Republic of South Africa: a nine-province democracy on Africa’s southern tip
Protests over water shortages and cost‑of‑living pressures have escalated in Mauritius after a police officer has shot and wounded a woman. Demonstrators have burnt tyres, blocked roads and attacked public infrastructure, prompting curfews, school closures and arrests; the officer has been arrested and remanded while authorities have mobilised security forces.
The Green Party has passed a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and endorsing a Palestinian state. The vote has drawn condemnation from Israel and Jewish groups, while triggering internal divisions and prompting debates about the party’s future direction.
Green Party debate over a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism has sparked leadership scrutiny as by-elections test party unity. Zack Polanski did not vote, prompting criticism from former leaders and calls for accountability. UK political debate continues as party members push for clarity on policy and leadership responsibility.
Shai Hope lashes 100 in a high-scoring T20 amid a West Indies chase that stuns India; Sherfane Rutherford supported with a late flourish as West Indies win in Ranchi and set up a deciding match.
England has named a near-full-strength white-ball squad for the ODI leg against Australia, with 18-year-old Thomas Rew and 21-year-old Eddie Jack earning debuts. Jofra Archer returns while Jos Buttler remains sidelined by hamstring injury. The squad will warm up for a five-match T20 series and a three-Test tour of South Africa.
Uganda reports HIV prevalence stable at 5.9% with 1.496 million adults living with HIV; 85.3% know their status, 99.1% on treatment, 96.5% virally suppressed. In MENA, lenacapavir's global rollout shows affordability gaps and uneven access; six generic manufacturers will produce cheaper versions, but many countries remain excluded, raising concerns over reach of the prevention option.
A growing coalition of people affected by extreme weather has formed Extreme Weather Survivors, a nationwide network that offers guidance and emotional support while lobbying lawmakers as climate disasters intensify.
Gorilla populations around Bwindi and Mgahinga have risen, and communities are benefiting from tourism and conservation efforts. World Gorilla Day celebrations highlight these gains alongside ongoing habitat pressures and the need for sustainable community involvement.
Saracens' director of rugby Brendan Venter has resumed a central role amid questions over his day-to-day responsibilities and media commitments after a recent sanction tied to a pre-season media absence.
Undocumented migrants in South Africa have faced intensified pressure amid anti-immigrant protests and a looming deadline to leave. Diaspora returnees are arriving home amid job scarcity and limited social support, while authorities say they are screening returnees for needs. Protests and diplomatic tensions continue as elections approach, with communities seeking safety and stability.
Botswana has authorised the hunting of 23 elephants and other wildlife to supply meat for Independence Day celebrations, a move critics say risks conservation and public health amid concerns over fair meat distribution and foot-and-mouth disease. Authorities say proceeds support communities and conservation, while residents express unease.
Relatives of miners at North Mara accuse the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) of negligence in re-certifying a refinery that processed gold from the North Mara mine, linked to alleged abuses. The case could redefine the responsibilities of London’s Good Delivery system and spur wider accountability in the global gold supply chain.
Eduardo Bolsonaro has been ordered to begin serving a four-year prison sentence for lobbying the Trump administration, with his passport canceled. The ruling comes weeks before Brazil’s presidential runoff between Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro. Analysts say the case intensifies the political clash between Brazil’s rival camps as foreign pressure and legal battles shape the race.
Gina Saarberg has won the Golden Spurtle at the World Porridge Making Championship in Carrbridge, using the same Dutch-championship-winning recipe of organic pinhead oats, water and salt. Rob Reid takes the speciality prize with a cannoli-porridge creation. Thirty competitors from 14 countries competed in the event.
Civil conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has intensified since 2023, displacing millions and triggering a global call for ceasefires. New UN-backed resolutions and aid deliveries confront ongoing violence and threats to civilians.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed seven nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics: Qatar, India (Ahmedabad), South Africa, Germany (Munich), Hungary, Turkiye (Istanbul) and South Korea. The IOC has set an Oct. 31 deadline for other entries, will assess feasibility by March 2027 and expects a final host vote in 2029.
As Prime Big Deal Days unfolds, discounting on whiskies and wines is expanding beyond tech, drawing shoppers to a curated set of global brands. Independent highlights Nomad Outland, Paul John Brilliance, McConnell’s, Glen Garioch 12-year-old, Aber Falls, and Auchentoshan American Oak as standout bargains while Whispering Angel helps unlock renewed interest in rosé.
Khawaja has confirmed he will publish an autobiography, released days after Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Cummins says he has moved on and notes investigators found no other players involved; Khawaja’s book will address events from that era.
Violent clashes erupt in Soweto and Durban as protests over the Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications intensify. Police report vehicles torched and shops looted; authorities warn against false claims about the ruling while pledging to expand refugee processing capacity.
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.
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.
Australia has built a commanding position in Durban after Nic Maddinson’s recall failed to fire, while a monumental century from Renshaw aided a marathon 390 all out. South Africa face a long chase on day two, with Markram and Lyon offering stubborn resistance.
Uganda and broader Africa are urged to integrate menstrual health with mental wellbeing in school policies. Studies show socio-cultural norms shape recognition of distress, while calls grow for WASH facilities, education, and supportive environments. Activists press governments to fund and monitor implementations as teenage pregnancy and stigma persist.
Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya has resigned as a disciplinary hearing begins. SAPS says the departure is a dishonourable discharge because the officer was under investigation. He remains in custody on charges including rape, sexual grooming of a minor and human trafficking, with bail pending as a public inquiry probes police corruption and links to criminals.
Joseph Kabila has launched the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), a politico-military movement uniting former AFC/M23 leaders to oppose Felix Tshisekedi’s government. The alliance vows to end tyranny by any means, including force, as fighting continues in eastern DR Congo. Deputies include M23’s Sultani Makenga; Kabila is to lead the FRN from Goma.
Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal to host the African Grand Prix in the Bugesera region near Kigali from the early 2030s. A purpose-built circuit will use Rwanda’s landscapes for a dramatic track, with Laurent Domenicali stating the move will bring jobs, tourism and investment, while critics warn of sportswashing and human-rights concerns.
Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a six-wicket haul by Josh Hazlewood, who dismissed six South African batsmen as the hosts folded for 206. Steve Smith has cleared concussion protocols to return to field.
Disney+ will stream the Super Bowl LXI broadcast via ESPN/ABC in the US and in more than 55 international markets. The US will see Disney+ carry the same ESPN/ABC feed, with ESPN Deportes available in the US for Spanish-language coverage. Two Monday Night Football games will also be streamed this season.