IN THE NEWS TODAY | 28 January 2026 | 18:00PM SAST

SOUTH AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Mpumalanga: Pressure Eases at Senteeko Dam, Risk Remains Elevated

What happened
Emergency engineering interventions at Mpumalanga’s high-risk Senteeko Dam have marginally reduced water levels, easing immediate pressure on the dam wall. Authorities confirmed that controlled water releases and temporary relief measures are now in place following days of heightened concern over a possible structural failure that triggered precautionary evacuations downstream.

Why it matters
While the immediate collapse risk has lowered, officials caution that the dam remains structurally compromised. The situation highlights persistent under-investment in dam maintenance nationally and the accelerating impact of climate-intensified rainfall on ageing infrastructure. A return of heavy inflows could rapidly reverse recent gains.

Details
The Department of Water and Sanitation confirmed that engineers remain on site conducting continuous monitoring, with disaster management teams maintaining a state of readiness. Communities downstream have not yet been given full clearance to return permanently, reflecting uncertainty around further rainfall. Analysts note that Senteeko is one of dozens of smaller dams flagged as high-risk, raising concerns about systemic exposure rather than isolated failure.

Broken by
SA Government – https://www.gov.za
SAnews – https://www.sanews.gov.za
Eyewitness News – https://www.ewn.co.za

Kruger National Park Assesses Extensive Flood Damage

What happened
South African National Parks is assessing widespread flood damage across parts of the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, after sustained rainfall damaged roads, bridges, and several tourist facilities.

Why it matters
Beyond near-term tourism losses, the damage underscores the vulnerability of conservation infrastructure to extreme weather events. Climate volatility increasingly threatens protected areas that support biodiversity, employment, and regional economic stability.

Details
SANParks officials said several camps and internal routes remain inaccessible, with repair timelines dependent on weather conditions. While no major wildlife losses have been reported, infrastructure repairs are expected to take weeks in some areas, with safety assessments prioritised before reopening.

Broken by
News24 – https://www.news24.com
SANParks – https://www.sanparks.org

Missing Ekurhuleni MMC Found Dead in Mozambique

What happened
The body of missing Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu has been found in neighbouring Mozambique following an extensive cross-border search. Mngwevu was reported missing earlier this month after severe flooding swept through parts of the region.

Why it matters
The case has shaken Gauteng political circles and highlights the growing risks posed by extreme weather events, particularly during cross-border travel. It also underscores the complexity of investigations that span jurisdictions during disaster conditions.

Details
Authorities confirmed cooperation between South African and Mozambican officials as investigations continue. Political parties and municipal leaders have expressed condolences, while calls grow for improved disaster-risk protocols for public officials operating in high-risk conditions.

Broken by
TimesLIVE – https://www.timeslive.co.za
News24 – https://www.news24.com

R2bn Investment Scam: 29 Appear in Court

What happened
Twenty-nine individuals, including alleged masterminds and call-centre agents, appeared in court in connection with a sophisticated investment scam that reportedly defrauded victims of nearly R2 billion.

Why it matters
The case illustrates the scale and sophistication of transnational financial crime targeting South Africans, raising questions about regulatory oversight, digital fraud prevention, and cross-border enforcement capacity.

Details
Authorities said the Bryanston-based operation allegedly used scripted call-centre tactics and false investment platforms to lure victims locally and abroad. Investigations remain ongoing, with asset-recovery efforts expected to follow.

Broken by
News24 – https://www.news24.com
SAPS (via media briefing)

Paarl Hospital Fire Confirmed as Arson

What happened
An arson suspect has been formally charged following a fire at Paarl Provincial Hospital, with investigators confirming the blaze was deliberately set. Patients were evacuated safely.

Why it matters
The incident raises serious concerns about security at public health facilities, particularly as hospitals face rising operational pressure and staffing constraints.

Details
Provincial health authorities said damage assessments are underway, while security protocols are under review. No fatalities were reported, but sections of the hospital remain temporarily closed.

Broken by
Eyewitness News – https://www.ewn.co.za
Western Cape Government – https://www.westerncape.gov.za

Treasury Rules Out SRD Grant Increase

What happened
National Treasury confirmed there will be no increase to the Social Relief of Distress grant, citing fiscal constraints.

Why it matters
The decision is likely to intensify debate over social safety nets amid high unemployment and rising living costs, placing renewed pressure on policymakers ahead of budget negotiations.

Details
Treasury officials reiterated the need to balance social support with debt sustainability, while labour groups warn the decision could deepen household vulnerability.

Broken by
National Treasury – https://www.treasury.gov.za
News24 – https://www.news24.com

AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Mozambique Flood Crisis Deepens, Regional Impact Grows

What happened
Severe flooding in Mozambique continues to displace thousands, damaging infrastructure and forcing residents into temporary camps.

Why it matters
The crisis exposes regional vulnerability to climate shocks and has knock-on effects for South Africa, including warnings from Sasol over potential gas-supply disruptions.

Details
Mozambican authorities report widespread road and power damage, complicating relief efforts. Regional coordination has intensified as concerns grow over prolonged displacement and economic disruption.

Broken by
Al Jazeera – https://www.aljazeera.com
News24 – https://www.news24.com

WORLD | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Middle East: Funeral Marks Closure as Ceasefire Holds

What happened
Funerals are underway in Israel for the last recovered hostage from the October 2023 attacks, as the fragile Gaza ceasefire continues to hold.

Why it matters
The moment offers symbolic closure for affected families while highlighting the tenuous nature of regional stability.

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

Indonesia Landslide Kills Dozens

What happened
A landslide in Indonesia has killed at least 34 people, with dozens still missing as rescue efforts are hampered by ongoing rain.

Why it matters
The disaster underscores persistent vulnerability in high-risk regions and the deadly interaction between terrain, weather, and settlement patterns.

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

Europe: Storm Kristin Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

What happened
Storm Kristin has cut electricity to hundreds of thousands across Portugal and Spain, disrupting transport and essential services.

Why it matters
The storm adds to growing evidence of extreme weather straining European infrastructure resilience.

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

Asia: Nipah Virus Cases Prompt Regional Alerts

What happened
Fresh Nipah virus cases in India have prompted heightened screening measures in neighbouring countries.

Why it matters
With a high fatality rate, Nipah remains a serious regional health threat, reinforcing the need for rapid detection and containment.

Broken by
Reuters – https://www.reuters.com
AP News – https://apnews.com

UK–China Relations: Starmer Signals Economic Reset

What happened
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China — the first in nearly a decade — signals an effort to rebuild economic ties.

Why it matters
The move reflects pragmatic recalibration amid global trade fragmentation and ongoing geopolitical friction.

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

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