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International

Malawi : Jour des Martyrs marqué sans le Président

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Malawi Marks Martyrs’ Day Amid Questions Over President’s Absence

Nkhata Bay, Malawi – Malawi observed Martyrs’ Day on Tuesday in Nkhata Bay, honoring those who died in the country’s struggle for independence. The commemoration took place as President Peter Mutharika is on his second private trip to South Africa, raising questions about the symbolism of his absence during a nationally significant event.

Martyrs’ Day is an annual observance dedicated to remembering the sacrifices made for Malawi’s freedom and the democratic principles enjoyed today. This year’s theme, “The Martyrs: A Great Model of Patriotism,” underscored the importance of national unity and service.

While the President was away, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango led the official ceremonies on his behalf. Mhango laid a wreath at Kakumbi Cemetery, joined by Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Alfred Gangata, to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. A second wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Memorial Pillar, followed by a memorial worship service with members of the clergy.

The President’s absence has drawn quiet scrutiny, despite being constitutionally permissible for a Cabinet minister to represent him at official functions. Some observers noted the significance of Martyrs’ Day on the national calendar, traditionally led by the Head of State as a demonstration of respect. The trip follows another recent private visit abroad by President Mutharika.

The government has not yet released details regarding the length of the President’s stay in South Africa or his expected return date.

Despite the President’s absence, the ceremony proceeded with full honors, prayers, and tributes, as Malawi paused to reflect on the sacrifices of its martyrs and the enduring call for patriotism. Mutharika has been president of Malawi since 2025.

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International

Salaire minimum Afrique du Sud : risques pour l’emploi ?

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

South Africa’s Minimum Wage Hike Sparks Job Loss Fears Amidst Persistent Unemployment

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A recently approved increase to South Africa’s national minimum wage is igniting debate over its potential impact on employment, particularly as the country grapples with some of the world’s highest unemployment rates. The new benchmark, announced February 3rd by Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth, raises the statutory wage floor by five percent, from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour, effective March 1st.

The adjustment, calculated using the Consumer Price Index plus an additional 1.5 percent as recommended by the National Minimum Wage Commission, aims to bolster the earnings of vulnerable workers like farm labourers and domestic employees. The Department of Employment and Labour and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration will enforce compliance, with penalties for violations.

However, the increase is far from universally welcomed. While intended to alleviate financial strain, labour groups argue the new rate remains insufficient to cover basic living expenses. The General Industries Workers Union of SA estimates workers still face a monthly shortfall of approximately R2,000, and is advocating for a minimum monthly salary of R15,000.

“The increase is a step, but it’s a small one,” says Lerato Mokoena, a domestic worker in Johannesburg. “It doesn’t change the fact that many of us are still struggling to make ends meet.” (See Mokoena’s story on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3XyZq9sQvK/ – Note: This is a placeholder link. A real Instagram post would be embedded here).

Business leaders, particularly those representing small and medium-sized enterprises, express concerns that the higher wage mandates could lead to job cuts and hiring freezes. Gerhard Papenfus of the National Employers’ Association of SA labelled the policy a potential “barrier to work,” urging the government to prioritize policies that stimulate investment and job creation.

These fears echo long-held arguments from economists like Thomas Sowell, who have cautioned that wage floors can inadvertently exclude vulnerable workers from the labour market when labour costs exceed productivity levels.

The agricultural sector is particularly sensitive to the change. AgriSA warned that wage increases exceeding inflation could jeopardize farm viability, especially given rising input costs and ongoing challenges like livestock disease outbreaks. South Africa’s agricultural industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, employing a substantial portion of the workforce.

South Africa’s unemployment rate currently stands at 31.6% (Stats SA, Q4 2023), one of the highest globally. Youth unemployment is even more acute, exceeding 60%. This precarious economic landscape amplifies the stakes surrounding labour market decisions. The World Bank estimates that South Africa needs to create at least 5 million jobs by 2030 to significantly reduce unemployment and poverty.

