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The African National Congress (ANC) has emerged victorious in the by-elections held in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, South Africa on Wednesday.
The by-elections were triggered by the dissolution of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality, which left all council seats vacant.
With over 51,000 registered voters eligible to participate, voting took place across 57 stations in the region. A total of 405 candidates from 21 political parties and five independents contested the 24 available seats.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in Limpopo, 19,812 people cast their ballots in the by-elections.
Addressing the media on Thursday, December 05, IEC electoral provincial officer for Limpopo Nkaro Mateta said:
<blockquote>
This falls within the range of our normal by-election turnout of around 40%.
</blockquote>
The ANC secured 39.65% of the vote, winning 10 council seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) followed with 16.41%, earning four seats.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gained three seats with 13.32%, and both the Labour Party of South Africa and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) obtained two seats each.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Thabazimbi Residents Association (TRA) each secured one seat.
Despite the ANC’s victory, no party achieved an outright majority, resulting in a hung council and the need for coalitions.
In the 2021 local elections, the ANC had won 11 out of 12 wards but lacked an overall majority, leading to DA control of the municipality through a coalition with smaller parties.
This shift reflects a growing trend of hung councils in South Africa, with the number of such councils increasing significantly from 29 in 2000 to 82 in 2021.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The ANC won the most seats in a recent election in Thabazimbi, South Africa. This happened because the council was dissolved, leaving all seats empty. Many people voted, and the ANC got 10 seats. Other parties like DA and EFF also won some seats. No party got enough seats to control everything on its own, so they may need to work together in a coalition. This is becoming more common in South Africa. It's important to vote to choose who will make decisions for the town.

ANC Secures Majority In Thabazimbi By-Elections, Zuma's Party Wins One Seat

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the newly elected President of Namibia, following her victory in the presidential election held on November 30.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, the 72-year-old candidate from the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), secured over 57% of the votes cast, while her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 26%.
In the National Assembly elections, SWAPO won 51 of the 96 seats, while the IPC secured 20 seats.
In his congratulatory message on Wednesday, December 4, Mnangagwa said that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory reflects the trust and confidence that the people of Namibia have in her leadership. He wrote:
<blockquote>
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your historic election as the President of the Republic of Namibia.
Your victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence that the people of Namibia have in your leadership to safeguard the liberation heritage and bring about socio-economic transformation in Namibia.
As you assume your new role, I am confident that the excellent relations between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.
I take this opportunity to assure you of Zimbabwe’s commitment and readiness to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation with Namibia for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
I wish you good health, as well as peace and prosperity for the people of Namibia.
Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Sister, the assurances of my highest consideration.
</blockquote>
Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, former Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said congratulations to Nandi-Ndaitwah, the new President of Namibia. She won the election with over 57% of the votes. Her party, SWAPO, also won seats in the National Assembly. Mnangagwa praised her leadership and said he looks forward to continuing good relations with Namibia. Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a former chief of the Namibian Defence Force.

Mnangagwa Congratulates Namibia's New President Nandi-Ndaitwah

South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, removed Thembi Simelane from her position as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development on Tuesday amid allegations of corruption. She has been reassigned to the Ministry of Human Settlements.
Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, previously the Minister of Human Settlements, has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. Said the Presidency:
<blockquote>
In order to ensure the effectiveness of cabinet in delivering to its mandate and in accordance with section 91(2) of the Constitution, I have decided to make the following changes to the national executive; Ms Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, currently the Minister of Human Settlements is appointed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Ms Thembi Nkadimeng [Simelane], currently the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is appointed the Minister of Human Settlements.
</blockquote>
Phumzile Mgcina has been reassigned from her role as Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment to serve as the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, previously the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has been appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. Said the Presidency:
<blockquote>
The changes to the national executive are effective immediately. I would like to wish these members of the national executive well in their new positions.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/president-cyril-ramaphosa-removes-thembi-simelani-as-justice-minister-shuffles-his-cabinet-f97c9575-9b4c-436b-810a-35c5a8071771">IOL</a>, on October 17, President Ramaphosa indicated that he was reviewing the fate of Simelane, who is facing corruption allegations, following her submission of a report on the matter.
Simelane has come under scrutiny for a R575,600 loan she obtained from Gundo Wealth Solutions during her tenure as mayor of Polokwane.
The owner of the business, Ralliom Razwinane, has been formally charged with money laundering, corruption, and fraud.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, changed his cabinet. He moved Thembi Simelane from Minister of Justice to Minister of Human Settlements due to corruption allegations. Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi is now the new Minister of Justice. Phumzile Mgcina is now Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala is the new Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. Ramaphosa said these changes are immediate. Simelane is under scrutiny for taking a loan while mayor of Polokwane. The owner of the business she got the loan from is facing charges.

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Reshuffles Cabinet

The governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) candidate, Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has been declared the winner of Namibia’s presidential election, making her the country’s first female president.
Following last week’s contested election, Nandi-Ndaitwah (72) secured over 57% of the votes cast, while her closest rival, Panduleni Itula from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), received 26%.
In the National Assembly election, SWAPO won 51 of the 96 seats, while the IPC won 20 seats.
The results were announced on Tuesday evening by Elsie Nghikembua, chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), in the capital city of Windhoek. Said Nghikembua:
<blockquote>
In the presidential elections,15 candidates participated… by the powers vested in me as the chairperson of the ECN, [I] do hereby declare that Nandi-Ndaitwah has been duly elected the president of Namibia.
</blockquote>
Following logistical issues and a three-day extension of polling in some areas, Itula said on Saturday that his party would not recognise the election results, citing allegations of electoral malpractice.
As a result, many opposition parties decided to boycott the results announcement.
SWAPO has been in power in Namibia, a large but sparsely populated southern African country, since 1990, when it gained independence from apartheid South Africa.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, a party stalwart and current vice president, is a trusted leader who has served in high government positions for 25 years.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was promoted to vice president from minister of foreign affairs in February after President Hage Geingob died while in office.
Once sworn in, she will join an exclusive group, as Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan is currently the only female president in Africa.
Itula, a trained dentist, is regarded as more charismatic than Nandi-Ndaitwah. He reduced SWAPO’s popularity in the 2019 presidential election, lowering its vote share from 87% to 56%.
The IPC has announced plans to seek justice through the courts and has urged people who believe they were unable to vote due to mismanagement by the electoral commission to file reports with the police.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namibia has elected its first female president, Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the SWAPO party. She won with 57% of the votes. Her rival, Itula, got 26% and is not happy with the results. Some opposition parties boycotted the announcement. Nandi-Ndaitwah has been in government for a long time and is trusted. Once she is sworn in, she will become Africa's second female president. Itula plans to challenge the results in court and urges those who couldn't vote to report to the police.

Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected As Namibia's First Female President

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has stopped 410 000 people attempting to enter the country illegally since the deployment of the first cohort of the border guards in July 2022.
Briefing journalists on Monday on the entity’s festive season preparation, BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said that the majority of those were arrested, fingerprinted, declared undesirable for a period of five years, and deported. He added:
<blockquote>
Further, we have been able to detect about 312 high-value vehicles which were meant to illegally exit the country to other jurisdictions in the continent.
In this regard, the matters were handed over to SAPS detectives for further investigations.
</blockquote>
Masiapato also said the BMA will start using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to improve security at the country’s borders. He said:
<blockquote>
Whilst awaiting the delivery of our drones, in this festive season we have forged a partnership with the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development which will be deploying their drones to assist us with an enhanced level of border security and domain awareness at problematic vulnerable segments, the ports and the corridors.
Drone operations will be supported by mobile reaction units which would be situated at, or closer to, the ports of entry to allow for quick reaction and apprehension of illegal migrants and other cross-border criminals.
</blockquote>
He reminded all travellers leaving and or entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents are in order. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
As required by international protocols, all travellers should be in possession of a valid machine-readable passport and a valid visa where applicable.
Furthermore, travellers are reminded that their passports should have at least one empty page in order to enable the BMA immigration team members to accordingly stamp the passports as required.
This message is also relevant during the return leg in January 2025 as all travellers are expected to present themselves at the designated ports of entry to enter South Africa.
As for those wishing to cross the border using financed vehicles, they should be in possession of a letter from their financing institution authorising them to exit the country with the vehicle.
</blockquote>
Parents wishing to travel with minor children have been advised to have the child’s unabridged birth certificate with them, unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parents’ passport. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
In cases where one parent is traveling with a child in the absence of another parent, a consent letter from the absent parent granting permission to the other parent to exit the country with the child will be required.
This requirement is mainly applicable to South Africans intending to exit the country with children. 
Considering the expected high volumes in this festive period, we would like to appeal to all travellers to plan their travel early and exercise patience on the roads towards ports.
</blockquote>
Masiapato also said that the BMA will be deploying 69 additional personnel at selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support to the regular staff members.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa blocked 410,000 people from entering illegally since July 2022. They were arrested, fingerprinted, and deported. They also stopped high-value vehicles from leaving illegally. Drones will be used for security at the borders. Travelers must have valid passports and visas, and parents with children must have birth certificates or consent letters. 69 more personnel will be deployed at busy ports. They want travelers to plan early and be patient. The goal is to keep the borders safe and secure.

