US President Donald Trump vowed that the United States would "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip and deploy American troops in the region if necessary. Trump's surprising statement came during a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Feb 4). Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Three Indian-origin students injured in Durban school

In an alleged racism incident, three Indian students of South African origin studying at Durban Centenary Secondary School were left critically injured. Several students were also reported to have been injured during the chaos. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: Three Indian-origin students attacked in Durban school

Indian students in South Africa have been attacked in a shocking incident, raising concerns about their safety abroad. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the assault as the Indian community demands action.

Indian students attacked in South Africa

In an incident of alleged racism, three Indian orgin students of South Africa was critically injured and taken to hospital on Tuesday. Centenary Secondary School in Asherville issued an urgent notice to parents, informing them classes would be dismissed at 9.30am due to “circumstances that have arisen”.

3 Indian-origin students injured in Durban School as fight breaks out between teacher and student

It’s not just South Africa feeling the impact of Trump’s policies. The U.S. president is also taking measures to cut off financial supply to key international organizations, as well as other U.S. initiatives. On the day of his inauguration, Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization, putting the WHO in a worrisome state. Watch in for more details!

WHO asks member countries to make efforts to bring US back

President Donald Trump has announced to stop all future funding to South Africa, accusing the country of confiscating land and treating certain classes of people very badly.. However, the South African government has denied the allegations from U.S. President Donald Trump. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa minister suggests withholding mineral supplies to US

President Donald Trump has announced to stop all future funding to South Africa, accusing the country of confiscating land and treating certain classes of people very badly.. Watch this report for more details!

US President Donald Trump accuses South Africa of confiscating land

US President Donald Trump announced that he would cut off all future funding for South Africa until it investigated how certain classes of people were being treated very badly. Watch this report for more details!

Trump stops future aid to South Africa over mistreatment of certain people

Donald Trump stops future aid to South Africa over mistreatment of certain people

The largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere has been officially inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a historic moment for the global Hindu community. The temple is expected to become a major religious and cultural hub.

Largest Hindu temple in southern hemisphere opens in Johannesburg, South Africa

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, faces court for allegedly inciting violence during the 2021 riots. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: Jacob Zuma's daughter charged for 2021 riots

Some of those who were lucky to survive the horrors of the abandoned gold mines, in South Africa's Stilfontein say few of theirs colleagues resorted to cannibalism due to sheer desperation of hunger.

South Africa's Stilfontein mine survivors turned to cannibalism to survive

South Africa’s new expropriation law grants the government the power to seize land without providing compensation, a move that has sparked both support and controversy across the country.

South Africa's expropriation law allows govt to seize land with nil compensation

School dropout rate in South Africa soars due to various reasons like pregnancy, drug abuse, poverty, and peer pressure. South Africa has the highest school dropout rate in the world. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: School dropout rates soar; calls for major overhaul

South Africa: High school dropout rates raise major concern

WION decodes the Impact of Trump 2.0 on South Africa in this report.

Trump 2.0: How will Trump's tariff tool impact Africa?

