The National Briefing

Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) is a unique competition that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork to nurture social innovative ideas that address local communities’ most pressing challenges Guest: Lefa Makgato: Samsung South Africa’s CSR Manager   

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter RCL Foods warns of a decline in earnings 2. TFGs international businesses weighs on its overall performance  3. Market update  

South Africa joins Afreximbank 2. Household debt crisis deepens 3. Market update

What was initially reported as an administrative blunder at Pollsmoor Remand Detention Facility has now been exposed as a deliberate escape enabled by impersonation and systemic operational failures. Experts weigh in on the lawlessness in SA prisons specifically in the Western Cape Guest: Professor Nirmala Devi Gopal - Academic Leader in the Discipline of Criminology and Forensic Studies. (UK...

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is now seeking written responses from President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the establishment, mandate and disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The move has sparked debate over accountability, fairness, and whether Parliament is setting...

South Africa’s national minimum wage (NMW) will increase from 1 March 2026, raising the hourly rate to R30,23. The adjustment applies across most sectors and aims to improve baseline earnings for low-income workers, while still allowing for sector-specific variations and limited exemptions where necessary.   Guest: Thembinkosi Mkalipi - DDG for Labour Policy & Industrial Relations,...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 5 February 2026 1.    Libya - Zintan Libyan prosecutors launch probe into killing of Seif al-Islam Gadhafi Libyan prosecutors on Wednesday said they were investigating the killing of Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son of late Libyan leader Moammar Ga...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Alphabet’s push into artificial intelligence starts paying off  2. Eli Lilly poised for gains in 2026 while competitor, Novo nordisk warns of tough times ahead 3. Market update

One of the world’s most pristine marine reserves is at the centre of a growing international controversy. Under a UK–Mauritius deal to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, fishing will be allowed in parts of a marine protected area (MPA) that has been closed for 16 years. Guest: Timothy Walker: Maritime Project Leader & Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies  &...

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful time, yet for many women it is marked by fear, sadness, anxiety and emotional distress. During National Pregnancy Week (3–7 February 2026), the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP)is highlighting the serious risks of untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy, and urging women not to stop psychiatric medication wit...

The KZN Government has now partnered with Symphony by the Waters, a celebration of music, art, and nature set against the stunning backdrop of Midmar Dam on 7th March, 2026.     Guest: Mntomuhle Khawula: MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture – KwaZulu-Natal    

  Glencore set to sell a significant stake in its DRC mines to a US backed consortium  2. Harmony gold says it’s on track to meet its full year guidance 3. Market update    

As parts of the country brace for a severe heatwave, health experts are urging people to look beyond the usual warnings about dehydration and heat exhaustion — and to pay closer attention to their skin. Guest: Dr Maureen Allem: medical doctor and aesthetic expert    

Speculation around the future of Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is reaching a climax, with multiple party sources indicating he is set to announce that he will not seek a third term as leader.  He is expected to address the media in Durban this morning on matters of national importance and public interest Guest: Tony Leon: Former leader of the Democratic Alliance    

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Mpact warns of job losses at its Springs plant  2. Datatec snaps up a US cybersecurity firm  3. Market update  

Speculation around the future of Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is reaching a climax, with multiple party sources indicating he is set to announce that he will not seek a third term as leader.  He is expected to address the media in Durban this morning on matters of national importance and public interest Guest: Prof Joleen Steyn Kotze: Chief Research Specialist in the Developmen...

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard explosive testimony about a suspected firearms deal involving a Gauteng police officer and an alleged relative of the late former Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza, raising serious questions about access to weapons, political connections and corruption within law enforcement.     Guest: Canny Maphanga:&nbs...

South Africa’s prison system has reached crisis point, with overcrowding now exceeding 150% in most facilities, according to National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thubakgale. With more than 170,000 inmates held over the festive season, authorities warn that infrastructure, staffing and security are under extreme strain, even as a major clampdown on contraband smuggling yiel...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 4 February 2026 1.    Libya- Zintan- Algeria  Gaddafi’s son assassinated – media Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was shot in his own garden, a family source has claimed Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former leader Muammar Gadd...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Pfizer bets on obesity drugs to fuel growth  2. Nintendo warns of memory chip shortage 3. Market update  

Russia has carried out its largest ballistic missile attack of the year against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking power plants and heating facilities during some of the coldest days of winter. President Volodymyr Zelensky says Moscow is deliberately escalating the war and using the cold as a weapon against civilians, calling on Ukraine’s allies to increase pressu...

Manufacturing sector shows signs of life as PMI rebounds 2. Moody’s backs Nedbank’s expansion into Kenya 3. Market update

The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has played a key advisory role in ensuring that proposed geographical name changes — including East London’s reported renaming to KuGompo City — are linguistically accurate, culturally appropriate and legally compliant, as government moves forward with a new wave of renaming initiatives.  Guest: Dr ...

Opposition parties in the Cape Town City Council have strongly criticised the City’s plan to build a nine-kilometre security wall along the N2 highway, questioning both the intent and effectiveness of the R114 million N2 Edge Safety Project announced by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.     Guest: Geordin Hill-Lewis: Cape Town Mayor  

The second suspect in the murder of popular DJ and businessman Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.   The case against the man accused of allegedly pulling the trigger was postponed until February 9 to allow the state to verify the address and country status of 25-year-old Armindo Joaquim Pacula. Guest: Chriselda Lewis: SABC Reporter  ...