For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Supporters gather as Malema awaits sentence in firearm case; Godongwana plays down big tax changes in South Africa Budget; And, Uganda detains 2 000 opposition supporters, kills 30 after disputed election

Supporters gather as Malema awaits sentence in firearm case

Thousands of supporters of South African opposition politician Julius Malema gathered outside court today as the Economic Freedom Fighters party leader awaited his sentence for firing a rifle in the air at a rally in 2018.

Malema was convicted in October of charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a weapon in a public place and reckless endangerment of people or property.

He had pleaded not guilty, arguing the gun was a toy.

Malema faces a possible prison sentence of 15 years. However, the sentence could also be more lenient, like a suspended sentence or community service, if the court thinks there are mitigating factors.

One of South Africa's most prominent politicians, Malema commands a strong following among the youth and those who argue governments have not done enough to address racial inequalities in the three decades after the end of white minority rule.

Godongwana plays down big tax changes in South Africa Budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has ruled out any major tax changes in next month’s budget and stressed the importance of keeping fiscal consolidation on track.

Godongwana was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today.

South African assets are enjoying their best performance in years, with the stock market up, bond yields down and the rand rallying to its strongest levels against the dollar since 2022 as investors take stock of some recent positive developments.

These include a November budget update showing improved public finances, which Godongwana is expected to repeat in the annual budget next month, plus his backing for the central bank’s shift to a 3% inflation goal and a rating upgrade by S&P Global Ratings.

The improved outlook, as well as surging gold prices, have driven an almost 3% gain in the rand against the dollar this year – making it one of the top performing currencies in the world.

South Africa is still in talks with Washington to secure a reduction in the 30% tariff that President Donald Trump has slapped on its exports to the US – the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, Godongwana said.

And, Uganda detains 2 000 opposition supporters, kills 30 after disputed election

Uganda's military chief today said authorities had detained 2 000 opposition supporters, killed 30 and were hunting for more following a disputed presidential election in which his father Yoweri Museveni, won a seventh term.

Museveni, who has led the East African nation for nearly four decades, was declared to have resoundingly defeated Bobi Wine, leader of the opposition National Unity Platform party in the January 15 vote, held during an internet blackout.

Wine, a former musician whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected the election result, alleging widespread irregularities including ballot stuffing, and went into hiding.

In a series of overnight social media posts, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni's son, gave the first details of the arrests and killings of NUP supporters, describing them as hooligans and terrorists.

The government has accused Wine's supporters of violence during the election while the opposition says its members were attacked by security forces. Reuters has not been able to authenticate the allegations.

A police spokesperson declined to give any further comment on the situation. Military spokesperson Chris Magezi could not be reached for comment.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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