Echos News ZA

Starlink Expands to 22 African Countries: Prices and Packages Starlink Expands to 22 African Countries: Prices and Packages By Echos News Editorial Team Published: April 1, 2026 Introduction Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, has rapidly expanded across Africa since its first launch in Nigeria in January 2023. By early 2026, at least 22 African countries officially access the service, marking a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide across the continent. However, not all governments are embracing the service — Namibia has formally rejected Starlink’s licensing application, citing regulatory and sovereignty concerns. How Starlink Works Starlink operates through a low-earth orbit satellite network, providing high-speed internet connectivity. It offers two main packages: Starlink Residential: Fixed-location internet plan ideal for homes, offices, and institutions. Sta...

Push-Up Benchmarks by Age Push-Up Benchmarks by Age By Echos News ZA Editorial Team Published: Aug 9, 2026 Adults in South Africa and worldwide can use push-up benchmarks as a quick measure of fitness. Men aged 20–29 should aim for 22–28 push-ups for a “good” score, while women in the same range should target 15–20. Performance expectations decline with age, but consistent training can keep numbers strong. Push-ups remain one of the most accessible and effective exercises for measuring upper body strength. Fitness experts highlight that the number of push-ups a person can perform is a reliable indicator of muscular endurance and overall conditioning. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides widely used benchmarks that help individuals understand where they stand compared to age-based averages. These standards are not medical requirements but practical fitness indicators used in gyms, sch...

South Africa’s Ramathuba Urges China-Style Immigration Checks

Ramathuba Calls for China-Style Immigration Checks South Africa’s Ramathuba Urges China-Style Immigration Checks By Echos News Editorial Team Published: Aug 4, 2026 Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has called for South Africa to adopt immigration checks similar to China’s biometric entry system, sparking a heated national debate on border control and illegal immigration. Lead Reporting Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo, shared a video of herself undergoing China’s strict biometric entry process at a Beijing airport on 2 August 2026. The Premier was in China for the South Africa–China Energy Infrastructure Investment Mission, accompanied by MEC Dr Tshitereke Matibe. In the video, she scanned her passport and submitted fingerprints at self-service kiosks, remarking that South Africa should adopt similar systems to strengthen immigration control. Public Reaction Her comments quic...