghana context

In Ghana, the "no bed syndrome" is a chronic ailment. In 2024, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), the nation’s largest medical facility, had to suspend referrals to its Surgical Medical Emergency unit because it was housing 60 patients in a 36-bed unit. Photos on social media captured the dehumanising reality: patients receiving treatment in plastic chairs, wheelchairs, and on the bare floor.

The Ministry of Health, on February 18, announced that it had constituted a three-member committee to probe Amissah’s death , examining decision-making processes and contributing factors. Yet, local experts argue the problem is structural. Beyond the physical shortage, the system suffers from abandoned facilities, a lack of medicines, and a severe brain drain as medical professionals flee for better opportunities abroad. 

Despite a national health insurance scheme, the cost of emergency care remains prohibitively high for many, and the referral chain is often broken by a lack of coordinated communication between ambulances and receiving wards.

The Nigerian mirror

Nigeria faces a nearly identical "no bed" crisis, often overshadowed by the "Japa syndrome"—the mass exodus of healthcare workers. The story of Ifelola Abiona last year, a 42-year-old mother of two, mirrors that of Charles Amissah. 

Despite doctors being physically present and ready to operate at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), she was left to "languish" and eventually die because no bed could be found. Her husband recounted a harrowing ordeal of being referred between facilities, paying nearly a million naira (about $745) for redundant tests, only to be told again: "No bed".

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) blamed this on a dysfunctional referral system and a weak primary healthcare foundation.

Chairman of the NMA in Lagos, Dr Saheed Babajide, revealed that in Lagos, only 57 out of 300 primary health centres are comprehensive enough to have doctors, forcing patients to swarm tertiary hospitals for minor ailments. This over-subscription, according to reports, means that many hospitals consistently operate at over 90% occupancy.

Furthermore, the lack of space extends to the families. Informal caregivers—relatives who perform the roles of nurses due to staffing shortages—are forced to sleep on staircases , wooden benches, or bare concrete. They report being bitten by mosquitoes, shivering in the rain, and eventually falling ill themselves, creating a secondary public health risk.

The ICU crisis in South Africa

In South Africa, the crisis shifts from general ward beds to the even more critical shortage of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. Reports reveal that South Africa has a mere five ICU beds per 100,000 people . In some provinces, the ratio drops to one bed per 100,000.

The consequences are visceral. In Gauteng, South Africa's economically dominant province, which houses its financial capital, Johannesburg, a 29-year-old man died after a one-hour wait for medical attention; his family attributed the delay to "corruption led by the political elite" and a lack of available ICU space. Another patient waited six weeks for an ICU bed for a bypass surgery; during that time, gangrene spread, resulting in a double amputation.

The shortage is not just about infrastructure but specialised human capital. Only 25% of ICU nurses in the country are actually trained in critical care. This deficit, combined with crumbling utilities and water/power shortages, means that even when a physical bed is available, there may be no one qualified to man it. 

There have also been reports of financial mismanagement where security budgets outweigh clinical budgets, leaving hospitals under-equipped while funds are siphoned away.

Liberia and Kenya: Crumbling walls and digital deadlocks

In Liberia, the "no bed" crisis is exacerbated by the scars of civil war and the 2014 Ebola epidemic. At Phebe Hospital, the second-largest in the country, reports from 2024 indicated that a lone surgeon had been forced to carry out operations by the light of storm lanterns because of frequent electricity cuts. 

The hospital, burdened by $300,000 in debt to vendors, often lacks basic drugs, forcing doctors to watch patients die while relatives run to local pharmacies to buy supplies. At the James Jenkins Dossen (JJ Dossen) Hospital in Harper, the coastal capital of Maryland County in southeastern Liberia, the influx of patients was so high that pregnant women and their newborn babies were forced to sleep on the floor.

Kenya offers a more modern, albeit equally frustrating, version of the crisis. Recent transitions to the Social Health Authority (SHA) portal resulted in chaotic situations where hospitals with physical beds were shown as having "zero occupancy" in the digital system. Hospital owners reported being forced to turn away women in need of maternity services because the digital dashboard "locked," preventing admissions and reimbursements. 

Officials claim this was a deliberate downgrade to protect patient safety in facilities lacking essential equipment, but providers allege it is a cost-containment strategy by a state grappling with billions in unpaid claims.

A continental death trap

The collective data across these nations paints a grim picture:

Why the bed is just the symptom

The "no bed syndrome" is rarely just about furniture. It is the end result of the "Three Delays" model, according to researchers :

Many governments in Africa still view Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a luxury rather than an essential component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

In Nigeria, for instance, only 9% of the population is covered by a formal EMS system. Governments struggle to maintain ambulance fleets, and most response is left to expensive, private hospital-owned vehicles that can cost more than a month’s wages to hire.

The path forward: Essential, not optional

The African Critical Illness Outcomes Study , which investigated about 20,000 patients from 180 hospitals in 22 countries across the continent, suggests that thousands of lives could be saved through simple, low-cost interventions that can be provided in general wards, such as ensuring oxygen availability and training staff in basic life support.

Case studies in Sierra Leone and Malawi show promise. Sierra Leone utilised ambulances from its Ebola response to create a national EMS system that now achieves national coverage with 80 ambulances and over 400 paramedics. Malawi is piloting a coordinated "118" emergency number and trauma registry along its deadliest road corridor.

Vircoulon, who said his findings were based on testimonies from recruits and their families, described what he called a mix of public recruitment and a “discreet” form of coercion involving quick visa approvals arranged through groups posing as work-and-travel agencies.

“Once in the hands of the Russian army, they are sent for basic military training, then deployed to do the most dangerous work on the frontlines,” Vircoulon is quoted by the Citizen .

Gaudio alleged that some recruits were offered unskilled work and that “it has become a business” for recruiters in high-volume countries. He also accused Russian recruiters of manipulating visa extensions, claiming migrants were misled into signing documents before being handed military gear.

