IN THE NEWS TODAY | 16 January 2026 | 18:00PM SAST

SOUTH AFRICA & SOUTHERN AFRICA | IN THE NEWS TODAY

Deadly Flooding Sweeps Across Southern Africa

Torrential rainfall linked to intensified summer weather systems claimed more than 100 lives across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe today. In South Africa, at least 19 deaths were confirmed in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with widespread destruction of roads, bridges, and homes leaving communities isolated. Authorities warned that saturated ground and damaged infrastructure significantly raise the risk of further casualties as rains persist.
Sources: Washington Post, BBC News
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/16/south-africa-mozambique-flooding-weather/c9ae3d3c-f2d8-11f0-a4dc-effc74cb25af_story.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgl8n3jjnd1o

Kruger National Park Fully Evacuated and Closed

Persistent flooding forced the full evacuation of all tourist camps and staff at Kruger National Park today, with day visitors barred indefinitely. Rivers burst their banks, submerging access roads and facilities in what park officials described as one of the most severe weather disruptions in recent memory. Wildlife displacement and peak-season tourism losses compound the economic and ecological toll.
Sources: Reuters, SANParks
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/south-africas-kruger-national-park-shuts-after-severe-floods-2026-01-15
https://www.sanparks.org/news/persisting-rainfall-and-operational-impacts-in-the-kruger-national-park

South Africa Probes Iran’s Role in BRICS Naval Drills

The defence ministry confirmed today that it has launched an inquiry into Iran’s participation in recent BRICS naval exercises hosted off South Africa’s coast. The move follows criticism from Washington linking the drills to Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters. Officials signalled the review reflects diplomatic risk management rather than an immediate policy shift.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/south-africa-launches-inquiry-into-irans-participation-brics-naval-drills-2026-01-16

AFRICA | IN THE NEWS TODAY

Ghana Manages Fallout From U.S. Deportations

Ghana confirmed today that it temporarily accepted West African deportees removed by the Trump administration before facilitating their onward return to home countries. The episode highlights growing pressure on African transit states as global migration enforcement tightens and diplomatic sensitivities sharpen.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-took-trumps-deported-west-africans-then-it-forced-them-home-2026-01-16

WORLD | IN THE NEWS TODAY

Evidence of Mass Killings in Iran Mounts

Human Rights Watch released findings today documenting growing evidence of countrywide mass killings by Iranian security forces during recent protests. The report intensified international scrutiny as the scale of casualties became clearer.
Source: Human Rights Watch
https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/01/16/iran-growing-evidence-of-countrywide-massacres

United Nations Security Council Holds Emergency Session on Iran

The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting today to address Iran’s unrest, with divisions emerging over accountability and intervention. Diplomatic tensions sharpened as Tehran rejected external pressure while protesters’ deaths dominated proceedings.
Source: Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/16/un-security-council-holds-emergency-meeting-on-deadly-protests-in-iran

Iranian Streets Appear Calmer After Crackdown

Reports throughout the day suggested protests had subsided in major cities following mass arrests, internet restrictions, and security deployments. Analysts cautioned that the apparent calm may reflect repression rather than resolution, with underlying political and economic grievances unresolved.
Sources: CNN, The Guardian (commentary)

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