Inside Standard Bank’s Landmark China Payment Deal and Its Implications for Africa

Standard Bank’s major recent China deal marks a significant milestone in Africa–China financial relations, with the bank becoming the first African financial institution to establish a direct connection to China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). This development goes beyond a routine …

Iran warns of retaliation if Trump strikes, US withdraws some personnel from regional bases

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes. With Iran's leadership trying to put down the worst domestic unrest …

South Africa’s Naval Drills with China and Russia Ignite Debate Amid Rising Tensions with the United States

South Africa’s joint naval drills with China and Russia have reignited significant debate at home and abroad, particularly against the backdrop of strained relations with the United States and growing global geopolitical tensions. The exercises, held off South Africa’s southern coastline near Simon…

South Africa Welcomes U.S. House Approval of Africa Trade Programme Renewal

South Africa has welcomed the recent approval by the U.S. House of Representatives to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for three more years. AGOA is a preferential trade programme that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for a …

Starlink in South Africa: Innovation, Competition or a National Security Risk?

Starlink is a low-Earth orbit satellite broadband service operated by SpaceX, designed to deliver high-speed internet with relatively low latency compared to traditional satellite systems. Unlike fibre or mobile networks, Starlink does not rely on extensive ground infrastructure across the country,…

At least 100 children killed in Gaza since ceasefire - UN

Since the ceasefire that took effect in early October 2025, at least 100 children have been killed in Gaza, according to UNICEF. This figure includes approximately 60 boys and 40 girls based on confirmed reports, but the real number is likely higher because many incidents cannot be fully verified a…

Uganda cuts internet days before presidential election

Ugandan authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout just days before the presidential election, widely expected to see President Yoweri Museveni extend his 40-year rule. The Uganda Communications Commission instructed mobile network operators to block public internet access starting at …

EU Removes South Africa from High-Risk List in Major Confidence Boost

The European Union’s decision to remove South Africa from its list of “High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions” represents a major regulatory, economic and reputational milestone for the country. This list forms part of the EU’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime and is desi…

Gauteng DID Denies Losing R1 Billion on School Projects, Pledges to Complete Delayed Infrastructure

The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) has rejected claims that it lost close to R1 billion on incomplete or “abandoned” school projects, contradicting a report by the Sunday Times that suggested almost a billion rand had been invested in school upgrades across the province, wit…

In light of the unrest in the USA against migrants - should FIFA move the World Cup from the USA

The question of whether FIFA should move the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States in light of unrest and growing hostility toward migrants has become part of a broader global debate about sport, politics, human rights, and the responsibilities of international sporting bodies.  Mbuyiseni Ndlo…