Johannesburg in the headlines again as SA battles pool debris, power debts to Eskom, and urban crisis—Africa’s fastest-growing city, aka The City of Gold.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 550 soldiers across five provinces to combat organized crime, gang violence, and illegal mining. The move follows rising homicide rates and public concern, marking a significant escalation in efforts to restore law and order in South Africa. The deployment is set to last until March 2027.
Several legal proceedings are ongoing: a South African case involving a shooting at Mugabe's residence, a UK protest trial over police conditions, and a Ghanaian footballer facing rape charges. These cases highlight issues of violence, protest rights, and legal accountability today.
Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, numerous flights have been diverted or turned back mid-flight, including dozens of 'flights to nowhere.' Dubai International Airport experienced a drone strike that caused temporary closures and diversions, impacting thousands of travelers worldwide. Flights are gradually resuming amid ongoing security concerns.
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.
A wave of xenophobic protests in South Africa targets foreign nationals, triggering government repatriation efforts and cross-border tensions. Nigeria and other nations have signalled retaliatory measures or voluntary repatriations as Mozambicans, Ghanians and other migrants seek safety. The situation has intensified as authorities pledge to crack down on violence and communities stage shelter and repatriation efforts.