Inpact’s research, the speakers said, identified 1,417 African men allegedly recruited by Russia between 2023 and 2025, based on a list of African prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces. The recruits were reportedly aged 18 to 57, with an average age of 31. Inpact listed 32 South Africans, while Egypt and Cameroon had the largest numbers cited.

Vircoulon said the MK Party was among the South African actors mentioned in connection with recruitment, linking it to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. The party was contacted for comment, but did not respond by publication time, according to the organisers’ account.

Vircoulon argued the alleged tactics reflected rising costs and recruitment pressures for Russia . “Russian soldiers are more and more costly, and luring foreigners is a form of cheaper labour. It is about exploiting the migrants,” he said.

In November 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla , the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from Parliament after allegations that she helped lure 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her resignation followed a police announcement that she was under investigation over claims she had enticed South Africans to travel to Russia. The allegations emerged after a group of men aged 20 to 39 reportedly ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers were called to the scene after neighbours reported hearing two to three gunshots.

SAPS spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest. “The police can confirm that the two men that were brought in for questioning in relation to a shooting that occurred earlier today at Hyde Park have been officially arrested and are expected to appear before Alexandra Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder. Police investigations continue,” she said .

Police are investigating a case of attempted murder . Authorities said cartridges were found at the scene, but no firearm has yet been recovered.

Nevhuhulwi added, “According to information at hand, the victim is an employee at this residence and has been taken to hospital.”

Police sources said Mugabe allegedly locked himself inside the house for about two hours before officers were able to detain him and another individual for questioning. A multidisciplinary team, including K-9 units and forensic investigators, later returned to the property to continue searching for the weapon.

“The K9 unit, Bramley station detectives and Forensic Crime Scene Management are processing the scene,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Speaking to SABC, a man identifying himself as “Batista,” who said he is part of the family’s private security team, said he had received a call requesting assistance. He also expressed frustration after being denied entry to the Hyde Park property.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is the third child of the late Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 until he was removed from office in 2017.

According to Statistics South Africa, net total employment rose by 21,000 in the final quarter of 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier. The biggest job gains were recorded in community and social services (46,000), construction (35,000) and finance (32,000).

Jobs declined in trade (98,000), manufacturing (61,000) and mining (5,000). A sharp loss of 293,000 informal jobs also kept overall unemployment high. Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said many informal traders were removed from Johannesburg’s streets ahead of the G20 leaders’ summit in November, contributing to the decline.

Further, improved electricity supply and easing logistics bottlenecks have helped stabilise business conditions . Analysts expect inflation to moderate this year and next, with Morgan Stanley projecting possible interest rate cuts beginning next month and forecasting stronger growth in 2026. 

The International Monetary Fund estimates South Africa’s economy will expand by 1.4% this year, slightly up from 1.3% in 2025,  a modest improvement but still below levels needed to significantly reduce unemployment. An expanded definition of unemployment, which includes discouraged job seekers, edged down to 42.1%.

A central theme was the need for African countries to process their natural resources locally instead of exporting them in raw form. Leaders argued that local beneficiation would increase economic returns and strengthen industrial development.

Ghana announced a specific policy measure during the summit. President John Dramani Mahama declared that by 2030, the country will end the export of unprocessed mineral ores. The directive applies to manganese, bauxite, and iron ore.

"By 2030, there will not be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana," Mahama said at his "Accra Reset" side event. The policy aims to promote local industrialisation and increase the value Ghana gains from its natural resources.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also warned against what he described as a "new form of colonialism", where foreign economies target Africa’s natural resources. He said minerals should be processed locally. "It should no longer be a case where rock, soil and dust is exported out of Africa without being beneficiated," Ramaphosa told delegates. He urged African nations to work together to ensure their resources benefit their citizens.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the historical exploitation of Africa’s resources. "No more exploitation, no more plundering," he said, stressing that "the people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa". He called for fair and sustainable value chains to ensure African countries benefit "first and fully" from their critical minerals.

President Mahama also announced changes to Ghana’s cocoa financing system. For nearly 30 years, Ghana has relied on syndicated loans from international banks to purchase cocoa, using cocoa beans as collateral.

According to Mahama, this system has limited domestic processing because collateralised beans must be exported to international financiers. Ghana has the capacity to process 400,000 tons of cocoa locally, but local processors have not had sufficient access to raw beans.

Under the new approach, Ghana will raise domestic bonds in cedis to finance cocoa purchases. "Ghana has enough cedis to pay for its cocoa," Mahama said, adding that the change will "immediately" release 400,000 tons of beans for local processing. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, at least 50% of all cocoa beans must be processed within the country.

The policy announcements were presented under the "Accra Reset" initiative. The framework focuses on strengthening resource sovereignty and shifting from aid dependency to investment-led growth.

Mahama criticised delays in implementing AU decisions. "African leaders come with decisions, agree and develop frameworks, but what is missing is urgency and implementation," he said. He urged leaders to "stop talking and start implementing" to create opportunities for young people and reduce irregular migration.

The summit also marked leadership changes within the AU. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye will assume the AU chairmanship for 2026. Outgoing chairperson President João Lourenço of Angola said Africa’s development is not possible "if we leave anyone behind," and called for continued investment in infrastructure and human capital.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, preliminary investigations indicate that the driver was attacked by a man and a woman during the trip. His hijacked vehicle and body were later discovered in Atteridgeville on the same day.

Arrest and investigation

Gauteng police have arrested a woman in connection with the case. She is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, facing charges of murder and carjacking.

Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has assigned a senior detective to confirm details of the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice .

Video circulation

A dash cam video circulating on social media appears to show the assault inside the vehicle. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strongly condemned the sharing of the footage.

“The police strongly condemn the circulation of the video that depicts what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim,” said Masondo.

Authorities have urged the public not to share, forward or repost the video.

Satlat was reportedly preparing to graduate next month and had plans to relocate to Canada for further studies.

His death has sparked outrage, particularly among Nigerians, and revived concerns about the safety of foreign nationals working in South Africa’s gig economy .

