US streamer IShowSpeed, born Darren Watkins Jr., is touring Africa and live-streaming daily life, challenging Western stereotypes. IShowSpeed, a popular American content creator known for his high-energy live streams, has become a global online sensation as he tours countries around the world while broadcasting in real time. The 20-year-old YouTuber—whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr. —was born in Cincinnati, Ohio , and began live-streaming in 2010 , initially focusing on video games. Over time, he built a major following by combining gaming content with comedy, spontaneous reactions, and bold stunts. His popularity surged further during the COVID-19 pandemic , as audiences connected with his expressive style across music, games, and internet trends. IShowSpeed later drew even wider attention through his public admiration for football star Cristiano Ronaldo , an interest that eventually led to a meeting with the Portuguese player and encounters with other well-known athletes. Today, IShowSpeed is among the most followed streamers online, with over 45 million YouTube subscribers . Reports estimate his net worth at between $10 million and $15 million . Touring the World Through Live Streaming In recent months, IShowSpeed has shifted his focus toward international travel, moving from Europe to Asia , and now into Africa . During these trips, he broadcasts live from streets, markets, and public spaces, showing viewers what daily life looks like in real time. Supporters say this type of content has helped challenge negative stereotypes—particularly those held by some Western audiences—by showing African cities and communities in a more direct and modern way. Expected Visit to Rwanda The article notes that IShowSpeed is expected to visit Rwanda , a trip that could boost international awareness of the country and how its people live today. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Who Is IShowSpeed? Streamer Boosting Africa’s Image Online By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 10, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: IShowSpeed, a popular American content creator known for his high-energy live streams, has become a global online sensation as he tours countries around the world while broadcasting in real time. The 20-year-old YouTuber—whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr. —was born in Cincinnati, Ohio , and began live-streaming in 2010 , initially focusing on video games. Over time, he built a major following by combining gaming content with comedy, spontaneous reactions, and bold stunts. His popularity surged further during the COVID-19 pandemic , as audiences connected with his expressive style across music, games, and internet trends. ADVERTISEMENT IShowSpeed later drew even wider attention through his public admiration for football star Cristiano Ronaldo , an interest that eventually led to a meeting with the Portuguese player and encounters with other well-known athletes. Today, IShowSpeed is among the most followed streamers online, with over 45 million YouTube subscribers . Reports estimate his net worth at between $10 million and $15 million . Touring the World Through Live Streaming In recent months, IShowSpeed has shifted his focus toward international travel, moving from Europe to Asia , and now into Africa . ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . During these trips, he broadcasts live from streets, markets, and public spaces, showing viewers what daily life looks like in real time. Supporters say this type of content has helped challenge negative stereotypes—particularly those held by some Western audiences—by showing African cities and communities in a more direct and modern way. Expected Visit to Rwanda The article notes that IShowSpeed is expected to visit Rwanda , a trip that could boost international awareness of the country and how its people live today. ADVERTISEMENT Observers say such exposure may influence viewers who still associate Rwanda with outdated images from decades ago, offering a different view through unfiltered street-level footage. Source: IGIHE ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Ghana Parliament Reconvenes, Approves World Bank Loan and Ministerial Appointees Ghana's parliament reconvened on Friday after being adjourned since March due to a dispute between the speaker and the president over an anti-LGBT bill. The session saw the approval of new ministerial appointees and a significant World Bank loan. Parliament's Urgent Recall Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the urgent recall was "in good faith to enable the government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people." This reconvening was crucial to address the parliamentary backlog and ensure governmental operations proceed smoothly. Controversial Anti-LGBT Bill In February, Ghana's lawmakers unanimously passed one of Africa's most restrictive anti-LGBT bills. However, President Nana Akufo-Addo has yet to sign it into law, citing pending legal challenges. This delay has caused significant tension among bill supporters and disrupted parliamentary procedures, including the approval of ministerial nominations following a February government reshuffle. Speaker's Stand and Constitutional Debate Speaker Alban Bagbin, who adjourned parliament in March, argued that the president's refusal to sign the bill was unconstitutional. This contention highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of powers and the constitutional processes within the Ghanaian government. Approval of World Bank Loan In the recent session, parliament approved a $150 million loan agreement with the World Bank's International Development Association. The loan aims to enhance Accra's economic resilience. The approval came through a majority vote, reflecting broad support for the economic initiative. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 18, 2024 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: President Nana Akufo-Addo has yet to sign it into law Ghana Parliament Reconvenes, Approves World Bank Loan and Ministerial Appointees Ghana's parliament reconvened on Friday after being adjourned since March due to a dispute between the speaker and the president over an anti-LGBT bill. The session saw the approval of new ministerial appointees and a significant World Bank loan. Parliament's Urgent Recall Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the urgent recall was "in good faith to enable the government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people." This reconvening was crucial to address the parliamentary backlog and ensure governmental operations proceed smoothly. ADVERTISEMENT Controversial Anti-LGBT Bill In February, Ghana's lawmakers unanimously passed one of Africa's most restrictive anti-LGBT bills. However, President Nana Akufo-Addo has yet to sign it into law, citing pending legal challenges. This delay has caused significant tension among bill supporters and disrupted parliamentary procedures, including the approval of ministerial nominations following a February government reshuffle. Speaker's Stand and Constitutional Debate ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Speaker Alban