Today marks four years since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and millions are facing a harsh winter with homes without heating or electricity. Vulnerable groups-older people, those with disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses-are at greatest risk. Joining us from Ukraine is Scott Craig, spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to talk about the humanitarian situation on the ground and the urgent need for international support....

Today marks four years since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and millions are facing a harsh winter with homes without heating or electricity. Vulnerable groups-older people, those with disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses-are at greatest risk. Joining us from Ukraine is Scott Craig, spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to talk about the humanitarian situation on the ground and the urgent need for international support....

Humanitarian Concerns Grow on Fourth Anniversary of Ukraine Conflict

Experts warn that global health funding cuts introduced in 2025 risk reversing gains made in health care worldwide. Countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany have reduced their global health budgets, with devastating consequences for poorer nations. In some cases, the cuts have led to job losses and the closure of civil society organisations, particularly those working in HIV and AIDS. The funding crisis is among the key issues being discussed at a two-day meeting of Health Ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), currently underway in Johannesburg.  To discuss this further, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Regional Integration at SADC, Angele Makombo Ntumba.

Experts warn that global health funding cuts introduced in 2025 risk reversing gains made in health care worldwide. Countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany have reduced their global health budgets, with devastating consequences for poorer nations. In some cases, the cuts have led to job losses and the closure of civil society organisations, particularly those working in HIV and AIDS. The funding crisis is among the key issues being discussed at a two-day meeting of Health Ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), currently underway in Johannesburg. &nbsp;To discuss this further, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Regional Integration at SADC, Angele Makombo Ntumba.

SADC Ministers Confront Impact of Global Aid Reductions  

South Africa(SA) Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, is preparing to table the 2026 Budget Speech, his second under the Government of National Unity, at a pivotal moment for the country's economy. Tough fiscal decisions are expected to dominate the address, as government grapples with slow growth, rising debt and increasing social pressures. Last year's budget sparked intense debate, with opposition parties rejecting proposed VAT increases and civil society raising serious concerns about the impact on households. Now, the key question is whether the Minister can strike the right balance between fiscal discipline, political consensus and the urgent needs of South Africans. Channel Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more....

South Africa(SA) Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, is preparing to table the 2026 Budget Speech, his second under the Government of National Unity, at a pivotal moment for the country's economy. Tough fiscal decisions are expected to dominate the address, as government grapples with slow growth, rising debt and increasing social pressures. Last year's budget sparked intense debate, with opposition parties rejecting proposed VAT increases and civil society raising serious concerns about the impact on households. Now, the key question is whether the Minister can strike the right balance between fiscal discipline, political consensus and the urgent needs of South Africans. Channel Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more....

SA's 2026 Budget Speech Set to Test Government of National Unity  

A two-day Joint meeting of the Ministers of Health and Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), began on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa.  The aim of the meeting is to discuss important health issues within the region.  The discussions centre around twelve agenda points. They include discussions on communicable diseases (NCDs), and climate-related health risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera amongst other issues. Sisi Segalo has more on the story 

A two-day Joint meeting of the Ministers of Health and Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), began on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa. &nbsp;The aim of the meeting is to discuss important health issues within the region. &nbsp;The discussions centre around twelve agenda points. They include discussions on communicable diseases (NCDs), and climate-related health risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera amongst other issues. Sisi Segalo has more on the story&nbsp;

SADC Ministers Meet to Tackle Regional Health Challenges  

As African countries accelerate digital transformation, one critical question is how citizens prove who they are in an increasingly online world. From accessing government services to opening bank accounts or receiving social support, secure and inclusive digital identity systems are becoming essential to economic participation. This week, innovators, policymakers and technology leaders from across the continent and beyond have gathered in South Africa for DID:UNCONF Africa - a forum focused on shaping the future of digital identity in Africa, and ensuring systems can work across borders and institutions. Thuto Ngobeni reports.

As African countries accelerate digital transformation, one critical question is how citizens prove who they are in an increasingly online world. From accessing government services to opening bank accounts or receiving social support, secure and inclusive digital identity systems are becoming essential to economic participation. This week, innovators, policymakers and technology leaders from across the continent and beyond have gathered in South Africa for DID:UNCONF Africa - a forum focused on shaping the future of digital identity in Africa, and ensuring systems can work across borders and institutions. Thuto Ngobeni reports.

