AFRICA UPDATE WITH SIPHO MANTULA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 Department of Water and Sanitation has launched a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to tackle Emfuleni’s long-running water crisis, marking what government leaders describe as a structural overhaul rather than a temporary bailout.

The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association (BKCRA) is calling for urgent regulation of Airbnb in the historic Bo-Kaap, warning that unchecked short-term rentals are accelerating gentrification and eroding the neighbourhood’s cultural identity.

South Africa’s citrus industry has received a major boost following the United States’ decision to grant new tariff exemptions that include oranges. The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) says the move restores the country’s competitiveness in a key export market and offers renewed hope for growers ahead of the 2026 season.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a formal investigation into the unexplained arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza, who were stranded for more than 10 hours at OR Tambo International Airport after authorities initially denied them entry due to missing departure stamps and incomplete travel documentation.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has issued a R4.6 million Certificate of Debt issued to the municipal manager of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, marking a significant escalation in enforcing accountability for material irregularities, particularly after repeated failures by the municipality to recover substantial losses from overpayments for water tankering services.

KwaZulu-Natal’s education system is under intense scrutiny after a parliamentary report revealed a deeply troubling spike in serious teacher misconduct, including 30 allegations of statutory rape and several cases involving the sexual assault of young learners.

Johannesburg’s ageing bridge network is edging toward crisis. Nearly a decade after the last full inspection — which already found more than 700 bridges needing rehabilitation, including 68 urgently — none of the city’s 900-plus bridges have been visually assessed again.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is facing one of the most serious crises in its history after US President Donald Trump rejected its apology over an edited Panorama clip and vowed to sue the corporation.

Johannesburg motorists should prepare for temporary road closures and intermittent traffic disruptions this weekend as multiple law enforcement agencies conduct a joint traffic operation ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

World Diabetes Day: Raising awareness for diabetes and aQuellé’s campaign: Together Let’s Beat Diabetes. Encouraging everyone to wear blue.