South Africa has asked Taiwan to move its unofficial embassy out of the administrative capital, Pretoria, in a move that’s seen as appeasing ally China. Watch in for more details!

South Africa Urges Taiwan to Relocate Its De Facto Embassy From Pretoria

South Africa Asks Taiwan to Move De Facto Embassy From Pretoria

South Africa is set to raise the legal marriage age to 18 in a move to prevent child marriages and protect children's rights. The new legislation aims to safeguard minors from exploitation and promote gender equality, ensuring that all marriages are consensual and between adults. This step is part of broader efforts to strengthen legal protections for young people in the country.

South Africa: Legal Marriage Age To Be Raised To 18 Years

Chris Brown’s forthcoming concert in South Africa has led to a renewed focus on the country’s shocking levels of violence against women. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: Chris Brown Concert Shines Spotlight on Violence Against Women

In South Africa, a tavern owner opened fire following an altercation, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people. The incident occurred after a fight broke out at the establishment, escalating into gun violence. Authorities have registered the case as a mass murder and launched an investigation into the shooting. The event has shocked the local community, with calls for justice and stricter gun control measures in the wake

South Africa: Tavern Owner Opens Fire After Fight, Seven Murders Registered

Rare rainfall has hit some of the most arid places on Earth. Southeastern Morocco Sahara Desert known for its frequent drought is experiencing floods. Watch in for more details!

Rare-Flooding Hits Drought Hit Sahara Dessert, Creating Lagoons Amid The Sand Dunes

Another mass shooting has rocked the Eastern Cape in South Africa with six community patrollers having been gunned down while four others were injured. Watch for more details!

South Africa: Six People Killed, Four Injured in Eastern Cape Mass Shooting

Scientists have found the oldest living microbes in a two-billion-year-old rock buried almost 50 feet below the ground. The finding suggests that a sealed rock fracture has been hosting the oldest known life in such conditions.&nbsp;

A one-foot sample was excavated beneath South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex and is 1.9 billion years older than the previous microbial record-holder.

Experts are hoping to understand the earliest stages of evolutionary life on Earth as well as Mars using the new information.

A team at the University of Tokyo’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences made the discovery and published the findings in the journal Microbial Ecology on October 2. The same team had also confirmed the previous oldest known life forms in 2020.

“We didn’t know if 2-billion-year-old rocks were habitable… so this is a very exciting discovery,” Yohey Suzuki, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science, said in a statement.

The researchers used previous methodologies for determining an organism’s age and origin and built upon them to find the unknown microbes. They needed to figure out whether the microbial life found was in fact as old as it presented itself, or whether it got contaminated during excavation and analysis.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-saga-continues-mission-to-probe-crime-scene-on-dimorphos-ready-for-blast-off-764738">Mission to probe 'crime scene' on Dimorphos ready for blast off</a>

They combined three types of imaging approaches, electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, to do so.

Scientists say that their habitat has likely helped them live longer than any other life form on Earth. Located in northeastern South Africa, the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) sits in a roughly 41,000-square-mile region known for rich deposits of ore. It also has an estimated 70 per cent of all mined platinum.&nbsp;

Volcanic magma cooled billions of years ago under the Earth’s surface in regions as thick as 5.6 miles. These haven't changed since then, but have tiny fissures where microbial life is packed densely. Later, clay sediment closed the gaps and trapped the tiny organisms inside. Nothing else was able to enter because of this.

This helped microbial life to continue to remain stable at an extremely slow pace without witnessing any evolutionary changes.&nbsp;

Scientists have found the oldest living microbes in a two-billion-year-old rock buried almost 50 feet below the ground. The finding suggests that a sealed rock fracture has been hosting the oldest known life in such conditions.

Scientists have found the oldest living microbes in a two-billion-year-old rock buried almost 50 feet below the ground. The finding suggests that a sealed rock fracture has been hosting the oldest known life in such conditions. A one-foot sample was excavated beneath South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex and is 1.9 billion years older than the previous microbial record-holder. Experts are hoping to understand the earliest stages of evolutionary life on Earth as well as Mars using the new information. A team at the University of Tokyo’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences made the discovery and published the findings in the journal Microbial Ecology on October 2. The same team had also confirmed the previous oldest known life forms in 2020. “We didn’t know if 2-billion-year-old rocks were habitable… so this is a very exciting discovery,” Yohey Suzuki, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science, said in a statement. The researchers used previous methodologies for determining an organism’s age and origin and built upon them to find the unknown microbes. They needed to figure out whether the microbial life found was in fact as old as it presented itself, or whether it got contaminated during excavation and analysis. Also Read: Mission to probe 'crime scene' on Dimorphos ready for blast off They combined three types of imaging approaches, electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, to do so. Scientists say that their habitat has likely helped them live longer than any other life form on Earth. Located in northeastern South Africa, the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) sits in a roughly 41,000-square-mile region known for rich deposits of ore. It also has an estimated 70 per cent of all mined platinum. Volcanic magma cooled billions of years ago under the Earth’s surface in regions as thick as 5.6 miles. These haven't changed since then, but have tiny fissures where microbial life is packed densely. Later, clay sediment closed the gaps and trapped the tiny organisms inside. Nothing else was able to enter because of this. This helped microbial life to continue to remain stable at an extremely slow pace without witnessing any evolutionary changes.

Oldest alive microbes are two-billion-year old and living in a rock. How did they survive?

A farmer and two of his workers have been accused of fatally shooting two Black women and feeding them to pigs in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province in August. The incident has sparked outrage in South Africa. Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were shot by a White farmer, while they were looking for food on the farm near Polokwane in Limpopo province.

South African Farmer Kills, 'Feeds' Two Black Women To Pigs, Sparks Outrage

A farmer and two of his workers have been accused of&nbsp;fatally shooting&nbsp;two Black women and feeding them to pigs in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province in August. The incident has sparked outrage in South Africa.&nbsp;

Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were shot by a White farmer, while they were looking for food on the farm near Polokwane in Limpopo province.&nbsp;

Their bodies were then allegedly given to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.

Currently, the court is deciding whether to grant bail to farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier, 60, and his employees Adrian de Wet, 19, and William Musora, 50, ahead of their murder trial.&nbsp;

The three men have not been asked to enter a plea in court yet. However, they can do so&nbsp;after the trial begins.

<h2>Protest against the killing of women</h2>

During previous hearings, people have been protesting outside court demanding that the suspects be denied bail.&nbsp;

Makgato’s brother Walter Mathole told BBC that the incident has further exacerbated racial tension between Black and White people in South Africa.

The three accused are also facing charges in the court of attempted murder for shooting at Ndlovu's husband, who was with the women at the farm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-africa-plans-to-bomb-its-island-soon-to-eradicate-killer-mice-753724">Also read:&nbsp;South Africa plans to bomb its island soon to eradicate 'killer' mice</a>

Ncube survived the ordeal, crawled away and managed to call a doctor for help. He said that he reported the incident to police and officers found the decomposing bodies of his wife and Makgato in the pigsty several days later.

Mathole said he was with officers and saw a shocking sight inside the pig enclosure – his sister’s body which had been partly eaten by the animals.

“My mum died a painful death, she was a loving mother who did everything for us. We lacked nothing because of her,” Ranti Makgato, the oldest of Makgato's sons, told the BBC.

Watch |&nbsp;South Africa Arrests 81 Undocumented Foreigners

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“I think I’ll sleep better at night if the alleged killers are denied bail,” he added.

<h2>Human Rights Commission condemns the incident&nbsp;</h2>

The South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the killings and called for anti-racism dialogues between affected communities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A farmer and two of his workers have been accused of fatally shooting two Black women and feeding them to pigs in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province in August.

