insert_link Africa Kenyan Cult Leader and Followers Ordered for Mental Health Evaluations in Child Murder Case Reuters reports that a Kenyan judge has issued a directive for cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 30 associates to undergo mental health evaluations before facing charges related to the murder of 191 children. The victims' bodies were exhumed from the Shakahola forest since April last year. Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church, is accused of instructing his followers in southeastern Kenya to intentionally starve themselves and their […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa Build One South Africa is set to launch a public petition demanding the removal of Basic Education minister Build One South Africa is set to launch a public petition demanding the removal of Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga and the abolishment of the 30-percent matric pass mark. As schools open and the matric results loom, BOSA says Motshekga has failed to deliver equitable education. Party leader Mmusi Maimane contends the 30-percent pass mark undermines the intellect of the youth and perpetuates mediocrity. He calls on concerned citizens to […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 20
insert_link World Biden meeting congressional leaders to try and agree on Ukraine, Israel and border U.S. President Joe Biden is meeting with members of Congress at the White House on Wednesday to try and come to a resolution on major security spending that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel. Republican representatives want more border security before agreeing to his requests. Caroline Malone reports. todayJanuary 18, 2024 3
South Africa The African Transformation Movement advocates for urgent economic reforms to tackle the soaring unemployment The African Transformation Movement has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in unemployment rates in South Africa. It says this has been exacerbated by an education system that fails to impart skills aligned with the country’s economic strengths, such as agriculture and mining. ATM spokesperson Zama Tshona says in response to this multi-faceted challenge, the party is calling for a comprehensive approach aimed at revitalizing local industries and creating […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 10
insert_link World WHO says situation in Gaza is “catastrophic” The World Health Organisation says the health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. A WHO health emergency officer described the dire nature of the health system saying the organisation needs more aid and medical supplies desperately to assist with the unfolding "catastrophe". Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. todayJanuary 18, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Explosions Rock Nigeria’s Oyo State: Two Dead, Dozens Injured Nigeria's Oyo state faced a tragic incident as explosions originating from stored explosives in a private residence resulted in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries, according to the state governor on Wednesday. Witnessed by Reuters, the aftermath included collapsed houses and damaged cars, causing panic among residents. The blast occurred on Tuesday, prompting emergency services and security officials to initiate a search and rescue operation in Ibadan, Oyo state's […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa Stage 3 load-shedding implemented by Eskom despite the return of generation capacity Eskom says stage 3 load-shedding was in effect from yesterday afternoon until 5 AM this morning, despite the return of three-thousand-200 megawatts of generating capacity. It attributes the decision to necessary planned maintenance, and setbacks. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena urges the public to use electricity efficiently to alleviate system pressure. todayJanuary 18, 2024 22
insert_link Namibia Namibians increasingly looking for accountable leaders Palestinian-Americans chanted "No Ceasefire, No vote" and "In November we remember" at at the largest rally in US history for Palestinian rights held in Washington. Its spokeperson said President Joseph Biden should not expect of them to vote for him in this year's elections unless he stands against the Israeli onslaught on Gazans. Social Activist Rinaani Musutua weighs in on the Namibian perspective. todayJanuary 18, 2024 6
insert_link Namibia Government Extends N$1.3 Billion Lifeline to Namcor in Financial Rescue Deal The government has approved a financial rescue plan by allocating N$1.3 billion to assist the financially strained National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia as a short-term solution. Namcor, the national oil parastatal, reported a loss of N$700 million in the previous fiscal year. Despite the Cabinet initially rejecting a bailout proposal in October, Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Iipumbu Shiimi, in a letter dated November 29, 2023, addressed to Namcor […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 15