The devastating floods that have battered parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga have now been officially classified as a national disaster, as the government moves to scale up relief and recovery efforts amid rising fatalities and widespread damage.  

Guest: Elias Sithole: Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

 

Guest: Percy  Mabandu: Art curator and historian 

 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has assured South Africans that funds allocated to assist flood-hit communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga will reach their intended beneficiaries, as the death toll from recent flooding rises to 31.  

Guest: Velenkosini Hlabisa: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs  (CoGTA) Minister  

 

19 January 2026

1.Uganda - Kampala

Museveni Wins Again - Uganda President Secures 7th Term As Bobi Wine Cries Foul

Uganda's long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country's presidential election, securing a seventh term in office amid strong opposition rejection, allegations of widespread malpractice, and a nationwide internet shutdown.

The Electoral Commission (EC) on Saturday announced that Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, won the January 15 election with 71.65 per cent of the vote, equivalent to about 7.9 million votes.

EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama said a total of 11,366,201 votes were cast, representing a voter turnout of 52.10 percent of registered voters.

His closest challenger, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), came second with 24.72 percent, or approximately 2.7 million votes.

 

1. Guinea- Conakry 

Guinea’s Military leader General Mamadi Doumbouya was sworn in as president on Saturday, after an overwhelming win in December’s presidential election.

Doumbouya took the oath of office at a brand-new 55,000-seat stadium on the outskirts of the capital Conakry. African leaders and representatives of the African Union and ECOWAS commission attended the ceremony.

Heads of State & Government in attendance included H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, H.E. Adama Barrow of The Gambia, H.E. Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon. Nigeria was represented by H.E. Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

 

1. South Afrika – Madagascar 

President Ramaphosa received a briefing from Madagascar President Randrianirina.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Colonel Michael Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, for a briefing at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the Official Residence in Tshwane.

Colonel Randrianirina briefed President Ramaphosa on the steps being taken towards a peaceful transitional process, including a national dialogue among all the people of Madagascar. 

 

1. In our historical archives, it was on 19 January 1983 that Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of KwaZulu met President Kaizer Matanzima of Transkei in Tongaat, north of Durban, where they declared, they were opposed to the Tricameral Constitutional proposals, which excluded blacks.

In 1983, the National Party (NP) Government introduced an amendment to the South African constitution to create a new parliamentary structure. 

The new Tricameral Parliament would consist of three Parliamentary chambers: The House of Assembly (White representatives), The House of Representatives (Coloured representatives) and The House of Delegates (Indian representatives).

 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Trump threatens tariffs on European allies over Greenland

• 2. China posts 4.5% Q4 growth as exports offset weak domestic demand
• 3. Markets

 

NASA’s giant Space Launch System rocket has arrived at its launch pad in Florida, marking a major milestone in preparations for humanity’s first crewed mission to the Moon in more than half a century. The move signals that the Artemis II mission is entering its final stages ahead of a planned launch as early as February.  

Guest: Prof Lerothodi Leeuw: Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of the Western Cape! 

 

 Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• World bank lifts SAs growth forecast 

• 2. Moody’s downgrades Bidvest bank
• 3. Markets

Running a small social initiative often means working quietly through long hours and constant challenges. Yet, every so often, a single story reminds us why the work matters. In KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, one crocheted bag transformed discarded plastic into something far more meaningful — dignity, confidence, and opportunity for a child and his family.

 Guest: Regine le Roux: Founder and Managing Director, Re.Bag.Re.Use 

 

KwaZulu-Natal’s education system, under ANC leadership, has achieved historic success, including a 90.6% matric pass rate in 2025, reflecting decades of transformation, investment, and collective effort. While these gains demonstrate progress in access, quality, and social equity, the system faces ongoing financial pressures that threaten key programmes. 

Guest: Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo: Chairperson: ANC KZN Education, Health, Science And Technology Subcommittee On The Transformation And State Of Education 

 

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has labelled SA’s persistently high number of road fatalities a “national shame,” despite a reported decline in deaths during the latest festive season. Presenting the 2025/26 festive season road safety report in Pretoria, she announced plans to introduce a zero-tolerance drunk driving law as part of stronger measures to curb avoidable road deaths.  

Guest: Mkhuleko Hlengwa: Transport Deputy Minister