A farmer and two of his workers have been accused of fatally shooting two Black women and feeding them to pigs in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province in August. The incident has sparked outrage in South Africa. Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were shot by a White farmer, while they were looking for food on the farm near Polokwane in Limpopo province. Their bodies were then allegedly given to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence. Currently, the court is deciding whether to grant bail to farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier, 60, and his employees Adrian de Wet, 19, and William Musora, 50, ahead of their murder trial. The three men have not been asked to enter a plea in court yet. However, they can do so after the trial begins. Protest against the killing of women During previous hearings, people have been protesting outside court demanding that the suspects be denied bail. Makgato’s brother Walter Mathole told BBC that the incident has further exacerbated racial tension between Black and White people in South Africa. The three accused are also facing charges in the court of attempted murder for shooting at Ndlovu's husband, who was with the women at the farm. Also read: South Africa plans to bomb its island soon to eradicate 'killer' mice Ncube survived the ordeal, crawled away and managed to call a doctor for help. He said that he reported the incident to police and officers found the decomposing bodies of his wife and Makgato in the pigsty several days later. Mathole said he was with officers and saw a shocking sight inside the pig enclosure – his sister’s body which had been partly eaten by the animals. “My mum died a painful death, she was a loving mother who did everything for us. We lacked nothing because of her,” Ranti Makgato, the oldest of Makgato's sons, told the BBC. Watch | South Africa Arrests 81 Undocumented Foreigners × “I think I’ll sleep better at night if the alleged killers are denied bail,” he added. Human Rights Commission condemns the incident The South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the killings and called for anti-racism dialogues between affected communities. (With inputs from agencies)

South African farmer kills, 'feeds' two Black women to pigs, sparks outrage

Police have detained one person for questioning in connection with the Lusikisiki mass shootings that left 18 dead in the Eastern Cape. The victims were gunned down at a homestead in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, where the family was preparing for a traditional ritual to mark the end of the mourning period for a mother and daughter, who were also shot and killed in August last year.

South Africa: No Arrests In Mass Shootings Case As Death Toll Rises To 18

There have been a series of arrests of undocumented immigrants caught on the streets or at workplaces across the country in joint operations the SAPS, Home Affairs and Employment and Labour departments.

South Africa Arrests 81 Undocumented Foreigners

A media report citing deputy water and sanitation minister David Malabo showed South Africa is facing a severe water supply crisis due to rising municipal debt and failing infrastructure.

South Africa Faces Water Crisis Over Unpaid Debts | World Business Watch

A media report citing Deputy water and sanitation Minister David Mahlobo showed South Africa is facing a severe water supply crisis due to rising municipal debt and failing infrastructure. Watch to know more. Watch to know more.

South Africa's Unpaid Debt in Focus

Seventeen people died in a mass shooting in a rural village in Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Following the incident, the South African police, on Saturday (Sep 28) said that they&nbsp;launched an investigation into the matter.&nbsp;

According to the police, two separate homesteads in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape were targeted. The mass shooting led to the killing of 12 women and one man in one location, and three women and one man at a second location.

Meanwhile, the 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital, &nbsp;South Africa Police Service said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-bus-hijacking-ends-with-wild-police-chase-of-suspect-one-killed-761990">Also read:&nbsp;Los Angeles bus hijacking ends with wild police chase of suspect; one killed</a>

The police ministers and commissioner are scheduled to give a national briefing.&nbsp;

The South African media has reported that the victims were relatives and neighbours in Nyathi village, Ngobozana in Lusikisiki.

According to the local media, the group was gathered at the houses to prepare to attend a traditional mourning ceremony when they were attacked on Friday night.

Watch |&nbsp;US: Mass Shooting in Alabama Leaves 4 Dead, Multiple Injured

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"The gunmen came and shot randomly killing everyone. Women and children were also killed in the bloody shooting," News outlet Dispatch Live quoted&nbsp;local Ingquza Hil mayor Nonkosi Pepping as saying.&nbsp;

"This has left the community terrified," Pepping added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Seventeen people died in a mass shooting in a rural village in Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Following the incident, the South African police, on Saturday (Sep 28) said that they launched an investigation into the matter.

Seventeen people died in a mass shooting in a rural village in Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Following the incident, the South African police, on Saturday (Sep 28) said that they launched an investigation into the matter. According to the police, two separate homesteads in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape were targeted. The mass shooting led to the killing of 12 women and one man in one location, and three women and one man at a second location. Meanwhile, the 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital, South Africa Police Service said. Also read: Los Angeles bus hijacking ends with wild police chase of suspect; one killed The police ministers and commissioner are scheduled to give a national briefing. The South African media has reported that the victims were relatives and neighbours in Nyathi village, Ngobozana in Lusikisiki. According to the local media, the group was gathered at the houses to prepare to attend a traditional mourning ceremony when they were attacked on Friday night. Watch | US: Mass Shooting in Alabama Leaves 4 Dead, Multiple Injured × "The gunmen came and shot randomly killing everyone. Women and children were also killed in the bloody shooting," News outlet Dispatch Live quoted local Ingquza Hil mayor Nonkosi Pepping as saying. "This has left the community terrified," Pepping added. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa mass shooting: 17 killed, probe underway

