HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Fri 16 January 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today:

◼️ US voices ‘concern and alarm’: The US has expressed “concern and alarm” that Iran took part in joint naval exercises off South Africa’s coast, calling its participation “unconscionable”. The naval drills last week, held as part of the BRICS grouping of nations, included vessels from China, Iran, Russia and the UAE. But the US embassy in South Africa said Iran’s inclusion “undermines maritime security and regional stability”.
https://independentpress.cc/us-voices-concern-and-alarm-over-irans-participation-in-sa-naval-drills/2026/01/16/

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◼️ Foreigners ‘not prioritised’ over SA pupils at schools: In September last year, Operation Dudula allegedly delivered notices to some schools in Soweto, warning them against admitting undocumented pupils for the 2026 academic year. Chiloane has dismissed claims that foreign nationals are prioritised over South African children.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/foreigners-not-prioritised-over-sa-learners-schools-gauteng-education/

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◼️ South Africans can now visit 101 countries visa-free in 2026: While this places South Africa solidly in the middle of the global rankings, it remains far behind the world’s strongest passports. Singapore once again tops the index, offering its citizens visa-free access to 192 destinations. The drop in South Africa’s score is the result of losing visa-free access to five countries since last year.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/847903/south-africans-can-now-visit-101-countries-in-2026-losing-access-to-5-destinations/

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◼️ Phala Phala trial: Imanuwela David and siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph are accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm in 2020 and making off with $580,000 in cash. The witness initially gave a statement to police, saying he transported accused number one, David, and two other people from Bela Bela to Kempton Park, a day after the burglary.
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/01/16/phala-phala-trial-court-to-rule-over-witness-that-gave-contradictory-evidence

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◼️ Dion George’s exit raises new questions about DA unity: George, a DA member since 1995, announced his resignation on Thursday following a bitter and public clash with Steenhuisen. The fallout has reignited questions about the party’s internal discipline and its ability to manage dissent at senior levels.
https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-01-16-dion-georges-exit-raises-new-questions-about-da-unity/

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