In another cold-blooded mass shooting, eight people have been shot dead, and three others have been injured in South Africa's Eastern Cape province on Sunday evening.

"Preliminary investigation at this stage has revealed that between 17:15 and 17:30, the owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when two unknown gunmen entered the yard in Makanda Street in Kwazakele and started shooting at the guests. Seven people (three females and four males) were fatally injured while another four people (two females and two males) sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital for treatment. One of the victims succumbed to the injuries in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. The owner of the house was among the deceased," a statement from the police confirmed.

The gunmen, as per a Reuters report, fled the scene of the attack.&nbsp;

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack is underway. No arrests have been made at this stage, it further added.

The identity of the deceased and injured is still to be established. However, the police have disclosed that the owner of the house is among the victims.

As per Reuters, the latest attack follows a spate of shootings that shocked the nation last year.&nbsp;

In South Africa, murder rates are among the world's highest, with close to 20,000 people killed every year. As per the campaign group, Gun Free South Africa, the nation of 60 million people, has around 3 million registered and many more unregistered guns.

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In another cold-blooded mass shooting, eight people have been shot dead, and three others have been injured in South Africa's Eastern Cape province on Sunday evening.

In another cold-blooded mass shooting, eight people have been shot dead, and three others have been injured in South Africa's Eastern Cape province on Sunday evening. "Preliminary investigation at this stage has revealed that between 17:15 and 17:30, the owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when two unknown gunmen entered the yard in Makanda Street in Kwazakele and started shooting at the guests. Seven people (three females and four males) were fatally injured while another four people (two females and two males) sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital for treatment. One of the victims succumbed to the injuries in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. The owner of the house was among the deceased," a statement from the police confirmed. The gunmen, as per a Reuters report, fled the scene of the attack. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack is underway. No arrests have been made at this stage, it further added. The identity of the deceased and injured is still to be established. However, the police have disclosed that the owner of the house is among the victims. As per Reuters, the latest attack follows a spate of shootings that shocked the nation last year. In South Africa, murder rates are among the world's highest, with close to 20,000 people killed every year. As per the campaign group, Gun Free South Africa, the nation of 60 million people, has around 3 million registered and many more unregistered guns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Africa: Eight shot dead at a birthday party; manhunt underway for gunmen

Scripting history, India won the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup on Sunday, battering England by seven wickets. In a sense, it was a déjà vu for Indian cricketing fans as MS Dhoni and his bunch of mavericks had also won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa 15 summers ago in 2007.

Scripting history, India won the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup on Sunday, battering England by seven wickets. In a sense, it was a déjà vu for Indian cricketing fans as MS Dhoni and his bunch of mavericks had also won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa 15 summers ago in 2007. Soumya Tiwari scored the winning runs for India as the entire bench ran the length of the turf to celebrate the momentous moment for the women's game. Congratulations to the first ever champions of the Women's #U19T20WorldCup! 🏆🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/LKKRIgrh8e — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) January 29, 2023 × India bowlers once again emerged as the star of the show as they restricted England to a paltry score of 68, without allowing them to play the full quota of 20 overs. Bowling first at Senwes Park, Indian bowlers had their radar right from the word go. Titas Ranadeep Sadhu struck in the first over, sending Liberty Heap back to the pavilion, after gulping a skier that came her way. Off-spinner Archana Devi backed up the good start with a double-wicket, sending opposition skipper Scrivens and Fiona Holland in the same over. Indian fielders rose to the occasion as runouts and stumpings made sure that the English side never got any whiff of recovery. Read more: Australia head coach worried about Cameron's Green bowling load during Border-Gavaskar series Explaining the sensational start to the match which set the tone for India's victory, Sadhu recalled that her main aim was to enjoy the outing. "We were planning that we will get a good start (with the ball), we thought we will enjoy the three hours and that's the only plan." This wasn't the first instance where English batting had failed in a crunch game. In the semifinal against Australia, England were left tottering at 45/7 before lower-order contributions took them to 99 which was defended heroically by the bowlers. However, the three lioness bowlers were not able to repeat a similar feat as the Indian batters proved too brute and calculated in their approach. Read more: Ravi Ashwin urges fans to remain patient with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma with 2023 World Cup in sight Despite losing skipper Shafali Verma early on in the chase and later Shweta Sanjay Sehrawat, India did not panic and managed to keep their wits about, reaching the target with six overs to spare, Soumya Tiwari steered the innings with a 37 ball 24 runs knock while Gongadi Trisha stood beside her, only departing when three runs were required for the historic win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

HISTORIC! India beat England to win the inaugural Women's U19 T20 World Cup

South Africa has signed a deal to transfer more than a hundred Cheetahs to India. The deal is a part of an ambitious project to reintroduce the spotted cats in India. South African Environment Ministry said an initial batch of 12 Cheetahs would be flown to India next month.

South African Cheetahs to roam in India soon; SA-India sign deal to translocate over 100 Cheetahs

Africa has signed a deal to transfer more than a hundred cheetahs to India. The deal is part of an ambitious project to reintroduce these spotted cats in India. The South African environment ministry says an initial batch of 12 cheetahs would be flown to India next month.

South Africa-India sign deal to translocate over 100 Cheetahs

WION Climate Tracker: South African Cheetahs to roam in India soon

South Africa and the United States are to set up a task force to "follow the money" behind the illegal wildlife trade, US Treasury chief Janet Yellen said on Wednesday. South Africa is a hotspot for poaching, especially of rhinos.

WION Dispatch: US announces anti-poaching task force with South Africa

A native ethnic group of South Africa - the Zulus - has commemorated the anniversary of the 1879 Anglo-Zulu war. People wearing ceremonial animal hides and bone necklaces re-enacted a battle which was one of the most humiliating defeats inflicted on the colonial troops in South Africa.

World Of Africa: Zulu men re-enact the Isandlwana battle

Thousands of people rushed to the streets of Johannesburg to protest a prolonged energy crisis. The crisis has caused record power cuts in South Africa. Watch further to know more.

WION Dispatch: South Africa cripples with energy crisis, protests in Johannesburg

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was welcomed by his South African counterpart for talks in Pretoria on Monday. South Africa has refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and resisted taking sides over the war.

WION Dispatch: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov meets South African counterpart Naledi Pandor in Pretoria

The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island. However, critics of the plan suggest that instead of killing, sterilisation or neutering might be a better way to handle the rising numbers of the monkey species.

The plan to kill hundreds of monkeys comes after farmer complaints that the invasive species were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood,” reports Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques from Cambodia

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An NGO by the name of Nature Foundation St Maarten which as per its website aims to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come” will execute the government-funded plan to capture and euthanise more than 450 monkeys over the next three years. The numbers are from a now-outdated survey carried out in 2020.

Sint Maarten’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication in December approved 100,000NAf ($55,000) in funding per year for the project.

Leslie Hickerson, the NGO’s manager, said that it can be difficult to maintain population size control for invasive species as they lack natural predators in the area.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyas-war-against-feathered-locusts-to-have-wider-consequences-experts-553531">Kenya declares war against millions of birds. Here's why</a>

“Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” he said.&nbsp;

The species which is native to southern and eastern Africa was introduced to the region sometime in the 17th century by European settlers who kept them as exotic pets.

Dave Du Toit, founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation says that the cull is unlikely to work.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-model-rediscovers-australian-bristlebird-feared-lost-since-2020-bushfires-553879">AI model rediscovers Australian Bristlebird feared lost since 2020 bushfires</a>

His non-profit shelters orphaned and injured primates in South Africa where the species is native. He suggests “vasectomise the males and sterilise the females” would work better.&nbsp;

Du Toit also said that research into food disposal practices and the availability of food for wildlife might help in achieving a more harmonious existence between the monkeys and the humans of Sint Maarten.

However, yet another suggestion is to capture and relocate the entire monkey population. The proposition has been offered by Eusebio Richardson, a ranger with the Nature Foundation who says that given how fast these monkeys reproduce, relocation might be the only way to “protect the biodiversity of the island”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island.

