South Africa's economic engine and most populous province
The Western Cape and surrounding regions are facing a continued severe weather event with multiple Orange Warning levels for disruptive rainfall, possible floods, and damaging winds. Schools have already closed and transport services paused as much of the country tracks an advancing cut-off low and associated heavy rain through Tuesday.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Ghana has been evacuating its nationals from South Africa amid renewed anti-migrant protests and xenophobia. The government has started voluntary repatriation, with initial flights organized from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport and more departures planned as authorities screen and register volunteers.
Twelve people have been shot dead and nine wounded after more than 10 armed men entered the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, shortly after 11pm on Tuesday. Police have launched a manhunt after the attackers were dropped off and later fled in a white Toyota Quantum; investigators are treating motive as under investigation, with illegal mining links suspected.
The Independent and AP News report that South Africa has opened nine prison arts-and-crafts galleries since 2023 to aid rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. At Leeuwkop Correctional Facility, 34 inmates’ artworks illustrate culture, memory and personal transformation. Inmates say art provides peace; officials argue such programs help inmates prepare for release. Recidivism estimates range up to 95%, and the program is part of broader efforts to address overcrowding and violence.
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 Gauteng province leader of the March and March movement, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, has died after being shot outside his Greenfields home on 4 July. The movement, which has staged anti-immigrant protests, says threats and intimidation have followed leaders; police have formed a multidisciplinary team to probe the murder. Protests are set to continue as the movement demands migrants leave the country.
Migrants in South Africa face intensified violence and displacement amid anti-immigrant protests. The ICC has received a petition seeking a preliminary examination into xenophobic attacks, while regional bodies and governments urge action and emphasize domestic legal channels. As thousands depart, questions rise about accountability and the root causes of migration.