IN THE NEWS TODAY | 04 February 2026 | 18:00PM SAST
The Profiler 18:00 bulletin for 4 February 2026 covering U.S. political tensions, Africa’s debt risks, South Africa’s Afreximbank accession, AI market disruption, and global security developments.
SOUTH AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS
South Africa Joins Afreximbank
South Africa formally acceded to the African Export-Import Bank, unlocking an initial $8 billion financing package aimed at supporting mining beneficiation, automotive manufacturing, and industrial development zones. The move strengthens South Africa’s position in continental trade financing amid global supply-chain realignments and intensifying competition for critical minerals used in green technologies. Government officials framed the accession as a strategic lever to accelerate industrialisation and regional trade integration.
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
Malema Escalates Pressure Over Phala Phala
EFF leader Julius Malema intensified pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, demanding a Constitutional Court ruling and announcing plans for monthly protests. Malema framed the issue as a test of constitutional accountability and positioned it as a central pillar of the EFF’s mobilisation strategy ahead of the 2026 elections, keeping corruption and executive oversight firmly in the public spotlight.
Johannesburg Water Disruptions After Major Pipe Burst
Thousands of residents were affected after a major burst pipe disrupted water supply across parts of Johannesburg. Emergency repair teams were deployed, but no firm restoration timeline was provided. The incident again highlighted chronic infrastructure fragility in South Africa’s largest metro and the growing risks posed by ageing municipal systems under fiscal strain.
allAfrica: https://allafrica.com
U.S. Criticises South Africa Over Israeli Diplomat Expulsion
The United States criticised South Africa’s decision to expel Israel’s top diplomat, Ariel Seidman, describing the move as a poor foreign-policy choice. The dispute adds strain to bilateral relations and reflects widening divisions over the Gaza conflict, with Washington signalling discomfort over Pretoria’s increasingly assertive Middle East stance.
Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com
Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen to Step Down
DA leader John Steenhuisen announced he will not seek re-election in April, citing milestones such as the ANC’s loss of an outright majority and the formation of a government of national unity. His decision introduces leadership uncertainty within the opposition and may test coalition cohesion as parties reposition ahead of the 2026 national elections.
Yahoo News: https://news.yahoo.com
Club of Mozambique: https://clubofmozambique.com
AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Africa Faces $90bn Debt Wall in 2026
S&P Global warned that African sovereigns face approximately $90 billion in debt repayments in 2026, with debt servicing costs having tripled since 2012. The assessment highlights rising rollover risks as countries contend with high interest rates, weak revenue growth, and limited fiscal buffers, intensifying pressure for structural reforms and debt restructuring frameworks.
Club of Mozambique: https://clubofmozambique.com
AGOA Extended to End-2026
President Donald Trump signed a short-term extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, averting its immediate expiry. While the move provides short-term certainty for African exporters, the limited extension signals tougher U.S. trade scrutiny and the potential introduction of reciprocal tariff requirements.
U.S. News & World Report: https://www.usnews.com
Reports Claim Death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi
Unconfirmed reports suggest Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former leader, has been killed. Verification remains incomplete, but analysts warn that confirmation could further destabilise Libya’s fragmented political landscape and complicate ongoing efforts to unify rival factions.
allAfrica: https://allafrica.com
African Mining Indaba Highlights Strategic Minerals
The African Mining Indaba in Cape Town underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in developing critical minerals. South Africa was positioned as a potential investment hub amid global competition for battery metals and materials essential to the energy transition.
Xinhua: https://www.xinhuanet.com
WORLD | KEY DEVELOPMENTS
U.S. Government Shutdown Ends After Four Days
A partial U.S. government shutdown ended after four days when President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan stopgap funding agreement, reopening federal agencies. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security was separated for a renewed vote in two weeks, setting up another confrontation over immigration enforcement priorities.
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com
Federal Agents Withdrawn From Minnesota Amid Immigration Crackdown
Trump administration border enforcement chief Tom Homan ordered the withdrawal of approximately 700 federal agents from Minnesota, citing insufficient cooperation from local authorities. The move follows reports of more than 2,500 arrests in recent immigration sweeps and has drawn criticism over its constitutional and humanitarian implications.
CNN Politics: https://edition.cnn.com
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com
Trump Reignites Push to “Nationalise” U.S. Elections
President Trump renewed calls for federal control over U.S. elections, prompting swift backlash from state officials who warned that the proposal undermines states’ constitutional authority. The remarks intensified debate around democratic norms and federal overreach.
Democracy Now!: https://www.democracynow.org
U.S.–Iran Tensions Flare in Arabian Sea
A U.S. fighter jet downed an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln while Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats harassed a U.S.-flagged tanker. Officials described the incidents as provocations amid ongoing indirect nuclear talks in Oman.
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
Washington Post Announces Sweeping Newsroom Layoffs
The Washington Post confirmed major newsroom layoffs as financial pressures mount across the media industry. The move highlights the accelerating contraction of legacy journalism amid digital disruption and declining advertising revenue.
CNN International: https://edition.cnn.com
Epstein Files Trigger Global Fallout
The U.S. Department of Justice released more than three million pages of Epstein-related documents, referencing prominent international figures and prompting renewed scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions. Authorities stressed that no new charges have yet been filed.
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com
Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine Ahead of Peace Talks
Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile barrage targeting Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure ahead of planned peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The attacks killed dozens and deepened humanitarian pressures during winter.
Euronews: https://www.euronews.com
BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY & MARKETS
Global Tech Stocks Slide on AI Disruption Fears
Global technology stocks fell sharply amid fears that advanced AI tools could accelerate software obsolescence, erasing an estimated $300 billion in market value. Investor sentiment remained divided as some large-cap firms gained modestly while others suffered steep losses.
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
Cryptocurrency Markets Dip
Cryptocurrency markets declined by approximately 2.3%, with Bitcoin trading near $76,000. Analysts warned that continued volatility could spill over into broader risk assets.
Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com
Equifax Signals Strong 2026 Outlook
Equifax projected stronger earnings in 2026 following solid fourth-quarter results, citing growth in mortgage activity and data services demand.
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
SPORT | KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Winter Olympics Open in Milan–Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened with curling mixed doubles in Milan–Cortina. The International Olympic Committee is reviewing earlier scheduling options as warming trends increasingly affect winter sports.
NYT Athletic: https://theathletic.com
NBA Trade Deadline Activity Accelerates
High-profile NBA trades intensified ahead of the deadline, including James Harden’s move to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Speculation continues around potential blockbuster deals as teams reposition for the postseason.
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com
Snooker Legend John Virgo Dies at 79
Former snooker player and long-time commentator John Virgo has died at the age of 79, prompting tributes across the global sporting community.
Sky News: https://news.sky.com
BOTTOM LINE
| Time Horizon | Last 24 hours |
| Signal Strength | Medium |
| Pattern | Domestic political pressure, infrastructure fragility, rising African debt risk, global security escalation, AI-driven market volatility, and shifting trade alignments |
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