The National Briefing

NASA’s giant Space Launch System rocket has arrived at its launch pad in Florida, marking a major milestone in preparations for humanity’s first crewed mission to the Moon in more than half a century. The move signals that the Artemis II mission is entering its final stages ahead of a planned launch as early as February.     Guest: Prof Lerothodi Leeuw: Professor of Physics and As...

  Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter World bank lifts SAs growth forecast  2. Moody’s downgrades Bidvest bank 3. Markets

Running a small social initiative often means working quietly through long hours and constant challenges. Yet, every so often, a single story reminds us why the work matters. In KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, one crocheted bag transformed discarded plastic into something far more meaningful — dignity, confidence, and opportunity for a child and his family.  Guest: Regine le Roux: Founder...

KwaZulu-Natal’s education system, under ANC leadership, has achieved historic success, including a 90.6% matric pass rate in 2025, reflecting decades of transformation, investment, and collective effort. While these gains demonstrate progress in access, quality, and social equity, the system faces ongoing financial pressures that threaten key programmes.  Guest: Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo: C...

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has labelled SA’s persistently high number of road fatalities a “national shame,” despite a reported decline in deaths during the latest festive season. Presenting the 2025/26 festive season road safety report in Pretoria, she announced plans to introduce a zero-tolerance drunk driving law as part of stronger measures to curb avoidable road death...

Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections were disrupted on Thursday by technical failures, logistical delays and an internet blackout, prompting President Yoweri Museveni to admit that even he struggled to cast his vote as he seeks to extend his nearly 40-year rule.     Guest: Nixon Katembo: Channel Africa Correspondent  

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Jobs on the line as British American tobacco shuts its SA manufacturing plant  2. The sale of Hyprop’s Hyde park corner falls through 3. Markets      

British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced it will close its only cigarette manufacturing plant in South Africa by the end of the year, a decision expected to cost thousands of jobs as the company says illegal cigarettes now dominate the local market.     Guest: Johnny Moloto: Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT) Sub-Saharan Africa    

Taxis are once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a disturbing video circulating on social media shows taxi patrollers harassing members of the public and refusing people the right to take or give lifts. The incident has reignited concerns about growing lawlessness within parts of the taxi industry.   Guest: Midday Mali:Chairman of the Civic Centre Taxi Associati...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 16 January 2026 1.    Uganda- Kampala Uganda have decided, and now counting has begun: Uganda's elections chief says he faces threats over the vote outcome Uganda’s elections chief says he is facing pressure and threats linked to the outcom...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter TSMC delivers double digit profit growth 2. Richemont’s sales tick higher on bumper holiday quarter 3. Markets  

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation during a summit Tuesday, signaling continued improvement in ties between the two U.S. allies despite long-standing historical and geopolitical tensions.  Guest: Prof David Monyae:    the Director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesb...

For thousands of holidaymakers, a day at South Africa’s beaches ended safely this festive season. But for more than 33 families, it ended in tragedy, as loved ones drowned along the country’s coastline. Lifesaving organisations warn that most of the deaths occurred at unpatrolled beaches, highlighting the deadly risks of rip currents, alcohol use and a lack of supervision—especia...

Finance Minister Enoch   Godongwana   has called for legal challenges to South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Act to be resolved outside of the courts, warning that ongoing litigation will only delay universal access to healthcare.  Guest:   Dr Aaron Motsoaledi: Minister for Health    

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Northam platinum delivers a solid production update 2. Minerals Council SA warns of cost pressures on miners 3. Markets  

The DA has formally written to Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, demanding that he report Iran to the United Nations Human Rights Council for blatant human rights abuses in the deadly suppression of civilian protests. Guest: Ryan Smith MP – DA Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is calling for the declaration of South Africa’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak a National State of Disaster, a move aimed at tightening livestock movement controls and accelerating the national response. Guest: Dewald Olivier CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) 

Former national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane testified before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating corruption and alleged interference in the criminal justice system. He pointed out that political interference in the Police Service became more prevalent after the 2007 ANC Polokwane Conference.  Guest: Abongwe Kobokana: SABC Journalist  &...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Minister Steenhuisen unveils vaccine plan to tackle FMD 2. Standard Chartered on track to sell Botswana unit 3. Markets  

South Africa’s universities are once again under severe pressure, with applications far outstripping the number of available spaces for the 2025 academic year. From Johannesburg to Durban and Stellenbosch, institutions have received applications numbering up to 30 times more than they can accommodate, leaving hundreds of thousands of prospective students facing rejection  Guest: Ph...

The Limpopo Provincial Government acknowledges the serious challenges posed by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding affecting the Vhembe, Mopani, parts of Sekhukhune, Waterberg and Capricorn Districts. In response, the province has deployed a multi-disciplinary team to assist affected areas, restore connectivity and ensure the safety of residents.  Guest: Basikopo Makamu - Coopera...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 15 January 2026 1.    Uganda – Kampala Uganda decides today: What’s at Stake in Uganda’s 2026 Presidential Election Polling process and what are Ugandans are voting for. Ugandans head to the polls on Thursday, 15 January 2026. P...

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Toyota motors has sweetened its buyout bid for Toyota Industries 2. Silverbacks in talks with the NBA over stake in future African basketball franchise 3. Markets  

The future of Greenland – the world’s largest island – is at the centre of high-stakes talks at the White House on Wednesday. US Vice-President JD Vance is hosting Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid growing alarm over President Donald Trump’s insistence that the United States must acquire ...

There are now reports that the Knysna Municipality faces a potential 'day zero' as the water crisis continues  Guest: Dr Lulamile Mapholoba: Municipal Manager, Knysna Local Municipality     Guest: Sean Phillips: Director General, Department of Water and Sanitation