insert_link World Nauru Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Taiwan One of Taiwan's last diplomatic allies has cut ties with the island just days after its closely-watched presidential election. A senior Taiwanese official said Beijing offered the Pacific Island nation of Nauru $100 million a year for it to sever links. Patrick Fok reports. todayJanuary 16, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa The African Transformation Movement condemns SARS’ selective justice in Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farmgate scandal The African Transformation Movement says it condemns the South African Revenue Services’ flip-flopping, selective justice, and cover-up in president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farmgate scandal. This comes as the Revenue Service has opened a criminal case against Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa. He paid 10.82-million-rand in cash for 20 buffalo from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo in December 2019. The money was stolen from the farm in 2020. ATM’s spokesperson, […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 6
insert_link World Trump projected to win Iowa Caucus Former US President Donald Trump is projected to win the Iowa caucus.Republican voters in the state are the first in the country to have their say about who they want leading the party in November's presidential election. Iowans have been voting despite freezing temperatures. Nick Harper reports from Des Moines, Iowa. todayJanuary 16, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa South African Council for Medical Schemes is set to investigate the extravagant costs incurred by 33 medical schemes The South African Council for Medical Schemes is set to investigate the extravagant costs incurred by 33 medical schemes for hosting annual general meetings. A research report revealed the costs, totaling 29.2- million-rand, as concerning, prompting an in-depth inquiry into contributing factors. Five schemes, including Sizwe Hosmed and Discovery Health, exhibited notably higher spending. The investigation, empowered by the Medical Schemes Act, aims to ascertain causes and to assess if […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 16
insert_link World Sunak Says UK Will Not Hesitate To Act Against Houthis The UK Prime Minister has defended his decision to carry out joint strikes alongside the US on Houthi Rebel targets in Yemen. Rishi Sunak reaffirmed that the UK would not hesitate to act against Houthi targets in response to almost 30 attacks on international shipping in the region, since November. His statement in Parliament on Monday, coincided with reports that a US-owned cargo vessel had been struck by a missile […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa Analyst warns Zuma’s expulsion may expose ANC secrets SA Political analyst Fikile Vilakazi warns that former president Jacob Zuma, if expelled from the ANC, could expose sensitive information, posing a dilemma for the party. Vilakazi suggests Zuma, involved in apartheid-era intelligence gathering, might hold the ANC “to ransom,” and his revelations could lead to the organisation’s collapse. He says despite reasons to suspend Zuma, the ANC faces challenges. A leaked letter indicating Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s exit from Parliament adds […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 4
insert_link Namibia United States has reached an agreement to extend the African Growth and Opportunities Act The United States has reached an agreement to extend the African Growth and Opportunities Act for an additional 10 years. AGOA provides duty-free access to the American market for over 30 African countries. The current AGOA agreement is set to expire in September 2025, and the extension is contingent on approval from the U.S. Congress. We sought the opinion of Cirrus Capital economist Robert McGregor for his insights on this […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 7
insert_link Namibia Teacher’s Union of Namibia urges member to refrain from signing performance agreements The Teacher’s Union of Namibia has issued advice to its members, recommending that they refrain from signing performance agreements until the demands of the trade unions are addressed. This response comes after the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture stated the importance of signing performance agreements, especially for underperforming teachers. Mahongora Kavihuha, the Secretary General of TUN, shared the union's perspective on this matter. todayJanuary 16, 2024 13
insert_link Namibia Political commentators argue that Swapo is currently in a “politically intensive care unit.” Certain political commentators argue that Swapo is currently in a "politically intensive care unit." However, there is skepticism about whether the opposition can deal a decisive blow to the "wounded" ruling party in the upcoming 2024 elections. Namibians are expected to choose a new head of state to succeed the incumbent Hage Geingob, along with 104 members of parliament who will serve from March 2025 to 2029. With his insight, […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 24