The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island. However, critics of the plan suggest that instead of killing, sterilisation or neutering might be a better way to handle the rising numbers of the monkey species. The plan to kill hundreds of monkeys comes after farmer complaints that the invasive species were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood,” reports Guardian. Watch | Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques from Cambodia An NGO by the name of Nature Foundation St Maarten which as per its website aims to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come” will execute the government-funded plan to capture and euthanise more than 450 monkeys over the next three years. The numbers are from a now-outdated survey carried out in 2020. Sint Maarten’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication in December approved 100,000NAf ($55,000) in funding per year for the project. Leslie Hickerson, the NGO’s manager, said that it can be difficult to maintain population size control for invasive species as they lack natural predators in the area. Also read | Kenya declares war against millions of birds. Here's why “Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” he said. The species which is native to southern and eastern Africa was introduced to the region sometime in the 17th century by European settlers who kept them as exotic pets. Dave Du Toit, founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation says that the cull is unlikely to work. Also read | AI model rediscovers Australian Bristlebird feared lost since 2020 bushfires His non-profit shelters orphaned and injured primates in South Africa where the species is native. He suggests “vasectomise the males and sterilise the females” would work better. Du Toit also said that research into food disposal practices and the availability of food for wildlife might help in achieving a more harmonious existence between the monkeys and the humans of Sint Maarten. However, yet another suggestion is to capture and relocate the entire monkey population. The proposition has been offered by Eusebio Richardson, a ranger with the Nature Foundation who says that given how fast these monkeys reproduce, relocation might be the only way to “protect the biodiversity of the island”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sint Maarten to capture and kill entire population of vervet monkeys. Here's why

In South Africa, people are fed up, they are now mobilising and there are calls. From various sectors for a national shutdown due to the ongoing blackouts the government is in a tight spot and is scrabbling to look for immediate solution to the ongoing electricity crisis.

World Of Africa: South Africa where black-outs are  a menace

Authorities in South Africa are looking for a tiger that over the weekend injured a man and killed a dog when it escaped from its enclosure at a private farm close to Johannesburg. The man, according to local media, survived the assault but was transported to the hospital.

WION Dispatch: Tiger on loose in South Africa, authorities keep residents on high alert

Police in South Africa is investigating an alleged plot to poison the Chief Executive of Eskom. The South African energy company alleges that its outgoing CEO Andre De Ruyter drank a cup of coffee suspected to be laced with poison. Watch to know more.

Reports: Eskom CEO targeted with Cyanide coffee

WION Dispatch: South African police investigates an alleged plot to poison Eskom's CEO with Cyanide

Police in South Africa is investigating an alleged plot to poison the Chief Executive of a South African power utility. The South African energy company alleges that its outgoing CEO Andre De Ruyter drank a cup of coffee suspected to be laced with poison.

South African police investigate an alleged plot to poison Eskom's CEO with Cyanide

Every Thursday without fail,&nbsp;90-year-old Frans Hugo travels to distribute newspapers in the South African desert, packing a flask full&nbsp;of coffee, some boiled eggs, and a towel to cover his bare legs from the sweltering heat. This aged&nbsp;editor has been travelling the 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) round trip across the semiarid Karoo area of the country every week.&nbsp;This has been his routine&nbsp;for around 40 years, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

He was perhaps the last bastion of a dwindling industry when he was born Charl Francois Hugo in Cape Town in 1932, but everyone just calls him Frans.

The Messenger, Die Noordwester, and Die Oewernuus are three of the community newspapers that the active nonagenarian edits and hand-delivers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Hugo distributes news to the towns and villages dotted throughout this vast, arid backcountry while driving an orange Fiat Multipla loaded with copies of the eight-page weeklies and a vintage portable radio to keep him company.</div>

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Frans Hugo, 90, drives 1,200 kilometres every week to distribute his three newspapers, which he owns and edits in South Africa's rural Karoo. (AFP)

<h2>Moving&nbsp;to the countryside to take a break&nbsp;</h2>

He sets off at 1:30 in the morning from Calvinia, a little town of fewer than 3,000 people located roughly 500 kilometres north of Africa's southernmost tip, and returns in the early evening.

"I am like a pompdonkie," he told AFP on a recent tour, using the local moniker for the nodding donkey pumps used to extract groundwater from boreholes.

Also watch |&nbsp;World of Africa: Vibrant South African designs

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&nbsp;

"I keep doing this every Thursday without fail. I will probably stop when I am physically not capable of doing it anymore."

Hugo worked as a journalist in Cape Town and then in Namibia for almost 30 years before moving to this remote area.&nbsp;

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f09fc67-e7cf-4509-98cc-0e799ab86d3a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/f8f5b07a8f01956370d18893ec702620.jpeg" />

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

Although there is a decline in readership, newspapers have survived the internet's onslaught.&nbsp;(AFP)

"I couldn't handle the pressure anymore, so I moved to the Karoo," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"Just as I was able to take a breath and relax, the man who owned the printers and the newspaper here in Calvinia came to ask me if I was interested in the business."