In a statement, ActionSA said a “Nigerian suspect identified as being involved in drug trafficking” was shot during the operation. The party said drug syndicates had terrorised communities and vowed to continue supporting “decisive and lawful measures” to combat crime.

However, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg strongly condemned the killing, describing it as deeply troubling and calling for justice .

“The unfortunate incident has raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa,” the consulate said in a statement. It also warned against what it described as attempts to label Nigerians as criminals.

The consulate stressed that no one should take the law into their own hands and called for due process. “No matter what the allegations are, there are processes and steps to justice. All should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law,” it said.

South African authorities have launched investigations into the incident. Nigerian officials said they had held meetings with local authorities and had been assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The shooting has revived painful memories of past xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries, have at times been targeted during unrest linked to crime, unemployment and social tensions.

Civil society groups have long warned that political rhetoric linking foreign nationals to crime can inflame tensions and deepen divisions in communities already struggling with poverty and insecurity.

ActionSA has defended its anti-crime stance, saying safety and law enforcement are central to its 10-point plan for Ekurhuleni, which includes targeting drug syndicates and strengthening policing efforts.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian consulate has urged its nationals to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue. It also extended condolences to Uzor’s family.

South Africa continues to be the global epicentre of the HIV epidemic, with approximately eight million people living with the virus —the highest number in the world. While antiretroviral therapy has helped many manage the condition, the scale of the crisis remains severe. Around 20% of South African adults are HIV positive. In 2024, the country recorded about 170,000 new infections and 53,000 AIDS-related deaths.

This trial, known as the HVTN 702 trial, builds on the RV144 trial conducted in Thailand in 2003—the only HIV vaccine trial to have shown any efficacy. Unlike the Thai study, which targeted the Clade B strain, South African scientists have tailored the new vaccine to target Clade C, which is the dominant strain in the country.

The vaccine involves a combination of DNA vaccines to stimulate the body’s immune system, followed by protein injections to enhance the response. 

Dr Danielle Crida, senior medical officer at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, said: “We are following by giving a boost at 12 months, so we are hoping that it will be more effective than the Thai vaccine.” Researchers are aiming for an efficacy rate between 50 and 60%.

The trial is being led by the BRILLIANT Consortium, which comprises the South African Medical Research Council, scientists from Wits University, and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. The consortium also includes scientists from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. Its objective is to develop an HIV vaccine tailored for African populations.

In a statement, the South African Medical Research Council said: “The trial is…marking a major milestone in African-led HIV vaccine research. Brilliant 011 brings renewed hope that an HIV vaccine developed through African science, for African populations, is becoming increasingly possible.”

Glenda Grey of Wits University described the trial as a “critical step in the long journey toward an effective HIV vaccine.” She said a successful vaccine would “dramatically reduce new infections and ease the long-term financial and logistical pressures of lifelong treatment.”

The launch of this trial comes amid challenges in South Africa’s healthcare system due to international funding cuts, including reductions from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID. These funding shifts have previously disrupted local prevention and treatment programmes.

“Tonight, I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which we all know is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mabe said .

Morocco hosted WAFCON in both 2022 and 2024 and was scheduled to host it once more in 2026, making it the first country to achieve this feat three consecutive times. Their exit comes just 60 days before the tournament was scheduled to begin. South Africa now has a limited timeframe to prepare for the competition, which is set to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026. 

The event will feature an expanded 16-team format and serve as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. All four semi-finalist teams will earn automatic qualification for the global tournament.

Morocco’s exit linked to AFCON fallout

Although no formal statement has been issued by either the Confederation of African Football (CAF) or Moroccan authorities, Morocco’s withdrawal is widely believed to be related to tensions following the 2025 Men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The men's tournament, hosted by Morocco, ended in a high-stakes final where Senegal defeated the host nation 1–0 in extra time.

The result has reportedly triggered internal pressure within Morocco to step back from hosting CAF competitions in the near term.

CAF sanctions

Following the controversial final, CAF’s Disciplinary Board has imposed a series of sanctions on both the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), citing breaches of the Disciplinary Code. These included violations related to fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials.

The FRMF faced US$315,000 in fines for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys, players and staff interfering in the VAR review area, and the use of lasers by fans, while CAF officially dismissed Morocco's protest to overturn the final result

The FSF also received US$615,000 in fines for the improper conduct of supporters and staff, as well as team cautions; most notably, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was handed a five-match suspension and a US$ 100,000 fine.

The South African government said the decision followed what it described as a “series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice.”

Among the main concerns were claims that official Israeli social media platforms had been used to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa. DIRCO said such actions represented a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and undermined trust between the two countries.

The department also accused Israel of failing to inform South Africa about visits by senior Israeli officials, which it said violated established diplomatic protocol.

Breach of the Vienna Convention

South Africa argued that these actions amounted to a “fundamental breach” of the Vienna Convention, the international framework that governs diplomatic conduct and relations between states. “They have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations,” DIRCO said.

The government stressed that South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its institutions are “inviolable.”

South Africa urged the Israeli government to ensure that future diplomatic engagement respects the Republic’s laws and international principles.

Israel has not yet publicly responded to the decision.

According to IMF projections cited and analysed by The African Exponent , Africa’s ten largest economies in 2026 reflect a mix of resource strength, population size, industrial capacity, and policy direction.

South Africa is projected to remain Africa’s largest economy in 2026, with a nominal GDP of about $401.6 billion. Despite slow growth in recent years, the country continues to benefit from its diversified economy, strong financial sector, and advanced industrial base.

Close behind is Egypt, with an estimated $399.5 billion GDP. Egypt’s rise has been driven by large-scale infrastructure investment, expansion in energy production, and aggressive economic reforms.

As The African Exponent has noted in previous coverage, Egypt’s strategic positioning as a trade and logistics hub linking Africa, the Middle East , and Europe continues to strengthen its economic weight.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is projected to rank third with a GDP of roughly $334.3 billion. Oil and gas still play a central role, but growth in telecommunications, fintech, agriculture, and entertainment has diversified parts of the economy.

