Ebola has struck again, claiming lives in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Given the proximity of the epicentre to Uganda and the wider Great Lakes region, the outbreak has raised serious concern about regional spread. That is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) moved quickly to issue an international alert. According to WHO, there are six known species within the ebolavirus group. The virus takes its name from the Ebola River, near the site of one of the first recorded outbreaks in what is now the DRC, in 1976. Four of these six species are known to cause disease in humans and the major African outbreaks have been linked mainly to Zaire, Sudan and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses. Such outbreaks become especially dangerous when the index case is missed or when diagnosis is delayed. The current outbreak has been identified as Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Unlike Zaire ebolavirus, for which approved vaccines exist, Bundibugyo still has no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. Reports also suggest that early field tests did not immediately identify the strain, contributing to delays in confirmation. The evidence is clear: disease spreads more easily in conditions of conflict and insecurity. Amid violence, surveillance systems weaken, health workers operate in fear, access to communities becomes harder and dangerous gaps open up in the chain of protection needed to contain an outbreak. The outbreak emerged in Ituri Province, in northeastern DRC — a region that is no ordinary setting. It has been the theatre of protracted conflict for many years. In many areas, state authority is weak and communities endure repeated cycles of violence, including attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked by several observers to the Islamic State’s Central Africa network. Eastern DRC is also afflicted by multiple armed groups, among the best known of them being M23. The role of neighbouring states has been repeatedly debated and documented in UN reporting, giving the conflict not only a local dimension but a regional one as well. The result is a lethal combination of violence, insecurity and weak public health coverage that allows Ebola to emerge, spread and kill, while placing the wider region — and indeed the world — on alert. The cycles of violence in the DRC have killed far more people than Ebola. Broadly cited estimates suggest that conflict and its indirect consequences caused roughly 5.4 million deaths between 1998 and 2007 alone. The true toll today is almost certainly higher. It is therefore understandable that many people are more preoccupied with dodging bullets or machetes than with taking precautions against Ebola or participating fully in the flow of information on which disease surveillance depends. It follows, then, that better Ebola surveillance also depends on progress in addressing conflict, insecurity and the armed encirclement imposed by rebel groups. Epidemiological surveillance cannot be fully separated from efforts to resolve the violence that has devastated these populations for decades. Meeting this challenge will require a collaborative strategy from all the countries in the region. It will require them to move beyond selective support for different armed groups and to act together against a menace that ultimately threatens them all. We speak about Ebola because it is transmissible and because it lays bare our shared vulnerability. Death from a bullet, by contrast, often remains invisible to those far away; it is borne disproportionately by poor and isolated communities in eastern Congo. Yet it is precisely that violence and the institutional breakdown it produces, that makes Ebola more dangerous. If the region acts in concert to pacify these areas, it will not only save those communities from war but also reduce the wider risk of recurrent outbreaks. If we are serious about strengthening disease surveillance, we must be equally serious about confronting rebel violence as a public health threat in its own right — one that has already claimed far more lives than Ebola. Containing epidemics in eastern Congo cannot be separated from containing the violence that devastates communities, weakens institutions and obstructs health responses. Only by tackling both threats together can we hope to prevent future Ebola outbreaks and reduce the danger of transmission beyond the epicentre. Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah is an expert in African development and socioeconomic transformation.

