The National Briefing

In just the first three months of 2026, South African consumers have experienced a sharp shift in their financial reality. Rising fuel prices, increasing food costs, and the likelihood of higher transport fares are placing households under growing pressure. President Cyril Ramaphosa has now tasked a team of ministers to urgently assess ways to cushion the blow—but for many, the cost-of-livin...

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has rapidly escalated into a major geopolitical and economic crisis, with global oil supplies, international alliances, and regional stability all under strain. U.S. President Donald Trumphas taken an increasingly aggressive stance—both toward Iran and traditional allies like the UK and France—while warning of further military esc...

As South Africans head into the Easter period, many households are facing a very different financial reality compared to previous years. Rising food prices, increasing fuel costs, and ongoing economic pressure mean that even small seasonal expenses can strain already tight budgets. Financial experts, including Ester Ochse, are urging consumers to plan ahead, spend intentionally, and avoid unnecess...

South Africa’s water and sanitation sector is facing a deepening crisis, according to the latest Green Drop, Blue Drop, and No Drop reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation. The findings reveal widespread deterioration in wastewater systems, ongoing risks to water quality, and persistent inefficiencies—raising serious concerns about public health, environmental safety...

Tensions have flared in South Africa’s Eastern Cape following a controversial event involving the alleged coronation of an Igbo community leader, prompting protests, violence, and diplomatic intervention. The Nigerian High Commission has since issued an apology and distanced itself from the incident, stressing that no official coronation took place. The situation highlights sensitive issues...

South Africa is facing a sharp fuel price shock driven by global geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict affecting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, government has introduced a temporary fuel levy cut to cushion motorists. While this provides short-term relief, economists like Dawie Roodt warn that such interventions may come with long-term costs for consumers and the b...

South Africa is launching a renewed, large-scale security intervention in the Western Cape, as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) joins the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat escalating crime on the Cape Flats. The deployment, under Operation Prosper, reflects growing urgency to address gang violence, illegal firearms, and organised crime in some of the country’s mos...

The Jacob Zuma Foundation says a recent ruling by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg is not the final chapter in the legal battle involving former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki. The court dismissed their application to remove Justice Sisi Khampepe as chair of a judicial commission, but the matter may still proceed on appeal.     Guest: Mzwanele&n...

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has warned that commuters should brace for fare increases as soaring fuel prices place mounting pressure on the taxi industry. Guest: Mr. Mandla Hermanus - SANTACO National Public Relations Officer (PRO) 

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has issued a strong warning to government, calling for accountability and urgent intervention to shield motorists from steep fuel price hikes. CEO Bobby Ramagwede says the organisation is prepared to mobilise mass action—including potential highway blockades—if rising fuel costs are driven more by taxes than global oil prices.  ...

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela, alongside growing pressure from the African National Congress Youth League and student-aligned organisations, has called for urgent accountability at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Guest: Tebogo Letsie: Chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education 

The South African school holidays are here. families across the country will pause, slow down, and ask the same question: How do I keep my child busy and learning during the break? Guest: Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director Education and Programs at Sesame Workshop International, South Africa (SWISA) 

Tensions flared in KuGompo City on Monday as a protest against the controversial coronation of a Nigerian King escalated into violence. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly descended into chaos, with vehicles torched, property vandalised, and police deploying teargas to disperse crowds.     Guest: Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu: Chairperson of Amathole Local Hous...

31 March 2026 1.    Nigeria- Abuja- ACFTA Fest 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) Fest 2026 unites Africa’s youth, innovation and culture in Nigeria. It was the maiden edition of ACFTA Fest 2026 — a landmark three-day Pan-African celebration that brought together the continent’s vibrant cultures, bold innovators, and sporting legends under one ro...

Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure, launching a series of long-range drone strikes targeting oil refineries and export terminals. Guest: Roland Henwood: Political Scientist And Commentator at the University of Pretoria 

In his recent State of the Nation Address, Cyril Ramaphosa announced that R250 billion in investment pledges is now flowing into South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.  Guest: Thokozile Zambane: founder of Kani Development Solutions While the figure signals major progress in reshaping the country’s energy future, many South Africans remain unclear about what t...

The South African Department of Transport, through Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, has reinforced its partnership with the South African Council of Churches (SACC) to promote road safety ahead of the high-risk Easter 2026 travel period. This collaboration forms part of the national Easter Road Safety Campaign themed “It begins with me.”     Guest: Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa: Transport...

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has called for a more youth-focused economic response following the South African Reserve Bank decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%. The agency argues that while monetary policy remains cautious amid global uncertainty, it does not go far enough to address South Africa’s deepening youth unemployment crisis.     Guest: T...

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has emerged as a pivotal figure in African National Congress (ANC) provincial politics after being elected unopposed as Limpopo chairperson. Guest: Dr Phophi Ramathuba: first female provincial chairperson of the African National Congress(ANC) in Limpopo and Limpopo Premier    

The indefinite postponement of the African National Congress (ANC) Eastern Cape provincial conference, following an interim court ruling, should not be viewed as a political defeat for any faction within the party. Guest: Nkosikhulule Nyembezi: Political Analyst    

Guest: Velenkosini Hlabisa: Minister, The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta)  

Guest: Dr Michael Masiapato: Border Management Authority commissioner