news and current affairs.
Mali critic N'Djim freed after a year in jail
Issa Kaou N’Djim, a prominent Malian critic of the military government, has been released from prison after completing a one-year sentence. His family confirmed his return home. The former official was initially sentenced to two years, with one year suspended, following a conviction for defamation. His legal troubles began after he publicly questioned the credibility of a neighboring country's military regime during a television appearance. The case had drawn attention from human rights organizations concerned about free speech under Mali's current leadership. N’Djim had previously served in a transitional government role but later became a vocal dissident. The release occurs amid a broader regional context where military rulers in...
Gauteng alliance backs Lesufi, rejects DA motion
The Gauteng Alliance Political Council, which includes the ANC, SACP, COSATU, and SANCO, has declared its full support for Premier Panyaza Lesufi and rejected a motion of no confidence brought by the Democratic Alliance. The alliance described the motion as an opportunistic disruption and urged all parties in the provincial legislature to vote against it. The council also welcomed the outcomes of recent investigations into provincial governance, including a Special Investigating Unit report on corruption at Tembisa Hospital. It endorsed the premier's initiatives for lifestyle audits and noted his commitment to implementing remedial actions following a Public Protector's report on the irregular Crime Prevention Wardens program...
Mashatile calls for Garden Route growth push
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has advocated for enhanced collaboration between government, private enterprise, and communities to stimulate inclusive economic growth in the Garden Route and the wider nation. Addressing the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue virtually, he highlighted national frameworks such as the District Development Model and Public-Private Partnerships as vital for aligning resources and attracting investment. Mashatile specifically endorsed the iThuba Development Project, a multi-billion rand initiative in Knysna designed to function as a training and business hub. He also promoted a R500 million support fund for spaza shops and small enterprises, emphasizing its focus on empowering youth and...
Obama Foundation opens Africa leaders applications
The Obama Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026/27 Leaders Africa Programme, a fully funded initiative for emerging African leaders. The program targets individuals aged 24 to 45 who are actively addressing challenges in their communities, such as economic inclusion, health, and climate action. This year-long development experience combines virtual learning with an in-person convening in Chicago, offering training in ethical leadership and community organizing. It is designed to help participants scale their impact through personalized coaching and access to a global network. Applications must be submitted by 12 December 2025, United States Central Time. The cohort will consist of 35 individuals selected from across...
South Africa warns on rising GBVF crisis
The South African government has expressed profound concern over the nation's persistently high rates of gender-based violence and femicide. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed the cabinet's alarm following its recent meeting, highlighting that women and children continue to face significant harm despite national efforts. This warning precedes the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign. The government is urging a whole-of-society approach to the crisis, reinforcing its call with initiatives like the 90-Day GBVF Acceleration Plan led by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster. Minister Ntshavheni emphasized that prevention requires collective action from all...
Kau downplays EFF case on Nkabinde testimony
Political analyst Moses Kau has characterized the Economic Freedom Fighters' planned perjury case against Cedric Nkabinde, the Chief of Staff for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, as lacking a solid legal foundation. He argued that the accusation, concerning incorrect dates in a parliamentary testimony, fails to demonstrate the required intent for a perjury conviction. Kau explained that Nkabinde had informed the Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption of his uncertainty regarding specific dates and was subsequently advised to provide approximations. This fact, along with the seizure of his electronic devices by investigators, supports the view that he relied on memory rather than a deliberate attempt to mislead. Kau further...
Gweru killer Peter Dube guilty after global hunt
A Bulawayo High Court found Gweru businessman Peter Dube guilty of a double murder and two counts of attempted murder. Justice Munamato Mutevedzi described the attacks, which occurred one night over four years ago, as displaying medieval ruthlessness. The judge noted that Dube shot and killed Shelton Chiduku and Gamuchirai Madungwe in a parking lot before injuring Nyasha Nharingo and her sister Nyaradzo Nharingo upstairs. Nyaradzo Nharingo later died from her injuries, a death for which Dube was not charged, a point the judge highlighted as unexplained by prosecutors. Following the violent incident, Dube fled Zimbabwe with assistance from his senior wife, Nomatter Chawana. He acquired a false Mozambican identity, traveled to South...
Chinese Embassy warns on Zimbabwe visa agents
The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has issued a public notice, clarifying that it does not work with any external agents or intermediaries for visa services. It stated that all applicants must use its official website and the designated global portal for submissions, stressing that the process is straightforward. Ambassador Zhou Ding reinforced the message, expressing concern that some applicants were being overcharged by third parties. He advised the public to confirm the official fees directly with the embassy to avoid unnecessary costs. The embassy also outlined that payments are only required after a visa is approved, listing the standard and express service rates. It urged applicants to rely solely on its official channels for all...
ZIFA clears Chirewa exit after camp rumours
The Zimbabwe Football Association clarified that midfielder Tawanda Chirewa’s departure from the national team camp was a pre-approved arrangement, not a result of any dispute. ZIFA explained that his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, formally requested his early return for an assessment by their new technical staff ahead of the season. This move, according to the association, demonstrates a professional alignment between ZIFA and the club, prioritizing the athlete's long-term development. The statement aimed to counter rumors of turmoil following a recent match against Algeria. ZIFA reaffirmed the team's unity and focus on future matches, urging supporters to remain calm. The association also expressed gratitude for the continued...
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