Chinese, Iranian warships arrive in South Africa for training, and a suspended High Court Judge faces impeachment

Today, January 9 2026, the South African-hosted naval exercise “Will for Peace” will begin. The exercise is a drill conducted off the coast of South Africa with BRICS partners, including Russia, China, and Iran. 

The South African defence force said that the drill, which will conclude on January 16, is focused on the “safety of shipping and maritime economic activities”. 

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will release the interim report of an investigation into a matric exam breach.

Three exam papers were leaked. This was traced back to an Education Department employee in Pretoria. A National Investigative Task Team was assembled to further probe the issue. 

In the United States today, the US Supreme Court could issue a ruling on the legality of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The court has scheduled today as “decision day.”

The court will decide if Trump acted outside of his presidential authority when he invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in April 2025 and announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including South Africa. 

If the court rules that the tariffs exceeded Trump’s presidential authority, potential reimbursements may be discussed. 

The Rand is trading at R16.53 to the Dollar today, from R16.54 at the close of business on Thursday. 

Here are five other big things happening in South Africa today:

Chinese and Iranian warships arrive in South Africa for training exercises – EWN

Warships from China and Iran, as well as those from other BRICS Plus nations navies, docked at South Africa’s main navy base in Simon’s Town on Thursday ahead of training exercises from 9–16 January 2026.

Suspended High Court Judge faces impeachment – SABC

Suspended Western Cape High Court Judge Mushtak Parker faces impeachment after a July 2025 report found him guilty of gross misconduct.

South Africa’s main navy barracks is falling apart – News24

South African Navy personnel are living in dangerously dilapidated and undignified conditions in the crumbling Waterfall barracks at Simon’s Town, according to a News24 investigation.

Over 20 unaccompanied minors intercepted en route to Zimbabwe – Sowetan

The Border Management Authority and South African National Defence Force intercepted more than 20 minors between the ages of five and 17 in the vicinity of the Beitbridge border post.

Taxpayers paid over R25 million for South African police officers to sit at home – Newsday

Taxpayers paid over R25 million to suspended members of the South African Police Service between 1 April 2024 and 1 October 2025.