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.

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.

Farhad Hoomer, a businessman from Durban, South Africa, is accused by the United States of being a terrorist ringleader involved in financing Islamic State (IS) group cells across Africa. Despite his denial and questioning the source of the US's information, Hoomer faces heavy international banking sanctions. South Africa's role as a hub for terror financing is highlighted by the United Nations and the US Treasury, noting the transfer of funds from IS leadership to affiliates in Africa. The country's financial system, combined with corruption, makes it a conducive environment for money laundering. South Africa has been placed on the FATF's 'grey list' due to concerns over its handling of illicit finance. The article also discusses the broader context of IS's spread in Africa and the various methods used for raising and transferring funds for terrorist activities.

Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic champion known as the 'Blade Runner', was released on parole today after serving time for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. The article discusses the public's negative perception of Pistorius, his fall from grace, and the details surrounding his parole. Pistorius will be closely monitored until the end of his parole in 2029, with restrictions including a ban on alcohol and media interviews. He will reside in his uncle Arnold Pistorius's mansion in Pretoria and is required to attend gender-based violence programs and anger management therapy. The article also touches on Pistorius's past legal issues and his potential future as a pastor. The Department of Correctional Services has emphasized the need for privacy and support for Pistorius as he adjusts to life outside prison.

Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic champion known as the 'Blade Runner', was released on parole today after serving time for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. The article discusses the public's negative perception of Pistorius, his fall from grace, and the details of his incarceration and parole conditions. Pistorius will be closely monitored until the end of his parole in 2029, with restrictions including a ban on alcohol and media interviews. He has been studying religion in prison and has expressed interest in becoming a pastor upon release. The article also touches on Pistorius's past legal issues and the public's expectation of his behavior post-release. His time in prison was contrasted with the luxury he will now enjoy at his uncle's mansion, and the article mentions his previous temporary releases for family reasons and a victim-offender dialogue with Reeva's father.

Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic champion known as the 'Blade Runner', was released on parole today after serving time for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The article discusses the public's negative perception of Pistorius, his fall from grace, and the details surrounding his parole conditions. Pistorius will be closely monitored until the end of his parole in 2029, with restrictions including a ban on alcohol and media interviews. He has been studying religion in prison and may pursue becoming a pastor. The article also touches on Pistorius's past legal issues and the possibility that his fame contributed to a sense of invincibility. Pistorius will reside in his uncle Arnold Pistorius's mansion in Pretoria and is required to attend gender-based violence programs and anger management therapy.