Guest: Supra Mahumapelo - Former North West ANC Provincial Chair, current NEC member, ANC MP and Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation

 

 

Guest: Prof Andre Roux: Economist at Stellenbosch Business School

 

 

Guest: Bianca Van Aswegen: Criminologist, Missing Children SA

 

 

03 February 2025

 

1. Zimbabwe – DR Congo

Extra-ordinary SADC summit announces ‘unwavering’ support for DR Congo and More than 700 killed as DR Congo military fights M23 rebels

Southern African leaders gave “unwavering” backing Friday to the Democratic Republic of Congo, after the Rwanda-backed M23 group captured the biggest city in its mineral-rich east.

At least 773 people have been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) largest city of Goma and its vicinity in a week, amid fighting with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who captured the city in a serious escalation of a decade-long conflict, authorities said.

The southern African grouping SADC held crisis talks in Zimbabwe on the escalating conflict in the eastern DR Congo which has raised concerns for regional security.

 

1. Zambia – DR Congo

A Diplomatic Misstep? Reflecting on Zambia’s Regional Role Amid DRC Conflict

 

In a region where diplomacy often shapes peace and stability, the recent decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to skip the high-level emergency SADC meeting in Harare has sparked intense debate. Citizens First President Harry Kalaba described the move as a “diplomatic blunder,” criticizing President Hichilema’s choice to attend virtually via Zoom instead of being physically present alongside other regional leaders.

 

1. Somalia-Unites States of America (USA)

Trump confirms U.S. strikes on IS in Somalia

Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that the United States carried out airstrikes against the Islamic State in northern Somalia, weeks after the deadly attack in New Orleans claimed by the terrorist group.

In a social media post, the US president wrote that a senior IS planner and recruits were targeted in the operation, but he did not identify them.

The office of Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said the operation “reinforces the strong security partnership” between the two countries in “combating extremist threats.

 

1. Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou,

Burkina Faso issues first AES passport amid regional changes

In Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré made history as the first person to receive the newly introduced AES passport, just days after Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali celebrated their official exit from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (ECOWAS).

This symbolic moment comes at a time of significant political and economic shifts in the region. The new AES passport is seen by many as a step towards strengthening unity among the three countries, especially considering their departure from ECOWAS.

 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 3 February 1915 when a Malawian Baptist pastor and educator, Reverend John Chilembwe dies.

He was an early figure in the resistance to colonialism in Nyasaland (Malawi), opposing both the treatment of Africans working in agriculture on European-owned plantations and the colonial government's failure to promote the social and political advancement of Africans.

He was an early figure in the resistance to colonialism in Nyasaland (Malawi), opposing both the treatment of Africans working in agriculture on European-owned plantations and the colonial government's failure to promote the social and political advancement of Africa.

 

 

Guest: Professor Roeloff Botha: economist and advisor to Optimum

Guest: Daphne Mokwena: Eskom Spokesperson 

Guest: Chris Yelland - Energy Analyst

 

 

Guest: Neil Diamond, South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA President

Despite years of promises and two missed deadlines, twenty schools in Limpopo are still using pit toilets, leaving students and staff at risk of unsafe sanitation. The provincial education department has admitted it needs nearly R1 billion to fully replace these outdated facilities, but the eradication process faces delays due to budget constraints, contractor issues, and local community disruptions.

Guest: Mike Maringa: Spokesperson for Limpopo Education Department 

 

 

Guest: Khusela Diko: chair, Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies

 

 

Guest: Dr Etienne Mutabazi, an expert in the Great Lakes politics' dynamics and Secretary General of Rwanda National Congress.