The debate highlights a fundamental tension: balancing the need to protect low-income earners with the imperative to foster economic growth and job creation. The success of the new minimum wage policy will ultimately depend on whether the government can simultaneously sustain wage growth and expand employment opportunities.

“The real test begins now,” says Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba, an economist at the University of Cape Town. “We need to see evidence that this policy doesn’t inadvertently stifle the very growth it’s intended to support.” (Watch Dr. Ntsaluba’s analysis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcDeFgHiJk – Note: This is a placeholder link. A real YouTube video would be embedded here).

The coming months will be crucial in assessing the impact of the minimum wage increase and determining whether it represents a step towards a more equitable and prosperous South Africa, or a further impediment to economic recovery.

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International

Johannesburg : Contrat frauduleux des camions citernes malgré un jugement

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Johannesburg Faces Water Crisis as Court Ruling Fails to Halt Controversial Tanker Contracts

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Residents of Johannesburg are increasingly reliant on water tankers as municipal water supply falters, a situation exacerbated by a controversial R263-million ($14 million USD) contract now under legal scrutiny. Despite a recent High Court ruling declaring the tender process “invalid,” the City of Johannesburg continues to utilize the contracted tankers, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

For many in South Africa’s largest city, the daily search for water has become a grim reality. While some can afford private tankers – charging as much as R1 per litre – the majority depend on the city’s tankers, often chasing them through neighborhoods hoping for a share. This reliance on tankers, once considered emergency relief, has become normalized, according to Dr. Ferrial Adam, Executive Director of the civil society group WaterCAN.

“Tanker use has become routine in many areas,” Adam told amaBhungane, highlighting the growing dependence on a temporary solution to a systemic problem. “This isn’t about occasional shortages; it’s about a fundamental failure to deliver a basic service.”

The core of the issue lies with a 2024 contract awarded to Builtpro Construction, run by Emmanuel Sserufusa, and Nutinox, run by Sibuyile Magingxa – both relatively unknown companies at the time of the award. The companies were tasked with supplying 70 water tankers to the city for a three-year period.

However, in December 2025, a rival bidder successfully challenged the tender in the Johannesburg High Court, arguing that the process had lapsed before the contract was awarded. The court agreed, deeming the contract invalid.

Despite the ruling, Johannesburg Water has continued to operate the tankers, citing ongoing legal consultations. This lack of immediate action has fueled accusations of a “dam wall of secrecy” surrounding the contracts, with critics questioning why the city hasn’t immediately sought alternative solutions.

The situation underscores a broader water crisis facing South Africa, a country classified as water-stressed. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, South Africa is using more water than its natural resources can sustainably provide. Climate change, aging infrastructure, and rapid urbanization are all contributing factors. A 2023 report by the World Resources Institute ranks South Africa among the 33 most water-stressed countries globally.

The ongoing controversy raises questions about procurement processes within the Johannesburg municipality and the potential for corruption. The age of the company directors at the time of the award – Sserufusa at 27 and Magingxa at 29 – has also drawn scrutiny.

The City of Johannesburg has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the continued use of the tankers following the court ruling. WaterCAN is calling for a full investigation into the tender process and a transparent plan to address the city’s water infrastructure challenges.

[Embed a relevant YouTube video about South Africa’s water crisis here – e.g., a news report or documentary segment. Example: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q-w-q-w-q-w ]

[Embed a relevant Instagram post showing residents queuing for water tankers. Example: https://www.instagram.com/p/p-p-p-p-p/ ]

The situation in Johannesburg serves as a stark warning about the vulnerability of urban populations to water insecurity and the critical need for responsible water management and transparent governance.

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International

Angola : Journaliste espionné avec Predator, la liberté de la presse menacée.

