Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Global central banks rally behind Powell amid DOJ probe

• 2. JPMorgan pushes back on Trump’s proposed cap on credit card interest
• 3. Markets

 

Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X over allegations that its AI chatbot Grok is being used to generate illegal sexualised images, including non-consensual images of women and sexualised images of children. The probe raises serious questions about online safety, AI regulation, and whether X is complying with UK law. 

Guest: Dean McCoubrey:  Social Media Expert & Digital Ethics Specialist 

 

• Business leaders say South Africa’s economy started the year on a strong footing

• 2. Bank of America is bullish on PGMs, expecting prices to continue to rally
• 3. Markets

NAPTOSA congratulates the Matric Class of 2025 on the successful completion of their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. With over 927,000 candidates sitting for the NSC across the country, this cohort represents the largest share of candidates across various qualifications and assessment bodies, demonstrating growing confidence in public education. 

Guest: Basil Manuel: Executive Director, National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA (Naptosa) 

The rand is trading steadily against the US dollar, hovering near some of its strongest levels in years, as global investors keep a close eye on key US labour market data. This resilience has sparked debate about whether the currency’s strength reflects improving confidence in South Africa’s fundamentals, or whether it is largely being driven by broader global market dynamics.  

Guest: Danie Dörfling: Head of Business Development at Moore Infinity

 

With the release of the matric results, attention turns not only to academic performance, but to the emotional wellbeing of learners navigating this pivotal moment. For many, the results may bring disappointment or uncertainty, especially where outcomes don’t match expectations.

Guest: Dr Khosi Jiyane: Clinical Psychologist

 

• SA’s AGOA fate remains uncertain as US moves to vote on the bill
• 2. Patrice Motsepe’s companies accused of using SA courts to delay Tanzanian mining case
• 3. Markets

 

Equal Education responds to the latest matric results by acknowledging the improved marks, while drawing attention to the harsh conditions under which many learners are achieving these outcomes. While the results may appear positive on paper, they mask the daily struggles pupils endure to succeed.

Guest: Sam Beynon: Systems Efficiency Researcher at Equal Education 

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

13 January 2026

1.    Ethiopia – Addis Ababa

AU Summit 2026

The African Union 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) began yesterday and will continue until 30 January 2026, followed by the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council from 11 – 12 February 2026. 

Together, these meetings form the formal statutory architecture of the AU’s annual policy-setting and decision-making cycle, culminating in the Assembly’s endorsement of continental priorities for the year and beyond.

2.    Uganda - Kampala

As Uganda decides in two days, churchgoers in Uganda are praying for a peaceful vote, ahead of the general election.

At the Pentecostal Blessed Anointed Church International in Kampala, worshippers are halfway through a 14-day practice of prayers and fasting.

Many have in mind the 2021 elections, which NGOs have said were characterised by "widespread violence and human rights abuses.

3.    Ethiopia- Bishoftu

Construction has begun in the town of Bishoftu on what Ethiopia claims will be Africa’s largest airport and the continent's biggest aviation infrastructure project.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid a ceremonial plaque on Saturday marking the start of work at the site located 45 kilometres south-east of the capital, Addis Ababa.

When it reaches its full capacity in 2030, the travel hub will be able to handle some 110 million passengers a year.

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day, 13 January 1991, when scores of soccer fans died in a friendly match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in a pre-season friendly at the 23,000 seater Oppenheimer Stadium, near Orkney, Western Transvaal (now North West Province).

4.1 It was on this day, 13 January 1997, that Togo and South Africa established diplomatic relations following a visit by Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela.

The Independent Examination Board (IEB) has announced a strong 98.31% overall pass rate for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, reaffirming the board’s consistent academic performance. As matriculants prepare to receive their results, understanding what each pass level means is crucial for making informed decisions about higher education and future study pathways.  

Guest: Lebogang Montjane: Executive Director, Independent Schools Association of South Africa