Guest: Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Director of Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 

Guest: Elizabeth Sidiropoulos: Chief executive of the South African Institute of International Affairs 

Guest: Vincent Magwenya: Presidency Spokesperson  

Guest: Samkele Maseko: Political Reporter, SABC 

Guest: Dr Mzwanele Ntshwanti: G20 Senior Researcher, Institute For Economic Justice (IEJ) 

Guest: Mr Richard Zulu: National Secretary General National Africa Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) 

Guest: Professor Abel Esterhuyse is a member of the Department of Strategic Studies in the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University 

HughFest returns on Sunday, 30 November 2025, bringing South Africans together once again in a vibrant celebration of music, heritage, and creativity. Now in its 12th year, and its fourth gathering at Nirox Sculpture Park, the festival continues the living legacy of the iconic Bra Hugh Masekela—a space where intergenerational stories, cultural pride, and artistic brilliance meet. This year’s edition features a powerful and diverse lineup, including Shekhinah, The Soul Brothers, Mi Casa, Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba, The Brother Moves On, and iComplete, each contributing to the festival’s ever-evolving spirit. 

Guest: Pula Twala: HughFest co-organiser and daughter of Bra Hugh

Africa’s entry into the G20 marked far more than symbolic inclusion—it signalled a structural shift in the global order. With a rapidly expanding population, rising GDP, and an unparalleled share of the minerals essential to the global energy transition, Africa is moving from the periphery of international governance to one of its central organising forces. South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency accelerated this shift, using its platform to champion the continent’s priorities—from critical minerals cooperation to sustainable industrialisation and reforms to global finance. What made this presidency distinct was not only what it pursued, but how it pursued it.

As Zeinab El-Sayed, Head of Government Partnerships at Investing in African Mining Indaba, argues, Africa’s ascent on the world stage reflects a new diplomatic discipline: a compact approach grounded in coordination, coherence, and confidence. 

Guest: Zeinab El-Sayed: Head of Government Partnerships: Investing in African Mining Indaba

Madlanga commission: Alleged political fixer Oupa Brown Mogotsi faced intense scrutiny on Thursday at the Madlanga Commission, where he was pressed to clarify his lack of qualifications and produce evidence of his claimed role as an undercover agent for the South African Police Service (SAPS). The commission is investigating allegations of political interference, corruption, and criminal conduct within South Africa’s justice system.
 A central concern during Mogotsi’s testimony is the implications of lying under oath and how it affects the credibility of his evidence. Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga noted that Mogotsi appeared not to grasp the seriousness of taking an oath, raising questions about the reliability of his statements and the impact on the commission’s proceedings. 

Guest: Elton Hart: Legal Expert