The National Briefing

A recent ruling by the Johannesburg high court in South Africa has put the definition and control of the “family house” under African customary law under the spotlight. The ruling touches on sensitive issues of cultural heritage, statutory laws of property, and South Africa’s history of racial discrimination.  Guest: Anthony Diala - Professor of African legal pluralism and D...

The Presidency has noted with concern the recent appointments of McKinsey as a supporting partner to the B20, the business engagement group that meets on the sidelines of the G20 and coordinates the participation of business in the G20, and Bain to the Project Management Office of the Energy Council of South Africa.  Guest: Khaya Sithole – Independent Analyst 

The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) is optimistic the Johannesburg City Library, the biggest library in the city, will reopen partially in the first quarter of next year – three years after it was closed to the public.  Guest: David Fleminger: Chairperson of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation 

South Africa's summer fire season has just begun in the Western Cape, and the wildfire crisis has already claimed 34 lives this year—18 of them firefighters. While none of the fallen were from Working on Fire (WoF), this tragic record highlights the escalating risks faced by all firefighters in a changing climate.  Guest: Trevor Abrahams - MD: Working on Fire 

    Guest: Veliswa Mvenya – Leader Batho Pele Movement (BPM) 

  Guest: Dr Cynthia Khumalo: Acting Director General, Department of Sports,Arts and Culture  

  The Morning Brief   Afrika Update Report (Extended)    16 December 2024    1. Angola – DR Congo and Rwanda   Rwanda, DR Congo peace talks hit snag as mediator Angola calls off meeting  DRC presidency says talks had hit deadlock over a Rwandan demand that the DRC hold direct dialogue with M23.  Peace talks between the leaders of Rw...

The Department of Basic Education has filed papers in the Pretoria High Court to set aside the enforcement notice issued by the Information Regulator. That means Matric Results will be released to newspapers that wish to carry them on 13 January 2025.  Guest: Elijah Mhlanga – Spokesperson: Department of Basic Education 

The scale of contraband in South African prisons needs the government to have both political will and solid strategy to curb criminal activities within and beyond prison walls, experts say.    Guest: William Els - Senior Training Coordinator on terrorism and explosives-related incidents at the Institute for Security Studies 

The US has made "direct contact" with the HTS rebels who now control Syria after toppling the Assad regime, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. It is the first acknowledgement of direct American contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the US currently still designates as a terrorist organisation  Guest: Saber Ahmed Jazbhay - human rights lawyer and analyst. 

the concept of moving towards a smoke-free future, the role of regulation, and efforts to tackle the illicit tobacco market. Given the increasing focus on health-conscious policies and the need for better enforcement mechanisms, this is a timely and engaging topic for your audience.  Guest: Brane Bibic - Area VP Sub-Saharan Africa • Philip Morris International 

As part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety and prevent road accidents, the Automobile Association highlights the crucial importance of managing both physical and mental fatigue, as well as ensuring vehicle regular maintenance. With the rise in road-related accidents – many of which are attributed to driver impairment – drivers and vehicle owners need to take pro-active steps to...

The top six positions in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been elected unopposed at the National People’s Assembly (NPA) held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was not seen at the National People's Assembly  Guest: Samkele Maseko - Senior Political Reporter. SABC 

While Johannesburg residents will be facing a dry long weekend due to maintenance of infrastructure, Rand Water has been slated over the ‘poor timing’ of a three-and-half day shutdown as this poses a health risk with many people having gatherings where water will be needed. Guest: Dr Ferrial Adam – WaterCAN Executive manager

  Guest: Roland Henwood - Political Scientist And Commentator At University of Pretoria

  Guest: Solly Malatsi - Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

    Guest: Ishmael Mnisi: NSFAS spokesperson

    Guest: Athol Trollip - MP and ActionSA Parliamentary Leader

  The Morning Brief Afrika Update Report 12 December 2024 1.         South Afrika – Angola President Cyril Ramaphosa engages the Angolan Counterpart  President João Lourenço President Cyril Ramaphosa and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço meet at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday markin...

People in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-natal have tested positive for fentanyl, a lab-made painkiller that has been at the centre of the opioid crisis in the United States (US). Preliminary research shows people are using fentanyl, a lab-made opioid over 30 times as potent as heroin Guest: Shaun Shelly - Executive Director of Harm Reduction International

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the police need better training after racking up R56 billion in outstanding claims for unlawful arrests and detention. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu revealed in a parliamentary written reply this week that the police are facing over 46,000 claims since the 2018/19 financial year up to 31 October 2024. Guest: Lisa Schickerling - DA Policing Spokesperson

  Guest: Zanyiwe Nthatisi Asare: Founding Director of Digitally Legal

    Guest: Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda - CEO at African Diaspora Global Network 

  Guest: Catherine Restiau - Founder Of Breakthrough Human Trafficking 

  Guest: Don Perumal, Chairperson of the Tongaat Civic Association