Stories from East London · South Africa

The Eastern Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism will host the Eastern Cape Digital Economy Summit 2026. The event is scheduled to take place from May 7 to May 8 at the IDZ Conference Centre.

Riots have broken out in East London, South Africa, involving members of the Nigerian community. The unrest follows the coronation of a self-proclaimed king in the coastal city.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane has appointed advocate Samkelem Doana as the acting director of public prosecutions for the Eastern Cape. The appointment is effective from May 1 and will remain in place until the position is permanently filled.

The Eastern Cape Transport Department is working to resolve outstanding scholar transport payments. The issue arose after taxi operators from the Taxi Council and Sintaco downed tools over the delayed payments.

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred approximately 1,522 km southeast of East London, South Africa. No immediate damage or casualties were reported in the initial alert.

Nigerian business owners in South Africa's Eastern Cape province are closing their businesses due to fears of violence.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health reported a decline in teenage childbirths within the province. MEC Tando Kazi addressed the current status of the crisis. The Eastern Cape MEC reported a decline in teenage births, specifically noting a gradual decrease in the 10 to 14 age group over recent years. The source confirmed the trend has occurred over several years. Teenage pregnancy rates in the Eastern Cape showed a decline during the 2025-2026 financial year. Data from the first quarter recorded 86 cases, followed by a decline to 62 in a subsequent period. The source noted fluctuations across different quarters including Goddard and Kota. These figures represent a downward trend in the region. The department reported that the rate for children between 10 and 15 years old is 54 percent.