Donor nations and organizations committed over 11 billion dollars during the Global Fund's eighth replenishment conference in Johannesburg, falling short of the 18 billion dollar goal intended to combat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria through 2028. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer co-hosted the gathering, where the United States pledged 4.6 billion dollars, while Germany and the United Kingdom contributed more than a billion each.
Private contributors provided a record 1.34 billion dollars, led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's 912 million dollar commitment. South Africa announced combined government and corporate pledges totaling 36.6 million dollars, with Anglo American and Goodbye...
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency will implement fee adjustments across provincial nature reserves, with domestic visitors facing a 7% increase while international guests encounter a 15% hike. The changes take effect next month as officials work to generate revenue for infrastructure maintenance and conservation programs at 14 protected areas featuring attractions like Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.
A bundled pass permits single-day access to all Panorama Route viewpoints, priced at 161 rand for South Africans, 203 rand for Southern African Development Community nationals, and 385 rand for other foreigners. Officials say the adjustments align with operational expenses while keeping rates competitive compared to similar reserves...
A 72-year-old grandmother received a completely furnished two-bedroom residence from the Collen Mashawana Foundation after losing her previous dwelling to flames four years earlier. Rose Raisebe Aphane had survived under precarious circumstances in Mamelodi until Ward Councillor Collen Marishane alerted philanthropist Dr Collen Mashawana to her situation, prompting rapid construction that finished ahead of the holiday season.
The handover ceremony brought together officials from the Department of Human Settlements, Tshwane Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise, and South African Women in Construction representatives. Dr Mashawana established his nonprofit organization to assist elderly residents, child-led households, and disabled individuals...
South Africa's Democratic Alliance has urged Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to implement comprehensive lifestyle audits across senior law enforcement leadership following damaging testimony at the Madlanga Commission and Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee. DA police spokesperson Lisa Schickerling requested Special Investigating Unit involvement to examine wealth accumulation among ranks from Brigadier through National Commissioner, with findings required within 90 days.
The inquiries have exposed alleged political meddling, resource misappropriation, and criminal networks penetrating police structures. North West businessman Brown Mogotsi provided contested evidence linking crime intelligence to organized syndicates, while...
President Donald Trump welcomed New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House for what became an unexpectedly cordial discussion despite their bitter campaign exchanges. The Republican leader had previously denounced the democratic socialist as a radical threat, while Mamdani condemned Trump as a fascist, yet their Oval Office conversation focused on shared concerns about affordability, public safety, and housing development.
The 34-year-old assemblyman secured a narrow victory against Independent Andrew Cuomo with just over half the vote, becoming the youngest person to hold the position since 1892. Trump praised Mamdani's retention of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and expressed optimism about their ability to collaborate...
South African Health Minister Phineas Aaron Motsoaledi has extended Bishop Thabiso Mashiloane's tenure on the Health Professions Council of South Africa for another five years through 2030. The Free State clergyman brings community perspective to regulatory oversight of more than 250,000 medical practitioners spanning 50 health professions nationwide.
Mashiloane leads HospiVision NPO, a faith-based organization delivering spiritual care in hospitals, and holds qualifications in marriage counseling and corporate governance. His reappointment under the Health Professions Act enables him to advocate for underserved populations and cultural sensitivity within healthcare regulation. The statutory body handles practitioner registration...
A Nairobi couple must compensate their neighbors with 200,000 shillings after surveillance cameras violated privacy rights for nearly four years, Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait determined. Lilian Nyawira and John Gitahi complained that two devices monitored their kitchen and private areas since mid-2021, causing psychological distress despite settlement attempts through local authorities and lawyers.
The defendants argued the equipment prevented burglary and made minor adjustments as goodwill, but Kassait ruled they failed to demonstrate proportionate security measures under the Data Protection Act 2019. The decision emphasized that surveillance systems cannot lawfully capture footage beyond property boundaries...
Kenya's electoral commission has managed to capture merely 140,000 new registrants despite setting an ambitious goal of 6.8 million voters, Commissioner Ann Nderitu revealed. She attributed the shortfall to citizens delaying civic responsibilities and waiting until deadlines approach before taking action.
Registration challenges stem partly from geographic barriers that force residents in expansive constituencies to travel considerable distances to reach enrollment centers. The commission intends to decentralize operations following the upcoming by-elections, bringing services closer to communities rather than limiting access to constituency offices.
Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon disclosed that more than 90,000 people had enrolled...
Senator Edwin Sifuna will spearhead a Kenya Moja caucus gathering at Magena Primary School grounds in Kisii County's Bomachoge Borabu Constituency, representing the opposition alliance's first significant public appearance following Raila Odinga's recent passing. The Friday event, organized by MP Obadiah Barongo, centers on a fundraiser supporting widows through a community forum that begins at 11 am.
Legislators from multiple parties will attend, with Senator Richard Onyonka and MPs Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi, Joshua Kimilu, Anthony Kibagendi, Gathoni Wamuchomba, and several others confirming participation. Despite their varied party affiliations, these politicians remain unified in opposing President William Ruto's 2027 reelection bid...
