The National Briefing

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 17 February 2026 1.    Madagascar- Mozambique – Cyclone Gezani Madagascar cyclone death toll rises to 59 as devastation mounts The death toll from Cyclone Gezani, which slammed into Madagascar's east coast since last week, has been increase...

The Israeli government has approved a controversial plan to restart land registration in Area C of the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967. The move would allow the state to formally register large areas of land as Israeli state property if Palestinian residents cannot prove ownership — a process critics say will accelerate settlement expansion and amount to “de facto anne...

South Africa’s Cultural, Creative and Sports Industries (CCI&S) contributed an estimated R271.2 billion to the national economy in 2023 — accounting for about 3.9% of GDP, according to the Capstone Report 2025 by the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO).  Guest: Unathi Lutshaba: Executive director, South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) 

According to the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA), up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated — highlighting a significant treatment gap driven by limited awareness, access and persistent myths.     Guest: Dr James Butler: Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa...

Warner brothers’ board weighs improved Paramount bid 2. FMD outbreak triggers Zambian ban on SA cattle 3. Market update  

A court secretary who accused Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge of sexual harassment has been relocated to another court for her wellbeing, as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) prepares to decide the judge’s fate. Guest:  Prof Amanda Gouws is South African Research Chairs Initiative  ( SARChi)  chair in gender politics, Stellenbosch University    

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa proposed the creation of specialised courts to fast-track infrastructure-related tender disputes. While aimed at speeding up stalled projects, critics argue the proposal misdiagnoses the real problem in South Africa’s judiciary: a severe and long-standing shortage of judges. Without significantly expanding judicial capacity...

A newly surfaced video shows Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo announcing that three Amakhosi  are no longer recognised as chiefs — among them Mandla Mandela. The development has sparked intense debate within traditional leadership circles and raised critical legal and cultural questions. Guest: Kgosi Larmeck Mokoena: President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contrales...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 16 February 2026 Special report on the 39th AU Summit that concluded yesterday on Ethiopia Addis Ababa  1.    Ethiopia – Addis Ababa H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has been formally elected as the Chairperson of...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter US inflation eased in January 2. Japans economy barely grows in Q4 of 2025 3. Market update  

At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to reassure European leaders that Washington remains committed to the transatlantic alliance, declaring that America’s destiny will “always be intertwined” with Europe’s. Guest: Anthoni van Nieuwkerk - professor of International and Diplomacy Studies at the Thabo Mbeki African School o...

Love, music and timeless soul will take centre stage at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena as legendary South African artist Ringo Madlingozi headlines the Ringo Valentine’s Experience. Guest: Ringo Madlingozi: Musician

This year marks 20 years since the establishment of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), a continental initiative created to strengthen Africa’s representation and capacity within UNESCO’s World Heritage system. Despite being home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, richest biodiversity, and most significant cultural landscapes, Africa has historically been underrepre...

South32 confirms closure of Mozal aluminium  IHS Towers offloads Brazilian fibre unit ahead of potential MTN deal Market update  

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter SAB flags high sin taxes, says it fuels illicit alcohol trade Pork prices spike amid disease outbreaks Market update  

State of the Nation address reaction by trade unions  Guest: Mathew Parks: Parliamentary Coordinator, Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU)  

State of the Nation address reaction by youth Guest: Maphefo Sipula: Head of Research and impact at property point  

Parents and guardians across Midrand are being urged to make alternative transport arrangements for tomorrow, February 13, as scholar transport operators affiliated with Gauteng Education Transport Services (Gets) embark on a planned province-wide shutdown. Guest: Thabo Seboko: Grievance Officer for the Gauteng Education Transport Services  

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 13 February 2026 Ethiopia – AUPSC- Somaliland The African Union's peace and security organ yesterday condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, calling it an insult to Somalia's sovereignty. The Peace and Security Council (PSC) said it strongly rejected the...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Apple delays rollout of AI-powered Siri  Mercedes Benz’ profit more than halves Market update  

Polls have closed in Bangladesh in what is widely seen as the country’s most consequential election in nearly two decades. It is the first national vote since student-led protests ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, ending her 15-year rule. Guest: Thembisa Fakude: Director at Africa Asia Dialogues     

Standard Bank moves to calm takeover speculation in Nedbank & Investec 2. Growthpoint invests R392 million in KZN logistics hub 3. Market update

#SONA2026: South Africa can turn global turmoil into an African opportunity, President Cyril Ramaphosa must outline a bold but practical reform agenda to unlock growth, attract investment and tackle unemployment.   Guest: Jason Hamilton: Guest lecturer in Corporate and Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School 

The National Business Initiative (NBI) is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to use the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to frame South Africa’s water, energy and climate challenges as urgent economic priorities rather than environmental side issues. Guest: Shameela Soobramoney:  ​​​​ CEO: National Business Initiative 

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, IPID’s director of investigations and acting national head, Thuso Keefelakae, outlined the structural and operational challenges facing the police watchdog — particularly in high-profile murder investigations involving members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).     Guest: David B...