Here are the top stories from Africa. Ivory Coast heads to the polls this weekend, while Uganda gears up for its general elections set for 15 January 2026.
In South Africa, inflation climbs slightly to 3.4%, and eight Milnerton High pupils have been suspended following a violent school attack caught on video.
Tragedy struck in Westbury, where a gang shooting left two teens dead and five others injured. Meanwhile, Bheki Cele appeared relaxed and unshaken as he testified at Parliament’s ad hoc committee.
Over in Johannesburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming G20 summit.
And in a major legal development, former president Jacob Zuma has been ordered to repay R28.9 million in legal fees or risk having his assets seized.
Check out all the top stories below:
IVORY COAST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS BEGIN THIS WEEKEND
Ivory Coast will head to the polls on October 25, with many expecting President Ouattara to secure a fourth term in office.
However, there are worries that the elections could once again spark the kind of unrest, violence, and chaos seen in past polls.
President Ouattara, now 83, is seeking a fourth term, and since most rivals were blocked from running, he’s likely to secure another victory.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS GODONGWANA AS ACTING PRESIDENT AMID BACK-TO-BACK TRAVELS
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will step in as acting President from October 21 to 27, while President Cyril Ramaphosa heads abroad for a series of international engagements.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will be on leave during this time. Ramaphosa’s itinerary includes visits to Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Switzerland, with a focus on deepening trade and investment ties.
These visits will also help strengthen cooperation with global partners and support South Africa’s role in international forums, especially as Ramaphosa prepares to chair the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November.
UGANDA TO HOLD GENERAL ELECTION ON 15 JANUARY 2026
Uganda will hold its general election on January 15, as announced by the electoral commission.
President Yoweri Museveni, now in his 80s, is aiming to extend his decades-long rule.
His key opponent, 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has previously accused Museveni of rigging past elections through tactics like ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation, and bribery.
PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE IN ABUJA OVER KANU RELEASE
Protesters took to the streets of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, on Monday, demanding the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, who is on trial for terrorism charges.
The demonstrations turned chaotic as police fired tear gas, arrested several people, and blocked major roads to disrupt the protest.
Supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, are demanding his release and an end to what they call politically motivated charges. Kanu has been held since 2021 on terrorism accusations that could see him jailed for life, though he maintains his innocence and insists the case is unfair.
Heavily armed security forces, including police and soldiers, moved through central Abuja with water cannons and armoured vehicles, firing teargas at crowds.
RAMAPHOSA URGES RETAILERS TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD MORE AFFORDABLE
In his weekly letter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africa’s top retail chains to help make healthy food more affordable.
He said that despite government support, millions still can’t access healthy meals, largely due to poverty, unemployment, and rising prices.
Most people rely on retailers for food, so the private sector must step in.
Ramaphosa pointed to efforts like Shoprite’s R5 product range as a good start, but emphasized the need for broader action, especially as food prices keep climbing.
“The Shoprite Group’s R5 products line is an example of this,” said Ramaphosa.
Stats show food inflation is hitting hard, and nearly 16 million people face food insecurity. Ramaphosa warned that this affects the country’s health and growth.
He also applauded the Competition Commission’s work to stop price fixing and unfair practices in food markets—from bread and grocery chains to poultry companies.
He ended by reminding the nation that the right to food is protected in South Africa’s Constitution—and it’s a right worth fighting for.
MADAGASCAR’S COUP LEADER SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT
Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s president on Friday after the military seized control this week, ending Andry Rajoelina’s leadership.
The takeover came in the wake of Gen Z-led protests, with Rajoelina fleeing abroad and later impeached by lawmakers.
Speaking at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina declared: “I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” and promised to “defend and strengthen national unity and human rights.”
The African Union and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have criticized the coup.
Randrianirina said the military dissolved all state institutions except the National Assembly.
A military-led committee will now govern with a transitional administration for up to two years, with elections planned afterward.
ELECTION PROTESTS LOOM AHEAD OF CAMEROON’S OFFICIAL RESULTS
Tensions are rising in Cameroon as the nation awaits the official presidential election results, expected on Monday (27 October 2025).
Authorities have already banned public gatherings and motorcycle taxi movement in several cities to prevent unrest.
Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to have won 54.8% of the vote against incumbent Paul Biya’s 31.3%, urged citizens to “march for liberation and to claim our victory.”
In a video posted online, he warned that “the Cameroonian people will never accept the validation of falsification and ballot stuffing.”
The 92-year-old Biya, seeking an eighth term after 43 years in power, faces mounting allegations of “electoral fraud” and “irregularities.” His party, RDPC, dismissed Tchiroma’s claim as “a grotesque hoax” and insisted it was “calmly awaiting the official results.”