The Embassy of the Russian Federation has taken note of the opinion piece published in the Mail & Guardian on 19 May 2026, authored by Mr. Wellington Muzengeza, titled “Africa’s new information war: The leaked files that expose a manufactured solidarity.” We consider this publication a poorly disguised attempt to cast a shadow over the rapidly developing, mutually beneficial partnership between the Russian Federation and the African continent. It is regrettable that Mr. Muzengeza decided to make unsubstantiated claims, based on anonymous “leaked documents” from clearly biased sources, which have become somewhat of a tool in the geopolitical smear campaign against the emerging multipolar world order. The article tries to construct a fake reality, presenting Russia’s diverse and deep ties with Africa as a monolithic and malign “influence architecture”. The allegations are built on a pre-existing and openly racist UK/EU template, which suggests African nations are passive, easily swayed by “elite capture” and “engineered narratives”. This narrative denies the African nations of the right to be sovereign actors making independent choices according to their own national interests. This colonialistic view reveals the true mindset of those who stand behind this opinion piece. These people simply cannot conceive international relations outside the paradigm of take-up-the-whiteman’s burden and neo-colonial exploitation, a framework that Russia categorically rejects and has been vehemently opposed to for ages. The key thesis of a “manufactured solidarity” is a direct insult to the decades-long, principled ties between our peoples. Our solidarity is not and cannot be manufactured; it was forged in the crucible of history, through the USSR’s unequivocal support for African decolonization and liberation movements, and it continues today in our joint fight against modern forms of neo-colonialism and for the true democratization of international relations. The foundation of this partnership is not disinformation, but the tangible outcomes of our cooperation, which proudly stands in stark contrast to the hollow platitudes often emanating from Western capitals.   The narrative of the article blatantly ignores the consistent, positive agenda that Russia promotes. It deliberately overlooks the historic foundation laid by the USSR, which helped build over 300 industrial and infrastructure facilities in Africa and provided education to more than 80,000 African students, establishing educational, scientific, and medical institutions continent-wide. This profound  legacy laid the foundation for national industries and skilled professionals in many countries. The author is desperately trying to avoid concrete facts of our modern day cooperation: as of 2025 Russia’s trade turnover with African countries exceeded $27 billion, a 13% increase fuelled not by political interference but by mutually beneficial economic interest. More than 35,000 African students are currently enrolled in Russian universities, receiving a world-class education, with the scholarship quota doubling since 2019.  And last but not least Russia has provided over 200,000 tonnes of humanitarian wheat aid and more than 100,000 tonnes of fertilizers to the continent’s most vulnerable countries. These are hard facts of a true partnership. It appears that Mr. Muzengeza also remains silent on the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum and its outcomes. The first Russia-Africa Summit was held in Sochi in 2019, with delegations from all 54 African nations, including over 40 heads of state and government. The second summit followed in Saint Petersburg in 2023, attended by 48 African countries and five major regional associations. Participants adopted the 2023-2026 Action Plan, setting key cooperation priorities, and formalized a three-year summit cycle. The dialogue continues through regular ministerial conferences, such as those in Sochi (2024) and, most recently, Cairo (2025). The Cairo meeting, the first hosted on African soil, gathered representatives from 52 states and eight regional bodies, focusing on discussing international affairs, promoting bilateral ties, and advancing trade, economic, and investment goals under the existing Action Plan.  Russia wholeheartedly backs the strengthening of African regional institutions, notably the African Union as the continent’s unifying voice. We welcomed the African Union’s accession to the G20 in 2023 as a move reflecting modern global dynamics and Africa’s ascent in global affairs. Russia also strongly advocates for enhanced African representation in UN institutions, including through a reformed Security Council. Why ignore these open, multilateral engagements and instead give credence to a conspiracy theory? The answer is evident I presume. While we consistently promote a respectful, mutually beneficial dialogue, we are aware that other powers remain captive to a zero-sum mentality, viewing Africa’s growing cooperation with Russia and the BRICS nations as a loss of their own illegitimate influence. These are the same forces that imposed unilateral sanctions, preserved exploitative economic models, and continue to lecture African states on governance from a position of moral superiority they do not possess. Once again, I would like to reiterate – Russia firmly adheres to the principle of “African solutions to African problems” and seeks to strengthen its partnership with the continent in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  It would be wonderful to see Mr.Muzengeza place a bit more emphasis on verifying facts to ensure a well-rounded and balanced view. It’s a pity that the narrative in the article is designed to foment distrust and fracture the growing partnership between Russia and Africa. We believe that this is a deep disservice to the readers of the Mail and Guardian, who deserve an unbiased perspective, not recycled geopolitical propaganda. Kirill Kalinin Senior Counsellor, Spokesperson of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in South Africa

Muvhango Livhusha explores how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionise South Africa's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and fostering economic growth.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Botswana's President Duma Boko announce new agreements to enhance economic integration, improve border processes, and foster regional cooperation following the Sixth Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission.