South Africa's Border Guards Blocks 410,000 Illegal Entries Since 2022

Dozens of people were killed during a stampede that occurred following violent protests over referee decisions during a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, N’Zerekore, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/2/dozens-feared-dead-after-stampede-breaks-out-at-guinea-football-match">Al Jazeera</a>.
Fans dissatisfied with the referee’s decisions threw stones, sparking violent clashes that resulted in a deadly stampede, leaving at least 56 people dead.
According to a government statement published as a news ticker on national television on Monday, November 02, “protests of dissatisfaction with refereeing decisions led to stone-throwing by supporters, resulting in fatal stampedes.”
Hospital services have put the provisional death toll at 56.
The clash began when supporters of the visiting team, Labe, hurled stones onto the pitch, prompting the police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
After the football match, demonstrators also vandalised and set fire to the N’Zerekore police station, escalating the violence.
Guinea’s Prime Minister, Bah Oury, condemned the violence, urging calm and announcing that the government would release further information as it gathered details.
The match was part of a tournament organised in honour of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup and remains in charge despite international pressure to restore civilian governance.
Guinea’s opposition coalition, ANAD, condemned the tournament, calling it an attempt to promote Doumbouya’s “illegal and inappropriate candidacy” as he prepares for a potential presidential run.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A fight broke out at a football match in Guinea because people were upset with the referees. They threw stones and then there was a big stampede. 56 people died in the chaos. The violence continued even after the match, with a police station being burned down. The Prime Minister of Guinea is asking for calm. The match was organized by the military leader of Guinea, who took power in a coup. Some people think he is using the tournament to become president.

56 Killed In Guinea Football Stadium Stampede

Two alleged robbers were fatally shot after attempting to rob an armed hitchhiker in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a spokesperson for the provincial police, confirmed the incident, saying five men had picked up the hitchhiker in a Hyundai Tucson just before midnight on Saturday.
The men, reportedly armed with a knife, refused to let the hitchhiker exit the vehicle at his intended destination, leading to a violent confrontation. Said Mdhluli (via <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/two-robbers-shot-dead-after-armed-hitchhiker-fights-back-one-zimbabwean-arrested-91d59d9a-78a8-40b1-8938-af9362557491">IOL</a>):
<blockquote>
Instead, [they] held him hostage and robbed him of his cell phone and other personal belongings. One of the men is said to have robbed the victim of his bank card and demanded the PIN from the victim.
</blockquote>
Mdhluli said the men drove to the nearest ATM, where one of them exited the vehicle to withdraw money, while the remaining four stayed inside the car with the hitchhiker. He added:
<blockquote>
The hitchhiker is said to have pulled out a firearm and then fatally shot the driver and a passenger. The other suspects then ran for their lives.
</blockquote>
The hitchhiker quickly went to a nearby filling station to seek help, and security officers responded while police were alerted.
When the police arrived, they discovered two lifeless bodies and arrested one suspect who had returned to the scene.
Mdhluli confirmed that the man who returned was a Zimbabwean national and the vehicle owner.
The arrested suspect has been charged with robbery, and a manhunt is underway for the other two suspects. He is expected to appear in the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Meanwhile, investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the arrested Zimbabwean national’s status. The identities of the two individuals who were fatally shot are still unknown.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In South Africa, two robbers tried to rob a hitchhiker who was actually armed. The hitchhiker shot and killed two robbers, and one was arrested. The robbers took the hitchhiker's phone and bank card, then made him go to an ATM to withdraw money. The hitchhiker then shot the robbers when they were at the ATM. The police arrived, found the dead robbers, and arrested one suspect. The arrested suspect is from Zimbabwe and has been charged with robbery. The police are still looking for the other two suspects. They are also trying to confirm the status of the arrested suspect in the investigation.

SA: Two Robbers Killed In Failed Attempt To Rob Armed Hitchhiker, One Zimbabwean Arrested

Namibia opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, which hopes to end 34 years of rule by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), has rejected the results of Wednesday’s election, whatever the outcome.
On Friday, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced that polling stations that should have closed two days earlier would remain open until Saturday night.
The ECN admitted to “logistical” failures, including a shortage of ballot papers and overheating electronic tablets used to register voters, which left them standing in queues for hours.
From results from just 34 out of 121 constituencies, SWAPO had 56% of the parliamentary vote and 60% of the Presidential vote, according to a tally by the Namibian Sun.
In a statement issued on Saturday, IPC presidential candidate Panduleni Itula, who is standing against SWAPO’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the party will seek to nullify the election in the courts. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Tonight, I address you as our nation faces a moment of great uncertainty. Of an unknown total of ballots cast between the 27th and today the 30th of November, only 160,000 have been counted and released.
Thousands of ballots remain locked away, their fate unknown, while polling agents across the country await orders from their superiors regarding ballots under their care to be counted and their results announced.
Polling stations, unlawfully designated as voting centres, continue processing votes under a shroud of illegitimacy.
For the first time in the history of Namibia and possibly in the history of elections, votes are being cast concurrently with vote counting and results publication.
Also, the voting process has been marred by:
<ul>
<li>Widespread disenfranchisement, with voters turned away due to a lack of ballot papers.</li>
<li>Brazen voter suppression, silencing the voices of Namibians yearning for change.</li>
<li>Undermining the Electoral Act and its tenets regarding the entire electoral process.</li>
</ul>
In light of these grave irregularities, I have consulted with the leadership of the IPC, and we have reached an unshakable decision: The IPC will not recognize or accept the outcome of this deeply flawed process. Whether the results declare a win, a runoff, or a loss, we will seek to nullify this election in the courts.
electoral malpractices are glaring, undeniable, and unacceptable. This is not about us. This is not about me. This is about Namibia.
As IPC, we stand firm in our resolve to fight alongside other parties to nullify this election. Namibians deserve the right to freely and fairly choose their leaders.
I call upon all citizens: document the irregularities. Share videos, reports, and evidence with your parties. Let us expose the truth and reclaim the integrity of our democracy.
Together, we stand for Namibia. Together, we fight for justice.
Thank you.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The opposition party in Namibia is not happy with the election results. They say the election was chaotic and unfair. The ruling party has the most votes so far, but there have been many problems with the voting process. The opposition leader wants to go to court to cancel the election. He thinks there were many irregularities and people were not allowed to vote properly. He is asking people to share any evidence of problems with the voting so they can fight for a fair election in Namibia.

Namibia's Main Opposition Presidential Candidate Rejects Outcome Of "Chaotic" Election