Policymakers Gather in South Africa to Shape Continent's Digital ID Systems  

Communities in Greater Mundri, South Sudan, have waited years for justice. With courts often non-functional and cases of serious crimes - including sexual and gender-based violence - left unresolved, many victims have long feared that accountability would never come. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, is now preparing to deploy a mobile court to the area, aiming to bring justice closer to the people and reduce prolonged pre-trial detention. Joining Peter Ndoro to explain this initiative is Anees Ahmed, Director of the Rule of Law Advisory Section at UNMISS

Communities in Greater Mundri, South Sudan, have waited years for justice. With courts often non-functional and cases of serious crimes - including sexual and gender-based violence - left unresolved, many victims have long feared that accountability would never come. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, is now preparing to deploy a mobile court to the area, aiming to bring justice closer to the people and reduce prolonged pre-trial detention. Joining Peter Ndoro to explain this initiative is Anees Ahmed, Director of the Rule of Law Advisory Section at UNMISS

United Nations Mission in South Sudan Moves to Tackle Justice Delays in Mundri  

Now, to look at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, where this week, political, security and economic developments are reshaping the region. Burundi has assumed the Chairship of the African Union, as fighting linked to the M23 rebels continues to affect eastern DRC and regional relations. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces leader, drawing attention to Kampala's diplomatic role. Meanwhile, Rwanda has signed a major artificial intelligence partnership, and in Kenya, a significant cross-border banking deal is edging closer to completion. To unpack these developments, Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.

Now, to look at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, where this week, political, security and economic developments are reshaping the region. Burundi has assumed the Chairship of the African Union, as fighting linked to the M23 rebels continues to affect eastern DRC and regional relations. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces leader, drawing attention to Kampala's diplomatic role. Meanwhile, Rwanda has signed a major artificial intelligence partnership, and in Kenya, a significant cross-border banking deal is edging closer to completion. To unpack these developments, Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.

East Africa wrap with Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya

A key border crossing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi reopened on Monday after more than two months of closure due to insecurity in eastern DR Congo. The Kavimvira post on Lake Tanganyika, a vital trade route linking Uvira and Bujumbura, had been shut following an offensive by the AFC/M23 armed group. To help us unpack the political, security, and economic implications of this development, is Jean-Baptiste Gasominari,  political analyst specialising in the Great Lakes region.....

A key border crossing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi reopened on Monday after more than two months of closure due to insecurity in eastern DR Congo. The Kavimvira post on Lake Tanganyika, a vital trade route linking Uvira and Bujumbura, had been shut following an offensive by the AFC/M23 armed group. To help us unpack the political, security, and economic implications of this development, is Jean-Baptiste Gasominari, &nbsp;political analyst specialising in the Great Lakes region.....

Trade Set to Recover as Lake Tanganyika Crossing Reopens 

The debate over Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendments continues, days after it first made headlines. The ruling Zanu-PF party wants to extend presidential terms from five to seven years and transfer the election of the president from the public to parliament. Critics say the changes are designed to benefit President Emmerson Mnangagwa, potentially allowing him to stay in power beyond 2028. Joining Peter Ndoro to unpack the implications is Zimbabwean political commentator and former journalist, Jealousy Mawarire

The debate over Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendments continues, days after it first made headlines. The ruling Zanu-PF party wants to extend presidential terms from five to seven years and transfer the election of the president from the public to parliament. Critics say the changes are designed to benefit President Emmerson Mnangagwa, potentially allowing him to stay in power beyond 2028. Joining Peter Ndoro to unpack the implications is Zimbabwean political commentator and former journalist, Jealousy Mawarire

Critics Warn Constitutional Changes Could Extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's Rule 

Zimbabweans have expressed mixed feelings regarding the arrest and court appearance of former President Robert Mugabe's son, Bellamine and his friend in South Africa, for attempted murder. The young Mugabe was remanded in custody after appearing in court on Monday. While some sympathise with the mother Grace who could not travel to South Africa owing to a warrant of arrest against her, some had no kind words. More from John Cassim, our Correspondent based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans have expressed mixed feelings regarding the arrest and court appearance of former President Robert Mugabe's son, Bellamine and his friend in South Africa, for attempted murder. The young Mugabe was remanded in custody after appearing in court on Monday. While some sympathise with the mother Grace who could not travel to South Africa owing to a warrant of arrest against her, some had no kind words. More from John Cassim, our Correspondent based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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