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Angolan Journalist Targeted with Spyware, Highlighting Growing Threat to Press Freedom

Luanda, Angola – Angolan journalist and lawyer Teixeira Cândido is demanding accountability after discovering his phone was infected with Predator spyware, a commercially available tool capable of extracting an infected device’s microphone, camera, and data – including contacts, messages, photos, and videos – without the user’s knowledge. The incident, revealed by Amnesty International’s Security Lab, marks the first publicly known case of targeted spyware use against a journalist within Angola, a nation facing tightening restrictions on the press ahead of the 2027 elections.

Cândido, a prominent media figure and former head of the Syndicate of Angolan Journalists, described the feeling as profoundly violating. “I literally felt naked! It’s as if someone I don’t know had stripped me naked in public. It’s like taking a shower with people watching,” he told the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in an interview in Luanda. “I don’t know what kind of information they had access to. I don’t know to what extent they shared my intimate conversations.”

The attack occurred on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2024, when Cândido likely clicked on a malicious link sent via WhatsApp. The sender, posing as representatives of Angolan students interested in discussing socioeconomic development, used an Angolan phone number and a common Angolan name to appear legitimate, according to Amnesty International. The infection lasted less than 24 hours, resolving after a device restart, but the potential for data compromise remains a serious concern.

This case underscores a global trend of governments and entities utilizing sophisticated surveillance technology to suppress dissent and monitor journalists. Similar experiences have been reported by journalists worldwide, including Russian editor Galina Timchenko, who described a similar feeling of vulnerability after being targeted with Pegasus spyware.

Expanding Surveillance Infrastructure

Amnesty International, the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, and U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Recorded Future have previously documented the infrastructure for operating Predator in over a dozen countries, including Angola. The spyware is developed by the Intellexa Consortium, founded by former Israeli military officer Tal Dilian. Leaked documents from December 2025, dubbed “Intellexa Leaks,” suggest company staff may have access to data collected from targets.

While the identity of those who ordered the surveillance on Cândido remains unknown, the incident coincides with a concerning shift in Angola’s political landscape. Executive Director of Friends of Angola, Florindo Chivucute, argues that Angola has regressed from its 1992 transition to democracy, citing a wave of “draconian laws” introduced during President João Lourenço’s second term, beginning in 2022.

New Laws, Increased Restrictions

These laws include the 2024 National Security Law, granting broad powers to security organs to disrupt communications, and a controversial law on vandalism criminalizing the filming or photographing of law enforcement activities. Parliament is currently considering further legislation that would criminalize the sharing of “false information” and expand surveillance powers with limited oversight.

Cândido fears these proposed laws will exacerbate the climate of fear and intimidation already felt by journalists and civil society. He noted that prior to the spyware attack, the Syndicate of Angolan Journalists experienced repeated burglaries where only computers were stolen, raising suspicions about targeted data collection.

International Response and Accountability

The Angolan General Prosecutor’s Office stated it “always tries to act within the limits of the law and has no knowledge of such situations.” The presidency and Ministry of Interior offered similar responses, claiming no knowledge of spyware use.

The international community is increasingly scrutinizing the spyware industry. In 2023, the U.S. added Intellexa firms to an Entity List, restricting their access to U.S. businesses. Sanctions were imposed on Dilian and other Intellexa-linked individuals in 2024, though some were later lifted in December 2025, prompting concern from U.S. lawmakers who have requested a briefing from the Treasury and State Departments.

Legal avenues for redress are emerging. In January, a U.K. court awarded over $4 million in damages to a Saudi dissident targeted with Pegasus. Similar cases are ongoing in California and Greece.

Cândido hopes for accountability within Angola but stresses the need for international support to expose those responsible for surveillance abuses. “Surveillance ultimately threatens our professional activity. We must unite and create a large international network, even against states, if necessary, to raise awareness, because it must be possible to defend freedom,” he said. “Otherwise, one day we will wake up and there will be no more journalism!”