The remains of 42 South African freedom fighters, who perished in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia during the struggle against white minority rule, returned to their homeland on Wednesday. Government officials and family members received the remains at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria after they were exhumed for reburial. This initiative is part of a government program aimed at providing closure to families whose loved ones died far from home while fighting in the underground movements of the African National Congress and Pan Africanist Congress.

Remains Of South African Freedom Fighters Arrive Home From Zimbabwe and Zambia

Africa's largest aerospace and defence exhibition takes flight at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria. This landmark event aims to enhance collaboration within the continent's aerospace and defence sectors, showcasing cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships.

South Africa's: Aerospace Exhibition Held at Waterkloof Airbase in Pretoria

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a superb century before leg-spin magician Rashid Khan marked his 26th birthday by taking five wickets as Afghanistan thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second one-day international on Friday.

Gurbaz hit 105 as Afghanistan made 311-4 before the Proteas lost nine wickets for 61 runs to be bowled out for just 134 in the 35th over.

It was the seventh century in the 22-year-old's Gurbaz's ODI career and included 10 fours and three sixes.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/multan-not-karachi-to-host-second-england-test-as-pcb-approves-revised-schedule-760408">Multan, not Karachi, to host second England Test as PCB approves revised schedule</a>

"I had a hamstring injury but I try my best to stay on the ground and do my best for the team," said man-of-the-match Rashid after taking 5-19.&nbsp;

"It was a great opportunity for us to win the series against a big team, so I had to stay till the end."

Two days after winning the first ODI by six wickets, Afghanistan made a bright start as the openers capitalised on winning the toss.&nbsp;

Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan added 88 for the first wicket before Aiden Markram had Hassan leg before for 29.&nbsp;

That brought in Rahmat Shah (50) who shared a 101-run partnership with Gurbaz before the opener fell shortly after reaching his milestone, bowled by Nandre Burger for 105.&nbsp;

The innings slowed with that dismissal although Azmatullah Omarzai&nbsp;hit the accelerator with a rapid, undefeated 50-ball 86 which included six sixes, to ensure an awkward chase for the Proteas.

In reply, South Africa's openers, skipper Temba Bavuma, who top-scored with 38, and Tony de Zorzi (31) put on 73 for the first wicket.

But once they had departed, the Proteas fell apart.

Leg-spin star Rashid took 5-19 from nine overs and was ably supported by rookie off-spinner Nangeyalia Kharote who enjoyed figures of 4-26 in just just his third ODI appearance.

"I think the job for openers is to lay the foundation but wickets started falling and we came unstuck against spin," said Bavuma.

"It was not a good enough performance. We were not able to take ten wickets and that's a conversation we need to have. They were a lot better than us clinically."

Rashid's haul took his career total to 190 wickets in the format.

He dismissed middle-order dangermen Tristan Stubbs (five), Kyle Verreynne (two) and Wiaan Mulder (two) for the addition of just eight runs in back-to-back overs.

With the series wrapped up, Afghanistan will look to complete a whitewash in the third and final match in Sharjah on Sunday.

