IN THE NEWS TODAY | 29 January 2026 | 18:00PM SAST

SOUTH AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Climate Science Confirms Flooding Was Intensified by Global Warming

What happened
A new scientific assessment has concluded that the extreme rainfall and flooding that devastated parts of southern Africa in recent weeks was significantly intensified by human-induced climate change, compounded by La Niña conditions.

Why it matters
The findings reinforce the concept of climate injustice: countries least responsible for emissions are bearing disproportionate human and economic costs. The data strengthens calls for adaptation funding and loss-and-damage mechanisms.

Details
• Dozens of deaths and thousands displaced across Mozambique, Madagascar, and neighbouring regions.
• Researchers describe a “perfect storm” combining climate warming, oceanic cycles, poverty, and weak infrastructure.
• Humanitarian agencies are scaling up emergency response amid rising health and displacement risks.

Broken by
Reuters – https://www.reuters.com
Associated Press – https://apnews.com

KwaZulu-Natal: Another Deadly Road Crash Near Durban

What happened
A minibus taxi collided with a truck near Durban, killing 11 people and critically injuring several others.

Why it matters
The crash comes days after a separate incident killed 14 schoolchildren, intensifying national anger over road safety, overloaded public transport, and enforcement failures.

Details
• The incident adds to South Africa’s already severe road fatality statistics.
• Public pressure is mounting for stricter oversight of the taxi industry and freight corridors.

Broken by
Eyewitness News – https://ewn.co.za
News24 – https://www.news24.com

Interest Rates Held as SARB Signals Cautious Stability

What happened
The South African Reserve Bank kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%, leaving the prime lending rate at approximately 10.25%–10.50%.

Why it matters
The decision offers limited relief to indebted households while signalling confidence in the inflation outlook amid global uncertainty.

Details
• Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited moderating inflation and steady domestic growth.
• Unemployment and fiscal constraints remain key downside risks.

Broken by
South African Reserve Bank – https://www.resbank.co.za

BEE Reform Proposal Sparks Policy Debate

What happened
Government proposed adjustments to Black Economic Empowerment compliance, allowing greater flexibility through skills development and supplier initiatives rather than strict ownership thresholds.

Why it matters
The proposal aims to balance transformation goals with investment incentives, but risks political backlash over perceived dilution of post-apartheid redress.

Details
• Business groups welcomed increased flexibility.
• Critics warn of erosion of substantive economic inclusion.

Broken by
IOL – https://www.iol.co.za

ANC Pushes Back on U.S. Relations Narrative

What happened
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula rejected claims of deteriorating relations with the United States, dismissing “cold war” rhetoric while reaffirming South Africa’s non-aligned foreign policy posture.

Why it matters
The comments come amid heightened geopolitical scrutiny and ahead of the 2026 local government elections, where service delivery remains a key voter concern.

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

Home Affairs Reports Record Smart ID Issuance

What happened
The Department of Home Affairs announced it issued over 4 million Smart ID cards in 2025, the highest annual figure on record.

Why it matters
The milestone points to operational improvements, though systemic challenges remain for foreign nationals and backlog reduction.

Broken by
Department of Home Affairs – https://www.dha.gov.za

AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Niger: Explosions Near Niamey Airport

What happened
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported near Niamey’s airport, triggering security alerts in Niger’s capital.

Why it matters
The incident underscores persistent instability in the Sahel, where jihadist insurgencies and military-led governance intersect.

Details
• Authorities have not confirmed casualties or perpetrators.
• The region remains on high alert.

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

WORLD | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Middle East: U.S.–Iran Tensions Escalate

What happened
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that “time is running out” on nuclear negotiations amid a visible American military buildup in the region.

Why it matters
The rhetoric raises the risk of miscalculation in an already volatile theatre.

Details
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended recent U.S. actions in Venezuela as countering regional threats.

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

UK–China: Economic Engagement Despite Friction

What happened
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to deepen economic cooperation during bilateral talks.

Why it matters
The move reflects pragmatic engagement despite strategic rivalry involving the United States and its allies.

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

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