The National Briefing

IMF flags global risks for SA recovery despite slight growth boost 2. First time buyers fuel South Africa’s residential property recovery 3. Market update  

As anticipation builds ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), The African National Congress (ANC) has added its voice to the national conversation, setting out its demands and priorities as the country looks to the President for clear plans on tackling economic challenges, service delivery failures, and governance reforms.   Guest: Mdumiseni Ntuli: African Nat...

As a party in the Government of National Unity (GNU), the Democratic Alliance (DA) enters President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) with high expectations.  Guest: Jan de Villiers: DA MP & Spokesperson  

As anticipation builds ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), political parties are outlining what they expect to hear from the podium. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has added its voice to the national conversation, setting out its demands and priorities as the country looks to the President for clear plans on tackling economic challenges, service delivery failures, a...

  US job growth picks up in January Heineken plans to cut up to 6000 jobs Market update

12 February 2026 1.    Ethiopia – AUPSC-South Afrika  South Africa’s election to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union Yesterday, during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, South Africa was elected by Member States to serve a two-year term on the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, starting from 1 April 2026 to 31 Marc...

Bangladesh heads to the polls today in its most consequential election in nearly two decades, marking the first parliamentary vote since the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Guest: Cynthia Farid: Research Associate with the Center for Asian Studies in Africa (CASA) at the University of Pretoria

Harith acquires FlySafair  2. Powerfleet scores deal to track govt vehicles  3. Market update

As South Africa looks ahead to SONA 2026, the Institute for Economic Justice is warning that while recent indicators may suggest modest gains, these improvements mask deeper structural problems — including unemployment, inequality, weak industrial capacity and an economy that continues to exclude millions. Guest: Liso Mdutyana - Tax and Budget Policy Researcher – Institute for Economic...

Tshwane’s water system is under growing strain as rising consumption levels place severe pressure on the city’s reservoir network, triggering urgent warnings about the risk of broader supply disruptions. Authorities say demand is outpacing the system’s ability to recover, particularly during peak usage periods, raising concerns about how close the city is to enforced restrictions...

  Standard Bank is positive about SAs economy pegging growth at 1.4% 3. Goldman Sachs expects wave of M&A activity in SA 4. Market update  

Paul O’Sullivan‘s qualifications have come under scrutiny at Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating criminality in the country’s criminal justice system. O’Sullivan had spent the bulk of his testimony in parliament, relating his role in exposing corruption and helping in crime prevention activities as a police reservist. Guest: Dereleen James, Acti...

Learners across Gauteng are once again caught in the middle of a growing standoff between the Gauteng School Bus Operators Council and the Gauteng Department of Education. Scholar transport services remain suspended after operators rejected the department’s latest offer, citing long-standing non-payment, rising operational costs and concerns about the sustainability of the service. Guest: Pa...

A ruling by the Eastern Cape High Court has reignited a national conversation about language, power and access to justice in South Africa’s courts. The court has overturned a contempt-of-court case brought against a lawyer who addressed the court in isiXhosa, one of South Africa’s official languages. Guest: Bond Nyoka – Attorney and Legal Analyst   

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 11 February 2026 1.    South Afrika – DR Kongo  South African Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe clashed with his DRC Counterpart Louis Watum Kabamba over Its critical minerals deal with United States of America...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter US retail sales surprise to the downside, coming in flat during the festive season  2. Coca-Cola’s zero-sugar drinks boosts sales 3. Market update  

French President Emmanuel Macron has signalled a potential shift in global diplomacy by calling for a distinctly European approach to dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a time when the war in Ukraine continues to shape international relations. Guest: Oscar Van Heerden, Research Associate at the UJ Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership  

  Access Bank-Bidvest bank deal collapses 2. Hyprop cuts its exposure to Gauteng’s  retail property market  3. Market update

Ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has submitted recommendations to the Department of Trade and Industry calling for urgent reform of South Africa’s gambling legislation. The Foundation warns that outdated laws are failing to protect children and vulnerable adults from the rapid expansion of online and mobile gambling, c...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Agri exports hit record despite higher US tariffs Vodacom continues to bet on Egypt, acquiring additional spectrum Market update    

Disaster management teams have been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal’s Harry Gwala and uMgungundlovu districts following severe weather over the weekend that claimed one life, injured several people and left dozens of residents homeless.   Guest: Senzelwe Mzila: spokesperson for KZN for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) MEC  

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter China’s property slump set to deepen 2. Orion Minerals secures more funding for its Preiska copper & zinc project 3. Market update

Concerns are mounting over leadership instability at two of South Africa’s busiest Master of the High Court offices after the acting appointments in Johannesburg and Pretoria expired at the end of January, with permanent appointments still outstanding. Legal and fiduciary bodies have warned that prolonged reliance on acting officials risks undermining service delivery and governance at these...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 10 February 2026 1.    Eritrea- Ethiopia   Ethiopia Demands Eritrea 'Immediately Withdraw' Troops from Its Territory A bitter war of words has escalated further after Ethiopia ordered neighbouring Eritrea to "immediately withdraw its tr...

Energy analyst Chris Yelland has warned that electricity theft and non-payment are likely to rise following NERSA’s approval of steep electricity price increases over the next two years. The hikes come after the regulator admitted to errors in its original tariff calculations — a move Yelland has described as a serious regulatory failure with far-reaching economic c...