South Africa

Scottish Premiership club Rangers have completed the signing of 22-year-old South African center-back Olwethu Makhanya from MLS side Philadelphia Union for a fee of around £3 million ($4.5 million). Makhanya, who helped the Union win the 2025 Supporters' Shield and was part of South Africa's 2026 World Cup squad, joins on a four-year contract as Rangers' eighth summer signing. The Union retain a significant sell-on clause.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 03:04 PM UTC

South African MotoGP rider Brad Binder is set to leave the premier class and join the World Superbike Championship, where he is close to teaming up with Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira at BMW. The report from Record Portugal highlights Binder's transition as part of a broader motorcycling landscape update. Additional stories in the same article include Fabio Quartararo signing a two-year deal with Honda HRC for the 2027 season, DAZN securing exclusive MotoGP and World Superbike broadcasting rights in Portugal until 2031, and Miguel Oliveira finishing 12th at Donington Park in World Superbikes, where Nicolo Bulega won the race and Ducati claimed the constructors' title.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 09:08 PM UTC

India abstained from voting on ILO Convention No. 193, the first binding international treaty for platform workers, adopted on June 12, 2026 in Geneva. The convention extends core protections including minimum wage, occupational safety, social security, and algorithmic transparency to all platform workers regardless of classification. While India's employer and worker delegates voted in favor, the government abstained. The article criticizes India's abstention, noting that India's own Code on Social Security (2020) remains largely unimplemented, while states like Rajasthan have passed their own gig worker legislation. India's gig workforce is projected to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30, yet most workers lack basic protections like accident cover, sick pay, or pensions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:45 PM UTC

England's netball team secured a dominant 94-32 victory over Tonga in a must-win Pool A match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The win keeps England's semi-final hopes alive, as they scored a record 94 goals for the team at the Games, surpassing their previous record of 89 set in 2002 against Sri Lanka. Eleanor Cardwell led the scoring with 54 goals from 60 shots, supported by Sasha Glasgow (18), Ella Clark (12), and Olivia Tchine (10). England led 27-8 after the first quarter and never looked back. They currently sit third in Pool A, level on points with Australia and South Africa but behind on goal average. England's final pool match is against South Africa on Thursday at 9pm, a crucial game to secure a top-two spot and advance to the semi-finals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:30 PM UTC

Portuguese surfer Maria Salgado qualified for the second round of the US Open of Surfing, the second stage of the Challenger Series, held in Huntington Beach, California. She finished second in the sixth heat of the opening round with 7.43 points, behind South African Sarah Baum (10.03 points). Hawaiian Eweleiula Wong and South African Louise Lepront were eliminated. Salgado will face Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Japanese Kana Nakashio, and Australian Sophie McCulloch in the round of 32. Fellow Portuguese surfers Teresa Bonvalot and Francisca Veselko, exempt from the first round, will debut in later heats. In the men's draw, Francisco Morais and Guilherme Ribeiro are set to compete.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:10 AM UTC

Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for 'Children of Blood and Bone', the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling 2018 fantasy novel. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood ('The Woman King'), the film stars Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola, a young maji on a quest to restore magic in the kingdom of Orïsha. The ensemble cast includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, and Lashana Lynch. Shot in South Africa and the Canary Islands, the film blends West African mythology with political allegory. It is scheduled for theatrical and IMAX release on January 15, 2027.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:46 AM UTC

Ivory Coast, coached by Reynald Pedros, made a successful debut at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca, easily defeating Burkina Faso 4-1. The Elephants scored three goals in the first 23 minutes, including a brace from Strasbourg striker Inès Konan (14th, 23rd) and a penalty from Rebbeca Elloh (6th). Nsira Ouedraogo added a superb direct free kick in the second half (56th) against a Burkina Faso side reduced to 10 men after their goalkeeper was sent off. In the same group, Tanzania surprised defending champions South Africa 2-1, winning their first-ever match at the AFCON thanks to a late solo goal from Hasnath Ubamba (87th). South Africa, winners in 2022 and semi-finalists in 2024, fired 24 shots but suffered an unfortunate defeat. Ivory Coast now tops Group B.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:36 PM UTC

Carlos Alberto Parreira, the 83-year-old former Brazil national team coach who led the Seleção to World Cup victory in 1994, has been moved out of intensive care after nearly a month of treatment. He was hospitalized on June 28 with lung inflammation and required artificial respiration after his condition worsened. The Rio de Janeiro hospital treating him reported a clinical improvement in his general condition, stating he is lucid, cooperative, and his kidney function has stabilized. He has been transferred to a semi-intensive care unit. Parreira has been battling Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, since 2023. He holds the record for World Cup appearances as a coach, having led six different national teams: Brazil (1994 and 2006), Kuwait (1982), United Arab Emirates (1990), Saudi Arabia (1998), and South Africa (2010).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:33 PM UTC

