- Germany’s car bosses and Chancellor Merz are slamming the brakes on the EU’s 2035 combustion engine ban, arguing they need “side roads” for hybrids and new fuels. Merz threw in R60-billion (€3-billion) for EV subsidies — politics meets petrol fumes.
- France’s political merry-go-round spins again: Macron hunts for his sixth prime minister in two years as the country teeters between budget gridlock and democratic burnout. Investors want fiscal discipline; voters just want someone to actually last the year.
- Big Oil and Big Tech are ganging up on Brussels: TotalEnergies and Siemens want the EU’s corporate sustainability law scrapped altogether, calling it bad for competitiveness. The “green” directive fines firms 5% for dirty supply chains — they’d rather ditch it.
- Hungarian novelist Laszlo Krasznahorkai has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- FBI data shows a quarter of FBI agents are assigned to immigration enforcement.
- Israel-Gaza – Israelis and Palestinians celebrated on Thursday night as Hamas and Israel’s government began preparations to implement a ceasefire deal that promises a durable end to a bloody two-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands, destabilised much of the Middle East and prompted protests around the world.
- UK news – The former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with sexual offences against seven women, including four counts of rape. The Metropolitan police said the 68-year-old had been charged with offences dating from 1983 to 2016. Officers said their investigation remained open and urged anyone with further information to come forward.
- Politics – Nigel Farage has claimed teachers would go on strike within weeks of a Reform UK election win, and accused them of “poisoning our kids” by telling them that black children are victims and white children oppressors.
- Ukraine – Kyiv suffered a “massive attack” last night, said the Ukrainian air force, as Russia targeted the capital’s infrastructure, cutting off water and energy supplies and triggering a fire in a high-rise apartment building.
- France – A man who had appealed against his conviction for raping Gisèle Pelicot after she was drugged unconscious by her husband has been found guilty a second time – and had his prison sentence increased by 10 years.
- Leading British comedians Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall and Omid Djalili have agreed to take part in Riyadh’s comedy festival.
- Democratic Officials Issue Warning to Pro-Palestinian Rioters.
- Celebrations Sweep Israel and Gaza as First Phase of Trump’s Peace Plan Secured: Celebrations have erupted across Israel and Gaza, as the region welcomes the agreement to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Indirect talks between Israel and the…
- Here Are the Issues Dominating Virginia’s Race for Governor: In the final weeks of the Virginia governor’s race, the two candidates have zeroed in on differing issues. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate and frontrunner, has focused
on the federal… - Conservative Student Sees Healing Opportunity in Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: TEMPE, Ariz.—While some see a growing political divide, Carson Carpenter sees hope and opportunity rising from the legacy of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
- State Department Diplomat Fired for Suspicious Romantic Relationship.
- Budget Deficit Decreased $8 Billion in 2025: The federal government registered a $1.8 trillion budget deficit for fiscal year 2025, according to new data from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), released on Oct. 8.
- Senate Votes Down Resolution Seeking to Halt Trump’s Use of Military Force Against Cartel Boats: The U.S. Senate has voted against legislation seeking to direct the withdrawal of the U.S. military from hostilities that have not been authorized by Congress.
- Burgum Says US Taking ‘Extraordinary Steps’ to Foil CCP Market Manipulation: Key industries in the West were within weeks of shutting down in the spring after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) levied export restrictions on seven heavy rare earth elements.
- Republicans slam Schumer’s ‘every day gets better’ remark during shutdown: ‘Americans are suffering’.
- Trump admin unveils ‘whole-of-government’ approach to investigate and dismantle Antifa funding.
- Jimmy Kimmel announces he would ‘love’ to have Trump on his late-night show: ‘I’ll ask him’.
- Canada: Gay ‘throuple’ who adopted 3-year-old girl fighting for full legal recognition despite Quebec civil code.
- Democrat California governor candidate Katie Porter threatens to walk out of interview in viral video.
- Trump receives international praise for his role in brokering Gaza peace deal: ‘Nobel Prize to Trump!’.
- ‘MOST SECURE border in American history’: Illegal southern border crossings drop to lowest annual level in over 50 years.
- Kentucky sues Roblox video game over ‘Charlie Kirk assassination simulators’ amid other child safety lawsuits.
- The gloves have come off in South Africa’s policing scandal. Suspended top cop Shadrack Sibiya’s home was raided, while sidelined Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff told journalists that police also searched his flat.
- Israel’s government ratified a ceasefire with Hamas early on Friday, paving the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours. Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal frees Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and starts a phased troop withdrawal.
