news and current affairs.
Brian Madjo rejects Luxembourg call-up again, chooses England U17s
A sixteen-year-old football prospect, Brian Madjo, has again declined a call-up to Luxembourg's senior national team. The Metz FC striker, who stands six feet four inches tall, has instead chosen to participate in a training camp with England's under-17 squad in Dubai. Madjo, who was born in England to Cameroonian parents and raised in Luxembourg, retains eligibility for all three nations. His recent decision for England's youth side follows a similar rejection of Luxembourg several months prior. Because his three prior appearances for Luxembourg were in friendly matches, he remains uncommitted under international football regulations. A fourth cap would permanently tie him to the Luxembourg national team. This strategic choice allows...
ANC’s Mbalula accuses Trump of spreading false claims about South Africa
Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of South Africa's African National Congress, has accused United States President Donald Trump of basing his criticisms of the nation on inaccurate information. Mbalula stated that Trump's administration was not honest in its engagements, recalling an instance where Trump showed President Cyril Ramaphosa a video of Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, to support his views on South African land reform. Mbalula characterized this as a misunderstanding, suggesting Trump confused South Africa with a communist country and used a historical struggle song to wrongly justify claims about genocide and land seizures. He asserted that Trump's posture, including his decision to skip events...
Ethiopia to host COP32 in 2027, Africa takes the lead
Ethiopia is set to host the COP32 United Nations climate summit in 2027 after receiving an endorsement from the Africa Group of Negotiators and a preliminary agreement from other nations. The decision, announced at the COP30 meeting in Brazil, designates the event as a platform for advancing African climate priorities. This will only be the fourth time the conference has been held on the African continent. The Ethiopian bid, which prevailed over a proposal from Nigeria, emphasizes the nation's diplomatic role and its own sustainable development initiatives. The planned summit is expected to focus on critical issues for the region, including increased climate finance for adaptation and loss and damage. African nations collectively...
David Thidiela calls for PSL reforms, slams Khoza
David Thidiela, the owner of Black Leopards, has publicly demanded a formal commission to investigate the Premier Soccer League's leadership and governance. He accused the PSL Chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, of operating the league as a dictatorship and criticized the decade-long tenure of an acting CEO. Thidiela stated that the current structure marginalizes smaller clubs and creates an unfair environment, which he blames for his own club's financial struggles and multiple relegations. His comments reflect broader concerns about transparency and equity within South African football. Thidiela has a history of challenging the league's authority, having previously protested against refereeing decisions and administrative actions. The call for...
ZIMSEC denies exam leak claims, assures integrity
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council has denied allegations of exam paper leaks and significant errors during the current national tests. ZIMSEC stated that the Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations are proceeding with their integrity fully intact, despite media reports of incorrectly labeled papers and distribution problems. The council confirmed that it maintains robust security protocols throughout the entire examination process, from question paper creation to distribution. It acknowledged that minor logistical issues can occur, but emphasized that these are resolved quickly using standard procedures. ZIMSEC reported high candidate attendance and orderly conduct nationwide. Commending both students and examination staff for...
Shebeshxt was arrested for attempted murder in Limpopo
The musician known as Shebeshxt has been arrested on an attempted murder charge following a shooting. Police in Limpopo reported that Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, the artist's legal name, was taken into custody during an operation in Polokwane. His arrest is connected to a recent road rage incident in the Ladanna area, where he allegedly shot a 34-year-old man, who was later hospitalized in critical condition. Chauke is scheduled to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. The news of his arrest prompted a significant reaction on social media platforms. Many commentators expressed the view that his detention was expected, citing his past conduct, while others stated he should be held accountable for his actions. Some social media...
Kuwadzana kombi driver jailed for 3 years for the crash that killed 8
A 42-year-old commuter omnibus driver, Wellington Ngona, has been sentenced to three years in prison for culpable homicide following a deadly crash that killed eight people last year. The Mbare Magistrates' Court also banned him from driving commuter omnibuses and heavy vehicles for life. The tragic accident occurred on October 31, 2024, at the intersection of Harare–Bulawayo Road and First Street. Ngona, driving a Toyota Hiace with 13 passengers, attempted a right turn when his vehicle collided with an oncoming haulage tanker. The crash caused the kombi to overturn, leading to eight fatalities—five passengers died at the hospital, and three more succumbed to injuries later. The court found Ngona guilty of negligence for failing to...
Bulawayo council tackles non-revenue water loss issues
The Bulawayo City Council is struggling with significant non-revenue water loss amid ongoing water shortages, leaving many households without water for extended periods. Councillors have raised concerns in recent meetings, emphasizing the need to address this issue to ensure a more reliable water supply for the city. During a full council meeting, several councillors highlighted ongoing problems, including water shortages in areas like Tshabalala, Sizinda, and Entumbane, and the continued collapse of the Magwegwe reservoir. Councillor Tinevimbo Maposa pointed out the health risks posed by the lack of water in Tshabalala, while Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu called for better communication with residents, especially the elderly, about the...
Zipra veterans call for recognition of Mkushi bombing survivors
ZIPRA war veterans are calling for recognition of the survivors of the 1978 Mkushi Camp bombing, which targeted a training camp for female combatants in Zambia. The attack, carried out by Rhodesian forces, left many women killed or injured. Petros Sibanda, ZIPRA war veterans' secretary-general, emphasized the need for the government to acknowledge these survivors during national events, pointing out that while some veterans receive compensation, the survivors of Mkushi remain largely forgotten. Sibanda highlighted that the Mkushi Camp, one of several ZIPRA training centers, played a significant role in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. Despite their contributions, he said the survivors and fallen heroes are excluded from national...
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