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South Africa’s sugar industry, which supports over a million livelihoods and underpins the rural economies of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, is at risk of being undermined by a flood of artificially cheap, subsidised sugar imports.  Image: Bloomberg

South Africa’s sugar industry, which supports over a million livelihoods and underpins the rural economies of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, is at risk of being undermined by a flood of artificially cheap, subsidised sugar imports. These imports are not just distorting the local market – they are jeopardising the survival of small-scale and large sugarcane growers and the thousands of families whose lives depend on them.

SA Canegrowers, which represents 1 200 commercial farmers and 24 000 small-scale growers, has raised the issue with the government, calling for action to raise the import tariff reference price and prevent further damage to an industry already under enormous strain.

It is important to note that cheap imported sugar does not translate to cheaper sugar for retail consumers. Imported sugar ends up on retail shelves at a similar price to locally grown sugar, with inflated profits going to importers of offshore sugar.

South Africa has seen a steady rise in sugar imports over the past year, despite the local sugar industry being able to fully supply the region’s domestic and commercial needs whilst leaving extra to export. In the 2024/25 season, close to 100 000 tons of duty-paid imports sugar entered South Africa, a steep rise from about 25 000 tons in the previous season.

The global sugar market is anything but free or fair. Most major sugar-producing countries protect their growers with extensive subsidies and support mechanisms - sometimes direct, other times hidden in complex support systems. These market distortions allow foreign producers to export sugar at prices far below the actual cost of production.

Brazil is the world’s largest sugar exporter and is able to produce sugar more cheaply than most other countries partly owing to the generous support from government. Brazil’s government further supports the dual-use for sugarcane – both to be produced into edible sugar and other products, and also to produce ethanol for their local fuel industry.  Brazilian sugarcane growers have historically received government support via low-interest loans, fuel blending mandates (for bio-ethanol), and other mechanisms that enable the country to produce sugarcane at scale, cheaply. 

Another major sugar producer is India, where the government has deployed direct subsidies, debt waivers and export subsidies. A number of other major sugar producing countries also deploy various forms of export and/or input subsidies. An export subsidy is a financial incentive provided by a government to domestic producers or exporters to encourage them to sell their goods abroad rather than domestically. Such subsidies help make a country's exports cheaper or more competitive in international markets by offering their product for sale at or below the cost of production, often at the expense of fair global trade.

This means that, without an appropriate import tariff, sugar enters South Africa at a price that is lower than the cost of producing that sugar in the country of origin. This undercuts local growers, who operate without the same level of government support.

As a result, South African sugarcane growers are losing an average of over R7 500 in income for every ton of imported sugar that displaces local product. Should the volume of sugar imports continue on its current trajectory, the industry is facing severe financial strain in a period that already sees growers battered by erratic weather, rising input costs, mill closures, and the sugar tax. By Higgins Mdluli, IOL

The judge also warned that any disobedience of the court’s directive would result in penal consequences. Parties named in the suit—including the CA—have three days to respond, with further directions set for July 2.

The High Court in Nairobi has suspended a directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordering media houses to cease live coverage of ongoing protests, in a landmark ruling that came amid widespread demonstrations and rising casualties across the country.

Justice Chacha Mwita issued the conservatory order on Wednesday, June 25, directing the immediate restoration of any broadcasting signals that may have been switched off due to the directive. He ruled that the petition—filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)—raised serious constitutional issues regarding press freedom and the right to information.

 

“The matter calls for immediate action,” said Justice Mwita. “A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive by the Communication Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of 25th June 2025 or any other demonstrations.”

The judge also warned that any disobedience of the court’s directive would result in penal consequences. Parties named in the suit—including the CA—have three days to respond, with further directions set for July 2.

Shutoffs and Outrage

The CA’s controversial directive, issued earlier in the day by Director General David Mugonyi, warned broadcasters against airing live footage of the Gen Z-led protests, claiming it could incite violence and violate the Kenya Information and Communications Act.

Citing Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, Mugonyi claimed live coverage risked “contravention of constitutional and regulatory provisions,” and threatened media houses with regulatory action, including revocation of licences and suspension of transmission.

Shortly after the letter was circulated, major broadcasters including NTV, Citizen TV, and K24 reported that their free-to-air signals had been abruptly shut down after CA officials allegedly accessed transmission infrastructure in Limuru.

The move was widely condemned by legal experts and media stakeholders. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga labelled the directive “unconstitutional and retrogressive,” while the Kenya Editors’ Guild called it an egregious distortion of the law meant to suppress public access to real-time information.

Day of Rage: Protests Rock Cities

The ruling came as Gen Z-led protests swept across major cities and towns in Kenya to mark one year since the deadly June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests that left more than 60 people dead. Demonstrators took to the streets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Naivasha, demanding justice for last year’s victims, economic reforms, and an end to police brutality.

