Child Poverty Shock: UNICEF warns Middle East conflict could push about 23.4 million more children into poverty this year, with Africa facing an estimated 6.5–8.8 million extra children falling into poor households. Migration Tensions in South Africa: Mandela Day plans are being used by anti-immigration activists in the Eastern Cape to target undocumented workers, drawing backlash from the Mandela Foundation as xenophobia and violence continue to fracture communities. Health Safety Crackdown: South Africa’s medicines regulator (SAHPRA) launches a public push against fake weight-loss jabs, HIV drugs and other substandard products, urging consumers to watch for red flags. Failed-State Claims: A Public Protector report on spaza shop food safety is being cited by ATM leader Vuyo Zungula as proof of systemic regulatory failure and negligence. E-commerce Workarounds: Package-forwarding firms are helping Africans shop online despite no physical addresses and limited banking, using mobile money and depot delivery models. Trade & Integration: South Africa and Namibia reaffirm deeper cooperation via new agreements under their bi-national commission, spanning trade, air services, mining and energy value chains. Jobs & Skills: ECA calls for harmonised education and skills certification to boost youth employment across Africa, while Smart Africa’s CEO Lacina Koné is set to speak at a Pan-African AI summit in Accra. Conservation & Sports: Libya wins four medals at the African boules championship; China and South Africa sign a conservation cooperation deal between Mount Tai and Table Mountain.