Southern Africa emerged as a suicide epicentre, dominating the list of African countries with the highest suicide rates, as World Health Organisation data unearthed a regional crisis.

Botswana and Zimbabwe have introduced patrols by traditional regiments along parts of their shared border to help combat cross-border criminal activities.

Regiments are male age groups traditionally organised by communities and are increasingly being used to support public initiatives.

As Southern Africa braces for the looming El Niño in the 2026/2027 farming season, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is applauding grassroots efforts in Zambia that could inspire resilience across the SADC region. 

Botswana has approached Zimbabwe to establish an enhanced economic partnership, coinciding with Botswana's significant economic shift aimed at reducing its dependency on diamonds and exploring new avenues for growth.

The burial of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu remains uncertain, despite the South African Supreme Court of Appeal's judgement favouring the family over the government.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is worried about anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, citing safety concerns and potential human rights violations.

At least 14 presidential candidates out of the initial 27 that paid a N$100,000 equivalent nomination fee have made it to the final ballot list for the August general elections in Zambia.

Of the 14, all are male except for Given Katuta, who is standing as an independent presidential candidate.

Botswana's Police Services Commissioner, Dinah Marathe, has called on SADC member states to double their efforts in the fight against drug trafficking, as Cannabis (dagga) smuggling is reaching alarming levels.

SADC ministers responsible for Gender and Women's Affairs have expressed concern over the persistently high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) across the region.

The recent ministerial meeting has made significant progress towards the adoption of the SADC UniVisa project.

Although the date and venue for the launch are yet to be made public, NBC News is reliably informed that the project is moving towards consideration by Heads of State sooner rather than later.