South Africa’s Cultural, Creative and Sports Industries (CCI&S) contributed an estimated R271.2 billion to the national economy in 2023 — accounting for about 3.9% of GDP, according to the Capstone Report 2025 by the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO). 

Guest: Unathi Lutshaba: Executive director, South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) 

According to the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA), up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated — highlighting a significant treatment gap driven by limited awareness, access and persistent myths.  

Guest: Dr James Butler: Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa 

• Warner brothers’ board weighs improved Paramount bid
• 2. FMD outbreak triggers Zambian ban on SA cattle
• 3. Market update

 

A court secretary who accused Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge of sexual harassment has been relocated to another court for her wellbeing, as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) prepares to decide the judge’s fate.

Guest: Prof Amanda Gouws is South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi) chair in gender politics, Stellenbosch University 

 

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa proposed the creation of specialised courts to fast-track infrastructure-related tender disputes. While aimed at speeding up stalled projects, critics argue the proposal misdiagnoses the real problem in South Africa’s judiciary: a severe and long-standing shortage of judges. Without significantly expanding judicial capacity, they warn, specialised courts risk becoming a cosmetic fix rather than a structural solution.  

Guest: Mbekezeli Benjamin: Research and Advocacy Officer of the Judges Matter

 

A newly surfaced video shows Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo announcing that three Amakhosi are no longer recognised as chiefs — among them Mandla Mandela. The development has sparked intense debate within traditional leadership circles and raised critical legal and cultural questions.

Guest: Kgosi Larmeck Mokoena: President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) 

 

 

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

16 February 2026

Special report on the 39th AU Summit that concluded yesterday on Ethiopia Addis Ababa 

1.    Ethiopia – Addis Ababa

H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has been formally elected as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for the year 2026, taking over the rotating leadership from Angola’s João Lourenço at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union At a Glance, Water Security Is a Strategic, Development, Peace, and Climate Issue

2.    AU- UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

UN Top diplomat Antonio Guterres tells AU Summit - 'This Is 2026 - Not 1946' in Push for Reform

Calling for sweeping reforms of global institutions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told African leaders on Saturday that the absence of permanent African seats on the Security Council is "indefensible," declaring: "This is 2026 - not 1946."

In a world marked by division and mistrust, he said, the African Union (AU) stands as a "flagship for multilateralism," as he addressed the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

3.    2nd Afrika – Italy summit in Addis Ababa

Meloni pledges deeper ties, tackling migration at 2nd Africa- Italy summit

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was in Addis Ababa on Friday for the second Italy-Africa Summit, the first held on African soil, reaffirming Rome's strategic pivot toward investment-led cooperation with the continent under its Mattei Plan.

Addressing dozens of African leaders, Meloni declared Italy has "no interest in exploiting migration to obtain cheap labour" for its production systems.

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day, 16 February 1962, when a South Afrikan former football player and businessman was born in Meadowlands, Soweto, Marks “Go Man Go” Maponyane. Maponyane played professional football for 17 years and was named Footballer of the Year three times.

 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• US inflation eased in January
  2. Japans economy barely grows in Q4 of 2025
  3. Market update

 

At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to reassure European leaders that Washington remains committed to the transatlantic alliance, declaring that America’s destiny will “always be intertwined” with Europe’s.

Guest: Anthoni van Nieuwkerk - professor of International and Diplomacy Studies at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs 

 

Love, music and timeless soul will take centre stage at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena as legendary South African artist Ringo Madlingozi headlines the Ringo Valentine’s Experience.

Guest: Ringo Madlingozi: Musician