Southern Africa

Zambia’s former first lady Esther Lungu was arrested in the capital Lusaka on Thursday after being accused of fraud, local media reported. She was arrested with her daughter Chiyeso Katete, over possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. “Ms Lungu failed to give a reasonable explanation of how …

More than 1,000 patients have died in Mozambique as health workers went on strike, local media reported. “The patients died because of lack of care,” the BBC quotes a union leader Anselmo Muchave, as saying. The strike by 50,000 union members began three weeks ago after negotiations over working conditions …

A South African court has barred former president Jacob Zuma from running in the upcoming general elections. The Constitutional Court ruled that his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court disqualified him. Mr Zuma has been campaigning under the banner of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party after falling …

The luxury watch brand Rolex will close its official store in South Africa in June after 76 years, the company told local newspaper, News24. Rolex said “local markets and conjuncture have changed, and no longer warrant the presence of an official Rolex affiliate”. But added that they would remain “active …

South African President Cyril Ramapahosa signed a controversial universal healthcare bill into law in Pretoria on Wednesday, local media reported. Mr Ramphosa described it as a major step towards a more just society. Despite Mr Ramaphosa’s enthusiasm when he signed the bill, many political groups have said they are considering …

The Mozambican government said it was working with Russian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the Russian Ambassador Alexander Surikov, local media reported. Surikov, 68, was found dead on Saturday night at his official residence in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, local media reported. The cause of his …

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to sign into law a contentious national health bill that aims to provide universal coverage to millions of poor citizens. The National Health Insurance (NHI) bill seeks to give South Africans “of all races, rich or poor and legal long-term residents” access to …

Online retail giant Amazon announced the launch of its online shopping service in South Africa on Tuesday, challenging a number of online retailers. South Africa is usually seen as a good entry point for companies to expand into the continent and Amazon could be doing the same, analysts have said …

At least five people died and dozens more were trapped in South Africa after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the city of George, local media reported. Emergency services rushed to the scene to search for survivors. City officials say over 20 people have so far been rescued and …

Zimbabweans will start using fresh banknotes and coins on Tuesday as the country rolls out its third currency in a decade. The currency, of which a digital version was launched earlier this month, is the latest attempt to control soaring inflation in the country. But there are signs the Zimbabwe …