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M23 rebels seize Minova and other towns in eastern DR Congo, including key supply routes to Goma. The rebels, composed of ethnic Tutsis, have made significant gains in the region, part of the ongoing conflict involving numerous armed groups in mineral-rich eastern Congo.
Orlando Pirates have a strong squad with players who could start for Kaizer Chiefs. Patrick Maswanganyi may move to UD Oliveirense for R40 million. Chiefs prepare for Nedbank Cup against Free Agents. Fans express concerns about team performance. Pirates face Royal AM in Betway Premiership. Manager may rotate squad after Caf Champions League. Maswanganyi scored in Egypt. Pirates clash with Royal AM on Jan 23.
Chairperson Anthea Ramolobeng reported South African prisons are 48% overcrowded, with 156,000 inmates and only 105,474 bed spaces. She expressed concern over the high number of foreign national inmates and outlined strategies to address overcrowding, including managing detainees and encouraging rehabilitation-focused sentences. Contraband remains a serious issue, with discrepancies in investigations and disciplinary actions. Oversight visits are planned to address these issues.
Governments, private sector, and regional bodies must collaborate to address Africa’s infrastructure challenges hindering mining sector growth. The continent needs $130-170 billion annually for development, but investment falls short. Legal and regulatory issues, corruption, and lack of access to finance are major hurdles. Cross-border projects and partnerships with international institutions can help maximize economic and mining synergies. Collaboration is key to unlocking Africa’s mining potential.
Eastern Cape judge president Selby Mbenenge faces sexual harassment accusations as his counsel cross-examines the accuser, Andiswa Mengo, questioning her honesty and responses to explicit messages. Mengo admits to mixed reactions but asserts feeling stripped of dignity and diminished productivity at work. The tribunal will determine if the interactions were consensual.
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago criticizes US President Trump’s protectionist policies, warning of negative impact on global trade and potential fragmentation of the global economy. Kganyago also addresses South Africa’s inflation risks and GDP growth outlook at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The Democratic Alliance rejects a plan by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to tax private sector profits to fund black-owned businesses. The proposed R100 billion Transformation Fund faces criticism and requires further discussion. Minister Parks Tau plans to finance the fund through existing BBBEE regulations, mandating companies to allocate profits to support black-owned businesses. Multi-national companies may face a cash contribution if they do not share equity with black partners.
A series of violent crimes in Stellenbosch targeting students, including a brutal murder, prompted an investigation. Despite CCTV evidence, police investigations and university safety measures are under scrutiny. Authorities declined to comment on the recent murder.
South Africans warned to monitor US economy under Trump’s return, which could impact rand, inflation, and interest rates. Trump’s focus on job creation and tax cuts resonates with US electorate, but policies may lead to higher inflation. Concerns over tariffs, deportations, and tax cuts could complicate rate cuts for US Federal Reserve and South African Reserve Bank.
Zendai Developments’ plan to build a R84 billion smart city in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, faced setbacks. Despite some development progress, it falls short of the envisioned project announced in 2014. The ambitious plan included various zones like a CBD, entertainment center, and technology-driven infrastructure. Market demand was expected to drive the project, likening it to the transformation of Sandton.
