The National Briefing

Global energy and financial markets were jolted after escalating military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran triggered sharp disruptions to oil and gas supplies. Guest: Timothy Walker: Maritime Project Leader & Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies     

Business and markets update with Ntaoleng Lechela

   

For many observers, the key question is how ordinary Iranians are experiencing this moment. With reports of internal economic strain, long-running protests, deep political repression and now external military strikes, the situation appears both volatile and deeply complex. To better grasp the gravity of the current US–Iran confrontation, it is crucial to explore how Iranian citizens —...

Airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East are scrambling to manage one of the most severe aviation disruptions in years after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. Major regional hubs including Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport and Zayed International Airport have suspended or severely limited operations f...

Embrace: The Movement for Mothers, together with the Obstetric Justice Coalition and allied organisations, has formally called on the National Department of Health (South Africa) to take urgent, decisive action to end obstetric violence in South Africa’s maternity healthcare system. In a memorandum endorsed by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) and submitted to Minister of Health, A...

The killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader for more than three decades, in a joint United States–Israeli strike marks a watershed moment for the Middle East. His death has triggered immediate retaliation from Tehran, emergency diplomatic meetings across global capitals, and warnings of a widening regional war. As the US and Israel intensify military operations and Iran vows rev...

Farming bodies head to court over access to FMD vaccines  2. Reports indicate Nestlé has started a retrenchment process in South Africa as part of its global restructuring drive 3. Market update  

Retired Constitutional Court justice Edwin Cameron remembers a time when an HIV diagnosis was effectively a death sentence — when gay men were dying “in their tens of thousands” and doctors could offer little more than palliative care. Today, at 73, Cameron is living proof of the life-saving power of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs). But his medical chart — three heart stents,...

EFF Gauteng Condemns in the Strongest Terms the Collapse of the City of Ekurhuleni Council as a Direct Result of the Reckless and Unilateral Actions of ANC Executive Mayor,    Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.   Guest: Nkululeko Dunga: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Gauteng  Chairperson 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Producer prices ease in January  2. Discovery bank turns a profit, boosting the overall group 3. Market update

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Spur defies beef price surge, posts 13% profit rise 2. Truworths sees green shoots in South Africa  3. Market update

In what has been described as the most significant expansion of labour enforcement capacity since 1994, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of 10,000 additional labour inspectors. The move, unveiled during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), is aimed at strengthening compliance with labour laws and improving working conditions across South Africa.     Guest:...

Proceedings of Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within South Africa’s justice system descended into chaos after forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan walked out while still under questioning. MPs have threatened legal action, with some calling for his arrest and accusing him of contempt of Parliament.   Guest: Bulelani Phi...

This weekend, all roads lead to the iconic FNB Stadium for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby between arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Fans are now worried about ticket scanning issues as the Stadium Management launched a new My Ticket system Guest: Bertie Grobbelaar: CEO, Stadium Management SA     

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 27 February 2026 1.    Nigeria -USA  Legal case sheds light on US-Nigeria tensions over religious freedom A Nigerian defendant who suffered a stroke appeared in court Thursday as his lawyer sought bail on compassionate grounds, in a case unf...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter US consumer confidence rises in February 2. ⁠ Meta inks AI chip deal with AMD 3. ⁠ Market update  

Indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran resumed Thursday in Geneva amid mounting regional tensions, with both sides signalling cautious engagement but acknowledging persistent gaps. Guest: Brooks Spector: Associate Editor: Daily Maverick  

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his budget announced increases on alcohol and tobacco products — with excise duties rising largely in line with inflation. The focus remains on revenue generation without severely destabilising key industries.   Guest: Kurt Moore: CEO of South African Liquor Brand Owners Association (SALBA) 

Bidcorp posts a jump in earnings despite global headwinds  2. Motus benefits from increased new vehicle sales in SA 3. Market update  

Operations at Ekapa Minerals in Kimberley have been halted after the company was placed under liquidation, following last week’s deadly mud rush incident that left five miners trapped nearly 900 metres underground. Guest: Maritsa Coetzee: the spouse of one of the trapped workers   

Minister Godongwana delivers a market positive budget 2. Higher pgm prices boost Valterra 3. Market update