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.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a superb century before leg-spin magician Rashid Khan marked his 26th birthday by taking five wickets as Afghanistan thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second one-day international on Friday.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a superb century before leg-spin magician Rashid Khan marked his 26th birthday by taking five wickets as Afghanistan thrashed South Africa by 177 runs in the second one-day international on Friday. Gurbaz hit 105 as Afghanistan made 311-4 before the Proteas lost nine wickets for 61 runs to be bowled out for just 134 in the 35th over. It was the seventh century in the 22-year-old's Gurbaz's ODI career and included 10 fours and three sixes. Also Read: Multan, not Karachi, to host second England Test as PCB approves revised schedule "I had a hamstring injury but I try my best to stay on the ground and do my best for the team," said man-of-the-match Rashid after taking 5-19. "It was a great opportunity for us to win the series against a big team, so I had to stay till the end." Two days after winning the first ODI by six wickets, Afghanistan made a bright start as the openers capitalised on winning the toss. Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan added 88 for the first wicket before Aiden Markram had Hassan leg before for 29. That brought in Rahmat Shah (50) who shared a 101-run partnership with Gurbaz before the opener fell shortly after reaching his milestone, bowled by Nandre Burger for 105. The innings slowed with that dismissal although Azmatullah Omarzai hit the accelerator with a rapid, undefeated 50-ball 86 which included six sixes, to ensure an awkward chase for the Proteas. In reply, South Africa's openers, skipper Temba Bavuma, who top-scored with 38, and Tony de Zorzi (31) put on 73 for the first wicket. But once they had departed, the Proteas fell apart. Leg-spin star Rashid took 5-19 from nine overs and was ably supported by rookie off-spinner Nangeyalia Kharote who enjoyed figures of 4-26 in just just his third ODI appearance. "I think the job for openers is to lay the foundation but wickets started falling and we came unstuck against spin," said Bavuma. "It was not a good enough performance. We were not able to take ten wickets and that's a conversation we need to have. They were a lot better than us clinically." Rashid's haul took his career total to 190 wickets in the format. He dismissed middle-order dangermen Tristan Stubbs (five), Kyle Verreynne (two) and Wiaan Mulder (two) for the addition of just eight runs in back-to-back overs. With the series wrapped up, Afghanistan will look to complete a whitewash in the third and final match in Sharjah on Sunday. 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.

SA vs AFG: Gurbaz, Rashid star as Afghanistan take unassailable series lead with win in second ODI

The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa has warned that it will crack down on restaurants flouting the law. This comes after the department conducted a "blitz" inspection at a restaurant in Menlyn, Tshwane.

Labour law raids hit South African restaurants

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said he would sign into law a disputed education bill, prompting the first sign of real friction in his unity government when the second-biggest party said the move jeopardised the coalition deal.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa signs 'divisive' education bill

South Africa's Ramaphosa signs education bill, grants 3 months for consultations

South African President Ramaphosa is all set to sign a controversial education bill on Friday, September 13th. Watch to know more.

South Africa: Education bill to become law after President Ramaphosa signs amendment

South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has warned that Kamal Singhala, son of fugitive Ajay Gupta, of the possibility of having his citizenship revoked. Watch in for more details!

South Africa's Home Ministry wants to revoke Gupta son's citizenship

South Africa: Home Ministry wants to revoke Gupta son's citizenship

South Africa recently welcomed three injured children from Gaza through the gift of mobility campaign. This is a private initiative focusing on restoring mobility to those children who lost limbs During the war in Gaza. Here’s a detailed report by Kalden Ongmu.

South African hospital's 'mobility campaign': Restoring mobility in disabled Gazans

The 21-year-old daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma is set to marry the Eswatini king “for love” and become his 16th wife, a spokesman for Africa’s last remaining monarchy told BBC.

Nomcebo Zuma was present at the annual reed dance—a traditional celebration of passage for young women and girls—and was named as the liphovela (italics), meaning royal fiancee in Swati.&nbsp;

The days-long reed dance is a traditional rite of womanhood, with young women singing and dancing bare-chested, wearing traditional clothing that includes anklets and thick colourful tassels, some carrying mock swords and shields.

The 56-year-old Eswatini monarch, King Mswati II is currently in a polygamous arrangement with 11 wives—and has been married 15 times in total.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-africa-plans-to-bomb-its-island-soon-to-eradicate-killer-mice-753724">South Africa plans to bomb its island soon to eradicate 'killer' mice</a>

The Eswatini monarchy spokesperson dismissed any suggestion of marriage being a political alliance. He said instead the marriage is happening because of love.

"Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally," he told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

King Mswati and the former South African president Zuma are already relatives through marriage.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Africa: Ramaphosa takes oath as President, coalition govt in SA

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Eswatini king has been on the throne for the last 38 years and has been often accused of living a luxurious polygamous life while most of his people suffer in poverty.&nbsp;

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, has a population of 1.1 million and one of the world’s highest rates of HIV/Aids infection.