England's netball team, the Vitality Roses, recovered from a 66-47 loss to Australia in the Commonwealth Games by defeating Malawi 73-38 in Glasgow. England led 37-23 at halftime and extended their lead in the third quarter, with Sasha Glasgow contributing to Malawi's struggles. Olivia Tchine of London Pulse scored 24 goals. England had earlier thrashed Northern Ireland 84-35. To keep medal hopes alive, England likely needs to beat South Africa in their final group match on Thursday. The team is currently ranked third in the world.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:54 PM UTC

KB Kookmin Bank, South Korea's largest bank, announced on July 26, 2026, that it will launch a blockchain-based payment service for import and export companies starting in August. The service will initially process US dollar payments over JPMorgan's Kinexys blockchain network, formerly known as Onyx. Kinexys has processed over $4 trillion since its launch, with average daily transactions exceeding $7 billion. The service will support dollar remittances to 10 countries including the US, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, South Africa, and South Korea itself. Korean branches and KB Kookmin's Singapore office will offer the service. This follows the bank's recent selection for a government-backed deposit token payment project run by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:00 PM UTC

South African international midfielder Jayden Adams, 25, was found dead at his home in Cape Town on July 11, 2026, just days after playing in all three group matches for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The cause of death remains undisclosed, though unconfirmed reports suggest possible suicide linked to depression. Adams, who had nine caps and played for Mamelodi Sundowns, is mourned by the football community. His club and the South African Football Association have not yet issued official statements.

33 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 26, 07:00 AM UTC

Chicago Fire FC center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has suffered a thigh tear during training and will be sidelined for an extended period, according to head coach Gregg Berhalter. The injury occurred after the FIFA World Cup break, during which the Fire lost two consecutive MLS matches, including a 3-1 defeat to NYCFC. Mbokazi, a standout signing from Orlando Pirates, had earned an MLS All-Star selection but had to withdraw due to the injury. He also played a key role for South Africa in the World Cup. Berhalter stated the club is considering but has not committed to signing a replacement center back during the transfer window.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 03:49 AM UTC

The 14th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off July 26, 2026, in Morocco, running through August 16 after a postponement from March due to organizational issues. Expanded from 12 to 16 teams for the first time, the tournament features Nigeria as defending champions and record 10-time winners. Morocco, South Africa, and debutants Cape Verde and Malawi compete. Semi-finalists qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:47 PM UTC

Mamelodi Sundowns, coached by Miguel Cardoso, lost a pre-season friendly match against Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. The South African team still has one more preparation game scheduled against Alger. The article, published by Portuguese sports newspaper Record on July 24, 2026, also includes other football transfer news such as Summerville's move to Al Hilal for up to 70 million euros and Nice's new club rules.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:01 PM UTC

A South African court (Western Cape High Court) has ordered a halt to impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa, pending a legal challenge to a parliamentary report. The scandal involves over $580,000 in cash stolen from his farm in 2020, with questions about the source, legality, and reporting of the money. Lawmakers began impeachment in June after the report concluded Ramaphosa had a case to answer. Ramaphosa welcomed the ruling, stating he respects judicial independence. The impeachment committee, which includes all parties, will study the judgment and consider an appeal. The Constitutional Court had earlier ruled the report valid, allowing proceedings to proceed after the ANC attempted to block them.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:30 PM UTC

The Group of Copenhagen, an independent anti-match-fixing body under the Council of Europe, issued seven "yellow notices" about potential betting irregularities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Flagged incidents include a $4.8 million Polymarket bet on Spain not beating Cape Verde, a red card to South Africa’s Themba Zwane, and a suspicious Polymarket market opened on US striker Folarin Balogun’s availability after his red card. FIFA’s Integrity Task Force reported no suspicious activity, but the Group has requested clarification. Nearly $240 billion was bet on the tournament.

