South Africa has taken a prominent seat on the global water governance stage as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo leads the country’s delegation to the 10th International Water Regulators’ Forum (IWRF) in Bangkok. The engagement comes as South Africa pushes ahead with major legislative reforms to strengthen water resource protection, service delivery and regulatory oversight.  

Guest: Sello Seitlholo: Deputy Minister water and sanitation  

Sandile Swana - President Cyril Ramaphosa used the opening of the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg to reaffirm the party’s role as the primary driver of South Africa’s economic transformation. While receiving strong support from the 1,800 delegates present, he confronted both the country’s economic challenges and persistent rumours of an internal push to unseat him.  

Guest: Sandile Swana: Political Analyst 

The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Education, is launching the Limpopo Learning Improvement Programme (LLIP)—a targeted, evidence-based intervention designed to reverse the decline in learning outcomes and strengthen foundational competencies in Mathematics and English across Grades 4, 8 and 9. 

Guest: Dr Godwin Khosa: National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) CEO 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Paramount makes hostile takeover bid for Warner bros discovery

• 2. Trump gives Nvidia the go ahead to sell advanced chips to China 
• 3. Markets

 

 

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

9 December 2025

1.    DR Kongo- North Kivu- Goma

A bomb explosion killed more than 30 people and wounded 20 others in eastern Congo following a dispute between the Congolese army and a pro-government militia, despite a deal signed in Washington and touted as a major step toward peace in the country.

The explosion came less than a week after a U.S.-brokered peace agreement was finalized in an attempt to stop the ongoing war between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group in the eastern part of Congo. But the fighting continues, according to residents, civil society and analysts.

1. Ivory Coast -ABIDJAN

Ivory Coast’s incumbent leader Ouattara is sworn in for a fourth term

Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara was sworn in on Monday for a fourth term after taking over 89% of the vote in an October election marked by low turnout and unrest.

“This vote is a choice for stability, peace, and development,” Ouattara said, after his government excluded main opposition figures from the election. Violence around the vote killed at least 11 people, and over 1,650 people were arrested, according to official figures.

1. Sudan – South Kordofan

 RSF claims takeover of Heglig oil field in South Kordofan

The paramilitary group claimed on Monday that it had taken control of the strategically important oil field at the border with South Sudan. Heglig is also a key source of revenue for Juba, as it houses its main oil processing facility.

It's yet another consequence of the civil war in Sudan: the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces claimed that it had taken control of the Heglig oil field in South Kordofan province this week.

According to press agency reports, the oil workers and security forces at the oil field fled into neighbouring South Sudan during the attack.

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 9 December 1961 when Tanzania gains independence

On 9 December 1961, Tanganyika became an independent republic and was thereafter known as Tanzania. In 1962, it became a one-party state under Julius Nyerere, following Nyerere's ideologically driven policy of socialism. The effects of this can still be seen in present-day Tanzania; however, efforts have recently been made to stimulate the economy. 

9 December has become known as Tanzania Day and is celebrated annually.

4.1 In our historical archives, it was on this day 9 December 1982 when the South African Defence Force (SADF) raid Maseru to kill suspected members of the African National Congress

In the early hours of December 9th, 1982, South African Defence Force commandos crossed   the border into Lesotho.  Their target was a cluster of houses on the outskirts of Maseru where members of the African National Congress  (ANC) were believed to be in hiding. Meeting no opposition from Lesotho's tiny 2 000-man paramilitary force, they blasted their way through numerous homes.  

The South African government however, was not yet ready for such an approach, and the "Maseru Massacre" as it came to be called, was one of many brazen cross-border raids conducted by the SADF during the 1980s.

 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Dischem founder, Ivan Saltzman steps down from his executive role

• 2. Menlyn Park owner, Pareto(backed by GEPF) moves into residential property 
• 3. Markets

• Dischem founder, Ivan Saltzman steps down from his executive role

• 2. Menlyn Park owner, Pareto(backed by GEPF) moves into residential property 
• 3. Markets

 

 

 

How employers are expected to classify race and comply with the proposed five-year Employment Equity targets, which NEASA has described as unworkable and in need of urgent clarification. 

Guest: Gerhard Papenfus: National Employers Association of South Africa CEO 

 

Equal Education (EE) and the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) welcome a landmark judgment delivered by the Western Cape High Court, which has ruled that the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Learner Admissions system unfairly discriminates against Black, poor, and marginalised learners.

 

Residents of Khutsong in Carletonville, Gauteng, are living in fear as at least 18 sinkholes continue to threaten homes, infrastructure and essential services. The latest collapse swallowed part of a yard boundary wall and two minibus taxis, intensifying concerns about ageing sewer systems, stalled construction projects and delayed disaster funding.

Guest: Cllr. Welile Fihla - Merafong Municipality DA Councillor 

 

The ANC is entering a pivotal moment ahead of its 2027 leadership race, with a significant and symbolic development: National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has emerged as a serious contender for ANC president.

Guest: Susan Booysen: Political Analyst