<h2>Surviving in the digital age</h2>

While many printed newspapers worldwide are fighting to survive the digital era, he has managed to keep certain classic small-town publications alive with the help of his wife and three helpers. The Messenger, formerly the Victoria West Messenger, was established in 1875, whilst Die Noordwester and Die Oewernuus began publishing in the 1900s.

All three are published in Afrikaans, one of South Africa's 11 official languages and a language of Dutch settlers, however they occasionally contain English-language content.

Hugo shrugs at those who want to "read the news on their cell&nbsp;phones."

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46e1d412-d5de-4fc5-ba84-85039dd7b058" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/9c4ee61bb885cc5d5050383d1ba6c684.jpeg" />

Newspapers in the Afrikaans language include The Messenger, Die Noordwester, and Die Oewernuus.&nbsp;(AFP)

The growth of the internet has affected reading, but it doesn't appear to have reached his newsroom, which resembles a museum.

The office is decorated with a vintage Heidelberg printing press and paper cutters. The staff makes use of early 1990s-era computers and software.

Hugo claims that despite this, there is a never-ending desire for local news since his staff publishes roughly 1,300 copies every week.

The newspapers, which cost eight rand (about 50 cents), are left at businesses, convenience stores, and the residences of the correspondents.

Farmers who reside in a distant, semi-arid area make up the majority of the readers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Every Thursday without fail, 90-year-old Frans Hugo travels to distribute newspapers in the South African desert, packing a flask full of coffee, some boiled eggs, and a towel to cover his bare legs from the sweltering heat.

Every Thursday without fail, 90-year-old Frans Hugo travels to distribute newspapers in the South African desert, packing a flask full of coffee, some boiled eggs, and a towel to cover his bare legs from the sweltering heat. This aged editor has been travelling the 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) round trip across the semiarid Karoo area of the country every week. This has been his routine for around 40 years, as reported by AFP. He was perhaps the last bastion of a dwindling industry when he was born Charl Francois Hugo in Cape Town in 1932, but everyone just calls him Frans. The Messenger, Die Noordwester, and Die Oewernuus are three of the community newspapers that the active nonagenarian edits and hand-delivers. Hugo distributes news to the towns and villages dotted throughout this vast, arid backcountry while driving an orange Fiat Multipla loaded with copies of the eight-page weeklies and a vintage portable radio to keep him company. Frans Hugo, 90, drives 1,200 kilometres every week to distribute his three newspapers, which he owns and edits in South Africa's rural Karoo. (AFP) Moving to the countryside to take a break He sets off at 1:30 in the morning from Calvinia, a little town of fewer than 3,000 people located roughly 500 kilometres north of Africa's southernmost tip, and returns in the early evening. "I am like a pompdonkie," he told AFP on a recent tour, using the local moniker for the nodding donkey pumps used to extract groundwater from boreholes. Also watch | World of Africa: Vibrant South African designs "I keep doing this every Thursday without fail. I will probably stop when I am physically not capable of doing it anymore." Hugo worked as a journalist in Cape Town and then in Namibia for almost 30 years before moving to this remote area. Although there is a decline in readership, newspapers have survived the internet's onslaught. (AFP) "I couldn't handle the pressure anymore, so I moved to the Karoo," he told AFP. "Just as I was able to take a breath and relax, the man who owned the printers and the newspaper here in Calvinia came to ask me if I was interested in the business." Surviving in the digital age While many printed newspapers worldwide are fighting to survive the digital era, he has managed to keep certain classic small-town publications alive with the help of his wife and three helpers. The Messenger, formerly the Victoria West Messenger, was established in 1875, whilst Die Noordwester and Die Oewernuus began publishing in the 1900s. All three are published in Afrikaans, one of South Africa's 11 official languages and a language of Dutch settlers, however they occasionally contain English-language content. Hugo shrugs at those who want to "read the news on their cell phones." Newspapers in the Afrikaans language include The Messenger, Die Noordwester, and Die Oewernuus. (AFP) The growth of the internet has affected reading, but it doesn't appear to have reached his newsroom, which resembles a museum. The office is decorated with a vintage Heidelberg printing press and paper cutters. The staff makes use of early 1990s-era computers and software. Hugo claims that despite this, there is a never-ending desire for local news since his staff publishes roughly 1,300 copies every week. The newspapers, which cost eight rand (about 50 cents), are left at businesses, convenience stores, and the residences of the correspondents. Farmers who reside in a distant, semi-arid area make up the majority of the readers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meet S. Africa's Frans Hugo: 90-year-old journalist who delivers news in the desert

Three white men have been charged with with assault on two Black boys in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa also condemned the racists act. Watch further to know more.

WION Dispatch | Racism Attack: 3 white men charged with assault on teens in SA

10 people died and around 40 others were injured after a fuel tanker exploded in the South African capital Johannesburg. The fuel tanker which carried around 60,000 litres of LPG gas, got stuck under a bridge and caught fire. Firefighter arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.

South Africa: 10 killed, 40 injured in fuel tanker explosion, tank carried 60,000 litres of LPG gas

In a very unfortunate incident, a gas tanker in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg exploded in the early hours of Saturday (December 24) morning killing nine people and injuring several others.&nbsp;William Ntladi, spokesperson, Johannesburg Emergency Services, told WION: "We received a call around 7:30 in the morning (local time) that a gas tanker had exploded. Upon our arrival, we found nine people had died and several were taken for hospitalisation."

EMS says a gas tanker allegedly got stuck under a bridge and caught fire.&nbsp;

It is also understood that the tanker exploded as the firefighters were busy extinguishing the flames.&nbsp;

"I can confirm that firefighters are not amongst those who died but some of them have been hospitalised for injuries,"&nbsp;Ntladi said initially, but later inputs said two firefighters had also perished.

Immediately after the explosion, social media was filled with terrifying videos and pictures from the blast. Eyewitnesses described the scene straight out of a horror movie.&nbsp;

Videos and pictures showed people lying on the street with burns and screaming for help.&nbsp;

This is a developing story, the copy will be updated.&nbsp;

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In a very unfortunate incident, a gas tanker in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg exploded in the early hours of Saturday (December 24) morning killing nine people and injuring several others.

In a very unfortunate incident, a gas tanker in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg exploded in the early hours of Saturday (December 24) morning killing nine people and injuring several others. William Ntladi, spokesperson, Johannesburg Emergency Services, told WION: "We received a call around 7:30 in the morning (local time) that a gas tanker had exploded. Upon our arrival, we found nine people had died and several were taken for hospitalisation." EMS says a gas tanker allegedly got stuck under a bridge and caught fire. It is also understood that the tanker exploded as the firefighters were busy extinguishing the flames. "I can confirm that firefighters are not amongst those who died but some of them have been hospitalised for injuries," Ntladi said initially, but later inputs said two firefighters had also perished. Immediately after the explosion, social media was filled with terrifying videos and pictures from the blast. Eyewitnesses described the scene straight out of a horror movie. Videos and pictures showed people lying on the street with burns and screaming for help. This is a developing story, the copy will be updated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Africa: Fuel tanker explosion leaves nine dead and several injured in Boksburg

In South Africa, eight people have been killed and multiple are feared injured after a gas tanker caught fire in Boksburg city. Emergency Services say that six firefighters have also been injured in the explosion and are being treated at a nearby hospital.

South Africa Tanker Explosion: 8 dead, several killed in explosion; rescue operations underway

In South Africa, nine people were killed and several feared injured after a gas tanker caught fire in Boksburg city. Emergency Services say that six firefighters have also been injured in the explosion and are being treated at a nearby hospital.

BREAKING | South Africa: 9 people killed, several injured in gas tanker explosion in Boksburg

South Africa is home to nearly 80% to the world's Rhinoceros but it has also become a hotspot for Rhino poaching. In recent months, South African National Park employees have been involved in alleged criminal activities including poaching of animals.

WION Climate Tracker: New tool to fight poaching, South Africa turns to lie-detectors

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is embroiled in a 'farmgate' scandal. He faces charges of money laundering & accusations of covering up a theft at his farmhouse. Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Did Ramaphosa sell buffaloes worth $4 Million?

Gravitas: Did Ramaphosa sell buffaloes worth $4 Million

Jofra Archer is poised to make an eagerly-anticipated England comeback in the new year after being named Thursday in a 14-strong squad for a three-match one-day international series in South Africa.