Rescuers recovered 51 additional bodies from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa on Tuesday, raising the death toll to 60 after nine bodies were retrieved on Monday, the first day of a massive rescue operation.
According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Tuesday night, 106 illegal miners were arrested for illegal mining at the old Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, North West Province.
Among those arrested on Tuesday are 67 from Mozambique, 26 from Lesotho, and 11 from Zimbabwe, in addition to two South African nationals, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who visited the site on Tuesday, said the operation was expected to last about 10 days.
Ninety-two illegal miners were rescued during the two-day rescue operation, with all expected to face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-woman-arrested-for-scamming-couples-in-south-africa-heres-what-she-did-8604016" rel="dofollow">Indian-origin woman arrested for scamming couples in South Africa. Here's what she did</a>
The situation at disused mine shafts in Stilfontein has been unfolding since August 2024, when small groups of illegal miners began emerging from the shafts. Over 1,576 illegal miners have been arrested since then, the majority of whom are foreign nationals from neighbouring countries, according to the police statement.
Local community members gathered at the mine, hoping for the return of their loved ones.
Emergency workers have been labouring under intense heat since Monday to rescue the illegal miners, who had been trapped underground since November without vital supplies for much of the time.
"I have hope that our people are going to come out. Our brothers, our friends and us in the first group. We know a lot of guys here. They are our brothers. They are our friends. They have kids. So, we are trying the best we can to help them out, because it will hurt when I see my friend's kid tomorrow running around the streets, and daddy is not around," said Tieho Moabi, one of the miners.
"Some of them are as young as 14, at least according to my estimation. They are just skin and bones. Very, very sad to look at them. So, we brought some soft porridge and we brought some water. They couldn't wait because they have not been drinking water for a long time now. And they are hungry. They are weak," said Bishop Victor Phalana, border member of Benchmarks Foundation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-super-strange-looking-plants-being-poached-8568452" rel="dofollow">South Africa's 'super-strange looking' plants being poached</a>
Community organisations, which have been urging authorities to help the miners, believe the aid came too late for many who failed to survive the ordeal.
"The consequences are devastating, it's an enormous loss of life that could have been avoided. It is just the callousness of the political establishment and the indifference to the suffering, particularly of the poor black working class," said Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA).
"People are really disturbed and people are saying we shouldn't have arrived to this point where we are just taking dead bodies. This could have been arranged a long time ago," said Phalana.
Over the years, many gold mines have closed due to declining production, only to be overtaken by illegal foreign miners seeking gold.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, who also visited the Buffelsfontein mine on Tuesday, emphasized the severe economic impact of illegal mining, estimating losses of 60 billion rand in 2024 alone.
At the end of 2024, the country's police authorities ramped up efforts to combat illegal mining, with many miners staying underground out of fear of arrest.
Police said it remained unclear how many miners were still trapped in the shafts.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ninety-two illegal miners were rescued during the two-day rescue operation, with all expected to face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations.

Rescuers recovered 51 additional bodies from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa on Tuesday, raising the death toll to 60 after nine bodies were retrieved on Monday, the first day of a massive rescue operation. According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Tuesday night, 106 illegal miners were arrested for illegal mining at the old Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, North West Province. Among those arrested on Tuesday are 67 from Mozambique, 26 from Lesotho, and 11 from Zimbabwe, in addition to two South African nationals, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who visited the site on Tuesday, said the operation was expected to last about 10 days. Ninety-two illegal miners were rescued during the two-day rescue operation, with all expected to face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations. Also read | Indian-origin woman arrested for scamming couples in South Africa. Here's what she did The situation at disused mine shafts in Stilfontein has been unfolding since August 2024, when small groups of illegal miners began emerging from the shafts. Over 1,576 illegal miners have been arrested since then, the majority of whom are foreign nationals from neighbouring countries, according to the police statement. Local community members gathered at the mine, hoping for the return of their loved ones. Emergency workers have been labouring under intense heat since Monday to rescue the illegal miners, who had been trapped underground since November without vital supplies for much of the time. "I have hope that our people are going to come out. Our brothers, our friends and us in the first group. We know a lot of guys here. They are our brothers. They are our friends. They have kids. So, we are trying the best we can to help them out, because it will hurt when I see my friend's kid tomorrow running around the streets, and daddy is not around," said Tieho Moabi, one of the miners. "Some of them are as young as 14, at least according to my estimation. They are just skin and bones. Very, very sad to look at them. So, we brought some soft porridge and we brought some water. They couldn't wait because they have not been drinking water for a long time now. And they are hungry. They are weak," said Bishop Victor Phalana, border member of Benchmarks Foundation. Also read | South Africa's 'super-strange looking' plants being poached Community organisations, which have been urging authorities to help the miners, believe the aid came too late for many who failed to survive the ordeal. "The consequences are devastating, it's an enormous loss of life that could have been avoided. It is just the callousness of the political establishment and the indifference to the suffering, particularly of the poor black working class," said Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA). "People are really disturbed and people are saying we shouldn't have arrived to this point where we are just taking dead bodies. This could have been arranged a long time ago," said Phalana. Over the years, many gold mines have closed due to declining production, only to be overtaken by illegal foreign miners seeking gold. Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, who also visited the Buffelsfontein mine on Tuesday, emphasized the severe economic impact of illegal mining, estimating losses of 60 billion rand in 2024 alone. At the end of 2024, the country's police authorities ramped up efforts to combat illegal mining, with many miners staying underground out of fear of arrest. Police said it remained unclear how many miners were still trapped in the shafts. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Death toll in South Africa abandoned gold mine disaster climbs to 60, rescue ops continue

