#south-africa

#south-africa

The World Health Organization reported a suspected outbreak of a hantavirus infection on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, with one confirmed case and five additional suspected cases.

"This unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It's a lesson we take with humility," Malatsi said.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola was suspended after being charged with breaking finance laws over the awarding of a healthcare contract, amid increasing pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to tackle corruption before upcoming elections.

The four men were pulled over by three white security police officers, handcuffed, and driven back towards Gqeberha. Mkonto was shot after a struggle, while the others were attacked from behind.

Roelf Meyer, who played a crucial role in ending white minority rule in South Africa, has been appointed as the new ambassador to the United States, indicating a shift in diplomatic strategy.

Singita Ebony Lodge remains one of Africa's most influential pioneers of conservation-led luxury. Positioned along the banks of the Sand River, this lodge sits among enormous trees and provides guests with access to 45,000 acres of private reserve.

Supporters of renaming Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe argue that it is a necessary step in transforming South Africa away from its colonial past and white-minority rule.

South Africa faces one of the world's worst rates of violent crime. In 2024, 26,232 murders were recorded around 72 each day for a homicide rate of nearly 42 per 100,000 people. Data derived from early 2025 numbers show a 12.4% drop in murders (5,727 cases) and fewer serious assaults, but these gains haven't changed the big picture: Violence is still widespread, and many South Africans feel unsafe.

"These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa," the ministry said. The foreign ministry also accused Seidman of failing to inform South African authorities of "purported visits by senior Israeli officials." DIRCO went on to say that this constituted a "gross abuse of diplomatic privilege" and said it was in violation of the Vienna Convention. Israel's diplomatic mission in South Africa has not yet responded to the latest development.

The drills have caused controversy in the country and drawn the ire of the United States. Although South Africa regularly holds drills with Russia and China, the latest maritime training comes amid heightened tensions between the US and many of the group's members, particularly Iran, which until last week was grappling with mass protests at home that turned deadly. Pretoria said the exercise, named Will for Peace 2026, was essential for ensuring maritime safety and international cooperation.

Chinese, Russian and Iranian ships were seen moving into and out of the harbour that serves South Africa's top naval base in Simon's Town, south of Cape Town, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. It was not immediately clear if other countries from the BRICS group which also includes Brazil, India and the United Arab Emirates, among others would take part in the drills.

Researchers have found traces of what appears to be plant-derived poison on tiny stone arrowheads from South Africa dated to 60,000 years ago. The finding pushes back the origin of this revolutionary hunting technology by tens of thousands of years. Scientists have long been fascinated by the development of poisoned hunting weapons. For one thing, they would have seriously leveled up our ancestors' foraging game.