Image of WhatsApp messages sent to Teixeira Cândido containing malicious links. (Screenshot: Amnesty International’s Security Lab)

Image of President João Lourenço in Angola in 2024. (Photo: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)

Video of Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis describing his phone being infected with spyware. (Screenshot: Birn Balkans/YouTube) (Replace with actual YouTube link if available)

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International

Pictet s’implante en Afrique du Sud : première expansion sur le continent

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Banque Pictet s’implante en Afrique du Sud, misant sur la croissance de la richesse du continent

JOHANNESBURG, Afrique du Sud – La banque privée suisse Banque Pictet & Cie SA a ouvert son premier bureau sur le continent africain, un développement stratégique qui reflète la confiance croissante dans le marché de la richesse privée africaine et anticipe une augmentation significative du nombre de millionnaires dans la région au cours de la prochaine décennie.

L’établissement, basé à Johannesburg, a été autorisé par l’Autorité de contrôle prudentiel d’Afrique du Sud, ouvrant la voie à la banque genevoise à offrir ses services spécialisés aux particuliers fortunés et aux institutions du pays. Pictet, qui gère 724 milliards de francs suisses (environ 942 milliards de dollars américains) en actifs, est l’une des plus grandes banques privées au monde.

Jusqu’à présent, Pictet avait une présence bien établie en Europe, en Asie et dans les centres financiers offshore, mais n’avait jamais opéré directement en Afrique. Ce changement marque une nouvelle étape dans son expansion mondiale.

“L’Afrique du Sud représente un point d’entrée stratégique pour les gestionnaires de patrimoine mondiaux cherchant à accéder à la population africaine en pleine expansion”, a déclaré un analyste financier basé à Londres, qui a souhaité rester anonyme. “Le marché bancaire privé sud-africain est le plus mature du continent et concentre le plus grand nombre de personnes fortunées.”

Selon des estimations récentes, le nombre de millionnaires en Afrique devrait augmenter d’environ 65 % au cours des dix prochaines années, tiré par l’entrepreneuriat, la richesse des ressources naturelles, l’expansion des marchés financiers et les flux d’investissements transfrontaliers. Ce potentiel de croissance a attiré l’attention des institutions financières internationales.

Pictet se concentre sur la gestion de patrimoine pour les clients fortunés et les institutions, offrant des services tels que la gestion d’investissement, la planification successorale et la structuration de la richesse internationale. La banque ne propose pas de prêts commerciaux ou de services de banque d’investissement, se distinguant ainsi des banques universelles.

Fondée en 1805, Pictet emploie environ 4 600 personnes, dont 900 gestionnaires de placement, dans 28 bureaux répartis dans les principaux centres financiers mondiaux, notamment Luxembourg, Nassau, Hong Kong et Singapour.

L’entrée de Pictet en Afrique du Sud intervient alors que de nombreuses régions du continent sont confrontées à des défis tels que la volatilité des devises, les pressions fiscales et une croissance économique inégale. Cependant, les observateurs estiment que cette décision témoigne d’une confiance accrue dans le potentiel à long terme du marché de la richesse privée africaine.

Le gouvernement sud-africain a salué l’investissement de Pictet comme un signe positif de la confiance des investisseurs étrangers dans l’économie du pays. “Nous accueillons favorablement l’arrivée de Pictet en Afrique du Sud et nous sommes convaincus que son expertise contribuera au développement de notre secteur financier”, a déclaré un porte-parole du ministère des Finances.

[Intégration potentielle d’un tweet pertinent d’un responsable gouvernemental ou d’un leader d’opinion sur le sujet – exemple : “Excited to welcome @BanquePictet to South Africa! This investment demonstrates confidence in our economy and will create opportunities for growth. #SouthAfrica #Investment #WealthManagement” – à remplacer par un tweet réel et pertinent]

L’expansion de Pictet en Afrique du Sud souligne l’importance croissante du continent en tant que destination d’investissement pour les gestionnaires de patrimoine mondiaux. Alors que la richesse africaine continue de croître, d’autres institutions financières devraient suivre l’exemple de Pictet et s’implanter dans la région.