- The US is set to deploy up to 200 troops to Israel with the goal of establishing a task force to support stabilisation efforts in Gaza. However, no Americans are expected to be deployed into the Palestinian enclave, according to US officials.
- Peruvian legislators, summoned on Thursday to a late-night session of Congress, are to debate moving forward with impeaching President Dina Boluarte, among the world’s most unpopular leaders, hours after political blocs called for her removal.
- An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 and a depth of 58km has struck the Philippines’ Mindanao region, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported. Hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300km of the earthquake’s epicentre.
- The mineral and petroleum resources minister, Gwede Mantashe, told the Joburg Mining Indaba on Thursday that the mining sector is the most transformed in South Africa, the latest round in a charm offensive that comes against the backdrop of intense talks with the industry over the proposed Minerals Development Amendment Bill.
- US transport chief Sean Duffy warned that no-show air traffic controllers during the shutdown could be fired. Staffing shortages are grounding flights nationwide, with delays spiking 10-fold as a fraction wreaks havoc.
- Peru’s political soap opera rolls on: Congress is moving to impeach President Dina Boluarte – approval rating a dismal 2% – over corruption scandals and deadly crackdowns. If ousted, she’d be the seventh leader since 2018.
- Lloyds is bracing for a bigger bill in Britain’s R252-billion (£11-billion) car loan mis-selling scandal, warning more cash will likely be needed for compensation. The issue concerns millions of million motor loan deals that broke laws and regulations between 2007 and 2024 by failing to adequately disclose commission and contractual ties between lenders and car dealerships.
- Pick n Pay sales: Interim group turnover climbed 4.9% with like-for-like sales up 4.7%, showing stronger supermarket momentum despite a tough consumer backdrop.
- Boxer stays hot: The value brand surged ahead with 13.9% turnover growth and 5.3% like-for-like sales, cementing its star-performer status.
- Khanyisani Stanley Shandu has been removed as chair and director of uMngeni Water Services after failing to disclose his and his wife’s business interests with companies supplying the group.
- Dr Leila Fourie will step down as group CEO of the JSE on 31 March 2026, after a six-year tenure defined by innovation, earnings growth, market reforms and inclusive leadership.
- Next JSE CEO: Valdene Reddy, currently director of capital markets, will become group CEO on 1 April 2026 (subject to regulatory approval). With 20+ years’ experience and a decade at the JSE, she’s well-placed to drive innovation and growth.
- SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago has confirmed that the Reserve Bank and National Treasury have agreed that South Africa’s inflation target should be lowered, but are still discussing when to make the change.
- Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor Gary van Niekerk has asked DA leader Andrew Whitfield and Helen Zille, chair of the DA’s Federal Council, to help him as he insists that the DA caucus in Nelson Mandela Bay is hell-bent on keeping the city’s controversial municipal manager, suspended Noxolo Nqwazi, in her position.
- The University of Fort Hare has been plunged into chaos as violent student protests, arson attacks and police clashes shut down both campuses. Student leaders are demanding the immediate resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, and accuse management of being illegitimate, governing poorly and ignoring democratic demands.
- South African rand goes from zero to hero: South Africa’s rand has shown significant strength in 2025, thanks to the relative stability provided by the Government of National Unity, a weakening US dollar, and the country’s attractive interest rate differential.
- South African banks rolling out new branches – except for one: South Africa’s Big Four banks are overhauling their branch networks to balance growing digital adoption with continued demand for in-person services, with one bank reducing its footprint while the rest expand.
- South African businesses can score big VAT win: South African food and beverage businesses can reduce their tax burden and significantly improve profitability by strategically applying VAT incentives.
- The R60 billion industry bleeding South Africa dry: Illegal mining in South Africa has exploded into a crisis despite government and business crackdowns, with it draining state and corporate resources and fuelling unemployment and disinvestment.
- How PayShap is transforming South Africa’s payments landscape: The more inclusive the ecosystem, the stronger and more resilient South Africa’s economy becomes.
- Eskom directors’ pay increased from R12 million to R22 million in one year: Eskom changed its remuneration structure in April 2024, providing non-executive directors a fixed retainer plus a fee for meeting attendance.
- South African embassies overseas neglected and crumbling: Some of South Africa’s embassy and high commission properties have not been maintained in over 16 years, and most experience IT
failures that have resulted in them issuing handwritten visas. - New retail rewards programme launching in South Africa – with a big boost for Capitec customers: Dis-Chem is launching a new rewards programme called Better Rewards, which will go live on 21 October 2025.
