South Africa Roundup: MTN posts first loss, UFC, Mpox

MTN posts first loss since 2016 due to Naira devaluation

MTN Group Ltd., Africa’s biggest wireless carrier by revenue, posted its first loss since 2016 due to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira, impacting earnings from one of its key markets. The company reported a loss of 7.39 billion rand (about $415 million) in the six months through June and is looking to exit more markets, including discussions to reduce its stake in the Nigeria business to 65%, Bloomberg reports.

25-year cricket dominance over West Indies

South Africa defeated West Indies by 40 runs in the second Test, maintaining their 25-year dominance over the Caribbean side. Fast bowler Jayden Seales achieved a Test-best six wickets for 61 runs, but West Indies fell short of the target of 263. South Africa's Keshav Maharaj claimed 13 wickets in the series, helping his team secure the victory. Additionally, Wiaan Mulder took six wickets and contributed 34 runs, earning himself the man of the match award. South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma was praised for his leadership, while West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite highlighted the team's failure to score enough runs in the first innings as crucial to their loss.

UFC bout between Adesanya and Du Plessis

The first all-African title bout in UFC history ended with South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis beating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya in the UFC 305. The fighters settled their differences and expressed respect for each other after the fight. The UFC is looking to schedule an event in Africa, possibly in South Africa, in the near future, BBC reports.

Deportation of 95 Libyan nationals

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has completed preparations to deport 95 Libyan nationals arrested in Mpumalanga, eastern South Africa. Charges were dropped and the deportation was swift, with the Libyan government paying for the flight, SA News reports. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, commended the officials and emphasised the importance of respecting immigration laws and the rule of law.

Mpox under control, Health Department says

South Africa’s Department of Health has assured that the current Mpox outbreak is under control but urges citizens to remain vigilant, SA News reports. South Africa is on high alert for a surge in cases and new strains. The country is considering additional treatments and vaccines. The WHO has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but there are no trade or travel restrictions in place.  According to the government news agency, South Africa is intensifying surveillance and contact tracing efforts and has recorded 24 cases, with three deaths.