Days after British politicians urged their side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Champions+Trophy+2025" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025</a>, South Africa has also joined the conversation. Speaking on Thursday (Jan 9), South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called his side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025. This backlash comes after Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban reign continued to outlaw the participation of women in sports.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">South Africa sports minister calls for Afghanistan clash boycott</h2>
&ldquo;Cricket South Africa, the federations of other countries, and the ICC (International Cricket Council) will have to think carefully about the message the sport of cricket wishes to send the world, and especially the women in sports,&rdquo; McKenzie stated.
&ldquo;It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen.&rdquo;
On Monday, more than 160 British politicians took a stand against Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban regime's assault on women's rights.
England will face Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore in the Champions Trophy while South Africa will take on the same opponents on February 22.
However, the England and Welsh Cricket Board (ECB) denied boycotting the fixture arranged by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
ECB CEO Richard Gould responded by suggesting a uniform approach from all member nations is the best way forward.
"The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime," he said.
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"The ICC Constitution mandates that all member nations are committed to the growth and development of women's cricket.
In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan.&rdquo;
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is yet to respond to the call with ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who are the hosts closely monitoring the situation.<o:p></o:p>
(With Inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Speaking on Thursday (Jan 9), South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called his side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025. 

Days after British politicians urged their side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa has also joined the conversation. Speaking on Thursday (Jan 9), South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called his side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025. This backlash comes after Afghanistan’s Taliban reign continued to outlaw the participation of women in sports. South Africa sports minister calls for Afghanistan clash boycott “Cricket South Africa, the federations of other countries, and the ICC (International Cricket Council) will have to think carefully about the message the sport of cricket wishes to send the world, and especially the women in sports,” McKenzie stated. “It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen.” On Monday, more than 160 British politicians took a stand against Afghanistan’s Taliban regime's assault on women's rights. England will face Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore in the Champions Trophy while South Africa will take on the same opponents on February 22. However, the England and Welsh Cricket Board (ECB) denied boycotting the fixture arranged by the International Cricket Council (ICC). ECB CEO Richard Gould responded by suggesting a uniform approach from all member nations is the best way forward. "The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime," he said. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic makes shocking revelation, claims he was 'poisoned' before 2022 Australian Open "The ICC Constitution mandates that all member nations are committed to the growth and development of women's cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan.” Cricket South Africa (CSA) is yet to respond to the call with ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who are the hosts closely monitoring the situation. (With Inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: After UK, South Africa minister urges Afghanistan clash boycott

From South Africa to Nigeria, different nations had their own unique way of ushering in 2025, most of them organised street parades like the minstrel carnival in Cape Town & Fanti festival in Lagos.

Cape Town Sparkles In Minstrel, As Lagos Holds Fanti | World Of Africa

Persistent high logistics and energy costs, coupled with inadequate government policy interventions, have rendered the business unsustainable, the company stated on Monday. The shutdown will impact operations at both the Newcastle and Vereeniging Works, along with the rail and structures unit Amras. A scaled-down coke production facility at Newcastle will remain operational to meet reduced demand, the company added. Watch to know more!

ArcelorMittal South Africa To Close Long-steel Business, 3,500 Jobs In Jeopardy

Despite a stunning century from Pakistan captain Shan Masood and a determined batting effort to erase the follow-on deficit, South Africa cruised to a 10-wicket win, securing a dominant 2-0 series victory on home soil. Watch to know more!

