Johannesburg Water says supply is gradually improving in Midrand after days of outages, but many residents remain without water as the city’s aging and fragile water infrastructure continues to buckle under repeated failures.  

Guest: Bonginkosi Nhlapo: Chairperson for the Noordwyk Residents Association (NRA) in Midrand 

French authorities have escalated their investigation into social media platform X by summoning billionaire owner Elon Musk for a voluntary interview and searching the company’s French offices, amid allegations that its algorithm may have been used to interfere in French politics.  

Guest: Lucien Pierce: Director at specialist IT & Cybersecurity law firm, PPM Attorneys in Johannesburg. 

The South African Union of Students is calling on universities to scrap application fees, arguing that the costs unfairly exclude academically capable students from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

Guest: Dr Thato Masekoa: Spokesperson, The South African Union of Students (SAUS) 

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

06 February 2026

1.    DR Kongo – USA – Anglo- Swiss 

US-backed group seeks major stake in DR Congo mining sector

Glencore has announced a potential multi-billion-dollar divestment in its copper and cobalt operations to the Orion Critical Mineral Consortium

The Anglo-Swiss multinational Glencore has agreed to sell a 40% stake in two of its copper and cobalt projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) to a US government-backed investment group. 

The deal comes as Washington intensifies efforts to secure access to minerals vital to advanced manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and national defence supply chains.

2.    Republic of Congo – Brazzaville 

 The Republic of Congo is set to vote for its next president on 12 and 15 March. Denis Sassou N'Guesso first became the country's leader in 1979, then returned to power in 1997 after a five-year break due to war. He has been president ever since.

It cannot really be said that the announcement came as a complete surprise. For months, senior officials and party leaders have repeatedly asked the president to declare his candidacy for the elections scheduled for March.

3.    Ghana – Zambia 

Ghana and Zambia have agreed to abolish visa requirements for each other’s citizens, marking a major step toward closer regional integration and easier cross-border movement.

The three-day trip is focused on expanding diplomatic engagement, strengthening economic partnerships, and fostering stronger ties between the populations of both countries. 

The deal was confirmed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during President John Dramani Mahama’s official visit to Zambia. 

4.    Jamaica - Sierra Leone 

Jamaica and Sierra Leone have strengthened ties in Africa–Caribbean tourism, reaffirming their commitment to global tourism resilience and youth leadership.

 Jamaica and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing global tourism resilience, youth leadership and deeper Africa–Caribbean tourism cooperation, following a high-level meeting hosted this week by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, alongside Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis.

5.    In our historical archives, it was on this day, 6 February 1945, when Robert Nesta Marley was born in Nine Miles, St Ann, Jamaica, to Cedella and Captain Norval Sinclair Marley at c. 2:30 a.m. 

Bob’s whole life is about Afrika, not about Jamaica. “Ethiopia is his spiritual resting place.” Bob’s music and message are culturally, spiritually and socially focused, and remain an inspiration to many.

SA’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council for the 2026–2027 biennium marks a critical moment for the country to reassert itself as a leading Maritime nation. The Maritime Business Chamber (MBC) submits that Maritime Affairs must feature prominently in the 2026 State of the Nation Address as a central pillar of economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.  

Guest: Unathi Sonti: Executive Chairperson, Maritime Business Chamber 

At least ten people have drowned or are missing across South Africa in just one week, as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to more than 30 water-related emergencies nationwide. The incidents come amid a summer heatwave and dangerous spring tides, prompting renewed warnings from rescue and lifesaving authorities about the growing risks of swimming in both coastal and inland waters.  

Guest: Andrew Ingram: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)  communications manager. 

Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) is a unique competition that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork to nurture social innovative ideas that address local communities’ most pressing challenges

Guest: Lefa Makgato: Samsung South Africa’s CSR Manager 

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