IN THE NEWS TODAY | 05 February 2026 | 18:00PM SAST

SOUTH AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Democratic Alliance Leadership Shift Signals Coalition Uncertainty

What happened
DA leader John Steenhuisen confirmed he will not seek re-election at the party’s April congress, citing coalition stabilisation as his primary objective, as scrutiny grows around internal financial disputes, including a reported default judgment.

Why it matters
The DA is a central pillar of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Leadership change introduces uncertainty ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with implications for coalition cohesion, opposition strategy, and market confidence.

Details
Steenhuisen’s exit opens the field to potential successors, including Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. The announcement trended heavily on X, reflecting broader concern about GNU durability and opposition alignment.

Broken by
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
eNCA: https://www.enca.com

Additional reporting
Political analysts caution against short-term instability but note long-term leadership renewal potential.

South Africa Joins Afreximbank, Unlocking Multi-Billion Dollar Financing

What happened
South Africa formally acceded to Afreximbank, gaining access to an estimated $8 billion financing package targeted at mining, manufacturing, and export trade.

Why it matters
The move strengthens South Africa’s continental trade position amid global mineral competition and supports industrial re-tooling during a period of weak growth.

Details
Officials framed accession as complementary to AGOA participation and AfCFTA ambitions, positioning South Africa as a logistics and manufacturing hub.

Broken by
Afreximbank: https://www.afreximbank.com
SABC News: https://www.sabcnews.com

Fuel Prices Fall to Multi-Year Lows

What happened
Fuel prices dropped by approximately 65 cents per litre, effective immediately.

Why it matters
Fuel costs are a systemic inflation driver. The reduction offers short-term relief for households, transport operators, and food prices.

Details
The adjustment reflects a stronger rand and lower international oil prices. Analysts caution the relief may be temporary.

Broken by
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: https://www.energy.gov.za

AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Diplomatic Rift Deepens Between South Africa and Israel

What happened
South Africa expelled Israel’s chargé d’affaires, prompting reciprocal diplomatic expulsions following Pretoria’s ICJ genocide case and allegations of ANC-Hamas links.

Why it matters
The escalation sharpens Africa’s geopolitical fault lines over the Gaza war and complicates relations with Western partners.

Details
The U.S. criticised the move, while Israel announced retaliatory measures. African governments remain divided.

Broken by
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com

S&P Warns of Africa’s $90 Billion Debt Wall

What happened
S&P Global warned African governments face a $90 billion debt repayment burden in 2026—triple 2012 levels.

Why it matters
Rising rollover risks increase default probability, threatening social spending and regional financial stability.

Details
Low revenue growth and elevated borrowing costs are cited as core vulnerabilities.

Broken by
S&P Global via Club of Mozambique: https://clubofmozambique.com

Nigeria Attacks Kill Nearly 200

What happened
Gunmen killed close to 200 people in coordinated attacks across Kwara and Katsina states.

Why it matters
The attacks highlight persistent security failures and rising pressure on federal authorities.

Details
Calls for military intervention intensified on social media.

Broken by
Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com

WORLD | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks Begin Amid Military Tensions

What happened
Indirect U.S.–Iran nuclear talks opened in Oman as a U.S. fighter jet downed an Iranian drone and IRGC boats harassed U.S. naval assets.

Why it matters
Diplomats describe the talks as a “last chance” to avoid escalation, with significant implications for Middle East stability and global energy markets.

Details
Iran seeks sanctions relief; Washington demands verifiable enrichment limits. Domestic unrest in Iran adds pressure.

Broken by
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
Haaretz: https://www.haaretz.com

Epstein Files Trigger UK Political Fallout

What happened
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologised to Epstein victims over appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador after emails revealed Mandelson assisted Epstein with a Russian visa.

Why it matters
The disclosures renew scrutiny of elite accountability and transatlantic political ethics.

Details
The issue dominated UK political coverage throughout the day.

Broken by
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com
The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com

Russia–Ukraine Talks End Without Breakthrough

What happened
Peace talks in Abu Dhabi concluded with agreement only on prisoner exchanges.

Why it matters
Failure to secure a ceasefire prolongs humanitarian strain as winter conditions worsen.

Details
Talks followed renewed Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Broken by
Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com

BUSINESS, TECH & FINANCE | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

AI-Driven Market Rout Wipes $300 Billion

What happened
Global tech stocks plunged as AI disruption fears intensified. AMD fell 15.7%, Thomson Reuters 16%.

Why it matters
The sell-off signals repricing of software and data firms amid rapid AI adoption and margin pressure.

Details
Alphabet’s pledge of record AI spending partly offset losses. Bitcoin slipped to ~$76,000 amid bearish commentary.

Broken by
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com

SPORTS | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Open

What happened
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened with curling mixed doubles and the debut of ski mountaineering.

Why it matters
New events and climate-adaptive venues mark a strategic evolution for the Games.

Details
Athletes and organisers highlighted sustainability challenges.

Broken by
Olympics.com: https://olympics.com
NPR: https://www.npr.org

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