The National Briefing

Against the backdrop of multiple socioeconomic crises, a weakened ANC and a GNU on shaky ground, Ebrahim Harvey writes that there's a foreboding sense that the GNU will fail or have very limited success.  Guest: Ebrahim Harvey is a political writer, analyst, commentator and author 

A PETITION spearheaded by a group of concerned citizens has highlighted the pressing safety concerns plaguing the N12 highway, which has become notorious for violent crimes against motorists.    Guest: Jacques Broodryk – Spokesperson: AfriForum 

The South African Communist Party decided finally to go alone on contesting elections starting with the 2026 local government elections. There are fundamental legal implications for this decision on the side of the ANC regarding its Constitution, writes Bond Nyoka    Guest: Bond Nyoka - Attorney and analyst 

  The Morning Brief   Afrika Update Report  27 December 2024   1. Mozambique – Ethiopia   AU Commission chair Faki Mahamat is deeply concerned about escalating violence in Mozambique, Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane says police are blowing post-poll unrest and Sasol gas supply to SA disrupted 'to maintain the safety of our people and ass...

    Guest: Bongiwe Beja-Ntsiko - Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) by profession. She is the Executive Director of Youth Bridge Trust which is a social impact organisation that focuses primarily on youth development across the African Continent. 

Transnet’s freight rail monopoly is about to end following the publication of a rail network statement that allows private operators access to South Africa’s nearly 21 000km rail network.  Guest: Jan Havenga. Emeritus Professor at Industrial Engineering, stellenbosch university and Director of the Gain Group. 

  Guest: Andre Snyman – Founder of eblockwatch 

  Guest: Sanusha Naidu - Senior Research Associate based with the Institute for Global Dialogue 

Thousands of inmates reportedly escaped from a maximum-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, on Christmas Day. The escape followed riots triggered by the Mozambique's Constitutional Council's proclamation that declared Daniel Chapo as the next president.  Guest: Oupa Pilane – Chairperson: SA Tourism Services Association (SATSA) 

South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol did not respond on Wednesday to a second summons by anti-corruption authorities who, along with prosecutors, are investigating his short-lived martial law decree issued early this month.  Guest: Roland Henwood - Political Scientist And Commentator At University of Pretoria 

As fears of irresponsible binge-drinking – behind soaring road fatalities and gender-based violence – have gripped South Africa during the festive season, the liquor industry has called for responsible alcohol usage.  Guest: Lucky Ntimane - Convener: the National Liquor Traders’ Association (NLTA) 

The Public Servants Association (PSA) says it has been inundated with calls from union members after the Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems) membership subscription increased by 13.4% for next year.    Guest: Dr Stanley Moloabi Principal Officer-Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems) 

    Guest: Carin Bosman - Owner and Director Of Carin Bosman Sustainable Solution 

  Guest: Mr Ramphelane Morewane: Acting Deputy Director General for Health Programmes at the Department of Health 

In Mozambique, police stations and schools have been burnt down, toll gates destroyed, and other public infrastructure damaged, while the main road to the airport in Maputo was barricaded under the latest nationwide protests dubbed "Turbo V8". Guest: Prof. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD)

  Guest: Thembisa Fakude - senior research fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues

  Chrispin Phiri - DIRCO Spokesperson

  Guest: Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa - Chair South African Medical Association

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru), is urgently calling for the nationalisation of traffic police officers under the Department of Transport, following the release of a mid-festive season safety report which showed a 3% increase in road fatalities since December 1. Guest: Richard Mamabolo - POPCRU Spokesperson

Alarmed by the high rate of initiate injuries and deaths in the Eastern Cape, two members of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa) leadership have made a call for traditional male initiation to be halted for two years to address the crisis. Guest: Kgosi Mathupa Mokeona - Contralesa president

Afrika Update Report Extended 25 December 2024 1.      Mozambique – Maputo At least 21 people have been killed in unrest since Mozambique’s top court confirmed the governing party Frelimo’s victory in disputed elections. The dead include at least two police officers, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda has informed the media yesterday. 2.   &nb...

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Joburg Festival of Lights, where dazzling illuminations, captivating performances, and a host of family-friendly activities come together to create the ultimate festive atmosphere. Guest: Lindiwe Lekasapa - Executive Producer for festival of light

SERVICE providers for KwaZulu-Natal's National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) are raising alarm again over delayed payments. They have also alleged mismanagement by the provincial Department of Education.   Guest: Mr Lindani Matiwane – chairperson: KwaZulu-Natal's National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has now said as South Africans approach the festive season, which for many is a time to unwind and celebrate, it is also a period that brings undue financial stress and family issues to the surface, leading to an increase in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and domestic violence fuelled by alcohol.  Guest: Professor Saths Cooper: Past President:...