The National Briefing

Guest: Prof Hlengiwe Ndlovu – Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance and the Deputy Director: Special Initiatives and Partnerships at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)Guest: Dr Lubna Nadvi - Senior Lecturer in Politics and International and Public Affairs at the University of KwaZulu Natal

Guest: Khalil Goga - Head of Dialogue and Advocacy at Nelson Mandela Foundation

Guest: Dr Lumkile Mondi – Economist and Senior Lecturer at the Wits Business School

Guest: Masego Sheburi - Deputy CEO: Electoral Operations at the Independent Electoral Commission

Guest: Angelo Agrizzi - former chief operating officer of Bosasa

Guest: Khaya Sithole - Director at Corusca Consulting

Guest: Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, Spokesperson for Motor Industry Staff Association

Jinping warning against the region becoming an arena for great-power rivalry. A dramatic political split is emerging within the US Democratic Party after Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan rather than her party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Commonwealth leaders are gathering in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with climate resilience, trade, investment and sustainable development high on the agenda. Guest: Thembisa Fakude - Senior Research Fellow and Director at Africa-Asia Dialogues

Guest: Patricia Visagie - SABC reporter in Waterkloof, Pretoria

Guest: Clyde Adams - SABC Reporter in Langa, Cape Town

Guest: Chriselda Lewis - SABC Reporter in Diepkloof, Soweto

Guest: Dr Sithembile Mbete - Executive Director at the Public Affairs Research Institute

Guest: Khalil Goga - Head of Dialogue and Advocacy at Nelson Mandela Foundation

Guest: Mawande Jara, Chairperson of the Khayelitsha Development Forum

Guest: Prof Bonke Dumisa - independent economic analyst

Guest: Gugulethu Quma - Operations Manager at Johannesburg Water

Diplomatic tensions are escalating between Brazil and Argentina after defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro travelled through Argentina before arriving in the United States. G20 foreign ministers have ended two days of talks in Atlanta without reaching consensus on key geopolitical and security issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Iran, US tariffs and tensions in the South China Sea. Guest: Dr Mikatekiso Kubayi, senior researcher of the South African Research Chair on African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at the University of Johannesburg 

Gen Z protests are spreading across Europe, driven by frustration over living costs, inequality and limited opportunities, with demonstrations expected in Germany this weekend The US and Cuba have clashed over Washington’s decades-long economic embargo, as the General Assembly again calls for it to be lifted. Guest: Dr Naledi Modise - Lecturer of Political Science and International Relations at the North West University

Guest: Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader, Forum4SA

Guest: Tella Masakale, spokesperson for the National E-hailing Federation of South Africa.

Guest: Ian Cameron, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police

Guest: Richard Holden, water and sanitation expert for the Joburg Water Crisis Committee.

Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement

Guest: Avi Moodley - Acting Research Group Leader for Natural Language Processing and Principal AI Specialist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Guest: Mmakgabo Ramatlhodi - Assistant Manager, Civic and Democracy Education for Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)

Guest: Thembelani Mazibuko - Researcher at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes Guest: Mari Harris, Director and Political Analyst at Ipsos South Africa.

Guest:  Siyabonga Mthethwa, Chief Strategy Officer at South African Tourism

Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement

Guest: Bertie Grobbelaar - Stadium Management South Africa CEO

Guest: Willem Els, Director of the Security Initiative for Africa

Guest: David Jacobs - Chief Director of Cluster Communication at the Government Communication and Information System, GCIS

Guest: Bophelo Seleke - independent legal analyst

Guest: Justin Erasmus - hybrid music producer and founder of AlgoRythm Hybrid Music Production, who combines AI tools with human creativity to produce music across multiple genres.

With just days to go before the US midterm elections on November 3, President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama have traded sharp criticism at rival campaign rallies in Ohio and Georgia. The European Union is reportedly abandoning a proposal to grant Canada associate membership status, despite efforts to strengthen ties between the two partners. King Charles III's visit to the Caribbean comes as the Commonwealth faces renewed scrutiny over the legacy of slavery and colonialism. Guest: Dr Joan Swart - Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch

Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Cape Town will face our Know Your Candidates test. Guest: Roger Solomons - BOSA Mayoral Candidate for City of Cape Town Guest:  Geordin Hill-Lewis - DA Mayoral Candidate for City of Cape Town Guest: Nontando Nolutshungu - EFF Mayoral Candidate for City of Cape Town Guest: Miyelani Holeni - Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group

Municipal Watch changes gear ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections - Six candidates who want to become the next mayor of City of Cape Town will face our Know Your Candidates test. Guest:  Brett Herron – Good Party Mayoral Candidate for City of Cape Town Guest:  Dr Ferlon Christians - ACDP Mayoral Candidate for City of Cape Town Guest:  Jeremiah Thuynsma - ANC Mayoral Candidate for City of Cape Town Guest: Miyelani Holeni - Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group    

Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement

The deployment of SANDF in KZN comes amid renewed tensions and concerns over violence against foreign nationals. What will the soldiers’ role be, and is military deployment the best way to address these tensions? Guest: Dean Wingrin - Defence Analyst

President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal to support the police under Operation Prosper, following recent violence linked to misinformation about a Constitutional Court judgment on the Refugees Act. The deployment, running until the end of November, is expected to cost R34 million. But what will this money cover, and how will the costs be accounted for?  Guest: Siphiwe Dlamini, spokesperson for the South African National Defence Force    

