South Africa's recent floods have highlighted the ongoing housing crisis, with many residents living in informal settlements such as shacks. Thulisile Ntobela, a mother of five, moved to a shack in Durban after rent increases made her apartment unaffordable. The floods destroyed 87 homes in the eNkanini settlement, where nearly 13 percent of South Africans live in similar conditions. The issue stems from apartheid-era land segregation, and despite the construction of over three million government houses since then, the housing shortfall has increased. Informal settlements often occupy unsafe land, leading to tragedies during natural disasters. The government is now beginning to address the situation by providing temporary housing for flood victims and investigating long-term solutions.

South Africa's west coast is facing a conflict between mining companies and environmentalists, surfers, and locals. The area, known for its biodiversity, is under threat from expanded mining operations that are said to harm the environment and reduce employment opportunities. Despite mining companies claiming adherence to environmental regulations, locals have observed negative impacts on tourism and fisheries. Environmental groups like Protect the West Coast and the Centre of Environment Rights are taking legal action to ensure additional environmental checks. Recent victories against companies like Shell have emboldened activists, who advocate for sustainable alternatives such as algae farming.

In South Africa, the illegal trade of abalone, often referred to as 'white gold', is not only endangering the species but also fostering organized crime and posing health risks to consumers in Asia. South Africa exports over 5,000 tonnes of abalone annually, with nearly half being poached. The illicit trade, valued between $60 million and $120 million, is facilitated by high unemployment and weakened law enforcement. Efforts to combat poaching are hampered by the lack of a coastguard and corruption within the police force. Legal abalone farms like HIK and Abagold face security threats and are concerned about the reputational damage from the illegal trade. Conservation organizations and legal producers are working to inform consumers and promote sustainable seafood, but challenges remain in distinguishing legal from illegal abalone in the market.

The African National Congress (ANC) is facing a leadership crisis and declining public support as it begins its party conference. In Soweto, residents express disappointment with the ANC's failure to provide basic services, with some, like Martha Meyer, vowing not to support the party anymore. President Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership is contested due to a scandal, and his potential ousting could impact the ANC's performance in the 2024 general election. Political scientist Roland Henwood from the University of Pretoria suggests that Ramaphosa is more popular than the party and warns of voter disengagement and industrial-scale corruption. The conference's outcome, concluding on December 20, will determine the party's direction.

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that former President Jacob Zuma's release on medical parole was unlawful and he must return to prison. Zuma, who has been serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court since July 2021, was released on medical parole after less than two months, which sparked widespread unrest. The court did not nullify the time served on parole, leaving the decision to the national commissioner of correctional services. The ruling African National Congress has not commented, while the opposition Democratic Alliance urged that Zuma serve his full sentence.

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that former President Jacob Zuma's release on medical parole was unlawful and he must return to prison. Zuma, who was serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court, had been released after less than two months. The court did not nullify the time served on parole, leaving the decision to the national commissioner of correctional services. The ruling African National Congress has not commented, while the opposition Democratic Alliance urged adherence to the initial High Court ruling, implying Zuma should serve the full sentence.

Surveys in South Africa show that graduates and high-income earners are increasingly emigrating due to a faltering economy. This trend is affecting the country's tax revenue, which could undermine government efforts to redistribute wealth to the economically marginalized.

Lesotho is conducting parliamentary elections with over 50 parties competing amid a history of political instability and short-lived governments. The ruling All Basotho Convention, led by former health minister Nkaku Kabi, faces strong opposition from the Democratic Congress and the well-funded new party, Revolution for Prosperity, led by millionaire Sam Matekane. Political turnover has been frequent since independence, with no premier completing a full term in the past decade. Voter turnout is uncertain, reflecting on the less than half participation in 2017.

South Africa's largest retailers are shifting from importing goods from China to sourcing locally made clothing products. This change is part of a broader movement to revive the local textile industry, although there is uncertainty about whether the domestic market can fulfill the new demand.

South African clothing retailers are increasingly sourcing locally to support the country's textile sector, with a shift from 28% in 2019 to 40% today. This move, supported by a government master plan, aims to create jobs and respond more efficiently to customer needs. Retailers like Pick n Pay Clothing, Woolworth's, Mr. Price, and Truworth's are part of this trend, which has been accelerated by global trade disruptions and high unemployment. The government targets 121,000 new textile jobs by 2030, but challenges such as power cuts and infrastructure issues remain. Economists emphasize the need for government efficiency and safe investment conditions to rebuild the industry.

In Durban, South Africa, recent deadly floods have destroyed many makeshift homes, highlighting the country's severe housing crisis. The floods and landslides in KwaZulu-Natal province have resulted in at least 435 deaths and left thousands homeless, with the poorest communities being the hardest hit. Approximately 13% of South Africa's population lives in informal housing, often on non-buildable and flood-prone land. The housing shortage is exacerbated by the legacy of apartheid, with a significant portion of land still owned by a small percentage of the population. The Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa reports a deficit of 3.7 million homes. The unprecedented natural disaster has prompted calls for the government to address the issues of landlessness and poverty.

Renergen, a South African company, has discovered significant helium deposits in the Free State province, which could potentially be worth billions of dollars. Stefano Marani and Nick Mitchell initially acquired gas rights for the land for just $1 in 2012, aiming to explore natural gas. However, tests revealed high concentrations of helium, with some findings showing up to 12 percent, which is much higher than in other countries like the United States, where helium is extracted at concentrations as low as 0.3 percent. The global helium market is valued at $10.6 billion, and Renergen's reserves could surpass the known reserves in the entire United States. Unlike other natural gas extraction methods, Renergen's process does not involve fracking, thus avoiding associated environmental issues. The company plans to produce both liquified natural gas for domestic use and liquid helium for export. Helium is critical for various applications, including medical scanners and space travel, and the demand for it has been increasing globally.