Namibia to repatriate struggle-era remains
The remains of two veterans of Namibia’s liberation struggle – Simon Petrus Niilenge and Festus Nehale – are to be returned to Namibia. They had died in the 1970s while imprisoned by South Africa’s government, which at the time administered the territory. They are to be reburied in Heroes Acre in Windhoek. Their repatriation was facilitated during a visit by a government delegation to South Africa earlier this month. Another 84 Namibians buried in South Africa have been identified, and their remains will be returned as soon as possible.
Half of South Africa’s water authorities deliver unsafe water
In the period since 2104, the proportion of water authorities delivering unsafe drinking water has risen from 5% to 45%. This was discussed at a conference organised by the FW De Klerk Foundation and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. An official from the Department of Water and Sanitation said that at the root of this was the redirection of revenue from water to other expenses while water systems deteriorated. This sentiment was echoed by a representative of the National treasury, who said that municipalities collect some R500 billion in revenue every year, but experience serious failings in management and governance. Speakers noted that the national government has instituted criminal charges against water authorities in all provinces, and is undertaking legal and institutional reforms to impose more stringent conditions on water providers and consequences on errant ones.
Webber Wentzel and Linklaters end partnership
South African law firm Webber Wentzel and London-based Linklaters have terminated their 13 year old formal alliance. This had been concluded in 2013, and was intended to pursue business opportunities in Africa. The two firms had worked together informally for decades previously. They would continue to work together informally when circumstances warranted it. Linklaters was the fourth large global law firm to withdraw from South Africa in the past two years.
Court upholds hate speech ruling against Mangaung MMC
The Bloemfontein High Court ruled that forwarding hate speech on WhatsApp constitutes publication and promotion of harmful content. The ruling was made on rejection of an appeal by Mangaung councillor Sibongile Tsoleli. Tsoleli, a member of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality had forwarded a WhatsApp message disparaging the former council speaker, Stephanie Lockman-Naidoo, and Indian people to a political group in March 2022. The Equality Court had found that this constituted hate speech. The messages contained allegations of corruption, adultery and sexual relationships.
Committee to appeal impeachment stay
Parliament’s Section 89 Committee has decided to appeal the Western Cape High Court ruling that halted public impeachment hearings into President Cyril Ramaphosa until his review application has been heard. It also decided that members of the Independent Panel who authored the report into the matter would not testify, with evidence leaders instead presenting the report and supporting evidence.
Arrivals from Nigeria and Ghana fall – Stats SA
Tourist arrivals from West Africa are falling, while overall numbers are rising. Stats South Africa reported 823,365 overnight visitors in June 2026, a 9.8% increase from 750,177 in June 2025. The growth was driven mainly by visitors from countries in the SACD region. By contrast, tourists coming from West Africa declined: Nigerian tourists fell 30.3% to 1,459 and Ghanaian visitors 17.8% to 2,609. Together, they represented just over one-third of non-SADC African arrivals, who accounted for 12 007 in the month.
Fauci declines to answer questions
Appearing before the Senate hearing on the origins of Covid-19, former US health official Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, declining to answer questions, citing concerns that his testimony could be used against him in a perjury prosecution. He stressed that invoking the Fifth is a constitutional right that protects against self-incrimination and is not an admission of guilt. Fauci has been accused by some Republicans of having concealed information about the disease, although he has denied wrongdoing.
[Sources: News24, IOL, The Citizen, BBC]