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South Africa’s business sector backs efforts to revive Johannesburg’s finances, services and investor confidence
South Africa's business community is joining government efforts to tackle a growing financial and governance crisis in Johannesburg, the country's economic hub. The city contributes about 16 percent of South Africa's economy, making its recovery important to the wider economy. The new partnership aims to improve basic services, strengthen the city's finances and restore investor confidence. Our Economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.
Kenya probes deaths of 18 Amboseli elephants as toxic substance suspected; four people held for questioning
Kenya is investigating the deaths of 18 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, with preliminary laboratory findings pointing to the possible involvement of a toxic substance. Four people have been apprehended as persons of interest, while investigators continue to pursue further leads. The Government says the investigation remains active and that scientific evidence will guide the process. To unpack the latest developments, we spoke to Kenya Wildlife Service Head of Communications, Duncan Juma.
Africa’s top stories: Political analyst Mighti Jamie weighs in on the continent’s biggest developments today
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in Africa and we spoke to political Analyst, Mighti Jamie
Uganda begins Besigye treason trial in absentia as wife Winnie Byanyima speaks about case and health
The Ugandan High Court in Kampala has began the treason trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused in their absence. Besigye is receiving medical care following a court collapse. The state initiated proceedings with its first witness against him, last week. He is facing treason charges and the state first witness, Andrew Wilson Orlando, a British-American private security contractor who acted as an undercover informant for Ugandan security services, told the court that Dr Besigye had planned a drone attack targeting President Yoweri Museveni's convoy. 70 year old Besigye, has been in custody since November 2024 after he was detained together with his aide Obeid Lutale in neighbouring Kenya, and both were repatriated to Uganda where they were subsequently charged with treason. The two denied the allegations describing the charges as politically motivated. Multiple attempts to be released on bail have been denied. We spoke to Winnie Byanyima, wife of Ugandan politician, Dr Kizza Besigye. She is also the executive director of UNAIDS and is a prominent diplomat and human rights advocate
Zambia insurrection claims intensify after weapons seizure and former minister's fatal shooting
Assertions of alleged planned insurrection in Zambia are growing with now Police claiming recovery of sophisticated weapons in last week's raid. And Police have now confirmed, five days later, that the State shot and killed a former Cabinet Minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, during a military raid at a house for opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Arthur Davies Sikopo our Correspondent in Lusaka now shares more
UNICEF prepares emergency supplies for rapid deployment to children affected by crises worldwide
When an emergency strikes, UNICEF aims to get life-saving supplies moving within 72 hours. Its emergency response includes medical supplies, water and sanitation equipment, education and recreation kits, and support for keeping vaccines at the right temperature. At UNICEF's main humanitarian supply hub in Copenhagen, Denmark, emergency supplies are kept ready for rapid deployment to countries hit by conflict or natural disasters. UNICEF Emergency Supply and Logistics Coordinator Erika Abs spoke to UN News's Felipe de Carvalho about why preparation before a crisis can be just as important as the response itself.
Uganda's Besigye treason trial raises fresh concerns over justice, political rights and due process
The Ugandan High Court in Kampala has began the treason trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused in their absence. Besigye is receiving medical care following a court collapse. The state initiated proceedings with its first witness against him, last week. He is facing treason charges and the state first witness, Andrew Wilson Orlando, a British-American private security contractor who acted as an undercover informant for Ugandan security services, told the court that Dr Besigye had planned a drone attack targeting President Yoweri Museveni's convoy. 70 year old Besigye, has been in custody since November 2024 after he was detained together with his aide Obeid Lutale in neighbouring Kenya, and both were repatriated to Uganda where they were subsequently charged with treason. The two denied the allegations describing the charges as politically motivated. Multiple attempts to be released on bail have been denied. We spoke to Winnie Byanyima, wife of Ugandan politician, Dr Kizza Besigye. She is also the executive director of UNAIDS and is a prominent diplomat and human rights advocate
Malawi defends plan to send 500 nurses to Israel amid health worker shortages
Malawi's Ministry of Health has defended its plans to send five hundred nurses to go work in Israel. The Ministry says this is a move to curb unemployment of health care professionals in the country. The move has been opposed by some quarters in the community saying it will leave the country with insufficient health workers. Sisi Segalo has more on the story….
SA Minister of International Relations calls for stronger SA-Zimbabwe ties to deliver practical benefits for citizens
South Africa's (SA) Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission must translate the two countries' strong political ties into practical cooperation that improves the lives of their people. Lamola was speaking in Pretoria at the Ministerial Meeting of the 4th South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, ahead of the Meeting of Heads of State scheduled for Friday where the two countries are expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, on issues of mutual interest. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report….
