In a bold move to restore stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), regional leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have decided to neutralise destabilising forces and facilitate direct talks among all warring parties. They convened a Joint EAC-SADC Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 8 February 2025 where they also agreed on steps to restore security, peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. To achieve this,…

In a significant shift in African politics, leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have decisively moved to isolate Rwandan President Paul Kagame following recent deadly attacks that have further exacerbated instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Kagame, whose government has long been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC, now faces increasing isolation from SADC, which has held his forces responsible for the tragic deaths of 14 South African peacekeepers and several others…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested more than 12, 000 suspects – including killers, rapists and drug dealers – during their anti-crime crackdown last week. At least 12,251 suspects, among them 1,065 illegal foreign nationals, were rounded up across the country during Operation Shanela between Monday, January 27, and Sunday, February 2.  The high-density operation is managed at the provincial level by each provincial commissioner.  In a statement on February 3, SAPS reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime,…

Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has sang South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s praises, saying he is committed to “genuine transformation”.  In a tweet published on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, February 3, Ndlozi stated that Ramaphosa is “not what we have been told he is,” asserting that the president is committed to genuine transformation in South Africa.  “This man is not what we have been told he is. He is truly up to…

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names of the 14 soldiers who died during a confrontation with M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  These soldiers were part of the SANDF troops deployed to the DRC as part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). In a media statement on February 1, the SANDF said the soldiers “displayed extraordinary courage…

The University of South Africa (UNISA) and Makerere University in Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. The MoU was signed on January 13 during Makerere University’s 75th graduation ceremony, held at the university’s Freedom Square in the capital Kampala. This graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 13,658 students, including 143 PhD, 1,813 master’s degree, and 243 postgraduate diploma graduates. Established in 1922, Makerere University is the oldest and…

The recently elected African National Congress (ANC) councillor for Ward 30 in the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Sekhukhune, Limpopo, has been arrested on charges of extortion and the illegal closure of a local mine. Yalda Matlabane Tobias Malope, who secured his position during the by-election held on December 11, 2024, was taken into custody by the police on January 9, 2025. The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that on January 9, 2025, at approximately 07:00, Roossenekal Police apprehended eight…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has mandated a panel of elders to engage with the Mozambican government and opposition leaders to solve the country’s political and security challenges. The body also directed its Inter-State Defence and Security Committee to propose measures to protect regional trade routes, humanitarian corridors, and energy supplies while working toward solutions to Mozambique’s post-election crisis. SADC held a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organ Troika on January 5, 2025,…

The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) has issued an urgent appeal to its members, congregations, and the broader community to provide immediate relief to families affected by the devastating fire in the Kayamandi informal settlement, near Stellenbosch, Cape Town.  The fire, which broke out on December 31, 2024, has left over 150 people displaced, destroying homes, belongings, and essential items, including food, school stationery, and clothing bought through savings and stokvel contributions.  In a media statement, URCSA Moderator…