KwaZulu-Natal authorities have confirmed that a fourth body has been recovered from the rubble following a building collapse in Verulam, as search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate remaining victims. Operations remain underway despite worsening weather conditions, which have made access to the site increasingly dangerous.  

Guest: Thulasizwe Buthelezi: KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs ( Cogta) MEC  

 

Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) has raised serious concerns about the worsening conditions facing the Bapong community in the North West. Following a direct appeal from the community for support and a recent site visit by MACUA’s national leadership, the organisation warns that growing fear, militarisation, and criminal activity in mining-affected areas are the result of regulatory failure, abandoned mine obligations, and the absence of meaningful state protection.  

Guest: Mathapelo Diale: National Secretary, Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA)  

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Inflation expectations slip to close to 3% target 

• 2. Starlink seemingly moves closer to entering SA market 
• 3. Markets

Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) has raised serious concerns about the worsening conditions facing the Bapong community in the North West. Following a direct appeal from the community for support and a recent site visit by MACUA’s national leadership, the organisation warns that growing fear, militarisation, and criminal activity in mining-affected areas are the result of regulatory failure, abandoned mine obligations, and the absence of meaningful state protection.  

Guest: Mathapelo Diale: National Secretary, Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA)  

07:47 The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is racing to place more than 15 000 learners who remain without confirmed school placements for the 2026 academic year, despite achieving an overall placement rate of 95.56%. The department says capacity constraints in high-pressure areas remain the biggest challenge but insists efforts are underway to place every outstanding learner.  

Guest: Steve Mabona: Spokesperson, Gauteng Education Department   

The first G20 Sherpas’ Meeting under the new United States Presidency is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on 15–16 December 2025. G20 Sherpas serve as the personal representatives of G20 leaders and are responsible for steering negotiations, shaping the summit agenda, and coordinating workstreams throughout the year in preparation for leaders’ outcomes. 

Guest: Dr Kingsley Makhubela: RiskRecon Director

 

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

15 December 2025

1.    Eritrea- IGAD 

Eritrea announces departure from the (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) IGAD regional bloc

Eritrea has announced its withdrawal from IGAD saying the East African regional bloc has strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability.

Asmara decision, announced by the foreign ministry on Friday, comes amid a fierce war of words between Eritrea and its neighbour Ethiopia.

 

2.    Central African Republic- Bangui

CAR presidential campaign launches amid tension and promises of peace

Election campaigning has officially begun in the Central African Republic ahead of the presidential vote scheduled for December 28.

Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra launched his campaign on Saturday at Bangui’s Omnisports Stadium, where he addressed thousands of supporters. 

 

3.Haiti- Petit-Goave

Haitians try to rebuild lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

People gathered around a small convenience store in the Haitian town of Petit-Goâve on Friday to buy food after receiving cash assistance from the World Food Programme.

It was some welcome relief for residents as they try to rebuild their lives following the deadly passage in October of Hurricane Melissa.

 

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day 15 December 2013 when the state funeral of the Tata Rolihlahla ‘Madiba” Nelson Mandela was held  in Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

The ceremony was held in a large tent in Qunu erected for the event and attended by about 4,500 people, including 8 heads of state and many foreign dignitaries.

 

4.1 In our historical archives, it was on this day 15 December 1933 when Donald James Wood journalist and Anti apartheid activists was born in Elliotdale-Transkei

In 1975 Woods met the Minister of Police James "Jimmy" Kruger requesting the easing of Steve Biko banning orders and as a consequence he was placed under increasing police surveillance.

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

 

• China’s retail sales decrease in November 

• 2. Local airports near pre Covid travel levels 
• 3. Markets

 

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of three private higher education institutions — Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA City Campus — citing prolonged non-compliance with higher education laws and regulations. The move is aimed at protecting students and safeguarding the integrity of South Africa’s higher education sector.  

Guest: Dr Shaheeda Essack. Director: Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions. 

 

 

NAPTOSA welcomes the decisive steps taken by the Department of Basic Education following reports that several learners in the Pretoria area may have accessed examination papers and marked memoranda before writing. Protecting the integrity of the national examination system is vital to fairness and public trust, and the organisation applauds the Department’s swift response. 

Guest: Thirona Moodley: Provincial CEO of NAPTOSA KZN  

 

As the country gears up for the festive season and thousands prepare to travel home or head to holiday destinations, KwaZulu-Natal is once again expected to be one of the busiest provinces. How ready is KZN?

Guest: Thamsanqa (Thami) Ntuli: The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal 

 

Guest: Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri - ANC National Spokesperson

Guest: Samkele Maseko: Senior Political Reporter, SABC 

Guest: Nkosikhulule Nyembezi: Political Analyst