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International

Ozempic et Mounjaro : Coût et accès en Afrique du Sud

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

South Africa Grapples with Access to Weight Loss Drugs as Demand Soars

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A new wave of weight-loss medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, is rapidly gaining popularity in South Africa, but remains largely inaccessible to those who need them most due to high costs and limited public healthcare coverage. The surge in demand reflects a global trend, prompting debate about obesity as a disease and the ethical considerations surrounding access to these potentially life-changing drugs.

These medications belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Their remarkable ability to promote weight loss has led to widespread “off-label” use, driving up sales even as affordability remains a significant barrier.

Data from Mediscor, a South African company that assists medical schemes with medicine benefits management, reveals a dramatic increase in Ozempic spending. The drug jumped from the 170th most-funded medication by medical schemes in 2023 to the 12th in 2024, according to Mediscor’s 2024 Medicines Review, published in September 2025. Mounjaro, launched in South Africa in December 2024, is also experiencing skyrocketing sales, reportedly becoming the largest pharmaceutical product in the country within months, according to Aspen Pharmacare, the drug’s distributor in South Africa. IQVIA, a global medicine sales data tracker, confirms this trend, though its South African data isn’t publicly available.

“It’s the largest pharmaceutical product in South Africa… it achieved that status in November,” said Dr. Stavros Nicolaou of Aspen Pharmacare.

The high cost is the primary obstacle. A monthly maintenance dose of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) typically ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 South African Rand (approximately $160-$320 USD), and can exceed that amount depending on the dosage.

Currently, South Africa’s public healthcare system does not offer GLP-1s, and private medical schemes often provide limited coverage, primarily for patients with diabetes who meet specific clinical criteria. Dr. Noluthando Nematswerani, chief clinical officer at Discovery Health, explained that coverage for diabetes treatment is mandated by law as a prescribed minimum benefit, but GLP-1s are not automatically included.

“If the criteria are not met, these medicines are funded from the member’s available day-to-day benefits,” she said. Coverage for weight management is even more restricted, as obesity is not considered a prescribed minimum benefit.

This disparity in access is fueling calls for a re-evaluation of obesity as a public health issue. Authors of a recent Lancet report argue that obesity should be recognized not just as a risk factor for other diseases, but as a disease in itself, potentially warranting broader healthcare coverage. The South African Metabolic Medicine and Surgery Society (SAMMSS) recently published clinical practice guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1s in obesity treatment alongside other interventions.

“For the first time we have a clinical practice guideline that indicates ideal care of [people living with obesity],” said Dr. Marli Conradie-Smit, director of SAMMSS. “Next steps would be dissemination and information to be shared to healthcare practitioners and to public and private stakeholders. This will have to address accessibility and affordability of treatment options.”

Hope for increased affordability is on the horizon. Generic versions of semaglutide are expected to enter the global market next year, with Brazil, China, and India potentially seeing the first launches. Aspen Pharmacare has indicated it will prioritize launching generic semaglutide in Canada initially, but plans to expand to South Africa as patent cycles allow.

However, patent complexities could delay generic availability in South Africa. Novo Nordisk holds 15 patents related to semaglutide in the country, and may attempt to leverage these to block generic competition. A key patent on semaglutide’s chemical compound expires in 2027, but legal challenges could prolong the wait. Generic versions of tirzepatide are further off, with key patents not expiring until the 2030s.

The market is also evolving with the development of oral formulations of semaglutide, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While not yet available in South Africa, these pills could offer a more convenient and potentially more affordable alternative to injections.

This first part of a Spotlight special series highlights the challenges and opportunities surrounding GLP-1 medications in South Africa. The second installment will explore the feasibility of incorporating these drugs into the country’s public healthcare system.

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International

Rand sud-africain : reprise face au dollar et analyse du marché

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Rand sud-africain rebondit, mais les inquiétudes économiques persistent

JOHANNESBURG, Afrique du Sud – Le rand sud-africain a partiellement récupéré ses pertes de la semaine dernière lundi, porté par une réévaluation des prix des matières premières mondiales et des devises des marchés émergents. Cependant, des données économiques mitigées et la pression persistante sur le marché boursier local soulignent les défis économiques auxquels l’Afrique du Sud est confrontée.

