The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has raised concern over reported xenophobic attacks in KwaZulu-Natal, where Ghanaian and other African nationals were targeted over their immigration status.

In a statement issued on 28 April 2026, Guterres strongly condemned acts of violence and incitement.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights,” he said.

The remarks come amid growing tensions in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of attacks on foreign nationals have been reported.

Guterres also extended his greetings to South Africans as they marked Freedom Day, while reflecting on the country’s history of unity and solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle.

He noted that South Africa’s liberation was supported by both African nations and the international community, and stressed that the country’s development has been shaped by the contributions of diverse communities.

The statement follows condemnation from the Government of South Africa, including the Ministry of Police, which described the attacks as contrary to the principles of democracy and human rights.

Guterres emphasised that while socio-economic challenges remain, they must be addressed through lawful and non-discriminatory means.

The cost of condoms could increase if the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to strain global supply chains, according to the head of the world’s largest condom producer.

Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that the company may have to increase prices by between 20% and 30%, depending on how long the disruptions persist.

Since late February, supply chains have been affected by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for materials used in manufacturing.

Goh noted that the situation remains unstable, with rising costs forcing the company to pass expenses on to customers.

Karex, based in Malaysia, produces a wide range of medical and personal care products, including well-known condom brands such as ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante. The firm manufactures billions of condoms each year and supplies over 130 countries.

In addition to higher production and packaging costs, the company is also facing shipping delays. Goh explained that many shipments are stuck in transit, leaving some markets undersupplied despite high demand.

While global attention has largely focused on rising fuel prices linked to the conflict, experts say the impact goes beyond oil.

Shortages of key industrial materials known as feedstocks are also affecting production. These include naphtha, used in packaging, as well as silicon oil and ammonia, which are essential in condom manufacturing.

According to industry analysts, disruptions in the supply of these materials many of which come from the Middle East are pushing up production costs. Asia, in particular, is vulnerable due to its reliance on the region for energy and raw materials.

The situation is further complicated by fuel rationing in some Southeast Asian countries, which is affecting transport and workers’ ability to reach factories. This could slow down manufacturing and delay exports of essential goods.

For now, Karex says it has enough stock to last a few months, but continued instability could lead to higher prices and tighter supply in the near future.

Apple Inc. has announced that John Ternus will take over as chief executive officer, succeeding Tim Cook, who is stepping down after leading the company for 15 years.

Ternus, who currently heads hardware engineering and has spent 25 years at the company, is set to assume the role on 1 September. Cook will transition into the position of executive chairman.

Cook has served as CEO since 2011, when he took over from co-founder Steve Jobs, who resigned due to health challenges shortly before his passing.

He will remain in charge throughout the summer to ensure a smooth handover, after which he will continue supporting the company in selected areas, including engaging with global policymakers.

His decision to step down comes after months of speculation about leadership succession within Apple.

Reflecting on his time in charge, Cook described the role as the greatest honour of his career, during which he guided the company to become one of the most valuable in the world.

In 2018, Apple made history by becoming the first publicly traded company to reach a $1 trillion valuation. Today, its market value stands at approximately $4 trillion.

Cook praised Ternus as a forward-thinking leader, highlighting his engineering expertise, innovative mindset, and strong leadership qualities.

He expressed full confidence in Ternus’s ability to guide the company into its next phase.

Ternus had increasingly been viewed as a leading candidate for the top role, especially following the departure of longtime chief operating officer Jeff Williams.

Over his extensive career at Apple, Ternus has contributed to nearly all major product lines, including multiple generations of the iPad and iPhone, as well as the introduction of AirPods and the Apple Watch.

He also played a key role in transitioning Mac computers to Apple-designed processors.

Having previously worked closely with Jobs, Ternus acknowledged Cook as a mentor and expressed enthusiasm about the company’s future, saying he is optimistic about what lies ahead.