However, the African Exponent has consistently pointed out that currency instability, inflation, and policy uncertainty remain key constraints on Nigeria’s full economic potential.

Algeria is expected to rank fourth at $285.0 billion, buoyed largely by hydrocarbons and higher global energy demand. While diversification remains a challenge, state spending and energy exports continue to anchor the economy.

Morocco, at $196.1 billion, rounds out the top five. Its strength lies in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the growing automotive and aerospace industries. The African Exponent frequently highlights Morocco as one of Africa’s most strategically diversified economies.

Kenya and Ethiopia signal East Africa’s growing economic relevance. Kenya has approximately $140.9 billion, driven by services, finance, ICT, and regional trade. Ethiopia is also around $125.7 billion, supported by manufacturing, agriculture, and state-led industrialisation.

Despite debt pressures and foreign exchange shortages, Ethiopia’s long-term growth fundamentals continue to attract attention across African economic commentary.

Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola finalise the list as Ghana sits at $113.5 billion, supported by gold, cocoa, and oil, though fiscal pressures persist. Côte d’Ivoire comes in with $111.5 billion, as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, driven by agriculture and infrastructure. Angola, with $109.9 billion, is heavily dependent on oil but showing gradual signs of reform.

The African Exponent has noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s steady growth contrasts sharply with more volatile commodity-dependent economies, making it one of the continent’s most closely watched performers.

These rankings are based on nominal GDP, not purchasing power or living standards. What this really tells us is where capital, infrastructure, and policy focus are currently concentrated. It also highlights Africa’s continued reliance on a handful of large economies to drive continental growth.

Investigators describe the case as one of the most complex financial crime probes they have handled, with about 95% of the work taking place behind desks rather than on the streets. At the centre of the operation was an elaborate scheme to move money stolen from victims in foreign countries.

Instead of transferring funds directly back to South Africa, investigators say the scammers routed transactions through hundreds, possibly thousands, of bank accounts across multiple jurisdictions.

The money would circulate through a web of accounts and front companies overseas, making it harder for authorities to trace its origins. Only after being filtered through this system would the funds return to South Africa, appearing “clean” and disconnected from the original crime.

Professional networks and front companies

Analysts spent years mapping company ownership, tracking banking flows and identifying connections between suspected scammers and professional intermediaries. Investigators looked at links involving accountants, lawyers, property purchases, luxury vehicles and international travel patterns, all used to disguise the profits of fraud.

The laundering process, sources say, relied heavily on legitimate-looking structures that helped integrate criminal proceeds into the formal economy .

Infiltrating the scam call centres

The case also involved covert intelligence operations. Operatives were deployed to infiltrate call centres allegedly used to run scams targeting people abroad. Once inside, investigators tracked individual agents, their movement through the organisation and their sudden lifestyle upgrades.

“Call centre agents would start with a medium-range saloon,” one source said. “Soon, an expensive SUV followed and top-tier swindlers were buying supercars worth millions.”

Authorities say the luxury spending was often accompanied by high-end property portfolios, champagne lifestyles and lavish displays of wealth. Investigators say the raids were only the final step in an extensive process that combined forensic accounting, cyber analysis and intelligence work over the years.

Instead of smuggling goods or running street operations, investigators say these networks depend on digital fraud, global banking loopholes and professional laundering systems.

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.

South Africa’s presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered that Iran be asked to withdraw from the drills, but reports suggest Iranian ships remained in the area and were even shown as participating in parts of the exercise, the Citizen reports.

The situation has prompted questions about civilian control over the military after the Democratic Alliance (DA) called for an urgent parliamentary debate to clarify whether the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) ignored the president’s instruction. The DA says the apparent defiance, including a now-deleted SANDF statement listing Iranian vessels as active participants, undermines standard military accountability.

A Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says she communicated the president’s order and has appointed a board of inquiry to investigate whether it was ignored or misrepresented by defence officials. The investigation is expected to report back within a week of the drill’s end.

The presence of Iranian ships has also drawn criticism from the United States, whose embassy in Pretoria said reports that Iran participated in the exercises were of “concern and alarm,” warning that including Iranian forces described by some as a destabilising actor could undermine regional security and South Africa’s international reputation.

In Mozambique, authorities reported at least 103 fatalities since late last year as heavy rains inundated central and southern provinces, affecting more than 200,000 people and damaging thousands of homes. In neighbouring South Africa, floods have led to at least 30 deaths in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, prompting the deployment of army helicopters to rescue those stranded on rooftops and evacuate residents, tourists and workers from flooded areas.

Zimbabwe’s disaster management agency has reported around 70 deaths related to the flooding, with more than 1,000 homes destroyed and critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges badly damaged. The combined impact in the three nations illustrates the scale of the crisis and the strain on emergency services already stretched by evacuations and ongoing rescue efforts.

The region’s wet season has been unusually severe, with prolonged downpours saturating soils and swelling river systems, contributing to widespread flooding and power outages. Officials and aid agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant, moving to higher ground where possible and following evacuation orders as further rainfall is forecast.

The floods have also disrupted key economic sectors, including agriculture and tourism , underscoring the wider social and economic challenges that disasters like this can bring to communities and governments across southern Africa.

US officials say the equipment posed a direct national security risk because it relied on American-origin software and technical data, and was intended to strengthen China’s ability to track and counter US submarines in the Pacific.

What is TFASA?  

TFASA is a South Africa–based company founded in 2003 with support from the South African government to promote aviation cooperation with China. It specialises in military flight testing and pilot training, operating facilities in both South Africa and China.

According to its own website, TFASA has trained Chinese military pilots for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standards. US authorities allege the firm went further by recruiting former NATO pilots and transferring restricted operational knowledge to China’s military.

The Justice Department says TFASA “masquerades as a civilian flight-training academy” while acting as a conduit for transferring Western military expertise and technology to the PLA.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg insisted that “The National Security Division will continue to act decisively to preserve the U.S. military’s qualitative edge by preventing U.S. technology from falling into the hands of our adversaries."

