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THE MORNING BRIEF
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An independent investigation by RethinkTheStink’s Project Blue has uncovered widespread pollution in Table Bay, with many Cape Town beaches, including Blue Flag beaches, showing concerning levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Enterococci. Guest: Anthony Turton - Environmental Advisor | Speaker | Author
As the excitement of the holiday season fades and the new school year begins, South African students are returning to their classrooms. While this time of year often brings enthusiasm, it also marks the onset of anxiety for many children, particularly those entering new educational phases or adjusting to unfamiliar environments Guest: Jenna Bayer, Counselling Psychologist
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has strongly condemned the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for unilaterally implementing a 13.4% increase in member contributions for 2025. This decision, made without consultation or agreement at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC), comes amid growing financial pressure on public servants due to inflation, high interest rates, and escalating living costs. Guest: Mike Shingange: NEHAWU President
As the festive season winds down, the South African Transport Department has issued a warning for road users to exercise extreme caution due to ongoing inclement weather conditions. This comes after a tragic crash on the N3 toll road claimed seventeen lives on Tuesday. The weather, which is expected to continue affecting roads until Friday, brings heavy rain, strong winds, and poor visibility, all contributing to hazardous driving conditions across several provinces. Guest: Mkhuleko Hlengwa - Deputy Minister of transport
The 2024 matric results will be published as scheduled next week, following a legal victory for the Department of Basic Education (DBE). This comes after the Information Regulator (IR) lost its court bid to block the release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in the media. The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the IR’s application, citing delays and lack of urgency in the case, allowing the results to be made public. Guest:Advocate Collen Weapond, Full-time Member at the Information Regulator
Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, who has been on special leave for more than a year amid allegations of sexual harassment, has cost taxpayers over R2.3 million in his basic salary alone. The long-running case involving Mbenenge is set to move forward next week with a Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing, following a ruling that a prima facie case of misconduct exists. The case, which began with a complaint in December 2022, has raised concerns about systemic delays in handling judicial complaints and the decision to grant Mbenenge special leave rather than suspending him. Guest: Mbekezeli Benjamin: Research and Advocacy Officer of the Judges Matter at Democratic Governance & Rights Unit (DGRU)
A New York appeals court has denied Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in the felony hush money case, paving the way for the former president to be sentenced on January 10, 2025. The decision comes after an emergency hearing on Tuesday and marks a setback for Trump's legal team, who argued the case was politically motivated and sought to halt the proceedings. Guest: Brooks Spector: International Relations Expert
South African schools are facing a surge in fee exemptions as many institutions increase tuition fees above the inflation rate. The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) estimates that fee-paying schools could grant between R7.4 billion and R10.8 billion in fee exemptions this year. This is due to the financial strain caused by the rising cost of education, with some former Model C schools increasing fees by up to 7.9%, outpacing the country's consumer inflation rate of 2.9%. Guest: Riaan van der Bergh, deputy CEO of Fedsas.
In a disturbing trend, nearly 40 infants have been abandoned in the Eastern Cape between March 2024 and January 2025. While all babies have been found alive, the situation remains a critical concern for authorities. The most recent case involved a week-old baby girl discovered in a plastic bag near a bridge in Mdantsane, East London. This alarming incident underscores the province's ongoing struggle with infant abandonment and highlights the urgent need for social and community support. Guest: Mpumzi Zuzile: spokesperson to the Eastern Cape MEC Social Development
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (CATS) team has arrested a 35-year-old South African man on charges related to violating the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA). The arrest took place on Friday afternoon in Johannesburg following a thorough investigation that began in May 2018, involving suspicious financial transactions potentially linked to terror financing. Guest: Colonel Philani Nkwalase: Hawks Spokesperson
A decision by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the task team investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal has sparked concern among experts, who fear it could damage public trust in law enforcement. The instruction was issued in a memorandum on December 31, 2024, with Mchunu stating that the task team is no longer necessary. However, criminologists and political analysts are questioning the timing and implications of this move, particularly as the province prepares for local government elections in 2026. Guest:Mary De Haas: violence monitor in KZN, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of KZN’s School of Law, and a member of the Navi Pillay Research Group on Justice and Human Rights
