Top Stories

South Sudan clashes: UN fears civil war as barrel bombs dropped in Upper Nile

BBC News

UN reports barrel bombs with flammable liquid used in South Sudan airstrikes, escalating violence near civil war. UN mission head warns of devastating consequences, urges to preserve peace deal gains. President Kiir and Vice-President Machar’s strained relationship amid ethnic tensions and violence. Government yet to respond to barrel bomb allegations.
Read More from source

So far so good for Tuchel as England earn backtoback wins

SABC

Thomas Tuchel’s successful start as England’s head coach includes two wins, five goals, and no goals conceded. Despite imperfections in the games, Tuchel’s wise decisions, including giving debuts to young players like Myles Lewis-Skelly and making lineup changes, have been praised. England is on track to qualify for the World Cup, showcasing Tuchel’s positive impact.
Read More from source

Steenhuisen ‘desperately’ waiting as Cabanac still in office

Daily Maverick

Roman Cabanac, chief of staff for Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, continues working despite the minister’s request for resignation six months ago. Cabanac, appointed after the 2024 elections, faces scrutiny for qualifications and past inflammatory remarks. Steenhuisen expressed frustration over Cabanac’s refusal to resign and hopes for a resolution soon.
Read More from source

COSATU says any VAT hike will hurt the poor, says govt should focus on wealthy

EWN

Non-profit organizations, labor, and law firms urge Parliament to consider alternatives to VAT increase in the budget. Public hearings on fiscal framework and revenue proposals saw rejections of the 0.5% VAT hike. Suggestions include a wealth tax and shifting the tax burden from the poor to the wealthy. Concerns raised about the long-term implications of a staggered VAT increase over two years.
Read More from source

Looming Zimbabwe ‘uprising’ echoes overthrow of Mugabe

Daily Maverick

Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa faces pressure to resign from former freedom fighters supporting his deputy due to corruption allegations. Mnangagwa, who promised reforms, is accused of favoritism and looting. With his term ending in 2028, loyalists want him to stay, but he claims he won’t seek an extension. Calls for his resignation grow amid accusations of corruption and nepotism.
Read More from source

Defence analyst Marais says it’s concerning SANDF has only six operational military aircraft

EWN

Independent analyst Kobus Marais expresses concern over South African National Defence Force’s lack of operational military aircraft, with only six in service due to budget constraints. Marais warns of challenges in protecting citizens and reliance on diminishing international partners. The country’s army faces dire situation with limited naval capabilities and grounded Rooivalk helicopter.
Read More from source

Zimbabwean billionaire-backed company to build a first of its kind factory in South Africa

BusinessTech

Zimbabwe’s Cassava Technologies partners with Nvidia to establish Africa’s first AI factory, starting in South Africa by June 2025. Founder Strive Masiyiwa emphasizes the importance of AI infrastructure for Africa’s development in the fourth industrial revolution. The initiative aims to empower African businesses, startups, and researchers with cutting-edge AI technology.
Read More from source

Lombaard says she was abducted, forced at gunpoint to search for Joshlin

Daily Maverick

Laurentia Lombaard, the key witness in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping case, testified in court that she was attacked and forced to search for the missing child at gunpoint. She and her boyfriend were taken to a house in Langebaan by a group of people wearing balaclavas. The couple faced threats and violence following the abduction, eventually leaving Saldanha Bay.
Read More from source

Knives and booze found in prisons!

Dailysun

The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands action against security failures in Western Cape prisons, with 3,875 weapons confiscated in 12 months. The party calls for Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald to address Parliament on the issue, revealing a rise in drug and alcohol smuggling. Groenewald denies guns found but acknowledges 234 knives seized.
Read More from source