South Africa’s unity government: 5 parties that need to find common ground

South Africa’s unity government: 5 parties that need to find common ground

By Joleen Steyn Kotze, University of the Free State Following South Africa’s historic 2024 general election, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has started a process to establish a government of national unity. This, after it lost its parliamentary majority. As a political scientist, I believe that five political parties, including those with the highest shares of votes, are key to constituting a unity government. […]

June 11, 2024 16

South Africa

SA Chief Justice to Oversee Election of President and Speaker

S.A's Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, announced that the president and speaker of the National Assembly will be elected on Friday. He will oversee the first sitting of the National Assembly, where members will be sworn in and elect a speaker. According to the Constitution, a president must be elected within 14 days of election results being declared. The swearing-in of National Council of Provinces members will occur the following day.

June 11, 2024 13

World

South Korea and U.S begin nuclear contingency plans

The US and South Korea have begun plans to respond to a hypothetical nuclear attack by North Korea. Officials from the two countries met for the first meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Seoul on Monday.

June 11, 2024 24

Africa

Search Continues for Missing Aircraft Carrying Malawi’s Vice President

Search and rescue operations will persist until the missing aircraft carrying Malawi's Vice President, Saulos Klaus Chilima, is located, President Lazarus Chakwera announced late Monday. Reuters reports that, the 51 year old Chilima, was on a military aircraft with nine others that departed from Lilongwe at 09:17 a.m. local time. Efforts to contact the aircraft have failed since it went off the radar, and it was scheduled to land at […]

June 11, 2024 9

South Africa

S.A Parliament Continues Work Amid MK Party Boycott

Despite the MK Party's boycott of the first S.A National Assembly sitting and its challenge to election results, South Africa's Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional duties. Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo confirmed that arrangements are in place for all elected members, except those from the MK Party, to participate in sittings and activities in Cape Town. Mothapo dismissed the MK Party's claims of unconstitutionality, emphasizing Parliament's legal obligation […]

June 11, 2024 18

Africa

Amnesty International Accuses Nigerian Army of Illegal Detentions

Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian army of illegally detaining girls and young women who escaped Boko Haram captivity, suspecting them of supporting the insurgents, according to Reuters. The military denied the allegations, which Amnesty based on 126 interviews with female former captives conducted from 2019 to 2024.

June 11, 2024 11

Namibia

Correctional Service Expands Community Service Orders Program

The Correctional Service has extended its community service orders program to the Simeon Shixungileni court in Windhoek, targeting offenders with sentences of one to twelve months. Now covering 55 out of 71 courts, this program allows offenders to serve their sentences through unpaid community-beneficial work. The implementation at the traffic court on the corner of Sam Nujoma Drive and Simeon Shixungileni Street marks the latest expansion. Ombudsman, Advocate Basilius Dyakugha. […]

June 11, 2024 19

Business / Economics

11 June 2024 Morning Biz News: Biz News Update: Q1 2024 Highlights and Key Financial Indicators

Namibia's Pork Production Surge In the first quarter of 2024, Namibia's local fresh and processed pork production achieved a significant milestone, meeting 49.4% of the nation's consumption demands. This progress towards self-sufficiency was reported by the Brief, highlighting the country's efforts to bolster its domestic agricultural capabilities. The Livestock of Namibia Board noted a substantial 10.3% increase in the number of pigs slaughtered, rising to 12,253 from just over […]

June 11, 2024 23

Namibia

SADC Business Council Opposes Namibia’s Restrictive Visa Plan

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance criticized Namibia's proposed restrictive visa regime, warning it could harm the tourism industry and economic growth. This move conflicts with the "Air Connect Namibia" strategy aimed at increasing international flights. Stricter visa rules could negatively impact tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. Examples from Rwanda and Zambia show that visa liberalization boosts tourism and economic growth. Natalia Rosa, the Project Lead for the SADC […]

June 11, 2024 32