insert_link EnvironmentSouth Africa hosts G20 Environment & Climate meeting G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Skukuza, Mpumalanga — From 14 to 18 July 2025, South Africa is convening the 2nd technical meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) at the iconic Kruger National Park, under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. The event forms the centerpiece of South Africa’s G20 environmental agenda. Over 250 delegates from G20 nations, invited countries, international organisations, and […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link EntertainmentJane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag fetches €8.58 million at auction The original Birkin handbag, which was custom-made in 1984 for the late actress and singer Jane Birkin, sold at Sotheby’s Paris on Thursday for a record-setting €8.58 million (around $10 million), becoming the most expensive handbag ever auctioned. PBS reported that five bidders vied for the one-of-a-kind bag over more than ten heated minutes before a private Japanese collector secured the piece via phone. The iconic bag, made from black […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link AfricaStandard Bank South Africa CEO pushes back against Moody’s credit risk concerns Standard Bank SA CEO Sim Tshabalala Speaking at the Africa Unlocked Conference 2025 held in Cape Town, Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala dismissed a recent Moody’s report flagging the bank’s exposure to South African government debt as a credit risk. He questioned the accuracy of the data, remarking, “We respectfully wonder what data they were using.” Moody’s had raised concerns over Standard Bank’s approximately R272 billion exposure—around 13% of its total assets […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link South AfricaSenzo Mchunu denies corruption allegations South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied corruption allegations made against him by the KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner, stating he accepts and supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place him on special leave. The minister said he stands ready to fully respond to charges and uphold his honour and integrity. The allegations, according to Times LIVE, stem from a public briefing by Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed Mchunu colluded […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link AfricaKenya lifts visa requirements for nearly all African countries In a historic first for the continent, Kenya has officially abolished visa and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirements for citizens of nearly all African countries, exempting only Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security concerns. Under the new policy, eligible travellers from across Africa can now enter Kenya without pre‑approval, entry forms, or visa fees, and may stay for up to two months. The Standards reports that citizens of […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Business / EconomicsPupkewitz Group marks 100 years of business Group Strategy Director at the Pupkewitz Group of Companies, Andrea Barry The Pupkewitz Group is marking a historic milestone this week as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, cementing its place as one of Namibia’s most respected and enduring business institutions. Founded in 1925 by Max and Anna Pupkewitz, what began as a modest trading business in Windhoek has evolved into a diversified enterprise with interests across automotive, construction, technology, and […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link NamibiaPDM challenges government decision to end drought relief The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has raised serious concerns over the Office of the Prime Minister’s (OPM) decision to scale down drought relief food distribution in parts of the country. The opposition party has labelled the move premature and potentially dangerous, particularly for severely affected regions like Kunene and Erongo, where communities are still struggling with food insecurity and worsening livestock losses. According to a recent government announcement, certain areas […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link AfricaZimbabwe rallies past Kenya to book final against Namibia Photo by: Xinhua Namibia and Zimbabwe will face off in the Rugby Africa Cup final on Saturday, 19 July 2025, with direct qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the line. The showdown takes place in Kampala, Uganda, at the Mandela National Stadium, where the winner will be crowned continental champion and earn Africa’s sole automatic slot at the next World Cup. According to the Namibia Press Agency […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Business / EconomicsEU prepares $24.5 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods amid trade standoff The European Union has drawn up a retaliatory list of tariffs worth $24.52 billion on American goods, according to Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who confirmed the move during a high-level meeting of EU trade ministers in Brussels. The potential sanctions come in response to the United States' decision to impose a 30% tariff on select European imports—an action that has sparked concern across EU capitals and revived fears of […] today14 July, 2025