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Afrika Update Report 20 November 2025 Guinea Bissau-Bissau Guinea Bissau decides in three days and who are the main opposition candidates in this presidential and legislative elections? And what are the electoral and governance issues dominating these elections? Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, a 53-year-old ex-army general, is seeking a second term, but faces 11 challengers in the West African nation with a history of political instability. Sahel – UN Security Council UN chief calls terrorism in the Sahel a 'growing global threat', urges cooperation The United Nations Secretary-General has warned world leaders that terrorism in the Sahel is "not only a regional dramatic reality" but "a growing global threat." Speaking to the UN Security Council this week António Guterres urged nations across the region to work together and allow for coordinated action against terrorism. “We face the risk of a disastrous domino effect across the entire region. Many countries are reeling," Guterres said. US- Saudi Arabia- Sudan Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman has urged USA President Donald Trump to take action to help end Sudan’s devastating civil war, raising the prospect of new US involvement in a conflict that has already claimed more than 40,000 lives. In our historical archives, it was on this day 20 November 1944 when the Transvaal Indian Congress takes a stand on Fietas removals. They objected to a Johannesburg City Council meeting statement made on 17 October 1944, in which a detailed report regarding the "Western Areas Scheme" had been approved. The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) passed a resolution on the Johannesburg area "Fietas", (the name by which Pageview and Vrededorp was known).
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), South Africa’s largest restricted medical aid scheme, has released its Roadmap for 2026, outlining plans to strengthen long-term sustainability, enhance member benefits, and improve operational efficiency. Central to the announcement is an average 9.8% contribution increase for 2026, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). While GEMS argues that the adjustment is necessary to protect access and stability for its 2.4 million beneficiaries, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has criticised the scheme for unilateral decision-making, saying the hike undermines trust and burdens public service employees who are limited to a single medical aid option. Guest: Claude Naicker: The Public Servants Association
E-hailing drivers across South Africa have been given 180 days to comply with new regulatory requirements introduced under the amended National Land Transport Act, which formally recognises e-hailing as a legal mode of public transport. The Department of Transport has outlined the steps drivers and platforms must follow to meet the new standards, which include obtaining operating licences, vehicle branding, and installing physical panic buttons to enhance passenger and driver safety. The changes aim to create a more regulated, transparent, and safer e-hailing industry while aligning it with other public transport sectors. Guest: Collen Msibi: Transport department spokesperson
South Africa stands at a defining moment. Inequality, corruption, and unemployment continue to undermine the country’s democratic promise — yet within these challenges lie powerful opportunities for renewal. At this year’s 3rd Annual SAfm Public Lecture, esteemed Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, will lead a compelling exploration of how South Africa can rebuild its social contract to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. This lecture brings together thinkers, leaders, and engaged citizens committed to charting a fairer, more resilient future for all. Guest: Dr Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University & Speaker at the 3rd annual public lecture
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), South Africa’s largest restricted medical aid scheme, has released its Roadmap for 2026, outlining plans to strengthen long-term sustainability, enhance member benefits, and improve operational efficiency. Central to the announcement is an average 9.8% contribution increase for 2026, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). Guest: Dr Stanley Moloabi: Principal Officer-Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems)
Farmers and agricultural leaders from across the world convened in Stellenbosch on 17 September 2025 for the G20 Farmers Dialogue, hosted by the Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai) at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. The hybrid gathering connected in-person delegates with digital participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa—ensuring that the lived realities and authentic voices of farmers were central to global policy discussions. The outcomes of the Dialogue will contribute directly to a farmers’ declaration to be presented at the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Guest: Dr Theo de Jager: Chairman of The Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai)
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Sello Seitlholo, will lead a two-day Sanitation Month awareness campaign in commemoration of World Toilet Day on 19–20 November 2025 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The campaign is a collaborative initiative undertaken by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Water Research Commission (WRC), the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The programme will highlight innovative sanitation technologies designed to improve service delivery, promote dignified sanitation, and build climate-resilient communities—aligning with this year’s World Toilet Day theme, “Sanitation in a changing world.” Guest: Sello Seitlholo: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
Madlanga Commission Day 2 recap: Commissioner Sesi Baloyi sharply questioned the credibility of North West businessman Brown Mogotsi’s testimony during Wednesday’s session of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. Baloyi criticised Mogotsi for presenting serious allegations without conducting even basic verification. The commission is set to resume on Thursday. Guest: Canny Maphanga: Sabc Reporter
Madlanga Commission Day 2 analysis on claims made by Mogotsi: Alleged political “fixer” and self-described Crime Intelligence contact agent Oupa Brown Mogotsi returned to the witness stand for a second day before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where he forcefully rejected accusations that he is a habitual or “professional” liar. His testimony on Wednesday covered his claims about manipulation within the South African Police Service (SAPS), alleged political interference in crime-fighting units, an attempted assassination, and controversial assertions involving high-ranking police officials, politicians and even the CIA. Guest: Prof Kholofelo Rakubu: Criminologist
NATO fighter jets were scrambled in Polish and Romanian airspace after Russia launched one of its largest overnight attacks on Ukraine, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens more across multiple regions. The assault involved 470 drones and 48 missiles, striking western Ukrainian cities near NATO borders and triggering emergency air-defense measures in both Poland and Romania. The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts intensify, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky seeking to revive peace talks and senior U.S. Army officials making a rare wartime visit to Kyiv under President Donald Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, tensions rise sharply across Eastern Europe due to sabotage allegations, airspace violations, and ongoing debates over future peace proposals. Guest: Roland Henwood: Political Scientist And Commentator, The University of Pretoria ( UP)
Guest: Sean Phillips: Director General, Department of Water and Sanitation
Guest: Sheikh Dawood Terblanche: Chairperson, The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association (BKCRA)
Guest: Deon Joubert: The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) Market Access Specialist
Guest: Ashraf Essop: Immigration Attorney
Guest: Lerato Phasha - Acting Chief Officer Municipal Finance: South African Local Government Association
Guest: Advocate Bheki Masuku: Deputy Director, The KZN Department of Education
Guest: Zweli Nyathi: Joburg Road Agency CEO
Guest: Michael Markovitz: Director of the Media Leadership Think Tank at the Gordon Institute of Business Science
Guest: Xolani Fihla - JMPD Spokesperson
Guest: Bernice Greyling: part of the Gauteng Marketing team for aQuellé




