UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his government’s renewed engagement with China while simultaneously warning that Beijing poses “national security threats” to Britain.

Guest: Prof David Monyae - Director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg 

South Africa’s economy continued its steady rebound in the third quarter, expanding by 0.5% and marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth. The latest GDP data from Statistics South Africa aligns with market expectations and shows broad-based improvements across key industries, with mining, agriculture, and trade leading the recovery.  

Guest: Dr Bokang Vumbukani - Lepolesa: Chief Director: National Accounts at Stats SA 

Special needs schools across KwaZulu-Natal are on the brink of an unprecedented shutdown as unresolved funding, staffing and infrastructure crises threaten their ability to reopen in 2026. After an urgent meeting held on November 25 at Khulangolwazi Special School, the South African National Association for Special Education (Sanase) warned that the situation has reached a “high-risk” point. Despite earlier commitments from the provincial government, there has been no response from Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli or the KZN Department of Education, leaving thousands of vulnerable learners facing a year of uncertainty. 

Guest: Mr Dipolelo Tema: Secretary General of the South African National Association of Special Education’s (Sanase) 

South Africa may soon see a major shift in its driving licence system, with the Department of Transport indicating that motorists are closer to receiving licences valid for eight years instead of the current five. According to departmental spokesperson Collen Msibi, the proposal is nearing completion, pending a final cost-benefit analysis and further consultation with key local government stakeholders.  

Guest: Collen msibi: National Transport Department Spokesperson 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Sibanye seals a wage deal

1. Accelerate notes improved leasing activity at Fourways Mall
2. Markets

Msunduzi Municipality’s troubled finances have again come under scrutiny after a high-level meeting with national and provincial treasury officials revealed that its voluntary financial recovery plan (FRP) has failed to deliver the expected turnaround. While municipal leaders insist the city is improving, treasury assessments, civic groups, and business leaders warn that Msunduzi is in a deepening financial crisis that may soon trigger compulsory national intervention.  

Guest: Anthony Waldhausen, Chairperson of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics (MARRC) 

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has begun defending his controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), using his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to reinforce his view that the unit had outlived its mandate and become irregular. Although his testimony on Tuesday was brief, Mchunu’s prepared statement set the tone for the challenges and scrutiny he will face when cross-examination begins later this week.  

Guest: Canny Maphanga: SABC Reporter 

Employers have raised significant concerns to the Director-General of the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) regarding the Employment Equity Act (EEA) reporting requirements—particularly the obligation to racially classify employees in the absence of any statutory criteria, definitions, or guidelines.

Guest: Jaco Swart: National Manager, National Employers Association of South Africa  

At the 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Abahlali baseMjondolo leader Thapelo Mohapi delivered a powerful message about dignity, capability, and climate resilience. He argued that living in a shack does not determine one’s intellect or potential and called for climate-justice approaches that centre the voices of poor and marginalised communities.

Guest: Thapelo Mohapi - General Secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo 

KwaZulu-Natal’s festive-season road safety blitz is yielding a surge in drunk-driving arrests, with 66 motorists apprehended since Friday night alone. As authorities intensify enforcement, the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) has issued a stark warning: driving under the influence can leave motorists not only behind bars but also facing financially devastating insurance claim rejections.

Guest: Edite Teixeira-Mckinon: Lead Ombud for the Division, National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO)