Madlanga commission Brown Mogotsi on the stand Day 3:  Controversial businessman and self-proclaimed state agent Brown Mogotsi shocked the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry when he openly admitted to having lied under oath in the past — insisting that deception was part of his supposed intelligence “duties.” His testimony, which has been riddled with contradictions and unverified claims about his role in Crime Intelligence, has drawn sharp criticism from commissioners and evidence leaders who question both his credibility and his alleged involvement in police matters.

Guest: Canny maphanga: sabc reporter

With the South African Reserve Bank’s MPC set to announce its final interest rate decision for 2025, businesses and investors are closely watching for potential impacts on growth, borrowing costs, and market confidence. Economists remain sharply divided over whether the MPC will keep rates unchanged or opt for a 25 basis-point cut, as inflation ticks up to 3.6%—slightly above the newly formalised 3% target but still comfortably contained. With markets largely pricing in a cut, the decision comes at a pivotal moment, as policymakers navigate rising consumer costs, a cautious U.S. Federal Reserve, and South Africa’s broader transition toward a lower long-term interest-rate environment. 

Guest: Danie Dörfling: Head of Business Development at Moore Infinity

A surge in violence shook the Gaza Strip on Wednesday as Israeli strikes killed at least 25 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The escalation, one of the deadliest days since a ceasefire took effect five weeks ago, unfolded just days after the UN Security Council endorsed a US-led plan aimed at stabilising the region and demilitarising Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas traded accusations of violating the fragile truce, raising fears that the ceasefire could collapse. 

Guest: Thembisa Fakude: Director at Africa Asia Dialogues and Global Governance Analyst

 

Guest: Mr Siphiwe Mpungose: Secretary General of the Educators Union Of South Africa (EUSA) 

Education experts, gender-based violence activists, and national education bodies have expressed deep alarm at the growing number of statutory rape and sexual misconduct cases in South African schools. Their concerns follow new statistics released by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), revealing that 176 teachers were found guilty of sexual misconduct involving pupils between 2021–22 and 2025–26, out of 211 officially reported cases. The revelations have reignited public debate about systemic failures, inadequate vetting, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the safety of pupils across the country.

Stakeholders are calling for urgent and coordinated action from government, law-enforcement agencies, parents, school governing bodies, and teachers’ unions to address what is increasingly being described as a national crisis.

Guest: Zeenat Sujee: Head of Education Rights at SECTION27

President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national crisis, marking one of the strongest statements yet from government on the epidemic of violence facing women and children in South Africa. Speaking at the G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni, the president acknowledged the national outcry and growing pressure from civil society, including the Women for Change #WomenShutdown planned for Friday, where thousands of women across the country will withdraw from daily activities to protest the ongoing violence.

Guest: Advocate Brenda Madumise: Director Wise 4 Afrika   & GBV Activist

 

Afrika Update Report 

20 November 2025

1. Guinea Bissau-Bissau

Guinea Bissau decides in three days and who are the main opposition candidates in this presidential and legislative elections? And what are the electoral and governance issues dominating these elections?

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, a 53-year-old ex-army general, is seeking a second term, but faces 11 challengers in the West African nation with a history of political instability.

1. Sahel – UN Security Council

UN chief calls terrorism in the Sahel a 'growing global threat', urges cooperation

The United Nations Secretary-General has warned world leaders that terrorism in the Sahel is "not only a regional dramatic reality" but "a growing global threat."

Speaking to the UN Security Council this week António Guterres urged nations across the region to work together and allow for coordinated action against terrorism.

“We face the risk of a disastrous domino effect across the entire region. Many countries are reeling," Guterres said.

 

1. US- Saudi Arabia- Sudan

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman has urged USA President Donald Trump to take action to help end Sudan’s devastating civil war, raising the prospect of new US involvement in a conflict that has already claimed more than 40,000 lives.

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 20 November 1944 when the Transvaal Indian Congress takes a stand on Fietas removals.

 They objected to a Johannesburg City Council meeting statement made on 17 October 1944, in which a detailed report regarding the "Western Areas Scheme" had been approved.  

The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) passed a resolution on the Johannesburg area "Fietas", (the name by which Pageview and Vrededorp was known).

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), South Africa’s largest restricted medical aid scheme, has released its Roadmap for 2026, outlining plans to strengthen long-term sustainability, enhance member benefits, and improve operational efficiency. Central to the announcement is an average 9.8% contribution increase for 2026, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). While GEMS argues that the adjustment is necessary to protect access and stability for its 2.4 million beneficiaries, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has criticised the scheme for unilateral decision-making, saying the hike undermines trust and burdens public service employees who are limited to a single medical aid option. 

Guest: Claude Naicker: The Public Servants Association

E-hailing drivers across South Africa have been given 180 days to comply with new regulatory requirements introduced under the amended National Land Transport Act, which formally recognises e-hailing as a legal mode of public transport. The Department of Transport has outlined the steps drivers and platforms must follow to meet the new standards, which include obtaining operating licences, vehicle branding, and installing physical panic buttons to enhance passenger and driver safety. The changes aim to create a more regulated, transparent, and safer e-hailing industry while aligning it with other public transport sectors. 

Guest: Collen Msibi: Transport department spokesperson