Public research university formed in 2004 from a merger, with five campuses in KwaZulu-Natal
El Niño has strengthened, with forecasters warning it will be among the strongest on record. Regions across Africa, South Asia, and the Americas face droughts, floods, and rising food prices as climate impacts intensify. Aid groups warn that vulnerable communities and smallholder farmers will bear the brunt as aid budgets tighten.
A wave of xenophobic protests in South Africa has intensified, targeting undocumented migrants and fueling violence, looting, and displacement. Governments are coordinating repatriation, while discussions on formal migration policy and regional dialogue are accelerating ahead of local elections.
Xenophobic violence and discriminatory rhetoric have dominated the Durban summit discussions as regional leaders address the crisis. South Africa’s president has apologized for violence against foreign nationals, while Mozambican and other regional leaders press for accountability and faster regional integration.
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.