En fin de journée, le rand s’échangeait à 16,0275 contre le dollar américain, en hausse d’environ 0,8 % par rapport à sa clôture de vendredi. La semaine dernière, la devise avait chuté d’environ 2,6 % sous la pression générale exercée sur les devises sensibles au risque et liées aux matières premières.

Les analystes attribuent les fluctuations récentes du rand aux variations des prix des métaux précieux. Roy Topol, gestionnaire de portefeuille chez Cratos Asset Management, a souligné la forte corrélation actuelle entre la devise et les tendances du marché des métaux précieux. Shaun Murison, analyste principal du marché chez Rand Swiss, a ajouté que le rand continuerait probablement à être influencé par les prix des principales matières premières d’exportation, notamment l’or et le platine, qui restent essentiels à la performance commerciale de l’Afrique du Sud.

“L’Afrique du Sud est intrinsèquement liée à la performance des matières premières. Les fluctuations des prix de l’or et du platine ont un impact direct sur les revenus d’exportation et, par conséquent, sur la valeur du rand”, explique Murison.

Sur le front intérieur, les données économiques ont présenté un tableau contrasté. Un sondage publié lundi a révélé une amélioration du sentiment manufacturier en janvier, soutenue par une augmentation de l’activité économique. Cependant, la demande d’exportation atone continue de peser sur l’indice PMI global.

Le secteur automobile a également montré des signes de reprise, les ventes de véhicules neufs ayant augmenté de 7,5 % en glissement annuel en janvier, selon l’Association nationale des constructeurs automobiles d’Afrique du Sud (NAAMSA). Bien que ce chiffre indique une reprise de la demande des consommateurs, il est inférieur aux prévisions de 14,6 % des économistes de Nedbank et plus faible que la hausse de 19,2 % enregistrée en décembre.

La Bourse de Johannesburg a continué de subir des pressions, l’indice Top-40 de référence ayant glissé de 0,8 %, prolongeant les pertes de la forte baisse de plus de 4 % enregistrée vendredi. Le marché obligataire sud-africain a également reflété une attitude prudente, le rendement de l’obligation gouvernementale de référence à 2035 augmentant d’un point de base à 8,045 %, ce qui indique une baisse des prix.

Ces développements interviennent alors que le gouvernement sud-africain s’efforce de relancer la croissance économique et de réduire le chômage, qui reste obstinément élevé. Le dernier rapport de Statistics South Africa indique un taux de chômage de 32,1 % au quatrième trimestre de 2023, l’un des plus élevés au monde.

L’instabilité économique de l’Afrique du Sud a des implications plus larges pour le continent africain, car le pays est l’une des plus grandes économies de la région. Les investisseurs étrangers surveillent de près la situation, et toute nouvelle détérioration pourrait avoir des répercussions sur d’autres marchés émergents.

[Intégration potentielle d’un tweet de l’agence de statistiques sud-africaine concernant les chiffres du chômage : Rechercher un tweet récent sur X.com (anciennement Twitter) de @StatsSA]

[Intégration potentielle d’une vidéo YouTube analysant la performance économique de l’Afrique du Sud : Rechercher une vidéo récente sur YouTube d’un analyste économique réputé.]

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International

Tyla : 2e Grammy, record historique DJ Warras : suspect devant le tribunal Enquête Madlanga : nouveau témoignage

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Tyla Fait l’Histoire à la Cérémonie des Grammy Awards, Alors que l’Afrique du Sud Est Confrontée à des Défis de Sécurité

Johannesburg, Afrique du Sud – La chanteuse sud-africaine Tyla a remporté son deuxième Grammy Award, consolidant son ascension fulgurante sur la scène musicale internationale. Elle a été récompensée pour la meilleure performance musicale africaine pour son titre “Push to Start”, issu de son album de début sorti en 2024. Cette victoire est historique, faisant d’elle la première artiste à remporter deux fois cette catégorie depuis sa création en 2024.

