The National Assembly is set to debate and vote today on the EFF’s motion of no confidence in Speaker Thoko Didiza. The EFF accuses Didiza of failing to protect Parliament after she chose not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s court bid to halt the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the Phala Phala scandal. The EFF also argues that holding the sitting virtually could disadvantage the vote, while other parties have questioned the motivation behind the motion.

Guest: Omphile Maotwe - Treasurer-General of the Economic Freedom Fighter 

 

1. Sudan – Ethiopia 

Sudanese Opposition Rejects Burhan’s National Dialogue Proposal

Sudanese political forces and civil society groups meeting in Addis Ababa have rejected a proposal for a national dialogue initiated by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Diplomatic efforts coordinated by the African Union and other international mediators have struggled to secure a sustainable ceasefire between the warring factions, with the Addis Ababa meeting highlighting the deep rift between the military leadership and civilian political actors.

The decision follows a major gathering in Ethiopia aimed at unifying opposition voices and establishing a collective stance against the ongoing conflict that has devastated the country since April 2023.

2.Tanzania – Dar es Salaam

Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from politics, saying he had become convinced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan wanted a different deputy. 

His departure, effective September 4, comes amid growing questions over political divisions and media freedom.

3. Zambia – Lusaka 

Judiciary Statements on Presidential Petition Leave Key Question Unresolved

Zambia’s Judiciary has confirmed that Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila received an email, sent to his private address by a member of the public, containing documents described as “the people’s presidential petition” challenging Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election. In a statement, the Judiciary’s communications office described this mode of communication as “highly irregular.” Still, it confirmed the Chief Justice referred the documents to the Constitutional Court for a determination on whether they constitute a valid filing.

4.In our historical archives, it was on this day, 26 August 1966, when PLAN launched an armed struggle against South Africa

The People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), the armed wing of SWAPO, fought in a battle against South African occupying forces at Omugulugwombashe in northern Namibia.

This day is officially known as National Heroes Day in independent Namibia.

 

 

•  US consumer confidence slips as high fuel prices weigh on households 
• 2. Canada fires back at Trump with new tariffs
• 3. Market update

 

The Global Briefing: Ukraine has marked its 35th Independence Day with renewed military backing from Britain and France, even as the war with Russia shows no sign of ending.

The US government is preparing what could become the largest mass visa revocation in American history, targeting up to 200000 foreigners who entered the country on business or tourist visas and later applied for asylum.

AJapanese cross-party delegation is in Beijing to repair relations with China after comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan triggered one of the deepest diplomatic rifts between the two Asian powers in decades.

Guest: Khanya Vilakazi - Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Mpumalanga 

 

Celebrating women-led organizations: Women's Month is an opportunity to celebrate the women who are shaping South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape through innovation, resilience, and determination.

Guest: Nonjabulo Sokhela - Founder of NepoWorx and FNB business customer 

 

Fewer days remain for social grant beneficiaries to migrate from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards, with the 31 August deadline fast approaching. Postbank says fewer than 80,000 beneficiaries still need to complete the migration, and the deadline will not be extended. While grant payments will still be made after the deadline, beneficiaries will need to migrate before they can access their funds. 

Guest: Thami Cele, Postbank Chief Commercial Officer

 

The Madlanga Commission heard more explosive testimony from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who continues to deny being linked to alleged Big Five cartel leaders Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi and Steven Motsumi. But WhatsApp exchanges presented to the Commission appear to show dealings beyond a simple security relationship, including business ventures, an aircraft purchase and other transactions. Matlala has also confirmed a business partnership with the controversial businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela, involving contracts with the Gauteng Department of Health.

Guest: Karyn Maughan - News24 Journalist

 

 

• Transnet offloads properties in push to shore up finances
• Cheap imports squeeze South African manufacturers

3. Market update

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Cases Inquiry is examining the progress—and the delays—in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has been commended for making significant progress on TRC-related cases during his tenure as Justice Minister, including landmark matters involving Ahmed Timol, the Cradock Four, Chief Albert Luthuli and others.

Guest: Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee, Discipline Head of Public Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Yesterday, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala's testimony was also nearly delayed after his lead counsel, Annalise van den Heever, fell ill. Matlala threatened legal action if the commission proceeded without her, but the commission ruled that his cross-examination should continue. Matlala has also challenged KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to release a recording of their April 2025 meeting, while refusing to answer questions about alleged impala deliveries, citing his right against self-incrimination.

Guest: Sibahle Motha, SABC Reporter