South African lawmakers demanded contractor blacklisting after discovering abandoned water infrastructure valued at R42 million in Free State's Nketoana Local Municipality. National Council of Provinces chair Bheki Radebe called for fund recovery and permanent bans following the collapse of two regional projects: a 3ML reservoir construction in Petrus Steyn and pump station upgrades in Reitz. Both contractors cited financial difficulties before withdrawing.
The oversight inspections ran through late November as part of Provincial Week 2025, which examined stalled developments across multiple regions. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson announced forthcoming contractor qualification programs and provincial restriction committees to...
South African officials rejected American requests to participate in the G20 presidency handover ceremony through junior diplomatic staff after Washington boycotted the summit in Johannesburg. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa would not transfer leadership responsibilities to a charge d'affaires, emphasizing that such protocol violations have no precedent in the forum's history. The White House withdrew participation over allegations regarding the treatment of white farmers, creating diplomatic friction that South Africa addressed by prioritizing equal treatment among member nations.
Magwenya assured that policy achievements during South Africa's tenure would remain protected against...
Police dispersed Operation Dudula protesters with tear gas and pepper spray after demonstrators attempted to breach security zones near the G20 summit venue in Johannesburg. National leader Zandile Dabula criticized authorities for deploying aggressive tactics against citizens while failing to show similar resolve against criminals, referencing ongoing judicial corruption investigations. Officers arrested two men for assaulting a law enforcement member who required medical treatment during the confrontation.
The anti-immigration group organized the demonstration to spotlight domestic concerns such as unemployment, inadequate public services, and undocumented migration. Authorities charged Operation Dudula with inciting violence and...
Argentina joined the United States as the only nations declining to endorse the G20 Leaders' Summit declaration in Johannesburg, with Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno citing disagreements over Middle East conflict language. The diplomat referenced a recent UN Security Council resolution demanding a Gaza ceasefire while affirming his country would maintain its cooperative relationship with the group despite reservations about geopolitical passages in the text.
South African officials adopted the 122-point document early after securing consensus from other members, despite Washington's complete boycott under President Donald Trump. The final statement emphasized debt relief for developing economies, climate resilience measures, and African...
Brazilian authorities detained former President Jair Bolsonaro after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes cited flight risk concerns related to a tampered monitoring device and an organized rally outside his residence. The far-right leader, serving house arrest since August while appealing a 27-year conviction for coup conspiracy, allegedly damaged his ankle bracelet with a soldering tool. His son, Flavio, had urged supporters to gather, prompting fears the demonstration could facilitate an escape attempt.
Bolsonaro received a 27-year sentence for orchestrating efforts to retain power after losing the 2022 election, with prosecutors alleging plots against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other officials. Defense attorneys...
Johannesburg authorities shut down a drug operation in a hijacked Houghton residence on a recent Friday evening, seizing prescription codeine cough syrup and processed cannabis with an estimated combined street value exceeding R20 million. The Metropolitan Police Department arrested eight individuals on charges related to narcotics possession, distribution, and unlawful property occupation. Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, led the intelligence-driven raid with assistance from the Tactical Response Unit and surveillance analysts.
Investigators discovered the contraband packaged for smuggling to Bulawayo through informal courier networks known as Malayisha. The codeine products, classified as Schedule...
Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida has launched a spiritual and humanitarian initiative from Minnesota following his release from federal custody in April. The 50-year-old introduced the Dida Global Network through video, calling for humanity to unite beyond racial, economic and religious divisions while emphasizing shared origins and purpose. He plans to reestablish the Dida Foundation International with office space dedicated to supporting disadvantaged populations worldwide.
Dida completed a partial sentence at Big Muddy Correctional Centre in Illinois after convictions related to stalking and violating protective orders obtained by his American spouse. Court documents indicate he unknowingly breached legal...
A woman attending a Nairobi nightclub has become the subject of widespread online discussion after footage showed her dancing in revealing attire that generated polarized responses across digital platforms. The video captured the individual at a venue known for attracting patrons who favor bold fashion choices and attention-grabbing appearances.
Reactions split between supporters celebrating her self-assurance and willingness to express herself without restraint, while critics argued her clothing selection exceeded acceptable standards for public spaces. The incident has renewed debates about appropriate dress codes within the city's entertainment districts and the balance between personal freedom and social expectations.
Nairobi's...
Television personality and physician Musa Mthombeni is exploring Thailand with longtime friends during an annual excursion that marks over two decades of camaraderie. The medical professional has documented beach outings, cycling adventures, and scenic tours across the Southeast Asian nation through social media updates showing the group enjoying their temporary escape from family responsibilities.
Mthombeni acknowledged the recurring nature of these getaways while playfully addressing spouses awaiting their return. The cohort has maintained this travel tradition through various intervals over the years, with participants balancing fatherhood duties and professional obligations. Activities have ranged from coastal recreation to...
