The United Nations' climate agency, the World Meteorological Organization WMO, has warned that El Nino is here and is expected to rapidly develop into a strong event between July and September. This climate phenomenon warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to global changes in winds, pressure, and rainfall patterns. El Nino typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts about nine to twelve months. The WMO's monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update indicates a rapid development into a strong El Nino event during July-September, reaching the third-highest level out of four classifications. WMO climate scientist Alvaro Silva noted increased confidence in the development of strong El Nino conditions in the equatorial Pacific. The WMO may issue further updates if forecasts suggest a "really strong El Nino." Forecasts from global climate centers show consistent and significant warming of ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, with sea-surface temperature anomalies expected to exceed 2C in key monitoring regions. El Nino is projected to continue strengthening during the Northern Hemisphere autumn, with its influence extending globally. The last El Nino contributed to 2023 being the second-hottest year on record and 2024 reaching an all-time high of approximately 1.55C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. While El Nino usually peaks between November and February, the resulting temperature spike typ
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Allegations of illicit tobacco trading involving Carnilinx are under renewed scrutiny at the Madlanga commission, following alleged admissions made by the company’s CEO, Adriano Mazzotti. The commission resumed hearings on Friday, 3 July 2026. Evidence leader Adila Hassim introduced a “voluntary submission” from Mazzotti, received the previous evening. In his letter, Mazzotti objected to claims by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo, arguing they damaged Carnilinx’s business, reputation, and commercial standing. He maintained that Carnilinx operates legally under a South African Revenue Service Sars license and dismissed Nyatlo’s claims as based on media reports and “historical regulatory matters.” Central to the dispute is a May 2014 affidavit Mazzotti submitted to Sars, presented by Hassim. Mazzotti explained this affidavit was intended to disclose past tax compliance issues and regularize Carnilinx’s tax affairs. He stated that details purportedly from his affidavit were leaked to the media and questioned their authenticity and completeness. Mazzotti rejected suggestions that the affidavit proves Carnilinx’s unlawful conduct or involvement in organized crime, and denied allegations in Nyatlo’s submission, arguing that historical regulatory matters and unresolved tax disputes should not be conflated with present-day criminality. Hassim, however, emphasized that the commission’s focus extends beyond Carnilinx to individuals linked to it, including director Mohammed ‘Mo’ Sa
The EFF has accused ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of misrepresenting their stance on illegal migration and foreign employment in South Africa. Mbalula, on Facebook, described the EFF as flip-floppers who set vigilante trends against foreign nationals, referencing the party's 2022 inspections of restaurants at the Mall of Africa to check employment ratios of South Africans and foreigners. He stated that the Department of Employment and Labour condemned these inspections at the time. In response, EFF elections spokesperson Thembi Msane stated that the EFF has never organized or endorsed campaigns to intimidate or remove foreign nationals, asserting that such actions are inconsistent with their Pan-Africanist principles. Msane clarified that the 2022 Mall of Africa visits, led by EFF president Julius Malema, were parliamentary oversight activities aimed at assessing compliance with labor laws and ensuring fair employment conditions for all workers. The EFF further blamed the ANC for the tensions between immigrants and South Africans, citing the ANC's governance for over three decades, which they claim led to the collapse of immigration systems, deterioration of border management, and selective enforcement of labor laws.
US Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, commended South Africa's 1994 democratic transition as the "most remarkable political achievement of the modern era." Speaking at an event in Pretoria celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's independence, Bozell highlighted the transition as a reflection of a diverse people building a common future, where reconciliation triumphed over resentment and hope prevailed over fear. He avoided discussing outstanding issues between Washington and Pretoria, focusing instead on the celebrations. Former president Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency Sindisiwe Chikunga were among the attendees. Bozell praised Nelson Mandela's embodiment of the 1994 vision and acknowledged Mbeki's role in guiding South Africa's democratic reality. Chikunga emphasized the ongoing advancement of shared interests between South Africa and the US through dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, referencing a past engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump as an example of maintaining open channels.