Namibians are set to vote for a new president and parliament on November 27, following the death of President Hage Geingob, who was temporarily replaced by his deputy, Nangolo Mbumba.
The election could mark a historic shift in Namibia’s political landscape if the ruling SWAPO party, in power since independence in 1990, loses control of the presidency or parliament for the first time.
The president is directly elected by voters and must secure more than 50 per cent of the vote to win.
Support for SWAPO has declined significantly, from 87 percent in the 2014 presidential election to 56 percent in 2019.
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/main-candidates-namibias-presidential-election-2024-11-20/">Reuters</a> has profiled the main candidates running for president below:
<h2>Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah</h2>
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is not only the vice president of SWAPO but also the party’s first female presidential candidate.
She joined SWAPO in the 1960s during the party’s fight for Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa.
After going into exile with many other party leaders, she served as SWAPO’s representative in central and eastern Africa.
Following her studies in diplomacy in England, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned to Namibia and has held several senior roles in both SWAPO and the government.
These include serving as a minister in the portfolios of international relations, environment, and women’s affairs and child welfare.
<h2>Panduleni Itula</h2>
Panduleni Itula, a 67-year-old politician, secured 29% of the presidential vote as an independent candidate in 2019, marking the best performance by any challenger against SWAPO.
Since then, he has founded a new political party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which advocates for grassroots participatory democracy and anti-corruption. The IPC also plans to contest parliamentary seats.
Itula was a SWAPO youth leader during the fight for independence and was imprisoned by the apartheid regime.
After his release, he moved to England, where he studied and worked as a dentist for over three decades before returning to Namibia in 2013.
<h2>McHenry Venaani</h2>
McHenry Venaani is the leader of Namibia’s largest opposition party in parliament, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), which holds 16 out of 96 elected seats.
Venaani, 47, studied law and became the country’s youngest member of parliament in 2003.
Despite the PDM strengthening its parliamentary presence in the 2019 election, Venaani came a distant third in the presidential race with only 5% of votes.
<h2>Bernadus Swartbooi</h2>
Bernadus Swartbooi, 47, is the leader of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), a progressive party advocating for land redistribution and restorative justice.
Swartbooi founded the LPM in 2017 after losing his job as deputy minister of land reform and leaving SWAPO.
LPM has four seats in parliament. Swartbooi won 3% of votes in the 2019 presidential election.
<h2>Job Amupanda</h2>
Job Amupanda, 37, is a former SWAPO youth leader who fell out with the party and founded a leftist political movement called Affirmative Repositioning in 2014. 
Like the LPM, the party focuses on land reform and redistribution of foreign-owned land.
Amupanda served as mayor of the capital, Windhoek, in 2021. He is also an associate professor of political science at the University of Namibia.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namibians will vote for a new president soon. The ruling SWAPO party might lose power for the first time since 1990. The main candidates running for president are Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Panduleni Itula, McHenry Venaani, Bernadus Swartbooi, and Job Amupanda. Nandi-Ndaitwah is SWAPO's first female presidential candidate. Itula founded the Independent Patriots for Change party. Venaani leads the Popular Democratic Movement. Swartbooi leads the Landless People's Movement. Amupanda founded Affirmative Repositioning. Each candidate has different ideas for the future of Namibia.

Here Are The Main Candidates In Namibia's Presidential Election

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has accused his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, of being responsible for the power blackout that struck the country on Sunday, leaving critical institutions like hospitals without electricity.
The power outages affected both Zambia and Zimbabwe, which are currently facing an ongoing power crisis, largely due to declining water levels at Lake Kariba.
Zambia’s power utility, ZESCO Limited, confirmed that the system disturbance occurred shortly after 8 PM on Sunday.
In a<a href="https://www.lusakatimes.com/2024/11/26/former-president-edgar-lungu-blames-president-hichilema-for-power-outage-experienced-in-zambia-and-zimbabwe/"> statement</a>, Lungu alleged that the blackout was caused by undue interference by Hichilema’s government in ZESCO’s operations. Said Lungu:
<blockquote>
The national power blackout we experienced last night is an ultimate manifestation and clear confirmation of how ZESCO, our national utility company, has been driven into complete ruins by the New Doom government.
This once vibrant national power utility is now a shell of itself because the top managers and various competent officers were purged, after the 2021 general elections, on politcal and other grounds I will not name because Mr Hakainde Hichilema will consider them as sedition or hate speech.
Now we are paying, as a country, a bitter price for that unwarranted victimisation of competent and professional officers who knew better how to manage that sensitive national asset.
</blockquote>
Lungu suggested that the power blackouts may have contributed to the deaths of patients in hospitals who relied on life-saving equipment powered by electricity. He said:
<blockquote>
During our time in government as PF, the longest load shedding period did not exceed 17 hours. It is this period Mr Hichilema described as unbearable and campaigned to end once voted into office.
Today, under Mr Hichilema’s watch, most households and businesses are going for more than 48 straight hours and even more in some cases without power supply…
Surely, Zambians cannot continue to subject themselves to a leadership that sees no problem in having delicate facilities such as hospitals and others that directly touch on the wellbeing of our citizens being load-shedded.
At what cost in terms of lost lives and businesses will this government take such matters seriously and act to ensure that the lives and businesses are protected?
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu is blaming current President Hakainde Hichilema for the recent power blackout in Zambia. The blackout affected critical places like hospitals. The power crisis is because of low water levels at Lake Kariba. Lungu thinks Hichilema's government interfered with the power company, ZESCO, causing the blackout. Lungu says under his leadership, power outages were not as bad as they are now. He worries about people dying because hospitals are without electricity. Lungu wants Hichilema's government to take action and protect citizens' lives and businesses from power shortages.

Lungu Blames Hichilema For Zambia's Recent Electricity Blackout

Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah could become the country’s first female president if she wins the presidential election on Wednesday, November 27.
At least 1.4 million people, or about half of the population, have registered to vote in the elections, with 15 political parties running for president and seats in the National Assembly.
Results from special early polls held for Namibia’s foreign missions, seamen and security services announced by the Electoral Commission of Namibia this month indicate that Nandi-Ndaitwah and her party, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), are in the lead.
SWAPO has governed Namibia since its independence from South Africa’s apartheid minority government in 1990.
In 2019, SWAPO lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time since 1994, largely due to allegations of corruption and money laundering in the Namibian fishing industry.
Political analyst Henning Melber believes SWAPO and Nandi-Ndaitwah must heed the 2019 election results as a warning.
Nandi-Ndaitwah (71) has promised to create more jobs and tackle the 20% unemployment rate for young people and graduates, pledging to spend approximately 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.7 billion) over the next five years to create more than 500,000 jobs.
Issues affecting women, including reproductive rights, equal pay, and healthcare, are likely to be significant for voters.
If elected, Nandi-Ndaitwah would follow in the footsteps of Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic as a female president in Africa.
SWAPO will face competition from the Independent Patriots for Change, led by former dentist Panduleni Itula, and university professor Job Amupanda’s Affirmative Repositioning party.
Political parties contesting the elections wrapped up their campaigns with final rallies this weekend.
Elections in southern Africa this year have delivered ground-breaking changes to the region’s political landscape.
In South Africa, the ANC lost its 30-year parliamentary majority, while Botswana’s Democratic Party was unseated after 58 years in power.
Disputed election results in Mozambique, which saw the ruling FRELIMO party declared the winner, have led to ongoing protests that have seen at least 30 people killed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namibia's Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, could become the first female president if she wins the election. The election is on November 27, and 1.4 million people have registered to vote. Nandi-Ndaitwah's party, SWAPO, is in the lead. She promises to create jobs and tackle unemployment, especially for young people. Women's issues are important for voters too. If she wins, she will follow other female presidents in Africa. Other parties are also competing in the election. This year, there have been big political changes in southern Africa.

Nandi-Ndaitwah Could Become Namibia's First Female President

Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), is reportedly mulling legal action against his former party, the ANC, after his attempt to overturn his expulsion failed.
The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA) upheld the decision of the National Disciplinary Committee, confirming Zuma’s permanent expulsion from the party.
Zuma, who joined the ANC at the age of 16 and served as South Africa’s president from 2007 to 2017, was expelled from the party in July. Zuma’s brother, Khanya Zuma, said:
<blockquote>
My brother is fighting for the party he worked so hard for not to be destroyed. I don’t know whether he is going to take the party to court because we have not spoken about this matter since after his appeal was unsuccessful.
Khanya claimed to have been a member of the ANC before leaving the party and joining MKP following Zuma’s endorsement of the party in December last year.
</blockquote>
Khanya, who also lives in Nkandla, north of KwaZulu-Natal, said:
<blockquote>
What I know is that Msholozi (Zuma’s clan name) will fight right to the end to make sure the sellout in the ANC doesn’t lead the party that he worked so hard for from his young age until recently.
</blockquote>
A close ally of Zuma exclusively told the Daily News that he plans to take legal action against the ANC, led by his rival President Cyril Ramaphosa, following his permanent expulsion from the party.
The Zuma ally, who did not want to be named, was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
Zuma is going to exploit all the avenues, including the legal route, to retain his ANC membership. He is planning to fight his expulsion in court where Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be cited as the first respondent in court documents.
Zuma is trying to rescue the ANC from the clutches of the people who are bent on destroying the ANC.
</blockquote>
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe argued that Zuma’s intimation about wanting to remain in the ANC serves to cast doubt on the current ANC leadership. Added Prof Seepe:
<blockquote>
He forces ANC members to compare him against the current prepaid leadership. He does this knowing that people’s material conditions have worsened under Ramaphosa.
Despite being led supposedly by a billionaire, the ANC had repeatedly failed to pay the salaries of its members.
Yes, this matter appears to have been temporarily resolved, but it is something that happened under Ramaphosa.
Secondly, he is also keeping the ANC busy while his party is busy mobilising on the ground. The third aspect is raising the possibility of black unity beyond party lines. This opens doors for its recruitment of disgruntled ANC members.
</blockquote>
However, political analyst Dr Ongama Mtika believes that Zuma reflects somebody who lives in denialism. Said Dr Mtika:
<blockquote>
He has founded a party that is against the ANC and this is not constitutional within the context of the ANC.
Any kingdom that is divided within itself is going to fall apart, and so the ANC has been falling apart in the democratic period because of internal divisions.
Zuma’s formation of the MK Party shows that enterprise is chief of all the divisions that have taken place in the ANC.
The challenge with him (Zuma) continuing to fight to remain a member of the ANC is an illogical thing.
</blockquote>
Zuma’s expulsion from the ANC followed his active promotion of MKP, a move that ANC leaders, including Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, have linked to the party’s dramatic decline in the May 29 elections.
In those elections, the ANC’s national vote share plummeted from a dominant 58% to a mere 40%. Meanwhile, the MKP surged, securing 14% of the national vote and an impressive 45% in KwaZulu-Natal, making it the largest party in the province.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Zuma, who used to be part of the ANC party, wants to take legal action against them for kicking him out. Zuma's brother says he is fighting to protect the ANC party. Zuma's friend says he will go to court to stay in the ANC. Some people think Zuma is causing trouble for the ANC. Zuma started a new party called MKP, which did well in the elections. The ANC did not do as well, and some blame Zuma for that. Some people think Zuma should stop trying to get back into the ANC.

