A recent analysis by agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo highlights growing risks to South Africa’s agricultural sector due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. While the country entered 2026 with optimism about improved harvests and easing food prices, rising fuel and fertiliser costs—driven by global instability—now threaten both food inflation and export performance, especially to key markets in the Middle East. 

Guest: Wandile Sihlobo: Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land Reform, The Presidency & Chief economist, Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) 

Tensions between the United States and South Africa have escalated sharply following reports that France withdrew an invitation to President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Evian. The move, reportedly made under pressure from Donald Trump, marks a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations and underscores widening geopolitical divides.  

Guest: Patrick Kadima: Lecturer at Wits Business School 

27 March 2026

1.    Cameroon – Yaoundé – WTO Ministerial Conference 

The World Trade Organisation’s 166 members opened a key ministerial conference in Cameroon’s capital on Thursday, sharply divided over the future of the institution as geopolitical tensions, protectionism and the fallout from the Middle East war cast a shadow over global trade.

2.    Egypt- Cairo 

Heavy rainfall struck several parts of Egypt on Wednesday, including Cairo and Giza, unfolding largely as predicted in weather forecasts issued the day before.

The anticipated weather instability hit multiple areas across the country, with sudden downpours quickly flooding streets and disrupting daily life.

In neighbourhoods like Heliopolis (Masr El Gedida), many commuters reported being unable to leave their homes or reach work due to flooded streets.

3.    Nigeria- Sahel- ECOWAS

ECOWAS appoints a former Guinean prime minister, veteran diplomat, Lansana Kouyaté to mediate with Sahel States

The veteran diplomat has been tasked with re-establishing dialogue with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from the regional bloc last year.

4.    Russia – Zimbabwe 

More African countries are reporting the death of their citizens tricked into fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine. It was said this week that 15 people, lured to Russia through social media posts by shadowy agencies promising lucrative jobs, have been killed.

"This is not a matter of legitimate military service," said Information Minister Soda Zhemu.

5.    In our historical archives, it was on this day, 27 March 1960, when the draconian apartheid pass laws were suspended in South Africa

The South African Commissioner of Police announced that the pass laws, applicable to the African population, were suspended until normality had been restored, following the Sharpeville Massacre. 

5.1   In our historical archives, it was on this day, 27 March 1985, when A school bus with seventy-six learners plunged into the Westdene dam, killing forty-two

In the second-worst bus accident in South African history, a double-decker school bus carrying 76 learners from Hoërskool Vorentoe plunged into the Westdene Dam.

Latest business news with Sithembile Bopela: Head of Financial Markets and Insights (FMI) at FNB Wealth and Investments

• SARB rate decision, 

• 2. JSE performance, and 
• 3. indicators

As the world marks the International Day of Zero Waste, South Africa faces a stark and troubling contradiction: billions of rands’ worth of food is wasted each year, while millions of people go hungry. This growing crisis highlights deep systemic challenges in the country’s food system, extending far beyond households to issues of inequality, sustainability, and resource management.  

Guest: Dr Lize Barclay: Senior Lecturer in Futures Studies and Systems Thinking at Stellenbosch Business School  

As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally, new findings highlighted in the TB Accountability Consortium State of TB Report 2026 reveal significant gaps in South Africa’s TB response

As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally, new findings highlighted in the TB Accountability Consortium State of TB Report 2026 reveal significant gaps in South Africa’s TB response—particularly a failure to adequately reach men, who are most affected by the disease but least likely to be tested.

Guest: Prof Jan Verschoor is the Chief Scientific Advisor at MARTI TB Diagnostics and an emeritus professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at UP 

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Greater Tshwane region has issued a strong response to a submission by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the Madlanga Commission, which alleges the existence of organised “mafia” networks linked to water tanker services, waste management, and municipal security contracts.

Guest: Joel kgomotso Abram Masilela Ka Mahlangu: ANC Greater Tshwane Regional Spokesperson