May was a busy month for Africa. From election drama in South Africa to big‑name deaths, from a Nigerian crypto craze to major sports showdowns, we covered it all. Below is a quick rundown of the stories that mattered most.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in South Africa hit a snag when its results dashboard crashed during vote counting. Even though screens went down, local offices kept feeding numbers into the system and officials promised a quick fix.
Early voting also began for people with special needs. The move let voters who can’t get to polling stations cast their ballots before the main election day, giving the ANC a chance to gauge its support early on.
In the North West province, special voting kicked off with over 136,000 expected participants. Police deployed about 5,000 officers to keep hot spots safe ahead of the nationwide polls.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu faced harsh criticism after his first year in office. Analysts said the removal of fuel subsidies and the attempt to harmonise the naira hurt the economy and pushed inflation higher. Calls grew for a reshuffle of ineffective ministers.
On a different note, former EFCC chairman Ibrahim Lamorde passed away at 61 while receiving treatment in Egypt. His career spanned the police force and anti‑corruption work, leaving a mixed legacy.
The music world saw Afrobeat star Davido launch his own meme coin $DAVIDO on Solana. The token shot up on DEX Screener, sparking excitement among fans and skepticism from investors.
In sports, the NBA playoffs drew attention when the Dallas Mavericks faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Fans could stream the game via Sling TV, Max, or Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundles.
Over in soccer, Atletico Madrid suffered a 4‑1 loss to Osasuna, exposing defensive flaws that analysts dissected in detail. Across the Atlantic, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami prepared for a crucial MLS clash with D.C. United, with live stats promised on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
Boxing fans marked May 18 for a heavyweight showdown in Riyadh: Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk. The bout promised to crown the first boxer holding all four major belts and was set for pay‑per‑view on DAZN and ESPN+.
The women's game got its own spotlight when Chelsea captain Millie Bright talked about bouncing back from a knee injury to lead her team to a league title. Her story of resilience resonated with many players facing similar setbacks.
Education news came from Kenya, where the KUCCPS released 2024 placement results for over 200 000 students. The data showed strong demand for both university degrees and TVET programmes.
In cultural news, documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, known for ‘Super Size Me,’ died at 53 after battling cancer. His work on food and social issues left a lasting impact.
The Vatican announced the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis and several others, adding new saints to the Catholic calendar.
All these stories highlight how May 2024 was packed with political shifts, tech hiccups, sports excitement, and cultural moments that mattered across Africa and beyond. Stay tuned for deeper coverage on each topic as we continue to bring you the latest updates.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa is experiencing technical difficulties, causing its election results dashboard and screens at the National Results Centre to crash. Despite the disruption, local offices continue to capture results. The IEC is working to restore the service, ensuring the results system remains operational. More updates to follow as the situation develops.
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Renowned Afrobeat musician Davido has launched his own meme coin, $DAVIDO on Solana’s blockchain, creating a buzz among his global fan base. The coin's value swiftly rose to the top of DEX Screener, leading to both excitement and skepticism among investors. His venture into the crypto world marks a significant entrepreneurial move, especially amidst mixed reactions regarding its legitimacy.
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Eze Onyekpere, the Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice, has deemed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office a failure. He criticized the implementation of key economic policies, including the fuel subsidy removal and naira harmonization, which have led to significant economic hardship. Onyekpere urges the President to dismiss ineffective ministers to improve the situation.
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Early voting commenced in South Africa for those with special permission, ahead of the main elections. This allows people facing physical challenges to vote with ease. The decision will shape national and provincial legislatures and reflect public sentiment towards the ANC. Results are anticipated in days.
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The North West province of South Africa has commenced its special voting for the 2024 elections, with over 136,000 expected participants on Monday and Tuesday. The Provincial Joint Security Cluster assures residents of enhanced security by deploying at least 5,000 police officers in hotspots. This precedes the main election on Wednesday.
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Ibrahim Lamorde, the former Chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has died at 61. He passed away on Sunday morning in Egypt, where he was receiving medical care. Lamorde had a notable career in the Nigeria Police Force, retiring as a Deputy Inspector General in 2021. He was EFCC Chairman from 2012 to 2015.
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Morgan Spurlock, best known for his 2004 documentary 'Super Size Me,' has died at the age of 53. Spurlock's insightful works included investigations into fast food and global issues, establishing his role as a pivotal figure in documentary filmmaking. His passing due to cancer complications marks the end of an influential career dedicated to uncovering critical societal issues.
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The Vatican has declared that Blessed Carlo Acutis, along with several others, will become saints. Acutis, who died at 15 from leukemia, was beatified in 2020. His canonization follows a recognized miracle. Additionally, Pope Francis has approved the canonization of other blessed individuals and recognized several miracles and heroic virtues.
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The Dallas Mavericks collide with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals' Game 1 on May 22, 2024, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Both teams bring exciting dynamics to the court, with the Timberwolves making a finals return after 20 years. Fans can stream the game via Sling TV, Max, and Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle for a variety of viewing options.
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Chelsea FC captain Millie Bright reflects on a challenging season marked by a major knee injury. Despite a five-month absence, Bright guided her team to the Women's Super League title and emphasized her commitment to leadership and resilience.
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The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has finalized the 2024 placement results for students who sat for the KCSE in 2023. With over 200,000 students qualifying for Degree and TVET programs, this year's placement saw significant levels of admissions into various programs, considering choices, qualifications, and capacities.
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Atlético Madrid faced a tough defeat against Osasuna with a final score of 4-1 in their recent LaLiga match. The game was marked by multiple defensive errors from Atlético, which allowed Osasuna to capitalize with clinical finishing. This article provides detailed player ratings and an analysis of the match, shedding light on Atlético's defensive frailties and overall team performance.
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