The National Briefing

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 08.04.2025 5:15 ↓

    08 April 2025   1.    South Afrika – Gauteng  AU, APRM hold key retreat on governance, conflict prevention   This year’s retreat focuses on how good governance can act as a foundation for building resilience, preventing conflicts, and sustaining peace across Africa.    2.    Algeria – Sahel  Sahel...

The ongoing tensions between South Africa and the U.S. have been exacerbated by a meeting between TLU SA, a farmers’ organization, and U.S. Department of Agriculture representatives. 08.04.2025 6:27 ↓

    Guest: Bennie Van Zyl: Transvaal Agricultural Union General Manager

 South Africa is facing significant economic challenges with the announcement of new U.S. tariffs ranging from 10% to 30% on its products, marking a shift in trade relations. 08.04.2025 4:22 ↓

    Guest: Wandile Sihlobo: Agricultural Economist 

The ongoing water crisis in Buffalo City has reached a tipping point, exacerbating the already dire situation faced by its residents. 07.04.2025 9:23 ↓

    Guest: Mr Yomelela Tyali: MMC for Infrastructure, Buffalo City Municipality

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is taking a strong stance on enhancing accountability and transparency in the use of disaster relief funds allocated to municipalities. 07.04.2025 9:30 ↓

    Guest: Velenkosini Hlabisa: Co-operative governance and traditional affairs ( Cogta) minister 

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has officially launched the Electronic Deeds Registration System (eDRS) on Tuesday, April 1, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of South Africa’s land registration processes. 07.04.2025 7:48 ↓

    Guest: Ms Carlize Knoesen: Chief Registrar of Deeds,  The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

South Korea’s highest court has formally removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office after months of legal and political turmoil. 07.04.2025 5:44 ↓

    Guest: Thembisa Fakude: Director at Africa Asia Dialogues

South African business leaders have urged the leaders of the country’s two largest political parties, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), to resolve their differences and maintain the current Government of National Unity 07.04.2025 8:35 ↓

    Guest: Khulekani Mathe: Business Unity SA CEO

Public Protector Advocate Khokeka Gcaleka has cleared South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of allegations that he misused state resources for political gain during the African National Congress (ANC) Letsema campaign in 2022 07.04.2025 5:41 ↓

    Guest: Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka: Public Protector of South Africa 

 In the Eastern Cape, an alarming number of police-issued firearms have gone missing or been stolen, raising serious concerns about public safety and the adequacy of police firearm controls 07.04.2025 5:55 ↓

Guest: Claire Taylor: Researcher: Gun Free SA

Several national government departments and entities in South Africa are facing criticism for violating occupational health and safety laws, forcing employees to work in hazardous conditions. 07.04.2025 5:06 ↓

    Guest: Zamani Dladla: Public Servants Association (PSA), Chief Negotiator at Military Veteran

A study by the University of Cape Town revealed the significant economic and health impacts of tobacco and alcohol consumption on South African households, particularly those with lower incomes. 04.04.2025 10:54 ↓

    Guest: Dr. Zunda Chisha: Programme Director, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Knowledge Hub on Tobacco Taxation: University of Cape Town

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has now released its Pulse of the Public Service publication that provides a comprehensive analysis of key issues affecting public service governance and administration in South Africa 04.04.2025 8:03 ↓

    Guest: Anele Gxoyiya: Commissioner, The Public Service Commission

Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs on all imports into the U.S. has sparked widespread global criticism, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it a "major blow to the world economy." 04.04.2025 4:00 ↓

    Guest: Brooks Spector: Associated Editor: Daily Maverick

Public Interest SA has expressed outrage at the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) catastrophic mishandling of the case against Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused. 04.04.2025 6:32 ↓

    Guest: Tebogo Khaas: Chairperson of Public Interest SA

The Department of Police has published proposed amendments to the regulations under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, inviting public comments. Action Society says it  could jeopardise public safety and the effectiveness of crime prevention, p 04.04.2025 5:07 ↓

    Guest: Juanita du Preez: Spokesperson: Action Society

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 04.04.2025 5:34 ↓

04 April 2025 1.    South Sudan- Juba Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni Yesterday Arrived in the South Sudanese capital of Juba for a visit. Museveni’s visit to Juba comes amidst tension in the oil-rich east African nation after Riek Machar, who serves as one of the country’s vice presidents, was arrested in the capital towards the end of last month. Museveni was re...

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group has now warned that the VAT increase wil hurt the poorest households most 04.04.2025 6:29 ↓

    Guest: Mervyn Abrahams: Programme Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group.

Motorists in KwaZulu-Natal will no longer be able to pay with cash when visiting motor licensing offices across the province. The decision follows a surge in cash-in-transit (CIT) heists and aims to curb crime while improving service delivery efficiency. 04.04.2025 7:25 ↓

    Guest: Siboniso Duma: KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements

#JusticeForCweCwe: What does this say about the society we live in? 03.04.2025 9:03 ↓

Guest: Dr Frans Korb: Psychiatrist in private practice Johannesburg 

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) recently released its Complaints Management Industry Review Report 2025, highlighting significant consumer dissatisfaction with how financial service providers (FSPs), retirement funds, and retirement fund adm 03.04.2025 8:19 ↓

Guest: Koko Kubelo: Senior Manager: Disclosure Advertising and Marketing   Analysis, The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)

President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has positioned itself outside the Government of National Unity (GNU) by rejecting the national budget. 03.04.2025 8:53 ↓

Guest: Richard Calland: Adjunct Professor of Law, Governance and Political Analyst

After nearly eight years of legal proceedings, including multiple court appearances, arguments, and delays, Pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused were acquitted of all charges in the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday. 03.04.2025 12:57 ↓

    Guest: Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach: Former Prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority   Guest: Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale: The Chairperson, The Commission for Gender Equality

On Wednesday, the Yemeni Houthi group claimed responsibility for targeting the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea. 03.04.2025 3:47 ↓

    Guest: Timothy Walker: Maritime Project Leader & Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies