South African anti-apartheid icon and statesman
Two interviews reveal shifting dynamics in public discourse: a renowned comedian discusses his career, while a broadcaster’s tone hints at evolving industry norms. The conversations highlight personal storytelling, audience expectations, and resilience in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Amid court cases and protests, Imran Khan’s party faces renewed scrutiny. Amnesty International and UN bodies have raised concerns over prolonged detention and access to legal counsel, as Khan and his wife face years in prison on multiple charges. Meanwhile, a Pakistani politician’s arrest and UK bail conditions amplify cross-border tensions.
As South Africa marks the 70th anniversary of the 1956 march for women’s rights, officials say gains in representation have not translated into security or economic equality. The day highlights ongoing gender-based violence and inequality, with data showing rising violence against women and continued gaps between political progress and daily realities.
A look at how streaming and new platforms are reshaping the careers and memory of a BAFTA-winning director, with reflections from collaborators and a peek at archival material and upcoming releases.
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.
Survivors and descendants of Sharpeville victims push in Gauteng High Court to repeal the Indemnity Act of 1961, seeking civil and criminal redress for killings during protests. The case follows decades of struggle and new legal challenges.
The Tooro Kingdom mourns King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who has died aged 34 in the US after cancer. The nine-day royal mourning is under way as the search for a successor continues amid public dispute and questions over an heir. The royal committee and elders are navigating succession customs while Ugandan authorities prepare for the burial.
The Tooro kingdom in western Uganda has been without a settled monarch since King Oyo has died of cancer. Clan elders have named Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a television anchor, as the new king. The late king's immediate family — led by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale — has said a 2022 will names an undisclosed young son as heir and has rejected the elders' choice, raising the prospect of court action and prolonged division.
The US has announced visa restrictions for foreign nationals it finds responsible for or complicit in race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures or incitement of violence against minority groups in South Africa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the measures respond to concerns about land-expropriation laws, affirmative-action policies and violent rhetoric; Pretoria has rejected the allegations.
Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo has been crowned as king of Tooro, Uganda, after a contested selection by the Babiito clan. The ceremony followed the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose heir remains publicly unconfirmed. Queen Best Kemigisa disputes the process, citing a will and an unrevealed heir. The coronation amplifies tensions within Tooro’s royal family and broader Ugandan society.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2026 Peace Prize to South African jurist Navi Pillay for her decades-long work enforcing international law, including leadership at the Rwanda tribunal, service on multiple international courts and chairing a UN inquiry that concluded Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Pillay received the news while attending a legal forum in Nuremberg.
The European Parliament has awarded its 2026 Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court as the Hague tribunal has faced sweeping US financial sanctions announced in October. The EU and many member states have pledged support; the ICC and UN officials have condemned the US measures, while Israel and the Trump administration have welcomed them.
Glasgow unveils a new statue of Nelson Mandela in Nelson Mandela Place, honouring his struggle against apartheid and symbolising solidarity with South Africa. The event recalls Mandela’s 1993 Glasgow visit and the city’s long history of anti-apartheid support.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
The Nobel Peace Prize has sparked political backlash as President Trump has criticized the decision, calling it a stain on Norway and insisting the United States deserved the award. Pillay’s win is framed within broader disputes over the court and international law, with commentary from Nobel officials and U.S. officials.
The European Parliament has named the Netherlands-based International Criminal Court among three finalists for the Sakharov Prize, amid US sanctions aimed at crippling its day-to-day operations. The prize honors defenders of human rights; winners are expected to be announced in December alongside discussions on the ICC’s future independence and safety of its officials.
South Africa's municipal elections have produced the ANC's worst local result since 1994: the party has won about 31% of the national vote while the Democratic Alliance has taken roughly 24–25% and Jacob Zuma's MK party about 9–10%. Turnout has risen to about 54–55%. Several major metros, including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, are heading for coalition talks.
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to collude with foreign forces under the citys national security law. He had already been serving a separate national-security term and had been due for release in January 2027; the new sentence will extend his detention.