South Africa in transition: Democracy, power, inequality, and the search for a new national future, By Toyin Falola

The South African government has stated it will continue to participate in efforts to tackle climate change, with Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier identifying climate finance as a key priority. According to SABC News, negotiators at the COP31 climate talks in Antalya, Türkiye, are working with the African bloc and other groups to advance the interests of developing countries.

The nation's priorities include tripling adaptation finance, replenishing the climate finance fund, and bolstering the loss and damage response fund.

In sports, Bangladesh opted to bat against top-ranked South Africa during the first cricket test of a two-match series on Sunday. Yahoo Sports reports that South Africa currently holds the No. 1 spot following a recent home series win against Australia, though it sits second on the World Test Championship table behind New Zealand. The South African side has made two changes to the lineup that defeated Australia, with Zubayr Humza and Dane Paterson joining the team.

Separately, Punch Nigeria reported that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency intercepted 25.05 kilograms of methamphetamine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The substance was concealed within packs of assorted breakfast cereals. A 56-year-old man, identified as Chinedu Onwude, was arrested upon his arrival from South Africa. The agency stated that Onwude had lived in South Africa for over 20 years using a stolen identity.

Brief written by urgent.news from Premium Times, Punch Nigeria, SABC News, Yahoo Sports — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.