Legislative capital of South Africa; oldest city and seat of Parliament
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91 in Germany after a short illness. A pioneering force in South African jazz, Ibrahim had a career spanning seven decades and helped fuse local traditions with international styles. He devotionalised Mannenberg as an anti-apartheid anthem and performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.
Canada has launched a C$3.2 billion plan over ten years to increase competition in the grocery sector, expand domestic processing, and boost year-round fruit and vegetable production in response to high grocery prices.
Jacka has transformed her family garden in Noordhoek, Cape Town, into a working vineyard, planting about 1,400 vines. Four years pass before a debut harvest earns critical praise, turning a labor of love into a respected craft. Critics call it a triumph of craft over scale, while her journey is marked by pandemic disruption and a horse named Spirit challenging the vines.
Zimbabwe has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for a 50MW solar plant powered by private developers and backed by an open-access regime. The deal aims to improve electricity security and attract investment while supporting industrial consumers.
South Africa is mobilising police resources ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for foreigners to leave the country. Officials say protests will be monitored for safety, with a focus on peaceful demonstration and enforcement against violence and criminality.
Labor deputy leader pushes for election-specific duties on major platforms to counter misinformation and foreign interference. She wants a digital code of practice and framework during elections, with the Electoral Commission collaborating with Ofcom and platforms. Critics say the move aims to protect democracy by ensuring informed choices amid opaque algorithms. The issue comes as ministers flagged concerns over platform responsibility.
South Africa has processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation after sustained anti‑migrant protests and door‑to‑door searches. Thousands have fled to temporary centres such as Musina and Lindela; Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and others have arranged buses and flights. Governments and NGOs are warning of overcrowding, poor conditions and rising diplomatic tensions.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has been found dead at a home in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood. Police have opened an inquest and are investigating; authorities have not released a cause of death. Adams had played in South Africa's three World Cup group matches and had helped the nation reach the knockout stage for the first time.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns that child health outcomes across 12 indicators have worsened or stalled in England. The report highlights persistent inequality, with deprivation and ethnicity shaping outcomes. Officials urge explicit targets, better data and long-term investment to improve child health and reduce disparities.
Amazon has announced its first satellite internet agreement on the African continent, partnering with South Africa’s Herotel to launch a new service in a country of about 62 million people. The deal underscores a broader push into Africa, with Amazon Leo aiming to expand across the continent and to collaborate with Vanu Inc. The move comes amid public criticism from Elon Musk regarding South Africa’s regulatory environment.
Airborne radioactive events inside Koeberg during steam generator inspections have triggered safety alarms but remained contained within the plant’s containment and ventilation systems. The National Nuclear Regulator says there is no danger to the public and the plant remains on schedule with Unit 2 maintenance. Eskom highlights defence-in-depth and no environmental release.
Lesotho’s Afriski Mountain Resort, perched at 3,200 metres in the Maluti Mountains, is Africa’s only full-scale ski area. It relies on artificial snow to stay open through winter, drawing mainly South African visitors and contributing about 7% to Lesotho’s GDP as ski tourism expands in southern Africa.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
Scientists say humpbacks have rebounded since the 1986 global ban, with a record group of about 299 seen off South Africa. The recovery follows the whaling moratorium, but threats like entanglement and shipping remain; new risks are emerging around Africa amid regional conflicts and security shifts in global trade routes.
Waters near wastewater plants release DNA that carries resistance genes, enabling bacteria to acquire resistance even after treatment. New South Africa study shows extracellular DNA persists and can transfer resistance, suggesting advanced treatments are needed.
Protests against foreign nationals in South Africa have intensified, prompting mass departures of foreigners and straining diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries. Nigerian citizens are evacuating, and Nigeria has removed Tyla’s Lagos date amid backlash over xenophobic sentiment.
Eight families living in the Luyolo Community Centre hall have been moved to a temporary relocation area in Mfuleni after years of eviction battles and poor conditions. City of Cape Town confirms ongoing housing checks and talks on electricity connection, while urging immediate repairs and security during renovations.
South African swimmer Chad le Clos says a blaze gutted his Cape Town apartment block on 30 July as he was competing in Glasgow, while he has won a Commonwealth bronze and vows to help affected neighbours through his foundation.
The bid to host WorldPride 2032 is led by Pride in London, Outernet London and UK Black Pride, with City Hall backing. A logo-design competition will go alongside a global photo mosaic to tell Pride’s story, inviting contributions from queer communities worldwide.
Former two-division world boxing champion Zolani "Last Born" Tete has been shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Police have arrested four suspects aged 22–28; a 22-year-old has been charged with murder and attempted murder. A 27-year-old woman who was with Tete has been hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Fossils and fossils trade are under renewed scrutiny as calls grow for legal protection of fossil finds and tighter controls on collecting, after reports of high-profile sales and ongoing debates about national-treasure status. Museums and collectors are pushing for changes while UK rules lag behind market realities.
A gun attack has struck an outdoor techno event in Aarau, Switzerland, in the early hours of Sunday, killing a woman in her 20s and wounding others. Police have launched a large-scale manhunt, cordoned off wide areas and appealed for images and footage as investigators analyse cartridge evidence and video. Security has been increased across cantons.
Roger Federer has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport after a storied career that included 20 Grand Slam titles. In the run-up, he has performed exhibition matches in New York, signaling a lasting legacy beyond competition and underscoring his impact on fans and the sport.
Gap has named Michael Francis as the new chief executive officer of Old Navy, effective November 2, succeeding Haio Barbeito who will become an adviser. The appointment follows a second-quarter report showing slower overall sales and a push to revive Old Navy’s performance while maintaining the broader company strategy.
El Niño is strengthening and is likely the strongest in modern records. Forecasts foresee hotter global temperatures, worsened heatwaves, floods and droughts across regions as climate warming interacts with the natural cycle.
Mass sardine mortality along South Africa’s west and south coasts is the highest yet. The environment department has identified pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) as the leading explanation, while noting no risk to human health. Investigations continue as Koeberg Nuclear Power Station reports a seawater intake clog caused by dead fish.
Airlink has conducted a low-altitude flyby over Cape Town Stadium before a rugby match, with authorities saying it complied with safety limits, while experts warn of risk and potential precedent for future stunts. The event has drawn global attention and sparked debate about aviation safety.
The SACAA has obtained flight data and is reviewing whether safety concerns from the recent Cape Town stadium flyover require further action. Airlink has withdrawn its Sept. 1 flyover because weather conditions were forecast to be unsafe. Authorities say a full report with recommendations will be issued after the assessment.
Survivors and families of Sharpeville massacre victims are pushing to repeal the Indemnity Act of 1961, seeking civil and criminal redress for killings during protests. A Gauteng High Court case aims to overturn the law and certify a class action. The effort follows decades of struggle and new legal challenges.