Southern Cross Report
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Heavy rains have flooded Maputo and other areas of Mozambique, killing over 100 people since October and affecting tens of thousands. Rescue operations are underway as communities remain isolated and aid efforts continue.
Trump: White Genocide Comments About South Africa

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about violence against white farmers in South Africa, describing the situation as a “white genocide.” He said minority communities are being targeted.

The “Kill the Boer” phrase, written at crime scenes or sung at rallies, is widely regarded as intimidating and threatening toward white farmers.

South Africa’s legal and economic policies also disproportionately affect white farmers in some areas, including land redistribution, water rationing based on race, and preferential treatment for historically disadvantaged groups. While these measures are often framed as corrective or redistributive, they can create conditions that make it harder for farmers to survive or thrive-affecting livelihoods, security, and long-term sustainability.
IMF and European Central Bank officials warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos that advances in artificial intelligence could disrupt large parts of the global labour market, with entry-level jobs likely to be most affected.

They cautioned that AI could widen inequality unless governments coordinate policies and increase investment in reskilling programmes and education to help workers adapt.
Supporters of EFF leader Julius Malema gathered outside East London Magistrate’s Court after his sentencing (for firing a rifle at a 2018 rally) was postponed to 15 April 2026. Malema faces convictions for unlawful firearm possession and reckless endangerment, offenses that carry significant legal penalties.

His legal team dismissed suggestions that a fine could be seen as “buying freedom.” The case has drawn national attention due to its potential impact on public safety and political dynamics in South Africa.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has announced that Damelin College, along with City Varsity and ICESA City Campus, may face closure after failing to meet regulatory standards.
Authorities have ordered the immediate evacuation of communities downstream of the Senteeko Dam near Barberton. Engineers warn the dam’s structure is severely weakened and could fail. Residents are urged to move to higher ground or designated shelters and avoid rivers and flood-prone areas.
Japan shut down the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant just a day after restarting it, after a control-rod-related malfunction triggered an alarm. Operator TEPCO said there was no safety or radiation risk, but inspections are ongoing, dealing a setback to Japan’s nuclear restart plans.
The U.S. Army is prioritizing homeland defense and deterring China, while scaling back direct support to overseas allies. Allies are expected to take more responsibility for their own security, signaling a shift from global deployments to domestic and strategic priorities.
U.S. Border Patrol agents say they were conducting targeted enforcement when a confrontation with a suspect turned violent. Authorities report that a man identified as Pretti allegedly approached agents while armed with a 9 mm handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him.

According to the Border Patrol, an agent fired in self-defense during the encounter. No further details about Pretti’s condition or the exact location of the incident have been released.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a large U.S. naval force (described as an “armada”) is heading toward Iran amid rising tensions. He warned Tehran against killing protesters and restarting its nuclear program but added he hoped the military buildup would not need to be used.

Iran’s Warning:

A senior Iranian official responded that any U.S. attack (even a limited one) would be treated as “all‑out war,” and Tehran would respond strongly, though specific actions were not detailed.
U.S. envoy Jared Kushner unveiled a $10 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, focusing on modern housing, roads, schools, and technology hubs in Rafah. The plan aims to transform Gaza into a center for business and innovation, with new infrastructure designed to support economic growth.
Thousands gathered at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to say goodbye to Japan’s last two giant pandas, who are returning to China. Their departure coincides with rising tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, following Japan’s warning of possible military action if China attacks Taiwan. Giant pandas, symbols of diplomacy, have been on loan from China since 1972, and their return leaves Japan without any pandas for the first time in over 50 years.
In a unanimous move hailed by conservationists worldwide, Belgium’s Parliament has passed a landmark law prohibiting the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals. The legislation targets the importation of prized trophies such as elephant tusks, lion skins, and other species listed as threatened or endangered, effectively cutting off a significant market for hunters abroad.
A stash of ballot papers and boxes from the ANC’s Greater Johannesburg Regional Conference was discovered at a private house in Pretoria. The materials are linked to the December 2025 regional elective conference, which saw leadership changes already contested amid allegations of irregularities.

Police and ANC officials are investigating, while President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is awaiting a full report before commenting. The discovery has intensified scrutiny over the party’s internal election processes.
After six decades of production at its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, Nissan is halting its vehicle manufacturing in South Africa, marking the end of an era for the company in the region. The iconic plant, which produced models like the Nissan Navara and NP300, will now be under the control of Chinese automaker Chery.
As the war in Ukraine persists, Russia has adopted several strategies to reinforce its military forces. These include offering cash bonuses to attract recruits, as well as releasing prisoners with military experience in exchange for their service. Russia is also recruiting individuals from countries like Syria and Belarus to bolster its ranks. Additionally, private military companies, such as Wagner, have been playing a significant role in supporting these efforts.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently warned, “Good luck” to those who think Europe can defend itself without U.S. support, emphasizing the crucial role the U.S. plays in NATO’s defense structure.

While European nations have increased defense spending and modernized their forces, Stoltenberg's remark underscores the ongoing reliance on American military strength. The U.S. provides key resources, from nuclear deterrence to advanced technologies, that Europe struggles to match on its own.
The U.S. dollar and Treasury prices have dropped significantly as global investors pull out of U.S. assets, seeking safer havens amid economic uncertainty. This shift is largely driven by rising inflation concerns, higher interest rates, and worries about U.S. fiscal stability.
A drone strike struck a passenger train in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, killing five people and injuring several others. The train was traveling through an area close to the front lines when it was hit. Authorities reported damage to multiple rail cars and emergency services were dispatched to evacuate passengers and provide medical assistance.
The U.S. announced on Tuesday that a second naval strike group is being deployed toward Iran, following the recent arrival of the first carrier strike group, led by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The initial deployment was intended to signal U.S. readiness to respond if needed, amid ongoing unrest in Iran.
Senator Ted Cruz called for the U.S. to supply weapons to Iranians protesting the regime, framing it as a move to protect American security. His remarks come amid a deadly crackdown in Iran and threats from Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen, who warned Washington of “total war” if the U.S. intervenes.

The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group has been deployed to the region, with a second carrier group reportedly on the way.