Some Afrikaners Cheer as Trump Amplifies Claims of Persecution

Documents obtained by amaBhungane indicate that former public works and infrastructure minister Sihle Zikalala and advocate Kwazi Mshengu, then-chair of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), engaged in efforts to protect the parastatal's chief executive from investigations related to a R45-million lease scandal. Their actions suggest a concerted effort to obstruct scrutiny of the IDT amid allegations of financial misconduct. This situation raises significant concerns regarding accountability and transparency within government institutions. Full Article

SummaryPresident Bola Tinubu, in a speech marking his second year in office, assured Nigerians that the worst is behind them and acknowledged the pain caused by his economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies that increased living costs. Despite criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for his performance, Tinubu highlighted improvements, such as easing inflation and predicted GDP growth of 4%, while unemployment remains a concern. Analysts suggest that state governors share responsibility...

South African police have identified three suspects in the murder of 30-year-old university student Olorato Mongale, whose body was found shortly after she went missing following a date. Authorities have dismantled a gang targeting women in malls for kidnapping and robbery, seizing a Volkswagen Polo linked to the crime, with blood traces found inside. Mongale's death has ignited public outrage and highlighted the alarming rates of violence against women in South Africa, where recent statistics...

In Nigeria's northern Kano State, skate soccer is transforming lives by providing opportunities for former beggars to play and support their families. The Kano Pillars team exemplifies this change, as BBC Sport Africa explores the players' experiences and the challenges they face. Produced by Emmanuel Akindubuwa and Ian Williams, with editing by Rajni Boddington and camera work by Joshua Akinyemi, this initiative is challenging perceptions and creating a positive impact in the community. Full Article

A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, alongside her accomplices, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, after a highly publicized trial. Despite extensive search efforts since Joshlin's disappearance in February 2024, she remains missing, and testimonies revealed shocking allegations, including that Smith sold her daughter to a traditional healer. Judge Nathan Erasmus emphasized the trio's lack of remorse and the profound...

Khanyisile NgcoboBBC News, JohannesburgA courtroom in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, was emotional as a video of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith was shown during the sentencing of her mother, Racquel Smith, convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her. Testimonies from family and friends revealed the pain of Joshlin's disappearance, with allegations her mother had sold her for money, possibly to a traditional healer. Despite the convictions of Smith and her accomplices, the whereabouts of Joshlin remain unknown,...