By nightfall on Wednesday, at least 12 people had been confirmed dead, with more than 300 others injured, many from gunshot wounds. Fatalities were reported in Ngara, Embakasi, Molo, Matuu, Kikuyu, Juja, Ol Kalou, and Ongata Rongai. Among the dead was a Form Three student in Molo, shot while attempting to flee police gunfire, and a Kenya Power security guard, Fred Wamale Wanyonyi, who was fatally shot outside Stima Plaza in Nairobi.

Kenyatta National Hospital reported receiving more than 10 casualties by afternoon, with medical officials warning that the toll could rise. Protesters blocked roads, lit bonfires, and clashed with anti-riot police, particularly in Nairobi’s CBD, where they attempted to march on Parliament and State House—both heavily barricaded with razor wire and guarded by armed officers.

Chants of “Ruto Must Go!” and “We Want Justice!” rang through the streets, echoing the sentiments of youth demanding sweeping reforms.

Government Response and Public Concern

President William Ruto, in a brief address, urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and avoid destruction of property or attacks on law enforcement. However, human rights organisations say police used excessive force in several towns in violation of local and international laws.

The High Court’s intervention is likely to be seen as a victory for press freedom, even as tensions remain high and the public demands accountability for the growing number of protest deaths.

The protests appear far from over, with demonstrators vowing to continue their push for reforms, justice, and the protection of democratic space in the country. By Irene Mwangi, Capital News

An aerial view of Nairobi City's skyline in 2023. Photo Eyeconic Media 

The Iranian Embassy in Nairobi has come out to deny reports linking the Islamic Republic of Iran to alleged terror plots in Kenya.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 25, the Embassy termed the reports as baseless and politically motivated, while pointing an accusing finger at an unnamed adversary. 

The response followed media reports, which cited an alleged statement from the National Intelligence Service, which allegedly warned of potential terror threats during the anniversary of the June 25 protests.

"In light of a statement attributed to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of Kenya circulated by a few local news platforms, the Spokesperson of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi wishes to state that Such delusional and fabricated scenarios are the product of hostile elements," the statement read in part.

The Embassy further emphasised that Iran had no operatives aligned with such activities, adding that Iran enjoyed close diplomatic ties with Kenya.

“As one of the primary victims of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently fought against terrorist organisations such as Daesh (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda,” the embassy said. 

Iran, through the Embassy, also sent a warning to Kenya against publishing unverified security reports, which were likely to cause alarm and potentially severe diplomatic ties.

As far as conflict is concerned, Iran has been embroiled in an escalating war with Israel, in a battle that has left hundreds dead and thousands either injured or displaced.

The conflict, which erupted on June 13, dragged on for two weeks before a curious ceasefire was agreed upon on June 24 with the help of international mediators, including Qatar.

Both countries have pointed an accusing finger at each other, with Iran accusing Israel of "Zionist aggression." Israel, meanwhile, has insisted it was simply protecting itself against hostile proxies and Iranian expansionism in the region. 

In Kenya, the June 25 protests went on as planned, although several unfortunate incidents of destruction of property and violent clashes between police officers and protesters were witnessed across the country.

Kenya's capital of Nairobi was a hotspot for running battles for most of the day on Wednesday, with several protesters reportedly injured in the mayhem. By Rene Otinga, Kenyans.co.ke

Protestors being sprayed by water cannon from anti riot police during the gen z 1st anniversary protests in Nairobi on June 25th 2025.[Collins Oduor, Standard]
 

On the day Kenyans commemorated the first anniversary of Gen Z protests, the National Assembly was forced to prematurely adjourn its morning sitting over fears of a second breach of Parliamentary precincts by youth.

Earlier in the morning, Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had toured the area, which saw reinforcement of the precincts with razor sharp barbed wire. 

A morning session that had taken off under heavy police presence was prematurely cut off after business due to the absence of the movers of six motions and sponsors of four bills. 

The  morning session which is ordinarily adjourned at 1pm yesterday ended at 11:45am, an hour and 15 minutes before time. The Presiding Speaker David Ochieng was forced to defer the motions and Bills to another sitting.

Earlier in the morning the Public Investment Committee on Governance and Education chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, and the Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee chaired by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka were also put off.

Some motions that were to be considered included one on implementation of universal health coverage and of a policy on mandatory use of public health care facilities by public officers by nominated MP Sabina Chege, MP Tim Wanyonyi’s motion on formulation of a land use policy on zoning of land for agriculture and built development, and another by MP Abdi Shurie on allocation of HELB funds to support students enrolled at Kenya Medical Training College. 

Among the Bills up for consideration are The County Governments (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 25 Of 2023) co-sponsored by MP Timothy Toroitich, The Breastfeeding Mothers Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 8 Of 2024) by Sabina Chege and The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 21 Of 2024) by MP Didmus Barasa.