Africa and Diaspora conference to tackle reparations, racism and economic cooperation
Global leaders and representatives from across Africa and the African Diaspora, are expected to converge on Johannesburg later this year for a conference focused on Africa's future and its relationship with the global African community. The second Africa and African Diaspora Conference scheduled to take place in October, will bring together political leaders, academics, business representatives, faith groups and civil society to discuss issues including reparatory justice, racism, climate justice and economic cooperation. Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa has more
Legendary musician, Caiphus Semenya celebrates 87th birthday with Joburg Theatre musical homecoming
South African music legend Caiphus Semenya is celebrating his 87th birthday with a special musical homecoming, as he prepares to take audiences on a journey through some of his most enduring work. The legendary composer, musician and songwriter will headline the Caiphus Semenya Songbook at the Joburg Theatre from 18 to 20 September 2026. With a career spanning decades, exile, collaboration with some of Africa and the world's greatest artists, and an extraordinary contribution to South African music, Semenya's story is deeply intertwined with the country's cultural history. As he enters his 87th year, we speak to Ntate Semenya about the upcoming shows, his musical journey, the songs that have defined his legacy, and what the future holds for one of South Africa's greatest musical treasures
Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa weighs in on Nguema administration as Libreville marks 66 years of independence from France
Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse. Today, we focus on Gabon, which on Monday, 17 August, marked 66 years of independence from France. The anniversary comes as Gabon continues to navigate a new political chapter following the end of the Bongo family's decades-long rule. Under President Brice Oligui Nguema, the country is seeking to strengthen its partnerships across Africa, deepen economic development and redefine its relationship with international partners. So, as Gabon reflects on more than six decades of independence, where does the country stand today, and what does the next chapter look like? For more, we're joined by His Excellency Rod Ciangillan Rembendambya, Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa.
Witness in Ugandan opposition leader trial alleges drone plot to assassinate Uganda's President Museveni
The prosecution's star witness in the treason trial against Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has told the court that Besigye and his co-accused, Joel Wakayima had planned to carry out a drone attack on President Yoweri Museveni''s home in a plot to assassinate the president. Andrew Wilson Orlando a British-American private security investigator delivered his testimony before the High Court in Kampala, Uganda yesterday. In his last appearance a month ago, 70-year-old Besigye collapsed in court and was rushed to hospital, it was later reported that he was in an unresponsive state. He was arrested in 2024 and kept in custody since, he is facing treason charges for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the Ugandan government. We are now joined by Jude Byamukama, Constitutional Lawyer based in Uganda
Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor charged in $300m cocaine case
Liberia has charged former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking. This follows law enforcement officers' seizure of cocaine worth 300-million-dollars last month or nearly five-billion-rand. Howard-Taylor was arrested at Liberia's main airport on Wednesday. She is the ex-wife of Liberia's former president Charles Taylor. For further details on this we are joined by Dengiyefa Angalapu, Research Analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa vc
Senegal opposition pushes Faye to set local election date amid growing rift with Sonko
Senegal's opposition is pressing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for local elections that could become the first test between him and his former mentor Ousmane Sonko following their significant fallout. Faye fired Sonko as prime minister in May, splitting the ruling camp into rival factions. These elections could represent the first substantial electoral challenge regarding Faye's increasingly strained relationship with Sonko. Thuto Ngobeni has the report...
Africa Roundup: Zambia tensions, DRC Ebola outbreak and Sudan crisis dominate the continent’s agenda
Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead...
The Discourse: US Sanctions Raise Questions Over ICC Independence and Global Justice
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, is calling on SADC leaders to confront what it describes as worsening governance, accountability and human rights challenges across the region. In a statement following the conclusion of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. COSATU welcomed the focus on industrialisation but criticised regional leaders for failing to give equal attention to democratic governance, workers' rights, corruption and social justice. The federation says poverty, unemployment, migration, hunger and poor wages remain major challenges for people across Southern Africa, while raising particular concerns over workers' rights in Eswatini and Mozambique, the unresolved killings during the 2021 protests in Eswatini, and what it describes as attempts to undermine presidential term limits. To unpack these concerns and assess whether SADC is delivering on the aspirations of its founding principles, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Molly Dlamini, Deputy International Secretary in the SACP's Central Committee
The Discourse: US Sanctions Raise Questions Over ICC Independence and Global Justice
We continue with The Discourse, looking at the wider implications of the latest US sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.The measures have raised questions about the Court’s independence and the future of international criminal justice.For an international law perspective, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor William A. Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University in London, and a leading scholar of international criminal law who has written extensively on the ICC, genocide and international criminal tribunals.
The Discourse: US Sanctions on ICC Officials Put International Justice Under Pressure
It’s time now for the Thursday edition of The Discourse, and this morning we focus on the latest US sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court. The United States has sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, the latest move in Washington’s campaign against the Court. The sanctions have been condemned by human rights organisations, which warn they could undermine the ICC’s ability to pursue cases involving some of the world’s most serious crimes.Human Rights Watch is among those challenging the US sanctions in court.For more on what these latest measures mean for the ICC, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Maria Elena Vignoli, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch
AI Investment: Balancing Innovation, Cost and Long-Term Business Value
Artificial intelligence is developing at a remarkable pace, with new models emerging, prices changing and businesses having to make increasingly complex decisions about where to invest. For companies, the challenge is not only finding technology that works today, but avoiding costly dependence on systems that could quickly be overtaken.The bigger question is how businesses can keep pace with AI while ensuring that their investment delivers genuine value - particularly in markets where affordability and access to technology remain significant challenges. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Craig Fidler, Vice President of Business Applications at Braintree, a South African technology company.
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