Political analysts are questioning why political parties are using images of their national leaders to contest for municipalities. The argument is that doing this allows municipal candidates to rely on prominent figures, rather than demonstrate their own abilities. So many questions are being asked about whether political parties lack confidence in their candidates or are just unsure about the calibre of people joining their parties.

Guest: Miyelani Holeni, Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group 

Guest: Prof Susan Booysen, Wits University, researcher and consultant 

Guest: Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast, Acting Director for the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nelson Mandela University 

Political analysts are questioning why political parties are using images of their national leaders to contest for municipalities. The argument is that doing this allows municipal candidates to rely on prominent figures, rather than demonstrate their own abilities. So many questions are being asked about whether political parties lack confidence in their candidates or are just unsure about the calibre of people joining their parties.
Guest: Miyelani Holeni, Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group&nbsp;
Guest: Prof Susan Booysen, Wits University, researcher and consultant&nbsp;
Guest: Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast, Acting Director for the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nelson Mandela University&nbsp;

Political analysts are questioning why political parties are using images of their national leaders to contest for municipalities. The argument is that doing this allows municipal candidates to rely on prominent figures, rather than demonstrate their own abilities.

Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the ANC to take action against its National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, following remarks about the alleged exchange of sexual favours for employment opportunities. The organisation says the comments raise serious concerns about sexual exploitation, the abuse of power and accountability within political leadership. What do these remarks mean for the fight against sexual exploitation in the workplace?

Guest: Bafana Khumalo - Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice 

 

Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the ANC to take action against its National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, following remarks about the alleged exchange of sexual favours for employment opportunities. The organisation says the comments raise serious concerns about sexual exploitation, the abuse of power and accountability within political leadership. What do these remarks mean for the fight against sexual exploitation in the workplace?
Guest: Bafana Khumalo - Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the ANC to take action against its National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, following remarks about the alleged exchange of sexual favours for employment opportunities. 

Residents of Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg have been warned not to drink or use tap water following possible contamination linked to damage to a water pipeline during sewer repair work. Johannesburg Water says the restriction will remain in place until laboratory tests confirm the water is safe, with alternative water supplies being provided. What does this mean for residents on the ground? 

Guest: Samuel Mwale - Bezuidenhout Valley resident  

Residents of Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg have been warned not to drink or use tap water following possible contamination linked to damage to a water pipeline during sewer repair work. Johannesburg Water says the restriction will remain in place until laboratory tests confirm the water is safe, with alternative water supplies being provided. What does this mean for residents on the ground?&nbsp;
Guest: Samuel Mwale - Bezuidenhout Valley resident &nbsp;

Residents of Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg have been warned not to drink or use tap water following possible contamination linked to damage to a water pipeline during sewer repair work. 

Johannesburg recorded more than 26,500 arrests for driving under the influence between 2023 and 2025, with arrests rising to nearly 9,900 last year. Data from the JMPD and AWARE.org partnership also shows that most recorded DUI arrests in 2025 occurred between 6 pm and midnight. As the organisations mark four years of collaboration, questions remain about enforcement, prosecution and whether public education is changing motorists’ behaviour.  

Guest: Xolani Fihla - Spokesperson of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department 

 

Johannesburg recorded more than 26,500 arrests for driving under the influence between 2023 and 2025, with arrests rising to nearly 9,900 last year. Data from the JMPD and AWARE.org partnership also shows that most recorded DUI arrests in 2025 occurred between 6 pm and midnight. As the organisations mark four years of collaboration, questions remain about enforcement, prosecution and whether public education is changing motorists&rsquo; behaviour. &nbsp;
Guest: Xolani Fihla - Spokesperson of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Johannesburg recorded more than 26,500 arrests for driving under the influence between 2023 and 2025, with arrests rising to nearly 9,900 last year. Data from the JMPD and AWARE.org partnership also shows that most recorded DUI arrests in 2025 occurred between 6 pm and midnight. As the organisations mark four years of collaboration, questions remain about enforcement, prosecution and whether public education is changing motorists’ behaviour.  

