The National Briefing

Border Pressures and Migration Flows: Understanding the Limpopo Interceptions The South African National Defence Force intercepted and apprehended over 1,170 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border points in Limpopo in late December 2025, culminating in a tense confrontation that saw one SANDF soldier wounded. The operation highlights ongoing chall...

Food price inflation has shown signs of easing, raising questions about whether South African households will experience real relief at the till. While headline inflation may be coming down, affordability remains under pressure for low- and middle-income families facing stagnant wages, rising electricity costs, and transport expenses. This conversation examines whether recent price movements in th...

Africa Update with Sipho Mantula

South Africa’s relationship with the United States has become increasingly strained in recent years, shaped by geopolitical tensions, divergent foreign policy positions, and growing uncertainty around trade and diplomacy. As the country moves beyond 2025, this conversation examines whether SA–US relations are heading toward a diplomatic reset or a deeper structural strain by 2026, with...

South Africa has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. Israel’s unprecedented recognition of the self-declared republic has triggered widespread international backlash, reigniting debates over territorial integrity, secession, and ge...

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has issued a strong warning to liquor licence holders, vowing to revoke the licences of establishments found selling alcohol to minors or allowing anyone under the age of 18 into liquor outlets. Guest: Dr Robert Mudogwa: Director: Limpopo Liquor Affairs at The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

South Africa is ending 2025 on a firmer economic footing than a year ago, with improving fundamentals and early signs of recovery. However, according to Prof Raymond Parsons of the North-West University Business School, the country must urgently boost investor confidence and accelerate structural reforms if it is to achieve the higher, job-rich growth needed to address its deep socioeconomic chall...

The City of Ekurhuleni has issued a firm warning ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, saying businesses selling uncertified fireworks will face fines of R2,500, while individuals who set off fireworks illegally will be fined R1,000 on the spot. The city says the measures are aimed at improving safety and protecting animals during the festive season.     Guest: William Ntladi:...

This year’s traditional summer circumcision season (umgidi/ulwaluko) in South Africa — especially in the Eastern Cape — has once again taken a tragic toll. Instead of celebrating the coming of age for young men, many families are preparing funerals  as the initiation season becomes increasingly deadly.     Guest: Ntshele Petros Majola: Social Activist & Di...

The ANC in the Western Cape has strongly criticised the City of Cape Town over changes to the route of the annual Kaapse Klopse Karnival, also known as the Minstrel Festival. The party argues that rerouting the historic street parade to DHL Stadium undermines the cultural significance of the event and amounts to the commercialisation and erasure of a deeply rooted heritage celebrati...

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy say they are close to a potential agreement to end the war in Ukraine, following talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.   Guest: Brooks Spector: Associate Editor: The Daily Maverick

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa   30 December 2025   1.    Central African Republic - Bangui Central African Republic votes amid mostly peaceful election day Voting in the Central African Republic’s national elections appears to have gone smoothly in many places...

  KwaZulu-Natal recorded a spike in drunk-driving arrests on the Day of Goodwill, with more than 100 motorists detained for traffic violations across the province. Transport authorities say intensified law-enforcement operations are helping reduce road accidents during the festive season.     Guest: Siboniso Duma: The MEC for Transport in KwaZulu-Natal  

Can South Africa beat Zimbabwe this evening as they collide at the Stade de Marrakech in their final Group B match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations? Guest: Nosibusiso Sibiya: SABC Sport journalist 

Gauteng police said the proliferation of illegal liquor outlets and the dangers posed by fake alcohol were among the key issues discussed at a recent tavern safety summit, convened in the wake of two deadly mass shootings at drinking establishments in the province.     Guest: Lucky Ntimane: Convenor of the National Liquor Traders Council 

The South African Medical Association has criticised a proposed 4.1% salary increase for politicians and senior government officials, arguing that it sends the wrong message at a time when public healthcare services are under severe financial strain.     Guest: Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa: South African Medical Association (SAMA) Chairperson   

Severe thunderstorms battered parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, destroying about 125 homes and injuring several people across the Amajuba and Umzinyathi districts. Provincial authorities have deployed disaster management teams as volatile weather conditions continue to pose risks across the province.     Guest: Senzelwe Mzila: spokesperson for KZN for co-operativ...

Africa is heading into a pivotal and testing year in 2026, with modest economic growth projections overshadowed by deepening political instability, armed conflict, climate shocks and rising debt. Analysts warn that unless governance and security challenges are addressed, the continent risks further deterioration in democratic trust, economic resilience and humanitarian conditions.   &nbs...

Despite rising tensions within the tripartite alliance, the South African Communist Party has confirmed it will take part in the ANC’s upcoming birthday celebrations in Rustenburg, signalling a willingness to maintain engagement even as relations between the two parties remain strained.     Guest: Mbulelo Mandlana: Spokesperson, South African Communist Part...

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 29 December 2025 1.    Ivory Coast – Abidjan  Vote counting is underway in Ivory Coast following legislative elections to choose the country’s 255 members of the National Assembly, a vote shaped by deep political divisions and li...

Polls have opened in Myanmar in a highly controversial election organized by the ruling military junta, nearly five years after it seized power in a coup that plunged the country into civil war. The generals say the vote will restore democracy, but critics argue it is designed to entrench military rule while silencing opposition, amid ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and severe...

Drowning incidents across South Africa over the busy pre-Christmas weekend have once again highlighted the deadly risks of swimming at unprotected beaches and in flooded waterways. While several fatalities were recorded elsewhere in the country, Cape Town avoided deaths at lifeguarded beaches — with a dramatic rescue at Fish Hoek underscoring how trained patrols and public compliance can mea...

What to expect in the weather over the next few days: Ongoing heavy rains and severe thunderstorms across South Africa have claimed at least five lives, with more flooding expected as weather warnings remain in place. Provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng have been hardest hit, as emergency services, municipalities and relief organisations respond to widespread damage, di...

The repatriation of 17 young South Africans allegedly lured to Russia to fight in Ukraine has been delayed by demands for payment from the military contractors involved in their recruitment, according to government insiders.     Guest: Willem Els: Senior Training Coordinator on terrorism and explosives, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)  

A wave of public anger has followed revelations of extravagant ministerial travel costs in 2025, with parliamentary replies exposing millions of rand spent on flights, luxury accommodation and transport — even as South Africa faces rising unemployment, budget cuts and deepening economic hardship.     Guest: Themba Godi - former chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public A...