9 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:14 AM UTC

Indian drugmaker Cipla reported a 39% decline in consolidated net profit for the quarter ended June 2026, falling to ₹785.55 crore from ₹1,291.61 crore a year earlier, driven by lower sales in the key North America market. Total revenue from operations rose over 2% to ₹7,119.28 crore, supported by a 12% increase in the India business to ₹3,452 crore. However, the U.S. business revenue dropped to ₹1,532 crore from ₹1,933 crore. Managing Director and Global CEO Achin Gupta expressed confidence in continued sequential growth in North America, citing the upcoming product pipeline. The company's South Africa private business grew faster than the market, while Emerging Markets and Europe saw 5% year-on-year revenue growth in dollar terms. Cipla plans to focus on growing key markets, building flagship brands, investing in the future pipeline, and resolving regulatory issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:11 PM UTC

French media RMC reports that renowned French coach Hervé Renard, who temporarily managed Tunisia during the World Cup, is in high demand from multiple national teams. South Korean media indicate the Korea Football Association views Renard as the top candidate to replace Hong Myung-bo as head coach, citing his successful stint in Saudi Arabia. In Africa, where Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, he is the leading candidate to replace Hugo Broos in South Africa, is frequently mentioned in Senegal, and would become the Algerian Football Federation's primary target if Vladimir Petkovic leaves the Algerian national team. The report originates from RMC reporters Santi Aouna and Hanif Ben Berkane, published by Hupu on July 23.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:07 AM UTC

Thomas Müller recently recalled a controversial moment from the 2010 South Africa World Cup quarterfinal between Germany and Argentina. Müller received a yellow card for a handball, which led to his suspension for the next round. In a video shared on social media, Müller joked that the referee showed the card because Lionel Messi was standing next to him. He also corrected a common misconception about the scoreline, stating that Argentina was not trailing 0-2 at the time, but rather Germany led 1-0. The anecdote highlights Müller's playful personality and the lasting memory of that match, which Germany won 4-0. The video was posted on X (formerly Twitter) and shared on the Hupu soccer forum.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:50 AM UTC

Indian squash players Anahat Singh and Aryaveer Dewan have advanced to the pre-quarterfinals (round-of-16) of the World Squash Junior Individual Championships held in Ontario, Canada. Women's top seed Anahat Singh defeated Hong Kong's Pui Yin Chole Lo in straight games (11-3, 11-1, 11-3) in the round-of-32 and will next face Malaysian Doyce Ye San Lee. In the men's draw, Aryaveer Dewan eased past South Africa's Joseph Feast with a dominant 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 victory and will next play American Yaseen Shalaby. However, five other Indian players—Gurveer Singh, Yusha Nafees, Saanvi Kalanki, Rudra Singh, and Anika Dubey—were eliminated after losing to higher-seeded opponents.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:57 PM UTC

Over 160,000 African immigrants have fled South Africa following xenophobic campaigns and violence, with Zimbabwe receiving 108,360 returnees, Malawi 46,890, and Mozambique an estimated 20,000. The exodus has caused severe labor shortages across sectors, from sugarcane harvesting in KwaZulu-Natal to small-scale trade in Soweto townships. Radical xenophobic groups had set a June 30 deadline for 'illegal' immigrants to leave, resulting in at least four deaths. The promise that mass departure would create jobs for locals has failed, as skilled workers in construction, agriculture, and services are irreplaceable. The Beitbridge border crossing processes up to 2,400 returnees daily, with aid organizations providing food, shelter, and medical care. Over 15,000 returnees have registered as job seekers in Zimbabwe.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:15 PM UTC

Following months of xenophobic campaigns and violence in South Africa, over 160,000 African immigrants have fled the country, with Zimbabwe taking in 108,360 returnees, Malawi 46,890, and Mozambique an estimated 20,000. The exodus has caused severe labor shortages across sectors, from small-scale township trade to large-scale agriculture. In KwaZulu-Natal, sugarcane harvests are at risk of rotting due to a lack of workers. The departure of skilled immigrants—including vegetable vendors, hairdressers, gardeners, and construction workers—has contradicted the promise that their removal would create jobs for locals in a country with 32% unemployment. Xenophobic groups had set a June 30 deadline for 'illegal' immigrants to leave voluntarily, and at least four people have died in related violence. The Beitbridge border crossing now processes up to 2,400 returnees daily, with aid organizations providing food, shelter, and medical care.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:15 PM UTC

French coach Hervé Renard remains highly sought after following his brief tenure with Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup. Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, retains strong market appeal in Africa and Asia, particularly due to his successful stint with Saudi Arabia. According to South Korean sources, he is a top candidate to replace Hong Myung-bo after South Korea's group-stage exit. In Africa, he leads the list to replace Hugo Broos in South Africa, is persistently linked with Senegal, and would become a priority for Algeria if Vladimir Petković's situation changes. The coming days or weeks are expected to be decisive for Renard's next coaching role.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:27 PM UTC

