Eight people were killed and 16 others injured Sunday in a road crash involving a truck and a vehicle carrying passengers in South Africa, according to local media.

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service responded to the collision on the N2 highway near Empangeni, a town in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, where paramedics found eight people dead at the scene, the local road safety website Arrive Alive reported.

Four people were critically injured and 12 seriously hurt. All victims were treated at the scene before being taken to nearby hospitals for further care.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by local authorities. By Mevlut Ozkan  Anadolu Agency 

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of manipulating the selection of officials for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Machakos on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Mbui, who serves as the Deputy Minority Leader in the National Assembly, claimed that the selection process for the new IEBC commissioners lacked transparency and did not involve consultation with opposition parties. 

He alleged that several of the individuals nominated to the electoral body are close allies or relatives of senior figures in the ruling UDA party.

“Some of the names forwarded to Parliament include friends and cronies of the UDA brigade. One of the nominees is reportedly related to a senior Cabinet Secretary, and another is said to be closely linked to a top official at State House,” Mbui stated.

NADCO agreement

The Kathiani legislator expressed concern that such appointments could compromise the credibility of future elections and reignite tensions similar to those witnessed after the 2022 polls.

He cited the findings of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), co-chaired by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, which was formed to address grievances from the 2022 post-election period.

According to Mbui, the NADCO report submitted to Ruto called for consensus and independence in reconstituting the electoral commission.

“The report recommended that to prevent future post-election conflict, those seeking leadership should sit together and agree on a truly independent IEBC,” he explained.

Mbui argued that the recent appointments ignored these recommendations, undermining efforts to ensure electoral integrity.

“Unfortunately, the IEBC has already been reconstituted and names forwarded to Parliament, without any consultation. The Wiper Party Leader was not consulted, nor were any leaders from the People’s Loyal Opposition side. That’s the issue we are raising. We’ll do what we can, even go to court,” he remarked.

2027 polls

The Wiper Party Organising Secretary warned that Kenyans were growing increasingly disillusioned with the current administration.

He predicted that public dissatisfaction would translate into a vote against Ruto in 2027, regardless of who manages the elections.

“It does not matter even if the President appoints himself IEBC chair. Kenyans are tired, and they will vote for change. In 2027, we have said one thing: RMG—Ruto Must Go,” he asserted.

The MP further reiterated his support for Kalonzo Musyoka as the most suitable leader to unite the country and provide honest, experienced leadership in the next electoral cycle.

“In 2027, we need a leader who will unite us. That leader must be someone with experience, must be honest, must be respectable, and must not be corrupt. When you start looking for a leader, I have one for you – Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka,” he stated. By Cy Muganda, People  Daily 

THE Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with development partners, is intensifying efforts to ensure every child enjoys the right to basic education, especially the girl child, who remains disproportionately affected by school dropouts.

The adage “educate the girl child educate the whole family” remains a torchbearer for developmental partners working in collaboration with government to empower the girl child.

The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) initiative continues to champion access to basic education by the girl child, particularly those from vulnerable communities.

Riding on the government’s inclusive development mantra, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is targeting hotspots for school dropouts with the latest engagement being held in Insiza District.

The community concurs the partnership has seen an empowered society.

“Many girls used to drop out of school due to lack of pads, uniforms, or because they are pregnant. Now they can continue being in school without these basic needs,” a staff member said.

“This program is a game changer, it is giving us the chance to build a better future for ourselves,” a student said.

“It is unacceptable for girls to be abused and forced to drop out of school, jeopardising their future. However, thanks to CAMFED’s intervention, these girls can now access necessities and continue their education, even during pregnancy or after childbirth,” a community member said.

The government says it will continue to push for universal access to education.

Speaking during a visit to Mpalawani Secondary School, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerai Moyo, said government interventions are tackling underlying causes of school dropouts such as early marriages and poverty.

“In this area, early marriage remains one of the biggest drivers of school dropouts. Cultural practices and poverty have pushed some parents to marry off their daughters to older men. We’ve identified the affected girls, offered counselling, and engaged their parents,” he explained.

“The Constitution of Zimbabwe under Section 75 guarantees the right to education for every child, regardless of background. Some girls drop out after giving birth due to misinformation, many are unaware that they can return to school. We are saying, no girl should be left behind.”

The CAMFED initiative has empowered the girl child with education, while the government Basic Assistance Education Assistance Model has benefited learners from disadvantaged families. Story by Zanele Masuku, ZBC