Honor South Africa today introduces the highly anticipated Honor 600 Series, featuring the Honor 600 Pro and Honor 600, during an immersive launch event at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. At the launch event, screen actors, musicians, and social media personalities and athletes such as Thembi Seete, Wiseman Mncube, William Last KRM, Liema Pantsi, Mawhoo, NaaqMusiq and many more took part in content creating challenges centred around Honor’s 600 Series upgraded flagship feature, AI Image to video 2.0. The launch was themed around sports meeting tech and was filled with fun, music and games. The new series brings together a flagship-level 200MP ultra-clear AI night camera, industry-exclusive AI Image to Video 2.0, a segment-leading 7,000mAh long-life battery and Snapdragon flagship-class processors, all housed within the most refined design in Honor Number Series history. The Honor 600 brings flagship-level AI imaging and strong daily performance to more users, while the Honor 600 Pro takes the experience further with enhanced zoom, telephoto capability and Snapdragon 8 Elite performance. Redefining mobile creativity with industry-exclusive AI Image to Video 2.0 The Honor 600 Series introduces AI Image to Video 2.0, an industry-exclusive feature that allows users to transform still images into dynamic video content using natural language prompts and built-in templates. Users can combine up to three images with natural language prompts to produce stunning 3 or 5 second sequence where user can define both opening and ending frames for full narrative control and access extensive library of cinematic templates for stylised film-quality results in a single tap. For more creative control, free-style mode lets users describe the video they want and allow AI to bring the idea to life. The dedicated AI Button gives quick access to AI imaging tools, including AI Image to Video and AI Photos Agent. With AI Photos Agent, users can edit images through natural language instructions, making changes such as removing passers-by or reflections without needing to move between multiple apps. The segment’s most powerful night camera system At the centre of the Honor 600 Series is its flagship-level 200MP ultra-clear AI night camera, designed to deliver exceptional clarity, depth and low-light performance. Building on the 200MP ultra-clear imaging legacy of the Honor 400 Series, the Honor 600 Series takes on one of mobile photography’s toughest challenges: night imaging. Powered by Honor’s next-generation AiMAGE intelligent imaging architecture, the camera system is supported by advanced AI night algorithms that help preserve natural skin tones, accurate lighting and scene depth in more challenging conditions. Honor 600 Pro takes things further with CIPA 6.5 stabilisation on its telephoto lens. The Honor 600 Pro also features a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera, extending reach up to 120x zoom for users who want to capture distant details with impressive clarity. The Honor 600 is built for users who want advanced AI imaging, strong battery life and smooth everyday performance. The Honor 600 Pro adds a higher-performance camera system, more reach and flagship-class processing power for users who want more control from their mobile device. Flagship-level performance with exceptional battery life and built-in resilience Beyond imaging, the Honor 600 Series is built for speed and staying power. Powered by Snapdragon flagship-class processors, including Snapdragon 8 Elite on the Honor 600 Pro, the series delivers smooth performance across multitasking, gaming, streaming, editing and content creation. The series is equipped with a 7,000mAh long-life battery, the largest in the Honor Number Series. Paired with 80W Honor SuperCharge, the device is designed to reduce downtime and keep users connected throughout the day. The Honor 600 Series raises the visual bar with a 6.57-inch display reaching 8,000nits peak brightness. Sunlight Mode sustains outdoor clarity through an enhanced brightness curve, optimised thermal management, and dynamic APL-based brightness adjustment – delivering up to 4,000nits at 20% APL. Honor Eye