Bagbin, who adjourned parliament in March, argued that the president's refusal to sign the bill was unconstitutional. This contention highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of powers and the constitutional processes within the Ghanaian government. Approval of World Bank Loan In the recent session, parliament approved a $150 million loan agreement with the World Bank's International Development Association. The loan aims to enhance Accra's economic resilience. The approval came through a majority vote, reflecting broad support for the economic initiative. ADVERTISEMENT Abandoned Tax Exemption Bid During the session, a bid for tax exemptions for businesses was abandoned. The decision indicates a shift in focus towards more immediate economic concerns and fiscal policies aimed at stabilizing the nation's economy. The reconvening of Ghana's parliament marks a significant step in addressing the legislative and economic issues facing the country. The approval of the World Bank loan and ministerial appointees demonstrates a move towards economic resilience and governmental stability. However, the unresolved anti-LGBT bill continues to stir debate, reflecting broader societal and political tensions within Ghana. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

WHO’s Dr. Thierno Balde recounts surviving Goma’s fall to M23 rebels, fighting cholera and mpox outbreaks, and leading Congo’s emergency health response. According to UN News, Dr. Thierno Balde, a physician from Guinea working with the World Health Organization (WHO), lived through the fall of Goma earlier this year when the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, seized the city. In the days before the takeover, Dr. Balde slept with a helmet and bulletproof vest beside his bed as gunfire and shelling shook the city. “We took the last flight out,” he recalled. Hours later, Goma was under M23 control. Two weeks later, on his 45th birthday, Dr. Balde was assigned to lead WHO’s emergency response in eastern DRC. “I only told my parents once I was already there,” he admitted. When he returned, the city was devastated: power lines destroyed, hospitals overwhelmed, bodies on the streets, and fear everywhere. Around 3,000 people were reported dead. WHO warehouses, luckily untouched, became lifelines, supplying fuel for hospitals and kits for the wounded. The crisis deepened when cholera cases appeared in a MONUSCO camp, where displaced soldiers and families had taken shelter. “There were 20 or 30 people with only one doctor. Two were already dead,” said Dr. Balde. WHO scrambled to respond with chlorine, vaccines, and emergency staff. At the same time, mpox spread from displaced camps into Goma itself, adding to the public health emergency. At one point, armed men entered the WHO compound. Dr. Balde realized they needed dialogue with the de facto authorities. He met with M23 representatives, presenting his WHO ID: “I told them Ebola can affect everyone, cholera can affect everyone. We are here to contain them.” Working in Goma came at a price. Long hours, curfews, and constant threats left him exhausted. Ramadan meals were taken alone in a trembling city. When he finally returned to Dakar, blood tests showed the toll on his health. “It was a real personal sacrifice,” he said. “I did everything I could to go back, but I paid a price.” Despite years of crises, from Haiti’s earthquake to Ebola in Guinea and COVID-19, Dr. Balde admitted Goma left a deeper mark. Yet his conviction remains unshaken: “I had to be there.” Continue Reading Full Article HEALTH & HUMANITARIAN “I Had to Be There”: WHO Doctor Recounts Goma Crisis By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 25, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: According to UN News, Dr. Thierno Balde, a physician from Guinea working with the World Health Organization (WHO), lived through the fall of Goma earlier this year when the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, seized the city. In the days before the takeover, Dr. Balde slept with a helmet and bulletproof vest beside his bed as gunfire and shelling shook the city. “We took the last flight out,” he recalled. Hours later, Goma was under M23 control. Two weeks later, on his 45th birthday, Dr. Balde was assigned to lead WHO’s emergency response in eastern DRC. “I only told my parents once I was already there,” he admitted. ADVERTISEMENT When he returned, the city was devastated: power lines destroyed, hospitals overwhelmed, bodies on the streets, and fear everywhere. Around 3,000 people were reported dead. WHO warehouses, luckily untouched, became lifelines, supplying fuel for hospitals and kits for the wounded. The crisis deepened when cholera cases appeared in a MONUSCO camp, where displaced soldiers and families had taken shelter. “There were 20 or 30 people with only one doctor. Two were already dead,” said Dr. Balde. WHO scrambled to respond with chlorine, vaccines, and emergency staff. At the same time, mpox spread from displaced camps into Goma itself, adding to the public health emergency. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . At one point, armed men entered the WHO compound. Dr. Balde realized they needed dialogue with the de facto authorities. He met with M23 representatives, presenting his WHO ID: “I told them Ebola can affect everyone, cholera can affect everyone. We are here to contain them.” Working in Goma came at a price. Long hours, curfews, and constant threats left him exhausted. Ramadan meals were taken alone in a trembling city. When he finally returned to Dakar, blood tests showed the toll on his health. ADVERTISEMENT “It was a real personal sacrifice,” he said. “I did everything I could to go back, but I paid a price.” Despite years of crises, from Haiti’s earthquake to Ebola in Guinea and COVID-19, Dr. Balde admitted Goma left a deeper mark. Yet his conviction remains unshaken: “I had to be there.” ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination Patients face interrupted services as the labour dispute continues in Maniema. . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba proposes nine reforms for the Francophonie, challenging Rwanda's Louise . Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo News DR Congo News