Zuma Considers Legal Action Against ANC Over Expulsion

Former South African President Jacob Zuma was officially expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) on Friday.
The party’s National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal upheld his earlier expulsion for endorsing and leading the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri confirmed Zuma’s expulsion. She said (via <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/anc-confirms-jacob-zuma-expulsion/">The Citizen</a>):
<blockquote>
This decision reaffirms the ANC’s commitment to revolutionary morality, revolutionary discipline, and democratic centralism.
</blockquote>
Bhengu-Motsiri said as a former president of the ANC, he was expected to “embody the highest standards of disciplined leadership” for all members of the party and society. She added:
<blockquote>
Discipline is a core foundation of our movement, ensuring unity of purpose and unity in action. It is during testing moments of trial and challenge that the most advanced cadres are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to the principles which have held this movement together, respect for organisational processes, and loyalty to the collective decisions of the movement.
Mr Zuma’s behaviour exemplifies the highest form of ill-discipline and a direct assault on the historical mission of the ANC…
His actions have undermined the unity and cohesion of the movement at a time when it is critical to consolidate and push forward with organisational renewal and confront the pressing challenges facing South Africa.
This severe breach of our organisational foundation necessitated his expulsion to safeguard the ANC’s integrity and ensure that the unity of the organisation remains in form and content.
</blockquote>
The ANC officially severed ties with Zuma in July, after the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) decided to expel him following a disciplinary hearing held on July 23 in his absence.
The ANC accused Zuma of violating Rule 25 of the party’s constitution by founding the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in December.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former South African President Jacob Zuma was kicked out of the ANC for joining another party. The ANC said Zuma broke the rules and caused trouble, so they had to remove him to keep the party strong. This decision shows that the ANC wants to stick together and follow the rules. Zuma's actions hurt the unity of the party, so they had to take a stand. The ANC made this decision in July, and now it is officially confirmed.

ANC Appeal Committee Confirms Jacob Zuma’s Expulsion

Floyd Shivambu, the Secretary-General of the South African opposition political party, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has dismissed the State capture narrative, which emerged from the judicial inquiry led by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, as lacking merit.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday, Shivambu, who resigned from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in August, criticised the allegations against several prominent figures, including former President Jacob Zuma, former Eskom and Transnet CEO Brian Molefe, and former Transnet chief executive Siyabonga Gama.
Shivambu, who had been a long-time ally of Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF, explained that for years, he had been misled into believing the accusations against these leaders. He said (via <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/rubbish-or-nonsense-floyd-shivambu-insists-state-capture-narrative-is-fiction-and-biggest-scam-in-sa-politics-f0e37482-ec1f-47af-a40e-a92c56fb6ee3">IOL</a>):
<blockquote>
Let us deal with those issues emphatically and decisively. The biggest scam in South Africa’s politics and political history was this nonsense or rubbish called State capture narrative which was driven for a very long time.
Some of us got to realise even before the uMkhonto weSizwe party was formed that we were driven into the wrong agenda to pursue President Zuma because he did not want to account to the white capitalist establishment.
There has never been an instance, not even once, where the white capitalist establishment got to direct and micro-manage President Zuma.
He associated with progressive forces domestically and at a global level because he understood the agenda he is fighting for.
</blockquote>
Shivambu asserted that State capture did not happen. He said:
<blockquote>
There is no such thing that got to happen. That is why even from a mechanical point of view, the people that you say are facing corruption allegations and all of that, are not facing such.
They tried to charge commander Brian Molefe with corruption, but those charges have been dropped. There is no meaningful case against our Member of Parliament, commander Siyabonga Gama.
There is no case against Lucky Montana, there is no case against anyone because all of that State capture nonsense was just fiction that was meant to bastardise and scare off those who were in pursuit of radical economic transformation.
That is the agenda that we openly and proudly associate with. We call on the people of South Africa to realise that we were misled for a very long time, with so many lies.
</blockquote>
However, the withdrawal of the case against Brian Molefe was not an exoneration, but a result of poorly formulated charges that preceded the final report of the Zondo Commission.
This followed the High Court in Pretoria accepting Corruption Watch’s formal notice of withdrawal, with both parties agreeing to bear their own costs.
State capture in South Africa refers to a form of systemic political corruption where private interests influence the state’s decision-making processes to their own advantage.
It was associated with the close relationship between Zuma and the Gupta family, who allegedly used their influence to secure lucrative government contracts and appointments.
The Zondo Commission of Inquiry, chaired by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, investigated these allegations and found substantial evidence of corruption and state capture.
The commission’s report, released in 2022, detailed how state-owned enterprises like Eskom, Transnet, and PRASA were manipulated for personal gain.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Floyd Shivambu says State Capture in South Africa never happened. He disagrees with the accusations against Zuma, Molefe, and Gama. Shivambu believes these claims were made to stop radical economic transformation. Charges against Molefe were dropped due to poorly formulated charges. State capture involves private interests influencing government decisions. The Zondo Commission found evidence of corruption and state capture in South Africa's state-owned enterprises.)null

State Capture Never Happened - Shivambu

Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, has denied reports of protests in Mozambique related to the disputed October 9 elections.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the New Parliament in Mt Hampden on Wednesday, November 20, Matemadanda stated that what is being described as protests are actually looting syndicates targeting supermarkets. He said:
<blockquote>
The Mozambican people are clever and they know they have won an election.
They are not worried and are not losing sleep. I did not see what you call a demonstration.
I have seen only people who are organised to commit crimes by looting. Why are you demonstrating in a supermarket?
That is what they are doing and after picking what they want, they disappear.
</blockquote>
Matemadanda said the general atmosphere in Mozambique was peaceful and denied claims that Zimbabweans voted in the Mozambique elections. He said:
<blockquote>
I have never come across a person who voted in Mozambique.
I was moving around and I did not see anyone. Those videos you are seeing are fake.
</blockquote>
The Mirror reported that hundreds of Zimbabweans, including two of its journalists, participated in the Mozambique elections at a polling station in Masvingo.
Mozambique’s FRELIMO party has successfully campaigned in Zimbabwe, while the Zimbabwean opposition faces challenges in securing clearance for election rallies.
Since 2004, Mozambicans living in Zimbabwe, as well as in countries like South Africa, Malawi, Portugal, Zambia, and Tanzania, have been able to vote in Mozambique’s general elections from their resident countries.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, says there are no protests in Mozambique, only looting at supermarkets. He believes the people of Mozambique are peaceful and not worried about the election. Matemadanda denies claims that Zimbabweans voted in the Mozambique elections. However, reports say that Zimbabweans did vote in Mozambique. Mozambique's ruling party, FRELIMO, has support from Zimbabwe, while the opposition there faces challenges. Mozambicans living in other countries can vote in their general elections since 2004.