Sussex fast bowler Archer made a dramatic entry onto the international stage in 2019 when he became one of the stars of England's 50-over World Cup triumph.

But he has not played international cricket since March 2021 due to injury.

The 27-year-old Barbados-born quick suffered several elbow problems, which led to two operations, before his hopes of a return to action were dashed by a stress fracture of the lower back in May that ruled him out of the 2022 English season.

Archer, however, played for the second-string England Lions in a warm-up match against the Test side in Abu Dhabi last month ahead of the senior team's 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan.

Just six balls into the practice match, Archer hit Zak Crawley on the helmet with a bouncer.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Thursday said Archer was "recovering well from an elbow injury and is expected to return to international cricket in South Africa next month".

Brook set for ODI debut

Meanwhile, rising star Harry Brook, fresh from three superb Test hundreds in Pakistan and England's T20 World Cup win in Australia, has been called into an ODI squad for the first time.

The 23-year-old Yorkshireman has been a mainstay during an already busy England tour programme but team management have decided against resting him ahead of a Test series in New Zealand in February.

Outstanding batsman Joe Root and express fast bowler Mark Wood have though been left out, though, as England look to manage the workloads of their multi-format players.

Opener Ben Duckett, who played the last of his three ODIs in 2016, has been recalled to the 50-over set-up after regaining his England place at T20 and Test level in recent months.

Left-arm quick Reece Topley, unluckily ruled out of the T20 World Cup campaign after tripping on a boundary sponge, has also been included in a squad that will again be led by white-ball captain Jos Buttler.

But all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been ruled out with the knee injury he suffered on Test debut against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

The three-match contest in South Africa is a rearranged series that was initially abandoned in December 2020 after a Covid-19 scare prompted England to fly home early.

It will be played over six days, with two fixtures in Bloemfontein starting on January 27 before the final game takes place in Kimberley on February 1.

England ODI squad

Jos Buttler (Lancashire, capt and wkt), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Northamptonshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

&nbsp;

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Jofra Archer is poised to make an eagerly-anticipated England comeback in the new year after being named Thursday in a 14-strong squad for a three-match one-day international series in South Africa.

Jofra Archer is poised to make an eagerly-anticipated England comeback in the new year after being named Thursday in a 14-strong squad for a three-match one-day international series in South Africa. Sussex fast bowler Archer made a dramatic entry onto the international stage in 2019 when he became one of the stars of England's 50-over World Cup triumph. But he has not played international cricket since March 2021 due to injury. The 27-year-old Barbados-born quick suffered several elbow problems, which led to two operations, before his hopes of a return to action were dashed by a stress fracture of the lower back in May that ruled him out of the 2022 English season. Archer, however, played for the second-string England Lions in a warm-up match against the Test side in Abu Dhabi last month ahead of the senior team's 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan. Just six balls into the practice match, Archer hit Zak Crawley on the helmet with a bouncer. An England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Thursday said Archer was "recovering well from an elbow injury and is expected to return to international cricket in South Africa next month". Brook set for ODI debut Meanwhile, rising star Harry Brook, fresh from three superb Test hundreds in Pakistan and England's T20 World Cup win in Australia, has been called into an ODI squad for the first time. The 23-year-old Yorkshireman has been a mainstay during an already busy England tour programme but team management have decided against resting him ahead of a Test series in New Zealand in February. Outstanding batsman Joe Root and express fast bowler Mark Wood have though been left out, though, as England look to manage the workloads of their multi-format players. Opener Ben Duckett, who played the last of his three ODIs in 2016, has been recalled to the 50-over set-up after regaining his England place at T20 and Test level in recent months. Left-arm quick Reece Topley, unluckily ruled out of the T20 World Cup campaign after tripping on a boundary sponge, has also been included in a squad that will again be led by white-ball captain Jos Buttler. But all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been ruled out with the knee injury he suffered on Test debut against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The three-match contest in South Africa is a rearranged series that was initially abandoned in December 2020 after a Covid-19 scare prompted England to fly home early. It will be played over six days, with two fixtures in Bloemfontein starting on January 27 before the final game takes place in Kimberley on February 1. England ODI squad Jos Buttler (Lancashire, capt and wkt), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Northamptonshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England recall fast bowler Jofra Archer for South Africa ODIs

A deadly “freak wave” struck a packed beach in South Africa’s Durban coastal city, killing at least three people and injuring more than a dozen.

