The number of rhinos killed for their horns by poachers in South Africa fell slightly in the first half of this year continuing the downward trend, the government says.

While the number poached dropped by 13 animals the number of those killed was still more than 500.

South Africa's Environment Minister Edna Molewa told a press briefing

One of Africa's largest game reserves, the Kruger National Park, which has in the past experienced the worst slaughter of rhinos, has seen a 34% drop in the numbers of animals killed.

The AFP news agency quotes Ms Molewa as saying, however, that the number of rhinos poached has increased in other areas of the country.

Image source, Reuters

According to Reuters, rhino poaching in South Africa increased greatly from 83 in 2008 to a record 1,215 in 2014 to meet a boom in demand in Asian countries where rhino horn is a popular ingredient in traditional medicines.

Latif Madoi has become known for his "fast fashion" shows, where he takes a piece of fabric and creates a dress in just a few minutes.

The Ugandan fashion designer came up with the concept while working in Paris and since then he has won awards for his designs.

So how does he do it?

Video journalists: Patience Atuhaire and Tina Smole

Wanyama wa Chebusiri
BBC Africa

Kenya's much-heralded presidential debate is scheduled for this evening in the capital, Nairobi.

The question is: will all eight candidates turn up?

The leader of the opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) Raila Odinga has confirmed his participation while his main rival the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta says he will not be attending.

Last week only one candidate turned up for the running mates' debate.

Opinion polls released over the weekend suggest a tight race ahead of the 8 August vote.

One showed Mr Odinga leading with 47% while Mr Kenyatta was at 46%. Another poll put the president in the lead with 47% while his main rival was at 43%

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has given his sister-in-law $60,000 (£46,000) as a birthday gift, the state-owned Herald newspaper reports, external.

It says that the gift was to thank Junior Gumbochuma, who is the first lady's eldest sister, for helping to look after Mr Mugabe's children.

Mrs Gumbochuma is a pastor and the Herald reports that the president used the opportunity of her birthday celebrations to criticise Pentecostal preachers who make money from their congregants by stage-managing miracles.

Zimbabwe's economy is currently struggling to grow and the country is experiencing a cash shortage as there are not enough dollar notes, one of the currencies used in the country, are in circulation.

Image source, AFP

Jane Dreaper
Health Correspondent

Scientists from South Africa have revealed that a child who contracted HIV at birth has been in remission from the virus for eight-and-a-half years.

The child was given drug treatment in infancy during a trial, but has not had any HIV medicine since the age of one.

This is the first time long-term remission from HIV has been found in an African child.

The scientists who reported the case are protecting the identity of the child, who is now nine-and-a-half years old.

They say the case is very rare, and the youngster's family are delighted.

The medicine was given to the child at a time when it was still unusual.

The researchers believe the remission is not due to the treatment, but to this young person having something unusual which is either genetic or immune-related that has allowed long-term protection from HIV.

Image source, ManoAfrica

BBC World Service

HIV experts are joining forces with cancer specialists to look at how the latest developments in cancer research can help find a cure for the virus.

The researchers, meeting at an HIV science conference in Paris, believe that the virus multiplies in a similar way to cancer tumour cells.

They hope this similarity could be the key to finding a way to rid the body of HIV, rather than merely bringing it under control.

However they say that while it is worth exploring the link, a quick result is unlikely because despite the similarities with tumour cells HIV works in a specific way.

Image source, SPL

Jose Tembe
BBC Africa, Maputo

The widow of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, is considering legal action against his doctor for details he published in a recent book about Mr Mandela's last days.

The doctor, Vejay Ramlakan, is South Africa's former surgeon general and headed the medical team that looked after the anti-apartheid leader until his death in December 2013.

Mozambique's state radio cites a statement released by Ms Machel’s foundation as condemning the book in the strongest terms.

Ms Machel said the book constituted an assault on the trust and dignity of Mr Mandela.

The book includes intimate moments immediately before the former president's death.

It describes his medical condition and talks about some misunderstandings between the doctors and the Mandela family.

Mr Mandela's widow said the book breached of the doctor-patient confidentiality.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC World Service

Christian militiamen in the Central African Republic have attacked United Nations peacekeepers who were protecting a convoy of water trucks.

One Moroccan UN soldier has been killed and three others injured.

The attack took place in the southern diamond mining town of Bangassou, where Christian anti-Balaka militia have been besieging a cathedral housing hundreds of displaced Muslims.

They have been sheltering in the compound since a wave of ethnic killings in May.

Most aid agencies say they are suspending operations in the town.

Thousands have died in the conflict that broke out when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize four years ago, provoking a backlash from the Christian militias.

Image source, AFP

A tour guide in Zimbabwe has been killed by an elephant after it charged at him, Newsday newspaper , externalreports quoting a statement from a tour company.

Adventure Zone said the domesticated elephant, Mbanje, killed Enock Kufandada on Saturday afternoon. It added that Mr Kufandada "was an extremely competent staff member, who will sincerely be missed".

Newsday quotes an eyewitness as saying that the guide had gone to take the elephants for a walk.

The elephant has since been put down, it adds.

Image source, AFP

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