In one of southern Africa's harshest landscapes, the Richtersveld, scientists have uncovered something extraordinary: a completely new genus and six previously unknown species of beetles hidden in a desert many assume is almost lifeless. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the two scientists behind the discovery, Roman Borovec, a specialist in beetle morphology and classification, and Massimo Meregalli, an expert in evolution and DNA analysis

 

In one of southern Africa's harshest landscapes, the Richtersveld, scientists have uncovered something extraordinary: a completely new genus and six previously unknown species of beetles hidden in a desert many assume is almost lifeless. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the two scientists behind the discovery, Roman Borovec, a specialist in beetle morphology and classification, and Massimo Meregalli, an expert in evolution and DNA analysis
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An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

Scientists make historic discovery of completely new genus and six previously unknown species of beetles in SA 

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the return of four men who were trapped in Russia after allegedly being recruited to serve the the Russian army. The four are part of a group of 17 men who fell victim to the alleged syndicate. Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while another is awaiting the finalisation of his travel arrangements. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Jabulani Khumalo, who speaks on behalf of the families 

 

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the return of four men who were trapped in Russia after allegedly being recruited to serve the the Russian army. The four are part of a group of 17 men who fell victim to the alleged syndicate. Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while another is awaiting the finalisation of his travel arrangements. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Jabulani Khumalo, who speaks on behalf of the families&nbsp;
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SA President welcomes four men lured to fight with Russia in ongoing war with Ukraine 

Hundreds of supporters of detained Ugandan opposition figure, Kizza Besigye are continuing to hold a defiant prayer services in an effort to force authorities to free him.  The 69-year-old politician made a brief appearance at the High Court in Kampala earlier today, where defence lawyers argued that prosecutors had made only a partial disclosure of evidence, preventing the court from setting a trial date. Besigye was arrested in November 2024 after being taken from Kenya and brought before a military court on charges including unlawful possession of firearms. The case was later transferred to a civilian court. For more on what the state of the political leader's health is, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to his wife and UNAIDS director, Winnie Byanyima 

 

Hundreds of supporters of detained Ugandan opposition figure, Kizza Besigye are continuing to hold a defiant prayer services in an effort to force authorities to free him. &nbsp;The 69-year-old politician made a brief appearance at the High Court in Kampala earlier today, where defence lawyers argued that prosecutors had made only a partial disclosure of evidence, preventing the court from setting a trial date. Besigye was arrested in November 2024 after being taken from Kenya and brought before a military court on charges including unlawful possession of firearms. The case was later transferred to a civilian court. For more on what the state of the political leader's health is, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to his wife and UNAIDS director, Winnie Byanyima&nbsp;
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Wife of imprisoned Ugandan opposition figure, Kizza Besigye calls on African Union leaders to demand 69-year-old's freedom

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Africa has raised alarm over what it describes as a deepening crisis of statelessness in South Sudan, warning that the denial of citizenship and legal identity is stripping individuals of fundamental rights at a pivotal political moment. At the centre of the concern is South Sudanese human rights defender and former lawmaker, Animu Risasi Amitai, whose citizenship was revoked in 2018 without due process. Despite a ruling in her favour by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, her nationality has yet to be restored. For more on this, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to one of the country's stateless people, Animu Risasi Amitai 

 

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Africa has raised alarm over what it describes as a deepening crisis of statelessness in South Sudan, warning that the denial of citizenship and legal identity is stripping individuals of fundamental rights at a pivotal political moment. At the centre of the concern is South Sudanese human rights defender and former lawmaker, Animu Risasi Amitai, whose citizenship was revoked in 2018 without due process. Despite a ruling in her favour by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, her nationality has yet to be restored. For more on this, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to one of the country's stateless people, Animu Risasi Amitai&nbsp;
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Scientists make historic discovery of completely new genus and six previously unknown species of beetles in SA

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