5 things private drone operators in South Africa must know

The Trump administration's decision to revoke visas for all South Sudanese passport holders adds to political and humanitarian challenges in the country, including escalating tensions between leaders and aid cuts. The visa ban, affecting relatively few travelers to the U.S., comes amid fears of civil war and instability as well as concerns about potential deportations and lack of accountability among South Sudanese leaders. Aid groups warn of worsening crises, with American assistance dwindling and services...

Nigerian travel vlogger Alma Asinobi attempted to break the record for the fastest journey across all seven continents but faced visa challenges and flight cancelations, preventing her from achieving her goal. In an interview with BBC Africa, she discusses when she realized it would be impossible and mentions changes she would make if she were to attempt the journey again. The video was produced by Jelilat Olawale and Uche Akolisa, filmed by Adekola Olawale and...

Lesotho faces a 50% import tax on textiles, including jeans, exported to the US as part of Trump's reciprocal tariffs, with a focus on reducing trade deficits; other African countries also hit with tariffs ranging from 10-47%, sparking concerns about job losses and economic impact. South Africa, a major exporter of platinum and cars to the US, condemned the punitive tariffs, reflecting strained US-South Africa relations under the Trump administration. Full Article

South Africa's coalition government, formed less than a year ago after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority, is facing instability as sharp divisions between the ANC and DA were exposed in a crucial budget vote. The DA voted against the fiscal framework, demanding spending cuts, while the ANC refused to bow to what it called an "austerity budget". The ANC won support from smaller parties to pass the budget, but the DA has filed court...

Rebecca Ntsanwisi has established "soccer grannies" teams in Africa to enhance the well-being of older women through football, with five teams now competing in the Soccer Grannies World Cup in Limpopo. The tournament includes players over 80 years old, showcasing how the sport has rejuvenated these women's lives. This heartwarming story, produced by Priyanka Sippy, Jenna Abaakouk, Eshlin Vedan, and Marco Oriunto, highlights the inspiring dedication and passion of these African grannies. Full Article

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not purchase a controlling stake in South Africa's Northam Platinum Mine, despite a viral video, an X post, and an article in a Zimbabwean newspaper suggesting otherwise. The false claims spread online, leading to confusion, but Zelensky's office clarified that he has no involvement in the mining company. The misinformation was debunked, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources before spreading information. Full Article