The IEC and political parties face a difficult road ahead as the country moves toward the next local government elections, scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027. With voter participation steadily declining and public trust in democratic institutions weakening, the challenge is no longer only logistical — it is profoundly about restoring faith in democracy itself. Recent research shows that fewer than half of eligible voters intend to vote, and many citizens increasingly doubt whether elected leaders can meaningfully improve their daily lives. 

GUEST: Masego Sheburi: The Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• The local economy expands 0.5% in Q3

• 2. Small businesses remain concerned about the local economic environment 
• 3. Markets

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Anthropic reportedly plans its market debut

• 2. Samsung unveils its first multi folding smartphone 
• 3. Markets

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

3 December 2025

1.    DR Kongo- South Kivu 

Violence escalates in South Kivu as M23 attacks government forces

Clashes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese government forces, supported by coalition troops, broke out across South Kivu province yesterday, escalating tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Reports from the ground indicate heavy fighting in Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga, forcing many residents to flee amid fears for their safety.

2.    Burkina Faso – Sahel Alliance 

Burkina Faso's Traore gets first Sahel Alliance identity card

Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traoré on Monday became the first Sahel Alliance head of state to get an identity card backed by the region's confederation.Traore received his ID from the country's security minister.

3.    Mozambique – South Afrika 

South Africa’s Ramaphosa is in Mozambique for Bi-National Commission meeting, Inhambane gas factory inauguration and Business Forum on the agenda

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, began a two-day working visit to Mozambique, during which he is expected to participate in the fourth Bi-National Commission and the business forum between the two countries, according to the Mozambican Presidency.

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day 3 December 1950 when the courageous, articulate and sagacious Muntu ka Myeza “ Ingelosi Yomhlaba” was born in Kwazulu, to Jacob and Julia Myeza,  where he also did his early education. Myeza attended part of his senior high school education at Orlando West High School before moving back to Kwazulu where he completed his matric at Ohlange High in Inanda.

4.1   It was also on this day, 3 December 1988 when Johnstone “Johnny” Mfanafuthi Makhathini after  being admitted to the University Teaching hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, with complications arising from a diabetic condition transitioned and in  2010 the South African government engaged the Zambian government to exhume Makhathini's remains and he was reburied at Heroes Acre Cemetery, Kwa-Zulu 

Dr. Kenneth D Kaunda, first President of the Republic of Zambia referred to Makhathini at his memorial service in 2012 at Woodburn Stadium as “an immensely gifted pan-Africanist with a rare sense of fairness and unfailing courtesy to the others, attributes, which earned him immense respect not only among his comrades but also among other people with whom he interacted.

As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, stories of resilience, empowerment and second chances come sharply into focus. Few stories capture this spirit more powerfully than that of AMAZI — a social enterprise built on the belief that when women are equipped with skills and supported with dignity, their potential becomes limitless. Founded a decade ago to create pathways to economic independence for young black women, AMAZI has grown into a nationwide movement transforming lives, restoring hope, and breaking cycles of gender-based violence through skills, opportunity and community. 

Guest: Divya Vasant: Amazi Founder & CEO

South Africa has successfully regained its seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, marking a significant return to the global maritime decision-making arena. The announcement was made by Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister, Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London on 28 November 2025.

Guest: Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa: Deputy Minister, Transport

Hong Kong is reeling from its deadliest fire in decades as authorities reveal a widening criminal investigation, confirm a rising death toll, and confront growing public anger. Thirteen people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter amid allegations that substandard construction and renovation materials helped fuel the catastrophic blaze that swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, killing at least 151 people. With dozens still missing and searches continuing in charred high-rise towers, the tragedy has sparked calls for accountability—and new tensions over national security enforcement. 

Guest: Sanday Chongo Kabange: Journalist

A powerful overnight hailstorm left parts of Kempton Park and Pretoria looking like a winter wonderland on Monday — but for many residents, the scene was anything but magical. Homes flooded, carports collapsed, windows shattered and several neighbourhoods were left without electricity after ice up to 20 cm deep blanketed the streets. We speak with SAWS to unpack weather expectations for December and understand how conditions are likely to compare with the rains currently being experienced.

Guest: Lehlohonolo Thobela:meteorologist, South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Business Update with Ntaolleng Letshela