The National Briefing

AFRICA IN FOCUS WITH ADV SIPHO MANTULA  – Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: UNISA

South Africa is moving to tighten rules around compounded medicines, including popular weight-loss treatments. This is amid concerns over patient safety and the risk of counterfeit products. Regulators are developing clearer guidelines on what pharmacies can legally compound. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has mandated a government-business task force to address challenges in the pharmaceuti...

ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji was addressing the media at Luthuli House yesterday on issues affecting young people when he took aim at senior ANC leaders, saying “pensioners are killing the ANC” and calling on young people to rise and take up leadership positions. His remarks follow ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s walkout at Cosatu’s national congress...

The Constitutional Court has ruled in favour of the ANC, allowing 181 of its candidates to contest the upcoming local government elections. But the ruling has opened another political battle, with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula saying the party wants to review its partnership with the DA in the Government of National Unity after the DA opposed its appeal. Does this judgment threaten the futu...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way music is created, produced and experienced. As the SABC researches the use of AI music, we want to hear from our listeners about what this technology means for the future of music. But what exactly is AI music, and what is the difference between AI-assisted music, where artists use AI as a tool, and AI-generated music, where the technology creates much o...

THE GLOBAL BRIEF US President Donald Trump is stepping up efforts to rally support for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections, as Democratic political groups direct millions of dollars towards key Senate races. The campaigns will test the parties’ support and put control of Congress at the centre of the political battle. Meanwhile, the United Nations is warning that major quest...

Guest: Ebeneazer Botha – Patriotic Alliance Mayoral Candidate of Beaufort West Municipality Guest: Japie van der Linde – ActionSA Mayoral Candidate of Beaufort West Municipality Guest: Denver Hilander - Afrika Mayibuye Movement Mayoral Candidate of Beaufort West Municipality Guest: Miyelani Holeni - Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group  

LifeLine Pietermaritzburg led a protest outside Mbambangalo High School yesterday following allegations that a 41-year-old teacher raped pupils. LifeLine says it has received reports involving 11 learners, while parents are demanding justice and greater protection for children. What needs to happen to ensure these allegations are properly investigated and that learners are safe at school?  Gu...

Reality Check with Mark Heywood: Access to sufficient nutritious food and activism - the eve of World Food Day Guest: Mark Heywood - Human rights and social justice activist  

The ANC is asking the Constitutional Court to intervene in its dispute with the Electoral Commission over 181 candidates who were not captured for six municipalities ahead of the 4 November local government elections. If the court rules in the ANC’s favour, what would it take logistically for the IEC to include these candidates, and could this affect election preparations or timelines? Guest...

SA’s asylum seeker policy remains under scrutiny following the Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications, the government’s decision to withdraw the directive, and violent protests in parts of the country. The debate has reignited questions about immigration control, constitutional obligations and pressure on public services. How does South Africa balance protecting its borders...

COSATU has wrapped up its reconvened 15th National Congress, electing Mike Shingange as its new president. The congress also saw outgoing president Zingiswa Losi elected as general secretary, making her the first woman to hold the position. But the gathering was not without controversy, with ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe walking out. What do the leadership changes and the walkout mean for the fed...

Sudan- Egypt- USA Commercial Diplomacy Starts With Connections Chargé d'Affaires Jonathan Howard and the Office of Sudan Affairs hosted a reception in Cairo bringing together approximately 60 Sudanese business leaders, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumni, and representatives from U.S. Embassy Cairo's Foreign Commercial Service. The gathering focused on strengthening U.S.-Sudanese...

Tensions between Britain and Argentina are escalating over oil exploration near the Falkland Islands Climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined high school students in France protesting against deteriorating school infrastructure, teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms Guest: Dr Naledi Modise - Lecturer of Political Science and International Relations at the North West University  &nbsp...

Guest: Gina Duimpies – DA  Mayoral Candidate of Beaufort West Municipality Guest: Leonard Wynne - ANC Mayoral Candidate of Beaufort West Municipality Guest: Bishop Goodman Theys - Build One South Africa Mayoral Candidate of Beaufort West Municipality Guest: Miyelani Holeni - Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group    

Mining production plunges in August, raising GDP concerns IMF lowers SA’s growth outlook Market update

Reality Check with Mark Heywood: Access to sufficient nutritious food and activism - Food pricing. It’s neither moral nor legal to set such high prices on essential food that it denies people access to it because they can’t afford it. Guest: Mark Heywood - Human rights and social justice activist

Following a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications, Home Affairs issued a directive to refugee reception offices, before withdrawing it on 9 October after violent protests in Durban, Soweto, Marabastad and Gqeberha. How does the Constitutional Court reach its decisions, and what happens when those judgments trigger public anger? Guest: Bond Nyoka - Attorney and Legal Expert   &nbs...

The High Court in Cape Town has heard arguments from the EFF and the African Legal Professionals Association in a legal challenge linked to Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee. Committee chairperson Makashule Gana says the committee will defend the decisions taken during the process. What is at stake in this legal challenge?  Guest: Abongwe Kobokana - SABC Reporter  &nbsp...

Shadrack Sibiya’s fall from grace has taken another turn, with explosive allegations emerging in a court recording as he faces serious criminal charges. The former deputy national police commissioner has since resigned from the SAPS, while allegations about his relationships and dealings with controversial businessman Cat Matlala continue to surface. How did a senior police officer end up he...

PetroSA is facing liquidation proceedings while grappling with an estimated R10.1-billion in environmental rehabilitation and decommissioning liabilities, against just R3.1-billion in ring-fenced funds. That leaves a potential shortfall of between R6.6-billion and R7-billion, raising serious questions about the future of abandoned oil and gas infrastructure, accountability at state-owned enterpris...

Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa South Afrika – Cape Town- Afrikan Energy Week This week, energy ministers, investors and oil executives are meeting in Cape Town for African Energy Week, which runs until October 16. The conference focuses on investment in oil and gas, energy finance and ending ene...

JPMorgan misses earnings forecasts as uncertainty weighs on business China’s inflation picks up in September Market update  

The Global Briefing: The British government says Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was almost certainly behind a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, a military airbase used by US bombers. Prosecutors in the Philippines have dropped three of four impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, leaving allegations of unexplained wealth as the sole remaining count Colombia&rs...

Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality will face our Know Your Candidates test. Guest:  Apa Pooe – PAC Mayoral Candidate of Emfuleni Local Municipality Guest: Kingsol Chabalala – DA Mayoral Candidate of Emfuleni Local Municipality Guest:  Jeanette Maloka &...