Botswana, once a sanctuary for wildlife, is experiencing a surge in elephant poaching, with at least 60 elephants killed in recent months. Poachers, primarily from Zambia and Namibia, are targeting 'big tusker' elephants, trafficking ivory through Zambia to Asia. Conservationists criticize Botswana's government for inadequate response, drawing parallels to past failures in Tanzania. The political shift from former President Ian Khama to President Mokgweetsi Masisi has seen a rollback of conservation policies, raising concerns about the government's commitment to wildlife protection. Despite the crisis, Botswana maintains the largest elephant population in Africa, though the situation remains precarious.

Following South Africa's elections, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority, prompting coalition talks. Minority parties, including Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), demand radical changes like seizing white-owned farms and nationalizing mines. The EFF also calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa's resignation. Despite some ANC leaders' willingness to collaborate with these parties, Ramaphosa resists stepping down. The ANC explores alliances with centrist parties like the Democratic Alliance and Inkatha Freedom Party. Coalition negotiations are challenging due to past tensions, and failure to form a government could lead to a second election. The ANC lost control of key provinces, impacting its influence in major economic centers.

The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, receiving just over 40% of the vote. This decline is attributed to economic mismanagement, corruption, and high unemployment. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters, view this as a breakthrough. The ANC may need to form alliances to maintain power, with potential partners ranging from the business-friendly Democratic Alliance to the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters. The election results have introduced uncertainty in South Africa's political landscape, with implications for economic policies and leadership.

South Africa's seventh democratic election is pivotal, potentially ending the African National Congress's (ANC) 30-year dominance and ushering in coalition politics. President Cyril Ramaphosa remains confident in the ANC's ability to secure an outright majority, despite predictions of a decline in vote share. The election is marked by high unemployment, crime, and public disillusionment, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) positioned as the main opposition. Former President Jacob Zuma's new party, uMkhonto weSizwe, threatens to siphon votes from the ANC. The DA campaigns for change, emphasizing the election's significance since the end of apartheid.

As South Africa approaches a pivotal election, the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by John Steenhuisen, positions itself as a viable alternative to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has been criticized for unemployment, corruption, and misrule. Despite the DA's reputation for effective governance in the Western Cape, it struggles to overcome its image as a party for the white minority in a racially charged political landscape. The ANC is expected to lose its majority for the first time, leading to potential coalition governments. The DA has formed alliances with smaller parties to challenge the ANC, though the stability of these coalitions remains uncertain. Steenhuisen has not ruled out post-election collaborations with the ANC to prevent more radical parties from gaining power.

The African National Congress (ANC), once led by Nelson Mandela, is facing significant disillusionment in Soweto, South Africa, as it approaches elections. Residents express frustration with unemployment, corruption, and unfulfilled promises, with many considering voting for opposition parties or abstaining from politics. The ANC's dominance since 1994 is threatened by its declining vote share, expected to fall below 50% for the first time, potentially leading to coalition governance. The Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, and Jacob Zuma's new party are key players in the shifting political landscape. Analysts and citizens alike criticize the ANC's handling of the economy, infrastructure, and social issues, with the upcoming elections seen as a critical juncture for the country's future.

The African National Congress (ANC), once led by Nelson Mandela, is facing significant disillusionment in Soweto, South Africa, as it approaches elections with residents expressing frustration over unemployment, corruption, and unfulfilled promises. The ANC's dominance since 1994 is threatened as it may lose its absolute grip on power and be forced into a coalition. The party's vote share has been declining, and the upcoming elections are seen as the most important in 30 years. The Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, and Jacob Zuma's new uMkhonto weSizwe party are key players in the opposition. The ANC's past achievements are overshadowed by current challenges, including high unemployment, infrastructure issues, and crime. The election results could lead to a split in the ANC and a reevaluation of its leadership and direction.

Zimbabwe's cabinet, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has agreed to abolish the death penalty, a measure expected to pass easily in parliament. This follows a trend in Africa, with eight countries abolishing capital punishment since 2014. Campaigners see sub-Saharan Africa as a beacon of hope for abolition, with 26 countries considered abolitionist in law and at least 14 observing a moratorium on executions. The death penalty is increasingly seen as a colonial legacy, and its abolition is supported by public opinion and international relations. Legal challenges have also been effective in limiting its use. While executions are concentrated in a few countries, the global trend is moving away from capital punishment.

The article discusses the issue of 'hijacked' buildings in Johannesburg, where extreme poverty and a lack of social housing have led to the homeless occupying unsafe properties. A recent fire in one such building resulted in 77 deaths, highlighting the dangers faced by residents. Local architect Heather Dodds and councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku from the Democratic Alliance criticize the government's inaction on the matter. The article also mentions the high costs associated with reclaiming and renovating these buildings, as explained by Angela Rivers from the Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers’ Association. The piece underscores the dire conditions in these buildings, including the lack of basic amenities like water and electricity, and the use of makeshift solutions for sanitation.

At least 17 people, including three children, have died in the Angelo squatter camp in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, due to a poisonous gas leak associated with illegal mining activities. The victims, found scattered across the settlement, were believed to have inhaled toxic nitrate oxide gas from cylinders used by illegal miners, known as zama zamas, to extract gold. The youngest victim was a one-year-old. Emergency services responded to the scene, and 15 additional people were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. The incident highlights the dangers faced by illegal miners and the risks to surrounding communities, exacerbated by South Africa's high unemployment rate. A previous related incident in the Free State province resulted in 31 deaths due to methane gas poisoning at a closed gold mine.