POWER Talk

British American Tobacco South Africa, commonly referred to as BATSA, has announced that it will cease all local cigarette manufacturing and close its only production plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng, by the end of 2026. This represents a major shift for the company, which has had a manufacturing presence in South Africa for decades. While this move marks the end of local production, BATSA will continue to operate in South Africa by importing and distributing its products, rather than producing them domestically. This is a strategic decision driven largely by economic and market realities rather than a full corporate exit from the country. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Tax Justice SA, Yusuf Abramjee and South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, Francios van de Merwe. 

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The tragic learner transport accident that occurred in Vanderbijlpark on the morning of 19 January has once again placed the safety of scholar transport in South Africa under intense scrutiny. The crash, involving a scholar transport minibus and a heavy vehicle, resulted in the deaths of several learners and left others critically injured while they were travelling to school. Beyond the immediate loss of young lives, the incident has exposed deep-seated and long-standing systemic failures within the country’s learner transport system.  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Wheel Well Founder, Peggie Mars. 

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The recent flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has been formally classified as a national disaster following extensive assessments by South Africa’s disaster management authorities. This classification reflects the scale, severity and impact of the floods, which have gone beyond the capacity of provincial and municipal governments to manage using their own resources. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Head of National Disaster Management Centre, Dr Elias Sithole. 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), succeeding Advocate Shamila Batohi, who retired in January 2026 after serving in the position since 2018. Batohi’s tenure was marked by a determined effort to restore the credibility and independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with CSAC Executive Director, Lawson Naidoo. 

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Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Associate Editor of the Daily Friend, and defence analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, Ricardo Teixeira.

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The Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, and Transport Deputy. Minister, Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have announced the re-election of South Africa back into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly - held at its headquarters in London, on Friday, 28 November 2025. South Africa was a member of the IMO Council for 22 years, since 1999. It has, however, been out in the cold since 2021 after not being re-elected into the Council. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. 

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Khomotso Johannes Phahlane is a former senior officer of the South African Police Service. He served in various roles over his career, including constable, detective, personnel manager, and later as head of the SAPS Forensic Services Division. He was appointed Acting National Commissioner of the police in October 2015 after the suspension of the previous commissioner. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is In conversation with Former Acting National Police Commissioner, General Kgomotso Phahlane. 

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The African National Congress enters this period facing critical questions about its internal cohesion, its public standing and its ability to renew itself as both a political organisation and as the leading party in government.

At the same time, the Government of National Unity continues to demand cooperation, compromise and strategic alignment among parties that have historically been political opponents. The functioning, stability and policy direction of the GNU remain central to the country’s governance and service delivery.

And as we move closer to the upcoming local government elections, communities across the country are asking what practical steps are being taken to strengthen municipalities, ensure accountability, improve service delivery and restore confidence in local governance structures.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with African National Congress Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula. 

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President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's presidential election, securing another term amid days of unrest across the country. Samia won 98% of the votes in Wednesday's poll, the electoral commission said. In her Saturday victory speech she said the election was "free and democratic", accusing protesters of being "unpatriotic". Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Tanzania Based Journalist, Gabriel Zakaria. 

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The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came into effect on 10 October 2025, brokered by the United States. The truce includes a halt to large-scale hostilities, the release of hostages and remains, increased humanitarian access to Gaza, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and eventual disarmament of Hamas. Despite the formal truce, both sides have reported ongoing violations and escalations. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with International Relations Strategist, Zeenat Adam. 

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