Markus Jooste, a prominent South African businessman and former director of Steinhoff, committed suicide on March 21, 2024, amid allegations of orchestrating massive fraud that led to the company's downfall in 2017. The scandal resulted in significant financial losses and legal actions against Jooste, including asset freezes and a substantial fine. His death marks the end of a major corporate scandal in South Africa, with ongoing legal and financial repercussions.

A musical protest in Johannesburg on South African Human Rights Day saw over a thousand drummers rallying to raise awareness about the civilian casualties in Gaza and call for a ceasefire. The event, characterized by its unique approach, aimed to 'wake up the world' to the ongoing conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's actions and apartheid. The demonstration attracted a diverse group of participants, emphasizing the strong support for the Palestinian cause among South Africans.

South Africa's largest bank has frozen former President Jacob Zuma's accounts due to non-repayment of a loan of approximately 480,000 euros. Zuma, who was forced to resign in 2018 amid corruption allegations, had previously been embroiled in scandal for using taxpayer money for upgrades to his country home, which he claimed were for security purposes. He was ordered to repay the state, but his loan remains unpaid. The MK party, which Zuma is actively supporting for the May 29 general elections, sees the account freeze as a political move by the ANC to weaken him. Zuma's daughter, Duduzile, has called for an end to the banking cartel on social media. The Zuma family is known for its populist rhetoric against the Constitution, media, and now banks, aiming to distract from the former president's misconduct.

The Speaker of South Africa's National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is under investigation for corruption, with her home recently searched by police. This development poses a challenge for the ruling ANC party, which is already facing scrutiny for maintaining candidates implicated in corruption ahead of the general elections. Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of accepting bribes during her tenure as Minister of Defense, a claim that has resurfaced and intensified. The ANC's struggle with corruption persists despite President Cyril Ramaphosa's promises of reform, as evidenced by the inclusion of controversial figures like Dipuo Peters in the election candidate list.

The Burundian basketball club Dynamo Burundi Basket Club forfeited their second match in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Pretoria against FUS de Rabat due to their refusal to wear the official sponsor's logo, 'Visit Rwanda'. The players had covered the logo with black tape, reflecting ongoing tensions between Burundi and Rwanda. Burundi had previously closed its borders with Rwanda in January 2024, accusing Kigali of harboring the headquarters of the Burundian rebel group Red-Tabara and expelling Rwandan nationals from its territory. The president of the Burundian basketball federation, Jean-Paul Manirakiza, confirmed the request to avoid the logo, which was sent an hour before the game. Despite the political interference, the team's coach, Julien Chaignot, had urged his players to focus on the game.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is leading the candidate list for the newly formed uMkhonto WeSizwe party in the upcoming general elections on May 29. Despite his previous presidency under the ANC, Zuma aims to challenge his former party. His candidacy faces legal hurdles due to a prior conviction, and his potential election as a deputy would require him to forfeit his presidential benefits. Zuma's primary goal appears to be weakening the ANC by attracting votes to his new party.

The United States announced the end of a restrictive measures regime in place since 2003, leading some to believe Zimbabwe was free from American sanctions. However, a new punitive regime targeting the ruling elite, including the president, was simultaneously announced. This development highlights ongoing international dynamics and the influence of major powers like the US, China, and Russia in Africa.

The FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, also known as 'la Calebasse' due to its African percussion instrument-shaped architecture, is a legendary venue that has hosted the most significant events in South African political and sports history. As part of the 'Mythical Stadiums of the Continent' series, it is highlighted for its unique blend of politics, sports, music, and entertainment.

Jacob Zuma, known for his strategic prowess learned during his imprisonment on Robben Island, is now seemingly aiming to challenge figures larger than himself within South African politics. Having previously orchestrated the fall of President Thabo Mbeki in 2008 before his own presidency from 2009 to 2018, Zuma's current political maneuvers suggest a significant internal conflict within the African National Congress.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has publicly denounced his own party, the African National Congress (ANC), and its current leader, Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing them of being controlled by 'white capitalism' and betraying black professionals and intellectuals. Zuma has called for support for a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which could potentially weaken the ANC's majority in the upcoming 2024 elections. The ANC plans to take legal action to retain the MK name. Zuma's actions are seen as a mission to rescue the ANC, though they appear more as a destabilization campaign.