Is South Africa ready for El Niño? Water and food security concerns mount
Despite relatively healthy dam levels, failing municipal infrastructure, leaking pipes, and rising food prices could leave South Africa vulnerable as a powerful El Niño approaches.
South Africa faces potential vulnerabilities as a powerful El Niño approaches, despite dam levels being relatively healthy. According to the Mail and Guardian, rising food prices, leaking pipes, and failing municipal infrastructure could impact the country's security.
Separately, President John Mahama has stated that Ghana remains committed to its partnership with South Africa following the postponement of the third session of the countries’ Bi-National Commission. GBC Ghana reports that the high-level talks, originally scheduled for August 4 to August 7, 2026, in Accra, were delayed due to friction regarding the treatment of foreign nationals.
The postponement follows xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner demonstrations in parts of South Africa during June and July 2026, which GBC Ghana notes created domestic pressure in Accra and a volatile social climate. During a ceremony at Jubilee House, President Mahama accepted the credentials of South Africa’s new High Commissioner, Ms. Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe.
Brief written by urgent.news from Mail and Guardian, GBC Ghana — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
