Shows / The National Briefing
Episodes
- The National Briefing
FORUM4SA questions the government's priorities following President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to deploy 510 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to KwaZulu-Natal until 30 November 2026, at an estimated cost of R34 million. The Presidency confirmed the deployment will cost R34,082,720.
Guest: Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader, Forum4SA
- The National Briefing
Dashcam footage has captured the frightening moment an e-hailing driver was ambushed and robbed in Eldorado Park, Gauteng. Police have urged the driver to open a criminal case. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of e-hailing drivers and the risks they face while transporting passengers. What more needs to be done to protect drivers and hold perpetrators accountable?
Guest: Tella Masakale, spokesperson for the National E-hailing Federation of South Africa.
- The National Briefing
Taxpayers have already paid R2.7 million towards the legal fees of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who remains on special leave, while Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia continues to receive a salary. The disclosed legal costs and remuneration total approximately R8.89 million, with further legal spending still unclear. What does this mean for accountability and the use of public funds?
Guest: Ian Cameron, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police
- The National Briefing
Water shortages are pushing Johannesburg residents onto the streets, with communities in Melville, Westbury, Coronationville and other areas reporting weeks of unreliable supply. Residents are demanding emergency water deliveries, clear timelines and accountability from the city. With more protests planned, what is driving this crisis, and what will it take to restore reliable water supply?
Guest: Richard Holden, water and sanitation expert for the Joburg Water Crisis Committee.
- The National Briefing
Reality Check with Dr Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: The Mechanics of Division — Disinformation & Scapegoating
Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement
- The National Briefing
With less than a week to go, the Electoral Commission of South Africa officially launched the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) yesterday (Wednesday) at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. What is the IEC's readiness in the age of Artificial Intelligence?
Guest: Avi Moodley - Acting Research Group Leader for Natural Language Processing and Principal AI Specialist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial…
- The National Briefing
With less than a week to go before the local government elections, we thought we'd use this hour to reflect on what the opinion polls are showing about the political parties contesting the elections. These elections bring new players at both the national and local level. So far, what are the trends revealing, and which municipalities should we watch out for in these elections?
Guest: Thembelani Mazibuko - Researcher at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes Guest: Mari Harris, Director and Political Analyst at…
- The National Briefing
South Africa’s tourism sector is navigating a changing travel landscape, with artificial intelligence reshaping how tourists plan and experience their trips, while rising jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict put pressure on travel costs. Tourist arrivals grew by 12.3% in the first half of 2026, but growth remains uneven, with arrivals from the rest of Africa outperforming overseas markets. So, how can South Africa strengthen its tourism competitiveness, ensure local businesses remain visible in the age of AI, and attract more international and domestic travellers?
Guest: Siyabonga Mthethwa, Chief Strategy Officer at South African Tourism
- The National Briefing
Reality Check with Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: Interrogating the Manufacturing of South Africa's Afrophobia Crisis - Building a Peace-Carrying Nation & Regional Solidarity (Solutions)
Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement
- The National Briefing
Around 90,000 fans are expected at the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, putting stadium safety and crowd management plans to the test. With tickets sold out, authorities are under pressure to prevent overcrowding, traffic congestion and potential safety risks. How ready is the stadium to handle such a massive crowd?
Guest: Bertie Grobbelaar - Stadium Management South Africa CEO
- The National Briefing
The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has initiated the process to appoint Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the new National Head of the Hawks, subject to Cabinet approval. The move comes as government seeks to strengthen the fight against organised crime and corruption. What could this appointment mean for the future of the Hawks and South Africa’s crime-fighting efforts?
Guest: Willem Els, Director of the Security Initiative for Africa
- The National Briefing
South Africa is bracing for a challenging summer, with El Niño expected to bring below-normal rainfall and higher temperatures. In a country already facing water shortages, government is calling for collective action to protect limited water resources. But how prepared are we, and what can communities do to reduce the risk?
Guest: David Jacobs - Chief Director of Cluster Communication at the Government Communication and Information System, GCIS
- The National Briefing
The right to protest is constitutionally protected, but where do we draw the line when public safety is at risk? The Durban High Court has issued an interim interdict preventing the March and March movement from organising protests across eThekwini, pending a hearing today on whether the order should be made final. What are the legal implications, and does this restriction infringe on the right to peaceful protest?