Global beer production fell 0.7% in 2025 to just under 1.9 billion hectolitres, according to data from major hop supplier BarthHaas. However, Africa bucked the trend with a 2.6% increase in output, reaching 166.7 million hectolitres, driven largely by production in South Africa. All other major regions—Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania—saw declines. In Europe, output fell 1.6%, with Germany's production dropping over 5%. Asia's output declined 1.2% to 586.7 million hectolitres, as higher production in India was offset by a fall in China, the world's largest brewer. Anheuser-Busch InBev remained the top brewing group, producing 484.2 million hectolitres (over a quarter of global output), followed by Heineken, China Resources Snow Breweries, Carlsberg, and Molson Coors. BarthHaas forecasts global beer production will stabilize in 2026, with growth in Africa, Asia, and Central/South America offset by declines in Europe and North America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:59 PM UTC

As South Sudan's political crisis deepens and the risk of renewed civil war grows, the government is betting on gold as an economic engine. However, the article warns that without robust safeguards, ramping up gold production could fuel corruption, money laundering, and conflict. Gold is found in five of ten states, but mining is dominated by artisanal miners and smuggling is rampant. Newly approved gold refineries and a $2 billion gold-backed infrastructure deal present high risks for illicit financial flows. Oversight institutions are weak, and senior officials often co-own mining companies, ignoring conflict-of-interest rules. The article draws parallels to Sudan, where gold has become a financial lifeline for war. Expanding production without accountability reforms is likely to intensify corruption, tensions between large corporations and artisanal miners, and environmental degradation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:05 PM UTC

The European Commission has officially discontinued its €2 million grant to the Venice Art Biennale, citing Russia's participation in the 2026 edition as a violation of democratic values. The decision, confirmed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), follows months of controversy after Russia announced its return to the Giardini for the first time since the start of the war. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco had defended Russia's involvement as a 'diplomacy of beauty,' drawing sharp criticism from Kyiv and distancing from the Italian government. The move also comes after the entire international jury resigned in protest over Russia and Israel's participation, and South Africa withdrew from the exhibition. The Biennale leadership described the funding cut as a 'political decision' and plans to challenge it. Despite the symbolic loss of funds, the Biennale reported higher visitor numbers than in 2024.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:35 AM UTC

According to statistics website Squawka, the 2026 World Cup interceptions leaderboard has been released. Spain's Laporte and France's Upamecano are tied for first place with 15 interceptions each. Jordan's Yazan Al-Arab, Paraguay's Andrés Cubas, France's Adrien Rabiot, and Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister are tied for third with 11 interceptions each. Curaçao's Leandro Comenencia, South Africa's Kuliso Mudau, Norway's Sander Berge, and Spain's Pedri round out the top ten with 10 interceptions each. The data was sourced from X and reported by Hupu Football News.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:33 AM UTC

The article criticizes the International Cricket Council (ICC) for changing the 2027 50-over World Cup format just 15 months before the tournament, with no guarantee of stability. Initially expanding from 10 to 14 teams to address criticism, the ICC then altered the structure to a three-stage event: a three-team qualifier (only one advances), followed by a 12-team group stage, then a 'Super Seven' round robin, and semifinals. The author argues this reduces opportunities for Associate members like Scotland and the Netherlands, despite their recent competitive performances. The primary motivation, according to the analysis, is financial—specifically ensuring at least two (potentially three) India vs Pakistan matches, which are the ICC's biggest revenue generators due to high television viewership and the lack of bilateral series between the two nations. The piece concludes that the ICC prioritizes money over the sport's global development.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:19 AM UTC

Former Valencia and Villarreal player Jorge López discusses his recent stint as sporting director of Al Ittihad in Tripoli, Libya. Hired in December 2025 with a short-term goal to win the league or cup, he left after failing to secure a title. He highlights the high salaries and aggressive transfer tactics in Libyan football, citing the signing of Libyan-Italian midfielder Ahmad Benali, whose salary jumped from 3 to nearly 20 (likely thousands of euros per week). López notes the quality of North African football (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Ivory Coast) but criticizes its disorganization. He also mentions hiring South African coach Rulani Mokwena and working with colleague Jaime Fernández. López is now awaiting his next project.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:26 AM UTC

The Appellate Tribunal under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA) has largely overturned the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) findings and penalties against the BCCI, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, and others in a FEMA case related to the 2009 IPL's shift to South Africa. The ED had alleged FEMA violations for remitting funds overseas to organize the tournament. The Tribunal cleared the State Bank of India and its former manager of liability, ruling the remittances were processed in ordinary banking operations. However, it upheld two specific violations: a ₹4 crore penalty on BCCI for remitting more than recorded in its books, and a reduced ₹1 crore penalty (from ₹4 crore) for delayed repatriation of ticket sale proceeds. Lalit Modi welcomed the decision, stating he acted in good faith for Indian cricket.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:24 PM UTC