Xenophobia and migration tensions: South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s carefully worded response to anti-immigrant protests failed to calm fears or clearly address a looming June 30 ultimatum, after March and March protests and populist pressure from parties including the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA. Regional education and innovation ties: Eswatini and South Africa agreed to deepen cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including plans linked to a SADC University of Technology. ENPF board crisis: Eswatini’s Parliament says the ENPF board is dysfunctional, with only the CEO left, and a select committee is set to investigate the deadlock. Trade and customs capacity: With WCO support, countries including Eswatini are building national pools of rules-of-origin experts to strengthen compliance under free trade agreements. Green entrepreneurship push: Green entrepreneurs across the region, including eSwatini, are invited to pitch for funding in the 2026 Afri GreenPitch Challenge. Labour rights watch: Zimbabwe has been placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list, while the index flags worsening conditions for unions. Health across borders: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” initiative is shifting attitudes in Beitbridge through culturally sensitive community engagement. World Cup spotlight: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup qualification is celebrated as the Blue Sharks prepare for Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.