Matemadanda Says Looting, Not Protests, Behind Mozambique Unrest

Chidimma Adetshina said that she intends to relocate to Nigeria after finishing as the runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant while representing the West African country, reported <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/20/miss-universe-runner-nigeria-south-africa-nationality-row-chidimma-adetshina">The Guardian</a>.
The 23-year-old law student withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition in August due to concerns for her safety and that of her family, following questions about her nationality.
This situation arose amid allegations that her mother had stolen the identity of a South African woman, a matter that is currently under investigation by South African police. She said:
<blockquote>
I have already decided that I want to relocate to Nigeria.
</blockquote>
She said she did not know whether she could go back to South Africa and that she would work with a lawyer in the hope of getting the situation resolved by the end of the year.
When asked about seeing her child and whether they would move with her to Nigeria, Adetshina responded::
<blockquote>
I haven’t seen my family yet. I’m really looking forward to that and I guess when we do meet we’ll be able to make this decision, because it is a hasty one.
</blockquote>
As Adetshina progressed in the Miss South Africa competition, she faced persistent abuse over her citizenship due to her Nigerian name and father. 
Following this, she was invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria in August, where she emerged victorious.
Recently, the director general of South Africa’s Home Affairs department informed parliament that Adetshina and her mother’s identity documents had been cancelled because they failed to provide sufficient reasons for their eligibility to retain them.
Adetshina, who was born in Soweto and had previously said her mother was South African with Mozambican roots, said she doesn’t have any animosity towards South Africa. She added:
<blockquote>
Because at the end of the day it is still a place that I call home, no matter how painful it is to say it.
</blockquote>
For the next year, Adetshina will be travelling the world with the Miss Universe organisation. She hopes to foster connections between her continent and the two countries she cherishes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss Universe runner-up from Nigeria, is planning to move back to Nigeria due to a nationality row in South Africa. Allegations about her mother's identity led to her withdrawing from the Miss South Africa competition for safety reasons. Despite challenges, she won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. She hopes to resolve the situation with a lawyer and doesn't hold resentment towards South Africa. Adetshina will travel the world with Miss Universe and aims to strengthen ties between Africa and the countries she loves.

Chidimma Adetshina To Move To Nigeria After South Africa Nationality Row

A Zambian Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Jay Banda, has been arrested by Zimbabwean police after escaping from custody in his country in August 2024.
Banda escaped from Chipata General Hospital on August 4, 2024, while under police guard. He was facing serious charges, including aggravated robbery and attempted murder, and was in custody at the time of his escape.
He was arrested in Zimbabwe on November 19, 2024, after being on the run for over three months. The Zambian government had offered a two million Kwacha reward for information leading to his capture.
Banda (Independent) is the MP for the Petauke Central constituency.
Jack Mwiimbu, Zambia’s Home Affairs and Internal Security minister confirmed the arrest in a Wednesday statement and praised Zimbabwean authorities’ cooperation in apprehending Banda. He said:
<blockquote>
The Home Affairs and Internal Security Ministry wishes to inform the public that Honourable Emmanuel Jay Banda, who escaped from lawful custody at Chipata General Hospital on the night of August 4, 2024, has been apprehended in Zimbabwe.
Subsequent information following his escape indicated that Hon Banda was renting a flat in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This information was promptly communicated to the relevant Zimbabwean authorities, who, through their cooperation, managed to apprehend Hon Banda on November 19, 2024, at around 1000 hours.
</blockquote>
Banda escaped from Chipata General Hospital while under police and correctional service guard.
He was receiving medical treatment when he disappeared, leading to a police investigation and multiple arrests.
Banda has been an MP since 2021 and is associated with former President Edgar Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema that same year.
Earlier this year, the opposition Patriotic Front reported that Banda was found lying on a farmhouse’s kitchen doorstep, claiming he had been dumped there by unknown individuals.
Banda’s lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota, alleged that police forcibly transferred him to Maina Soko Military Hospital against his family’s wishes.
The charges against the MP stem from an incident that occurred on December 14, 2015, at Mzigawa Primary School in Vubwi District, located in the eastern part of the country. During this incident, property valued at Kwacha 12,000 (approximately $435) was reportedly stolen.
Court documents detail the stolen items, which include a Canon camera worth K10,000, spectacles valued at K1,800, two bank cards, and K200 in cash. The victim of this alleged robbery is identified as Peter Sukwa Muchelenga.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A Zambian politician, Emmanuel Jay Banda, who escaped from custody in his country, has been captured in Zimbabwe after three months on the run. He was facing serious charges like robbery and attempted murder. Banda has been an MP since 2021 and is linked to a former president. He escaped from a hospital while being guarded. The police arrested him in Zimbabwe, and the Zambian government offered a reward for his capture. The Zimbabwean authorities were praised for their cooperation in catching him.

Fugitive Zambian MP Captured In Zimbabwe

A mountain collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo has revealed huge copper reserves. Footage of the dramatic event has gone viral online, with many comments focusing on the need to protect the copper deposits from foreign interests.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/11/17/mountain-collapses-in-dr-congo-revealing-tonnes-of-copper">Al Jazeera</a>, the collapse occurred in the mineral-rich Katanga region of DR Congo. The viral footage shows hundreds of people gathered to witness the event, with those closest to the site running for cover as boulders fell.
Copper is one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most valuable natural resources, with immense reserves primarily located in the Katanga region (now Haut-Katanga Province).
This area is part of the Central African Copperbelt, recognised as the largest and richest mineral belt in the world.
DR Congo is known for having some of the largest high-grade copper deposits globally. Katanga’s copper is known for its quality and relatively low production costs, making it competitive in global markets.
The region also contains other valuable resources, including cobalt, uranium, tin, and zinc.
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A big mountain collapsed in Congo and showed lots of copper inside. A video of this happening became very popular. People are worried about foreigners taking the copper. Congo has a lot of copper in the Katanga region. This place has many other valuable minerals like cobalt, uranium, tin, and zinc. Congo is known for having a lot of good copper. The copper from Katanga is good quality and cheap to produce. This makes it sell well all over the world. Congo is a very rich place in terms of minerals.

Dramatic Mountain Collapse In DR Congo Reveals Vast Copper Reserves

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has revised its estimate of the number of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West.
Initially, a local community member had reported that around 4,000 to 4,500 miners were underground, but SAPS now estimates that between 350 and 400 miners are refusing to resurface.
The situation remains tense, with reports suggesting that several miners may have died, though only one body has been retrieved so far.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone had initially told SABC News on Tuesday that the estimates from the community could not be confirmed.
However, on Thursday, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told Newzroom Afrika that the earlier figure of 4,000 to 4,500 miners was “exaggerated.” <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/400-illegal-miners-refuse-resurface-stilfontein/">Said Mathe</a>:
<blockquote>
In terms of the numbers, we do feel that the numbers are being exaggerated. We have pulled all resources and mobilised all resources to work on this particular case.
Police have been collecting information. We have our intelligence operatives on the ground that are working closely with key stakeholders.
Police have managed to estimate the numbers to be between 350 and 400. We don’t dispute that there are hundreds of illegal miners that are underground and refuse to resurface.
We’re only disputing the exaggeration of the thousands that are still stuck underground.
</blockquote>
Despite repeated efforts by police to convince the illegal miners to resurface, Brigadier Mathe confirmed that their pleas have been ignored. Said Mathe:
<blockquote>
We have been making the call to the miners to resurface and as a responsible government. We have gone to great lengths to try and communicate to ensure that all these illegal miners resurface safely.
We have gone as far as writing posters and sending them down to the shafts. Police sent a negotiator as well and allowed food and water to be delivered down to these illegal miners to allow them to gain strength so that they will be able to come out. But those efforts fell on deaf ears.
Police are now in a situation where these illegal miners refuse to resurface and cooperate with the SAPS. We have no choice but to stamp the authority of the state.
We are not backing down as law enforcement, we have the responsibility to combat and prevent all incidences of criminality and illegal mining is one of them.
</blockquote>
Two weeks ago, at least 500 illegal miners emerged from abandoned mines in Orkney, North West Province, after succumbing to starvation and dehydration as Operation Vala Umgodi task teams monitored the area.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hundreds of illegal miners are stuck in a mine in South Africa, but they are refusing to come out even though the police are asking them to. The police initially thought there were thousands of miners stuck, but now they believe there are only about 350 to 400. The police have been trying to help the miners with food and water, but the miners are not listening. The police are trying to get the miners to come out safely, but they might have to use force if they don't cooperate.