Oil trades above levels last seen in May
Volatile energy markets drives Japan’s inflation higher
Market update

 

<ul>
<li>Oil trades above levels last seen in May</li>
<li>Volatile energy markets drives Japan&rsquo;s inflation higher</li>
<li>Market update</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Market Brief with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

 South Afrika- SADC

SADC Strengthens Regional Preparedness for El Niño Impacts

The regional bloc opened its four-day 2026 Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Workshop in Johannesburg this week, bringing together Member States and humanitarian partners to assess potential risks, improve contingency planning and ensure that early warnings translate into timely action.

Held under the theme: "From Forecast to Consequence: Anticipating the Cascading Impacts of El Niño 2026/27 in Southern Africa".
 United Nations – Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya

UN agencies appeal for help to protect weakest nations from super El Niño

The current event could be unprecedented in strength, literally off the monitoring charts that we have used for the past four decades, said Celeste Saulo, head of the UN's weather and climate agency.

UN agencies are appealing for help to boost resilience among the world’s most vulnerable communities already being impacted by the strongest El Niño on record.

It is due to peak in December, but the human impact of its associated extreme temperatures, floods and droughts is set to last into 2027 and beyond.

 
 Madagascar – Antananarivo

Madagascar pauses corruption cases relating to ex-president and officials

Madagascar’s Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) said it had received complaints targeting several former officials, including ex-president Andry Rajoelina.

The proceedings have been suspended as it first must be determined whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the cases.

The Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) said in a statement released that judicial proceedings relating to complaints filed by the Directorate of Legislation and Litigation (DLC) had been suspended.
 In our historical archives, it was on this day 23 October 1990 when the Lion of Azania, President of the Pan Afrikanist Congress of Azania, Uncle Zephania (Zeph) Mothopeng passed away at the age of 77.

Mothopeng was arrested in 1960 for his role in the anti-pass campaign and jailed for two years.

After his release Mothopeng was arrested again in 1963 and sentenced in May 1964 for furthering the aims of a banned organization. He served his sentence on Robben Island.

 

<ol>
<li> South Afrika- SADC</li>
</ol>
SADC Strengthens Regional Preparedness for El Ni&ntilde;o Impacts
The regional bloc opened its four-day 2026 Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Workshop in Johannesburg this week, bringing together Member States and humanitarian partners to assess potential risks, improve contingency planning and ensure that early warnings translate into timely action.
Held under the theme: "From Forecast to Consequence: Anticipating the Cascading Impacts of El Ni&ntilde;o 2026/27 in Southern Africa".
<ol>
<li> United Nations &ndash; Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya</li>
</ol>
UN agencies appeal for help to protect weakest nations from super El Ni&ntilde;o
The current event could be unprecedented in strength, literally off the monitoring charts that we have used for the past four decades, said Celeste Saulo, head of the UN's weather and climate agency.
UN agencies are appealing for help to boost resilience among the world&rsquo;s most vulnerable communities already being impacted by the strongest El Ni&ntilde;o on record.
It is due to peak in December, but the human impact of its associated extreme temperatures, floods and droughts is set to last into 2027 and beyond.
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li> Madagascar &ndash; Antananarivo</li>
</ol>
Madagascar pauses corruption cases relating to ex-president and officials
Madagascar&rsquo;s Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) said it had received complaints targeting several former officials, including ex-president Andry Rajoelina.
The proceedings have been suspended as it first must be determined whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the cases.
The Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) said in a statement released that judicial proceedings relating to complaints filed by the Directorate of Legislation and Litigation (DLC) had been suspended.
<ol>
<li> In our historical archives, it was on this day 23 October 1990 when the Lion of Azania, President of the Pan Afrikanist Congress of Azania, Uncle Zephania (Zeph) Mothopeng passed away at the age of 77.</li>
</ol>
Mothopeng was arrested in 1960 for his role in the anti-pass campaign and jailed for two years.
After his release Mothopeng was arrested again in 1963 and sentenced in May 1964 for furthering the aims of a banned organization. He served his sentence on Robben Island.
&nbsp;

Africa in Focus with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa

The CSIR is hosting the eighth RD20 Conference on Clean Energy Technologies in Pretoria — the first time the global conference has been held on African soil. Scientists and industry leaders are exploring innovations in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and artificial intelligence.