Among the dead include a teenager as the North Beach was closed off after the incident and an investigation has been launched. The incident happened around 5 pm on Sunday at the Bay of Plenty, one of the popular beaches in South Africa.

Local emergency medical services said that those who died were swept out to sea by currents and drowned.

“The details of the incidents are still sketchy at this point, however, it is believed that a freak wave put many people into distress while swimming and they tragically drowned,” &nbsp;the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said in a statement on Facebook.

According to local reports, at least 17 people have been hospitalised and were said to be in serious or critical condition.

The EThekwini Municipality in its Facebook post said that over 35 lifeguards were dispatched in rescue efforts, attending to more than 100 people affected by the massive wave.

Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the head of the provincial government, termed it a “terrible tragedy” and urged “all authorities and operators manning the beaches and sea areas to ensure adequate and preventive safety measure are in place to avoid any further loss of life.”

She also asked visitors to follow safety advice when visiting, and to assess unpredictable weather before heading to the beach or the sea.

Durban is one of the popular destinations for South African, and usually attracts huge footfall, including foreigners, with beaches during the holiday season.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A deadly “freak wave” struck a packed beach in South Africa’s Durban coastal city, killing at least three people and injuring more than a dozen. Among the dead include a teenager as the North Beach was closed off after the incident and an investigation has been launched.

A deadly “freak wave” struck a packed beach in South Africa’s Durban coastal city, killing at least three people and injuring more than a dozen. Among the dead include a teenager as the North Beach was closed off after the incident and an investigation has been launched. The incident happened around 5 pm on Sunday at the Bay of Plenty, one of the popular beaches in South Africa. Local emergency medical services said that those who died were swept out to sea by currents and drowned. “The details of the incidents are still sketchy at this point, however, it is believed that a freak wave put many people into distress while swimming and they tragically drowned,” the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said in a statement on Facebook. According to local reports, at least 17 people have been hospitalised and were said to be in serious or critical condition. The EThekwini Municipality in its Facebook post said that over 35 lifeguards were dispatched in rescue efforts, attending to more than 100 people affected by the massive wave. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the head of the provincial government, termed it a “terrible tragedy” and urged “all authorities and operators manning the beaches and sea areas to ensure adequate and preventive safety measure are in place to avoid any further loss of life.” She also asked visitors to follow safety advice when visiting, and to assess unpredictable weather before heading to the beach or the sea. Durban is one of the popular destinations for South African, and usually attracts huge footfall, including foreigners, with beaches during the holiday season. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Freak wave’ in South Africa’s Durban kills 3, injures over a dozen

ANC presidential elections are getting tighter in South Africa. The country is witnessing a tussle between incumbent president Ramophosa and former health minister Zweli Mkhize. Watch further to know more.

Race to win the ANC elections is getting tighter in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday. The veteran politician, who has been facing a number of corruption scandals recently, defeated his rival – former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize – by 2476 votes to 1897.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa was the odds-on favourite to win the party elections with the ANC putting their complete support behind him when it comes to the corruption scandals. However, a lot of experts were surprised by the number of votes that Mkhize got as he was also hit by a major scandal regarding the Covid funds.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-shoots-down-nine-drones-in-capitals-airspace-early-monday-military-administration-says-544357">Drones hit 'critical infrastructure' in Kyiv, cause 'fairly serious' damage</a>

While both factions inside the ANC made it clear that there were no instances of vote-buying, it was alleged that Mkhize promised high positions to key members in order to boost his cause.&nbsp;

The ANC, a party that counted Nelson Mandela as its member, has been in power in South Africa since 1994 and they will be looking to win a sixth term in the 2024 general elections. While corruption has become a major issue for the country, scandals have not impacted the influence of the party.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan launches probe into TikTok for spreading disinformation

