insert_link Business / Economics South Africa to submit revised tariff offer to U.S. South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau (Photo: engineeringnews.co.za) South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, announced that the cabinet has approved the submission of a revised tariff offer to the United States as the foundation for ongoing negotiations. This move comes in response to the recent 30-percent tariff imposed by the US on certain South African imports, which has sparked concerns among exporters […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Namibia Presidency denies reports of rejection of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation IUD trial proposal Jonas Mbambo (Photo: Namibian Presidency) Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo has firmly denied circulating reports that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah rejected a proposal from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to conduct a trial of an eight-year hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) in Namibia. Mbambo clarified that no such proposal was ever submitted to or discussed by the Namibian government. He further said that the presidency remains committed to supporting evidence-based health initiatives […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Proflight Zambia to launch Lusaka–Windhoek flights via Livingstone in 2026 Proflight (Photo: X) Proflight Zambia will introduce a new tri-weekly scheduled service between Lusaka and Windhoek via Livingstone starting March 2026, aimed at boosting tourism and trade between Namibia and Zambia. According to Air Connect Namibia, this new route will strengthen regional connectivity, fostering closer economic ties and positioning Windhoek as a key aviation hub in Southern Africa. Spokesperson for the Namibia Airports Company, Dan Kamati, said the route has […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Environment Europe heatwave persists with temperatures nearing 40°C EU heatwave via Bloomber Photographer: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images Temperatures are set to soar to nearly 40 degrees Celsius across several major European capitals on Tuesday, as the continent grapples with a relentless heatwave. Cities including Paris, Rome, and Madrid are forecasted to experience extreme heat, with Paris reaching 37°C, Rome 38°C, and Madrid hitting 39°C. This prolonged heatwave is placing strain on public health systems, infrastructure, and the environment. Authorities […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link South Africa Western Cape High Court hears appeals in Joslin Smith human trafficking case Joslin Smith Executive Mayor Andrè Truter/ Facebook The Western Cape High Court will hear applications over the next two days for leave to appeal the convictions and life sentences handed down in the high-profile Joslin Smith case. Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced in May to life imprisonment for human trafficking and received additional ten-year sentences for kidnapping. The case revolves around the mysterious disappearance of […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Germany pledges N$500 million grant for road development Germany's KfW Development Bank (Photo: KfW website) Germany’s KfW Development Bank has committed a N$500 million grant to support Namibia’s road infrastructure projects. The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Omuthiya–Elambo road, where KfW Director Beatrice Lucke said the funding comes from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. She emphasised that the investment reflects Germany’s continued partnership with Namibia in fostering economic growth and […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link World UN condemns Israel over the killing of journalists in Gaza Demonstrators (Photo: Al Jazeera) The United Nations human rights agency has condemned Israel's deliberate targeting and killing of six journalists in Gaza, describing it as a "grave breach of international humanitarian law." UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk took to X to express outrage after an Israeli strike on a tent sheltering Al Jazeera staff—resulting in the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists and one freelance reporter. The […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics India to offer credit guarantees for exporters hit by U.S. tariffs Deendayal Port in Kandla, in the western state of Gujarat, India (Photo: REUTERS/Amit Dave) India is rolling out a financial aid package featuring credit guarantees and term loans to support small businesses and exporters hit by steep U.S. tariffs. The initiative includes 10–15% credit guarantees for short-term loans (up to 90 days overdue) and up to 75% government-backed guarantees on term loans, aiming to ease pressure on stressed exporters, notably […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Africa M23 rebels accuse DRC forces of preparing major offensive in eastern Congo M23 rebels (Photo: REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi) The M23 rebel group has accused the Democratic Republic of the Congo's military of launching offensive maneuvers in the country’s eastern region, signaling an imminent large-scale conflict. The rebels claim government forces are positioning troops strategically to escalate the situation, raising fears of renewed widespread violence. This accusation highlights the fragility of the current ceasefire, with both sides trading blame amid a volatile security environment. […] today12 August, 2025