The City of Gold, South Africa’s largest metropolis
Johannesburg officials have been seeking a private partner to fix a long-closed public pool in Windsor West as Alexandria Zille highlights long-running neglect of city services. A pothole video previously attracted attention, and authorities say there are plans to partner with the private sector to rehabilitate the pool.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused a supply crunch, raising fuel prices worldwide. France reports internal logistical issues, while South Africa and Morocco face supply disruptions due to regional tensions and reliance on imports. Governments are implementing support measures to mitigate economic impacts.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe has been fined and ordered to leave South Africa after pleading guilty to pointing a toy gun and illegal entry. His cousin Tobias Matonhodze has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and related charges; he faces three years in prison and will be deported after serving. The case centers on a February shooting at a Hyde Park residence and ongoing questions over a missing firearm.
Anti-immigrant groups have organised protests in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, urging stricter immigration enforcement and denouncing undocumented migrants. Demonstrations have disrupted commerce, drawn in political parties, and prompted police to monitor for violence and vigilantism.
An outbreak on the MV Hondius has claimed three lives and left several others ill. WHO and national health ministries confirm confirmed and suspected cases as the ship travels from Argentina to Cape Verde, with evacuations under discussion and ongoing laboratory work.
Human rights groups warn of a new wave of xenophobic violence as anti-immigration movements organise protests across major cities, with vigilante actions and calls for foreigners to leave by a set date. Attacks have been reported against migrants and foreign-owned businesses, prompting court actions and concerns about state protection.
Sabrina Ionescu has been cleared to debut this season after an ankle issue, returning with a minutes restriction as the New York Liberty host the Dallas Wings. Sabally has been ramping up after a cyst and is expected to play around 20 minutes, with Carrera and Fiebich nearing debuts as New York aims to rebound from a recent skid.
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.
Ant-immigrant groups have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave. Police warn peaceful protests but will arrest any violence; migrants seek shelter and repatriation as tensions rise. Government says it will enforce laws and protect public safety amid longer-running immigration debates.
A consortium of articles explores evolving mental health awareness, parental roles, and economic uncertainties shaping public sentiment. The pieces collectively note rising interest in wellbeing, fatherhood dynamics, and fertility decisions amid shifting social norms.
The United States has begun a phased drawdown of PEPFAR in South Africa, citing policy disagreements and a belief that South Africa can sustain its HIV programs. Pretoria says it will continue treatment with domestic funding, while UN meetings seek clarity on future donor support.
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.
Protein analysis of Homo naledi teeth from Rising Star Cave shows AMELX presence without AMELY, indicating all known remains are female. The finding suggests deliberate, female-led burial practices within Rising Star and raises questions about social structure among this extinct species.