Guest: Ian Cox: President, Association of Regional Magistrates of Southern Africa (Armsa) 

 

 

Guest: Prof Gezani Baloyi: Head: Quality Assurance and Enhancement, College of Graduate Studies, Unisa 

 

 

20 August 2025 

 

1.    Mali- Bamako

Former Malian civilian prime minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga was charged with embezzlement of public funds, his lawyer Cheick Oumar Konare announced on Tuesday. 

He was remanded in custody following a hearing before the country's Supreme Court. No date has yet been set for his trial. 

Mali has been ruled by the military after back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. 

Maïga served as Mali’s civilian head of government from June 2021, but he was dismissed in November 2024 after he publicly criticised the junta in power. 

 

2.    South Sudan – Juba 

World Humanitarian Day 2025 - South Sudan Is One of the Most Dangerous Countries for Humanitarian Workers

South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a humanitarian worker, ranking as number two so far this year, according to Aid Worker Security Database. 

"On World Humanitarian Day, we pay tribute to humanitarian workers in South Sudan and around the world, remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and rally support for people affected by crises," said Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.

In South Sudan, since the beginning of the year, there have been 26 causalities, including 15 humanitarian workers and 11 contractors who have been killed or injured, a deeply troubling increase from 15 people the same period last year. 

 

3.    Ethiopia – Addis Ababa 

Ethiopia Raises Civil Servants' Salaries

The Federal Civil Service Commission has announced a major salary increase for civil servants, effective September 2025, marking a significant step to improve living standards and reward public service contributions.

Under the new pay scale, entry-level salaries for bachelor's degree holders will rise from 6,940 Birr to 11,500 Birr per month. 

The minimum salary for government employees will increase from 4,760 Birr to 6,000 Birr, while the maximum salary will nearly double from 21,492 Birr to 39,000 Birr.

 

4.    In our historical archives, it was on this day 19 August 1919 when Helen Nontando (Noni) Jabavu was born in 1919 in the Eastern Cape into a literary family also 19 August 1983 when the South African anti-apartheid umbrella organization, United Democratic Front (UDF) was launched at Rocklands Community Centre in Mitchell's Plain in Cape Town.

 

 

• A look at Asian and US markets. 
• Standard Bank, FirstRand and Nedbank have a case to answer over rand manipulation allegations despite their claim to the contrary, the Competition Commission told the Constitutional Court. 
• South Africa’s Rooibos industry warns of long-term effect of US tariffs on sector - potential job losses and loss in competitiveness.

 

 

 

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

 

• A look at Asian and US markets.
• Eskom has launched a new renewable energy programme that will allow large businesses to buy solar power directly from the utility — the first time it’s offering this kind of deal.
• Ford recalls more than 20 000 cars in SA.

 

 

Guest: Prof Bheki Mngomezulu: Director: Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (CANRAD) at Nelson Mandela University 

 

 

Guest: Aaron Maluleka: City of Tshwane  MMC For Human Settlements   

 

 

Guest: Adv Stephanie Fick:  Executive Director of the accountability division at The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa)  

 

 

Guest: Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela: Limpopo Provincial Government Spokesperson