Guest: Kgosi Larmeck Mokoena: President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa(Contralesa)

 

 

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

 

 

Guest: Zwelinzima Vavi: General Secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) 

 

Guest: Natalie Zimmelman: CEO of WitsPlus

 

 

Guest: Dr Joseph Maswanganyi the Chairperson of standing Committee on FinanceHendrick Makaneta: Education Activist

 

 

Guest: Mbekezeli Benjamin: Researcher and Advocacy Officer of the Judges Matter

 

 

Guest: Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi - COGTA MEC in KZN

 

 

Guest: Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA)

 

 

1. Botswana – Gaborone

Botswana decides today

Southern Africa's diamond-rich nation of Botswana votes in general elections today, with the ruling party seeking to extend its nearly six-decade rule and hand a second term to President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

 

1. South Afrika – Namibia

President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday hosted His Excellency President Dr Nangolo Mbumba of the Republic of Namibia for a working visit to the Republic of South Africa at the Official Residence of the President in Cape Town. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to consolidate the strong ties whose foundation was forged during their common struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

 

1. DR Congo- Kinshasa

Congo-Kinshasa: Former President Joseph Kabila's camp opposes proposed revision of the Constitution. Former President Joseph Kabila's Common Front for Congo (FCC) is standing up against the draft revision of the Constitution presented by President Félix Tshisekedi last week.

In a statement the former president's coalition called for "blocking" the reform through a "mobilization". Joseph Kabila's camp had also wanted to modify the constitution in 2015, renouncing it after the indignation of the street and the Church.

 

1. Guinea – Conakry

Guinean authorities dissolved dozens of political parties and placed two major opposition parties under observation this week, as the transitional government has yet to announce a date for elections.

 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 30 October 1991 when the date was set for constitutional talks in South Africa

Delegates from twenty groups (SA government, 'homeland' governments, political parties, political organisations and non-governmental organisations) agreed, after preparatory talks in Johannesburg, on a date for the start of negotiations on South Africa's future constitution.

 

 

 

1. Botswana – Gaborone 

As Botswana decides tomorrow what are the new economic challenges for a long-ruling party and new opposition parties? 

Botswana votes in a national election this week that will decide if the ruling party extends a 58-year stretch in power in a southern African country that is a leading diamond producer and often held up as one of the most stable and least corrupt democracies on the continent. Unemployment has risen and stands at more than 27%, with youth unemployment above 45%. Government employees have been receiving their salaries late as a result of the tight financial position, taking the shine off of Botswana’s reputation for efficient government and raising fears that austerity measures may be required. 

 

1. Mozambique – Maputo 

Podemos Appeals to Constitutional Council (CC) and young people riot and burn Police station in Nampula the Moma District. 

Podemos yesterday submitted its 100-page appeal to the Constitutional Council against the Thursday (24 October) ruling of the National Elections Commission giving an overwhelming election victory to presidential candidate Daniel Chapo and giving Frelimo 195 seats in parliament, which would allow Frelimo to unilaterally change the constitution.  

 

1. Morrocco- France 

 French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco yesterday where he is scheduled to discuss partnerships regarding trade, climate change, and immigration. 

During the three-day visit to Rabat, he will meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and will also address parliament. 

His visit aims to strengthen ties between the two countries after years of tension, particularly over France’s stance on the disputed Western Sahara.  

 

 

 

1. Kenya - Nairobi

Kenya's impeached Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, filed a petition with the Court of Appeal yesterday, aiming to halt ongoing impeachment proceedings in the High Court. Gachagua argues that the High Court’s recent rulings were flawed and has raised objections over the legitimacy of the three-judge bench presiding over his case. 

 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 29 October 1998 when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, which accused South Afrikan prominent leaders from across the political spectrum of human rights violations, was published. 

The report singled out former and late president P. W. Botha, former and late minister of Home Affairs Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela for their transgressions.