Illegal Miners In South African Mine Not Trapped, But "Refusing" To Resurface - Police

Mia le Roux, who was set to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe finals in Mexico, has withdrawn from the competition due to health concerns.
The 28-year-old made history in August as the first-ever deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa. Her victory came amid controversy at the Miss South Africa competition, which saw finalist Chidimma Adetshina withdraw after facing online abuse over her Nigerian heritage.
Le Roux had spent several weeks in Mexico preparing for the prestigious pageant, but the Miss South Africa organisation announced that her health and well-being were their top priority. They pledged to support her until she returns to full health.
Her withdrawal means South Africa will not be represented at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, where le Roux was among 120 contestants vying for the coveted title. She said in a statement:
<blockquote>
Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.
However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.
</blockquote>
However, Le Roux has not disclosed the exact nature of the health issue that led to her withdrawal from the Miss Universe competition.
Last month, she expressed her excitement about the opportunity to represent South Africa at the prestigious pageant, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to have her voice heard on a global stage.
She had hoped to showcase the country’s “beautiful diversity” to the world.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one-year-old, Le Roux relies on a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound.
In an earlier interview, she shared the challenges of her journey, revealing that it took two years of speech therapy before she was able to say her first words.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa's Mia le Roux was supposed to compete in Miss Universe 2024 but had to pull out because she is not feeling well. She made history by being the first deaf Miss South Africa. She decided to focus on her health and recovery, rather than the competition. She did not say what her health issue is. She was excited to represent South Africa and show the diversity of the country. Mia has profound hearing loss and uses a cochlear implant to help her hear. It took her a long time to learn how to talk. South Africa will not have a contestant in the Miss Universe pageant this year.

South Africa’s Mia le Roux Pulls Out of Miss Universe 2024 Due To Health Concerns

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed his support for Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who recently insisted that the government would not attempt to rescue the illegal miners trapped underground—reportedly numbering in the thousands.
The statement has sparked intense debate across the country, after Ntshavheni labeled the stranded miners as “criminals” and declared that the government would “smoke them out.”
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said that the government would not put the lives of police officers and military personnel at risk by sending them down the shafts to rescue what she referred to as “criminals.”She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted [sic].
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them, they must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
Commenting on X, McKenzie expressed his support for Ntshavheni, adding that there should indeed be “lots of smoke.” He wrote on X in response to a clip of Ntshavheni’s remarks:
<blockquote>
Thank you Minister (Ntshavheni), let there be smoke, lots of smoke… Why don’t we get them some pizza with extra cheese toppings and a few bottles of wine whilst they making they mind up if they want to resurface ? Guns &amp; grenades are being hidden down there, these guys are buying time, no one is trapped, they are simply refusing to come up &amp; out.
</blockquote>
Another South African, Lindo Mnisi, concurred with McKenzie, saying criminality should never be tolerated. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The South African government must deal decisively with these criminals. Anybody who stands firm against illegal foreigners and criminals, will be supported and protected by all of us. Thank you Minister Ntshavheni for the decisive stance. We must stop tiptoeing around illegalities. Smoke them out!
</blockquote>
On the other hand, Helen Zille, federal chair of the Democratic Alliance, has called for a more empathetic approach to the issue of trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.
Commenting on X in response to a post by Newzroom Afrika, Zille said that the situation should be handled with compassion, as it directly impacts people’s lives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gayton McKenzie supports Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's tough stance on illegal miners trapped underground. Ntshavheni called the miners "criminals" and said the government will not rescue them. McKenzie agrees and says there should be lots of smoke to force the miners out. Lindo Mnisi also supports this stance. However, Helen Zille believes a more empathetic approach is needed for the trapped miners. This has caused a big debate in South Africa. Some say criminals should not be helped and should be persecuted, while others believe compassion should be shown.

Gayton McKenzie Backs Ntshavheni’s Tough Stance On Illegal Miners, Says "Let There Be Lots Of Smoke"

Helen Zille, Federal Chair of South Africa’s second-largest political party, the Democratic Alliance, has called for empathy in handling the issue of trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.
Thousands of illegal miners are reportedly trapped in disused mines in Stilfontein, sparking a national debate.
At a post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that the government would not attempt to rescue the trapped miners, instead opting to “smoke them out.” She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted [sic].
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them, they must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
The government’s refusal to help the miners has led to widespread debate across South Africa, with varying opinions on the best course of action.
Commenting on X in response to a Newzroom Afrika post, Zille said that the situation should be handled with empathy, as it directly impacts people’s lives. She said:
<blockquote>
Come on. The minister is talking about human beings here. People facing a perilous life-threatening calamity must be rescued.
Arrest and prosecute them for breaking the law. But don’t leave them to perish in horrific circumstances. What happened to Ubuntu?
</blockquote>
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have descended on the area and sealed off the routes through which community members supply food and water to the illegal miners underground, enabling their ongoing and indefinite illegal mining activities.
A community member who volunteered to go underground this week reported back that some of the trapped miners have died, while others are critically ill.
The community representative estimated that around 4,500 miners remain underground, too afraid to resurface due to the risk of arrest.
Meanwhile, AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa told Newzroom Afrika that miners, including those employed by formal mining companies, face daily dangers. He said:
<blockquote>
Workers are being killed every day, even in the regulated mines, therefore, there is no law. You can’t blame people who go and seek for livelihood because of this government that is so incompetent.
They called [striking mineworkers at Marikana in August 2012] criminals. I do not know now how they can be able to distinguish between criminals and workers.
Thirty-four mineworkers were killed, fighting for economic emancipation by the very same government.
Today they have the guts to say let’s smoke them out, those criminals. The same government has made this environment very fertile for illegal mining.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Helen Zille wants to help trapped illegal miners in South Africa. The government doesn't want to rescue them, calling them criminals. There is a debate on how to help the miners. Some people think they should be saved, others think they should be arrested. Many miners are trapped underground and some have died. The government is sealing off routes that supply food and water to the miners. The president of a mining union says even legal miners face dangers. People are questioning the government's response to the situation.

"What Happened To Ubuntu?": Helen Zille Calls For Humane Approach To Trapped Illegal Miners

The government of Mozambique condemned the alleged involvement of children in protests, “and the veiled attempt to subvert the legitimately established democratic order and to place obstacles in the functioning of institutions and the free movement of people and goods, with disastrous consequences for the national economy”.
President Filipe Nyusi convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Defence and Security Council in response to the protests.
While acknowledging the right to protest, the Mozambican government strongly condemned actions that undermine democratic order, obstruct institutions, and hinder the free movement of people and goods, which it said were damaging to the national economy.
Mozambique has already lost an estimated 2% of its GDP due to the ongoing protests.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane had called for a nationwide shutdown, targeting border posts and ports, but according to <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/children-used-in-economic-sabotage-mozambique-govt-charges-as-opposition-protests-falter-20241114">News24</a>, by Thursday morning, the protests appeared to be losing momentum.
Key trade routes, including the Lebombo border post with South Africa, were processing goods again.
On Wednesday, protests had closed critical trade routes, including the Lebombo border post, and disrupted traffic between Beira and Zimbabwe, which relies on Mozambique for access to the Indian Ocean.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state are scheduled to meet in Harare, Zimbabwe, for an extraordinary summit this weekend to discuss the political and economic crisis in Mozambique.
Nyusi thanked the security forces for their conduct during the protests but urged the security forces to desist from using force against demonstrators and instead “prioritise dialogue with the population and that their actions prioritise the protection of the lives and property of Mozambicans”.
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Protests in Mozambique are causing problems for the country's economy. The government is worried about children being involved in these protests. The president is meeting with the National Defence and Security Council to address the situation. The protests have already cost Mozambique 2% of its GDP. The opposition leader called for a shutdown, but protests seem to be losing momentum. Trade routes are reopening after being closed during the protests. The Southern African Development Community will meet to discuss the crisis. The president is urging security forces to prioritize dialogue and protect the people.

