Leaders meet for first Africa-hosted G20

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025, starting at 12 PM local time. This event will determine the group phase matchups for the 48 teams participating in the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw will feature performances by notable artists, including the Village People and Andrea Bocelli.

South Africa has launched the 'Rhino Renaissance Campaign' as part of the G20 Heritage Projects to combat the alarming rate of rhino poaching, which sees hundreds of these animals killed annually for their horns, primarily trafficked to Asia for traditional medicine. The campaign employs advanced surveillance technology, engages local communities, and includes radical conservation measures such as dehorning.

More than 60,000 African penguins have starved to death in South Africa due to a significant decline in sardine populations, according to a recent study. The research indicates that over 95% of the penguins in two key breeding colonies, located on Dassen Island and Robben Island, perished between 2004 and 2012, primarily during their moulting period, exacerbated by the climate crisis and overfishing.

South Africa's Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-match ban for eye-gouging during a match against Wales, where the Springboks secured a 73-0 victory in Cardiff. The suspension will affect his participation with the Sharks until the end of March, leading to his deregistration by the team in anticipation of the lengthy ban.

Maro Itoje has expressed his ambition for Rugby World Cup success in 2027 after England was drawn in a favorable group, avoiding top teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and France. The draw, held in Sydney, positions England alongside Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, which could enhance their chances of advancing in the tournament.