South Africa's summer fire season has just begun in the Western Cape, and the wildfire crisis has already claimed 34 lives this year—18 of them firefighters. While none of the fallen were from Working on Fire (WoF), this tragic record highlights the escalating risks faced by all firefighters in a changing climate. 

Guest: Trevor Abrahams - MD: Working on Fire 

 

 

Guest: Veliswa Mvenya – Leader Batho Pele Movement (BPM) 

 

Guest: Dr Cynthia Khumalo: Acting Director General, Department of Sports,Arts and Culture  

 

The Morning Brief  

Afrika Update Report (Extended)   

16 December 2024 

 

1. Angola – DR Congo and Rwanda  

Rwanda, DR Congo peace talks hit snag as mediator Angola calls off meeting 

DRC presidency says talks had hit deadlock over a Rwandan demand that the DRC hold direct dialogue with M23. 

Peace talks between the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to end the conflict in the eastern DRC have been called off, according to the Angolan presidency, which has been mediating between the two sides. 

2. Nigeria – Abuja –  

The 66th Summit of ECOWAS: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger agree to grace period in ECOWAS withdrawal 

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger will have a six-month grace period following their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), scheduled for January 29, a year after the countries announced their intentions to leave. 

3. Namibia -Windhoek 

Namibia opposition parties can inspect election data. 

Opposition parties the Independent Patriots for Change and Landless People's Movement may see data around the recent election, Namibia's electoral court ruled. 

4. Mozambique-Malawi- Comoros- Madagascar- Zimbabwe 

Tropical Cyclone Chido is affecting multiple countries in Southern Africa, potentially impacting approximately 2.5 million people across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. The cyclone already hit Mayotte with extreme wind conditions and was expected to make landfall in northern Mozambique yesterday. 

5. In our historical archives, it was on this day 16 December 1995 when the newly elected ANC government declared national reconciliation day as a public holiday after the end of apartheid, with the intention of fostering reconciliation and national unity for the country. 

The Department of Basic Education has filed papers in the Pretoria High Court to set aside the enforcement notice issued by the Information Regulator. That means Matric Results will be released to newspapers that wish to carry them on 13 January 2025. 

Guest: Elijah Mhlanga – Spokesperson: Department of Basic Education 

The scale of contraband in South African prisons needs the government to have both political will and solid strategy to curb criminal activities within and beyond prison walls, experts say. 

 

Guest: William Els - Senior Training Coordinator on terrorism and explosives-related incidents at the Institute for Security Studies 

The US has made "direct contact" with the HTS rebels who now control Syria after toppling the Assad regime, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. It is the first acknowledgement of direct American contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the US currently still designates as a terrorist organisation 

Guest: Saber Ahmed Jazbhay - human rights lawyer and analyst. 

the concept of moving towards a smoke-free future, the role of regulation, and efforts to tackle the illicit tobacco market. Given the increasing focus on health-conscious policies and the need for better enforcement mechanisms, this is a timely and engaging topic for your audience. 

Guest: Brane Bibic - Area VP Sub-Saharan Africa • Philip Morris International 

As part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety and prevent road accidents, the Automobile Association highlights the crucial importance of managing both physical and mental fatigue, as well as ensuring vehicle regular maintenance. With the rise in road-related accidents – many of which are attributed to driver impairment – drivers and vehicle owners need to take pro-active steps to safeguard themselves, their passengers, and other road users. 

Guest: Eleanor Mavimbela: Automobile Association Spokesperson 

The top six positions in the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been elected unopposed at the National People’s Assembly (NPA) held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was not seen at the National People's Assembly 

Guest: Samkele Maseko - Senior Political Reporter. SABC