Guest: Benoit Le Roy: CEO of the SA Water Chamber

 

 

 

5 February 2025

 

1. Tanzania -DR Congo

SADC and EAC summit to address Eastern DRC crisis in Tanzania

Kenya, which currently holds the presidency of the East African Community (EAC), announced a joint summit with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) scheduled for Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The statement also confirmed the participation of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.

 

1. Mozambique - Maputo

Mozambique’s Venâncio Mondlane to Leave Podemos Party

Venâncio Mondlane, a former opposition presidential candidate and a key figure in months-long protests in Mozambique, said he is severing ties with the Podemos party.

The organization had supported his independent candidacy in the October presidential election. Mondlane and Podemos signed an agreement in August after the Constitutional Council barred him from running under the banner of another small party.

 

1. Botswana- South Afrika

Botswana, De Beers Reach Diamond Sales Agreement After Years of Negotiations

The government of Botswana and South African diamond firm De Beers say they have reached a new, 10-year sales agreement following talks that had dragged on since 2019.

 

4.The Gambia- Banjul

Gambia launches first-ever Law Magazine

In a landmark moment for The Gambia’s legal and intellectual community, the nation has launched its first-ever dedicated law magazine, JUSTICE: Let There Be Justice Though the Heavens Fall. FIAT JUSTITIA RUAT CAELUM

 

This groundbreaking publication provides a vital platform for legal scholarship, critical analysis, and discussions on contemporary legal issues affecting The Gambia and beyond.

At the heart of this initiative is FaFa Edrissa M’Bai, a towering figure in The Gambia’s legal landscape, whose vision and dedication have made this historic publication a reality.

A distinguished lawyer with over four decades of experience, M’Bai has twice served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legal framework.

 

5.In our historical archives, it was on this day 5 February 1999 when President Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela ( Madiba) delivered his final major address to the South African Parliament, marking the opening of the ultimate session of the first democratically elected parliament.

This address was a significant moment, symbolising the closing chapter of Mandela’s presidency and his monumental role in the nation’s transition from apartheid to a democratic society.

 

 

Guest: Tony Leon: Former leader of the Democratic Alliance

World Cancer Day on 4th February, under the theme “United by Unique,” serves as a powerful reminder of the global fight against cancer. In South Africa, cancer remains a significant public health challenge, contributing to a growing burden of premature deaths. While medical advances have made strides in treatment, lifestyle factors, particularly diet and nutrition, play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cancer. Lunique Theunissen, Brand Manager at B-well, is available to discuss the relationship between personalised nutrition plans and cancer prevention, emphasising the importance of making informed dietary choices, such as selecting the right cooking oils, in the fight against cancer.

Guest: Lunique Theunissen, Brand Manager at B-well

The recent announcement of both an interest rate cut and a hefty electricity tariff hike has left many South Africans feeling the pinch. While the South African Reserve Bank’s 25bps interest rate reduction is a step toward affordability, it’s paired with Eskom's 12.7% increase in electricity tariffs—an escalation that will significantly impact household budgets, particularly for those already struggling with rising costs. This combination of policy decisions presents a complex financial landscape for South Africans, especially potential property buyers, as affordability remains a key challenge in the real estate market.

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

04 February 2025

1.Somalia : U.S carried out airstrikes on 02 Feb  in Somalia targeting ISIL operatives in the Golis Mountains.

1. Tanzania to host SADC-EAC meeting on 08 Feb to discuss crisis in eastern DRC
2. Calls for enhanced value- addition and greater coordination to strengthen Africa's bargaining position in global trade - key themes at this year's Mining Indaba 03-06 Feb

 

 

Guest: Ronald Lamola: Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of SA

 

 

Guest: Sandile Swana: Political Analyst

 

 

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

 

 

Guest: Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi: Lawyer and Author Of ‘The Land Is Ours’