Stories from South Africa

South African poultry producer Astro has reported a sharp rebound in earnings. The company's performance was driven by strong consumer demand for chicken within the country. This growth follows a period of market volatility.

Mamalodi Sundowns moved back to the top of the Premiership following a 1-0 victory over Polar Quantity at Issecheco Stadium. Levo Motibe provided the assist for the winning goal. Motibe later missed a penalty during the match. Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stated that a hard-fought victory against Polokwane City has placed the team in control of the Betway Premiership. Cardoso noted the win helps the club secure the title. The coach mentioned that a preliminary loss at home against Hyper allowed the team to focus on league form.

More than 500 protesters led by the civic movement March and March, ActionSA, and the Inca Freedom Party marched through Johannesburg to the housing provincial legislature. The group handed a memorandum to Premier Banyaz Ali Sufi demanding a seven-day response.

Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpani outlined commitments to follow President Ramaphosa's crime-fighting instructions. The TMPD multimillion rand tender is currently under scrutiny involving three specific companies.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health reported that over 28,000 girls aged 15 to 19 became pregnant during the previous financial year. The source noted that these figures are part of ongoing discussions regarding health and social issues in the region.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is investigating the alleged diversion of a 1.5 million rand journalism training grant. Mr. Safara denies any wrongdoing, stating he conducted a legitimate workshop at the Birchwood Hotel.

Maikaala, Director General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Kenya, commented on the benefits of recent Chinese initiatives for South Africa.

China will begin granting zero tariff access to goods from 53 African countries starting May 1. The policy aims to enhance the development capabilities and public service levels of these nations, fostering local employment, technical exchange, talent cultivation, knowledge transfer, and experience sharing, thereby strengthening their endogenous development momentum and traditional friendship with China. This initiative is expected to boost exports from nations like Cape Verde, which exports products such as tuna, lobster, and wine. The zero-tariff trade is also seen as a result of infrastructure support and cooperation projects between China and Cape Verde, enhancing the nation's governance and public services, fostering employment, and facilitating knowledge transfer.

Chukwu Duma Laji, the suspect director of asset protection in the Tshwane Metro Police Department, is scheduled to return to the Magalengana Commission of inquiry in Pretoria this morning. The inquiry is investigating the country's water crisis.

An entrepreneur has accused the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of employing rigid recovery practices. The individual claims these practices ignore the economic impact of COVID-19. The accusation was reported in the Mail and Guardian weekly publication.