insert_link South AfricaGauteng 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 WorldSevere 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 AfricaKenyan 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 AfricaSouth 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 NamibiaTour 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 / EconomicsTrade 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 LocalCatwalk 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 Business / EconomicsYinson Production secures project bond to refinance FPSO Maria Quitéria Singapore, 1 July 2025 –Yinson Production announced that it had successfully placed US$1.168 billion 144A/Reg S senior secured notes issued by its unit Yinson Bergenia Production B.V., which owns the floating production, storage, and offloading vessel FPSO Maria Quitéria. The FPSO currently operates under a 22.5-year lease and an operating contract with Petrobras in the Jubarte field, offshore Brazil. The notes are fully amortising with a final maturity […] today2 July, 2025
insert_link NamibiaNational cricket stadium nears completion ahead of 2027 World Cup The National Cricket Stadium, a state-of-the-art N$85 million project launched in March 2023, is rapidly approaching completion, with finishing touches scheduled to wrap up by the end of August, according to Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller. The facility, located next to the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, will host both the 2026 ICC Under‑19 Men’s World Cup and the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Namibia will co‑host with […] today1 July, 2025