Nigeria's Senate backs B.Tech degrees at federal polytechnics. See which qualifications are covered, the NUC condition and why the plan is not yet in force. ABUJA, Nigeria — 16 October 2026. Nigeria's Senate reconsidered and passed the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, 15 October, backing a proposed route for federal polytechnics to award honours Bachelor of Technology ( B.Tech .) degrees in science, engineering and technology. The proposal covers specified diploma holders, but it does not mean institutions can immediately enrol students for the new awards. According to Premium Times' account of the Senate sitting , the degree-awarding provision would require accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulators. Separate plenary reporting by New Telegraph says the revised bill must proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before any presidential assent. Can Nigerian federal polytechnics now award B.Tech degrees? The Senate approved a proposal on 15 October 2026 allowing federal polytechnics to award specified technology-related bachelor's degrees, subject to regulatory accreditation. That is a legislative step, not an immediate launch. Final lawmaking, institutional authorisation and approved programmes still stand between the Senate vote and a student's admission. What the Senate changed on 15 October The Senate returned to provisions of a bill it had already passed on 7 July 2026. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to withdraw the earlier decision on the affected clauses and send them back to the Committee of the Whole for another review. The chamber then considered the amendments and passed the revised bill at third reading. The Guardian's report of the sitting independently confirms that lawmakers reconsidered the measure before passing it again. The major educational change is a proposed addition to Section 2, creating authority for federal polytechnics to award a Bachelor of Technology with honours in designated science, engineering and technology programmes. According to Premium Times' description of the revised provision, the award could be available to holders of a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) or postgraduate diploma, subject to the relevant accreditation requirements. Those categories identify qualifications mentioned in the proposed legal framework. They are not a published admissions notice, a conversion certificate or a guarantee that everyone with an ND or HND will receive a bachelor's degree. Who would the B.Tech pathway cover? Continue Reading Full Article EDUCATION Nigeria Polytechnic Degree Bill: Who Qualifies and What Happens Next? By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 16, 2026 Oct 16, 2026 9 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: ABUJA, Nigeria — 16 October 2026. Nigeria's Senate reconsidered and passed the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, 15 October, backing a proposed route for federal polytechnics to award honours Bachelor of Technology ( B.Tech .) degrees in science, engineering and technology. The proposal covers specified diploma holders, but it does not mean institutions can immediately enrol students for the new awards. According to Premium Times' account of the Senate sitting , the degree-awarding provision would require accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulators. Separate plenary reporting by New Telegraph says the revised bill must proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before any presidential assent. Can Nigerian federal polytechnics now award B.Tech degrees? The Senate approved a proposal on 15 October 2026 allowing federal polytechnics to award specified technology-related bachelor's degrees, subject to regulatory accreditation. That is a legislative step, not an immediate launch. Final lawmaking, institutional authorisation and approved programmes still stand between the Senate vote and a student's admission. What the Senate changed on 15 October The Senate returned to provisions of a bill it had already passed on 7 July 2026. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to withdraw the earlier decision on the affected clauses and send them back to the Committee of the Whole for another review. The chamber then considered the amendments and passed the revised bill at third reading. The Guardian's report of the sitting independently confirms that lawmakers reconsidered the measure before passing it again. The major educational change is a proposed addition to Section 2, creating authority for federal polytechnics to award a Bachelor of Technology with honours in designated science, engineering and technology programmes. According to Premium Times' description of the revised provision, the award could be available to holders of a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) or postgraduate diploma, subject to the relevant accreditation requirements. Those categories identify qualifications mentioned in the proposed legal framework. They are not a published admissions notice, a conversion certificate or a guarantee that everyone with an ND or HND will receive a bachelor's degree. ADVERTISEMENT Who would the B.Tech pathway cover? The proposal concerns federal polytechnics . It does not, by itself, establish that every state or private polytechnic will gain the same direct degree-awarding powers. Nor does it identify which particular campuses or courses have completed the necessary approvals. Student or institution What the Senate proposal means ND holder Named among qualification holders who may enter an authorised B.Tech pathway; admission rules and duration still need clarification. HND holder Included in the proposed framework, but an existing HND is not automatically converted into a degree. Postgraduate diploma holder Also mentioned; individual eligibility, credit recognition and programme conditions have not been published. Federal polytechnic Could receive a legal route to award specified B.Tech degrees after the bill becomes law and required approvals are obtained. State or private polytechnic Not automatically covered by a provision expressly described as applying to federal polytechnics. An important distinction is between studying at a polytechnic and receiving a degree from that polytechnic. Some Nigerian polytechnics already participate in university-affiliated degree programmes. The NUC's list of approved affiliations includes arrangements involving polytechnics, but those arrangements do not prove that the institutions independently hold the proposed B.Tech awarding authority. Accreditation remains the condition that students cannot ignore Even after legislation is completed, accreditation will determine whether an institution can offer a particular degree programme. The NUC's Directorate of Accreditation describes its role in checking degree-awarding institutions and academic programmes against standards, resources and quality requirements. That distinction matters because a general statutory power does not identify the laboratories, lecturers, curriculum, facilities or assessments that will be acceptable for a specific engineering or science course. An institution may satisfy requirements for one programme without having approval for another. There was no verified institution-by-institution list of newly authorised B.Tech programmes, application dates, tuition charges or completion timelines in the material available on 16 October. Any advertisement saying that every HND holder can obtain a recognised B.Tech immediately should therefore be checked with the NUC, the institution and the education authorities before money changes hands. Does this end the HND–BSc divide? Not automatically. The bill addresses the types of qualifications that participating federal polytechnics may eventually award; it does not itself replace every public-service recruitment, promotion or salary rule that differentiates diploma and degree holders. Nigeria's long-running debate about the treatment of HND graduates helps explain the interest in the proposal. Premium Times reports that HND holders have encountered differences in recruitment grades and promotion opportunities. Separately, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has previously described academic-progression obstacles for HND holders and promoted a distinct degree top-up route involving foreign universities. The NBTE's 2024 polytechnic schemes-of-service explanation also recorded changes to the recognition of HND holders within polytechnic academic staffing. Such employment reforms operate through their own rules. They should not be confused with the new Senate proposal or treated as evidence that all HND and bachelor's qualifications have become legally identical. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Sports Trends After the Flamingos’ World Title, What Comes Next for Girls’ Football? . Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects . For graduates, the distinction is practical: a new degree route could broaden opportunities for future students, but it would not automatically rewrite qualifications already issued or erase requirements set by employers and professional bodies. What happens to current ND and HND admissions? Students should continue to distinguish the ND and HND system in operation from the proposed B.Tech legislation. No published instruction reviewed for this report says existing ND or HND studies have been cancelled or that current students must switch into a degree programme. That is also separate from the September directive concerning how HND admissions should be recorded. XTRAfrica's earlier report on the NBTE directive involving JAMB and HND admissions explains that central admission processing and NYSC-record concerns are administrative questions, not permission for every polytechnic to confer B.Tech degrees. For ordinary 2026 tertiary admissions, candidates can also consult XTRAfrica's JAMB CAPS admission-status guide for the existing confirmation route. Applicants should not treat a social-media post about the Senate bill as an official offer or substitute for an institution's published requirements. The bill also proposes changes to polytechnic leadership Degrees are not the only issue in the amendments. Premium Times reports that a revision to Section 8 would put the appointment of federal polytechnic rectors in the hands of governing councils and provide for an initial five-year term, with eligibility for a second and final four-year term. Another revision to Section 31 concerns the definition of the minister responsible for education. These are proposed governance provisions , not appointment decisions announced for individual schools. Their final effect depends on the text that completes the legislative process. Students and staff should not assume that a reported rector-tenure change has already taken effect simply because the Senate approved it. What must happen before applications can begin? The revised bill must complete the remaining legislative stages. New Telegraph reports that it is to be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence, with presidential assent to follow if the parliamentary process is completed. The National Assembly's explanation of the ordinary bill process likewise distinguishes third reading in one chamber from final approval of a law. ADVERTISEMENT After any enactment, attention would shift to guidance from the federal education authorities, the NUC, other applicable regulators and the affected institutions. Families considering a new qualification should look for these specific details before paying an application or registration fee: A verifiable final legal instrument and commencement arrangements. An official list of federal polytechnics and specific accredited B.Tech programmes . Published admission conditions for ND, HND or postgraduate diploma holders, including duration and any credit-transfer rules. A named official portal, approved fees and intake dates, issued by the responsible institution or regulator. Clear identification of the body awarding the qualification, especially where a university-affiliation arrangement is involved. Financial assistance may still be available through existing programmes rather than this bill. For example, XTRAfrica's 2026 MTN scholarship guide explains the separate eligibility rules that applied to qualifying public-polytechnic students. A proposed degree does not automatically change a scholarship's conditions. Questions students are asking Is the Federal Polytechnics Act amendment already law? The verified development is the Senate's revised third-reading passage on 15 October 2026. A completed House concurrence, presidential assent and a new implementation notice were not established by the sources reviewed for this article. Will every HND holder receive a B.Tech degree? No automatic conversion is provided in the reported proposal. HND holders are among the qualifications named for a potential pathway, but admissions, credit recognition and programme accreditation remain separate requirements. Can a private polytechnic start awarding the new degree? The Senate provision described in current reporting is about federal polytechnics. Private and state institutions should not claim the same independent authority without an applicable legal and regulatory basis. When will applications open? No verified national application date, fee schedule or approved-campus list accompanied the Senate reports. The next meaningful update will be documentary confirmation of the final law and specific degree approvals, not simply another announcement of parliamentary support. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Sports Trends After the Flamingos’ World Title, What Comes Next for Girls’ Football? Nigeria’s breakthrough puts regular competition, education and player welfare in focus. . Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December MTN Group's chief risk officer joins four other appointees in a November board announcement. . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win Oxford professor Dapo Akande wins a nine-year ICJ term as Britain returns to the World Court. . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ Dapo Akande’s Nigerian education, Oxford career, international cases and 2026 ICJ election. . Tags Nigeria News Nigeria News Breaking News Breaking News Nigeria Nigeria

Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola say they still have one wedding left after holding three destination ceremonies in three months. Musician Tosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, and his wife, Temi Otedola, have disclosed that they still plan to hold one more wedding ceremony after organizing three destination weddings within three months. The couple shared the update in a video snippet from their podcast, #thehowfarpod , which was posted on Instagram. They described the process of planning multiple destination events in a short period as demanding, citing the stress and compromises involved in choosing locations for each ceremony. Temi Otedola said coordinating three destination weddings within three months was overwhelming. Mr Eazi confirmed the timeline and added that another ceremony is still pending. He also explained that the couple initially considered holding a court wedding in Nigeria but later opted for Monaco to maintain privacy. According to him, a local court ceremony would not have offered the level of privacy they wanted. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Mr Eazi, Temi Otedola say one wedding remains after three events By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 16, 2025 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Musician Tosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, and his wife, Temi Otedola, have disclosed that they still plan to hold one more wedding ceremony after organizing three destination weddings within three months. The couple shared the update in a video snippet from their podcast, #thehowfarpod , which was posted on Instagram. They described the process of planning multiple destination events in a short period as demanding, citing the stress and compromises involved in choosing locations for each ceremony. ADVERTISEMENT Temi Otedola said coordinating three destination weddings within three months was overwhelming. Mr Eazi confirmed the timeline and added that another ceremony is still pending. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . He also explained that the couple initially considered holding a court wedding in Nigeria but later opted for Monaco to maintain privacy. According to him, a local court ceremony would not have offered the level of privacy they wanted. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Ghana Ghana

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Celebrities delivered standout Halloween 2025 looks, from music legend tributes to bold creative costumes. Celebrities embraced creativity and nostalgia as they unveiled standout beauty and costume looks during Halloween 2025. From tributes to music icons to imaginative interpretations of pop culture, this year’s celebrations featured a wide range of themes and transformations. Taraji P. Henson drew attention with three Janet Jackson-inspired looks, each referencing a different era from the singer’s music videos. Ciara also honored the Jackson legacy with a Michael Jackson costume. Elsewhere, Halle Bailey recreated Lisa Bonet’s signature style, while Latto channeled Lil’ Kim with blonde crimps and a temporary “NOTORIOUS” tattoo. Coco Jones portrayed all three members of Dreamgirls , complete with voluminous hairstyles. Some stars opted for more unconventional transformations. Lizzo brought fiction to life by recreating covers of Quan Millz’s urban novels, including a look featuring cheetah-print body art and pink lipstick. She also appeared in a humorous costume shaped like a Chili’s mozzarella stick. Model Winnie Harlow took a thematic approach by dressing as Neapolitan ice cream, a symbolic nod to her vitiligo. The weekend highlighted how celebrities continue to use beauty, fashion, and artistry to reimagine themselves during Halloween. Below are 21 of the most notable celebrity Halloween looks of 2025. Continue Reading Full Article FASHION Celebrity Halloween 2025: Top Beauty and Costume Highlights By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 3, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Celebrities embraced creativity and nostalgia as they unveiled standout beauty and costume looks during Halloween 2025. From tributes to music icons to imaginative interpretations of pop culture, this year’s celebrations featured a wide range of themes and transformations. Taraji P. Henson drew attention with three Janet Jackson-inspired looks, each referencing a different era from the singer’s music videos. Ciara also honored the Jackson legacy with a Michael Jackson costume. Elsewhere, Halle Bailey recreated Lisa Bonet’s signature style, while Latto channeled Lil’ Kim with blonde crimps and a temporary “NOTORIOUS” tattoo. Coco Jones portrayed all three members of Dreamgirls , complete with voluminous hairstyles. ADVERTISEMENT Some stars opted for more unconventional transformations. Lizzo brought fiction to life by recreating covers of Quan Millz’s urban novels, including a look featuring cheetah-print body art and pink lipstick. She also appeared in a humorous costume shaped like a Chili’s mozzarella stick. Model Winnie Harlow took a thematic approach by dressing as Neapolitan ice cream, a symbolic nod to her vitiligo. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Biography KiDi Biography: Real Name, Albums, Son and Career . Pop Culture Trends Jessie J Says Cancer Risk Remains Despite Early Detection and Surgery . Celebrity Trends jay-z-solange-met-gala-elevator-incident-new-details . Afrobeats Lilian Mbabazi Misses Stage Appearance at Davido’s Kigali Concert . Justice & Crime Tekashi 6ix9ine Given Three-Month Prison Term for Probation Violations . The weekend highlighted how celebrities continue to use beauty, fashion, and artistry to reimagine themselves during Halloween. Below are 21 of the most notable celebrity Halloween looks of 2025. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography KiDi Biography: Real Name, Albums, Son and Career Meet Ghana’s KiDi: his age, family, breakthrough, awards and 2026 album . Pop Culture Trends Jessie J Says Cancer Risk Remains Despite Early Detection and Surgery Singer reflects on diagnosis, surgery and emotional moment with her mother after cancer news . Celebrity Trends jay-z-solange-met-gala-elevator-incident-new-details Designer Oscar G. Lopez offers new insight into the 2014 elevator confrontation at the Met Gala . Afrobeats Lilian Mbabazi Misses Stage Appearance at Davido’s Kigali Concert Singer left waiting backstage after planned duet with Kitoko was cut during Davido’s BK Arena show . Tags Musics Musics

In a significant political setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK's House of Lords has once again voted against the government's controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. This latest rejection introduces further amendments to the legislation, despite previous proposals being turned down by the House of Commons. The plan, pivotal to Sunak’s strategy for the upcoming election, aims to deter illegal Channel crossings by sending migrants to Rwanda. However, it faces strong opposition on ethical and legal grounds, with criticisms from prominent figures including the Archbishop of Canterbury. Despite the House of Lords' resistance, the bill is likely to pass later this week as it returns to the Commons, where Conservative MPs are expected to reject the Lords' amendments. This legislation, designed to supersede previous rulings by the UK Supreme Court and the ECHR, restricts asylum appeals and designates Rwanda as a safe country under British law. As the government pushes forward, the policy's future remains uncertain amidst potential legal challenges and ongoing debates about its morality and feasibility. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 17, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The UK House of Lords delays PM Rishi Sunak’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, challenging its legality and ethics. In a significant political setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK's House of Lords has once again voted against the government's controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. This latest rejection introduces further amendments to the legislation, despite previous proposals being turned down by the House of Commons. ADVERTISEMENT The plan, pivotal to Sunak’s strategy for the upcoming election, aims to deter illegal Channel crossings by sending migrants to Rwanda. However, it faces strong opposition on ethical and legal grounds, with criticisms from prominent figures including the Archbishop of Canterbury. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Despite the House of Lords' resistance, the bill is likely to pass later this week as it returns to the Commons, where Conservative MPs are expected to reject the Lords' amendments. This legislation, designed to supersede previous rulings by the UK Supreme Court and the ECHR, restricts asylum appeals and designates Rwanda as a safe country under British law. As the government pushes forward, the policy's future remains uncertain amidst potential legal challenges and ongoing debates about its morality and feasibility. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Kenya’s new laws target corporate restructuring, SEZ incentives and Konza governance to support investment growth. President William Ruto has signed three economic reform bills into law, in a move aimed at easing corporate restructuring, strengthening investor incentives and expanding Kenya’s technology and industrial policy framework, according to a Kenyans.co.ke report . The laws include the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill and the Technopolis Bill. Together, they form part of the government’s broader push to lower barriers for investors and improve the business environment. The Income Tax changes are expected to make it easier for companies to reorganise ownership structures and transfer assets within corporate groups without automatically triggering tax penalties. The report says the law also addresses capital gains tax treatment for non-resident vendors and strengthens Kenya Revenue Authority registration requirements for foreign investors. The Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, 2026 focuses on expanding Kenya’s SEZ framework, including provisions linked to upstream and midstream petroleum and energy operations. The reforms are tied to efforts to attract large-scale capital into strategic projects such as the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana. Ruto’s administration has previously framed SEZs as central to investment, jobs and industrial growth, with the presidency saying the zones are intended to support skills transfer, competitiveness and inclusive economic development through targeted reforms. The Technopolis law creates a governance framework for Konza Technopolis, including an authority to oversee the city and a dispute resolution tribunal. It also sets rules for technology parks, incentives and penalties. The new laws now shift attention to implementation, including how tax agencies, SEZ regulators and Konza authorities apply the reforms in the coming financial year. Continue Reading Full Article ECONOMIC REPORTS Kenya Moves to Expand Investor Incentives With New Laws By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 11, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: President William Ruto has signed three economic reform bills into law, in a move aimed at easing corporate restructuring, strengthening investor incentives and expanding Kenya’s technology and industrial policy framework, according to a Kenyans.co.ke report . The laws include the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill and the Technopolis Bill. Together, they form part of the government’s broader push to lower barriers for investors and improve the business environment. ADVERTISEMENT The Income Tax changes are expected to make it easier for companies to reorganise ownership structures and transfer assets within corporate groups without automatically triggering tax penalties. The report says the law also addresses capital gains tax treatment for non-resident vendors and strengthens Kenya Revenue Authority registration requirements for foreign investors. The Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, 2026 focuses on expanding Kenya’s SEZ framework, including provisions linked to upstream and midstream petroleum and energy operations. The reforms are tied to efforts to attract large-scale capital into strategic projects such as the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Government Announcements Kenya eCitizen Oversight: Treasury’s Role and Payment Questions . Business Trends How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online . Immigration and Visas How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online . Tax and Revenue How to Check Your KRA Application Status . Ruto’s administration has previously framed SEZs as central to investment, jobs and industrial growth, with the presidency saying the zones are intended to support skills transfer, competitiveness and inclusive economic development through targeted reforms. The Technopolis law creates a governance framework for Konza Technopolis, including an authority to oversee the city and a dispute resolution tribunal. It also sets rules for technology parks, incentives and penalties. ADVERTISEMENT The new laws now shift attention to implementation, including how tax agencies, SEZ regulators and Konza authorities apply the reforms in the coming financial year. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Kenya eCitizen Oversight: Treasury’s Role and Payment Questions What established responsibilities and draft reforms mean for users seeking services and receipts. . Business Trends How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 KRA's April 30 deadline starts in 2027; here is what individual taxpayers should prepare and file. . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online Claim income tax refunds on iTax after filing. Bank details, documents, tracking, and KRA timelines. . Immigration and Visas How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online Apply on dis.ecitizen.go.ke, pay the fee, book biometrics, then collect at your centre. . Tags Kenya Gov Services Kenya Gov Services Africa Africa Kenya Kenya Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC Jobs in Kenya Jobs in Kenya William Ruto William Ruto

