Shows / The National Briefing
Episodes
- The National Briefing
As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally, new findings highlighted in the TB Accountability Consortium State of TB Report 2026 reveal significant gaps in South Africa’s TB response
As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally, new findings highlighted in the TB Accountability Consortium State of TB Report 2026 reveal significant…
- The National Briefing
As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally, new findings highlighted in the TB Accountability Consortium State of TB Report 2026 reveal significant gaps in South Africa’s TB response
As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally, new findings highlighted in the TB Accountability Consortium State of TB Report 2026 reveal significant…
- The National Briefing
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Greater Tshwane region has issued a strong response to a submission by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the Madlanga Commission, which alleges the existence of organised “mafia” networks linked to water tanker services, waste management, and municipal security contracts
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Greater Tshwane region has issued a strong response to a submission by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the Madlanga…
- The National Briefing
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of charges against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service(SAPS), General Fannie Masemola and his scheduled court appearance. Guest: David Bruce: Independent Researcher in Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice and ISS Consultant
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of charges against the National Commissioner of the South…
- The National Briefing
Lazola Kati, Fossil Ad Ban campaign manager at Fossil Free South Africa, has written an opinion piece in the Sunday World highlighting how fragile the global fossil fuel system is at the back of the current war taking place in the Middle East.
Guest: Lazola Kati, Fossil Ad Ban campaign manager at Fossil Free South Africa
- The National Briefing
Rising school fees and mounting pressure on the public education system are driving a growing number of South African parents to choose homeschooling over traditional schooling. With elite private school fees climbing as high as R350,000 per year, many families are seeking more flexible and affordable alternatives.
Guest: Lebogang Montjane: Executive Director, Independent Schools Association of South Africa
- The National Briefing
The Gauteng High Court has delivered a sharply critical judgment in a legal dispute involving the late Mosiuoa Lekota, leader of Congress of the People (COPE). The case centres on allegations that his partner, referred to as Adv A, transferred large sums of money from his accounts while he was mentally incapacitated in the months leading up to his death.
Guest: Zola Mbatha: Fiduciary Specialist (Attorney)
- The National Briefing
Former apartheid-era operative Eugene de Kock — widely known as “Prime Evil” — has taken the stand in the ongoing Cradock Four inquest at the High Court in Gqeberha. While admitting to leading operations against anti-apartheid activists, De Kock denies any role in the 1985 murders of the Cradock Four killings, insisting the victims were not considered “terrorists” by his unit.
Guest: Lukhanyo Calata: Son of the Cradock Four’s Fort Calata
- The National Briefing
A Fire broke out after 18h00 on Tuesday evening at the Botha Sigcau Building (Owen & Leeds St, Eastern Cape), affecting key government departments.
Olwethu Mabovula - King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality Spokesperson
- The National Briefing
The current conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel marks a significant escalation in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with global implications for energy markets, diplomacy, and regional stability.
Guest: Itumeleng Makgetla: is a Political Analyst at the University of Pretoria
- The National Briefing
As Human Rights Day was commemorated, domestic workers across the country said there was little to celebrate. Members of the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union, supported by Congress of South African Trade Unions, marched in Cape Town demanding recognition, protection, and enforcement of their basic labour rights.
Guest: Thuli Maphumulo: Deputy Secretary General, South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU)
- The National Briefing
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has reported encouraging progress in South Africa’s road safety efforts in early 2026, highlighting a notable decline in crashes and fatalities. Speaking at the launch of the ArriveAlive Campaign Easter Road Safety Campaign in Gauteng, she emphasised that while improvements are evident, intensified efforts are still needed ahead of the high-risk Easter travel period.
Guest: Simon Zwane: Spokesperson, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
- The National Briefing
Nelson Mandela Bay is once again grappling with a deepening electricity crisis, as collapsing high-voltage pylons leave large parts of the metro without power for weeks. The latest outages have exposed years of neglected maintenance, severe budget shortfalls, and mounting economic losses, with businesses and residents increasingly losing patience.
Guest: Cllr Ziyanda Mnqokoyi: Mayoral portfolio head for Electricity and Energy, Nelson Mandela Bay
- The National Briefing
The Gauteng provincial government has committed to urgent reforms at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital following the tragic death of a psychiatric patient in a fire. The intervention comes after a damning report by Health Ombud
Professor Taole Mokoena uncovered serious systemic failures in patient care, safety, and governance. Guest: Professor Taole Mokoena: Health Ombud
- The National Briefing
South Africans commemorated Human Rights Day this past weekend, a tragic turning point that underscored the brutality of apartheid and ignited a global call for justice. Why does SA still remain an unequal society?
Guest: Dr Trevor Ngwane: Director at the Department of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg
- The National Briefing
Donald Trump has announced that the United States has held “productive” talks with Iran about a potential “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East
Guest: Siphamandla Zondi - Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- The National Briefing
The cost of food in South Africa is shifting in a troubling way: while some staple items are getting cheaper, meat prices are soaring, turning a once-regular item like a braai pack into a luxury for many households.