SA vs PAK, 2nd Test: South Africa Beats Pakistan, Completes Series Clean Sweep

South Africa eased to a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Monday in Cape Town to secure a 2-0 series win despite second-innings resistance from the tourists.
Forced to follow on 421 runs behind on the first innings, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the World Test Championship final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58 late on the fourth day.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/babar-azam-loses-cool-after-wiaan-mulders-wild-return-throw-hits-him-during-cape-town-test-watch-8594704">Babar Azam loses cool over wild throw during Newlands Test</a>
David Bedingham hit 44 not out off 30 balls as South Africa sealed victory in just 7.1 overs.
Bedingham was opening in place of Ryan Rickelton, who suffered a hamstring strain in the field after scoring 259 in South Africa's first innings of 615.
Captain Shan Masood led Pakistan's fightback, scoring 145.
Masood fell to the second new ball, trapped leg before wicket by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka.
Masood's dismissal came three balls after Kagiso Rabada had Saud Shakeel caught at second slip for 23, ending a 51-run fourth-wicket stand.
Pakistan, a batter short after Saim Ayub suffered a broken ankle while fielding on the first morning, were still 92 runs in arrears after the double blow.
But Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) put on 88 for the sixth wicket and Aamer Jamal hit a quick 34 before the innings was ended.
South Africa's bowlers received virtually no assistance from a placid pitch.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who had been expected to be a major factor on a fourth day pitch, achieved minimal spin and toiled for 45 overs to take three for 137.
South Africa will go into the Test championship final against Australia at Lord's in June on the back of seven straight wins &ndash;- the second most successful sequence in their history.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Forced to follow, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the WTC final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58. Sports Cricket

South Africa eased to a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Monday in Cape Town to secure a 2-0 series win despite second-innings resistance from the tourists. Forced to follow on 421 runs behind on the first innings, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the World Test Championship final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58 late on the fourth day. Also Watch: Babar Azam loses cool over wild throw during Newlands Test David Bedingham hit 44 not out off 30 balls as South Africa sealed victory in just 7.1 overs. Bedingham was opening in place of Ryan Rickelton, who suffered a hamstring strain in the field after scoring 259 in South Africa's first innings of 615. Captain Shan Masood led Pakistan's fightback, scoring 145. Masood fell to the second new ball, trapped leg before wicket by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka. Masood's dismissal came three balls after Kagiso Rabada had Saud Shakeel caught at second slip for 23, ending a 51-run fourth-wicket stand. Pakistan, a batter short after Saim Ayub suffered a broken ankle while fielding on the first morning, were still 92 runs in arrears after the double blow. But Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) put on 88 for the sixth wicket and Aamer Jamal hit a quick 34 before the innings was ended. South Africa's bowlers received virtually no assistance from a placid pitch. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who had been expected to be a major factor on a fourth day pitch, achieved minimal spin and toiled for 45 overs to take three for 137. South Africa will go into the Test championship final against Australia at Lord's in June on the back of seven straight wins –- the second most successful sequence in their history. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Africa beat Pakistan in second Test to complete series whitewash

South Africa has become the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 after a thrilling win over Pakistan in the first Test on Sunday (Dec 29). The Proteas just needed to win one of the two games of their home Test series against Pakistan to enter their maiden WTC Final.
The Internatioal Cricket Council (ICC) also confirmed the same with a post on social medial platform X. Here's the post below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m59jga4l-qno0uto1-r1qxvcgh">
𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿 🇿🇦 South Africa are headed to Lord's for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> Final 🤩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a> ➡ <a href="https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm">https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm</a> <a href="https://t.co/sZ5QBnDAYD">pic.twitter.com/sZ5QBnDAYD</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1873329612169552313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
South Africa's chances were bightened up after India's 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home but them making it to the final speaks volume about their abilities too.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wtc-standings-gabba-draw-puts-india-in-must-win-territory-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-784931" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WTC Standings: Gabba draw puts India in 'must-win' territory ahead of Boxing Day Test</a>
Chasing a modest 148 to win the first Test against Pakistan, SA were cruising alsong at 62/3 before the visiting bowlers wrested back the control. SA went into the lunch on day 4 at 99/8, still needing 48 runs to win with two wickets left.
Kagiso Rabada (31 off 26 balls) and Marco Jansen (16 off 24) then added 51 runs for the ninth wicket to take SA to a thrilling win.
<h2>WTC Final 2025 Scenarios</h2>
With SA being confirmed as one of the finalists, only one of Australia and India can grab the second spot. Australia, which are second on the points tally, can still make it to the final despite drawing their ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 2-2 vs India. Australia, however, would need to win their next series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka after BGT ends in draw.
For India, they have to win the ongoing BGT 3-1 to ensure their qualification in the WTC Final and if they fail to do so, their qualification will rest on the other teams' results, especially Australia vs Sri Lanka.