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Ramaphosa ran on an anti-corruption platform against his predecessor Jacob Zuma but the recent scandals have marred his name. While the parliamentary vote asking for his impeachment was completely quashed by the legislators, the public perception has certainly soured over time.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa was accused of tax evasion and money laundering with the central authorities also accusing him of stashing over $580,000 in a sofa at his private farm, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday. The veteran politician, who has been facing a number of corruption scandals recently, defeated his rival – former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize – by 2476 votes to 1897.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday. The veteran politician, who has been facing a number of corruption scandals recently, defeated his rival – former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize – by 2476 votes to 1897. Ramaphosa was the odds-on favourite to win the party elections with the ANC putting their complete support behind him when it comes to the corruption scandals. However, a lot of experts were surprised by the number of votes that Mkhize got as he was also hit by a major scandal regarding the Covid funds. Also read | Drones hit 'critical infrastructure' in Kyiv, cause 'fairly serious' damage While both factions inside the ANC made it clear that there were no instances of vote-buying, it was alleged that Mkhize promised high positions to key members in order to boost his cause. The ANC, a party that counted Nelson Mandela as its member, has been in power in South Africa since 1994 and they will be looking to win a sixth term in the 2024 general elections. While corruption has become a major issue for the country, scandals have not impacted the influence of the party. WATCH | Taiwan launches probe into TikTok for spreading disinformation Ramaphosa ran on an anti-corruption platform against his predecessor Jacob Zuma but the recent scandals have marred his name. While the parliamentary vote asking for his impeachment was completely quashed by the legislators, the public perception has certainly soured over time. Ramaphosa was accused of tax evasion and money laundering with the central authorities also accusing him of stashing over $580,000 in a sofa at his private farm, according to Reuters.

Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected as leader of ruling ANC party in South Africa

In pics: Strange New Year celebrations around the globe

The African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, held a meeting on Sunday to elect a new party leader, pitting current president Cyril Ramaphosa against former health minister Zweli Mkhize.&nbsp;In the three decades after Nelson Mandela overthrew the country's white minority rule, the victor, who will compete for president in elections in 2024 under the ANC flag, has been all but certain of winning.

But given the ANC's declining popularity throughout that time and the potential that the party might lose its majority for the first time, this is no longer a given.

At the ANC's five-day conference in Johannesburg, more than 4,400 delegates must choose which of the two contenders is best suited to turn around the organisation’s prospects.

As nominations were being finalised early on Sunday morning, their fans engaged in a sing-off. Supporters of Ramaphosa were singing and putting up two fingers to indicate a second term as leader.

The words "change" and "He (Ramaphosa) is not coming back" were shouted by Mkhize's fans.

Prior to facing pressure to resign due to a controversy involving the discovery of a cash cache at his farm, Ramaphosa was the front-runner to win. Ramaphosa maintains&nbsp;his innocence while supporters of former president Jacob Zuma are attempting to remove Ramaphosa using the controversy.

Zuma is under investigation for a number of corruption charges, which he fiercely disputes.

Mkhize became the Zuma block's most influential politician. Ramaphosa fired him amid allegations of fraud in the COVID-19 bids last year, which the former minister refutes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, held a meeting on Sunday to elect a new party leader, pitting current president Cyril Ramaphosa against former health minister Zweli Mkhize.

The African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, held a meeting on Sunday to elect a new party leader, pitting current president Cyril Ramaphosa against former health minister Zweli Mkhize. In the three decades after Nelson Mandela overthrew the country's white minority rule, the victor, who will compete for president in elections in 2024 under the ANC flag, has been all but certain of winning. But given the ANC's declining popularity throughout that time and the potential that the party might lose its majority for the first time, this is no longer a given. At the ANC's five-day conference in Johannesburg, more than 4,400 delegates must choose which of the two contenders is best suited to turn around the organisation’s prospects. As nominations were being finalised early on Sunday morning, their fans engaged in a sing-off. Supporters of Ramaphosa were singing and putting up two fingers to indicate a second term as leader. The words "change" and "He (Ramaphosa) is not coming back" were shouted by Mkhize's fans. Prior to facing pressure to resign due to a controversy involving the discovery of a cash cache at his farm, Ramaphosa was the front-runner to win. Ramaphosa maintains his innocence while supporters of former president Jacob Zuma are attempting to remove Ramaphosa using the controversy. Zuma is under investigation for a number of corruption charges, which he fiercely disputes. Mkhize became the Zuma block's most influential politician. Ramaphosa fired him amid allegations of fraud in the COVID-19 bids last year, which the former minister refutes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Africa: 4,400 ANC delegates gather at five-day conference to elect new party leader

A classic Game of Thrones is unfolding in South Africa. At stake is the control of the country's ruling party and whoever heads the African National Congress.

South Africa: Ruling ANC due to elect a new leader this weekend

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