Today Africa

Deadly police operation in Johannesburg targets suspected airport robbery syndicate

A police operation in Johannesburg has left four suspects dead and one injured following a shoot-out in the suburb of Yeoville on Wednesday morning, in what authorities describe as part of a broader crackdown on airport-linked crime. According to police, the suspects had been under surveillance for their alleged involvement in a criminal group that…

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DA faces intensifying scrutiny over alleged monthly salary top-ups

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) is under growing political pressure following allegations that senior public representatives receive additional monthly payments from party funds, raising questions about transparency and compliance with constitutional rules. The controversy stems from a leaked internal report, reportedly compiled by former party member Dion George, which claims that the DA spends over…

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China’s top legislator meets guests from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, BFA board members

China’s top legislator Zhao Leji on Wednesday met separately with Azerbaijan’s Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, who are in south China’s Hainan Province for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026. Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, also met…

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South Africa inquiry probes alleged misuse of cybercrimes law in blogger arrest

A South African commission of inquiry has heard explosive testimony suggesting that senior police officials and government figures may have misused cybercrime legislation to pursue the arrest of a social media personality. The case centres on the 2025 arrest of gossip blogger Musa Khawula, an operation that reportedly involved multiple elite law enforcement units and…

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South Africa presses ahead with NHI as ramaphosa calls for unified healthcare system

South Africa’s government is reaffirming its commitment to sweeping healthcare reform, with President Cyril Ramaphosa insisting that the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme remains central to addressing long-standing inequalities in access to medical services. The renewed push comes despite ongoing legal challenges that have temporarily delayed the implementation of key aspects of the legislation. Push…

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South Africa rate outlook flips as oil shock and global tensions drive inflation fears

South Africa’s monetary policy outlook has undergone a dramatic shift, with markets now bracing for potential interest rate hikes instead of the previously expected easing cycle. In recent months, expectations had leaned toward multiple rate cuts by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), supported by relatively stable inflation. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle…

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Rand Under Pressure as Oil Prices Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

Global financial markets have entered a period of heightened uncertainty, with South Africa’s currency coming under sustained pressure as geopolitical tensions disrupt energy supply expectations. The rand has weakened notably over recent weeks, reflecting a broader shift toward safer assets. By Monday, 23 March, the currency had fallen to around R17.25 against the US dollar,…

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South Africa’s prisons emerge as unexpected hubs for low-level fraud operations

South Africa’s correctional facilities are increasingly being used as informal bases for fraud, highlighting growing weaknesses in the country’s criminal justice system and prison management. A hidden layer of organised crime inside prisons A recent report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime has revealed that inmates in South Africa are continuing criminal activities…

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Rising school fees push South African families toward homeschooling

South African families are increasingly reconsidering traditional education choices as private school fees continue to climb, prompting a noticeable shift toward homeschooling across the country. Cost pressures and system challenges reshape education choices Private education in South Africa has become significantly more expensive over the past decade, placing it out of reach for many middle-income…

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