Sports Cricket - WTC Final Scenarios: As SA enter their maiden WTC Final 2025, only one of India and Australia will be taking the second spot.

South Africa has become the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 after a thrilling win over Pakistan in the first Test on Sunday (Dec 29). The Proteas just needed to win one of the two games of their home Test series against Pakistan to enter their maiden WTC Final. The Internatioal Cricket Council (ICC) also confirmed the same with a post on social medial platform X. Here's the post below: 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿 🇿🇦 South Africa are headed to Lord's for the #WTC25 Final 🤩 #SAvPAK ➡ https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm pic.twitter.com/sZ5QBnDAYD — ICC (@ICC) December 29, 2024 South Africa's chances were bightened up after India's 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home but them making it to the final speaks volume about their abilities too. Also Read: WTC Standings: Gabba draw puts India in 'must-win' territory ahead of Boxing Day Test Chasing a modest 148 to win the first Test against Pakistan, SA were cruising alsong at 62/3 before the visiting bowlers wrested back the control. SA went into the lunch on day 4 at 99/8, still needing 48 runs to win with two wickets left. Kagiso Rabada (31 off 26 balls) and Marco Jansen (16 off 24) then added 51 runs for the ninth wicket to take SA to a thrilling win. WTC Final 2025 Scenarios With SA being confirmed as one of the finalists, only one of Australia and India can grab the second spot. Australia, which are second on the points tally, can still make it to the final despite drawing their ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 2-2 vs India. Australia, however, would need to win their next series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka after BGT ends in draw. For India, they have to win the ongoing BGT 3-1 to ensure their qualification in the WTC Final and if they fail to do so, their qualification will rest on the other teams' results, especially Australia vs Sri Lanka.

WTC 2025: South Africa enter final with thrilling win over Pakistan

A biodiversity hotspot, Kamieskroon, in South&nbsp;Africa surrounded by protected plant species has turned into the illegal trade of these plants. Organised groups were reported engaged in smuggling the rare species plants to fulfil their oversee demands, BBC reported.&nbsp;
A livestock farmer expressed her dismay at the social and ecological crisis to BBC saying, "They've not just stolen our land or our plants, they've stolen our heritage as well."&nbsp;
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Most of the plants there are subject to illegal trading&nbsp;are a a variety known as succulents, named for their ability to hold water and survive in arid climates, BBC reported. Many of these species are found in the Succulent Karoo desert (Spans across South Africa and Namibia).&nbsp;
Succulent species are found in varied sizes, shapes and colours and some of them look like small multi-coloured buttons while some look like cacti. They sprout flowers of various colours at a fixed time of the year.&nbsp;
Although these plants can be cultivated in nurseries, the increasing global demand has resulted in the poaching of these plants further getting smuggled and sold online to buyers across the US, Europe, and East Asia.&nbsp;
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Pieter van Wyk, a nursery curator, told BBC, "In South Africa, we&nbsp;know already of seven species that have been wiped out completely and there are certainly more species that will go extinct very soon."&nbsp;
It is not yet clear the number of plants being poached but as per some unofficial reports, around 1.6 million illegally harvested succulents were seized by South Africa's law enforcement agencies between 2019 and 2024. 
(With inputs from agencies)
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Succulent species are found in varied sizes, shapes and colours and some of them look like small multi-coloured buttons while some look like cacti. They sprout flowers of various colours at a fixed time of the year. 