Comfort Display balances this brilliance with long-term viewing comfort through intelligent brightness and colour optimisation. A display of these capable demands equally robust protection. IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance, together with SGS 5-star Premium Performance Certification of Drop & Crush, ensure the device holds up against splashes, dust, drops, and the unpredictability of everyday life. The Honor 600 Pro steps up to the Snapdragon 8 Elite on 3nm process technology, achieving 45% CPU and 44% GPU improvements – true flagship-level responsiveness across demanding applications and multitasking. Underpinning the entire experience, the Honor 600 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with 27% CPU and 30% GPU gains for powerful gaming and fluid daily performance. Seamless Apple ecosystem integration and intelligent Google Gemini assistant The Honor 600 Series also extends beyond itself as a perfect companion to the Apple ecosystem. Upgraded connectivity feature enables instant file sharing with iPhone and Mac, hotspot sharing and Apple Watch message display. The Honor 600 series with Google Gemini, empowers users to interact seamlessly via text, voice or image for comprehensive assistance on the go. This marks a significant step towards building a truly intelligent AI assistant – one that is conversational, intuitive and genuinely helpful. “The Honor 600 Series reflects where smartphone innovation is moving, with AI that feels useful, camera technology that supports real creativity and performance that keeps up with the way people live,” said Fred Zhou, CEO of Honor South Africa. “South Africans are creating, sharing and connecting across more moments than ever before, and the Honor 600 Series brings flagship-level imaging, long-lasting power and intelligent tools into a phone that feels both powerful and practical.” All-scenario products Honor Watch6: Honor Watch 6 features over 120 professional sports modes, including Soccer Mode, Trail Running Mode, etc. It can also facilitate health monitoring with blood pressure, heart rate testing, cardiac health screening. The Honor Watch 6 can ensure 35 days usage. Honor Watch6 is priced at R4,499, available from July. Honor Choice Mousebuds Pro: This is an innovative 2-in-1 device that combines a wireless mouse with built-in charging for true wireless earbuds, bringing productivity and mobility into one compact design. Honor MouseBuds will be available from June onwards at R699. Honor Earbuds 4: The Honor Earbuds 4 adopts an in-ear design for wear comfort. It features AI Translation and a 46-hr battery life, 50dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation with Dual Ti-coated drivers. The Honor Earbuds 4 will be available from July priced at R999. Honor Choice Headphones: The Honor Chooice Headphones deliver an authentic, studio-grade listening experience powered by certified Hi-Res Audio and a premium 40mm driver unit. It will be available from June onwards at R699. With the Honor 600 Series, Honor brings together advanced AI capabilities, refined design and powerful smartphone features in a way that feels ready for daily use. From night photography and cinematic content creation to all-day battery life and flagship-class speed, the Honor 600 Pro and Honor 600 are built for South Africans who want technology that does more than keep up. Honor 600 Pro available in Golden White and Orange for a RRP of R19 999 or from R799x36 months and the Honor 600 will be available in Orange and Black for a RRP of R14 999 or from R549x36 months. Consumers who purchase the Honor 600 Series will be able to receive free redeemable gifts worth up to R8,287 – Consumers who purchase and Honor 600 Series will receive an Honor Choice Earbuds Clip valued at R1,999 and an Honor Choice Watch 2i valued at R999. This also includes a 365-day accidental damage protection for Honor 600 Series devices worth R3,999. And lastly a free Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage for 3 months (This is for first time users only) – that is worth R429.99. The gift promotional offer is limited to the Honor 600 Pro and Honor 600 valid from 8 June until 8 July 2026.

