Affectionately known as DD Mabuza, while others prefer to call him the Cat, South Africa's former Deputy President, David Mabuza has died.

He was born in 1960 and calls Mpumalanga his home Province.

His passion for politics was ignited after being exposed to the Black Consciousness movement, when he was still a student in the 80s.

The former teacher left the classroom for politics, taking up political leadership in the  government of the Mpumalanga province, growing in the ranks of the party to becoming the country's Deputy President.

Mathews Phosa, South African attorney and politician pays tribute to him...

Affectionately known as DD Mabuza, while others prefer to call him the Cat, South Africa's former Deputy President, David Mabuza has died.
He was born in 1960 and calls Mpumalanga his home Province.
His passion for politics was ignited after being exposed to the Black Consciousness movement, when he was still a student in the 80s.
The former teacher left the classroom for politics, taking up political leadership in the &nbsp;government of the Mpumalanga province, growing in the ranks of the party to becoming the country's Deputy President.
Mathews Phosa, South African attorney and politician pays tribute to him...

Africa Rise & Shine

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SA's Mathews Phosa pays tribute to Former Deputy President David Mabuza

The Trump administration is reportedly in the process of recalling several career ambassadors who were appointed under former President Joe Biden. Around 30 ambassadors received notices from 17 December informing them that their assignments would end in January 2026.

Africa is the continent most affected by the recalls, with 13 ambassadors expected to vacate their posts, followed by Asia. The African countries impacted by the removals are Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.

For more on this,  International Relations expert from Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Oscar van Heerden.

The Trump administration is reportedly in the process of recalling several career ambassadors who were appointed under former President Joe Biden. Around 30 ambassadors received notices from 17 December informing them that their assignments would end in January 2026.
Africa is the continent most affected by the recalls, with 13 ambassadors expected to vacate their posts, followed by Asia. The African countries impacted by the removals are Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, C&ocirc;te d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.
For more on this, &nbsp;International Relations expert from Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Oscar van Heerden.

Trump administration moves to recall dozens of Biden-era Ambassadors

Every Tuesday Rise and shine looks at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, there are ongoing concerns around political stability, civic space, and socio-economic initiatives. From violent unrest in Tanzania following disputed elections and recent protest restrictions in Kenya, to preparations for peaceful polls in Uganda and major infrastructure plans in Mozambique, the region continues to experience important shifts that matter to audiences here at home. To unpack these stories, is Denis Beru, journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.

QUESTIONS
* Denis, recent reporting from Tanzania highlights the tragic killing of a local journalist while covering post-election protests, alongside widespread claims of excessive force against demonstrators. What can you tell us about the situation on the ground and how journalists are navigating reporting under such conditions?

* Alongside the killing, there have been reports of internet blackouts and restrictions during the election protests in Tanzania. From your perspective, how are these communications limitations affecting access to information and public awareness of events?

* Turning to Kenya, there was a report of Gen Z protest victims being blocked from marching to the State House and several arrests. What are the underlying grievances driving these demonstrations and how are authorities responding?

* In Narok County, tribal clashes prompted a curfew after the displacement and destruction of homes. How significant are these localised security incidents in the broader context of governance and stability in Kenya?

* Looking ahead to Uganda, campaigning is underway ahead of the January 15 vote. There are contrasting narratives about peace and political tension - what are you hearing from Ugandan sources about the atmosphere as the election approaches?

* Civil society and religious leaders in Uganda have been actively calling for peaceful, inclusive elections. How important is this kind of advocacy, and does it appear to be having an impact on voter engagement or political discourse?

* Beyond politics, Mozambique has announced ambitious plans to build major surgical and specialist hospitals with international partnerships. What could this mean for regional health infrastructure and economic development?

Every Tuesday Rise and shine looks at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, there are ongoing concerns around political stability, civic space, and socio-economic initiatives. From violent unrest in Tanzania following disputed elections and recent protest restrictions in Kenya, to preparations for peaceful polls in Uganda and major infrastructure plans in Mozambique, the region continues to experience important shifts that matter to audiences here at home. To unpack these stories, is Denis Beru, journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.
QUESTIONS * Denis, recent reporting from Tanzania highlights the tragic killing of a local journalist while covering post-election protests, alongside widespread claims of excessive force against demonstrators. What can you tell us about the situation on the ground and how journalists are navigating reporting under such conditions?
* Alongside the killing, there have been reports of internet blackouts and restrictions during the election protests in Tanzania. From your perspective, how are these communications limitations affecting access to information and public awareness of events?
* Turning to Kenya, there was a report of Gen Z protest victims being blocked from marching to the State House and several arrests. What are the underlying grievances driving these demonstrations and how are authorities responding?
* In Narok County, tribal clashes prompted a curfew after the displacement and destruction of homes. How significant are these localised security incidents in the broader context of governance and stability in Kenya?
* Looking ahead to Uganda, campaigning is underway ahead of the January 15 vote. There are contrasting narratives about peace and political tension - what are you hearing from Ugandan sources about the atmosphere as the election approaches?
* Civil society and religious leaders in Uganda have been actively calling for peaceful, inclusive elections. How important is this kind of advocacy, and does it appear to be having an impact on voter engagement or political discourse?
* Beyond politics, Mozambique has announced ambitious plans to build major surgical and specialist hospitals with international partnerships. What could this mean for regional health infrastructure and economic development?

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

Over the weekend, Zimbabwe marked National Unity Day, commemorating the historic moment when ZANU-PF and PF ZAPU came together under the Unity Accord.

 The Zimbabwe Unity Accord, signed on December 22, 1987, was a landmark political agreement that brought an end to the post-independence civil unrest known as Gukurahundi, paving the way for national reconciliation. In an address to mark the occasion, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the Unity Accord as the bedrock of the nation, stressing that no attempts to divide Zimbabweans would ever succeed. He said the agreement remains a lasting symbol of national cohesion, peace, and unity.

For more on this, is Political analyst, Professor Ibbo Mandaza.

Over the weekend, Zimbabwe marked National Unity Day, commemorating the historic moment when ZANU-PF and PF ZAPU came together under the Unity Accord.
&nbsp;The Zimbabwe Unity Accord, signed on December 22, 1987, was a landmark political agreement that brought an end to the post-independence civil unrest known as Gukurahundi, paving the way for national reconciliation. In an address to mark the occasion, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the Unity Accord as the bedrock of the nation, stressing that no attempts to divide Zimbabweans would ever succeed. He said the agreement remains a lasting symbol of national cohesion, peace, and unity.
For more on this, is Political analyst, Professor Ibbo Mandaza.

SA's Mathews Phosa pays tribute to Former Deputy President David Mabuza

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