Africa
John Steenhuisen expected to step down as DA leader
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
DA leader John Steenhuisen is set to announce on 4 February 2026 that he will not seek a third term, amid internal party pressures and scandals. The decision, brokered in recent meetings, allows him to retain his position as Minister of Agriculture. This paves the way for Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to potentially take over the leadership role.
The Kenyan Senate is preparing to block a proposed merger of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teacher training with primary teacher education, raising concerns about constitutional devolution and the stability of early learning in counties.
Reported by AI
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted above-normal rainfall in central and western regions during the March-May long rains, offering hope to farmers and pastoralists in the country's food basket areas. However, experts warn that the driest regions, such as the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, may not fully recover from the ongoing drought with these rains alone. The government has released about Ksh6 billion to aid the hardest-hit communities.
Police have arrested three suspects after a mass shooting on the R59 near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, where six Lesotho nationals were killed and others injured. The victims were travelling in a minibus that was ambushed. Gauteng authorities confirmed all involved, including suspects, are from Lesotho.
Reported by AI
A Mombasa court has charged a Turkish businessman with membership in the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and other terrorism-related offenses, including illegal firearm possession. He and his co-accused were released on bond, with their pretrial hearing set for February 19, 2026. The case follows a recent suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Garissa.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology is grappling with its annual accommodation shortage, leaving many students without housing at the start of the academic year. Some first-year and returning students have slept outside campuses in District Six and Bellville, while others receive temporary placements as appeals are processed.
Reported by AI
The Chief Executive Officer of Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Marjan Hussein, has resigned after 11 years of service. The move follows consultations with senior commission officials, and the IEBC has confirmed that an interim CEO will be announced soon. It comes amid growing pressure from opposition figures and the public ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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