Al Ansaar News Bulletin – 14 June 2025

Al Ansaar News Bulletin – 14 June 2025

 

 

 

Local and International Headlines

 

 

 

Eastern Cape and KZN Devastated by Deadly Floods

Heavy rains and landslides have caused significant destruction across parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people. Among the victims were six high school learners whose bus was swept away by rising floodwaters near Mthatha.

Rescue teams from the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, local disaster response agencies, and the military have been working around the clock to locate the missing and provide support to affected communities. Several roads and bridges have been washed away, leaving many rural areas isolated and inaccessible.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the grieving families and commended the rescue personnel for their commitment under difficult conditions. The national government has pledged financial and logistical assistance to help with rebuilding efforts in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

SAWS Issues Level 4 and 5 Wind Warnings in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued Level 4 and Level 5 wind and storm warnings across several districts in KwaZulu-Natal. These include eThekwini, Kokstad, Underberg, and parts of Zululand. Winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour are expected, accompanied by intermittent snowfall in high-altitude regions.

SAWS has cautioned residents to remain indoors where possible, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid travelling during peak storm activity. Emergency services have also been placed on standby in anticipation of infrastructure damage, uprooted trees, and power disruptions.

Municipal authorities have urged the public to closely monitor official weather alerts and report incidents of downed power lines, fallen trees, or flash flooding to disaster control centres.

 

 

 

Snowfall Forces Major Road Closures Across KwaZulu-Natal

Several key transport routes, including sections of the N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass and the R617 near Underberg, have been temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall in the province.

Snow has blanketed large parts of the Harry Gwala, uThukela, and Ugu districts, prompting warnings to motorists and emergency road management interventions. Traffic authorities are working alongside law enforcement to redirect vehicles and clear obstructions.

Provincial disaster teams have also been deployed to remote villages where snowfall has disrupted access to schools, clinics, and other essential services. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has asked drivers to remain patient and delay non-essential travel until the weather stabilises.

 

 

 

United Nations Security Council to Convene on Israel–Iran Conflict

The United Nations Security Council will meet in an emergency session today following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. This comes after Israel launched a large-scale aerial attack on Iranian nuclear and military installations as part of what has been dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.”

The Israeli government claims the strikes were necessary to disrupt Iran’s weapons programme and prevent regional threats. Iran has responded by lodging an official complaint under Article 51 of the UN Charter, declaring the attacks unlawful and promising a firm response.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both parties to de-escalate tensions immediately and return to diplomatic channels. The global community, including key members of the European Union, the United States, and China, are closely monitoring developments.

 

 

 

Global Markets Experience Sharp Declines Amid Middle East Tensions

Financial markets across the globe have seen major declines in response to the Israel–Iran conflict. Investors are reacting to fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global oil supply chains.

The price of Brent crude surged past $78.50 per barrel, driven by concerns over the security of oil shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, major stock indices in Asia, Europe, and the United States registered losses as investor confidence took a hit.

Safe-haven assets such as gold and U.S. Treasury bonds experienced a spike in demand. Economists warn that if the conflict expands or becomes prolonged, it could undermine global economic recovery efforts and lead to inflationary pressures, particularly in energy-dependent economies.

 

 

U.S. Renews Push for Peace Between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

The United States is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This follows renewed violence in eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to destabilise the region and displace thousands of civilians.

American envoys have been engaging leaders from both countries in a series of talks hosted in Nairobi and Doha, with a goal of reaching a binding agreement by July 2025.

The proposed deal includes mechanisms for the disarmament of rebel groups, the protection of displaced communities, and the strengthening of regional security cooperation.

Although both governments have expressed interest in resolving the conflict, the success of the talks will depend on sustained international pressure and credible guarantees for implementation. Human rights organisations have called for the inclusion of civil society voices in the negotiation process to ensure accountability and transparency.

 

 

Today’s Exchange Rates – 14 June 2025

•1 US Dollar = R17.96

•1 Euro = R20.73

•1 British Pound = R24.35

 

These are mid-market rates and may vary slightly depending on the provider.