US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries

The United States government has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a major expansion of its immigration restrictions. The decision, announced by the State Department on January 14, 2026, will take effect on January 21, 2026, and is part of…

Uganda’s Long Serving President Museveni Seeks to Extend Rule Amid Tense, Heavily Policed Election Under Internet Blackout

Uganda’s national election on Thursday was marked by tension, heavy security, and a government‑imposed internet blackout as President Yoweri Museveni in power since 1986 sought to extend his rule into a fifth decade. The vote has drawn international scrutiny, allegations of repression, and fears of…

Illicit cigarette trade forces BAT SA to shut SA manufacturing operation

BAT South Africa (BATSA) today announced it will cease local production of factory manufactured cigarettes (FMC) and close its sole South African manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, because of the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade on the local market. Thabiso Tema spoke to Da…

Khumalo Says Misinformation Campaign Targeted His Anti Corruption Reforms at Crime Intelligence

Lieutenant‑General Dumisani Khumalo, head of the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence division, told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday that he has been the target of a “well‑orchestrated misinformation campaign” as a result of decisions he made to clean up fraud and corruption …

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has intensified its response to the ongoing surge in Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases in the province

Since the onset of the outbreak in Gauteng, 286 857 animals have been vaccinated, while 128 925 animals have undergone controlled slaughter at FMD-designated abattoirs. To date, 173 cases have been confirmed across the province. Of these, three cases have been closed following depopulation, while t…

Who checks compliancy of bogus educational institutions?

As of early 2026, authorities have identified over 200 confirmed bogus colleges operating across the country. These institutions primarily target matriculants during the results season in January and the mid-year intake in June and July. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dr Makhapa Makhafola, Acting Chief Exec…

National Assembly passes Special Appropriation Bill for Health Dept

The National Assembly has passed the Special Appropriation Bill, unlocking additional funding for the Department of Health to address critical gaps in the health sector following the withdrawal of United States funding under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Thabiso Tema spok…

Paying Eskom if you have solar power?

Eskom has intensified its "Act Now, Stay Legal, Stay Safe" campaign, urging all South African households and businesses with rooftop solar to register their systems. This initiative is a response to the rapid rise of private energy production and aims to ensure that the national grid remains stable…

The Department of Higher Education and Training warns Matrics of bogus college using fake promises and unaccredited courses

As matriculants received their 2025 results this week, Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education Dr. Mimmy Gondwe have issued an urgent warning against "pop-up" colleges preying on desperate students. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dr. Mimmy Gondwe Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Edu…

Steenhusien declares war on foot and mouth disease ravaging livestock

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has launched a transformative, multi-decade strategy to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa, targeting a return to a "disease-free" status by 2036. However, as of January 2026, the country is grappling with what experts call a national disaster,…