As South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, questions are once again being raised about what freedom truly means for ordinary citizens. The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) says that for many, the day risks becoming purely symbolic, as millions continue to face poverty, unemployment and widening inequality. While political freedom was achieved in 1994, the organisation argues that economic freedom remains out of reach for the majority, with wealth and opportunity still concentrated among a few.


FOSA is now calling for urgent and decisive government action to tackle corruption, rebuild institutions and deliver meaningful change.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of FOSA.

As South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, questions are once again being raised about what freedom truly means for ordinary citizens. The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) says that for many, the day risks becoming purely symbolic, as millions continue to face poverty, unemployment and widening inequality. While political freedom was achieved in 1994, the organisation argues that economic freedom remains out of reach for the majority, with wealth and opportunity still concentrated among a few.
 FOSA is now calling for urgent and decisive government action to tackle corruption, rebuild institutions and deliver meaningful change.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of FOSA.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

Questions raised about what freedom means to South Africans

The government of Zambia has filed an application for reconsideration at the High Court in Pretoria in South Africa, challenging an urgent order that directed that the late former president's remains be returned to Two Mountains mortuary. This follows earlier legal proceedings in which the court had authorised the repatriation of Lungu's remains for a state funeral and burial, an order the Zambian government had begun to implement. The matter has now escalated into a sensitive legal and diplomatic standoff, raising questions about jurisdiction, family rights, state authority, and the handling of presidential remains across borders. Mpho Sithole spoke to Chanoda Ngwira, Friend to former Zambian President Edgar Lungu and Kum'Mawa Development Coalition Spokesperson

The government of Zambia has filed an application for reconsideration at the High Court in Pretoria in South Africa, challenging an urgent order that directed that the late former president's remains be returned to Two Mountains mortuary. This follows earlier legal proceedings in which the court had authorised the repatriation of Lungu's remains for a state funeral and burial, an order the Zambian government had begun to implement. The matter has now escalated into a sensitive legal and diplomatic standoff, raising questions about jurisdiction, family rights, state authority, and the handling of presidential remains across borders. Mpho Sithole spoke to Chanoda Ngwira, Friend to former Zambian President Edgar Lungu and Kum'Mawa Development Coalition Spokesperson

Zambian government files application for reconsideration in South Africa's high court

Fresh instability in Mali has once again put the spotlight on the country's fragile security landscape and the growing role of foreign actors in its internal conflicts. A wave of coordinated attacks near the capital, Bamako, and across the country has been claimed by jihadist fighters linked to JNIM, alongside Tuareg rebel groups, raising fears of a broader escalation. Russia says its Africa Corps, successor to the Wagner Group, played a key role in stabilising the situation and preventing a potential coup. But questions remain about the true extent of foreign involvement, the effectiveness of current security strategies, and what this means for Mali's sovereignty and long-term stability. Mpho Sithole spoke to Zoumara Diarra, Human Rights, Governance, Security expert from Kurukan Fuga University of Bamako

Fresh instability in Mali has once again put the spotlight on the country's fragile security landscape and the growing role of foreign actors in its internal conflicts. A wave of coordinated attacks near the capital, Bamako, and across the country has been claimed by jihadist fighters linked to JNIM, alongside Tuareg rebel groups, raising fears of a broader escalation. Russia says its Africa Corps, successor to the Wagner Group, played a key role in stabilising the situation and preventing a potential coup. But questions remain about the true extent of foreign involvement, the effectiveness of current security strategies, and what this means for Mali's sovereignty and long-term stability. Mpho Sithole spoke to Zoumara Diarra, Human Rights, Governance, Security expert from Kurukan Fuga University of Bamako

Instability in Mali places spotlight on fragile security landscape

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is deteriorating at an alarming pace, with the latest Acute Food Insecurity analysis warning that nearly 7.8 million people—almost two in every three citizens—are now facing extreme hunger. According to Oxfam, conditions in some areas have reached catastrophic levels, with an estimated 73-thousand people now facing starvation. The crisis is being driven by a combination of ongoing conflict, economic collapse, climate shocks, and shrinking humanitarian aid. Mpho Sithole spoke to Oxfam Country Director in South Sudan, Shabnam Baloch to unpack what this means on the ground and what urgent interventions are needed.

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is deteriorating at an alarming pace, with the latest Acute Food Insecurity analysis warning that nearly 7.8 million people&mdash;almost two in every three citizens&mdash;are now facing extreme hunger. According to Oxfam, conditions in some areas have reached catastrophic levels, with an estimated 73-thousand people now facing starvation. The crisis is being driven by a combination of ongoing conflict, economic collapse, climate shocks, and shrinking humanitarian aid. Mpho Sithole spoke to Oxfam Country Director in South Sudan, Shabnam Baloch to unpack what this means on the ground and what urgent interventions are needed.

Questions raised about what freedom means to South Africans

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