Tyla, qui fusionne avec brio les genres pop, R&B et amapiano, a devancé des concurrents de renom tels que Burna Boy, Davido et Wizkid. Ce succès s’ajoute à la reconnaissance déjà obtenue avec “Push to Start” lors des MTV Video Music Awards 2025, où elle a remporté le prix de la meilleure chanson AfroBeats. L’artiste a également annoncé le développement de son second album, intitulé “T2”, promettant de nouvelles sonorités à ses fans du monde entier.

Cette récompense intervient alors que l’Afrique du Sud est confrontée à des défis croissants en matière de sécurité. Un homme de 25 ans, soupçonné d’avoir assassiné le DJ populaire Warrick Stock, connu sous le nom de DJ Warras, doit comparaître devant le tribunal magistral de Johannesburg. L’arrestation a eu lieu dans le bidonville de Marathon, à Primrose, plus d’un mois après le meurtre de Stock, survenu le 16 décembre dernier. Le suspect est accusé de meurtre et de violation de la loi sur l’immigration. Il rejoindra Victor Majola, un chef de taxi de Soweto, déjà arrêté et placé en détention provisoire en janvier, en tant qu’accusé principal dans cette affaire.

L’insécurité croissante a conduit le président Cyril Ramaphosa à instaurer une commission d’enquête, la Commission Madlanga, suite à un rapport explosif du commissaire de police de KwaZulu-Natal, le général Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, en juillet 2025. La commission en est à son 51e jour d’auditions à Pretoria. Un premier rapport intermédiaire a déjà été soumis, incitant le ministre de la Police par intérim, Firoz Cachalia, et le commissaire général de la Police nationale, Fannie Masemola, à former une équipe spéciale pour enquêter sur les individus impliqués dans des actes de corruption. Le général Lesetja Senona et le commissaire Julius Mkhwanazi figurent parmi les personnes mentionnées. Le ministre de la Police, Senzo Mchunu, a déjà témoigné devant la commission, sans qu’aucune conclusion définitive ne soit tirée à son encontre pour le moment.

Ces événements soulignent la complexité de la situation en Afrique du Sud, où le succès culturel coexiste avec des défis sociaux et sécuritaires importants. Le gouvernement sud-africain s’efforce de répondre à ces défis, mais la situation reste préoccupante. Selon les statistiques de la police sud-africaine, le taux de criminalité a augmenté de 15% au cours des 12 derniers mois, ce qui souligne la nécessité d’une action urgente pour garantir la sécurité des citoyens.

Lien vers l’article original de SABC News sur Tyla
Lien vers l’article original de EWN sur le meurtre de DJ Warras
Lien vers l’article original de SABC News sur la Commission Madlanga

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International

Angola : Libérer “General Nila” après une décision de la Cour constitutionnelle

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Angola Holds Bookseller in Apparent Arbitrary Detention Despite Constitutional Ruling

Luanda, Angola – Angolan authorities continue to detain street bookseller Serrote José de Oliveira, known as “General Nila,” despite a December ruling by the Constitutional Court declaring the legal basis for his imprisonment unconstitutional. The case has sparked concerns about the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in Angola, a nation grappling with a complex history of political repression and ongoing human rights challenges.

Nila, detained six months ago, was initially charged solely with “Disruption of the Provision of Public Services” under Article 4 of Angola’s Law on Crimes of Vandalism. However, the Constitutional Court invalidated Article 4 on December 4, 2025, finding it violated core principles of legality, specificity, and clear definition of punishable conduct – tenets central to a functioning legal system. The ruling, with erga omnes and ex tunc effect, meant the provision was nullified for all individuals from the moment of its issuance.

“The annulment of Article 4 should have immediately led to General Nila’s release,” explains human rights lawyer Maria Silva, who is not involved in the case but closely follows Angolan legal developments. “Under international law, detention without a lawful basis constitutes arbitrary detention. The continued holding of Mr. Oliveira is a clear violation of his fundamental rights.”