A biodiversity hotspot, Kamieskroon, in South Africa surrounded by protected plant species has turned into the illegal trade of these plants. Organised groups were reported engaged in smuggling the rare species plants to fulfil their oversee demands, BBC reported. A livestock farmer expressed her dismay at the social and ecological crisis to BBC saying, "They've not just stolen our land or our plants, they've stolen our heritage as well." Also read | Amid Panama Canal row, Donald Trump picks Miami-Dade official as Panama ambassador Most of the plants there are subject to illegal trading are a a variety known as succulents, named for their ability to hold water and survive in arid climates, BBC reported. Many of these species are found in the Succulent Karoo desert (Spans across South Africa and Namibia). Succulent species are found in varied sizes, shapes and colours and some of them look like small multi-coloured buttons while some look like cacti. They sprout flowers of various colours at a fixed time of the year. Although these plants can be cultivated in nurseries, the increasing global demand has resulted in the poaching of these plants further getting smuggled and sold online to buyers across the US, Europe, and East Asia. Also read | Azerbaijan Airlines crash: Russia cautions against promoting 'hypotheses' about accident Pieter van Wyk, a nursery curator, told BBC, "In South Africa, we know already of seven species that have been wiped out completely and there are certainly more species that will go extinct very soon." It is not yet clear the number of plants being poached but as per some unofficial reports, around 1.6 million illegally harvested succulents were seized by South Africa's law enforcement agencies between 2019 and 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's 'super-strange looking' plants being poached

22 Elections were held in African countries, spanning Presidential, legislative, and local levels. These elections showcased a mixture of continuity, change, and the complexities of governance in the region. Watch in for more details!

Elections Were A Test For Democracy, Institutional Capacity

South Africa’s biggest exporter of live tigers faces pressure for ban on tiger farms from animal rights groups. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: Animal Group Seeks Ban on Tiger Farms

Protests over the election results in Mozambique caused South Africa to temporarily halt operations at its border crossing with the southeast African country. Mozambique is an important hub for exporting coal and chrome. Watch in for more details!

Key South African Trade Route To Mozambique Shut As Protests Flare

Protests over the election results in Mozambique caused South Africa to temporarily halt operations at its border crossing with the Southeast African country. Mozambique is an important hub for exporting coal and chrome.&nbsp;

The highway that handles over a thousand lorries daily on route to Maputo's port was stopped by Mozambican demonstrators. They were enraged at the outcome of the country's elections on October 9.&nbsp;

Protestors attacked additional critical infrastructure over the weekend and succeeded in forcing the authorities to shut down two power plants. South Africa's border management authority announced Monday that the Lebombo border port of entry has temporarily suspended operations for passenger movements and general cargo processing.&nbsp;

Jane Thupana, Acting Commissioner at South Africa's Border Management Authority, said, "Transporters are urged not to dispatch new vehicles to the port until further notice."&nbsp;

While vehicles could enter Mozambique before, the current standstill indicates an increase in the number of blockages at the border. According to the Road Freight Association, South Africa is projected to incur a daily cost of 10 million rand or over $560,000 due to the shutdown.&nbsp;

As a result of the closure, another important source of foreign currency for Mozambique will be cut off.

Protests over the election results in Mozambique caused South Africa to temporarily halt operations at its border crossing with the Southeast African country. Mozambique is an important hub for exporting coal and chrome.

Protests over the election results in Mozambique caused South Africa to temporarily halt operations at its border crossing with the Southeast African country. Mozambique is an important hub for exporting coal and chrome. The highway that handles over a thousand lorries daily on route to Maputo's port was stopped by Mozambican demonstrators. They were enraged at the outcome of the country's elections on October 9. Protestors attacked additional critical infrastructure over the weekend and succeeded in forcing the authorities to shut down two power plants. South Africa's border management authority announced Monday that the Lebombo border port of entry has temporarily suspended operations for passenger movements and general cargo processing. Jane Thupana, Acting Commissioner at South Africa's Border Management Authority, said, "Transporters are urged not to dispatch new vehicles to the port until further notice." While vehicles could enter Mozambique before, the current standstill indicates an increase in the number of blockages at the border. According to the Road Freight Association, South Africa is projected to incur a daily cost of 10 million rand or over $560,000 due to the shutdown. As a result of the closure, another important source of foreign currency for Mozambique will be cut off.

Key South African trade route to Mozambique shut as protests flare

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