Guest: Bophelo Seleke - independent legal analyst
- The National Briefing
The SABC is conducting research into the use of AI in music, exploring questions around identity, consent, AI-generated voices and the imitation of artists’ styles. As technology reshapes the music industry, where do we draw the line between creativity and copying?
Guest: Justin Erasmus - hybrid music producer and founder of AlgoRythm Hybrid Music Production, who combines AI tools with human creativity to produce music…
- The National Briefing
The Global Briefing:
With just days to go before the US midterm elections on November 3, President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama have traded sharp criticism at…
- The National Briefing
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Cape Town will face our Know Your Candidates test.
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Cape Town will face our…
- The National Briefing
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Cape Town will face our Know Your Candidates test.
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Cape Town will face our…
- The National Briefing
Reality Check with Dr Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: Legal Reality vs. Vigilantism & Corruption
Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement
- The National Briefing
The deployment of SANDF in KZN comes amid renewed tensions and concerns over violence against foreign nationals. What will the soldiers’ role be, and is military deployment the best way to address these tensions?
The deployment of SANDF in KZN comes amid renewed tensions and concerns over violence against foreign nationals. What will the soldiers’ role be, and is…
- The National Briefing
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal to support the police under Operation Prosper, following recent violence linked to misinformation about a Constitutional Court judgment on the Refugees Act.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal to support the police under Operation Prosper, following recent violence linked to…
- The National Briefing
The Universal Basic Income Coalition is warning that proposed R13-billion reductions in social grant spending could affect around three million grant recipients and applicants. In a submission to Parliament, the coalition argues that the cuts are being presented as fraud prevention when many beneficiaries are allegedly losing access because of administrative barriers and verification requirements.
The Universal Basic Income Coalition is warning that proposed R13-billion reductions in social grant spending could affect around three million grant…
- The National Briefing
The killing of a Democratic Alliance councillor in the Free State has renewed concerns about political violence and the safety of elected representatives in South Africa.
The killing of a Democratic Alliance councillor in the Free State has renewed concerns about political violence and the safety of elected representatives in…
- The National Briefing
Africa in Focus: Carien du Plessis, Southern Africa correspondent for The Africa Report
Moscow hosts African leaders for Russia-Africa Summit and Energy Forum. African leaders are gathering in Moscow for a series of high-level meetings focused on…
- The National Briefing
The Global Briefing: British prosecutors have charged two men under the National Security Act following a security incident linked to RAF Fairford, an airbase in England used by the United States military.
The Global Briefing: British prosecutors have charged two men under the National Security Act following a security incident linked to RAF Fairford, an airbase…
- The National Briefing
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union is strengthening its commitment to mother-tongue-based bilingual education through the training of master trainers. The initiative aims to build teachers’ capacity to teach learners in their home languages while supporting the transition to additional languages.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union is strengthening its commitment to mother-tongue-based bilingual education through the training of master…
- The National Briefing
Movement The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has appointed Nomfundo Maseti as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective 25 October. Maseti, a full-time regulator member responsible primarily for piped-gas regulation, takes over following the expiry of outgoing CEO Nomalanga Sithole’s extended term. She will serve until a permanent CEO is appointed.
Movement The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has appointed Nomfundo Maseti as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective 25 October. Maseti, a…
- The National Briefing
The testimony of former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock before the Khampepe Commission has renewed questions about why many apartheid-era crimes were never prosecuted. De Kock alleges that prosecutors failed to seek evidence he could have provided against senior officials
The testimony of former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock before the Khampepe Commission has renewed questions about why many apartheid-era crimes were…
- The National Briefing
Reality Check with Dr. Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: The human cost: Economic Realities and Gendered Impacts
Reality Check with Dr. Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: The human cost: Economic Realities and Gendered Impacts Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the…
- The National Briefing
Former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock has accused the National Prosecuting Authority of failing to pursue crucial evidence that could have led to further prosecutions for apartheid-era crimes.