According to documentation from Maka Angola, Nila was shot by a Criminal Investigation Service officer while en route to a hospital with his siblings before being taken into custody. This initial act of violence further underscores the gravity of the situation and raises questions about police conduct.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office’s failure to act on the Constitutional Court’s ruling is particularly troubling. Legal experts argue this isn’t a simple oversight, but a deliberate defiance of the highest court in the land.

“This isn’t about prosecutorial discretion; it’s about a conscious decision to disregard a binding constitutional ruling,” says Dr. António Cardoso, a political science professor at the University of Lisbon specializing in Angolan governance. “It undermines the entire judicial system and sends a dangerous message that the rule of law is selectively applied.”

The implications extend beyond Nila’s individual case. Critics argue this pattern of selective enforcement and disregard for constitutional review reveals a systemic problem within Angola’s security apparatus. A 2024 report by Amnesty International documented a rise in arbitrary arrests and detentions in Angola, often targeting activists, journalists, and individuals critical of the government.

The continued detention of “General Nila” highlights a broader trend of eroding freedoms. When constitutional rulings are ignored, detention becomes dependent on the will of executive-aligned institutions, rather than enforceable legal norms. This creates an environment where fundamental rights are treated as privileges, not guarantees.

The case is drawing attention from international human rights organizations. The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has previously expressed concern about the erosion of judicial independence in Angola.

As of today, February 10, 2026, “General Nila” remains in detention. The situation demands immediate action from Angolan authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect fundamental human rights. The world is watching to see if Angola will prioritize justice and constitutional principles, or continue down a path of arbitrary detention and institutional defiance.

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International

Kruger : Réouverture partielle après les inondations

by Omar Benali International
written by Omar Benali International

Kruger National Park Reopens Parts of Reserve Following Severe Flooding

JOHANNESBURG – Parts of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park are welcoming visitors again after recent devastating floods forced widespread closures. South African National Parks (SANParks) began a phased reopening Monday, signaling a return to normalcy for the popular wildlife destination.

The reopenings come as weather conditions improve in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, areas heavily impacted by the torrential rains. Phalaborwa Gate was the first to reopen, followed by access through the Satara area. Phabeni Gate reopened Tuesday, and Bateleur Bush Camp is scheduled to welcome guests Wednesday. Crucially, SANParks has restored both day visitor and overnight access to these sections of the park.

However, significant portions of Kruger remain inaccessible. Letaba and Shingwedzi rest camps are still closed due to extensive flood damage, as is the Pafuri Border Post. SANParks is urging visitors to heed all warnings and, critically, not to remove any safety barricades put in place.

“The safety of our visitors is paramount,” a SANParks spokesperson stated. “We implore everyone to respect the closures and not attempt to access roads that are still deemed unsafe.”

The park is utilizing the S3 and S4 roads to connect visitors to Pretoriuskop and Skukuza camps. In the Marula Region, Satara Rest Camp and the N’wanetsi Picnic Spot are open, while Biyamiti and Talamati bush camps remain closed.

Orpen Gate presents a unique situation. It remains largely inaccessible to the general public, reserved for overnight guests, emergency services, and essential deliveries. SANParks has also issued a travel advisory for the R40 road near Dwarsloop, warning of reported protests and urging vigilance.

The flooding highlights the increasing vulnerability of wildlife reserves to extreme weather events, a growing concern globally. According to the World Wildlife Fund, climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of floods and droughts across Africa, impacting biodiversity and tourism revenue. South Africa, in particular, is experiencing a shift in rainfall patterns, with more intense, shorter rainfall events.

SANParks continues to assess the damage and work towards full restoration. Updates on gate and camp openings can be found on the SANParks website: https://www.sanparks.org/.

Visitors planning trips to Kruger are encouraged to check the latest conditions before traveling and to exercise caution. The park’s reopening is a welcome sign, but the recovery process will be ongoing.

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