IN THE NEWS TODAY | 26 January 2026 | 18:00PM SAST

SOUTH AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Mpumalanga: Evacuations Ordered Over Senteeko Dam Risk

What happened
Authorities ordered immediate evacuations downstream of the Senteeko Dam amid fears of structural failure after sustained heavy rainfall pushed water levels to dangerous thresholds.

Why it matters
The incident exposes vulnerabilities in South Africa’s ageing dam infrastructure as climate-driven rainfall becomes more intense and less predictable, raising systemic disaster-risk concerns.

Details
• The Department of Water and Sanitation warned of critical strain on the dam wall.
• Emergency services were placed on high alert as residents were urged to move to higher ground.
• Engineers are monitoring spillway pressure and seepage indicators.

Broken by
Department of Water and Sanitation – https://www.dws.gov.za

Economy: Growth Signals Cautious Optimism

What happened
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed confirmation of consecutive quarters of positive economic growth, framing it as progress after years of stagnation.

Why it matters
While growth stabilisation reassures markets, structural unemployment and inequality remain unresolved, limiting the real-world impact for households.

Details
• Growth follows partial easing of load-shedding constraints.
• Analysts caution that labour absorption remains weak.

Broken by
Presidency of South Africa – https://www.thepresidency.gov.za

ANC Politics: Succession Talk Shut Down

What happened
Deputy President Paul Mashatile dismissed speculation about presidential ambitions, while ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula ruled out early succession debates.

Why it matters
The comments reflect efforts to contain factionalism as the ANC confronts electoral decline and internal cohesion challenges.

Details
• The ANC is also preparing a report on ballot irregularities discovered after its Johannesburg regional conference.
• The issue has revived scrutiny of internal democratic processes.

Broken by
SABC News – https://www.sabcnews.com

NPA Scrutiny Continues

What happened
National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi declined to resume testimony at the Nkabinde inquiry.

Why it matters
The decision sustains focus on prosecutorial independence and the handling of high-profile cases.

Broken by
News24 – https://www.news24.com

Knysna Water Crisis Deepens

What happened
Officials confirmed worsening water losses in Knysna, compounding supply shortages.

Why it matters
Infrastructure leakage threatens water security in already drought-stressed municipalities.

Broken by
Western Cape Government – https://www.westerncape.gov.za

AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Mozambique: Worst Flooding in a Generation

What happened
Southern Mozambique experienced catastrophic flooding, forcing residents into treetops as rescue teams navigated submerged communities by boat.

Why it matters
The disaster underscores southern Africa’s acute exposure to climate shocks and limited disaster-response capacity.

Details
• Thousands displaced and reliant on emergency aid.
• Health risks rising in overcrowded shelters.

Broken by
BBC News – https://www.bbc.com

Kenya: Assassination Claim Raises Tensions

What happened
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that an attack on a church he attended was an assassination attempt.

Why it matters
The claim heightens political volatility following recent protests and leadership transitions.

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

Uganda: Military Denies Assault Allegations

What happened
Uganda’s military chief denied allegations that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine, after images showed her injured.

Why it matters
The episode deepens mistrust between the opposition and security forces ahead of future elections.

Broken by
BBC News – https://www.bbc.com

South Sudan: UN Warns on Military Rhetoric

What happened
The United Nations condemned statements by South Sudan’s army threatening to “spare no-one” during operations.

Why it matters
Inflammatory rhetoric risks escalating violence in an already fragile security environment.

Broken by
United Nations – https://news.un.org

WORLD | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Israel–Gaza: Hostage Recovery Marks Ceasefire Phase

What happened
Israel recovered the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage killed in the 7 October 2023 attacks, from Gaza.

Why it matters
The recovery clears a key condition for advancing the next phase of the fragile ceasefire with Hamas.

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

Philippines: Ferry Sinks, Death Toll Rises

What happened
A ferry carrying over 350 passengers sank, leaving at least 18 dead as rescue operations continued.

Why it matters
The tragedy renews scrutiny of maritime safety standards and vessel overloading.

Broken by
Associated Press – https://apnews.com

Middle East: Militias Signal Escalation

What happened
Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen signalled readiness to strike amid rising U.S.–Iran tensions and expanded U.S. naval presence.

Why it matters
The risk of regional escalation remains elevated despite diplomatic efforts.

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

China: Military Purge Raises Readiness Questions

What happened
China’s continued purge of senior military officials has prompted questions about the People’s Liberation Army’s operational readiness.

Why it matters
Leadership instability may affect long-term planning, particularly regarding Taiwan scenarios.

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

ICC: Duterte Fit to Stand Trial

What happened
The International Criminal Court ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is mentally fit to stand trial over crimes against humanity allegations tied to his war on drugs.

Why it matters
The ruling advances accountability efforts for alleged extrajudicial killings.

Broken by
International Criminal Court – https://www.icc-cpi.int

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