Former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock has accused the National Prosecuting Authority of failing to pursue crucial evidence that could have led to…
- The National Briefing
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa is facing an escalating leadership dispute after its central committee stripped general secretary Irvin Jim and other national office bearers of their powers to run the union.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa is facing an escalating leadership dispute after its central committee stripped general secretary Irvin Jim…
- The National Briefing
Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa
Ghana- Accra Galamsey Now Threatens Ghana's Energy Security The warning by the General Manager in charge of Engineering and Maintenance at Ghana Gas, Mr…
- The National Briefing
Market Brief with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter
Anthropic eyes blockbuster market debut China’s industrial profits rise despite weak consumer spending Market update
- The National Briefing
The Global Briefing: China’s ruling Communist Party has begun its fifth plenum, a four-day meeting bringing together senior party leaders under President Xi Jinping.
The Global Briefing: China’s ruling Communist Party has begun its fifth plenum, a four-day meeting bringing together senior party leaders under President…
- The National Briefing
The SAPS has received more than 300,000 registrations in just over three days as young South Africans compete for 5,500 police trainee positions.
The SAPS has received more than 300,000 registrations in just over three days as young South Africans compete for 5,500 police trainee positions. More than…
- The National Briefing
Reality Check with Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi: Interrogating the Manufacturing of South Africa's Afrophobia Crisis - Naming the crisis
Reality Check with Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi: Interrogating the Manufacturing of South Africa's Afrophobia Crisis - Naming the crisis Guest: Geraldine…
- The National Briefing
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Joburg will face our Know Your Candidates test.
Guest: Lukhona Mnguni - Rise Mzansi Mayoral Candidate for the City of Joburg Guest: Herman Mashaba - ActionSA Mayoral Candidate for the City of Joburg Guest…
- The National Briefing
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Joburg will face our Know Your Candidates test.
Guest: Ashley Mama - Al Jama-Ah Mayoral Candidate for the City of Joburg Guest: Helen Zille – DA Mayoral Candidate for the City of Joburg Guest: Dada…
- The National Briefing
The Global Briefing: Brazil's left-wing President Lula wins a fourth term in office, defeating his right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro.
The Global Briefing: Brazil's left-wing President Lula wins a fourth term in office, defeating his right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Spain’s…
- The National Briefing
Gauteng residents struggling with substance addiction, and families seeking help for loved ones, are being encouraged to register for treatment and recovery support on 27 October. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s “Tswa Daar – Ke Moja, I am fine without drugs” campaign, which is marking its first anniversary.
Gauteng residents struggling with substance addiction, and families seeking help for loved ones, are being encouraged to register for treatment and recovery…
- The National Briefing
South African Airways is facing renewed scrutiny over its financial position, with concerns mounting over cash-flow pressures and reports of delayed salary payments for a second consecutive month.
South African Airways is facing renewed scrutiny over its financial position, with concerns mounting over cash-flow pressures and reports of delayed salary…
- The National Briefing
A year after President Cyril Ramaphosa established a task team to address medicine shortages, the crisis appears to be worsening. Concerns are mounting over access to essential medicines, supply chain challenges, and the impact on patients who depend on consistent treatment.
A year after President Cyril Ramaphosa established a task team to address medicine shortages, the crisis appears to be worsening. Concerns are mounting over…
- The National Briefing
Political analysts are questioning why political parties are using images of their national leaders to contest for municipalities. The argument is that doing this allows municipal candidates to rely on prominent figures, rather than demonstrate their own abilities.
Political analysts are questioning why political parties are using images of their national leaders to contest for municipalities. The argument is that doing…
- The National Briefing
Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the ANC to take action against its National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, following remarks about the alleged exchange of sexual favours for employment opportunities.
Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the ANC to take action against its National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, following remarks about the alleged exchange of…
- The National Briefing
Residents of Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg have been warned not to drink or use tap water following possible contamination linked to damage to a water pipeline during sewer repair work.
Residents of Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg have been warned not to drink or use tap water following possible contamination linked to damage to a water…
- The National Briefing
Johannesburg recorded more than 26,500 arrests for driving under the influence between 2023 and 2025, with arrests rising to nearly 9,900 last year. Data from the JMPD and AWARE.org partnership also shows that most recorded DUI arrests in 2025 occurred between 6 pm and midnight. As the organisations mark four years of collaboration, questions remain about enforcement, prosecution and whether public education is changing motorists’ behaviour.