What are the mission crew trainers?

The seized MCTs are mobile simulators designed to train air crews in complex missions, particularly anti-submarine warfare. Court documents say the trainers were modelled on the P-8 Poseidon, a Boeing-manufactured aircraft that serves as the US Navy’s primary maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare platform.

The trainers were built to run custom software developed by TFASA under a programme known internally as “Project Elgar.” The software was based on a flight simulation platform developed by a US company and enhanced using defence-related technical data tied to Western anti-submarine warfare aircraft, including the P-8.

US prosecutors say the goal of Project Elgar was to improve the PLA’s ability to locate and track US submarines operating in the Pacific , a core element of American naval strategy.

Why the US intervened

US officials say the transfer violated export control laws designed to prevent sensitive military technology from reaching adversaries.

“This seizure demonstrates the ongoing threat that China and its enablers pose to the national security of the United States,” said Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia. Other officials warned that the alleged activities could endanger US service members by eroding America’s military advantage.

TFASA response

In a statement the TFASA said the containers cited were basic equipment. The statement read in part, “containers in question were basic mobile classroom units and did not comprise or represent any form of tactical simulators, advanced systems, or any classified, sensitive, or mission-specific, tailored military training capabilities; they were limited to non-sensitive, procedural and instructional use, using publicly available and commercially licensed inputs, and were designed as mission crew training (MCT) systems aimed at supporting crew resource management (CRM) functions within maritime patrol aviation environments.”  

Despite warnings that CircumQ is unproven and potentially unsafe, especially for adolescent boys, the provincial government has committed millions of rands to introduce the device in clinics across the coastal region.

This isn’t the first time the KZN health department has faced similar issues. In 2011, it was criticised for using the Tara KLamp , another device that lacked proper clinical trials.

The current controversy centres on a national tender awarded for the CircumQ device, which is now being deployed in KZN clinics. 

In a memo sent to health officials in December 2025, Eugene Khumalo, acting clinical coordinator at Northdale Hospital’s Centre of Excellence, raised "profound alarm", as reported by local news channel Ground Up . He criticised the rollout for happening without consulting the Centre of Excellence, the body responsible for maintaining quality in circumcision services.

Khumalo called the move a "fundamental failure of clinical governance", warning it "recklessly endangers patients" and puts the Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programme at "dire risk".

One major issue is that the CircumQ device needs suturing (stitches), unlike other devices that allow for stitch-free procedures. Experts note that many circumcisions happen at outreach or mobile sites, where stitching isn’t usually done.

Another problem is that no staff had been trained to use CircumQ at the time the order was placed. More than 90 staff are already trained to use the Unicirc device, but Khumalo says introducing CircumQ without training goes against accepted medical protocols.

Meanwhile, Unicirc—the competing supplier—has taken legal action. They argue that CircumQ lacks the peer-reviewed data and WHO prequalification needed for use on boys aged 10 to 14. National Treasury, however, claims that bidders weren’t required to submit scientific data supporting adolescent use.

There are also cost concerns.

Khumalo warned that if the court forces a withdrawal of CircumQ after the rollout, the province could face "catastrophic legal and financial consequences" due to the large financial investment already made.

VMMC has been a key part of efforts to reduce HIV transmission, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 2007. The procedure can lower the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by around 60%, and over 27 million circumcisions have been done in Eastern and Southern Africa. But the WHO clearly states that all circumcision devices must be properly tested for safety and clinically approved.

Globally, South Africa has the highest HIV mortality rate and the second highest HIV prevalence at 17.2%, just behind Eswatini at 23.4%.

“Even if America decides that I should no longer enter America, it’s okay. I will enter Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria — I will enter Africa, my home,” Malema said at a press conference organised by the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party he leads.

Malema also poked fun at American food, saying a trip to the US would only leave him eating “burgers” and getting “fat,” while travelling within Africa offered richer experiences.

He singled out Nigeria’s jollof rice — a West African dish made with rice cooked in tomatoes, peppers and onions — as a better alternative.

“So why must I fight for burgers instead of jollof?” he said. “When you’re in Nigeria, you must taste yourself.”

Hefty visa bonds

The topic Malema was speaking about became more apparent recently when the United States expanded its visa bond policy to 38 additional countries, many of which are in Africa. 

Under the policy, applicants for standard B1/B2 business or tourist visas from designated countries may be required to post a refundable bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000, set at the discretion of consular officers during interviews.

The newly added countries include Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. They join earlier additions such as Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia and others.

The bond does not guarantee visa approval and is returned if an application is denied or if a successful applicant complies with the terms of their stay. US officials say the measure is intended to deter visa overstays and reinforce compliance with immigration rules.

Critics, however, argue that the sums involved create prohibitive financial barriers, effectively pricing out many travellers, entrepreneurs and families from poorer economies. A US$15,000 bond far exceeds average annual incomes in several affected countries, raising concerns that travel to the United States will become inaccessible for many.

The measure forms part of a broader tightening of US visa rules, alongside mandatory in-person interviews and increased scrutiny of applicants’ travel histories and social media activity.

Fake online stores offering heavily discounted products are one of the most common traps. These sites often look legitimate, complete with professional layouts and countdown sales, but disappear once payments are made. Shoppers may only realise they have been scammed when goods never arrive, or their bank accounts are compromised. 

In South Africa, Mongezi Mpahlwa, a partner at law firm Cox Yeats, says the country is already seeing a sharp rise in cyberattacks. South Africa recorded more than 2,300 formally reported data breaches between April 2024 and March 2025, averaging about 200 incidents a month. That number has since climbed, with nearly 2,000 breaches reported from April 2025 to date, close to 300 cases every month.

“These attackers know people are distracted, shopping quickly and sharing payment details more often,” Mpahlwa said. “That makes the festive season a perfect hunting ground,” the Citizen quotes.

Government departments, hospitals, banks, retailers and telecoms companies have all been hit by ransomware attacks, data theft and extortion schemes. In some cases, cybercriminals have stolen massive volumes of sensitive information or disrupted essential services.