Kenya will reopen its border with Somalia in April 2026, reviving trade while prompting concerns among regional partners and U.S. security officials. Kenyan President William Ruto announced in February 2026 that his government will reopen its land border with Somalia in April after nearly 15 years of closure. The 680‑km frontier was shut in October 2011 following a string of al‑Shabab attacks, including the Westgate shopping‑mall attack in Nairobi (2013), the Garissa University massacre (2015) , the Mandera bus killings (2014) and a Nairobi hotel attack in 2019. The closure was meant to curb cross‑border infiltration, but communities on both sides remained ethnically and economically intertwined, and informal crossings continued. During a visit to Mandera town, Ruto argued that keeping the crossing closed had “cut off Kenyan communities from their relatives and trading partners” and promised that reopening the Mandera post would bring “mutual prosperity”. He said the decision followed security assessments and promised substantial security deployments to monitor movement, prevent weapons smuggling and deter al‑Shabab infiltration . The Kenyan leader also urged residents to cooperate against the militants, calling al‑Shabab “useless” and pledging to combat the group alongside local communities. Despite the economic rationale, the announcement surprised Kenya’s own security establishment. A regional analysis from Horn Review reported that Ruto’s decision was made “with little visible preparation on the ground and limited public alignment with security agencies,” triggering concern across diplomatic, intelligence and policy circles. Kenya’s counter‑terrorism strategy has long hinged on close coordination with U.S. agencies, and the Central Intelligence Agency which works closely with Kenya’s National Intelligence Service was reportedly unsettled by the move. Analysts warn that reopening a frontier adjacent to an active militant ecosystem without robust controls could create new infiltration points and complicate joint counter‑terrorism operations. Supporters argue that formalising border crossings could help Nairobi reclaim control over cross‑border flows and replace militant taxation with public revenue. They note that prolonged closure did not dismantle al‑Shabab; instead, the group adapted by embedding itself in local economies and taxing informal trade. Proponents believe that regulated crossings may improve intelligence visibility and strengthen the state’s administrative presence along the frontier. Critics counter that al‑Shabab remains operational and that an open but weakly regulated border could facilitate the movement of weapons and fighters, not only threatening Kenya but potentially destabilising neighbours across the Horn of Africa. The decision to reopen the border therefore carries regional implications. It tests the resilience of U.S.–Kenya security cooperation, challenges existing counter‑terrorism frameworks and raises questions about whether border management strategies can balance economic integration with security in a region where militant networks operate across borders . Success will hinge on Kenya’s ability to implement credible controls, integrate intelligence efforts and build community trust; failure could see insecurity spread beyond its borders Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME East Africa weighs security risk as Kenya plans Somalia border opening By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 27, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kenyan President William Ruto announced in February 2026 that his government will reopen its land border with Somalia in April after nearly 15 years of closure. The 680‑km frontier was shut in October 2011 following a string of al‑Shabab attacks, including the Westgate shopping‑mall attack in Nairobi (2013), the Garissa University massacre (2015) , the Mandera bus killings (2014) and a Nairobi hotel attack in 2019. The closure was meant to curb cross‑border infiltration, but communities on both sides remained ethnically and economically intertwined, and informal crossings continued. During a visit to Mandera town, Ruto argued that keeping the crossing closed had “cut off Kenyan communities from their relatives and trading partners” and promised that reopening the Mandera post would bring “mutual prosperity”. ADVERTISEMENT He said the decision followed security assessments and promised substantial security deployments to monitor movement, prevent weapons smuggling and deter al‑Shabab infiltration . The Kenyan leader also urged residents to cooperate against the militants, calling al‑Shabab “useless” and pledging to combat the group alongside local communities. Despite the economic rationale, the announcement surprised Kenya’s own security establishment. A regional analysis from Horn Review reported that Ruto’s decision was made “with little visible preparation on the ground and limited public alignment with security agencies,” triggering concern across diplomatic, intelligence and policy circles. Kenya’s counter‑terrorism strategy has long hinged on close coordination with U.S. agencies, and the Central Intelligence Agency which works closely with Kenya’s National Intelligence Service was reportedly unsettled by the move. Analysts warn that reopening a frontier adjacent to an active militant ecosystem without robust controls could create new infiltration points and complicate joint counter‑terrorism operations. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Government Announcements Kenya eCitizen Oversight: Treasury’s Role and Payment Questions . Business Trends How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online . Immigration and Visas How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online . Tax and Revenue How to Check Your KRA Application Status . Supporters argue that formalising border crossings could help Nairobi reclaim control over cross‑border flows and replace militant taxation with public revenue. They note that prolonged closure did not dismantle al‑Shabab; instead, the group adapted by embedding itself in local economies and taxing informal trade. Proponents believe that regulated crossings may improve intelligence visibility and strengthen the state’s administrative presence along the frontier. Critics counter that al‑Shabab remains operational and that an open but weakly regulated border could facilitate the movement of weapons and fighters, not only threatening Kenya but potentially destabilising neighbours across the Horn of Africa. ADVERTISEMENT The decision to reopen the border therefore carries regional implications. It tests the resilience of U.S.–Kenya security cooperation, challenges existing counter‑terrorism frameworks and raises questions about whether border management strategies can balance economic integration with security in a region where militant networks operate across borders . Success will hinge on Kenya’s ability to implement credible controls, integrate intelligence efforts and build community trust; failure could see insecurity spread beyond its borders ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Kenya eCitizen Oversight: Treasury’s Role and Payment Questions What established responsibilities and draft reforms mean for users seeking services and receipts. . Business Trends How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 KRA's April 30 deadline starts in 2027; here is what individual taxpayers should prepare and file. . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online Claim income tax refunds on iTax after filing. Bank details, documents, tracking, and KRA timelines. . Immigration and Visas How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online Apply on dis.ecitizen.go.ke, pay the fee, book biometrics, then collect at your centre. . Tags Kenya Gov Services Kenya Gov Services Kenya Kenya Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News Jobs in Kenya Jobs in Kenya

