The National Briefing

Political analysts are questioning why political parties are using images of their national leaders to contest for municipalities. The argument is that doing this allows municipal candidates to rely on prominent figures, rather than demonstrate their own abilities. So many questions are being asked about whether political parties lack confidence in their candidates or are just unsure about the cal...

Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the ANC to take action against its National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, following remarks about the alleged exchange of sexual favours for employment opportunities. The organisation says the comments raise serious concerns about sexual exploitation, the abuse of power and accountability within political leadership. What do these remarks mean for the fight agains...

Residents of Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg have been warned not to drink or use tap water following possible contamination linked to damage to a water pipeline during sewer repair work. Johannesburg Water says the restriction will remain in place until laboratory tests confirm the water is safe, with alternative water supplies being provided. What does this mean for residents on the ground?&...

Johannesburg recorded more than 26,500 arrests for driving under the influence between 2023 and 2025, with arrests rising to nearly 9,900 last year. Data from the JMPD and AWARE.org partnership also shows that most recorded DUI arrests in 2025 occurred between 6 pm and midnight. As the organisations mark four years of collaboration, questions remain about enforcement, prosecution and whether publi...

Oil trades above levels last seen in May Volatile energy markets drives Japan’s inflation higher Market update  

South Afrika- SADC SADC Strengthens Regional Preparedness for El Niño Impacts The regional bloc opened its four-day 2026 Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Workshop in Johannesburg this week, bringing together Member States and humanitarian partners to assess potential risks, improve contingency planning and ensure that early warnings translate into timely action. Held under the th...

The CSIR is hosting the eighth RD20 Conference on Clean Energy Technologies in Pretoria — the first time the global conference has been held on African soil. Scientists and industry leaders are exploring innovations in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and artificial intelligence. Guest: Dr Thabo Hlalele - Research Centre Manager, CSIR  

The Global Briefing: Government websites in Europe and parts of Asia have reportedly been taken offline or disrupted amid concerns about vulnerabilities in software linked to artificial intelligence El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele says a military operation has been launched to rescue four Salvadoran personnel reportedly abducted by gangs in Haiti. Tensions are rising in the Middle East...

More than 1,300 South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm were flagged as having a high risk of suicide ideation in the 2025/26 financial year. The findings also point to significant financial distress, with many struggling with unmanageable debt. What do these figures reveal about the impact of gambling on mental health, and are enough safeguards in place? Guest: Lebo Seoheng - Advoca...

How serious is the risk of contamination when a water pipeline is damaged during sewer repair work, and what must Johannesburg Water do to ensure the supply is safe before reconnecting residents?  Guest: Mike Muller - Visiting Professor at the Wits School of Governance and a professional engineer - (was DG of Water Affairs a long time ago)   

Reality Check with Zoe Molapisi: A clean reputation is an unfair advantage. It opens doors that money cannot. Why trust is a form of wealth, and the solutions we can apply as a nation. Guest: Zoe Molapisi - Founder and Group CEO at ZMG Capital    

A bomb threat involving FlySafair flight FA388 prompted an emergency security response at King Phalo International Airport in East London on Wednesday. Airports Company South Africa says all passengers and crew were safe, and the incident was stood down after security checks found no further risk. Guest: Guy Leitch - Aviation analyst  Guest: Willem Els - Security expert and Senior Training Co...

As South Africa digests for the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, organised labour is looking for answers on government’s spending priorities, austerity measures and relief for struggling workers. SAFTU has also raised concerns over the failure of the promised 10 000 labour inspectors to materialise, as workers continue to face workplace challenges.  Guest: Zwelinzima Vavi, Gene...

South Afrika -SADC Virtual Extraordinary Summit The closing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit yesterday focused priorities agreed at the 46th Ordinary Summit, our efforts must deliver tangible improvements in the lives of our people: greater security, stronger regional production, employment opportunities and shared prosperity. We congratulate the newly...

The South African Human Rights Commission and Wits University have launched a new Water Rights Tracker to assess water service delivery across all 144 water services authorities in the country. The tracker comes amid reports that more than 400 people in the Bronkhorstspruit area have suffered gastrointestinal illness after drinking non-chlorinated water. Guest:Henk Boschoff - Commissioner at the S...

Reality Check Zoe Molapisi: “A sharp mind is an unfair advantage. Scammers, shortcuts and panic decisions all target people who are not thinking clearly. Today: useful skills, staying informed and staying calm when pressure arrives.” Guest: Zoe Molapisi - Founder and Group CEO at ZMG Capital   

The Global Briefing: Russia says it will send its first diesel cargo to the United States on Thursday, in a development that raises questions about energy trade, sanctions and the shifting dynamics of global fuel markets King Charles III has praised Oman’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq begins a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom....

Guest: Sandla Goqwana – PAC Mayoral Candidate for King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality Guest: Thembelani Mashalaba – ATM Mayoral Candidate for King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality Guest: Miyelani Holeni - Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group    

Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality will face our Know Your Candidates test. Guest: Ncedo Kolanisi – EFF Mayoral Candidate for King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality Guest: Mlindi Nhanha – DA Mayoral Candidate for King Sabata Dalindyebo Loca...

The Department of Social Development has been ordered to reinstate its former chief director of communications, Lumka Oliphant, and pay her more than R1.53 million in back pay after a bargaining council found her dismissal unfair. The ruling found that the department failed to prove the charges against her.  Guest: Lumka Oliphant

The Budget Justice Coalition is warning that further austerity could deepen poverty, unemployment and the pressure on public services. The Coalition is calling for greater investment in healthcare, education, social grants and basic services, and opposes a proposed fiscal anchor that it says could limit government spending Guest: Matshidiso Lencoasa, a member of the Budget Justice Coalition

The Global Briefing: US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the war in Ukraine. The United Kingdom is preparing to deploy Royal Air Force fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement. A vote on independence for the Canadian province of Alberta has failed, dealing a setback to the se...

Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality will face our Know Your Candidates test. Guest: Israel Moniase – EFF Mayoral Candidate for Rustenburg Local Municipality Guest: De Wet Nel – FF Plus Mayoral Candidate for Rustenburg Local Municipality Guest: Moses Pooe &...

Pressure mounts for fuel relief ahead of mini-budget Paper industry gets targeted relief as import pressure mounts Market update

As the Finance Minister prepares to table the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, organised labour is calling for a budget that prioritises jobs, economic growth and relief from rising living costs. FEDUSA wants a temporary freeze on the fuel levy, protection of workers’ wages and a clear progress report on the promised 10 000 permanent labour inspectors.  Guest: Ashley Benjamin,...