Guest: Mervyn Abrahams: Programme Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group.
- The National Briefing
South Africa’s worsening crime crisis has reached what lawmakers describe as “war-like” levels, with over 26,000 murders recorded in a single year.
Guest: Dakota Legoete: Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans
- The National Briefing
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders expresses its profound indignation and unequivocal condemnation following reports of an alleged coronation of a so-called “king” linked to a Nigerian community event in kuGompo, a jurisdiction that constitutionally and customarily falls under the authority of the amaRharhabe Kingdom led by King Sandile.
Eastern Cape authorities have strongly rejected the reported “installation” of a foreign king in the province, with Zolile Williams distancing the…
- The National Briefing
As South Africa marks Human Rights Day and reflects on the tragedy of the Sharpeville Massacre, Julia Nzimande offers a deeply personal perspective on her father’s legacy. Her father, Nyakane Tsolo, was among the leaders of the Sharpeville protest — and his story, passed down directly to her, brings history to life beyond textbooks.
Guest: Julia Nzimande: Daughter of Nyakane Tsolo, Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) member & Led Sharpeville Massacre
- The National Briefing
An open letter addressed to UN Women at the 2026 Commission on the Status of Women raises urgent concerns about the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG). While intended as a landmark treaty, the letter argues that the Convention in its current form weakens existing protections and fails to deliver on its promise of rights, justice, and action for African women and girls.
Guest: Sibongile Ndashe: Executive Director, Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa
- The National Briefing
At the inaugural National Transport Conference held in Midrand, urgent concerns about violence and instability in South Africa’s taxi industry took centre stage. Following a deadly shooting at a Delft taxi rank in Cape Town, Dr. Siyabulela Fobosi of the University of Fort Hare called for decisive, “tough medicine” to address what he argues is not just disorder—but organised crime embedded within the sector.
Guest: Dr. Siyabulela Fobosi: a senior researcher at the department of public and constitutional law at the University of Fort Hare
- The National Briefing
The African National Congress calls on all peace-loving and patriotic South Africans to unite for The People’s March in Defence of Our Sovereignty and Democratic Gains on Saturday, 21 March 2026, commemorating Human Rights Day.
Guest: Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule: ANC NEC Member
- The National Briefing
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for urgent government intervention following reports of the coronation of a Nigerian “king” in the Eastern Cape. The party warns that such an event could undermine South Africa’s legal framework, cultural systems, and recognised traditional leadership structures.
Guest: Zama Ntshona: The African Transformation Movement (ATM) National Spokesperson
- The National Briefing
A growing number of schools across Gauteng are facing electricity disconnections due to unpaid municipal bills, exposing deep financial strain within the education system. With dozens already cut off and many more at risk, the crisis is disrupting teaching and learning, particularly in under-resourced communities.
Guest: Steve Mabona: Spokesperson to the MEC for Education in Gauteng
- The National Briefing
The recent decision by Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of hosting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations and award them to Morocco has reignited debate about governance, consistency, and credibility in African football. What does this mean for the CAF brand and African football?
Guest: Thebe Ikalafeng: Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa | Founder and CEO, Brand Leadership Group, Chancellor, Sol Plaatje University
- The National Briefing
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is triggering a renewed energy crisis in Europe, exposing vulnerabilities that many believed had been addressed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Guest:
John Stremlau: Wits University Honorary professor Of International Relations
- The National Briefing
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has strongly condemned the vandalism of the gravesite of its founding president, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. This disgraceful act comes in the wake of a historic mass march led by the PAC, alongside community members, which reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the African people to defend and preserve the legacy, name, and ideals of Sobukwe.
Guest: Apa Pooe: The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) Secretary General
- The National Briefing
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is urging the Government of South Africa to negotiate equitable licensing terms with Gilead Sciences for the groundbreaking HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, or to consider issuing a compulsory licence that would allow local production without patent restrictions.
Guest: Alison Best. HIV/HCV Access Communications Advisor, South African Medical Unit, Doctors Without Borders (MSF Southern Africa)
- The National Briefing
The unbundling of Eskom and Eskom Green. What is the state of the electricity in South Africa?
Guest: Mteto Ntati: Eskom Chairperson
- The National Briefing
Bus commuters across South Africa could face travel disruptions over the Easter weekend as wage negotiations between bus operators and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) reach a deadlock.
Guest: Jack Mazibuko - General Secretary of The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu)
- The National Briefing
Israeli officials claim a strike has killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, just one day after the assassination of Iran’s top security chief, Ali Larijani.
Guest: Thembisa Fakude: Director at Africa Asia Dialogues
- The National Briefing
A recent judgment by the Western Cape High Court has ignited debate about the legal and financial responsibilities of step-parents. The court ordered a divorced man to continue paying maintenance for his two stepchildren, even though he never legally adopted them.
Guest: Mary-Jane Mphahlele: Founder of Mary-Jane Mphahlele Inc.
- The National Briefing
The Eastern Cape Department of Health is preparing to roll out a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that could significantly reduce new infections in the province.
Guest: Thembisile Mboniswa: PEP & PrEP Programme Manager in the HAST Directorate Bhisho Provincial Office: Eastern Cape Department of Health
- The National Briefing
This year marks 20 years since South Africa legalised civil unions, a landmark moment for LGBTQI rights under the Civil Union Act.
Guest: Matuba Mahlatjie: LGBTQI activist & Communications and Media Relations Manager at Outright International
- The National Briefing
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has announced that more than 200,000 South Africans have registered to vote since November 2025, with young people making up the majority of new registrations. The update comes ahead of the IEC’s nationwide voter registration weekend on 20–21 June 2026.
Guest: Moagisi Letlhaku, General Manager for Civic Education and Research at the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)
- The National Briefing
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure has revealed that the government plans to dispose of more than 1,600 state-owned buildings and properties as part of a broader effort to cut costs and improve how state assets are used.
Guest: Dean Macpherson: Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
- The National Briefing
Schools in parts of Limpopo have been temporarily closed after persistent heavy rainfall caused flooding and serious safety concerns. The Limpopo Department of Education has suspended schooling in several affected districts for two days as roads become impassable and damage to school infrastructure is reported.
Guest: Rodgers Basikopo Makamu: MEC for the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA)
- The National Briefing
The growing impact of illicit trade and offshore e-commerce platforms on South Africa’s economy will be a key focus at the upcoming Buy Local Summit & Expo in Johannesburg.
Guest: Eustace Mashimbye: CEO, Proudly South African
- The National Briefing
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has invited the public and tourism industry stakeholders to comment on a newly gazetted Draft Code of Good Practice for short-term rentals, aimed at guiding conduct in the rapidly growing accommodation sector.
Guest: Patricia de Lille: The Minister of Tourism
- The National Briefing
The South African Human Rights Commission is currently holding a National Investigative Hearing into South Africa’s food systems in Johannesburg, examining the growing crisis of hunger and access to adequate food across the country.
Guest: Wisani Baloyi: The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Communications Coordinator
- The National Briefing
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is hearing conflicting testimony between suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and police sergeant Fannie Nkosi, with the two giving opposing accounts about meetings involving controversial tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.
Guest: Canny Maphanga: SABC Reporter
- The National Briefing
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities says its call for greater accountability in the religious sector is justified, following the release of a report by the Special Investigating Unit. This comes as religious leaders in KwaZulu-Natal protest against what they claim are attempts to regulate church activities.
Guest: Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva: Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission
- The National Briefing
A recent documentary, Inside the Rage Machine, features whistleblowers from major social media companies who claim that platforms deliberately allowed more harmful content to spread in order to increase engagement and compete for users’ attention.
Guest: William Bird: Director of Moxii Africa
- The National Briefing
South Africa’s fuel supply is facing increasing pressure as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil flows.
Guest: Professor Vally Padayachee: power and energy expert and a former executive manager of Eskom and a former senior executive of City Power Jhb
- The National Briefing
Supporters of the renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town took to the streets in large numbers, declaring that the new name is final despite mounting opposition.
Guest: Derek Light: Attorney and chairman of the Graaff Reinet Economic Development Forum.
- The National Briefing
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is preparing to write to the ANC leadership requesting permission to resume his political responsibilities within the party after voluntarily stepping back from organisational duties. Meanwhile, political instability is also brewing in the City of Johannesburg, where the ANC’s regional leadership has reportedly resolved to recall Mayor Dada Morero after tensions escalated following last year’s regional leadership election.
Guest: Sandile Swana: Political Analyst
- The National Briefing
Religious leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have strongly criticised the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) over attempts to regulate church activities.
Guest: Pastor Mpfariseni Mukhuba, chairperson of the South African Church Defenders
- The National Briefing
The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated sharply, with both sides launching new waves of missile and drone attacks.
Anthoni van Nieuwkerk - Professor of International and Diplomacy Studies at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs
- The National Briefing
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in the Free State will lead a mass march in Bloemfontein on 14 March 2026 to protest what it describes as the growing threat of privatisation within the power utility Eskom and broader erosion of workers’ rights.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in the Free State will lead a mass march in Bloemfontein on 14 March 2026 to protest what it describes as the growing…
- The National Briefing
A suspected gas leak caused panic at Umbilo Secondary School, forcing emergency services to respond after several learners reportedly fainted.
A suspected gas leak caused panic at Umbilo Secondary School, forcing emergency services to respond after several learners reportedly fainted. Concerned parent…
- The National Briefing
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