Learn how to dispute SARS penalties, interest, or assessments in 2025. File a Request for Remission, Objection, or Appeal via eFiling step-by-step. What This Guide Covers Understanding the SARS dispute process When and what you can dispute How to access the eFiling dispute function Step-by-step submission of: Request for Remission (RFR) Notice of Objection (NOO) Notice of Appeal (NOA) Administrative penalty disputes (PIT, CIT, PAYE) Suspension of payment requests Continue Reading Full Article GOVERNMENT SERVICES Submit a Tax Dispute via SARS eFiling | 2025 Step-by-Step Guide By Wilson Munezero Government Services & Opportunities Expert Wilson Munezero Home Comment Oct 4, 2025 Aug 21, 2026 10 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: What This Guide Covers Understanding the SARS dispute process When and what you can dispute How to access the eFiling dispute function Step-by-step submission of: Request for Remission (RFR) Notice of Objection (NOO) Notice of Appeal (NOA) Administrative penalty disputes (PIT, CIT, PAYE) Suspension of payment requests Uploading supporting documents Checking dispute status & outcomes 1️⃣ What Is a SARS Dispute? A SARS dispute lets you challenge interest, penalties, or tax assessments you believe are incorrect. Through eFiling, you can now electronically submit: Request for Remission (RFR01) Notice of Objection (NOO) Notice of Appeal (NOA) Request for Reasons Request for Late Submission (Condonation) Suspension of Payment (DISP01) These apply to Personal Income Tax (PIT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Trusts, VAT, and PAYE/ETI/UIF/SDL. 2️⃣ Time Limits You Must Know Request for Reasons or Suspension of Payment: Within 30 days of assessment or RFR/NOO outcome. Notice of Objection (NOO): Within 80 business days from the assessment date. Notice of Appeal (NOA): Within 30 business days after the objection outcome. Maximum delay: Appeals cannot be lodged after 75 business days beyond the NOO outcome. Old assessments: Objections are invalid if 3+ years have passed since the original assessment. Always include a condonation reason if filing late. 3️⃣ When You Can Dispute You can dispute: Interest or penalties on late payment of tax Administrative penalties (PIT, CIT, PAYE) Additional taxes or understatement penalties VAT, PAYE, or Trust assessments You cannot dispute: Certain estimated assessments under Section 95(1)(a)/(c) (but you can request suspension of payment) 4️⃣ Step-by-Step: Submitting a Dispute on eFiling Step 1 — Log In Visit sars.gov.za → click Login. Enter username and password. If locked out, use the “Forgot Username/Password” option. ADVERTISEMENT Step 2 — Access the Disputes Section Navigate: Returns → Disputes/Suspension of Payment → New Choose Tax Type (Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, etc.) and the period you want to dispute. If no items are available, an error message appears. 5️⃣ Submit Each Dispute Type A. Request for Remission (RFR) Used to ask SARS to remove or reduce a penalty or interest.Path: Returns → Disputes/Suspension of Payment → New → Choose Request for Remission Select tax type and period(s). Choose source codes or transactions. Enter the disputed amount and the correct amount. Add your reason/grounds (e.g., SARS error, illness, not liable). Review and click Submit. Attach supporting docs (optional but helpful). B. Notice of Objection (NOO) Used if your RFR was disallowed/partially allowed or if you disagree with an assessment. Go to Disputes → New → Notice of Objection. Select relevant tax period(s). Fill in grounds for dispute and, if late, provide a reason for delay. Upload supporting documents (mandatory). Submit and confirm on the summary page. You’ll get a case number once sent. C. Notice of Appeal (NOA) If your objection was disallowed/partially allowed, you can appeal. Go to Disputes → New → Notice of Appeal. Select period(s) and items. Choose whether to resolve via: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or Litigation. Provide reasons and upload the required documents. Submit your appeal. 6️⃣ Supporting Documents (Mandatory for NOO/NOA) Upload via the Dispute Work Page → Supporting Documents section. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online . Tax and Revenue SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do . Allowed formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, JPG, GIF Max file size: 5 MB per document Max upload count: 20 documents Click Upload → Submit to SARS to complete the process. 7️⃣ Requesting Suspension of Payment This lets you ask SARS not to collect the disputed amount while your case is being reviewed. Access it from Disputes/Suspension of Payment → New. Allowed for PIT, CIT, VAT, PAYE, and Trusts Must be filed within 40 business days of the assessment Not allowed for nil/credit assessments Include a valid reason for suspension and upload supporting documents before submitting 8️⃣ Request for Reasons (Optional Step) Before objecting, you can request SARS to explain why an assessment or penalty was raised. Steps: Returns → Request for Reason → New Select the tax period Provide reason for request (and if late, give explanation) Submit Once SARS replies, you can proceed with your RFR or NOO. ADVERTISEMENT 9️⃣ Tracking Your Dispute Go to Dispute Work Page → Query Dispute Status Common statuses: Sent to SARS Under Review Awaiting Documents Finalised View official letters via Disputes → Letters or SARS Correspondence → Search Correspondence 🔟 Withdrawing or Viewing Past Disputes To withdraw: go to Disputes → View Submitted → Open → Withdraw To view saved: Disputes → View Saved → Open → Continue To see history: Disputes → View Submitted Validation Tips You’ll get error messages if: You skip steps (e.g., NOA before NOO) You duplicate an objection 3+ years have passed since the assessment Dispute Outcome Letters Once SARS finalises your case, you’ll receive a Dispute Outcome Letter showing whether your request was: Allowed, Partially Allowed, or Disallowed. You can view these under: Disputes → Letters → View (includes AP34 and RFR01 outcomes). ✅ Quick Summary Checklist Step Action Timeline 1 Request for Remission (RFR01) Within 30 days of the penalty 2 Notice of Objection (NOO) Within 80 business days 3 Notice of Appeal (NOA) Within 30 business days after NOO 4 Request for Reasons (optional) Before objection 5 Suspension of Payment Within 40 business days 6 Upload Supporting Docs Before submission 7 Track Status / View Letters Anytime on eFiling Related SARS Resources EMP501 Reconciliation Guide 2025 ITR12T on SARS eFiling: Step-by-Step ⚠️ Disclaimer This post simplifies SARS’s GEN-PEN-05-G02 External Guide for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to SARS’s official website or consult a tax practitioner for your specific case. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return Use the official SARS checker and 2026 rules to see if you must file an ITR12. . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund Use your ITA34 and Statement of Account to see if SARS owes you, or if you owe SARS. . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS Change your SARS bank account on eFiling or the MobiApp, then confirm with an OTP. . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online Get a new SARS tax number or recover a forgotten one on eFiling, SOQS, USSD, WhatsApp or SMS. . Tags SARS Updates SARS Updates South Africa Gov Services South Africa Gov Services South Africa South Africa SARS eFiling SARS eFiling