THE BRIEF | 4 February 2026 | 12:00 PM SAST

SOUTH AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

What happened
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen announced he will not seek re-election as party leader, citing a need to prioritise the national response to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak affecting farmers. Concurrently, fuel prices fell sharply from today, and KwaZulu-Natal authorities confirmed plans for a mass prayer service following a fatal taxi crash in Isipingo.

Why it matters
Steenhuisen’s exit reshapes opposition leadership dynamics ahead of the 2026 local elections and risks exposing internal DA fractures. Fuel price relief offers short-term inflationary breathing room, while renewed scrutiny of road safety highlights persistent governance and enforcement gaps. Together, the developments underscore political volatility alongside economic and public safety pressures.

Details

DA leadership shift: Steenhuisen framed his withdrawal as “mission accomplished” after stabilising the party post-coalition turbulence. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is widely viewed as the frontrunner, with analysts warning of possible rural voter alienation amid FMD fallout.

Fuel price relief: Petrol prices dropped by 65 cents per litre, with diesel down 50–57 cents depending on grade, reflecting lower global oil prices and a firmer rand. Analysts caution volatility could reverse gains.

Road tragedy: Eleven people were killed when a Toyota Quantum minibus collided with a truck in Isipingo. Investigators are examining driver fatigue and poor visibility as contributing factors.

Broken by

TimesLIVE – DA leadership announcement and media address: https://www.timeslive.co.za

News24 – Live updates on DA leadership race: https://www.news24.com

IOL – Fuel price adjustments: https://www.iol.co.za

SABC News – Isipingo crash coverage: https://www.sabcnews.com

Additional reporting
SABC News also reported that the United States has re-authorised the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until the end of 2026, raising exporter concerns over long-term certainty for South African agriculture and manufacturing.

AFRICA | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

What happened
A deadly landslide struck the Rubaya coltan mines in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing more than 200 people. Separately, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused Eritrean forces of atrocities during the Tigray conflict, and Nigeria’s Kogi State ordered an emergency mid-term school break due to security threats.

Why it matters
The DRC disaster highlights severe safety risks in conflict-linked mineral supply chains critical to global electronics. Renewed Ethiopia–Eritrea tensions risk destabilising a fragile peace, while Nigeria’s school closures underscore the human cost of persistent insecurity.

Details

DRC landslide: Heavy rains triggered a collapse at Rubaya’s coltan mines, hampering rescue efforts amid militia-controlled territory.

Horn of Africa tensions: Abiy Ahmed’s allegations could strain recent peace accords and regional diplomacy.

Nigeria security: Kogi State’s school shutdown reflects escalating threats and governance strain.

Broken by

Kings Radio Liberia (Real Talk podcast) – DRC mine collapse: https://kingsradioliberia.com

Africanews – Ethiopia–Eritrea accusations: https://www.africanews.com

Newsmakers Live – Nigeria school closures: https://www.newsmakerslive.com

Additional reporting 
BBC World Service highlighted adaptive drone technology used by nomadic herders to mitigate climate impacts on food security.

WORLD | KEY DEVELOPMENTS

What happened
The United States shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Ukrainian drones struck Russian energy facilities, Equinor posted strong Q4 2025 results, and US–China trade tensions escalated with reciprocal tariffs.

Why it matters
The drone incident raises the risk of direct US–Iran confrontation, while Ukraine’s strikes signal an expanded economic warfare front. Energy market confidence contrasts with rising geopolitical trade fragmentation between Washington and Beijing.

Details

Middle East: US officials described the Iranian drone approach as aggressive, amid renewed pressure on Tehran over nuclear talks.

Ukraine–Russia: Attacks on oil and gas infrastructure disrupted production and escalated retaliatory dynamics.

Energy markets: Equinor reported adjusted operating income of USD 6.20 billion and announced a share buy-back programme.

Trade: China imposed retaliatory tariffs following new US measures, edging closer to a broader trade war.

Broken by

AP News – US–Iran drone incident: https://apnews.com

Euronews – Ukraine strikes on Russian energy assets: https://www.euronews.com

Equinor – Q4 2025 financial results: https://www.equinor.com

NBC News – US–China trade developments: https://www.nbcnews.com

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