Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Producer prices ease in January 

• 2. Discovery bank turns a profit, boosting the overall group
• 3. Market update

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Spur defies beef price surge, posts 13% profit rise

• 2. Truworths sees green shoots in South Africa 
• 3. Market update

In what has been described as the most significant expansion of labour enforcement capacity since 1994, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of 10,000 additional labour inspectors. The move, unveiled during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), is aimed at strengthening compliance with labour laws and improving working conditions across South Africa.  

Guest: Reuben Maleka: General Manager, The Public Service Association’s (PSA) 

 

Proceedings of Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within South Africa’s justice system descended into chaos after forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan walked out while still under questioning. MPs have threatened legal action, with some calling for his arrest and accusing him of contempt of Parliament. 

Guest: Bulelani Phillip: SABC Reporter 

This weekend, all roads lead to the iconic FNB Stadium for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby between arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Fans are now worried about ticket scanning issues as the Stadium Management launched a new My Ticket system

Guest: Bertie Grobbelaar: CEO, Stadium Management SA 

 

 

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

27 February 2026

1.    Nigeria -USA 

Legal case sheds light on US-Nigeria tensions over religious freedom

A Nigerian defendant who suffered a stroke appeared in court Thursday as his lawyer sought bail on compassionate grounds, in a case unfolding against the backdrop of high-level US-Nigeria talks over Washington's designation of the country for religious freedom violations.

Defence lawyer Ibrahim Angulu filed two applications: one challenging duplicate count and the other seeking bail for the first defendant.

2.    Zambia – USA 

Zambia rejects U.S. health aid over mining partnership ties

Zambia has halted a proposed $1 billion US health funding agreement over clauses tying aid to mining partnerships, joining Zimbabwe and Kenya in pushing back against what African nations view as sovereignty-compromising conditions.

3.    Botswana – USA 

Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, has declined an invitation from United States President Donald Trump to visit the White House, stating that any discussions regarding Botswana’s resources should take place in Botswana.

President Boko made his position clear in remarks addressing the proposed visit. He emphasised that official engagements or business negotiations concerning Botswana’s resources should occur on Botswana’s soil rather than abroad.

1. Zimbabwe – Harare 

Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has strongly criticised the controversial Amendment Bill Number 3, which seeks to extend presidential term limits.

In a social media post on Thursday, Chamisa framed the proposed legislation as a threat to democratic governance, contrasting campaign promises with what he called the harsh reality faced by citizens.

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day, 27 February 1978, when the founder of the Pan-Afrikan Congress of Azania, Prof Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe, passed away in Galeshewe, Northern Cape.

“Here is a tree rooted in African soil, nourished with waters from the rivers of Afrika. Come and sit under its shade and become, with us, the leaves of the same branch and the branches of the same tree”

 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• US consumer confidence rises in February

• 2. ⁠Meta inks AI chip deal with AMD
• 3. ⁠Market update

 

Indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran resumed Thursday in Geneva amid mounting regional tensions, with both sides signalling cautious engagement but acknowledging persistent gaps.

Guest: Brooks Spector: Associate Editor: Daily Maverick

 

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his budget announced increases on alcohol and tobacco products — with excise duties rising largely in line with inflation. The focus remains on revenue generation without severely destabilising key industries. 

Guest: Kurt Moore: CEO of South African Liquor Brand Owners Association (SALBA)