Having amassed what has seemingly been a steady uptake in sales as monthly figures are unknown, GAC upped its striking Emzoom range to five variants this week with the debut of the new Nova grade. Fitting in Set to become the entry-point of the Emzoom range once offset of the special run Comfort Collection ends, the Nova represents a R20 000 credit over the mid-range Executive Collection with the same R359 900 sticker price as the Comfort. Fast Red debuts as a new colour option exclusively to the Nova. Picture: Charl Bosch One of three models unveiled at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year – the other being the plug-in hybrid M8 MPV and all-electric Aion Y Plus – the Nova’s main difference from the Executive involves a specification sheet rejig to keep costs down. Not included, though, is a different powertrain, as the combination of the 1.5 T-GDI engine and dual-clutch gearbox used on the rest of the Emzoom range has been retained. Launch route Officially called GAC GS3 Emzoom Nova, the local launch on the edge of the Johannesburg CBD this week was a relatively short affair given the Nova is a derivative instead of a new model. Part of the Nova’s unique aesthetic are the 17-inch alloy wheels. Picture: Charl Bosch As such, the launch route of less than 10km started and finished at Wits University after meandering around the central suburbs of Randburg. Visual changes Visually, the Emzoom Nova has been subtly tweaked to differentiate itself from the rest of the range. Boot space ranges from 341 to 1 271 litres, the same as the rest of the Emzoom range. Picture: Charl Bosch These include a redesigned model specific black grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels and a new colour option called Fast Red. No changes to the rear facia have taken place. Dimensionally, the Nova has not been altered either, with same applying to the boot that still accommodates between 341 and 1 271 litres of luggage. Inside Unsurprisingly, most of the revisions have taken place inside where feature such as the automatic air conditioning, the seven-inch digital instrument cluster and front parking sensors have all been dropped. Starting with the Nova, though, all Emzoom derivatives now come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the latter previously augmented by an external Android device available as an option. Biggest change to the interior is the digital instrument cluster departing for a part digital, part analogue setup. Picture: Charl Bosch The inclusion of the new connectivity arrangement means the Nova retains the 10.25-inch infotainment system that comes standard on the entire Emzoom line-up. However, the seven-inch digital instrument cluster makes way for a 3.5-inch TFT display recessed between an analogue speedometer and tachometer. Spec Kept are the LED headlights and fog lamps, the remote engine start, electric windows and mirrors, pop-out door handles, multi-function steering wheel and rear parking sensors. The 10.25-inch infotainment display now has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Picture: Charl Bosch Also standard is: keyless entry; push-button start; cruise control; two-tone black-and-blue imitation leather upholstery; dual front airbags; Hill Start Assist; and Electronic Stability Programme. No power change As mentioned, GAC, whose abbreviation stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group, has stuck with its in-house developed 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 130kW/270Nm. Feeding this to the front wheels falls to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Accordingly, GAC claims a 190km/h top speed and 0-100km/h in eight seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 L/100 km. In addition to its powertrain, the Emzoom Nova also keeps the drive mode selector with three settings: Eco, Normal and Sport. On the move Given the length of the route, driving the Nova was a more relaxed affair than giving it a spirited caning. As noted during the launch of the Emzoom two years ago, fit-and-finish is still impressive considering the Nova’s price tag. However, the change in instrument binnacle means a clear view is now somewhat obscured, even with the driver’s seat dropped all the way to the floor. What remains is the grippy and well weighted steering wheel, the relatively easy infotainment display and improvement in rear headroom now that a panoramic sunroof is no longer included. Not found wanting either is seat comfort and support. On the move, the Emzoom’s previously planted ride felt bumpier and imperfections nowhere as smooth as before. Blue-and-black imitation leather upholstered seats are snug but comfortable. Picture: Charl Bosch However, this can most likely to be attributed to the less-than-ideal road conditions on the route, as well as the possible move from 18 to 17-inch wheels. Set to Comfort mode, the engine feels initially sluggish and the response delayed as a result of the typical Chinese vehicle throttle calibration mismatch between the accelerator, engine and transmission. Once over this, the engine pulls strongly while being paired to a transmission that is equally smooth when out of the low-end dead spot. Switching to Sport mode comes with an element of caution as not taking due care could lead to wheelspin as a result of the out-of-sync accelerator mapping. Unsurprisingly, the Nova well feels spritely in its “fastest” setting, which, again, makes the absence of paddle shifters somewhat disappointing. As with the rest of the Emzoom range, the Nova’s toggle switch selector means a manual override is