Mozambique Protests Lose Momentum

The ANC in Limpopo has defended Premier Phophi Ramathuba following the controversy surrounding her remarks about foreign nationals “killing” the health system in South Africa.
As reported by <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-11-14-limpopo-anc-defends-phophi-ramathuba-amid-hpcsa-inquiry/">TimesLive</a>, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has initiated a formal inquiry into Ramathuba’s conduct as a medical doctor after her comments were made public.
Ramathuba’s remarks, made in August 2022, were directed at a Zimbabwean patient at Bela Bela Hospital, where she was serving as the Health MEC at the time.
She expressed frustration about the strain on the health system due to foreign nationals seeking treatment in South Africa.
Ramathuba made the comments while visiting Bela Bela Hospital, wearing her doctor’s scrubs, during an interaction with the Zimbabwean woman, who was undergoing surgery. She said:
<blockquote>
You speak Shona, how do you find yourself in Bela Bela Hospital when you are supposed to be with [Zimbabwe President Emmerson] Mnangagwa?
You know he doesn’t give me money to operate on you? I am operating on you with my limited budget. You are killing my health system.
</blockquote>
The HPCSA is investigating whether Ramathuba’s conduct violated any professional or ethical standards, particularly in her capacity as a healthcare provider.
In 2023, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) found that Phophi Ramathuba had acted in an “unprofessional” manner, noting that it was “unbecoming of a medical professional” to shout at a patient’s bedside.
Despite the findings, the HPCSA extended an olive branch to Ramathuba, stating that accepting the penalty would not result in a conviction and would not appear on her professional record.
Ramathuba rejected the preliminary findings and the offered penalty, which led to the initiation of a formal inquiry into her conduct.
She attempted to block the inquiry by seeking an interdict in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, but she lost the case, allowing the HPCSA inquiry to proceed.
Speaking to TimesLIVE, ANC Limpopo spokesperson Jimmy Machaka defended Premier Phophi Ramathuba, agreeing with her view that the HPCSA should not have investigated the matter.
He argued that Ramathuba made the comments in her capacity as the Health MEC, not as a medical professional, and therefore, the inquiry was unwarranted. Said Machaka:
<blockquote>
The ANC Limpopo has noted the case by [the] HPCSA against Ramathuba. It’s our view that Ramathuba was correct to raise the alarm about the illegal foreigners who are overburdening the health sector in our province and the country.
It is our belief there is nothing wrong with the statement she made. The statement was made in her political capacity as health MEC and should not have been subjected to HPCSA inquiry. We believe [the] HPCSA is attempting to enter political terrain.
</blockquote>
In the court case, Judge Anthony Millar ruled that Ramathuba had not deregistered as a medical practitioner, meaning the HPCSA had the right to investigate her.
He said that her role as MEC was political, while her medical registration was professional, and these roles were not mutually exclusive.
Millar rejected the argument that her conduct should be judged based on “which hat” she was wearing at the time, stating that it was inconsistent with constitutional values and the law.
He ruled that since Ramathuba remained registered with the HPCSA, she was subject to its jurisdiction, and the only way to avoid this would have been to deregister.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The ANC in Limpopo supports Premier Ramathuba's comments about foreign nationals affecting the health system. The Health Professions Council of South Africa is investigating her behavior as a doctor. Premier Ramathuba was found to have acted unprofessionally by shouting at a patient's bedside. The ANC Limpopo believes the inquiry into Ramathuba's comments was unnecessary. A judge ruled that since she is still registered as a doctor, she can be investigated by the HPCSA. Ramathuba's roles as MEC and a medical professional are not separate.

Limpopo ANC Backs Ramathuba After "Foreigners Killing Health System" Comments

South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, on Wednesday, said that the government will not attempt to rescue illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. Instead, she said authorities would take measures to “smoke them out.”
During a post-Cabinet media briefing, Ntshavheni said the government would not assist “criminals”. She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted.
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
The minister’s comments have sparked a storm of reactions. Some people support her strong stance, while others criticise her, saying her words show a lack of empathy for the families who are desperate for help in finding their miners.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Phillip Mankge, acting deputy general secretary of NUM, called the minister’s remarks “inhumane” and “irresponsible.” He said:
<blockquote>
As NUM we would like to categorically clear that we do not support the statement. In fact it is inhumane and irresponsible of the minister to utter such words when the people are trapped underground.
What is wrong with African people when they want to go back to their primitive mining stage, to say they want to mine themselves because we have an abundance of gold, chrome and all sorts of minerals in South Africa?
</blockquote>
Around 4,000 illegal miners are still trapped underground in an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West, with reports suggesting that some may have already died.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, a police spokesperson from North West, told SABC News that the police are working with local community members to help bring the miners to safety.
However, he also said that once the miners are brought to the surface, they will be arrested.
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The South African government will not rescue illegal miners trapped underground, but will try to get them out by smoking them out. The government sees the miners as criminals and will not help them. Some people support this tough stance, while others say it lacks empathy for the families of the miners. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) criticizes the minister's remarks as inhumane and irresponsible. Around 4,000 miners are trapped, and some may have already died. The police are working to bring them to safety, but they will be arrested once they are rescued.

South African Government Vows To "Smoke Out" Trapped Illegal Miners

A recent poll by the Institute for Race Relations (IRR) reveals that political parties within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) have seen increased support since the general election on May 29, 2024, reported <a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/politics/gnu-partners-thrive-as-da-and-anc-gain-support-eff-mkp-decline-new-poll-shows-20241112">City Press</a>.
Partners such as the ANC, DA, IFP, Patriotic Alliance, and Freedom Front Plus have all experienced growth in support, according to the poll.
In contrast, opposition parties like Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and Julius Malema’s EFF have seen a decline in support. The MKP dropped from 15% to 12%, and the EFF from 10% to 7%.
The IRR poll was conducted in September and October 2024, via telephone with 604 registered, demographically representative voters. The margin of error is 5%.
A majority of 52% of respondents expressed a preference for a GNU with the DA and IFP as the ANC’s main partners. Only 27% preferred a coalition with MKP and the EFF.
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe that the GNU will complete its full five-year term, lasting until the next general election in 2029.
A large majority (83%) of respondents prioritized job creation over further distribution of social grants. This aligns with the ANC’s election campaign, which focused on income grants.
53% of respondents agreed that appointments should be based on merit, with special training for previously disadvantaged groups.
A smaller proportion (23%) felt appointments should be strictly merit-based, while 20% supported prioritizing black people in appointments.
According to Hermann Pretorius, head of strategic communications at the IRR, the growth in support for GNU partners reflects a cautiously optimistic voter sentiment toward the coalition government. He said:
<blockquote>
Before the elections, the DA was afraid that a quarter of its voters would leave if they worked with the ANC, but this poll shows that this quarter of DA voters is willing to give cooperation with the ANC a chance. ANC voters also give their party the benefit of the doubt regarding the GNU.
</blockquote>
Pretorius suggests that the growth in support for smaller parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) indicates that being seen as a “constructive political player” is key to sustainable political relevance.
He warns that polling data on job creation and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) sends a clear message to the ANC: it must focus on pragmatic, bread-and-butter issues.
He believes the ANC could regain voter support by returning to its more pragmatic policies of the late 1990s and early 2000s when it prioritised economic growth and job creation.
Pretorius attributes the EFF’s decline in support to Jacob Zuma’s return to politics, which has overshadowed Julius Malema’s image as the champion of the oppressed.
He also criticizes Malema’s decision to dismiss top EFF officials over a public relations failure, including their inability to fill buses for the EFF’s birthday event in Soweto.
Pretorius blames the decline in support for Jacob Zuma’s MKP on the party’s erratic leadership changes, particularly the appointment and dismissal of leaders under Zuma’s influence.
However, he notes that the party is starting to build its structures, though Zuma’s personal influence remains a significant factor in its support.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A recent poll shows that South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, like the ANC and DA, are getting more support, while opposition parties like EFF and MKP are losing popularity. Most people want a GNU with DA and IFP as the main partners. People care more about job creation than social grants. The ANC could get more support by focusing on creating jobs and economic growth. The EFF's support is dropping because of Jacob Zuma's return to politics. MKP is losing support because of leadership issues. Overall, people want parties that focus on important issues and work together.

