insert_link South Africa Gauteng faces growing crisis of gang violence The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sounded the alarm over an escalating gang violence and illegal firearms crisis in Gauteng, with more than 15 gang-related attacks reported across Westbury, Eldorado Park, Orange Farm, and Johannesburg South since September 2024. DA spokesperson Michael Sun condemned Premier Panyaza Lesufi, accusing him of failing to take meaningful action against the violence. Areas such as Westbury and Eldorado Park have witnessed deadly turf wars […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link World Severe storms batter Europe, Hungary among hardest hit Severe thunderstorms swept through Central and Eastern Europe this week, unleashing powerful winds, intense hail, and heavy rainfall. Hungary bore the brunt of the weather, with storm systems causing widespread damage to infrastructure, uprooting trees, and disrupting travel. Wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h have left some 150,000 homes without power and temporarily shutting down Budapest Airport and rail services around Lake Balaton. This is as roofs were torn off buildings—including […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link Africa Kenyan police open fire on Saba Saba protesters, 11 killed nationwide Nairobi and at least three other regions in Kenya were rocked by violent clashes on Monday as demonstrators marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (Seven Seven) pro-democracy protests. What began as a peaceful commemoration evolved into bloodshed, with Kenyan police deploying tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live ammunition to disperse crowds. Authorities have confirmed 11 deaths nationwide and numerous injuries among both civilians and officers. […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa South Africa pushes back on U.S. 30% tariff, faces AGOA threat South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump Pretoria, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday denounced the United States’ decision to impose a 30% reciprocal tariff on South African exports, calling it a “contested interpretation” of trade data and warning that it misrepresents existing trade relations. South Africa’s data shows that 56% of all imports enter under zero-rated most-favoured-nation tariffs, while 77% of American goods enter […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link Namibia Tour operators criticise poor national park maintenance as tourism image suffers Dune 7 Photo: Trip Advisor Swakopmund - Tour operators have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of public facilities at national parks, warning that poor maintenance is damaging the country’s international tourism reputation. Their criticism came during a stakeholder meeting held in Swakopmund, where industry professionals voiced frustration at broken and unhygienic amenities at popular destinations like Etosha National Park and Dune 7. The Namibia Press Agency reports that […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Trade surplus signals turnaround for local economy Port of Walvis Bay The trade sector swung dramatically into positive territory in May, posting a surplus of N$121 million, the first surplus in nearly five years and a strong reversal from April’s N$1.8 billion deficit. Simonis Storm Economist Almandro Jansen attributes this turnaround to a sharp rebound in mining exports coupled with subdued fuel imports, a combo he says indicates increasing stability in the country’s external trade. […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link Local Catwalk for a Cause raises N$60,000 for local charities in a ‘Glamorous Night of Fashion and Giving’ Swakopmund, Namibia — Glamour met generosity as Catwalk for a Cause lit up the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre on Saturday, 17 May 2025, for a powerful evening of fashion and fundraising. More than just a showcase of couture, the event united the fashion community, philanthropists, and changemakers in support of six impactful charities, raising an impressive N$60,000, with each organisation receiving N$10,000. This year’s event, organised by a passionate […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Government responsiveness and democracy are important drivers of citizen engagement in Africa, new Afrobarometer flagship report reveals Government responsiveness and democratic performance, along with unmet socioeconomic needs, are important drivers of citizen engagement in Africa, a new Afrobarometer flagship report (http://apo-opa.co/407Dbzv) reveals. Citizens are more likely to participate in political and civic activities if they are satisfied with the way their democracy works, believe that their elections are free and fair, and see their local elected officials as responsive to their needs. And contrary to theories and findings […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej congratulates the Winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards- 125 Winners from 36 Countries announced Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies - apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, proudly announced the Winners of their Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 under the categories “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. The Awards Ceremony […] today8 July, 2025