The Constitutional Council confirmed that the final announcement will be made on Monday, 27 October, at 11 a.m.
TWO KILLED, FIVE INJURED IN WESTBURY GANG SHOOTING
Two teenage boys have died and five others are in hospital after a shooting linked to gang violence in Westbury, Johannesburg.
According to Kaya FM News, the victims were attacked while sitting in a yard on Tuesday, 21 October.
Police say four teenage suspects opened fire, firing about 20 rounds of ammunition.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that the victims, aged 14 to 19, were taken to the hospital, though two were pronounced dead on arrival.
She added, “Preliminary reports suggest that the shooting was gang-related.”
Police have now launched a manhunt for the four suspects behind the attack. Meanwhile, authorities are pleading with parents to help keep their children away from gangs and criminal activity.
Following the tragedy, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is expected to visit the Westbury Police Station today, 22 October, to assess the situation and offer support to local law enforcement.
NAMIBIA DECLARES OUTBREAK OF MPOX IN SWAKOPMUND
Namibia has declared a national mpox outbreak after confirming its first case in Swakopmund.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said the patient is stable and receiving treatment in isolation at a district hospital.
The case is linked to recent cross-border travel within the SADC region. So far, countries like the DRC, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia have also reported infections.
Namibia has launched an emergency health response, focusing on contact tracing and resource mobilisation in the Erongo Region.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is spreading again across Africa, with active outbreaks reported in 17 countries.
MAPIMPI HANDED A FIVE-MATCH BAN OVER DANGEROUS TACKLE
Makazole Mapimpi has been suspended for five matches after receiving a red card in the Sharks’ URC clash against Ulster.
The winger was sent off in the 55th minute during the game in Durban, which ended in a 34-26 loss, marking the team’s fourth defeat in a row.
The ban means Mapimpi will miss the Sharks’ upcoming match against Scarlets and won’t be available as a standby for the Springboks’ November tour to the UK, Ireland, France, and Italy.
The URC confirmed the punishment on Wednesday, 22 October.
Officials ruled that Mapimpi’s tackle broke Law 9.18, the rule against dangerously lifting and dropping another player.
Here is the act of foul play by Makazole Mapimpi which has seen him handed a five-match ban 🟥
In his response to the Judicial Officer, he accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card.#SSRugby | #VURC pic.twitter.com/PMwIDkYfi5
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 22, 2025
The disciplinary committee also noted that “the player received two red cards in 2023 and 2025 and cannot be said to have a clean disciplinary record.”
SOUTH AFRICA’S INFLATION RISES TO 3.4%
Inflation ticked up to 3.4% in September, according to Statistics South Africa, signalling a continued climb away from the central bank’s ideal 3% mark ahead of next month’s interest rate meeting.
-
September’s inflation rose to 3.4%, slightly higher than August’s 3.3%.
-
Domestic drivers included housing, utilities, and restaurant price hikes.
-
Momentum Investments’ Sanisha Packirisamy cited these as key contributors to the CPI uptick.
-
However, a stronger rand and falling global food prices helped ease pressure.
-
These opposing forces have kept headline inflation largely under control.
-
The data points to a modest but important shift in inflation dynamics.
-
It highlights the push and pull between local costs and global market trends.
MILNERTON HIGH SCHOOL: EIGHT MILNERTON HIGH PUPILS SUSPENDED AFTER BRUTAL SCHOOL ATTACK VIDEO
A violent video showing a 16-year-old Milnerton High School student being assaulted by classmates has led to the suspension of eight pupils. The incident, which took place on 16 October, involved the use of belts, a hosepipe, and a large stick as weapons. Two other learners were reportedly attacked as well.
The video sparked widespread outrage after it went viral. In response, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that the eight learners involved received precautionary suspension letters and now face formal disciplinary hearings.
WCED’s Bronagh Hammond said the school governing body responded with “the seriousness it deserves.”
Police have opened a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed they’re investigating, but no arrests have been made yet.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) also weighed in, urging the public not to share the video, warning it “deepens the victim’s trauma” and violates learners’ rights.
The DBE added:
-
The school immediately began an internal investigation and identified those involved.
-
The School Governing Body suspended eight learners pending disciplinary hearings.
-
Counselling and psychosocial support are being offered to those affected.
-
All required protocols are being followed seriously.
This is a developing story….
MILNERTON HIGH SCHOOL: EIGHT MILNERTON HIGH PUPILS FACE ASSAULT CHARGES
According to News24, eight Milnerton High School pupils aged 17 to 18 are due in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for assaulting a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed to the publication that they face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
MILNERTON HIGH SCHOOL: SA RUGBY CONDEMNS BULLYING LINKED TO MILNERTON HIGH INCIDENT
Following outrage over a viral video showing a Milnerton High School pupil being assaulted, SA Rugby has responded, especially since one of the accused had played at the national school rugby level.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said bullying goes against everything SA Rugby stands for: respect, integrity, and discipline.