- Banking fraud warning for South Africans: SAFPS warned South Africans about a surge in phone-based banking scams, which could lead to fraudsters emptying victims’ bank accounts if they aren’t careful.
- Discovery Bank eyes business banking expansion: Discovery Bank has hinted at entering South Africa’s business banking market, with a focus on expanding its shared-value model to SMEs.
- Pick n Pay set for another loss amid store closures: Pick n Pay expects to report a significantly reduced first-half loss for its 2026 financial year, driven by a strong performance from Boxer and a steady improvement at its core supermarket business.
- One thing the ANC has not broken in South Africa: South Africa has avoided a common pitfall for emerging markets by keeping its government borrowing mainly in rands thanks to its relatively sophisticated local financial markets.
- Peru Congress summoned to debate impeaching unpopular president.
- The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded this morning to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her pro-democracy work. The announcement came after a public bid by the White House on behalf of US President Donald Trump for his role in working to resolve eight conflicts. Multiple nominations in Trump’s favor came after the committee’s Jan. 31 deadline.
- A federal grand jury indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) yesterday on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
- A brief but brilliant flower bloom is unfolding in Chile’s Atacama Desert, a rare event that occurs every five to seven years depending on rainfall patterns. The event is expected to last through the end of the month, amid the Southern Hemisphere’s spring.
- Judge dismisses Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss track.
- Intel unveils new computer processor, Panther Lake, in bid to reestablish reputation as leading chipmaker; Panther Lake to be manufactured at new $20B Arizona facility and debut in laptops next year.
- Astronomers detect lowest-mass dark matter object yet via tiny distortion caused by its gravity; object’s mass is a million times that of our sun.
- Behavioral scientists find some dogs show addictive-like behaviors toward toys, mirroring human addictions to gambling, gaming, and smartphones; research team to publish follow-up study examining how addictive traits differ by breed.
- US stock markets close lower (S&P 500 -0.3%, Dow -0.5%, Nasdaq -0.1%) as the US government shutdown continues.
- The US directly purchases Argentine pesos and agrees to offer $20B in financing as part of rescue effort to stabilize Argentina’s economy.
- IRS announces new federal tax brackets for 2026 to adjust for inflation. – At least 22 states are experiencing a recession or close to it, new analysis finds.
- Israeli government approves ceasefire deal with Hamas; 200 US troops will monitor the exchange of hostages and prisoners, expected within days. – White House denies striking a boat carrying Colombian citizens last week.
- Texas’ highest criminal court halts the execution of Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.
- French appeals court increases the prison term for a man convicted of raping Gisèle Pelicot.
- FDA Recall on Thyroid Medication: The Food and Drug Administration upgraded the recall of a type of commonly used thyroid medication.
- ‘Supreme Court Scam’ Alert Issued.
- Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Cease-Fire Deal.
- New York AG Letitia James Indicted on Federal Charges.
- No Pizza, No Chips Under California’s New School Meal Law.
- Thousands of displaced Palestinians streamed back towards their abandoned homes after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect and Israeli troops began pulling back from parts of Gaza. Follow our live coverage here.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime foe of President Donald Trump, was charged with lying on a mortgage application, as the administration steps up its use of government power against his perceived political enemies.
- Sanae Takaichi’s bid to become Japan’s first female prime minister was thrown into doubt when her ruling party’s junior coalition partner quit.
- Peru’s lawmakers swore in Congress chief Jose Jeri as the country’s new president less than an hour after unanimously voting to remove President Dina Boluarte, as anger mounted over rising crime and accusations of corruption.
- President Emmanuel Macron will convene a meeting of France’s mainstream political parties ahead of a self-imposed deadline to name a new prime minister.
- Taiwan will build a new multi-layered air defense system called ‘T-Dome’ to defend itself against enemy threats and increase defence spending, President Lai Ching-te said, calling on China to renounce the use of force to seize the island.
- A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck offshore in the southern Philippines, killing at least two people, while towns near the epicenter suffered structural damage and authorities warned of strong aftershocks.
- The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased again last week, economists estimated, hinting at some early layoffs of contractors related to the government shutdown.
- The influential New York Federal Reserve President John Williams signaled he would be comfortable with cutting interest rates again, voicing what appears to be a dominant view at the Fed despite some policymakers’ qualms about rising inflation.
