The Republic of South Africa — nine provinces, coastline, and a complex, evolving democracy.
South Korea has not decided on any deployment to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Officials say options include a maritime patrol aircraft, a naval ship, and an explosive ordnance disposal team, with parliamentary approval and domestic legal steps required.
Carlos Queiroz has been re-appointed head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, returning to lead the team for the next phase of its programme. He takes charge after a period of upheaval, aiming to guide Ghana into Afcon qualification and beyond.
A collage of Fringe reviews from The Guardian, The Scotsman and others highlights fresh stand-up and theatre, with praise for vulnerability, witty critique and strong stagecraft across Edinburgh venues. The works range from intimate autobiographical pieces to boundary-pushing comedies.
Scotland stars are moving between clubs in the Top 14 as the season begins. Blair Kinghorn, Huw Jones, Adam Hastings and others are swapping teams, with changes to goal-kicking time and substitutions. Scotland’s exits and new signings shape this season’s landscape.
Smriti Mandhana has become the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket after a 124-run century for India against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup, lifting India to 193-5 before dismissing Hong Kong for 56 and sealing a 137-run victory. Raj calls her a legend and role model; Mandhana’s 18th international century surpasses Meg Lanning’s 17.
Forecasters have confirmed a very strong El Niño that has pushed Pacific sea-surface temperatures well beyond historical thresholds and is already altering global weather. The Met Office says the event is unprecedented in modern records; governments in Central and South America have declared alerts as droughts and extreme heat are damaging crops and water supplies now and into 2027.
Australia has leveled the two-Test series against Bangladesh with an innings-and-51-run win in Mackay, powered by Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket haul. The result follows a shock Darwin defeat and shifts momentum as Australia’s bowlers dominate, while the batting remains a work in progress.
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.
Munster's Jack Crowley is not expected to return from injury until the new year, affecting their URC opener against Glasgow Warriors. Will Harrison’s knee issue compounds fly-half concerns, leaving JJ Hanrahan, Tom Wood and Charlie O’Shea to share out-half duties while Ireland and club medical staff manage the squad around fresh returns.
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.
A new book on the okapi traces its discovery, its unique biology, and the colonial dynamics that shaped Western knowledge of the animal. It highlights how African trackers and Indigenous knowledge were essential to locating and understanding the okapi, which is the Congo Basin’s striking biodiversity link to the giraffe.
Montreal's City Council has passed a watered-down motion expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and civilian victims, while removing calls to sever ties with Israel and denounce apartheid. The amended motion backs international law and calls on federal and provincial governments to lead diplomacy, amid ongoing debates and protests.
South Africa is experiencing intensified xenophobic protests and a large-scale migrant repatriation, with political and diplomatic tensions rising as regional governance faces scrutiny. The protests, repatriations, and international responses are shaping the country’s stability amid upcoming local elections.
New England faces a costly invasive-crab crisis. Scientists, fishermen and startups are turning soft-shell European green crabs into marketable products—from premium meats to pet treats and whiskey. Despite climate-driven spread and decades of grassroots work, supply and infrastructure hurdles limit harvests and market reach.
LIV Golf has announced staff reductions as it seeks a new lead investor to fund a revamped LIV 2.0 after Saudi PIF ends its backing. The move follows the 2026 season’s end and a canceled Detroit finale, with a timetable that hinges on securing capital and obtaining player buy-in.
South Africa has arrested a 50-year-old Thai national at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for attempting to smuggle parrot eggs in a homemade incubator bag. Investigations indicate the eggs belong to CITES-listed parrot species. A second Thai national was arrested in July for attempting to smuggle 418 eggs. Authorities say these seizures highlight a coordinated, intelligence-led effort to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks.
Six Frankfurt Airport employees have contracted malaria since early July; two have died and four are recovering in hospital. Officials have placed mosquito traps and sent captured insects to Antwerp for genetic testing. Authorities say the infections have been linked to Anopheles mosquitoes likely transported on aircraft; they say the public risk is low.
The England cricket team faces a fresh wave of scrutiny after Brydon Carse’s Derby incident prompts an investigation by Derbyshire police and the Cricket Regulator. Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Pakistan Test, with Joe Root expressing frustration about recurring alcohol-related issues within the team.
Rescue teams have recovered hundreds of bodies after torrential floods and a suspected earthquake-triggered mudslide along the Bhotekoshi and Lhende Khola rivers. Authorities warn of a potential second flood as relief operations expand with international help.
The Western Cape High Court is hearing Ramaphosa’s request to set aside the 2022 Ngcobo panel report. The panel found prima facie evidence of potential constitutional and legal violations in the handling of the cash theft at his Limpopo farm. The National Assembly’s impeachment process and related court actions are ongoing.
Massive floods across Nepal and Tibet have killed dozens and left hundreds missing. Rescue efforts are underway, with thousands of troops deployed and international aid flowing in as authorities warn of continuing danger from dammed lakes and downstream river surges.
Security forces are conducting a coordinated rescue operation after mass abductions in Niger State. Reports indicate hundreds of victims and rising kidnap-for-ransom incidents; authorities vow to pursue those responsible.
The Nigeria Football Federation has seen its president, general secretary, and executive committee resign amid governance and funds scrutiny, as the government orders reforms. The moves follow the teams’ recent poor performances and World Cup qualification failures, prompting an emergency congress and potential normalization oversight.
Gap has announced Michael Francis will become chief executive officer of Old Navy on November 2, replacing Haio Barbeito. Francis, a 26-year veteran of Target and 10 years at Walmart, currently serves as chief customer officer and head of marketing. Gap reports a mixed fiscal second quarter, with earnings beating expectations but revenue lagging, while Old Navy faces a sales slowdown and is the focus of leadership change.
Cambodian authorities say they have eradicated large-scale online scam operations and tightened cyber laws after a sweeping crackdown that detained thousands and shut many compounds. Critics warn that fraud networks persist and recruitment continues, highlighting doubts about the scope of the success.
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.
A head-on collision between a mining truck and a minibus near Chivhu, Zimbabwe, has killed at least 23 people on scene, with the death toll rising as victims succumb to injuries. Authorities have declared a State of Disaster to coordinate relief and identify the deceased.
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.
Global grain markets have tightened as attacks on Black Sea grain terminals persist and port disruptions limit exports from Russia and Ukraine. Futures have risen, and importers like Egypt and Indonesia are scrambling to secure supplies amid higher costs.
Ben Stokes has joined the Adelaide Strikers for BBL16 after retiring from international cricket this year. He is available for the full tournament and is expected to earn around AU$500,000. Tim Paine praises the all-rounder as a key addition to the Strikers’ title bid.
American Airlines is expanding premium travel on its Boeing 777-300ERs, retrofitting 20 jets to boost capacity for premium seats. The move widens its gap with Delta and United as more high-spending travelers buoy premium revenue. Lounges and other premium offerings are also under consideration to lock in customers.
Maro Itoje has taken a break from England’s Nations Championship fixtures to recover mentally and physically. He has rested during July and is back at Saracens with a full pre-season ahead as England prepare for four Tests in November and a Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.
Uber has winded down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda after a thorough review, effective September 2, 2026. The move comes as part of a global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs. The company remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa but is refocusing investments on growth, automation and markets with stronger opportunities.
Survivors and descendants have filed in Gauteng High Court to repeal the Indemnity Act of 1961, aiming to overturn the law that shielded apartheid-era perpetrators from prosecution. The move follows the Sharpeville massacre’s enduring impact on the anti-apartheid struggle.