negated. However, a standalone Sport setting is present regardless of whether the actual driving mode is switched to Sport or not. Conclusion Having been on somewhat of a roller coaster after cutting the price tag of the Emzoom between R50 000 and R80 000 in January last year amidst criticism of it being too expensive, GAC’s latest reduction with the arrival of the Nova can be seen as carrying more merit. Feeling more premium than its price now suggests, the Nova can now be considered a real threat not only to equivalent legacy brand offerings, but certain offerings from its countrymen as well. Colours In total, GAC has made a choice of six colours available: white; Graphite Grey; Star Silver; Moonlight Grey; Fast Red; Galaxy Lilac. Price As with the rest of the Emzoom range, the Nova’s price tag includes a lifetime warranty for the first owner and a two-year/30 000km service plan. Emzoom 1.5 T-GDI Comfort Collection DCT – R359 900 Emzoom 1.5 T-GDI Nova DCT – R359 900 Emzoom 1.5 T-GDI Executive Collection DCT – R379 900 Emzoom 1.5 T-GDI Executive DCT – R449 900 Emzoom 1.5 T-GDI R Style DCT – R499 900

Ghana said on Thursday it has delayed the evacuation of more than 800 of its citizens from South Africa after a viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man triggered outrage. The footage showing the attack on Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian living in South Africa, circulated widely on social media during the latest wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in the country. Process delayed The Ghanaian foreign ministry said earlier this month that it was evacuating citizens from South Africa as a result. Some 800 Ghanaians were to be evacuated starting on Thursday, but the process was delayed because of the large numbers of evacuees and legal clearance procedures required by South Africa, the ministry said. “Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met, including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the ministry said. It said that Ghanaian and South African authorities had agreed to accelerate the process. Only one Ghanaian showed up at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo international airport on Thursday, AFP journalists at the airport reported. The Ghana government has promised to give those it is evacuating from South Africa a re-integration financial package and psycho-social support. Xenophobia The latest tensions have revived uncomfortable debates across Africa about xenophobia, migration, and the gap between pan-African rhetoric and realities facing African migrants on the continent. Ghana has increasingly pushed for the issue to receive broader continental attention and has tabled concerns around xenophobic violence within African Union discussions, arguing that recurring attacks threaten African integration and free movement ambitions under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. Asamoah, the man in the viral video, has since returned safely to Ghana. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

On Saturday, 23 May 2026, the City of Tshwane’s Energy and Electricity Business Unit will switch offline 1 at 132 kV, which supplies the Waltloo and Rooiwal Substations. This is not load shedding. This is a planned, deliberate shutdown that the city’s technical services and primary distribution teams need to carry out urgent maintenance and repairs on the affected line. The City of Tshwane describes this as a proactive measure, an action taken now to prevent much larger and costlier breakdowns in the future. The maintenance work aims to improve the reliability and long-term stability of Tshwane’s electrical network, which serves millions of residents and businesses across the city. Which areas experience power outages and for how long Power will switch off at 8h00 sharp and return at 18h00, a total of 10 uninterrupted hours. The following areas will be affected: Silverton Nellmapius Ext 1 & 4 Eersterust Silvertondale East Lynne Queenswood Waverley Kilner Park Koedoespoort Industrial Transnet Works If you live, work, or run a business in any of these areas, plan ahead now. Charge devices, stock up on water, and make arrangements for anything that depends on electricity, including security systems, refrigeration, and medical equipment. The Safety Warning You Must Not Ignore Even with the power off, danger remains. The City of Tshwane issues a firm warning to every resident and business in the affected areas: “Customers are urged to treat all electrical installations as live throughout the duration of the interruption,” said the city. Do not touch exposed wiring, tamper with electrical boxes, or assume any installation is safe simply because the power appears to be off. Treat every wire and every switch as energised until electricity officially returns at 18h00. This warning applies to homeowners, tenants, and workers on industrial premises equally. How to Report a Fault or Get Help If your power does not return after 18h00, or if you experience any electrical fault during the interruption, contact the City of Tshwane’s customer care centre immediately on 012 358 9999 and select option 3. You can also SMS the word “power” followed by your account number to 082 612 0333 or 44676. The city apologises for the inconvenience and asks for the public’s understanding as it works to keep the network running reliably.

Developer PayInc has acknowledged that fees and inconsistent bank UX have slowed PayShap adoption.

MTN and Vodacom together move over $1-trillion through mobile money - but their fintech playbooks are diverging.