Local Governance Watch: South Africa’s Auditor-General says only 39 of 257 municipalities got clean audits in 2024-25, with 38 slipping from earlier outcomes, and warns the next council’s success hinges on councillor capability—yet there’s no legal minimum competency requirement. Public Appointments & Integrity: South Africa’s Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie faces scrutiny over PA-linked appointments to boards and funding panels, with critics alleging political insider access to public money. Workplace Safety Culture: A South African-focused push argues regulators are moving beyond “paper compliance” toward verified competence—training must prove people can safely perform at the coalface. Conservation Accountability: Prince Harry resigns from African Parks’ board after the charity admitted ranger human rights abuses in Congo, as the group says it’s doing a “governance refresh.” DR Congo Peace Process: A ceasefire verification mission deploys in eastern DRC while Kinshasa and M23 back a roadmap for talks, including a monitoring mechanism with UN support. Electoral Administration: South Africa’s IEC reports 290,000+ first-time voter registrations and expands access via a WhatsApp registration option ahead of local elections. Energy & Infrastructure: Zimbabwe hosts an International Solar Alliance Africa meeting in Victoria Falls, while South Africa’s SIDSSA spotlights municipal infrastructure funding and sustainability. Diaspora & Youth: Tanzania’s President Samia meets ADDI leaders to strengthen diaspora cooperation and youth civic and development participation. Disaster & Humanitarian Risks: Guinea’s Conakry landfill collapse kills dozens as families near the site face evacuation plans.