The National Briefing

Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa   1.    Ethiopia – Addis Ababa  Ethiopian decides today, and the incumbent Ethiopian prime minister's hometown shows strong support ahead of polls Some 50 million Ethiopians are due to vote today, but elections will not be held in Tigr...

From today, 1 June 2026, all foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa must be declared through the South African Revenue Service's Traveller Management System before crossing the border. Guest: Dr Johnstone Makhubu - Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service 

The Global Briefing: Global security and military spending were high on the agenda at this year's Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where leaders and defence officials discussed growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific The Democratic Republic of Congo is once again battling an Ebola outbreak, with the head of the World Health Organization visiting the country as health autho...

The government of Cuba is warning of a bloodbath should America attack them after the US Treasury sanctioned Cuba’s main intelligence agency and top leaders. Tensions have been rising between the two after Washington blocked shipments to Havana, leading to power outages and an economic meltdown. Guest: Dr Victor Figueroa - A Cuban doctor based in South Africa 

Water supply interruptions are expected across parts of Gauteng and neighbouring provinces as Rand Water embarks on major planned maintenance from the 29th of May until the 17th of July. The utility says the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure at the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems to improve long-term water supply reliability and reduce the risk of system fail...

29 May 2026 1.    Kenya – Nairobi-African Forum and Network on Debt and Development  32 African Countries Now Spend More On Debt Servicing Than Healthcare  One of the experts said Africa's debt crisis should not be viewed only through economic indicators, but through its impact on ordinary citizens At least 32 African countries now spend more on debt servicing t...

Reports of a US-Iran ceasefire extension ease oil market fears 2. US inflation ticks higher in April 3. Market update  

The Global Briefing: Russia is raising the temperature in its standoff with the West. Panama is moving to tighten oversight on multinational companies operating in the country Bangladesh is back at the negotiating table with the IMF after talks around a US$5.5 billion funding Guest: Dr Joan Swart - Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch   

Dr Gcina Mhlophe - Author, Storyteller and Founding Director of GCINAMASIKO Arts & Heritage Trust and eThekwini UNESCO City of Literature Ambassador The Reality Check with Dr Gcina Mhlophe: Recognising and honour the young people of this land, through their efforts and courageous actions in these difficult times  

South Africans are bracing for more financial pressure after the Reserve Bank raised interest rates for the first time in three years. The decision comes as consumers battle rising fuel prices, accelerating food inflation and growing dependence on credit to survive. Guest: Lee Naik - Chief Executive Officer at TransUnion Africa 

This coming Monday (1 June 2026), the nation will see the start of the reopened inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Matthews “Mojo” Mabelane. It will run till the 12th of June at the Johannesburg High Court. Mabelane died in police custody at the former John Vorster Square police station Guest: Jessie Waldman - Senior Legal Coordinator on the Unfinished Business of the Tr...

South Africa’s tourism recovery continues to gain altitude. The tourism industry welcomed close to one million international tourists in April alone. This reflects the strongest year-on-year monthly growth recorded so far in 2026. Guest: Patricia de Lille - Minister of Tourism 

The Reality Check with Dr Gcina Mhlophe: Inter generational dialogues - What lessons can we draw from those who came before us Dr Gcina Mhlophe - Author, Storyteller and Founding Director of GCINAMASIKO Arts & Heritage Trust and eThekwini UNESCO City of Literature Ambassador

A high-impact multidisciplinary law enforcement operation on Monday led to the arrest of 23 undocumented foreign nationals and the closure of five non-compliant retail outlets operating along Dr Pixley KaSeme and Anton Lembede streets in Durban. Guest: Colonel Boysie Zungu. - Durban Metro Police Service spokesperson 

First National Bank is reimagining how South Africans turn their life goals into financial freedom, with an empowering tool that helps them make better money decisions daily. On 26 May 2026, FNB Integrated Advice led the launch announcement of My Advisor on the FNB App Guest: Ester  Ochse - Product Head of Integrated Advice at First National Bank

The Democratic Alliance says former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe cannot escape accountability simply by resigning from Parliament. The ANC has now instructed Tolashe to step down as an MP, but the DA insists the criminal investigation must continue regardless of her parliamentary status Guest: Nazley Sharif - Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance 

All eyes on SARB as economists price in rate a rate hike 2. FNB barometer signals steady rise in house prices 3. Market update

South Africa is buzzing after coach Hugo Broos confirmed the final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Some big names made the cut, but there are also major talking points, including the omission of players like Mohau Nkota and Thapelo Morena. Guest: Tshepo Masilela - former Bafana Bafana defender and legend

Dr Gcina Mhlophe - Author, Storyteller and Founding Director of GCINAMASIKO Arts & Heritage Trust and eThekwini UNESCO City of Literature Ambassador

1.Zambia- African Development Bank  AfDB approves $20 million trade finance guarantee for Access Bank Zambia The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$20 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee for Access Bank Zambia Limited in a move expected to boost access to trade finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country. The facility, which marks the first partne...

European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Cyprus as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and Ukraine. Fresh uncertainty surrounds Middle East peace efforts after reports of new US-linked airstrikes during negotiations, while Iran is warning it could walk away from talks altogether. In Argentina, opposition leaders are attempting to form a broad political alliance as President Jav...

The Municipal Watch: The Newcastle Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is being accused of concealing unauthorized expenditure when approving the 2026/27 budget which includes development plans. They are criticized for not publicly disclosing unauthorized expenditure. Guest: Matthew Shunmugan - Chairman of the Newcastle and District Residents Forum and also a former councillor  Guest: Samkelisiwe Y...

Built in Mzansi: How a Doctor has built a healthcare facility: Queen Mokope Modjadji Healthcare center to address the health needs of the impoverished areas of rural Mopani. Guest: Dr Mike Ramothwala - Founder of the Queen Mokope Modjadji Healthcare Center

Built in Mzansi: How the has Youth Employment Service built a partnership where young people can access to learning pathways and 50,000 globally recognised Microsoft certification exam vouchers at no cost Guest: Ravi Naidoo - Chief Executive Officer of The Youth Employment Service

The Briefing Debate: Is the idea of Cape Independence constitutionally and practically possible in South Africa? Guest: Shabodien Roomanay - Political commentator, Activist, Writer and Freelance Radio host.   Guest: Phil Craig - Leader of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group