The average data breach now costs South African businesses about $2.6 million, while consumers lost more than $53 million in 2023 alone to digital banking and mobile app fraud . Industry figures show total cyber-related losses can reach $175 million a year, with online banking fraud and associated losses rising steeply.

Mpahlwa recommended verifying emails and messages before clicking links, shopping only on trusted websites, avoiding public Wi-Fi for payments, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.

Despite persistent and systemic challenges, 2025 has delivered meaningful victories in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) across the Global South.

Landmark legal reforms, policy shifts, regional coordination, and grassroots wins have shown that sustained advocacy and political pressure continue to yield results.

South Africa

Gender-based Violence elevated to a national emergency

In November 2025, South Africa reached a critical policy milestone when the government formally declared gender-based violence a national disaster .

The immediate catalyst was mass mobilisation in the lead-up to the G20. Women For Change coordinated a nationwide “Women’s Shutdown,” including silent lie-down protests, deliberately timed to coincide with heightened international attention.

The action amplified domestic demands while placing South Africa’s GBV crisis squarely under global scrutiny, increasing political pressure on the state to respond decisively.

This declaration means gender-based violence issues are formally recognised as a cross-government priority. Greater public accountability for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide, which says governments and society that respond to GBV issues have strengthened accountability and bold leadership.

Over one in three women in South Africa have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives, while nearly one in ten have been subjected to sexual violence, figures that translate into millions of women navigating daily life under the persistent threat of harm within their homes and communities.

Brazil:

Strengthened Legal Protections for Survivors

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has signed a new law aimed at strengthening protections for women facing gender-based violence, a response to public anger over record levels of violence and a series of high-profile cases that sparked demonstrations across the country.

The law enhances judicial powers to protect victims by allowing judges to suspend or restrict an alleged abuser’s access to firearms, remove them from the victim’s home and impose no-contact orders. It also requires offenders subject to protective measures to wear ankle monitors, with associated technology to notify victims if the offender approaches.

In addition, the legislation increases maximum sentences for the rape of children under 14 and substantially raises penalties where a child is raped and killed.

Feminist activists have welcomed the measures as positive but have emphasised the need for greater funding for prevention, support services, and broader systemic and cultural change to reduce violence.

Kenya

Historic State Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Violence

In 2025, Kenya marked a historic breakthrough for gender-based violence accountability by issuing its first-ever state compensation to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence linked to the 2007–2008 post-election crisis.

Following a landmark High Court ruling, the government paid a compensation of 16 million Kenyan shillings (approx. USD $124,000) to survivors who had waited more than a decade for recognition and redress, signalling an important, if overdue, acknowledgement of state responsibility.

While the payments covered only part of what survivors are owed and excluded those harmed by non-state actors, the move set a powerful precedent: sexual violence in times of political crisis is a matter of state accountability, not private suffering.

Civil society organisations framed the moment as a partial but critical victory, renewing calls for a comprehensive national reparations framework, full implementation of victim protection laws, and broader compensation for survivors across regions and periods.

India

Expanded survivor support and digital safety measures

In 2025, India strengthened its institutional response to gender-based violence through the nationwide expansion of One-Stop Centres under the Mission Shakti framework. With more than 800 centres now operational across states and union territories, survivors of violence can access medical care, legal aid, psychosocial counselling, police support and temporary shelter through a single, coordinated entry point.

The scale-up reflects sustained advocacy for survivor-centred services that reduce fragmentation and barriers to justice. Fully funded by the central government and implemented at the state level, the centres also benefit from targeted capacity-building for frontline staff to improve case management and survivor care.

While gaps in access and quality remain, the expansion represents a significant structural win for GBV activism, embedding survivor support more firmly within public service delivery across the Global South.

According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Africa’s total GDP in 2024 stands at just under $3 trillion, with these five economies accounting for close to 50% of that figure. Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy, driven by population size, services and energy exports, while South Africa continues to dominate in financial services, manufacturing and capital markets.

Egypt has strengthened its position through infrastructure spending, energy production and strategic control of the Suez Canal, a key artery for global trade that has taken on renewed importance amid ongoing Red Sea shipping disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.

Algeria’s economy is anchored in hydrocarbons, with natural gas exports becoming increasingly significant for Europe as countries seek alternatives to Russian energy supplies following the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia stands out as a non-oil-dependent giant, with growth fueled by agriculture, manufacturing and public investment, despite recent political and security challenges that continue to affect investor confidence.

While Africa is home to more than 1.4 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing populations, many countries remain heavily reliant on commodities , vulnerable to climate shocks, debt pressures and limited industrial capacity.

This imbalance is particularly relevant in 2025 as African leaders push for greater intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Several immigrants told local media that after being denied entry, they were later offered access to the same clinics through backdoor arrangements. In some cases, clinic staff allegedly shared private contact details, offering HIV medication, chronic drugs, baby immunisations and prenatal care in exchange for cash payments.

“As immigrants, we feel vulnerable, because clinic staff and Operation Dudula members are now taking advantage of our desperate need for chronic medication to make money. They should be stopped,” an immigrant is quoted by the Citizen .

Patients described being charged between R200 and R300 (approx. US$10 – 16) for antiretroviral drugs that are meant to be free. Others said they were allowed into clinics but deliberately left unattended, making them vulnerable to extortion by intermediaries who claimed to have connections inside.

South Africa’s health department says it is not aware of organised extortion but has condemned any such actions as illegal. “If this is true, it is un law ful, and we condemn it with the strongest terms it deserves. We request anyone with evidence to share it with the department or law enforcement agencies so they can swiftly investigate,” said Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national health department.

In Ghana, the story begins with a law. The 1999 Export and Import (Prohibition of Importation) Instrument bans the importation of “fire crackers (knock-outs), display shells, artillery shells, ball and canister shells”. That prohibition is backed by enforcement agencies: in a December 2024 press release, the Ghana National Fire Service reminded the public that importing, distributing or selling such fireworks is a criminal offence . Still, come December, multiple markets in Accra and other cities reportedly sell firecrackers openly.

In Tanzania, the legal landscape is similarly strict. According to amendments to the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act (Cap 223), anyone wishing to import, sell or supply fireworks must obtain approval from the Inspector General of Police. Without that approval , such activities are punishable by law. Yet local market surveys suggest that fireworks, often of uncertain origin, appear in private and informal markets during festive times.

In Nigeria, too, certain states enforce bans . For example, the Delta State Police Command has repeatedly issued statements ahead of Christmas and New Year, reminding citizens that the sale, use and display of pyrotechnics, including “knock-outs” and firecrackers, remain prohibited, and warning of arrests for offenders.

South Africa similarly allows fireworks but under strict licensing requirements. Only licensed suppliers can import or sell them, and specific rules govern the types and quantities permitted. Yet illegal fireworks continue to circulate during festive seasons.

So why does the trade continue, despite these laws?

Smuggling across porous borders seems to be the first reason. Firecrackers are light, compact, and easy to conceal in luggage or small cargo. With many busy land and sea entry points, often under-resourced, understaffed, or easily bypassed, illegal shipments find their way in. Once inside, they are rarely intercepted.

Firecrackers are sometimes packaged as “toys,” “party supplies,” or other innocuous goods. Unless customs officers physically inspect each container, an unlikely feat in high-volume ports, the illicit fireworks pass through with minimal scrutiny.

In some cases, licensed importers misuse permits. A license for a small, legal shipment creates a channel through which larger, unapproved shipments can be mixed and smuggled, making enforcement based solely on paperwork ineffective. Officials in Ghana have admitted as much during behind-the-scenes discussions.

Once inside the country, fireworks enter a vast informal economy. Street stalls, open-air markets, commuter stations and roadside kiosks sell packets openly, often in plain sight. Some sellers even operate through social media or messaging apps, offering “home delivery” to evade spot inspections. The trade is seasonal but persistent: every December, new supply flows in to meet demand.

Many families view fireworks as an essential part of celebrations, from Christmas and New Year to weddings and local festivals.

The human cost is serious. Firecrackers contribute to seasonal spikes in burns, eye injuries, house and market fires, and even fatalities. Hospitals report December as one of the busiest months for fire-related injuries. In 2012, a warehouse fire in Lagos killed at least one person and destroyed multiple buildings. Similar incidents occur across Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa.

Most fireworks sold in Africa originate from China, either imported directly or via Middle Eastern re-export hubs.

Agencies tasked with seizing or prosecuting offenders perhaps lack the manpower, resources, or political will to make a lasting dent. In Ghana, for example, holiday-season “task forces” are deployed to arrest illegal firecracker dealers , but every year the same markets reappear, and the same firecrackers fill the streets.

For many ordinary people, fireworks remain a part of celebrations, and demand continues to fuel a shadow trade. For regulators and safety officials, the challenge is enormous: dismantling a network that spans borders, disguises shipments, exploits informal markets, and thrives on festive demand is no small feat.

According to the Home Affairs Department, many passengers arrived without return tickets, accommodation plans or verified departure records, and were told to bring only US dollars and personal essentials. Some were reportedly prevented from carrying luggage. Schreiber said this amounted not only to “systematic abuse” of visa rules but also exploitation of the travellers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier suggested the passengers had been “flushed out of Gaza ,” and intelligence agencies later confirmed that more charter flights were being planned. A Dubai-based broker had requested bulk quotes for additional flights, prompting the government to intervene.

Schreiber said South Africa “will not be complicit in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians,” adding that the visa requirement is meant to stop irregular relocation attempts while still allowing genuine travellers to apply normally.

The Palestinians who recently arrived will still have their cases processed. Those seeking asylum may apply, while those travelling under the old 90-day exemption will retain their status until their permitted stay ends.

Humanitarian group Gift of the Givers has provided temporary support for the travellers, many of whom declined to apply for asylum.

South Africa’s new visa rules take immediate effect, with authorities warning that any future attempts to misuse the system will be rejected.

Judge Millar warned that Zuma’s repeated attempts to relitigate settled issues undermined the principle of equal justice. “It is destructive of the notion that all are equal before the law,” he said . Zuma has 60 days to repay the amount or risk having his presidential pension attached.

At almost the same time in Pietermaritzburg, Zuma appeared before the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in his long-running corruption case linked to the 1999 arms deal. He and French arms company Thales are seeking to have the charges struck off. Zuma’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, argued that trial delays and the deaths of key witnesses had prejudiced his client, insisting that “they cannot be resurrected.”

The state, however, accused Zuma of once again using “Stalingrad” tactics, delaying the case through endless applications rather than confronting the charges.

Zuma also filed a recusal application related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission inquiry, adding to the day’s legal battles.

Speaking in Pretoria, Ramaphosa dismissed suggestions that the alleged US move was causing diplomatic anxiety. “No, I don’t have sleepless nights,” he said. “All we want really is for South Africa to be treated as an equal sovereign country, one that respects others and fosters the success and prosperity of other countries.” His comments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria following the US decision to boycott South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg earlier this year.

The US administration has argued that South Africa should be excluded from the G20’s core work despite its formal membership, citing economic stagnation, corruption and what Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as “race-based policies ” that have undermined investor confidence and pushed skilled workers to leave. Washington has also accused Pretoria of mishandling its G20 presidency by blocking negotiations, ignoring attempts at consensus and prioritising political messaging over economic progress. In parallel, the US announced plans for a “New G20”, inviting Poland to join instead.

In response, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said South Africa will suspend its participation in G20 activities until the presidency rotates to the United Kingdom in 2027. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola added that Pretoria will not lobby for reinclusion, framing the year-long pause as a principled stand against what he called US unilateralism. The dispute is now shaping into a broader geopolitical test, one that could redefine how emerging economies assert their role within global governance structures.

