The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) in Nelson Mandela Bay says the ongoing governance and service delivery failures in the metro are not simply the result of political infighting or administrative incompetence, but reflect a deeper, structural crisis in South Africa’s municipal funding and governance model.  

Guest: Mziyanda Macanda: Gqeberha Local Secretary of SAFTU  

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Copper hits record high

• 2. BYD is on track to top Tesla as the worlds leading EV seller
• 3. Markets

 

South Africa is set to host a controversial multinational naval exercise with BRICS-Plus countries in January 2026, led by China and taking place in South African waters. The exercise, confirmed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has already drawn criticism over its geopolitical implications, particularly due to the likely participation of Russia and Iran.  

Guest: Dean Wingrin: Defence Analyst 

 

 

A school principal, an attorney, a teacher and even a police officer are among thousands of people arrested for drunk driving this festive season, as traffic authorities intensify roadblocks across South Africa. 

Guest: Simon Zwane: Spokesperson, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) 

 

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

6 January 2026

1.    Venezuela – Afrika 

The abduction and capture of Maduro: What are the strategic lessons for African leaders in the age of precision power?

What unfolded in the early hours of Saturday under Operation Absolute Resolve was not merely a regime-change operation; it was a demonstration of how modern power is exercised in the 21st century.

 For African leaders, especially those governing fragile states, conflict-affected regions, or countries entangled in great-power competition, the implications are profound and uncomfortable.

2.    Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou 

What we know about the "coup attempt" that allegedly took place on the night of Saturday to Sunday

An attempted coup d'état reportedly took place on the night of Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 January in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Several people were reportedly arrested. For the time being, the Burkinabe authorities have not reacted to this information.

3.    Russia – Botswana

Reimagining Diplomatic and Bilateral Relations in a Multipolar Era

Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow soon and has invited Russian investors to cooperate on rare earths and diamonds, according to Botswana's foreign minister Dr Phenyo Butale.Russia is seeking to strengthen its foothold in Africa amid the wider confrontation with the West.

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day, 6 January 1995, when a South African politician, a Marxist-Leninist, a long-time leader and theorist in the South African Communist Party (SACP), a leading member of the African National Congress (ANC), and a commander of the ANC's military wing uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). Yossel Mashel "Joe" Slovo passed away due to cancer.

His funeral was attended by the entire high command of the ANC, and by most of the highest officials in the country, including both Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, and he was buried in Avalon Cemetery, Soweto, which was unheard of for a white South African. 50,000 people, virtually all black, attended the event.

 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• US manufacturing activity contracts in December 

• 2. Nvidia unveils plans to power self driving cars
• 3. Markets

 

The United Nations (UN) Security Council held an emergency session in New York to address the United States’ (US) rendition of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro from Caracas.

Guest: Prof. Christopher Gevers, Associate Professor Wits Law School and Director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. 

 

A disturbing viral video showing young children allegedly being given alcohol by adults in the Eastern Cape has sparked widespread public outrage. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has condemned the incident, warning that such behaviour endangers children’s wellbeing and violates the law. 

Guest: Phinah Kodisang: Soul City CEO 

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is now in US custody following American strikes on Caracas, as President Donald Trump declares the United States will temporarily “run” Venezuela and take control of its vast oil reserves. While some Venezuelans are celebrating what they see as the end of an era, others fear what comes next. 

Guest: Carlos Feo Acevedo - Venezuelan Ambassador to South Africa 

 

Bafana Bafana knocked out by Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 last 16

Guest: Nkululeko Nkewu: Co-founder of iDiski Media