- More global investors are rotating into non-US ‘value’ stocks, fund managers say, as stretched US valuations, rising fiscal strains, and weakening cash flow forecasts make rallying American equities look comparatively less attractive.
- Short-bias exchange-traded funds, which bet against stock indexes and fast-rising sectors like technology and artificial intelligence, are drawing strong inflows as lofty prices and policy risks spur some investors to position for a pullback.
- A return of fund inflows into renewable energy stocks is helping to breathe new life into these companies’ shares, powering their strongest quarterly rise since the sustainability boom early this decade.
- Major US banks report financial results in the coming week as the third-quarter earnings season kicks into high gear with investors counting on solid profits to support record-high stock prices.
- Policymakers head to Washington for the annual International Monetary Fund and World Bank meeting featuring Group of Seven and G20 finance ministers and central bank governors gathering on the sidelines.
- Argentina’s President Javier Milei will meet Trump in the Oval Office as final details of Washington’s $20 billion lifeline for Buenos Aires are eagerly anticipated.
- NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise starts next week, sending “a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all allies against all threats,” Secretary General Mark Rutte said.
- In Africa, Cameroonian President Paul Biya is running for an eighth term that could keep him in office until he is nearly 100. Read our story on Biya’s Rolex-loving daughter defying him on TikTok.
- Maria Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democratic rights in her country and her struggle to achieve a transition to democracy, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
- National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has been grilled in Parliament about a range of scandals, including the 2020 theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo, and a separate case, the 2021 murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran in Gauteng.
- Murder accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe has been granted R400,000 bail in the Gauteng Division of the High Court.
- The University of Fort Hare’s campuses in Alice and East London have shut down after several days of violent protests that have sadly led to millions of rand in property damage, and eight arrests, EWN reports.
- Thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to their homes — many of which are no doubt destroyed — as Israeli forces began pulling back from parts of Gaza.
- Gold’s ascent through $4,000 an ounce is yet another milestone in a three-year bull run that has defied die-hard skeptics and broken analytical models that have reliably predicted its rises and falls for decades.
- Across central Asia and the Caucasus, countries like Kazakhstan, Armenia and Azerbaijan, that were once firmly in Russia’s orbit are today forging deeper ties with China, the EU, Turkey and the Gulf states, as they seek to hedge against Kremlin aggression. Recent Russian strikes have highlighted risks, wiping out more than half of Ukraine’s domestic natural gas production.
- Novo Nordisk agreed to buy Akero Therapeutics for as much as $5.2 billion to expand its portfolio in a type of liver disease that’s linked to obesity. Novo will pay $54 a share in cash, equivalent to $4.7 billion, reflecting a premium of about 16% to Akero’s closing price of $46.49 on Wednesday. A further $500 million could be paid depending on regulatory milestones being met.
- Crypto helped get Trump elected. Now it’s wooing Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK. Senior executives from some of the world’s largest digital-asset firms gathered in London to hear Zia Yusuf, the party’s head of policy, lay out his vision for crypto’s role in Britain’s financial industry. He tore into regulators and pledged that crypto would thrive under a Reform-led government, we’re told. The industry push to forge closer ties with Farage is risky, and it has led to discord in the UK crypto sector.
- Ferrari shares plunged after the carmaker issued cautious forecasts that overshadowed the launch of the company’s first electric vehicle. Adjusted earnings will rise to at least €3.6 billion ($4.2 billion) by 2030 from €2.72 billion this year, the company said today. The outlook disappointed investors and implies a slower earnings growth rate than what management offered during their last capital markets day three years ago.
An Elettrica battery pack on the production line. - Saudi Arabia is making dramatic changes to its real estate market as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seeks to solve one of Riyadh’s biggest hurdles: A property crunch that’s hindering its ability to compete with the financial hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From a five-year freeze on rents to a quadrupling of taxes to encourage the construction of more homes and offices, reforms have been rolled out rapidly — all with a goal of improving the quality of life in a city the prince has placed at the center of his Vision 2030 diversification blueprint.
- Donald Trump said he’ll travel to Israel to be on hand for the release of hostages under the terms of a deal to end the war with Hamas. Israel’s government signed off on the agreement that will see Hamas release remaining hostages held in Gaza in exchange for more than 2,000 prisoners.
- Argentine markets rallied after the US launched a $20 billion financial rescue, buying pesos and offering a currency swap. Elsewhere, gold slipped further below $4,000 and silver retreated from its highest level since 1980. And read how the big US dollar short risks turning into a pain trade as hedge funds bet that its rebound will extend into year-end.