Mark Alexander noted that SA Rugby “would have welcomed the opportunity to work with the school regarding this unacceptable behaviour,” but explained that “the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the education department.”
He believes “both the school and the department will take the sternest possible view once all the facts have been established.”
Alexander made it clear that “individuals who engage in bullying are not welcome in our sport, which prides itself on respect and integrity.”
His message to young players was direct: “bullying is totally unacceptable.”
NIGERIAN LAWMAKERS WANT ANSWERS ON $4.6BN HEALTH AID
A major probe is underway in Nigeria after lawmakers raised alarm over the $4.6 billion in foreign aid meant to fight HIV, TB, and malaria.
Despite this massive support, death rates remain dangerously high, and now the House of Representatives wants a full review.
The lawmakers passed a motion calling for stronger oversight and a strategic reset to avoid missing the 2030 UN goal of ending major epidemics.
Their focus is on funds from the Global Fund, USAID, and a separate $6 billion contribution from the U.S. Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
They highlighted that “despite these significant investments, Nigeria remains burdened by public health challenges, including 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, ranking third globally.” Malaria accounts for 31% of global deaths, and TB numbers are also among the world’s highest.
BHEKI CELE IN CRUISE CONTROL AT PARLIAMENT AD HOC HEARING
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele appeared before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday and is expected to return on Friday.
The inquiry follows explosive claims by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused the justice system of being infiltrated by criminal elements and tainted by political meddling.
Cele, who held office from 2018 to mid-2024, was responsible for overseeing the now-disbanded Political Killings Task Team, dissolved by current Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is on special leave.
What stood out from Cele’s testimony:
-
Cele told MPs he knows organised crime suspect Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala “very well,” recalling a December 2024 meeting in Durban arranged by Bongani “Mabonga” Mpungose.
-
According to Cele, Matlala claimed that Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya urged him to draft an affidavit against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo.
-
He dismissed any link to businessman Brown Mogotsi, stating plainly he has never met him.
-
Cele countered Mkhwanazi’s accusations by referencing a 2022 Western Cape High Court ruling, which found that the 28s gang had “penetrated senior management” in SAPS.
-
Shifting to his past, Cele recalled the 2010 World Cup, saying “the nation does not know SAPS saved the World Cup.”
-
He also criticised Senzo Mchunu’s handling of the disbanded Political Killings Task Team, adding tension to an already explosive inquiry.
BHEKI CELE TELLS PARLIAMENT: POLICE BELIEVED ANELE TEMBE WAS MURDERED!
During his appearance at Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday, former Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed that the police had conducted an investigation and believed that Anele Tembe was allegedly murdered.
In his words at the Ad Hoc Committee, “you will hear one day that there’s an inquest into the death of Moses Tembe’s daughter [Anele Tembe],” hinting at ongoing developments in the long-running case surrounding her death.
He went on to tell MPs that, “honourable member, police did the investigation and they believed that the daughter was murdered,” adding that “you will hear one day that there’s an inquest into the death of Moses Tembe’s daughter.”
Anele Tembe (then AKA’s girlfriend) died in April 2021 after an alleged fall from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel while she was with her fiancé, the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN TO SKIP G20 SUMMIT IN JOHANNESBURG
Vladimir Putin won’t be heading to Johannesburg for the G20 summit this November, the Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday, but assured that Russia’s presence would still be significant at the summit.
The summit, hosted by South Africa on November 22–23, comes amid deep divisions within the G20 over issues like Russia’s war in Ukraine and global climate action.
While Russia won’t be represented by its president, the U.S. may also have an absent leader.
Donald Trump, in July, said he might skip the G20 leaders’ summit, pointing to his disapproval of South Africa’s policies. He has taken issue with its domestic land reforms and its legal case accusing Israel of genocide over the Gaza conflict.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Trump to attend, stressing the summit’s importance.
ZUMA ORDERED TO REPAY R28.9M IN LEGAL FEES OR FACE ASSET SEIZURE
Former president Jacob Zuma has been ordered by the High Court in Pretoria to repay R28.9 million that the state spent on his legal defence in the arms deal case.
The decision enforces a 2021 Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that declared the funding unlawful.
Judge Anthony Millar upheld that ruling, ordering Zuma to pay the full amount of R28,960,774.34 to the State Attorney, along with interest at the prescribed rate. Court documents show that interest on R18.9 million is to be calculated from 25 January 2024 until the full amount is paid.
Zuma has 60 days to settle the debt. If he fails, the State Attorney can apply to seize his assets, including his presidential pension, subject to court approval.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
