Zimbabwe to hold general election on August 23rd

By Africanews ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August  23rd, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday, as the southern African country continues to battle a raging economic crisis. Mnangagwa, elected president in 2018, will be seeking a second term in office. His election followed a military coup that deposed Robert Mugabe in 2017. The 80-year-old’s main rival is lawyer and pastor is…

Namibia govt considers taking stakes in mining and petroleum companies

Kaula Nhongo Namibia is considering taking minority stakes in mining and petroleum production companies amid increasing concerns over local ownership of valuable resources. “We are making a case that local ownership must start with the state, which holds ownership of our natural resources,” Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo told lawmakers on Monday. “The proposed…

Blinken says US to consider visa restrictions over Ugandan anti-gay law

Steve HollandReuters WASHINGTON, May 29 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said his government would consider visa restrictions against Ugandan officials and others for the abuse of human rights following the implementation of one of the world’s toughest anti-gay laws. Blinken said he has instructed the State Department to update travel guidance to…

Durban’s N2 road, Spaghetti Junction closed due to cleanup operations

Fanele Mhlongo |  @SABCNews The N2 northbound route between Spaghetti Junction and the M7 in Durban remains closed. This comes as cleanup efforts continue following a service delivery protest in Chesterville on Monday night. The protesters barricaded the road with rubble and burning tyres disrupting traffic for hours. The road closure has exacerbated traffic volumes on alternative…

Hawks nab former Northern Cape finance MEC John Block

SABC |  @SABCNews The Hawks have arrested the imprisoned former African National Congress (ANC) Northern Cape chair, John Block. The former Northern Cape Finance MEC was arrested on Tuesday morning at the Upington Correctional Services facility where he is currently serving his 15-year jail term. Block was jailed in 2018 for corruption-related lease agreements with various government…