Ramaphosa’s first speech as the ANC president and the conference’s last was full of messages of unity and togetherness. Dripping with a collective spirit, you would be forgiven for thinking that the NEC and top six was not wholly riven with as many rogues as they were not. But a crucial point in his speech focused heavily on land expropriation without compensation. Ramaphosa did stress that this would be done in a way so as not to hurt the economy, however. One presumes this did not include the micro-economic well being of whomever’s land it currently is.

The conference appeared to be characterised much the same as soldiers describe war: long periods of utter boredom punctuated by moments of complete adrenalin-pumping excitement. Before Daily Maverick’s correspondents passed out – just minutes ago it should be said – they compiled a key list of takeaway points you should read. If you hadn’t followed the conference carefully, these are your crib notes for 2018.

German authorities have announced the arrest on Wednesday of a man accused of planning a ramming-style attack. The German national had scouted out a location in Karlsruhe after pledging allegiance to Islamic State. The suspect had travelled to Iraq twice to receive training in preparation for the attack.

Another North Korean soldier has defected to the south overnight. The “low-ranking” individual crossed at a foggy point in the Demilitarised Zone. Initially, North Korean soldiers scrambled to try to find him, presumably to attempt to shoot the man before he crossed. A warning burst from a South Korean machine gun, however, soon discouraged any thoughts of pursuit.

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