The Universal Basic Income Coalition is warning that proposed R13-billion reductions in social grant spending could affect around three million grant recipients and applicants. In a submission to Parliament, the coalition argues that the cuts are being presented as fraud prevention when many beneficiaries are allegedly losing access because of administrative barriers and verification requirements. It is calling for greater transparency from SASSA and a review of the proposed reductions. Guest: Siyanda Baduza - Basic Income Researcher at the Institute of Economic Justice

The killing of a Democratic Alliance councillor in the Free State has renewed concerns about political violence and the safety of elected representatives in South Africa. While the circumstances and motive behind the killing remain subject to investigation, the incident raises broader questions about violence at local government level, the factors that drive political killings and the effectiveness of measures to prevent them. Guest: Dr Guy Lamb - commissioner at the National Planning Commission (Justice and Security)  

Moscow hosts African leaders for Russia-Africa Summit and Energy Forum. African leaders are gathering in Moscow for a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening ties with Russia and shaping the future of global energy cooperation. The Russian capital is hosting the Russia-Africa Summit on October 28 and 29, bringing together representatives from across the continent. In our historical archives it was on this day 28 October 1997, when forces loyal to Zambian president Frederick Chiluba quash a coup by a handful of disgruntled military officers, arresting nine men including the captain who said an angel told him to overthrow the government.  

The Global Briefing: British prosecutors have charged two men under the National Security Act following a security incident linked to RAF Fairford, an airbase in England used by the United States military. The US federal appeals court has declined to block California from counting around 20,000 disputed ballots ahead of the November midterm elections. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised a swift response to growing concerns about the safety of politicians and their staff. Guest: Dr Gideon Chitanga - Researcher in the Centre for Geopolitics and Security at North West University    

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union is strengthening its commitment to mother-tongue-based bilingual education through the training of master trainers. The initiative aims to build teachers’ capacity to teach learners in their home languages while supporting the transition to additional languages. Guest: Nomusa Cembi - Sadtu Spokesperson  

Movement The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has appointed Nomfundo Maseti as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective 25 October. Maseti, a full-time regulator member responsible primarily for piped-gas regulation, takes over following the expiry of outgoing CEO Nomalanga Sithole’s extended term. She will serve until a permanent CEO is appointed. Guest: Nomfundo Maseti - Acting Chief Executive Officer at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa  

The testimony of former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock before the Khampepe Commission has renewed questions about why many apartheid-era crimes were never prosecuted. De Kock alleges that prosecutors failed to seek evidence he could have provided against senior officials Guest: Nomarussia Bonase - National Organizer of Khulumani Galela Reparations    

Reality Check with Dr. Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: The human cost: Economic Realities and Gendered Impacts Guest: Geraldine Fraser Moleketi - Chairperson of the Beijing +30 Africa Women's Movement

Former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock has accused the National Prosecuting Authority of failing to pursue crucial evidence that could have led to further prosecutions for apartheid-era crimes. Testifying before the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, De Kock says he was willing to provide information about killings and bombings allegedly ordered by senior police officers and politicians, but was never properly questioned Guest: Busi Chimombe - SABC reporter  

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa is facing an escalating leadership dispute after its central committee stripped general secretary Irvin Jim and other national office bearers of their powers to run the union. The move follows a legal dispute over the participation of Mpumalanga delegates in the union’s structures, raising questions about internal governance and accountability Guest: Dr Dale McKinley - Research & Education Officer at the International Labour, Research & Information Group   

Ghana- Accra Galamsey Now Threatens Ghana's Energy Security The warning by the General Manager in charge of Engineering and Maintenance at Ghana Gas, Mr Maxwell Kwame Kelly, should serve as a wake-up call to the authorities, mining communities and the public. He says illegal miners are encroaching on pipelines, particularly in the Western and Ashanti regions, exposing critical infrastructure to possible damage. The campaign cannot focus only on polluted rivers, destroyed forests and degraded farmland while critical energy infrastructure is left vulnerable. The authorities must act before an avoidable incident plunges communities and businesses into further difficulties. 2.Gabon - Libreville Gabon has lifted its eight-month social media ban, which was introduced in February over concerns that online content was fuelling conflict and deepening divisions. The ban took effect on 17 February, with the High Communication Authority (HAC) saying online content was fuelling conflict and deepening divisions in the country. The ban came at a time when Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema faced a wave of social unrest less than a year after his election. South Afrika – SADC Statement by H.E. Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of SADC, on SADC Anti-sanctions Day for the lifting of Sanctions on the Republic of Zimbabwe The Southern African Development Community joins the Government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe to commemorate the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, under the theme Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation Beyond Illegal Sanctions. Today, our Regional Economic Community sends one message to the world: we seek the complete and unconditional lifting of sanctions on our sister nation, the Republic of Zimbabwe. In our historical archives, it was on this day 27 October 1917 when a South African anti-apartheid politician, activist, and revolutionary who served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1967 to 1991 was born in the village of Nkantolo, Oliver Reginald Kaizana Tambo From exile, he sought to keep the ANC together and expand its international presence. Due to his skilful lobbying, he was able to attract new generation of talented South African exiles, one of them being Thabo Mbeki.  

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