Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world.
An Iranian pro-democracy activist waves the pre-1979 Iranian national flag during a protest in front of the US Consulate in Sandton, on February 14, 2026. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)Dancers perform a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, 15 February 2026, during the Chinese New Year celebrations at the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit. The Chinese New Year, welcoming in the Year of the Horse, officially begins on 17 February. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenVisitors at the Nan Hua Temple join in the Chinese New Year celebrations, 15 February 2026, in Bronkhorstspruit. The Chinese New Year, welcoming in the Year of the Horse, officially begins on 17 February. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenIn this aerial view, a man sunbathes on a breakwater at Playa Ramirez beach in Montevideo on February 14, 2026. (Photo by Eitan ABRAMOVICH / AFP)Two guests take a souvenir shot during the Chinese New Year Valentine’s Ball hosted by the Chinese Association (TCA) at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, on February 14, 2026. The celebration forms part of the association’s annual cultural program, marking the Lunar New Year with social and community festivities. (Photo by ILARIA FINIZIO / AFP)Farmworkers herd cattle towards a chute where they will be vaccinated against foot and mouth disease at a farm outside Cape Town, on February 15, 2026. A nation-wide outbreak of foot and mouth disease in cattle, has prompted the South African government to declare this disease a national disaster. The highly contagious viral infection, also known as FMD, is not dangerous to humans but particularly affects ruminant livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats. It causes fever, blisters in the mouth and near the hoof — and sometimes death. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP)South African policeman stand guard in the garage of a house while it is searched during the crime prevention operation Shanela in Tafelsig, Cape Town on February 13, 2026. Operation Shanela, “to sweep” in Setswana, is a high-density, multi-disciplinary, and countrywide crime-fighting initiative led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat serious crime, specifically targeting hotspots, illegal mining, and unlicensed firearms. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)Gauteng Education Transport Services (GETS) members picket at Maryfitzgerald Square in Johannesburg, 13 February 2026, to formally submit a memorandum to the MEC for Transport and the MEC for Education. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The CitizenA young shepherd tends his flock in the hills near the village of Asira al-Shamaliya, north of Nablus in the occupied west bank, during a dust storm on February 14, 2026. (Photo by Zain JAAFAR / AFP)Fishermen attempt to catch fish in the Mata Fada river during the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival in Argungu Town, Kebbi State in northwest Nigeria, on February 14, 2026. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)General view of the city center of Toamasina flooded following the passage of tropical cyclone Gezani during the night of February 10, 2026 in Toamasina on February 14, 2026. (Photo by RIJASOLO / AFP)Democratic Alliance Joburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille speaks to journalists and editors, 13 February 2026, at a meet and greet in Johannesburg. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenA photo shows the “Baie des Anges” at sunset in Nice, southern France, on February 14, 2026. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)Motorbikers ride as they take part in the 50th edition of the Enduropale “vintage” beach race event in Le Touquet Paris Plage, northern France on February 13, 2026. (Photo by Francois LO PRESTI / AFP)Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, leaves a bilateral meeting during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Marco Simoncelli / AFP)DA Emfuleni Mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala greets supporters before his keynote address after being announced as the DA mayoral candidate for the upcoming local government elections at Bafokeng Primary School, Stretford, Vereeniging, 14 February 2026. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The CitizenVisitors tour through Qalaat al-Bahrain, also known as Bahrain Fort, in Manama on February 14, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)Crescent-shaped festive decorations set up ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan are pictured before high rise buildings in Manama on February 14, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)ANC Joburg Regional Chairperson Loyiso Masuku receives prayers from the Parish of St. Augustine Anglican Church Mzimhlophe Father Linda Hlatshwayo at Orlando, Soweto, 15 February 2026, as part of the ANC’s “2026: The Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government and Transform the Economy” programme. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen
