The World Health Organization and its COVID-19 vaccine partner Gavi have said they are not currently planning to buy shots from South Africa's Aspen - whose CEO is warning a lack of demand threatens local production.

Experts in South Africa are testing a new coronavirus variant to determine if it poses a threat. Germany's infection rate has fallen for the first time since early July.

Jacob Zuma has once again refused to appear before a judicial panel that was set up in 2018 to investigate corruption allegations during his mandate. Our correspondent reports from Cape Town. Also, Nigerians are rushing to register for a National Identification Number after the government asked telecoms operators to block the SIM cards of anyone who fails to do so by February 9. We take a closer look. And in DR Congo, women are hoping to make Nzango, a female-only game, an Olympic sport. We bring you a report from our correspondents.

The pandemic has unearthed South Africa's stark social and economic differences between rich and poor. Experts say the crisis has worsened the country's ailing economy, as the government flounders to find a solution.

Eyewitness account of Nigerian killed in springs town SA.

Nigeria SA relations - Nigerian consul-general host the media.