The release of South Africa’s 2024 matric results on January 13 will draw significant attention, particularly with regard to the performance in maths and physical science—two key subjects for university admission. As the country grapples with an education system still recovering from the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the results will reveal how well students are prepared for the demands of tertiary education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Guest: Servaas van der Berg, director of research in social and economic policy unit at the University of Stellenbosch
In South Africa, coal is more than just a source of energy; it is integral to jobs, industrial growth, and the nation’s economic stability. As global calls for decarbonisation grow louder, coal’s essential role is often overlooked. While there is a push towards cleaner energy solutions, the realities faced by millions of South Africans demand a balanced and pragmatic approach to energy transition, one that recognises coal’s ongoing significance in ensuring energy security and economic resilience. Guest: Prof Sampson Mamphweli Head of Energy Secretariat at SANEDI & Energy Expert
South Africans are being urged to exercise caution when using social media and private messaging platforms like WhatsApp, as careless online behaviour can have severe consequences, ranging from job loss to criminal charges. Experts warn that actions such as leaking confidential information, sharing explicit content, or posting misleading updates can lead to disciplinary actions by employers, or even violations of the Cybercrimes Act and the recently enacted Hate Crimes Act. Guest: Emma Sadlier - Social Media Law Specialist & Founder of the Digital Law Company
The ANC in Mpumalanga has confirmed that it will not be attending the January 8th Celebrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, marking the party's 111th anniversary. Instead, the province will focus on its own provincial celebrations, scheduled for January 25th at the Kameelriver Ga Morwe Stadium. Guest: Sasekani Manzi: Mpumalanga ANC Spokesperson
South Africa's rail network is poised for a major transformation with the introduction of third-party access, which could improve operations but also requires urgent investment. Transnet, the state-owned company managing the country’s rail infrastructure, has revealed that R14 billion annually is needed to address widespread issues such as theft, vandalism, and outdated systems. This comes as the company grapples with financial losses, a ballooning debt, and significant challenges in maintaining and upgrading its network. Guest: Mr Moshe Motlohi - acting Chief Executive Officer of Transnet's Rail Infrastructure Manager (RIM)
The Morning Brief Afrika Update Report 08 January 2025 1. Ghana – Accra Ghana’s John Mahama returns as President of Ghana. John Mahama has been sworn in on Tuesday, January 7 as Ghana’s president for the second time, as the country faces its worst economic crisis in a generation. Mahama, who started his political career as the communications minister, won the presidential election late last year after pledging to tackle the economic crisis, corruption and unemployment. 2. France – Chad – Senegal Chad and Senegal rebuke Macron’s remarks on military agreements Chad and Senegal have sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments about the withdrawal of French troops from Africa, where he accused some African leaders of “ingratitude” and claimed their sovereignty depended on French military presence. 3. Guinea – Conakry Conakry at a standstill amidst opposition protests The opposition frequently organizes these protests, which are consistently prohibited by the junta, causing significant disruption in the Guinean capital and often resulting in violent clashes. The Guinean capital Conakry experienced a day of high tension this week. 4. Mozambique - Maputo SADC Panel of Elders dispatched to Mozambique In the wake of violent protests and unrest in Mozambique post the October general election, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is to send its Panel of Elders to the east African country for a hands-on visit. An indication of the seriousness the regional bloc attaches to member state Mozambique comes with a communique issued after a virtual weekend summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation which has it the Panel of Elders to report back in eight days – 15 January. 5. In our historical archives, it was on this day 8 January 1806 when the Battle of Blaauwberg, which occurred, it was a significant military engagement that led to the second British occupation of the Cape. The outcome of this battle had lasting implications for the colonial history of South Africa.
New China Virus: In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with alarming images of overwhelmed hospitals in China, sparking fears of another pandemic. These concerns stemmed from a surge in cases of the flu-like Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), particularly among children. While Beijing has acknowledged the rise in cases and attributed it to a seasonal spike, public health experts emphasise that HMPV is a known virus and not a novel pathogen like Covid-19. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about HMPV and its current impact. Guest: Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University
The battle for control of Ingonyama Trust in KwaZulu-Natal is heating up after King Misuzulu KaZwelithini reasserted his authority and ordered the entity’s “suspended” board members not to enter the trust’s offices in Pietermaritzburg. Guest: Professor Musa Xulu - Cultural Heritage Expert and Founder of iNdonsa Yesizwe Think Tank
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