Zuma, on the other hand, resigned in disgrace over corruption allegations during his presidency and still faces a court case over the 1999 arms deal, though he denies wrong-doing. However, the 82-year-old is respected by his supporters for upholding his cultural and traditional Zulu beliefs.

The former South African president also had several wives and is thought to have 20 children.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-former-president-jacob-zuma-expelled-from-anc-745281">South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma expelled from his ANC party</a>

Nomcebo was dressed in the bright colours of the Eswatini kingdom on the last day of the reed dance on Monday. &nbsp;Also, known as the Umhlanga ceremony, it is intended to discourage those taking part from becoming sexually active at a young age.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that King Mswati III has chosen a young bride at&nbsp;the Umhlanga ceremony. In 2005, he chose 17-year-old Phindile Nkambule as his wife, a few days after he had revoked a ban on sexual relations for girls younger than 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 21-year-old daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma is set to marry the Eswatini king “for love” and become his 16th wife, a spokesman for Africa’s last remaining monarchy told BBC.

The 21-year-old daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma is set to marry the Eswatini king “for love” and become his 16th wife, a spokesman for Africa’s last remaining monarchy told BBC. Nomcebo Zuma was present at the annual reed dance—a traditional celebration of passage for young women and girls—and was named as the liphovela (italics), meaning royal fiancee in Swati. The days-long reed dance is a traditional rite of womanhood, with young women singing and dancing bare-chested, wearing traditional clothing that includes anklets and thick colourful tassels, some carrying mock swords and shields. The 56-year-old Eswatini monarch, King Mswati II is currently in a polygamous arrangement with 11 wives—and has been married 15 times in total. Also Read | South Africa plans to bomb its island soon to eradicate 'killer' mice The Eswatini monarchy spokesperson dismissed any suggestion of marriage being a political alliance. He said instead the marriage is happening because of love. "Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally," he told the BBC’s Newsday programme. King Mswati and the former South African president Zuma are already relatives through marriage. Watch | South Africa: Ramaphosa takes oath as President, coalition govt in SA × Eswatini king has been on the throne for the last 38 years and has been often accused of living a luxurious polygamous life while most of his people suffer in poverty. Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, has a population of 1.1 million and one of the world’s highest rates of HIV/Aids infection. Zuma, on the other hand, resigned in disgrace over corruption allegations during his presidency and still faces a court case over the 1999 arms deal, though he denies wrong-doing. However, the 82-year-old is respected by his supporters for upholding his cultural and traditional Zulu beliefs. The former South African president also had several wives and is thought to have 20 children. Also Read | South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma expelled from his ANC party Nomcebo was dressed in the bright colours of the Eswatini kingdom on the last day of the reed dance on Monday. Also, known as the Umhlanga ceremony, it is intended to discourage those taking part from becoming sexually active at a young age. This is not the first time that King Mswati III has chosen a young bride at the Umhlanga ceremony. In 2005, he chose 17-year-old Phindile Nkambule as his wife, a few days after he had revoked a ban on sexual relations for girls younger than 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-South African president Zuma's daughter to marry polygamous king and become his 16th wife

The 56-year-old King of Eswatini, erstwhile Swaziland, is marrying for the 16th time. King Mswati III's bride is all of 20, she is the daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma. King Mswati's father had 125 wives. #Gravitas brings you the whole story.

Gravitas: The King of Swaziland is marrying for the 16th time, his father had 125 wives

The daughter of the former South African President Jacob Zuma is set to marry the king of Eswatini formerly known as Swaziland. She will be the 16th wife of the 56-year-old Monarch. Watch in for more details!

Nomcebo Zuma to become 16th wife of King Mswati III

South Africa’s latest official crime statistics have revealed alarming numbers. The surge in violent crime across the country is rampant. Murder rates have been consistently high and the figures serve as a clear reminder of the critical need for action. Kalden Ongmu reports.

South Africa's alarming crime numbers | World of Africa

While the former South African president Jacob Zuma appeared for a high court pre-trial hearing in an arms deal corruption case in the country. The case relates to allegations surrounding a multi-million dollar government deal with French arms Trader in the 1990s. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Arms deal corruption case against Zuma

South Africa: Former South Africa President Zuma appears for pre-trial hearing

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