South Africa's GNU Partners Thrive As Support For EFF, MKP Decline - New Poll Shows

Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has claimed that Batswana will not receive what they expected from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), despite the opposition’s decisive victory in the recent elections.
Masisi, whose Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been in power since independence in 1966, faced a crushing defeat at the ballot box, with the UDC securing 36 parliamentary seats compared to just 4 for the BDP.
In his remarks, Masisi suggested that the BDP’s loss was partly due to the UDC’s lofty promises, which he argued may have led voters to expect more than what could realistically be delivered.
He hinted that the “rich promises” made by the UDC during the campaign were a key factor in their electoral success, but warned that fulfilling these promises might prove difficult. Said Masisi (via <a href="https://www.mmegi.bw/news/opposition-sold-you-a-dummy-masisi/news">Mmegi</a>):
<blockquote>
If you put our manifesto against those of the two main opposition parties, the UDC and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), they had something in common. They promised people lots of monies. 
Imagine when you have been unemployed and being told the economy is not performing well and you get such promises. Even on election day, you could see there was a lot of happiness.
A lot of new merchandise was also flaunted and people were convinced that there was hope and they voted for them.
</blockquote>
Masisi said he could not deny that the BDP’s campaign was not as captivating as that of the opposition parties.
He admitted that, as the ruling party, they could only make promises based on what they believed the economy could realistically support. Said Masisi:
<blockquote>
We condemn these promises as we continue to doubt that they will deliver these promises. It is impossible because it would cause problems.
Prices would skyrocket, it will cause the economy to collapse and it will make dealing with other countries and financiers to doubt us.
This is because our main source of money is diamonds and they are not being bought. Also their prices rise and fall from time to time and unfortunately for us, the prices fell during the elections cycle and we could not control it.
</blockquote>
Masisi said he was proud that many BDP members still voted for the party, securing the second-highest number of votes nationwide.
He said if it was not for the First Past The Post system, they would be having more legislators. Masisi said:
<blockquote>
But I am not complaining about the system because we are a national party. We were all over the country hence we believe that we can still regroup and regain power in 2029.
</blockquote>
Masisi said he would not stand for another term but would step down as BDP president next year when his mandate from the BDP comes to an end. He said:
<blockquote>
I never thought about quitting hastily because as a leader of such a huge organisation and you quit after losing elections, it would be irresponsible of me. You should stay and talk to the people until all has settled and a suitable leader is selected.
It would also look like I was a coward, but I am not one and I am going to meet with the BDP members including those who have been writing accusing me on social media.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi says people won't get what they were promised by the opposition party UDC, even though they won big in the recent election. He thinks UDC made big promises that might be hard to keep. Masisi believes BDP lost because UDC promised a lot of money, which made people happy and hopeful. He says BDP could only promise based on what the economy can support. He is proud that many BDP members still voted for the party and believes they can win back power in 2029. Masisi plans to step down as BDP president.

Masisi Warns Batswana Won't Get What They Were Promised By UDC

ANC Youth League leader Collen Malatji has called on EFF leader Julius Malema to return to the ANC, saying his expulsion was “reckless” and “harsh.”
Malatji added that they would welcome him back, as Malema was shaped by the ANC, having been influenced by the Youth League. <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/to-survive-zumas-wrath-malema-must-return-to-the-anc-ancyl-leader-collen-malatji-1bf8895f-3ba1-43cc-91e2-836e062ef522">Said Malatji</a>:
<blockquote>
He is the product of the Youth League, Cosas even how he walks, speaks, is ANC politics.
I think that decision was too harsh, we should found a better way. He went out of his way misled by Floyd [Shivambu] who never loved the ANC.
They went and formed a political party that now Floyd has left because of the snake that ate him.
</blockquote>
Malatji made these comments in an interview with MDN TV on Monday, amid struggles within the EFF, including resignations, internal conflicts, and factionalism.
Recently, several high-ranking EFF members, such as Floyd Shivambu, Dali Mpofu, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and Jimmy Manyi, left the party to join the MK Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma.
They claimed the MK Party offered a solution to the ongoing struggles of black people.
Zuma resigned in 2018 under pressure from the ANC, facing corruption charges and accusations of taking money from the Gupta family.
The EFF, led by Malema, was the main party pushing for his impeachment.
Malatji suggested that Malema misjudged Zuma’s willingness to forgive his expulsion from the ANC and made a mistake.
He warned that Malema should return to the ANC to avoid Zuma’s revenge, describing Zuma as a “snake” who could slowly destroy the EFF. Said Malatji:
<blockquote>
Zuma is not a forgiving person, he is going to destroy him because he is doing everything in his power to destroy him because is settling scores.
He is to blame because he brought a snake into his home. Now the snake is eating all these kids (EFF members).
He must take responsibility for bringing a snake into his home, it’s him who went and collected the snake.
If it’s biting him, we wish him all the best but he wants the poison to kill the snake, he must come to us, and we will give him the poison to kill the snake. But he is to blame for what is happening.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the EFF is currently preparing for its elective conference next month.
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The ANC Youth League wants Julius Malema to come back to the ANC to escape revenge from Zuma, who they describe as a "snake." Malatji said Malema was influenced by the ANC and should not have been expelled. Some EFF members left to join a new party led by Zuma. Malatji warns that Zuma may destroy the EFF and advises Malema to return to the ANC for protection. The EFF is facing internal conflicts and preparing for a conference. Malema should take responsibility for bringing trouble to the party.

Malema Urged To Rejoin ANC To Escape Zuma’s "Snake-like" Revenge

The newly-elected Botswana President Duma Boko announced the first batch of his Cabinet ministers on Monday morning.
Among the key appointments are Ndaba Gaolathe, who will serve as Minister of Finance and Vice President, and Dr. Stephen Modise, who has been appointed Minister of Health, along with his assistant Lawrence Ookeditse.
A new ministry, the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, will be led by Nono Kgafela-Mokoka. Dr. Micus Chombombi has been appointed to head the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, with Dr. Edwin Dikoloti serving as his deputy.
26-year-old Lesego Chombo, Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 will lead the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs.
Dr Phenyo Butale has been appointed as the new Minister of International Relations. Said Boko:
<blockquote>
This is only the first batch. We will announce more Cabinet ministers as the week progresses.
</blockquote>
When asked how many Cabinet ministers he plans to appoint, the President responded, “I initially wanted 10, but after consultation with professionals both locally and internationally, we have decided on 18.”
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/botswana-vice-president-appointed-finance-minister-new-cabinet-2024-11-11/">Reuters</a>, the Deputy Minister of Health is an opposition lawmaker, while the Deputy Minister of Agriculture is an independent lawmaker.
Boko has yet to announce the new Minister of Mining, a particularly significant position given that Botswana is the world’s leading diamond producer by value.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana's new President Duma Boko named some key ministers in his Cabinet. Ndaba Gaolathe will be both the Finance Minister and Vice President. 26-year-old Lesego Chombo will be the Youth and Gender Minister. The President plans to have 18 ministers in total. They are still looking for a Mining Minister, which is important because Botswana produces a lot of diamonds. The Deputy Ministers come from different political backgrounds. More ministers will be announced soon.

Botswana Cabinet: VP To Double As Finance Minister, 26-Year-Old Miss World Africa 2024 Named As Youth Minister

Zimbabweans living along the border with Mozambique are increasingly fearful due to the ongoing post-election violence in their neighbouring country, which has already resulted in dozens of deaths.
Protests erupted in Mozambique following the general elections held on October 9, 2024, in which the ruling FRELIMO party, in power since Mozambique’s independence from Portugal in 1975, claimed victory.
Opposition leaders and their supporters, particularly in urban areas like Maputo, have taken to the streets, alleging that the elections were rigged.
ZANU PF has been accused of playing a role in the alleged election manipulation, particularly after reports surfaced of hundreds of Zimbabweans registering to vote in Mozambique’s elections. However, the ruling party has vehemently denied any involvement in election rigging.
In Zimbabwe’s Manicaland province, especially in areas like Nyanga, Honde Valley, Cashel Valley, and Mutare, residents are living in fear that violence could spill over the border.
Muchaenda Korera, a resident of Honde Valley, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034847/fear-grips-zimbos-over-moza-violence">NewsDay</a> that people in the area are anxious, fearing they may be targeted if the unrest intensifies. He said:
<blockquote>
I witnessed the Mozambique civil war between FRELIMO and RENAMO from 1977 to 1992 and those of us who are staying near the border were affected as some of the villagers were killed and what is happening now is of great concern to us.
</blockquote>
Another villager in Chipinge said: “We have heard of the reports of violence in Mozambique and we are living in fear that we might be caught in the crossfire.”
Last week, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, advised Zimbabweans to remain indoors until the unrest in Mozambique subsides.
In an interview with NewsDay, ZANU PF’s Manicaland chairperson, Tawanda Mukodza, said Zimbabwe maintains strong and friendly relations with Mozambique, despite the ongoing tensions. Said Mukodza:
<blockquote>
We do not think things will go out of control under the leadership of Southern African Development Community chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa. Yes, we share the same border with Mozambique but we are safe.
</blockquote>
South Africa temporarily closed its border with Mozambique last week as post-election violence in the neighbouring country escalated.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is set to host an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Harare.
The summit, running from November 16 to 20, will focus on the recent general elections in Mozambique and Botswana, as well as the ongoing situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans near Mozambique are scared of violence after their election. People in Maputo are protesting because they think the election was unfair. Some Zimbabweans might have voted in Mozambique. People in Manicaland province are worried about the violence spilling over. The ambassador told people to stay safe. Zimbabwe and Mozambique are friends. South Africa closed its border. Zimbabwe will hold a meeting about the elections in Mozambique and other countries. People are afraid and hope for peace.

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