- Emmanuel Macron is set to name a new prime minister by this evening as France’s political and business elites jockey for influence. The nation’s central bank said the economy has been resilient in recent months despite heightened political uncertainty weighing on business leaders.
- Belgian authorities said they uncovered a terrorist plan to target the country’s politicians, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, after a number of raids were carried out in Antwerp.
- Corporate roundup: Microsoft’s data-center crunch will last longer than the company has previously outlined, people familiar said. Balyasny’s Peter Goodwin started an equities trading team to run as much as $15 billion. Jane Street is said to be expanding into physical natural gas trading.
- Modi and Starmer Make Pitch for Trade System Fraying Under Trump.
- Ray Dalio Warns of Soaring Debt and ‘Civil War’ Brewing in US.
- SoftBank in Talks for $5 Billion Margin Loan Backed by Arm Stock.
- Ferrari and its constellation of engineers, marketers and dealers face a big challenge: translating the appeal of its growling supercars to Elettrica, the company’s first all-electric model.
- Signs are emerging that the worst may be over for the UK labor market, according to a survey closely monitored by the Bank of England. “We can hope that the jobs market and the economy may be moving towards calmer waters,” said Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation.
- 1/4: The amount of adults who believe you’re never too old to trick or treat.
- £1: The proposed levy for stadium shows that would be put towards grassroots venues.
- 87 floors: The height of The Shard.
- 20%: The drop in foreign students studying in the US.
- Dame Sarah Mullally will become the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the history of the Church of England.
- British cider will have more of a punch in 2026 after this year’s record-hot summer made fruit sweeter.
- 46% of Conservative party members would support a merger with Reform UK to create a single party, according to new polling.
- The EU’s new Entry/Exit System launches this Sunday.
- Mariah Carey is finally revealing her secret scrapped ‘90s grunge album that first came to light through her memoir in 2020.
- London’s Met Gala, a.k.a The British Museum Ball, will take place this month with a theme that will be inspired by ‘the colours and light of India’.
- The cast of Rivals remembered Dame Jilly Cooper as a “magical woman” following her death aged 88.
- 67% of employees have hidden their feelings at work to appear professional, according to a new study.
- Living cells could be used to create computers by a group of researchers in Switzerland aiming to replicate how AI learns at a fraction of the energy use.
- The world’s first fully upcycled skyscraper has been announced as a finalist for this year’s Earthshot Prize.
- A baby koala was given a piggyback by a dog in Australia as it’s motherly instinct kicked in to help the little one be returned to its real mumma in the end.
- Renewables have overtaken coal as the biggest source of electricity and outpaced demand, according to a new analysis.
- International Day of the Girl is tomorrow!
- Victoria Beckham’s new documentary launched on Netflix yesterday and it has definitely lived up to expectations.
- Uber collapse in South Africa: Uber customers in South Africa are frustrated with disrespectful and dangerous drivers, overcharging, poor-quality cars, and drivers cancelling trips before picking up passengers.
- The government school in South Africa that produces better results than most top private schools: The school, based in Pretoria, achieved a higher average of distinctions per candidate than many top South African private schools.
- Lamborghinis, Bentley and more seized from Tembisa hospital tenderpreneur: The SIU has begun removing assets worth millions from Tembisa hospital tenderpreneur Hangwani Maumela.
- Eskom directors’ pay increased from R12 million to R22 million in one year: Eskom changed its remuneration structure in April 2024, providing non-executive directors a fixed retainer plus a fee for meeting attendance.
- International retail giant launching in South Africa with lower prices than Checkers and Pick n Pay: Walmart, the world’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, will open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year with an aggressive pricing strategy.
- Great news for petrol prices in South Africa: Fuel recovery data for the end of the second week in October shows that South African motorists are on track for bigger petrol and diesel price cuts next month.
- 1,000 jobs lost every day for 17 years in South Africa: South Africa is facing one of the world’s most persistent unemployment crises, and the country has lost thousands of jobs every day for 17 years.
- Millions wasted on failed ‘One Child, One Tablet’ project in Gauteng: Every child in Gauteng’s public schools was promised a tablet by 2018. While billions have been spent, the initiative is still well short of its targets.
- Big plans for DStv in South Africa: French media giant Canal+ has big plans for DStv following its acquisition of MultiChoice, intending to leverage the company’s continental dominance.
- BMW reveals new limited-edition sports cars – Based on a South African icon: BMW has taken the covers off two new limited-edition models that pay homage to the carmaker’s legacy.