“The time being fifteen minutes to midday, this House stands adjourned until today 2.30pm PM,” said Ochieng. Parliament had been considering the Supplementary Budget Estimates III for the 2024/2025 financial year but by the time the House rose, only 10 MPs were in the chambers.

And immediately the House rose, long convoys of parliamentary staff and MPs could be seen yet again sneaking out the premises through the underground tunnel.

The Sh150 million and five-meter-wide tunnel that lies beneath a section of Harambee Avenue once again proved a welcome escape route for the MPs. Insiders revealed that an advisory had been issued to all MPs and staff on duty to vacate the premises “as soon as they could”. 

PIC Education and Governance Committee chairman Jack Wamboka said the committees had been cancelled due to the unavailability of witnesses. “We had planned to hold the committee sittings but our witnesses communicated that they could not make it given the ongoing protests,” he said.

The urgency, speed and fashion within which the MPs vacated Parliament however betrayed the fear reigning in Parliament yesterday. By afternoon, all MPs had left Parliament.

Within the precincts, armed officers run up and down fending off a section of youth who had tried to enter Bunge towers side of Parliament. Outside the main Parliament Buildings which were breached by protesters on June 25, 2024, were fortified with razor wire, with armed officers stationed at all access points. General Service Unit officers barricaded all round-about leading to Parliament road while helicopters could be heard flying above the august House in intervals.

At the same time, opposition leaders yesterday criticised the government over its handling of the protests meant to honour over 60 Kenyans killed during last year’s protests.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka led opposition leaders Eugene Wamwala and a host of other grassroots leaders in commemoration of the Kenyans killed last year.

Shortly before the laying of a wreath along Parliament road, Kalonzo held a press briefing outside the Holy Family Basilica church where he spoke out against state-backed killing of the youths and abductions that rocked the country.

"You cannot let gangs run the streets while police collaborate with them. We will not allow this country to descend into such lawlessness,” said Kalonzo.

“It is also wicked to abduct citizens without warrants. We must say no to this and seek legal redress where necessary,” he added.

Eugene Wamalwa said: “This level of deployment speaks to a paranoid regime…But as the people's opposition, we stand with the people and not the powerful.” By Josphat Thiong’o, The Standard

Arts subject teachers began striking in early June over salary disparities, earning less than half of what their colleagues in other subjects receive

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has advised government to table a supplementary request to Parliament to address the pay disparities between science and arts teachers. 

He offered the advice during plenary on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, wherein he warned that arts and humanities teachers across the country had gone on strike, demanding pay equity and the matter needs to be addressed.

Ssenyonyi also said that curbing public corruption would unlock the much needed funds. “The IGG says we lose over Shs 10 trillion to corruption every year. Stop stealing taxpayers’ money and there will be money to pay the teachers,” he said.

Arts subject teachers began striking in early June over salary disparities, earning less than half of what their colleagues in other subjects receive. 

“They are saying they are teachers too, just like the science teachers, but they have been discriminated against severely. They have warned that they are not going to carry out assessments, and that is a big concern for our young people who are in school,” Ssenyonyi said.

According to available information, graduate science teachers earn Shs4 million while diploma holders earn Shs3 million. Most arts teachers meanwhile earn below Shs1 million.

Teachers with similar qualifications and workloads, the leader of the Opposition noted, were being paid grossly unequal salaries, with arts teachers earning up to four times less than their science counterparts.

“We are happy science teachers got a raise. But you cannot do it for some and not others,” he argued.

He further pointed to absurd situations where headteachers with arts qualifications supervise science teachers who earn more than them, calling it a “management crisis.”

He also cited the Auditor General’s report for the year ending 2024, which revealed that retired science teachers receive pensions higher than the monthly net pay of currently serving arts teachers.

In response, the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, confirmed that engagements between the education ministry and the leadership of arts teachers were ongoing.

“There is no intimidation at all, we believe in dialogue and consensus,” he assured the House.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa who chaired the House acknowledged the urgency of the matter and asked the sector minister to update the House once negotiations conclude.

The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Chrysostom Muyingo, said the ministry had held a number of meetings with the teachers and that their leadership had agreed to suspend the strike.

“Government is committed to raise the salaries of all our public servants in a fair manner,” Muyingo said, promising feedback from consultations by Thursday.

Meanwhile Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative) added her voice to the debate, highlighting equally pressing concerns about pay disparities among government lawyers.

“There is a serious pay disparity among the lawyers working in the police force and other lawyers in government,” Opendi said.

She warned that the discrepancy was fueling an exodus of legal officers from the Uganda Police Force to other departments, particularly the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General’s Chambers, where pay is significantly higher.

“This matter was presented here. The last time, the Attorney General said they had appealed. I want to confirm, there is no active appeal,” she said.

The Deputy Speaker backed her call and directed that the Attorney General update the House on the issue. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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