Johannesburg recorded more than 26,500 arrests for driving under the influence between 2023 and 2025, with arrests rising to nearly 9,900 last year. Data from…
- The National Briefing
Market Brief with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter
Oil trades above levels last seen in May Volatile energy markets drives Japan’s inflation higher Market update
- The National Briefing
Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa
South Afrika- SADC SADC Strengthens Regional Preparedness for El Niño Impacts The regional bloc opened its four-day 2026 Disaster Preparedness and…
- The National Briefing
The CSIR is hosting the eighth RD20 Conference on Clean Energy Technologies in Pretoria — the first time the global conference has been held on African soil. Scientists and industry leaders are exploring innovations in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and artificial intelligence.
The CSIR is hosting the eighth RD20 Conference on Clean Energy Technologies in Pretoria — the first time the global conference has been held on African…
- The National Briefing
The Global Briefing: Government websites in Europe and parts of Asia have reportedly been taken offline or disrupted amid concerns about vulnerabilities in software linked to artificial intelligence
The Global Briefing: Government websites in Europe and parts of Asia have reportedly been taken offline or disrupted amid concerns about vulnerabilities in…
- The National Briefing
More than 1,300 South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm were flagged as having a high risk of suicide ideation in the 2025/26 financial year. The findings also point to significant financial distress, with many struggling with unmanageable debt. What do these figures reveal about the impact of gambling on mental health, and are enough safeguards in place?
More than 1,300 South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm were flagged as having a high risk of suicide ideation in the 2025/26 financial year. The…
- The National Briefing
How serious is the risk of contamination when a water pipeline is damaged during sewer repair work, and what must Johannesburg Water do to ensure the supply is safe before reconnecting residents?
How serious is the risk of contamination when a water pipeline is damaged during sewer repair work, and what must Johannesburg Water do to ensure the supply is…
- The National Briefing
Reality Check with Zoe Molapisi: A clean reputation is an unfair advantage. It opens doors that money cannot. Why trust is a form of wealth, and the solutions we can apply as a nation.
Reality Check with Zoe Molapisi: A clean reputation is an unfair advantage. It opens doors that money cannot. Why trust is a form of wealth, and the solutions…
- The National Briefing
A bomb threat involving FlySafair flight FA388 prompted an emergency security response at King Phalo International Airport in East London on Wednesday. Airports Company South Africa says all passengers and crew were safe, and the incident was stood down after security checks found no further risk.
A bomb threat involving FlySafair flight FA388 prompted an emergency security response at King Phalo International Airport in East London on Wednesday…
- The National Briefing
As South Africa digests for the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, organised labour is looking for answers on government’s spending priorities, austerity measures and relief for struggling workers. SAFTU has also raised concerns over the failure of the promised 10 000 labour inspectors to materialise, as workers continue to face workplace challenges.
As South Africa digests for the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, organised labour is looking for answers on government’s spending priorities…
- The National Briefing
Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa
South Afrika -SADC Virtual Extraordinary Summit The closing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit yesterday focused…
- The National Briefing
The South African Human Rights Commission and Wits University have launched a new Water Rights Tracker to assess water service delivery across all 144 water services authorities in the country.
The South African Human Rights Commission and Wits University have launched a new Water Rights Tracker to assess water service delivery across all 144 water…
- The National Briefing
Reality Check Zoe Molapisi: “A sharp mind is an unfair advantage. Scammers, shortcuts and panic decisions all target people who are not thinking clearly. Today: useful skills, staying informed and staying calm when pressure arrives.”
Reality Check Zoe Molapisi: “A sharp mind is an unfair advantage. Scammers, shortcuts and panic decisions all target people who are not thinking clearly…
- The National Briefing
The Global Briefing:Russia says it will send its first diesel cargo to the United States on Thursday, in a development that raises questions about energy trade, sanctions and the shifting dynamics of global fuel markets
The Global Briefing:Russia says it will send its first diesel cargo to the United States on Thursday, in a development that raises questions about energy…
- The National Briefing
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality will face our Know Your Candidates test.
Guest: Sandla Goqwana – PAC Mayoral Candidate for King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality Guest: Thembelani Mashalaba – ATM Mayoral Candidate for…
- The National Briefing
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality will face our Know Your Candidates test.
Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local…