According to court papers, the companies began formal proceedings on August 14, following multiple unsuccessful attempts to recover the outstanding funds . The ANC was formally served with the full court application on August 26 at its headquarters, Luthuli House.

Under South African legal procedure, the party had 10 days, until September 9, to file a notice of intention to defend the lawsuit. However, the applicants allege that the ANC failed to respond within the required timeframe. As a result, they are now seeking judgment under Rule 31(5) of the Uniform Rules of Court, which allows for a default judgment when a respondent does not oppose a claim.

The consortium is demanding R20,878,220.22, plus 11% interest from the date of default, scale C legal costs, and additional relief. While the ANC is said to have paid R50 million (approximately US$2,750,000) of the total contract, it allegedly failed to settle the remaining balance.

In an affidavit, Sisonke Consortium director Mxolisi Tyawa stated that the company fulfilled “all contracted services ” and that the dispute has dragged on for more than 18 months without resolution. “The fallout has now escalated into a full-blown legal confrontation, months ahead of the local government elections next year,” a source familiar with the matter told reporters.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.

In October, the ANC withdrew a court application seeking to unfreeze its bank accounts attached over an R85 million (approximately US$4,675,000) debt to Ezulweni Investments after reaching a last-minute settlement.

The Minister further called on all South Africans to "continue showing the spirit of Ubuntu and hospitality that defines our nation" to make every visitor feel at home.

Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille said, "South Africa is ready to welcome the world this festive season with open arms, warm smiles, and world-class experiences."

Below is the regional breakdown;

African markets recorded the fastest growth, with arrivals from land-based neighbouring countries rising by 26.7%, while air arrivals from the continent increased by 28%, driven largely by strong demand from the DRC (+58%), Nigeria (+42%) and Kenya (+27%). Tourism officials say improved airline connections and streamlined visa processes have played a key role in boosting regional travel.

Arrivals from Europe rose by 29%, with the UK (+35%) and Germany (+31%) contributing most to the gains. North America recorded a 22% increase, largely due to an increase from Canada (+47%) and steady growth from the United States (+18%).

Asia posted 11% growth, while arrivals from the Middle East increased by 58%, making it one of the fastest-growing markets. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the broad-based growth indicated a “renewed confidence in South Africa as a destination” and stronger collaboration across the tourism sector.

Key tourist centres often visited by tourists include Cape Town’s Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Boulders Beach, Kruger National Park for safaris and Johannesburg’s historical museums.

Among the 17 men reportedly recruited, eight were family members. Authorities say the men, aged between 20 and 39, left South Africa under false pretences, believing they would get “bodyguard training” or other employment . In reality, distress calls received by South African authorities indicate they found themselves on the frontlines.

South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, The Hawks, has opened a criminal investigation into the allegations. The charges under consideration include human trafficking, fraud, and violations of the foreign-military-assistance law.

Her half-sister formally filed the complaint, saying she felt a “moral obligation” to act, especially after learning some of the men were close relatives.

On November 28, 2025, MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, announced that Zuma-Sambudla had stepped down from her parliamentary seat, effective immediately. Party officials described the resignation as voluntary and not an admission of guilt. The party also pledged to support the families of the affected men and assist in efforts to repatriate them safely.

If proven, the case marks one of the most serious mercenary-recruitment scandals involving foreign nationals and raises new concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

October delivered 927,426 arrivals, a 32% jump compared to October 2024, making it one of the strongest months since before the pandemic. September also recorded a 26.9% increase, underscoring steady momentum.

Officials say the gains are the result of improved ease of travel, growing international air connectivity and new tourism products. De Lille also commended that the country’s 1.8 million tourism workers, calling them essential to the sector’s resilience and service quality.

“We are now in a period of sustained growth,” De Lille said. “South Africa is becoming more competitive, and visitors are responding.”

With the festive season approaching, the South African officials say the sector is preparing for what could be a record-breaking close to the year.

In correspondence shared by the party, Pillay wrote, “The Public Protector has considered your submissions and will proceed to investigate your allegations in connection with abuse of power and/or improper conduct.”

MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the investigation was critical to “restoring credibility to the highest office,” adding that no president should be “placed above the law .”

The complaint draws on long-standing controversies surrounding Ramaphosa’s presidency, including the Phala Phala foreign currency scandal and what the party describes as the weakening of oversight institutions.

Ramaphosa has previously been cleared of separate ethics violations. In April, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka dismissed a complaint lodged by opposition leader John Steenhuisen, who argued that the president blurred party-state lines at an ANC event.

The new store is managed by an African national and employs over 80 staff members. The opening drew significant interest, with more than a hundred shoppers lining up for hours to access deals during the Black Friday weekend.

"I'm actually here for a specific product that you can't really get in South Africa… It's a children's toy, Labubu," shopper Refilwe Mabale told Reuters .

In addition to a wide range of popular international products, including Labubu dolls, the store also offers a sixty-minute online delivery service for customers within a five-kilometre radius. This service introduces direct competition with Checkers' Sixty60 platform, operated by Shoprite, South Africa’s leading grocery retailer.

“Opening this first Walmart store in South Africa is about much more than a business milestone; it is a commitment to helping customers save money and live better by consistently delivering the lowest total cost for the basket of products they need,” said Andrea Albright, executive vice president and chief growth officer for Walmart.

Globally, Walmart serves approximately 270 million customers each week across more than 10,750 physical stores and multiple eCommerce platforms in 19 countries. In fiscal year 2025, the company reported revenue of $681 billion and employs around 2.1 million associates worldwide.

The LHWP, launched in 1986, supplies South Africa with an average of 780 million cubic metres of water each year, helping meet demand in the water-stressed Gauteng region.

The project has also created major economic activity inside Lesotho. More than 10,000 jobs were generated in Phase IA, nearly 9,000 in Phase IB and 16,165 in the ongoing Phase II, with most positions filled by Basotho nationals. The scheme has supported skills training and youth employment initiatives.

A total of 695 households have been resettled across the first two phases, with 296 more earmarked for relocation under Phase II. Compensation payouts now total M628 million.