- New York AG Letitia James Indicted on Federal Charges.
- Senate Democrats forced a vote under the War Powers Act aimed at blocking continued U.S. strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats off the coast of Venezuela.
- The students from Chicago’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, who went viral for their mock conclave, met Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. Noel Brennan reports.
- Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square was filled with U.S. and Israeli flag-waving revelers, celebrating the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Many voiced appreciation for President Trump’s role in brokering the deal. Debora Patta and Nancy Cordes have more.
- Tropical Storm Priscilla has been losing punch but could still bring flash flooding to the southwestern U.S. in coming days, forecasters say.
- Police arrested the owner of a pharmaceutical company after a cough syrup made at his plant was linked to the deaths of at least 21 children, officials said.
- At least 20 civilians were reportedly killed this week in attacks targeting a mosque and a hospital in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state in Sudan.
- The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) shows signs of containment, with no new confirmed or probable cases reported since our last update (Situation Report #3). However, one death, a 3-week-old neonate, was reported among hospitalized confirmed cases. As of 5 October 2025, ten days have passed without any newly reported cases
- A meeting in Maputo Thursday 10 July between TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne and President Daniel Chapo did not lead to agreement on restarting the giant gas project in Cabo Delgado. Chapo keeps saying that TotalEnergies should simply lift the force majeure declaration and resume work.
- With Africa facing a critical financing gap the African Development Bank Group and the Government of Zambia on Wednesday urged development partners to reimagine development financing as a strategic investment rather than aid.
- The African Development Bank Group today released its African Development Fund (ADF-16) Delivery and Results Report for 2025, demonstrating the Fund’s significant impact in supporting sustainable development across Africa’s low-income countries.
- Kenya has increased shareholding in Trade and Development Bank (TDB) by $100 million, an African multilateral financial institution, President William Ruto has announced.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
- Chinese plug-in bakkies are taking huge bites out of Ford’s market share in countries like Australia, a major export target for Ford Motor Company in South Africa.
- Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt believes that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa should be shut down.
- South Africa’s major listed telecommunications players, Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Blue Label Telecoms, have all seen significant growth in their share prices since the start of 2025.
- The nearly four years South Africa’s competition authorities took to approve Vodacom’s acquisition of a 30% stake in South Africa’s largest fibre company, Maziv, has cost South Africa dearly.
- Eskom chairman Mteto Nyati’s claims about the improvement of the power utility’s energy availability factor (EAF) do not stack up.
- Management shortcomings are clearly evident in Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub, and many of the country’s 256 other municipalities.
- From 1 to 31 October 2025, new Stage Zero residential customers who sign up for our small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) service will receive a 30% discount on the monthly rental for the first three billing months.
- The foreign minister of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is meeting with his Indian counterpart in a first high-level diplomatic engagement with New Delhi since the group seized power in 2021 after two decades of U.S. military presence
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lauded what he called his country’s fight against a U_S_-led military threat and vowed to turn North Korea into “the best socialist paradise in the world.”
- A shooting at a concert in Peru’s capital has intensified calls for President Dina Boluarte’s removal.
- About 1,000 protesters have clashed with police in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo.
- Federal prosecutors in Belgium say police have detained three men over a suspected plot to carry out a jihadi-style attack on the country’s politicians, after finding a home-made bomb in one of the suspect’s houses.
- Gunfire has erupted in downtown Port-au-Prince after Haiti’s leaders made the rare and defiant decision to meet at the National Palace to symbolize the retaking of an area long controlled by powerful gangs.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro has proposed that Qatar could mediate to end the U.S. military presence in international waters near Venezuela.
- Pope Leo XIV has urged labor union leaders from Chicago to advocate for immigrants and welcome minorities into their ranks.
Contributions from one or more of the following:
- MyZA News
- MyPR Press Releases
- The Guardian
- Daily Maverick
- Formula 1
- Bloomberg
- Daily Investor
- Search Engine Land
- The Daily Aus
- Top Auto
- My Broadband
- 1440
- The Epoch Times
- TLDR
- The Know Daily
- The Daily Carnage
- Reuters
- LA Times
- CX Dive
- Social Media Eaxminer
- Daily Dive
- Cricket Times
- Sail World
- SA Rugby Magazine
- Al Jazeera
- ABC News
New York Sixlet
The E in South Africa stands for electricity
Miss Twilight
Fun South African Fact: The world’s largest visible crater is in South Africa.