Guest: Dr Thabo Hlalele - Research Centre Manager, CSIR 

The CSIR is hosting the eighth RD20 Conference on Clean Energy Technologies in Pretoria &mdash; the first time the global conference has been held on African soil. Scientists and industry leaders are exploring innovations in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and artificial intelligence.
Guest: Dr Thabo Hlalele - Research Centre Manager, CSIR&nbsp;

The CSIR is hosting the eighth RD20 Conference on Clean Energy Technologies in Pretoria — the first time the global conference has been held on African soil. Scientists and industry leaders are exploring innovations in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and artificial intelligence.

The Global Briefing: Government websites in Europe and parts of Asia have reportedly been taken offline or disrupted amid concerns about vulnerabilities in software linked to artificial intelligence

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele says a military operation has been launched to rescue four Salvadoran personnel reportedly abducted by gangs in Haiti.

Tensions are rising in the Middle East after Iran reported that seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Guest: Dr Joan Swart - Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch 

 

The Global Briefing: Government websites in Europe and parts of Asia have reportedly been taken offline or disrupted amid concerns about vulnerabilities in software linked to artificial intelligence
El Salvador&rsquo;s President Nayib Bukele says a military operation has been launched to rescue four Salvadoran personnel reportedly abducted by gangs in Haiti.
Tensions are rising in the Middle East after Iran reported that seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Guest: Dr Joan Swart - Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The Global Briefing: Government websites in Europe and parts of Asia have reportedly been taken offline or disrupted amid concerns about vulnerabilities in software linked to artificial intelligence

More than 1,300 South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm were flagged as having a high risk of suicide ideation in the 2025/26 financial year. The findings also point to significant financial distress, with many struggling with unmanageable debt. What do these figures reveal about the impact of gambling on mental health, and are enough safeguards in place?

Guest: Lebo Seoheng - Advocacy, Communication and Prevention Manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation 

 

More than 1,300 South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm were flagged as having a high risk of suicide ideation in the 2025/26 financial year. The findings also point to significant financial distress, with many struggling with unmanageable debt. What do these figures reveal about the impact of gambling on mental health, and are enough safeguards in place?
Guest: Lebo Seoheng - Advocacy, Communication and Prevention Manager at the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation&nbsp;
&nbsp;

More than 1,300 South Africans seeking help for gambling-related harm were flagged as having a high risk of suicide ideation in the 2025/26 financial year. The findings also point to significant financial distress, with many struggling with unmanageable debt. What do these figures reveal about the impact of gambling on mental health, and are enough safeguards in place?

How serious is the risk of contamination when a water pipeline is damaged during sewer repair work, and what must Johannesburg Water do to ensure the supply is safe before reconnecting residents? 

Guest: Mike Muller - Visiting Professor at the Wits School of Governance and a professional engineer - (was DG of Water Affairs a long time ago) 

 

How serious is the risk of contamination when a water pipeline is damaged during sewer repair work, and what must Johannesburg Water do to ensure the supply is safe before reconnecting residents?&nbsp;
Guest: Mike Muller - Visiting Professor at the Wits School of Governance and a professional engineer - (was DG of Water Affairs a long time ago)&nbsp;
&nbsp;

How serious is the risk of contamination when a water pipeline is damaged during sewer repair work, and what must Johannesburg Water do to ensure the supply is safe before reconnecting residents? 

The National Briefing

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